France vs Portugal will play draw, I am pretty sure. France generally does that. If France loses they risk playing Belgium first round, and if Portugal loses they risk going out. They also play last so I just cannot see them not playing a draw and ending 0-0.
Difference between finishing first and second in Group F: 1st place path: R16: In Bucharest against 3rd place team (probably Switzerland or Austria), then if win that QFs in St. Petersburg, probably against Czechs or Swedes. 2nd place path: R16: In London against D1 (England most likely), then if win that QFs in Rome, probably against Spain. 1st place is obviously the better path. England at home would be a challenge, England's rather tepid performance so far notwithstanding. And Spain in the QFs would be no picnic either.
That was the Low plan all the time, line Germany up as Atalanta to maximize the impact of Robin Gosens. Genius - hands up for anyone that took my fantasy sleeper advice https://footballfutbolcalciosoccer.blogspot.com/2021/06/euro-2020-preview-group-f-france.html "Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Robin Gosens (DEF - 5m)" Great to have so much excitement on the last day in this group. Literally everything to play for and for everyone. Kudos to the Hungarians who fought bravely in both home games.
France struggle often against smaller teams but they usually do the job against big teams. It's a psychological thing.
Give Me A Break. LOw may ass is a genius, EVERY ONE who knows Portuguese football knew Semedo was a Major Liability, German did what German has Always done against Portugal, one way or another: Focus in on a Defect and Exploit, Exploit Exploit, 2014 Pepe acting like he would get away with half the shit he got away with for Real Madrid, this time Semedo, PLUS, Santos told Bernardo not to cover Semedo all the time, a Scolari move Worthy of ridicule. Germany are Good, they are almost always a bet for the semi-finals. But, after the France game many discarded them, after Portugal, many have forgot their defects. Also Italy and German depending where they finish, no more Home games until the QF, after that none at all. Germany Will not win Euro 2020.
Most people actually discarded Germany BEFORE the France game. As a matter of fact, many German fans were predicting a "3-and-Out". I predicted a 2-1 win for France but Germany held on. I think after that match many saw Germany being able to hold on a bit longer. France was unlucky with some of their counters and Germany unlucky with Hummel's own goal, but that's part of it. Let's see how they do vs Hungary. My predictions for the winners; Italy. They are the team to beat with a solid defense. Also, I agree...no, Loew is NO genius. He is a liability...especially insisting with this 3 in the back formation. If Flick was German manager, I would say Germany had a great chance of winning the tourney.
I agree that this Germany team doesn't look like title-winning material. [But in 2022, look out! ] Portugal just made it too easy for Germany. Seemed like they got beat on the same or similar play like 5 times à la Saudi Arabia in 2002. lol
Please Portugal, can you not draw The Netherlands in the next round? Thanks from the entire Dutch population.
So I've heard. We've exorcized our demons when it comes to Germany, Spain, Italy, etc. But Portugal; we still need to get our revenge for Euro 2004. and WC2006. and Euro 2012. and Nations League 2019... But we did beat you guys 3-0 in a friendly. That counts for something right? ... right?
Really shaping up to be Holland V Portugal/France on Sunday. Still a chance for Holland v Scotland though, which would be a tad better.
Look where do you take this confidence in Croatia? Croatia are nowadays a sad cry of their 2018 version. Personally as a supporter of them I know that Croatia won't go through.
Yeah, Scotland have looked better than them so far. Just a question if Scotland expended too much energy and emotion into the England match and whether they can get back to that level for today's match against a non-rival.
There are 3 realistic scenarios left. Two of them have Holland playing the 3rd place team in group F. The other has them playing a team from group D.
They are still decent. Croatia are not at all the 2018 team but they still have some good players. I mean they really did play well against England (England were just better), and should've beat the Czechs if not for a very controversial penalty. They will narrowly beat Scotland.
I expect third place of A C D F go through which leaves them playing Group D and that's likely Croatia.
A C D F would put Belgium against 3rd of group of death. Belgium would be in that scenario at disadvantage having to play a powerhouse probably in every round.
It would also increase the stakes in the Portugal - France match. Not that F2 has a cake walk, but Belgium then Italy is pretty brutal. And the match against Belgium will be on 2 days less rest than what Belgium are getting after playing a mediocre Finnish side.
If it makes you feel better, you have the U.S. on your side, having kicked them out of both the 2002 and 2014 World Cups