The Rise of Football Collectivism

Together Stronger. That was the official hashtag and slogan of the Wales squad during the European Championship. Usually anything ‘official’ when it comes to the marketing side of football is to be ignored or avoided as the embarrassment it is, but this one hit the mark.

The achievements of the Welsh team have been well documented over the last few weeks but this feeling of togetherness, of unity, was something that was very noticeable among all of the successful sides in France.

Although Portugal had probably the biggest individual football superstar, it was the rest of the squad that came together as a team to take on their French opponents – and a partisan home crowd – after Ronaldo left the pitch on a stretcher after 25 minutes of Sunday’s final.

The Portugal team were actually unfairly deemed to be bit part players to Ronaldo’s headline act but they showed the unity and teamwork that was needed to win their nation’s first ever major trophy. By disregarding players such as Nani, Sanches and Pepe, pundits and fans alike helped foster the togetherness that brought them their famous victory.

But if you look at the tournament as a whole it is easy to see that those squads that worked as one were the more successful compared to other nations with perhaps a higher number of top quality players. England and Belgium are just two examples of squads brimming with some of the best players in Europe. But when they found themselves up against players playing for each other, for their coaches, and for their countries, it was the superstar sides that came up short.

Although Wales reached the semi-final in their first major tournament in 58 years it is probably Iceland that epitomise this feeling of football collectivism. In their first ever finals they compounded all expectations to, first of all, get out of a group above the eventual winners and then to go on to beat the inventors of the game themselves. England, on paper, were far too powerful for their tiny North Atlantic opponents, but as a team Iceland fought together and played to their strengths, dispatching England’s supposed superiority.

Iceland found the French side in imposing form in the quarter final and were soundly beaten. But even in that match the underdogs never gave up, kept on pushing forward when they could and won the second half of the match (unfortunately they had already conceded four in the first half).

There are a number of other examples of this togetherness from the tournament – Hungary winning their group, Albania scoring their first ever goal to win their first ever match at a finals, Northern Ireland and Slovakia qualifying for the knock out stages. All these instances give credence to the belief that teamwork can overcome individual talent.

The bloated format of the competition has been derided by many and maybe that gave some of these ‘smaller’ nations a bigger chance to work together to progress further than they would have done if only the ‘elite’ were allowed to qualify. But they still had to bring themselves together to produce these performances and results – even if some of the more storied nations were not always up to par.

In the end Ronaldo – one of the biggest superstars the sport has ever known – has won the European Championship but it was his team that won it for him. And as another tournament enters the history books the fans will remember most the exploits of Wales and Iceland as they were the teams who showed that you don’t always need the most money, or a plethora of galácticos to be successful. Sometimes you just need to play together as a team.GALGGGGjhbgjhjhjhjhjnjhn 

HUH!

Iceland's European Championship journey ends in a thrashing by the hosts who looked on top form even with some of their first choice starters missing through suspension.

They have made a lot of new friends (apart from Ronaldo) but Iceland are finally going home after coming up against a rampant France side in Paris. The French scored four before half time to stroll into the semi finals.

Iceland could not repeat the heroics of the England match, possibly due to tiredness, and unfortunately met a France side who were far better than their cross channel counterparts.

France started very well and looked in control, although Iceland had seemed to weather the early pressure before Giroud was allowed far too much time to control a neat through ball before shooting past the Icelandic keeper to make it 1-0 after only 12 minutes.

French poster boy Paul Pogba rose majestically for the second, heading powerfully into the net from a corner seven minutes later and it was already looking like it would be a long night for Iceland.

Iceland seemed to have made it to the break without any further trouble but in the space of three minutes the whole game was over. Payet worked some space for himself well before finishing with his left foot from the edge of the box to make it three before Griezmann deftly flicked the ball over the advancing keeper for the fourth on the stroke of half time.

Without wanting to sound patronising, Iceland never gave up and scored ten minutes into the second half after Sigurdsson had put in a really good low cross that Sigthorsson poked home. But any wild thoughts of a comeback were dashed a couple of minutes later when Giroud got his second of the night, leaping highest to meet a Payet free kick.

Iceland were rewarded for their continuing efforts towards the end when Bjarnason headed to make it 5-2 but the hosts were through and everyone's second favourite team were left to celebrate their remarkable tournament with their adoring fans.

France will meet Germany in what could be an outstanding semi final after they finally beat Italy on penalties on Saturday night. Ozil put the Germans 1-0 up with a sweet finish after some really good work from Gomez down the left hand side.

