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| (Photo: bleacherreport.com) |
With game one in the books the tables start to take shape as urgency sets in for some teams to get results. Majority of the matches in game one were defensive with teams hesitant to make a mistake. The games should start to open up to a more attacking viewer friendly style.
Group A: (June 12)
Game to watch:
Poland v Russia: A game against two teams who put on stellar performances in round one. Poland dominated the play but could not capitalize their chances against Greece. This game should be highly competitive and entertaining. With Russia’s offense in full force but the entire nation behind Poland should be an emotional affair.
With Szczesny out on a red card the Polish defense are going to have to tighten up the nuts and bolts to make it easier on back up keeper Tyton. Yes he came in and made a big PK save but now he has to go into the lions den and face live fire. The Russians will be confident and Dzagoev is going to look to the pull the strings to lead Russia to Victory.
Prediction: Tie. Both teams will sense urgency and attack but neither will have enough for a KO punch. Lewandowski will get his and Russia will get theirs.
Group B (June 13):
Denmark v Portugal: Coming off of the biggest upset of the round Denmark look to take on the German power house. Morton Olsen coached a mastermind game that led to a one nil victory over the Netherlands but it is hard to think he can strategically match Portugal. Portugal did not have the best of games but showed some bright spots.
Ronaldo showed nothing against the Germans was hardly involved in the game. This is a long running thing with Ronaldo not producing for country. He needs to step up if he can play to his best then Portugal should have no problem getting past Denmark.
Prediction: Portugal puts out a team effort and walks away with a W.
Group C (June 14):
Italy v Croatia: Italy played a cagey match against defending title holders Spain an earned a point. They showed great grit to stick out the point they will be looking to show class now against a lesser team in Croatia. It will be interesting to see who starts up top for the Azzuri seeing as how Mario Balotelli had a poor performance and if he starts will need to do better.
Croatia knows that Italy will attack more in this game compared and the defense is going to have to be up for the task. They did not get much practice in the game against Ireland but showed a weakness on set pieces. Croatia can get a draw or a win if they play stellar defense hold the ball and keep feeding Mario Mandzukic up top.
Prediction: Italy wins they are just too much for the Croatians. The Italian defense will be lockdown and expect the Azzuri to capitalize on a few offensive attacks or set pieces.
Group D (June 15):
France v Ukraine: France seems to be everyone’s darkhorse team and they have the players to back that up. They played down to the English and that caused a shock result in a draw. They have the ability to go out and dominate the Ukraine. Ribery did not show up at all in the game against England and France need contributions from all their major players
I believe in magic and with the Ukraine playing in front of their home crowd I expect magic. A brilliant win against Sweden saw Ukraine icon Shevchenko on top of the world. It would be truly poetic if he can continue his form.
Prediction: Tie.
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