Permutations

Group F finale

Georgia 2 - 0 Portugal

Czech Republic 1 - 2 Turkey 

Two very entertaining games tonight, and for the first time in these finales I had to make a big screen switch mid game. This was mainly because of the emerging last 16 permutation situation.

With the Czech Republic down one down and down to 10 men Vs Turkey, I assumed that one was done, so instead flipped across to the Portugal game, assuming they'd be all over Georgia in attempts to overcome their 1-0 deficit. How wrong I was, as Georgia weaved and battled their way to a glorious victory.

And as the games progressed it became clear that England weren't predestined to play v Netherlands at all, but in fact both results on the night were pushing Slovakia in our direction. The format of the competition is an absolute disaster, clarity wise, with nobody knowing in real time what was what. I missed a good chunk of the second half whilst frantically googling for clarification, finally finding the most ridiculous check sheet that outlined the wild combination of permutations that could unfold. 

The final group games are exciting typically because of jeopardy, and this current format denies us the jeopardy twice. First because hardly anyone gets knocked out, and second because half the excitement is usually "if X score a goal here, then we play vs Y in the next round". When nobody knows, it's harder to care about what's happening.

But, the groups are done, and it's been a cracking tournament so far. I will find some other aspect of life to do for a couple of days and be back, raring to go for the last 16, at the weekend.

Brinkmanship

Group E finale

Ukraine 0 - 0 Belgium

Slovakia 1 - 1 Romania

A strangely undramatic yet incredibly tight group finale this one. Both games were ok, and had a few chances but it was somehow subdued. All four teams kind of seemed ok with the draws they were getting. Ukraine of course were in most peril, and played actually really well, but even something about them suggested that they were kind of hoping for a winner in the other game that would have seen them through with a draw.

My match of choice was the Belgium one, and I spent a good part of it purring at the combination of Tielemans, Onana and De Bruyne in their midfield, before realising that they had looked great without creating anything fully decisive. It does feel as though they will click though, potentially at great cost to someone soon. That someone of course is France, in what is surely the pick of the last 16.

Ukraine had been improving, but in truth deserved to be knocked out from that group, as the others all offer something extra.

The group F games are happening now, and it seems that unless Georgia go crazy, it will mean England play Netherlands and our defence will get an examination. 

I've been teaching my kids to ride bikes the last few days and found myself comparing my own teaching / mentoring approach to Southgate. Initially I was demanding caution and safety above all else, and what I got in return was nervous, unconfident, frustrated efforts in return. As I slowly released the shackles and gave the kids more responsibility, they thrived and absolutely smashed it. They are proud of their achievements and are loving the process. It's hard to let the shackles off, but I can confirm that it works. Your move, Gareth. 

The definition of madness

Group C 'finale'

England 0 - 0 Slovenia

Denmark 0 - 0 Serbia

I don't think I have many words. We did the same thing with the same people, and the same thing happened. A stultifyingly boring and abject performance again from a team bereft of energy, pace, patterns or plan.

We now look forward to political straplines about "tough opposition", "topping the group", "not conceding" and so forth. Literally the only positivity gleaned from all of this is that we have proven that Tripper at left back, Arnold or Gallagher in CM and Foden and Bellingham playing on top of each other doesn't work. Likewise that Kane in this system actually limits us. 

Now it is over to Gareth and whether he can act on the glaring evidence before him, because the games only get harder now.

I'd have switched over to the other game, but for the fact that it was also a stalemate, though we left ourselves a single kick of a ball away from a tie with Germany and the prospect of Spain and France in future rounds. 

Lucky boy Southgate...now swallow that pride and sort it out.

I don't know what this means

Group D finale 

Netherlands 2 - 3 Austria

France 1 - 0 Poland

What an exciting afternoon of football that was. I expected France and Netherlands to comfortably win their respective matches with goal difference determining the Group winners, but the early [banger] of an own goal put Austria into a surprise lead out a different slant in things. This one was my game of choice as I expected it'd be tighter.

Then ensued 35 minutes of relative tedium before all hell broke loose in the second half.

Poland looked to be causing some threat. Netherlands equalised, went behind, equalised again, then went behind AGAIN. All of this happened during the time it took Lewandowski to take the run up for his penalty which put Poland level with France.

Frantic scanning of live tables and we ended up with the (in my mind) impressive Netherlands in 3rd place in the group, and, I am sad to admit it, I have no idea what that means. I'm assuming that some poor group winner will be matched up against them, but am not even sure that is true. I've still yet to properly work out what is going on, I think because of some kind of "Team # from group x plays the best placed 3rd place team out of groups y or z" which basically makes me want to stab a fork into my eyes.  It's actually a shame to see highly consequential goals going in, but having no idea what it means for the tournament.

