Euro 2020 Group Stage 2
Continued.....
Finland v Russia - They have met only 4 times all won by Russia but over the years Finland have improved while Russia declined. The FInnish did well at the Nations League and even had France beaten 2-0 in a friendly. Drew 2 WC matches with Bosnia 2-2 and Ukraine 1-1 but since then 3 friendlies were disastrous. Russia struggled against minnows in the Nations League but won their 2 WC ties. 2-2.
Italy v Switzerland - Their head to head record has Italy with 28W22D7L. In the last 3 friendlies long ago they drew 1-1, 0-0 and 1-1. Italy have since improved much. 2-1.
Ukraine v North Macedonia - This is one where North Macedonia may claim a surprise. 0-1.
Turkey v Wales - Wales record in this tie was 3W1D2L whicj makes this tie quite even. Aaron Ramsey, Harry Wilson, Daniel James and especially Gareth Bales can conjure a win. 0-1.
Denmark v Belgium - History record showed they are even with W6D3L6 but in 2020's Nations League Belgium won 2-0 and 4-2. Denmark can be a stubborn side but Belgium are not FIFA no.1 for nothing. Only Eden Hazard is off form. 0-2.
Netherlands v Austria - The Dutch will start slow and then become Flying Dutchmen again. They also have a W8D4L6 record but since the 90s the Austrian have never won. 3-1.
Sweden v Slovakia - Slovakia have never beaten Sweden in 5 meetings and lost 3 of them. 2-0.
Croatia v Czech Republic - Croatia should win this one but do not underestimate the Czechs. 2-2.
England v Scotland - This is one of the oldest ties in international football with 114 matches played between them. England W48D25L41. It is like a local derby in a league. Scotland the Brave are brave but not enough even if England's weakness is in defence. Their attacking options will override. Wonderkid Phil Foden could light up the competition and with his new Paul Gascoigne hairdo, it could be time to repeat what Gazza did at Italia 90 World Cup and Euro 96 and they also have Harry Kane who was World Cup top scorer, EPL top scorer with top assists and also top scoring on the road to Euro. Jack Grealish is the genie in the lamp. How Southgate work them out will determine how far England could go. 2-0.
Hungary v France - You will be surprised the Hungary boasted more wins in this tie in their history with a W12D3L8 to France but most of the wins were in the early years where the Hungarians were famously known as the Might Magyars but theri fortunes have reversed. 1-3.
Portugal v Germany - Portugal's record v Germany was W3D5L10. Its Portuguese guile versus German efficiency. The Germans will raise their game here. 2-3.
Spain v Poland - Poland have only beaten Spain once, drew another and lost the rest in 10 meetings. They will pass the ball around till kingdom comes and just win marginally and Lewandowksi will pull one back. 2-1.
Italy v Wales - They have hardly met with Italy having the superior record. 2-0.
Switzerland v Turkey - Turkey have a W8D3L4 history with the Swiss. Its time for Turkey to strut her stuffs. 1-2.
Ukraine v Austria - They came across each other only twice in their lives and each won a game. 1-1.
North Macedonia v Netherlands - This time the Dutch should prove too strong but still a fairy tale for North Macedonia. They almost always scores so they could get a goal here. 1-2.
Russia v Denmark - A rare tie where they both met but once and the Russians won long ago. Draw. 2-2.
Finland v Belgium - Finland have a not bad record against Belgium historically with W4D4L3. Belgium would have qualified and top the table by now but it is not just that but Finland playe well when it is Belgium. 1-1.
Croatia v Scotland - Scotland have never lost to Croatia and won twice and drawn 3 times. Maybe they could extend that unbeaten record. 1-1.
Czech v England - As Czech Republic they met only 4 times. More if you talk about Czechoslovakia. England W2D1L1. The most recent were during Euro qualifications where England won 5-0 and lost 1-2. If England have played to their potential by now, they may have already qualified. 2-2.
Sweden v Poland - These nations have met quite many times with the Swedes leading - W14D4L8. In fact last time Poland won was in 1991. This could be a decider as to which team goes to the next round as second. 2-2.
Slovakia v Spain - In the six times they have met Spain have won 4 times and lost only once. The Spanish are probably too strong for them even as Spain have never really replaced forwards like they used to have in Raul, David Villa and Fernando Torres. 2-0.
Portugal v France - France's head to head record is superior with a 19W2D6L. It is the group of death where they could beat one another. Portugal/France are often tight affairs. Probably an odd goal to win the game. 1-0.
Germany v Hungary - Same as the above. Germany's record against Hungary is closer than you thought. 13W10D10L but most of it harked back to the old days where Hungary were might. They have never met in competition since the WC in 54. After that it was 7W4D3L all in friendlies. The Germans will power their way to a win. 2-0.
There you have it. It's Italy and Turkey for the (1) and (2) position from Group A. Belgium and Denmark from Group B. Netherlands and North Macedonia (love the underdog) from Group C. England and Czech Republic from Group D. Spain and Sweden from Group E. Finally France and Germany from Group F. Portugal, Poland, Wales and the Czech Republic to make the last 16.
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