5 teams that flattered to deceive at Euro 2020

France and Portugal were two of the early casualties at Euro 2020.
France and Portugal were two of the early casualties at Euro 2020.

#3 The Netherlands

Matthijs de Ligt red card, tactical mistakes and incorrect substitutions cost the Netherlands at Euro 2020.
Matthijs de Ligt red card, tactical mistakes and incorrect substitutions cost the Netherlands at Euro 2020.

The Netherlands were a breath of fresh air at Euro 2020, boasting an enticing blend of youth and experience. Moreover, Frank de Boer's side displayed vibrant attacking football, which led to many to believe that they could reach at least the last four.

However, the Czech Republic served the Netherlands a massive reality check with a shock 2-0 defeat in the last 16. The ten-man Oranje failed to muster a single shot on target and struggled to create meaningful chances despite having more possession.

Frank de Boer was also heavily criticised for his tactics, as the former Dutch player inexplicably abandoned his usual 4-3-3 formation for a flat 3-5-2 just before the tournament.


#2 Portugal

Portugal's title defence at Euro 2020 ended in a whimper.
Portugal's title defence at Euro 2020 ended in a whimper.

Many said this was a Portugal side with better quality than the one that won the Euros in 2016. And that wasn't an exaggeration.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota, Joao Felix, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Andre Silva and Joao Cancelo - not a bad roster, right?

While Cancelo missed the campaign due to COVID-19, most of the other big names failed to deliver. Portugal relied on the attacking brilliance of Ronaldo once again while Pepe continued to be a leader in defence.

However, that was never going to be enough to defend their title. The Selecao learnt that the hard way in the Round of 16, where Belgium ended their reign as European champions.

Portugal were the dominant side in the match (23 shots to six; four on target to one; 58% possession to 42%) but lacked a decisive tactical plan to break down the Red Devils, as they stuck to just hopeful punts in the box.

It is now back-to-back last-16 exits for Fernando Santos' men at major international tournaments. Perhaps, it's time for the team to head back to the drawing board.


#1 France

Kylian Mbappe's missed penalty dumped out France at Euro 2020, but their problems ran deeper.
Kylian Mbappe's missed penalty dumped out France at Euro 2020, but their problems ran deeper.

No doubt the biggest disappointment of Euro 2020 were France. The reigning world champions had enough quality to go all the way at the tournament and were the favourites of almost every bookie.

But despite topping the 'group of death' featuring Germany and Portugal, Les Bleus lost out in the last-16 to Switzerland on penalties, after squandering a 3-1 lead in regulation time.

Some fans were quick to jump on Kylian Mbappe, who missed the decisive spot-kick in the shootout. But the fact remains that Les Blues simply weren't impressive at Euro 2020.

It was only the creative brilliance of Paul Pogba and the rejuvenated Karim Benzema, back in the national squad after almost seven years, which carried France at Euro 2020. The rest of the bunch massively underwhelmed.

However, with the Nations League semi-final coming up, France have a chance to salvage some lost pride and redeem themselves.

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