And it was Mario Gomez who should have made it two when his elaborate finish was well saved by Buffon in the Italian goal. If the German striker had been able to finish conventionally rather than going for a fancy flick he may have put the game beyond doubt. But Jerome Boateng's moment of madness gave Italy a penalty with just over 10 minutes ago which Bonucci slotted expertly into the corner of the net.

No further goals could be found in extra time so it was all down to penalties to decide who would go through to the semi final. Three penalties had already been missed - one a comical effort from Zaza for Italy - before Darmian had his effort saved. Next up was Hector who squeezed his spot kick under the arm of Buffon in the Italian goal and Germany were through.

Another nervous couple of days off now before the semis. Wales v Portugal on Wednesday and Germany v France on Thursday.

Day 18 in France

Another tournament ends in embarrassment for England as they lose to a country of 330,000. Iceland deservedly march on to the quarter finals as the post mortem begins for England.

We've seen it all before. English players, fans and media arrogantly presuming they have a right to win trophies when they are just simply not good enough. The difference this time that it wasn't a Germany or an Argentina or a Brazil - it was Iceland. But it was an Iceland who had shown more teamwork, passion and determination (and let's not forget about skill) than the representatives of supposedly the best league in the world.

England had actually got the best possible start with Rooney scoring a penalty in the fourth minute after Raheem Sterling has been upended by Halldorsson. This should have been exactly what England needed and a body blow for Iceland but just 34 seconds later they were level.

If England had bothered to study Iceland's tactics they would have known that a long throw into the box was one of their many strengths. But Gunnarsson's throw was flicked on easily while Walker lost Sigurdsson in the box where he calmly side footed it past Hart in goal.

England carried on as before and played with confidence if not much drive and found themselves behind just 12 minutes later. Some nice interplay on the edge of the box was not closed down by a static English defence and Sigthorsson took a couple of touches to work some space before shooting. Joe Hart made yet another crucial error and it was 2-1. Nothing more than Iceland deserved and the beginning of the end for England.

Maybe England thought that Iceland would sit back and defend their lead but they were mistaken if they believed their opponents would show the same lack of imagination. England got worse and worse and it quickly became obvious that if anyone was to score again it would be Iceland.

Roy Hodgson had made some strange selections and his belief in Sterling and Kane, in particular, was left wanting. Rooney continued his amazing loss of form and it was not a surprise when he was subbed off - only a surprise that it took until the 86th minute for it to happen.

England looked totally devoid of ideas while the Icelandic team showed time and time again how much more they were willing to put in to get the result they craved. Even towards the end of the match Iceland were pushing forward - with two strikers - trying to get that third goal.

It is not surprising that England went out. It is surprising that their fans were duped once again into thinking that they had a chance of going far in a major competition.

The first game of the day was a match up between two of the sides that had really performed in the group stages. Italy had shocked everyone by beating Belgium in their first match and then topped the group with some more convincing displays.

Spain had looked good against the Czech Republic and Turkey before losing to Croatia. But even that late winner from Perisic hadn't seemed to take the shine of what looked like a very accomplished side with Alvaro Morata looking to come to the fore up front.

But one of the first rules of international football is to not rule out Italy. Supposedly their worst squad for 50 years, this group of players seem to thrive on the insults thrown their way and totally dominated the first half and deservedly went ahead just after the half hour. A free kick from Eder was only parried into the path of Giaccherini, and the captain Chiellini finally poked the ball home to put the Azzurri one up.

Italy were looking very good and Eder in particular was having a field day making Gerard Pique look like a pedestrian. Italy were on top in all areas of the pitch and it was only thanks to De Gea that they didn't go further ahead.

The second goal eventually did come in injury time as Pelle once again volleyed in from close range. Italy showed what has been a common theme in this tournament - teamwork and togetherness - and that is what took them through to the quart finals where they will meet Germany.

Other things I noticed yesterday...

• ITV are terrible at the best of times but their patronising attitude towards Iceland was beyond belief. Mark Pougatch even asked his fellow 'pundits' at half time whether Joe Hart should be dropped for the quarter final. England were 2-1 down at the time
• It's hard to single out any England player but Harry Kane was especially poor and it will be interesting to see how he comes back after this next season
• Watching the highlights show it was refreshing to see Alan Shearer actually ripping into England's abject performance. I wonder whether he'll do the same to Premier League sides on Match of the Day next season?
• For an Italian defender Chiellini loves getting forward
• There was a lovely range of managerial cagoules on show in the Spain v Italy match
• Why couldn't Spain wear their red kit? (as much as I did like their second strip)
• Before the tournament many Italians didn't like the idea of Brazilian-born Eder being in the squad. Wonder what they think now?

