#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.
