Russia looked completely uninterested until the last 15 minutes and thoroughly deserved to lose against a Slovakian side led by their Napoli superstar Marek Hamsik. He made the most of some really lazy defending to score Slovakia's second with a beautiful shot that went in off the post (goals always look better if they go in off the woodwork). Earlier former Manchester City neck tattoo fan Vladimir Weiss had used the Russian defenders ability to turn as quick as an oil tanker to put Slovakia one up.
Russia came back into the match towards the end but it was far too late to get anything from this match. But even with just one point from two games, they still have a chance of qualifying for the knock out rounds so their match against Wales in Toulouse on Monday will be vital for them.
Romania, the only team to get a penalty in the first round of matches, got another one against Switzerland which Stancu put away to give them the lead. But this match was all about Switzerland. I didn't see all of the game but they certainly seemed to be on top for most of the match and were probably unlucky to only come away with a draw after Mehmedi scored just before he was about to be substituted.
A win would have put the Swiss through to the last 16 but they will now play France at the weekend knowing that a draw will do the job. Even a defeat to the host nation may not mean an early departure depending on other results.
France left it very late once again to get their second win of the tournament and qualify for the next round. Griezmann and Pogba were both left on the bench by Deschamps as he tried Martial and Coman up front in the first half. To give the French boss some credit he soon realised that plan A wasn't working. Pogba replaced Martial at half tie and Griezmann came on for Coman with around 20 minutes to go.
And it was Griezmann who headed home in the final minute to deflate an Albanian side who, although looking very limited, did give it a go - especially in the second half. Dimitri Payet added a second in injury time and French nerves were eased. Payet is looking like the player of the tournament so far and although Kingsley Coman's skill was a treat to watch, there was a real buzz of excitement every time Payet got the ball. I really don't see him at West Ham next season.
Other things I noticed yesterday...
- I was able to watch the Russia v Slovakia match at the place I was working yesterday but when I heard that Mark Lawrenson was the co-commentator I decided not to use my headphones. Judging from comments from others I chose wisely
- By the look of the fans, body building is VERY popular in eastern Europe
- Russian coach Leonid Slutsky looked like he knew exactly what fate lies in store for him when he returns to Moscow. He doesn't look too happy (see below)
- The Velodrome ground in Marseille looks absolutely amazing
- Hoddle's expert knowledge really shone through once again. After the Albanians hit the post he offered "If it's inside the post, it's in". Thanks Glenn
- Although he was a late replacement, French central defender Adil Rami had another good game and was the one who put the cross in for the first goal last night
- I really don't know why Switzerland don't start with Breel Embolo. He looks really dangerous whenever he is given the chance
And so to today's matches. With the British media probably unhelpfully referring to the game as 'The Battle of Britain, Wales take on England knowing that a point will probably be enough to go through and that the pressure is really on Roy Hodgson's men. I'm torn to whether it will be a draw or a narrow English win. I'll go with head instead of heart and say 1-0 England (hoping that my predicting form continues and Wales actually win).
Ukraine v Northern Ireland is the early evening match and it is hard to see anything other than a Ukraine victory. I thought they got their tactics right against Germany and will be looking at this game as a must win. Northern Ireland need to change the way they play if they are to get anything from this and I think it might be just too much for them. I'm going for Ukraine 2 Northern Ireland 1.
Another local derby tonight with Germany taking on Poland. This could be a really good game with both sides knowing that a win will put them through. Lewandowski needs to be more involved in this match than he was against Northern Ireland if Poland are to win. Even though they didn't look flawless in the first match I was impressed by Germany's performance and a continuation of that form will be enough to get them the win - 2-0 again.
No comments:
Post a Comment