No more games until Thursday now when the quarter finals start. If you're very lucky I might have something for you before then though. You have been warned.

Day 17 in France

After three matches that were good for catching up on some sleep on Saturday, yesterday's games had a little bit more to be excited about.

France would have been very confident going into their game against the Republic of Ireland in Lyon but went behind after only two minutes. Robbie Brady scored from the penalty spot after Pogba had become entangled with Shane Long to give away the foul.

That was about it from Ireland who noticeably tired in the second half especially. France did have a couple more days rest between their group games and this match but they always looked in control after the early penalty wake up call and deservedly equalised just before the hour mark.

Bacary Sagna put in a good cross which Antoine Griezmann finished expertly. The strength he got into his header was incredible and too much for the Irish keeper. Giroud, who had played forcefully all game, muscled his way between two defenders to flick on a header for Griezmann to get his second a few minutes later.

As with most of the top sides in this tournament, France played well and were in complete control without ever looking outstanding. They now face either England or Iceland in the quarter finals.

Germany easily overcame Slovakia in the second game of the day in Lille. The Slovakians were always going to find it tough but were rocked by an early goal from defender Jerome Boateng. It came from a corner that was only cleared to the edge of the box where the Bayern Munich man met it perfectly on the volley. It was reminiscent of Modric's goal against Turkey - although this one did benefit from a slight deflection to make sure it got past the Slovakian keeper.

The early goal forced Slovakia not to wholly rely on parking the bus but they never had enough insight to break through Germany with Hamsik having a very quiet game when his side needed him most.

Some excellent play down the left hand side from Draxler gave Mario Gomez the opportunity to cement his place in the starting eleven and score Germany's second just before half time and - as a competition - it was all over.

Julian Draxler added a third himself in the second half, finding himself completely unmarked at the far post from a corner. He volleyed the ball into the roof of the net from about five yards out and completely deserved some personal glory after a fine display.

Shock group winners Hungary met Belgium in the last game of the day and were unlucky to find the golden generation - and Eden Hazard in particular - finally discovering their very best form.

Belgium were simply outstanding with Hazard orchestrating much of their many, many attacks. Kevin De Bruyne also found a lot of space to conduct the play and it was a surprise that it was only 1-0 at half time. De Bruyne had floated in a lovely free kick right onto the head of Alderweireld to head past Kiraly to open the scoring. Both the Spurs man and Lukaku had easily brushed aside the 'marking' of the Hungarian defenders to create far too much space for themseleves.

Although Belgium were well on top, Hungary did play a lot of very good football but their attacking play was never rewarded with a goal and their defending looked, at times, woeful.

Belgium finally made their superiority tell towards the end. Michy Batshuayi scored with his very first touch after coming on for Lukaku. Hazard had breezed past the defender to slide a very inviting cross for the Marseille striker to side foot into the net with no Hungarian defenders anywhere near him.

Hazard topped off a perfect performance by scoring a trademark goal a minute later as Hungarian players wilted. A fourth goal in injury time was probably cruel on Hungary but Yarrasco, another sub, finished well after being put through by Nainggolan.

Other things I noticed yesterday...

• There was bright sunshine for the France v Ireland game - exactly how it should be in a major international tournament. It took me back to Italy v Brazil in Spain in 1982
• Skrtel is a dick
• Although they have a lot to make up for by inflicting Sam Matterface and Clive Tyldesley on us, it was good to see an actual football journalist on ITV's pundit panel. A nice change from the usual ex-player 'insight' and 'analysis'
• How lovely is that Belgium kit?
• Ireland once again "defended heroically". This may be good at getting the crowd going but if that is what a team resort to it means that they are being bettered on the pitch. By the way, England do it a lot

The second round finishes today with two intriguing matches. Italy play Spain the early evening match. Hopefully both sides will stop grumbling about how unfair it is that they have to play each other so early and provide us with a treat of a game. Italy looked immense against Belgium in their first game but have looked a little shaky since so I think Spain will play their way to victory - 1-0.