But, huge kudos to Austria, Rangnick has done an incredible job there. A banging performance and deserved result.

England up next, I'm fully expecting a better performance and for our nation to immediately flip into "it's coming home" mode.

Zaccagni & Fratesi

Group B Finale

Albania 0 - 1 Spain

Croatia 1 - 1 Italy

Well I'd be lying if I said I didn't have to rewrite this post. I was into my second paragraph of praising the Croats for their wily experience, and knowing exactly how to manage tournaments when THAT happened. Italy earned themselves a very tasty tie with the improving Switzerland with an absolute peach of a goal at the death. Deserved, on balance, but I really thought Croatia had done enough.

This one was my match choice, with the other game always likely to be a dead rubber, although multiscreen suggested that Albania gave it a really good go. They've been unlucky to be drawn in this group, for sure.

The first half of the Croatia v Italy game was pretty eventless, but I had no regrets, it was always going to be a slow builder. The second half came to life, with both teams threatening more. Croatia looked eager, but once ahead went into yellow card accumulation mode, something I'd have applauded had it come off. They face a nervous but most likely futile wait now to see if they qualify. In the unlikely event they do, pity whomever they play.

Tomorrow is the much awaited return to multiple games and timeslots, I have missed it!

Pray for Varga

Group A finale 

Scotland 0-1 Hungary

Switzerland 1-1 Germany 

(* I should precede this post by saying I hope so much that Varga is ok. I was hoping that the sight of sheets around an injured player was a one off last time around. There is no more stark reminder of how unimportant footy is,  than when a player gets seriously injured, and the bubble of escapism that footy provides is burst so suddenly).

Here we are at the group deciders. It's come around quick. Usual conundrum about match choice. Switzerland v Germany always likely to be the better footballing spectacle, but Scotland v Hungary the one with the tension and jeopardy. The latter got my vote, with our central European friends tucked away on my tablet for half an eye to be kept on.

Both games turned out to be very dramatic. Scotland and Hungary played cat and mouse for 60 minutes before a potentially tragic and absolutely wild finale had me shouting at the telly.

Germany grabbed themselves a 92nd minute equaliser that the stats show they deserved, although from my second screen glimpses, it looked like the Swiss were doing a proper job on them.

Ultimately, Group A finishes up as you'd have expected pre tournament. Hungary wait on the medics mainly, but on other results to determine their plight.

Golden protractor

Belgium 2 - 0 Romania

What does poor Romelu need to do? This pulsating game saw him draw a blank once again, he's racked up 3 disallowed goals so far, 2 games into the tourney. Belgium were imperious, with Tielemans and De Bruyne absolutely pulling the strings in their midfield.

Lukaku looked very lively to be fair, assisting for Tielemans crisp early strike and tucking away his disallowed goal very neatly. He had quite a few other efforts and looked a menace. 

Despite Belgium's dominance though, Romania never looked out of it. They are so fast on the break and gutsy in how they play (Jenas would surmise 'they need that bit of quality'). Group E is going to have a great finale, with all four teams on 3 points. Clear your diaries on Wednesday at 5pm UK.

I really enjoyed this one. Tomorrow Group A wraps up and I have to work out what the hell to do with my life between 2pm and 8pm...

Turkish oh shite

Turkey 0 - 3 Portugal

After the rousing anthems this one turned out to be a bit of a non-event. Turkey have a tendency to blow hot and cold, and whilst they showed quite a few glimpses of the high energy and fast breaks that earned them the win v Georgia, they were very much second best.

It ended as a contest after the calamitous own goal that put Portugal 2-0 up. There was so little danger, that ITV had cut away (they will blame local broadcast production, but I won't believe them), so we only knew by the sound. 

I spent the second half performing a balancing act, trying to watch on a tablet in the garden, at the periphery of WiFi reach, whilst the lowering sun required me to inch further and further away from the house to catch those rays. A tactical balancing act of my own, playing out in the midst of this competition.

Portugal won at a canter. Ronaldo, whilst getting an assist, did not a fat lot. The selfie with a child pitch invader (unnerving) was probably his highlight. I think they'd be even more of a threat with Jota in their team. Pepe at 41 played with more energy than the tired England starting XI. The Czech Republic will be licking their lips.

Next up, Belgium v Romania, could be a cracker!