There is too much soccer. Between the US Open Cup, MLS, NASL, PLA, PDL, NPSL, USL, Copa America Centenario, and the European Championship, fans in the US will hardly go an hour without some form of soccer that they can watch. With today’s launch of the Euros, welcome to Stage 2 of The Soccering.
How The Teams Got Here
This is the first time the European Championship will be contested by 24 teams, with eight more teams than at the most recent European Championships in 2012. The field consists of France, the top two teams from each of the nine qualifying groups, and the best third-place team, as well as the four winners of a two-legged playoff series between the remaining third place finishers.
Group A: Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland
At first glance, it seems like one team should be running away with the group. There is slightly more going on than that. Still, with the host country in this group also being one of the strongest squads, it’s hard to imagine anyone but France being a lock to advance.
France boasts a frightening group of players with an almost perfect balance between attack and defense.
There can be no bones about it, France is the favorite here. With an attack led by Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezman backed up by Manchester United’s Anthony Martial, France has the firepower to score. The forward group is backed up by possibly the best midfield in the tournament; Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi, N’golo Kante and, in case a free kick needs taking, Dmitri Payet. France boasts a frightening group of players with an almost perfect balance between attack and defense.
Hugo Lloris will play in goal, and he is one of the best in the world at his position, saving the Spurs’ bacon countless times. In front of Lloris, though, is where the questions lie. France has a number of wonderful defenders. France has two big injuries: Jeremy Mathieu and Raphael Varäne. A back line of aging fullbacks and unfamiliar halfbacks could expose Lloris more than he is used to.
Albania is the underdog with no standout players to really speak of. Where the Albanians make up for lack of name recognition is with their solid defense. This has come at a sacrifice of goals, however, and they will need to find the back of the net if they are to continue.
Like Albania, the 19th-ranked Albania will make up for having few household names (most notably Răzvan Raț and Vlad Chiriches) with a stingy defense. In 10 qualifying matches, Romania conceded only two goals. The place to watch will be midfield; Romania has struggled there and their transition sometimes leaves them exposed.
Switzerland is the highest ranked squad in the group. With only three forwards on the roster, they will be looking to Breel Embolo to provide their goals. The midfield is a strength, with Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri holding down the center of the pitch. Yann Sommer will likely be between the sticks as the Swiss try to make their mark on the tournament. They are favorites to advance, with the fight for first being between them and the hosts.
It’s hard to see past France and Switzerland, but the tough Romanian defense could win them enough points to progress. –Chris RB
Prediction
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Romania
4. Albania
Schedule
France V Romania, June 10
Albania V Switzerland, June 11
Romania V Switzerland, June 15
France V Albania, June 15
Switzerland V France, June 19
Romania V Albania, June 19
Group B: England, Russia, Slovakia, Bales Wales
On paper, this group should be very entertaining. There isn’t a true punching bag among the lot, as all four teams are between spots 7 and 32 in the latest FIFA World Rankings. It seems like England should be the clear front-runner here, but there’s plenty of intrigue in this group.
Let’s start with England, a nation that’s known for consistency and results in qualification, but often being too light to really make a deep run in tournaments. Oh, and for gin. Gin which is the perfect summer liquor, light enough to mix with a tonic or a juice (laid back) and help relax you on a warm day. Perfect for lakeside drinking, it’s clear to see why gin is a favorite for this summer.
Like the spirit, the Russian team is known for no-nonsense and direct results, possibly one of the toughest out there. However, there isn’t anything inherently attractive about vodka, much like this Russian team.
Then, of course, we look at Russia’s staple: vodka. Like the spirit, the Russian team is known for no-nonsense and direct results, possibly one of the toughest out there. However, there isn’t anything inherently attractive about vodka, much like this Russian team. It’s one of the weakest batches that Russia has put out in recent years, as well. Also there are a lot of injuries on vodka, errr, Russia.
Then we move to Slovakia, who’s appearing in just their second ever major tournament (after the 2010 World Cup) since splitting with the Czech Republic. Headlined by Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel (not to be confused with Martin Shkreli), the team will be something of a sleeper pick to get out of the group. Equally obscure is Slovakia’s drink of choice: slivovica. Essentially a plum brandy, the high potency of this drink often catches its consumers off-guard. Group B will hope to not be caught equally unaware.
Finally, we round out the group with Wales. In their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, the Welsh have one major heavy hitter (Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale) and not much else of note. Likewise, Wales isn’t known for much of a trademark spirit like their neighbors in Scotland and Ireland. That said, there’s a mix of decent beers and whiskeys that are sure to please anyone who gives Wales a chance. Nothing that stands out, but sometimes depth and consistency are better than an all-or-nothing sort of cabinet. –Jeff Rueter
Predicted Finish:
1. Gin
2. Random beers and whiskeys
3. Plum brandy
4. Vodka
SCHEDULE
Saturday, June 11: Wales v. Slovakia; England v. Russia
Wednesday, June 15: Russia v. Slovakia
Thursday, June 16: England v. Wales
Monday, June 20: Slovakia v. England; Russia v. Wales
Group C: Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Northern Ireland
If you’re a fan of the “less-ranked nations with hopeful squads overcoming obstacles and adversity at home to reach new heights in the continent’s most prestigious tournament, oh, plus Germany” narrative, Group C is your group.