David and Goliath in the second match of the day as Iceland face England. England, as usual, have looked far from convincing but surely Iceland can't repeat the heroics of the last few weeks? They do possess greater teamwork and do have a couple of players that could trouble the English defence but the talent should show in the end. I can see a nervy 1-0 England win (although I have consistently prematurely predicted the end of Iceland's involvement in this tournament so who knows!)

Day Thirteen in France

After 13 days and 36 games the group stage of Euro 2016 is over. We have said goodbye to a grand total of 8 countries from the original 24. Now the real football starts.

Most of the attention seemed to be on who was going to be the best third placed sides but there was a lot still to determine in both Groups E and F.

The early games saw Iceland play supposed dark horses Austria while Ronaldo battled to keep Portugal in the competition against surprise group leaders Hungary. The matches ended up being two of the best we have seen so far.

Hungary and Portugal traded goals like two over the hill heavyweight boxers slugging it out in the final round. Zoltan Gera struck first for Hungary before Nani brought Portugal back into the match just before half time.

Dzsudzsak twice put Hungary back in the lead only to be pegged back by Ronaldo who at last found some real form. One of the Portuguese captain's goals was a wonderful flick, the other a commanding glancing header. But the two sides couldn't be separated meaning that Hungary won the group they were expected to prop up. Portugal had to make do with scraping through as one of the best third place sides. And that was down to the amazing story that is Iceland.

Once again Iceland were not fancied to take anything from a match and once again they defied expectations. If Austria thought that their opponents would sit back and try to grind out the draw they needed they were sadly mistaken. It took Jon Dadi Bodvarsson under 20 minutes to open the scoring and Iceland had already hit the woodwork before then.

Dragovic missed a first half penalty for Austria befoe they finally drew level on the hour mark. Alessandro Schopf scored a great goal after a Ricky Villa-esque dribble but as much as they tried they couldn't get the second goal that would have put them through to the next round.

But Iceland were not finished. As the seconds ticked away in injury time they sprinted into one last counter attack culminating in Traustason sliding in at the far post to squeeze it past Almer in the Austrian goal to seal the win. Apart from a moment of intense drama it showed the spirit of the Iceland team that should act as a warning to England that they won't be a push over in the second round.

Group E was a little bit more straight forward but no less dramatic. Belgium finally overcame Sweden in a drab game with Chelsea target Radja Nainggolan benefiting from a wicked deflection to score past the Swedish keeper and cement their second place finish.

Italy had already won the group and knowing that they would be facing Spain in the next round rested a number of players. The Azzurri definitely looked a weakened side but Ireland, although performing much better than in their previous two matches, still didn't seem to have the quality that they needed to get the three points that would put them through.

In a last roll of the dice Martin O'Neill put on Wes Hoolahan with just over ten minutes to go. Ireland's most creative player had been dropped in a bid to muscle the Italians out of the match but almost as soon as he came on he was given the perfect chance to score. The pressure got to the Norwich midfielder who could only shoot straight at Sirigu - Buffon's woeful replacement in the Italy goal.

Everyone thought that the one chance Ireland had needed had been and gone but with just five minutes left Hoolahan crossed perfectly onto the head of the very impressive Robbie Brady who expertly found the net and gave Ireland a dramatic victory.

The result was tough on Turkey who would have squeaked into the second round if Ireland hadn't scored but for sheer guts and determination Ireland deserved their win. They now face France on Sunday where I'm sure the fans will remind Thierry Henry of the last time they played each other in an important match.

Other things I have noticed...

• I'm very jealous of Icelandic captain Aron Gunnarsson's beard but his long throws are not really that long (although they do seem to be effective)
• It was only a matter of time before Ronaldo started scoring and the two he got against Hungary were fantastic
• Some of the Ireland players look like they had stepped off the local park to play - although the extra levels of sweating were probably down to the closed roof in Lille
• Such a sad way for Zlatan to finish his international career but he was really left to carry the Swedish side - and he didn't really do that well anyway

Obviously no games today - an absolute outrage - and we will have to wait until Saturday to get back into the swing of things with three second round matches. But never fear, I will still serve you my Euro 2016 ramblings tomorrow with a look ahead to the weekend's games.

Day Nine in France

With all sides now having played two games there is still not a clear favourite and, thanks to the expanded format, not many teams confirming their return tickets home.

Belgium finally showed their killer instinct against a poor Republic of Ireland side. They must be poor because Lukaku scored twice in their 3-0 victory. Although the Belgian striker had a terrible end of season for Everton (as did his club) and looked out of sorts in Belgium's first match he is a very good striker and a couple of goals will really boost his confidence.

