What a dramatic end to the group stages of Euro 2016! Late goals and high drama to go with teary and passionate fans – the 36 games have seen them all. The expansion of the tournament to 24 teams has given the opportunity for more teams – especially those who have been in the wilderness over the years - to showcase themselves on the international front.
The provision offered to the best four third-placed teams in their respective groups to compete in the knockouts has been a welcome addition to the Euros revamped format, giving minnows like Ireland, Northern Ireland and Slovakia to cause an upset or two. Iceland’s remarkable story continues to have more chapters added to it, qualifying for the knockouts by finishing second in their group – ahead of Portugal.
Overall, it has been a memorable tournament so far and promises to throw more surprises at fans as the knockouts begin on Saturday.
Here ae some of the major things we learned from an enthralling group stage:
#1 Late goals are the norm
Sometimes, it’s the winners scored in the dying minutes of the game that make a game memorable and sends the winning team’s fans home with smiles on their faces. It normally gets frustrating for the dominating side if they aren’t able to find that elusive breakthrough. But true champions are defined by their never-give-in attitude in these situations.
Just recall France’s late show in the inaugural game of the tournament against Romania, and a similarly late breakthrough in their following game against the stubborn Albanians. Spain’s incredible patience against the Czech Republic ultimately earned them their reward in the 88th minute. So did Italy’s pressing against the Swedes, which culminated with a sensational late winner by Eder.
England’s injury-time exploits against neighbours Wales might well have saved them from elimination. Irishman Robbie Brady’s header against Italy to send them through the knockouts produced tears of joy in the eyes of the fans and the management. One knows what it means for them to qualify for the knockouts when Roy Keane breaks down on the Irish bench.
Winning games in this fashion is not desirable but it gives teams the momentum they desperately need when they face a knockout situation. Will we see some late knockout punches in the tournament?
#2 Goalkeepers bail their defences out
To build a strong defence, your goalkeeper must be on top of his form. This assertion turned out to be spot-on this tournament, especially for teams who prefer to sit back and field players behind the ball.
Yann Sommer has been the standout, conceding just one goal in Switzerland’s three games– a penalty conceded by Stephan Leichstiner – and making a series of unbelievable stops to bail his defenders out. His antics against Albania, in particular, drew tons of praise from pundits and was billed as the ‘goalkeeping performance of the tournament’.
Other shot-stoppers like Etrit Berisha (Albania) and Michael McGovern (Northern Ireland) have been instrumental in their respective sides’ campaigns. While Berisha won’t be taking further part due to Albania’s elimination, McGovern will have an opportunity to become a hero for his side in the knockouts, starting from the British Derby against Wales.
#3 Officials’ relative leniency allows games to flow
What has been refreshing to see is the reluctance of match officials to brandish the early yellow cards for routine fouls. Their tendency to refrain from blowing for every daft challenge has allowed the game to flow, making it a more watchable spectacle. Referees realise that every player is entitled to a couple of unsuccessful tackles, unless it stops a potential goal-scoring chance.
The reduction in yellow cards has made sure that the number of players walking a tightrope due to fear of a suspension (for yellow card accumulation) has reduced compared to the earlier editions. Match officials must therefore, be given a lot of credit for allowing games to flow as freely as possible without them having to assert their authority.
#4 Gareth Bale-inspired Wales are the dark horses
This is Wales’ first appearance in a major international tournament since 1958. Now that they’ve made it, their supposed ‘golden generation’ of players are daring to make this opportunity count. They’ve cleared the first obstacle in style, topping their group and pipping traditionally stronger rivals England in the process.
Gareth Bale – the world’s most expensive player – has been in sublime form – scoring in each of his nation’s games, while Neil Taylor has been tireless at fullback and midfielders Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey have shown the intensity and desire to move the ball forward.
Their reward for topping their group is a last 16 tie against neighbours Northern Ireland. On paper, they are expected to overcome this obstacle quite comfortably. Do Wales have the mentality to go deep in the tournament? Their performances so far definitely suggest that they have the ammunition to do so. Don’t take your eyes off them.
#5 At least one of the two finalists will play for their first Euro title
The failures of some of the favourites to top their group have thrown the tournament wide, wide open, as the likes of Germany, Italy, England, France and Spain – the countries whose leagues are considered the top 5 in Europe - have all found themselves in the same half of the draw. Only one of these five may go on to compete in the summit clash at the Stade de France.
All eight teams in the other half of the knockout draw have never found themselves lifting the coveted Euro 2016 title before. This means that at least one of the finalists will be vying for their maiden European success. History is eagerly waiting to be written come 10th July, 2016. Let the knockouts begin!