Like revenge? How about Robert Lewandowski whose record scoring run in qualifiers threatens to avenge Grzegorz Lato and the other Polish players denied a deserved win in the 1974 semis.
Like hope for the future? How about the young Ukrainian midfield duo of Oleksander Karaveyev and Ivan Petryak, who have buoyed their club (Zorya Luhansk) despite losing their home stadium in the east of the country to the war with Russian separatists.
Like a resurrection story? How about Northern Ireland, whose faith, fervor and fandom have been rewarded after years of neglect and turmoil (captured beautifully in a trio of articles here).
Unfortunately, in the best traditions of soccer storytelling, those stories will probably be ground into dust by a cold, ruthless, efficiently beautiful Germany: likely winners of the group who can probably coast to an easy nine points. Neutral fans of a good story line should circle June 21st when Poland and Ukraine square off in a likely-decisive final group match in Marseille. –Ben Mackenzie
Schedule
June 12: Poland V. Northern Ireland (11 AM); Germany V. Ukraine (2 PM)
June 16: Ukraine V. Northern Ireland (11 AM); Germany V. Poland (2 PM)
June 21: Northern Ireland V. Germany (11 AM); Ukraine V. Poland (11 AM)
Prediction
1. Germany
2. Poland
3. Ukraine* (Makes 2nd Round)
4. Northern Ireland
Group D: Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey
Group D could very well be one of the more entertaining groups to watch. Two-time defending champion Spain, Croatia and new manager Ante Cacic, Czech Republic and the Aresenal duo of Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky, and Turkey with just five foreign-club players are vying for two guaranteed spots in the knockout stage.
Can Croatian manager Ante Cacic keep up his side’s unbeaten start? Will the Czechs get scoring help up top? What will Turkey bring having a roster full of domestic players? Can Spain forget about the tumultuous 2014 World Cup?
Croatia
Qualifying: 6-3-1
Leading scorer: Ivan Perisic (six)
Leading GK: Danijel Subasic (900 minutes)
Manager: Ante Cacic (5-0-1)
Current FIFA ranking: 23
Cap leader and goal leader Darljo Srna (129 caps, 45 goals) and the Croatians enter the Euros unbeaten in six, dating back to last year’s Euro qualifier against Bulgaria on Oct. 10 (3-0).
Ante Cacic was brought into the fold as manager after a draw at Azerbaijan and a loss at Norway prompted the federation to sack Niko Kovac. Cacic’s time seems to be working, with the team posting an undefeated record under 62-year-old Yugoslavian.
At the very least, let’s hope Croatia can make it past the group stage just to see those glorious red-and-white checkered jerseys for as long as possible.
Czech Republic
Qualifying: 6-3-1
Leading scorer: Borek Dockal (four goals, one assist)
Leading GK: Petr Cech (810 minutes)
Manager: Pavel Vrba (10-7-4)
Current FIFA ranking: 29
Coming off wins in Austria against Malta (6-0) and Russia (2-1) has the Czechs looking up after a going winless in the three before.
Domestic teammates Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal) will be the leaders of the group, holding a combined 222 caps between the two of them. Rosicky also is the team’s active leading goalscorer with 23 goals over 102 caps. Forward Tomas Necid is coming up behind him with 11 goals in 38 caps.
The Czechs open with Spain, which if we remember how Spain’s last opener in a major tournament went (5-1 loss to the Netherlands), could be a great sign for the Czech Republic.
Spain
Qualifying: 9-1-0
Leading scorer: Paco Alcacer (five goals, one assist)
Leading GK: Iker Casillas (630 minutes)
Manager: Vicente Del Bosque (85-14-14)
Current FIFA ranking: 6
Ah, the fickle mistress of Spain. Which of the La Furia Roja will we see? The team that dominated the 2008 and 2012 Euros and 2010 World Cup, or the tire fire from the 2014 World Cup?
Signs are pointing towards the former, not having lost in its last 11 games dating back to June 11, 2015, but Spain linked together nine games unbeaten leading up to the disaster of the World Cup, in which the defending champs were bounced from the first round.
One other question lingering for Spain will be the individual matchups within the starting XI, including between the pipes. Iker Casillas played more minutes for Del Bosque’s side during qualifying and starting two of the three friendlies this season. His age (35) could lead to the former Real Madrid man starting on the bench to make way for the younger David De Gea, who started in three of Spain’s qualifiers and one friendly.
Turkey
Qualifying: 5-2-3
Leading scorer: Burak Yilmaz (four goals, one assist)
Leading GK: Vulcan Babacan (720 minutes)
Manager: Fatih Terim (64-29-30)
Current FIFA ranking: 18
Turkey has lost just one match in the previous two calendar years – 1-2 to England on May 22, 2016. In that same span, the aforementioned loss was the only time the Turks conceded more than one goal in a game.