Ireland will complain that they should have had a penalty when it was still 0-0 but they were outplayed yesterday and keeping Belgium down to just the three goals is probably an achievement in itself.

Group F's surprise leaders Hungary met Iceland in the second match of the day knowing that a win would put them through to the second round with a game - against Portugal - to spare. They started really well so it was unlucky for the all new Magnificent Magyars when Iceland got a penalty just before half time. It was unclear whether the culprit was tracksuit trouser enthusiast Gabor Kiraly but Sigurdsson put away the spot kick to put Iceland one up going into the break.

It looked like Iceland was going to get all three points but once again we saw a goal in the last few minutes with Saevarsson turning the ball into his own net to give Hungary a point. Iceland are still unbeaten going into their last game and Hungary stayed top of the group thanks to the result of the last game of the day.

Portugal had 23 shots compared to just four from Austria but they just couldn't make any of them pay as Ronaldo's men drew another game they had been expected to win. Nothing went right for Ronaldo who even missed a penalty to raise his already peaking levels of frustration. Ricardo Quaresma started but for all their invention and skill, Portugal couldn't break the deadlock.

The draw leaves the group wide open going into the final matches so both games should be tight affairs.

Other things I noticed yesterday...

• There was a lot of police in front of the Hungarian fans for a majority of the match
• Given his levels of frustration during the match it was a surprise that Ronaldo seemed fine posing for a photo with the guy who ran onto the pitch. Anything to look good for the cameras I guess?
• Austria celebrated their draw against Portugal like they had won. They seem to think they will have no problem getting three points against Iceland to take them through

We're down to the wire in the groups now so just two games played at the same time today. A draw would put both France and Switzerland through to the next round but I think France will want to keep up their unbeaten form and go for all three points. Switzerland have been largely unimpressive in their two games so far and I can see current player of the tournament Dimitri Payet scoring again tonight. I'm going for 2-0 to France.

Romania should be able to beat Albania so (if my other prediction remarkably comes true) it will come down to goal difference as they drew with Switzerland last Wednesday. Romania have only scored penalties so far so it will be interesting to see if they have the attacking strength to get through the Albanian defence. I can't see that happening so a 1-0 win is on the cards.

Day Five in France

Only two games on day five, which seems awfully early to take away our triple header of daily games, but they both brought us a few shocks and upsets.

Earlier in the day I heard Austria being described as 'potential dark horses' which seemed very faint praise indeed. Not even nailed on dark horses - just the potential to be one. Much was made of these dark ponies and when David Alaba hit the post in the first minute it looked as if it was going to be a very long 90 minutes for Hungary.

But Kiraly's tracksuit trousers inspired the not so magnificent Magyars and after Szalai had scored his first goal since about 1965, Austria were given an even harder task when Dragovic was sent off. The dark shetlands were always going to find it difficult after that and a sublime finish from Steiber made it two with minutes to spare.

Austria looked very ordinary and once again it was teamwork and togetherness that won through. Beautiful huh? The only disappointment was the lack of a Franz Ferdinand half time entertainment show (that's one for you history lovers out there).

The second match brought us an even bigger upset with Iceland grinding out a draw against Ronaldo's Portugal. Iceland looked in trouble in the first half with little invention and a real problem getting the ball out of their own half. They did have an early chance but it was no surprise when Nani scored the opener in the 31st minute after some nice work by Andre Gomes on the right.

It can never really be said that Ronaldo is anonymous in a match but he wasn't demanding the ball and running at the opposing defence and the more the game went on the more Iceland grew in confidence. This paid off just after the break when Bjarnason finished off a nice move and drew Iceland level.

Although Portugal did have the majority of possession after that it would unfair to say that Iceland simply parked the bus. They defended well but attacked when possible and thoroughly deserved the draw. It is probably fair to say that not many people would have had Hungary on top of the group after the first matches.

Other things I noticed...

• Although all footballers dive these days Hungary surely have to be the kings of the pathetic exaggeration
• The referee in the Austria v Hungary match was Clement Turpin. I like that a lot.
• Apparently Iceland has a population roughly the same as Leicester. Is everything comparable to Leicester these days?
• For some reason I was disappointed with the lack of beards in the Iceland side
• Is there a bigger pantomime villain in the world of football than Pepe?
• Did anyone else notice a Germany flag with 'Fuchtorf' written across it at the Portugal v Iceland match? Think about it...

So everyone has played one match now and while no one team has stood out, there have been some good performances - many from nations that you wouldn't have expected it from. I've been impressed with Croatia, Italy and Germany without thinking any of them will definitely be going all the way. There are some big names that need points in the second round of games so we should be in for a bit of a treat over the next few days.

Back to three matches on day six. Russia v Slovakia in the early game. Neither of these sides looked particularly good in their first outing and I can see another draw on the cards - I'm going for 1-1.

A draw would probably be enough for Switzerland but I think they will get another win against Romania. They didn't impress against Albania but a favourable schedule will help them through. I predict a 2-1 Swiss victory.

I've completely reversed my prediction of Albania as dark horses (light cows?) and fully expect France to comprehensively beat them in Marseille. I'm fully aware that this will probably mean Albania will win now but I'm going for a 3-0 French victory. Allez les Bleus!

Day Four in France

Well yesterday's predictions were spectacularly bad but, as the cliche goes, I'm glad to say that football was in the end the winner.

When will people stop writing Italy off? (At this point I must admit that I also wrote Italy off yesterday but that doesn't make my point any less valid!) Supposedly the worst Italian side in 50 years put on the performance of the tournament so far and beat Belgium's 'golden generation'.

I've mentioned before that I'm not entirely convinced by Belgium and see them as a team of individuals who don't always perform when expected. Last night was a brilliant example of that. Italy played a fast, flowing brand of football with their defenders making the type of 40 yard diagonal balls that Steven Gerrard could only dream about.

The first goal was a thing of beauty. An inch perfect pass from Bonucci, controlled perfectly by Sunderland reject (!) Giaccherini before he slotted it past Courtois in the Belgian goal. And it was nothing more than they deserved. An injury time second goal from Southampton's Graziano Pelle made the victory even sweeter.

Belgium should still qualify from a group that also contains the Republic of Ireland and Sweden but their limitations have been shown once again. This was the best match we've seen so far and with most of the sides having played now it is still completely up in the air as to who will probably win the trophy.

The day started off with Spain seeing off the Czech Republic thanks to a Gerard Pique headed goal three minutes from time. I didn't get to see this match live (I know! Someone should be paying me to watch these games...) but the highlights showed that Spain were well on top with the Czechs looking very lacklustre.

Ireland nearly pulled off what would definitely have been considered an upset but in the end had to be content with a point against Sweden. Zlatan didn't really turn up for the first half and only fine saves from the Swedish keeper and the woodwork (I know they're not made out of wood but I love the terminology) kept Ireland - and Derby's Jeff Kendrick in particular - from taking the lead.

Wes Hoolahan finally opened the scoring in the second half with a lovely finish after Seamus Coleman had done some really good work out on the right. But an own goal levelled the scores with 20 minutes to go and that is how it stayed. Ciaran Clark may have put the ball in the back of his own net but the goal was all down to Ibrahimovic's persistence and it looks like he will have to carry Sweden through the remaining two matches if they have are to have any chance of getting out of the group.

Other things I noticed...

• Loved how Czech defender Roman Hubnik went for the whole 'geography teacher who also takes PE' look (see below)
• What was Pique's goal celebration gesture all about? He looked like an over elaborate Bono
• I used to like Ireland's Jon Walters when he shaved his hair. Now he looks like a sales rep for a small drinks firm in the north west
• Big fan of Ireland's kit - although they stretched authenticity a bit far by using the 'fake Irish pub' font for the names on the back of their shirts
• Italian footballers give the best anthem
• Italy showed the same squad togtherness that Wales did the other day - it will take them far
• Romelu Lukaku is really bad at major tournaments
• Martin Keown is an earnestly appalling co-commentator

And so to today's games. Just the two - what fresh hell is this? - to enjoy. Austria take on Hungary in Bordeaux and will be looking for their own superstar, David Alaba to inspire the side to victory, And they should be too good for Hungary who should have tracksuit trouser wearing custodian Gabor Kiraly in goal. I'm going for a 2-0 victory for Austria.

It sounds like Ricardo Quaresma might miss the match tonight which is a massive shame considering he has had a brilliant season both for his club side Besiktas and the national team. Ronaldo has his own injury worries but should play. Expect Iceland to attempt to stifle the Portuguese creativity but I can't see them keeping them out for the entire match. Portugal are far more than just Ronaldo and I expect them to go far in this tournament. They'll start tonight by winning 2-0.