They will have a familiar opponent from qualifying in Group A. The Czech Republic and Turkey split the home-and-home ties throughout qualifying, with the away side taking the victory in each.
The roster features just five players holding roots for clubs outside the borders of Turkey, and none of the backline or goalkeepers are on that list. The most notable of the foreign club bunch would be the captain, midfielder Arda Turan, who plays for Barcelona.
With qualification, Turkey will play in just its fourth European Cup. Its previous tournament in 2008 resulted in good fortune for the Turks, finishing in third after falling to Germany in the semifinals on a late goal from Philipp Lahm. –Matthew DeWitt
Schedule
Sunday, June 12: Turkey vs. Croatia
Monday, June 13: Spain vs. Czech Republic
Friday, June 17: Czech Republic vs. Croatia; Spain vs. Turkey
Tuesday, June 21: Czech Republic vs. Turkey; Croatia vs. Spain
Group standing prediction
1. Spain
2. Turkey
3. Croatia (does not qualify for knockout stage)
4. Czech Republic
Group E: Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Sweden
http://gty.im/55906154
First, let’s talk about Belgium. Everyone keeps calling Belgium the “dark-horse favorite,” so much so that at this point they may well just be the favorite. France is at home, Germany is Germany, and Spain is the two-time defending champ; outside of those three, Belgium is probably the actual favorite, setting aside horses of any color. They were, after all, the number-one team in the world for most of the last year. The Belgians are a legitimately strong team from front to back with the luxury of choice in midfield and up front, and the inestimable benefit of having two center backs (Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen) that play together at club level with Tottenham.
Italy, meanwhile, has the name recognition, the stout defense, and no offense of any kind. Defender Giorgio Chellini has more international goals (six) than any striker in the squad. Italy may depend on Graziano Pelle, who could hardly get on the field for Southampton, up front. Like Serie A, the Italian national team is a far cry from the world-beaters it once was. Coach Antonio Conte tried every formation under the sun in qualifying; he may well just break out the 10-0-0 (or, in Italian, “catenaccio”) and try to go through to the next round with three points and a goal difference of 0.
God bless the Irish, of course, but their lineup of an 82-year-old Robbie Keane and a bunch of guys you’ve only seen on Championship highlights is not exactly blowing anyone’s hair back.
In an odd twist, this group has two teams that qualified through the play-offs, which means – in a way – this group has two teams that shouldn’t be here. The 24-team Euros is probably good for the continent, but a few stragglers are in the tournament, and one of them is Ireland. God bless the Irish, of course, but their lineup of an 82-year-old Robbie Keane and a bunch of guys you’ve only seen on Championship highlights is not exactly blowing anyone’s hair back.
Sweden, on the other hand, has ZLATAN, which I thought meant that they got an automatic bye into the tournament. (He probably did, too.) Anyway, they beat Denmark to get in, but like Ireland, they’re just counting their blessings to be here, and now it is time for the last time we’ll probably see ZLATAN at a major tournament. I fully expect him to score eight goals against Italy, for he is ZLATAN. —Jon Marthaler
Predictions
1. Belgium
2. Italy
3. Sweden
4. Ireland
SCHEDULE
Monday, June 13: Ireland vs. Sweden, Belgium vs. Italy
Friday, June 17: Italy vs. Sweden
Saturday, June 18: Belgium vs. Ireland
Wednesday, June 22: Italy vs. Ireland, Sweden vs. Belgium
Group F: Portugal, Iceland, Austria, Hungary
This group has it all: Cristiano Ronaldo; the upstart Icelanders, whose success came at the expense of the Netherlands; and the historical curiosity of Austria and Hungary. (7th grade history reminder: prior to World War I, Austria and Hungary were part of the Austrian Empire under the rule of the Hapsburgs, along with a number of other Eastern European Countries.)
After World War I, Austria became a European soccer power, coming in forth in the 1934 World Cup, second at the 1936 Olympic Games and qualified again for the World Cup in 1938 before being annexed by Nazi Germany.
Fans may also remember Hungary from the chapter of Jonathan Wilson’s Inverting the Pyramid that caused them to finally just give up and go play more Football Manager.
1950’s Hungary was one of the best sides to have never won a World Cup. Lead by Puskas, their tactics and style revolutionized soccer before a number of players on the team fled communist Hungary for the greener pastures of Western European soccer. Fans may also remember Hungary from the chapter of Jonathan Wilson’s Inverting the Pyramid that caused them to finally just give up and go play more Football Manager.
Portugal likely feels that they have the first spot in the group basically guaranteed so the real interesting battle will be for second and third place. But if one of the teams manages to get a shock result against Portugal, this could throw the entire group wide open. –Bill Stenross
Predictions
1. Iceland
2. Portugal
3. Austria
4. Hungary
Schedule
Tuesday, June 14: Austria vs Hungary, Portugal vs Iceland
Saturday, June 18: Iceland vs Hungary, Portugal vs Austria
Wednesday, June 22: Iceland vs Austria, Hungary vs Portugal
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