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Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Placements and Awards (6/10 - 7/10)
Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Placements
1st: Portugal
2nd: France
T 3rd-4th (lost in semis): Germany, Wales
T 5th-8th (lost in quarters): Belgium, Iceland, Italy, Poland
T 9th-16th (lost in R16s): Croatia, England, Hungary, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland
T 17th-24th (eliminated in group stage): Turkey, Albania, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Sweden, Austria
T 25th- 54th: All the European countries that did not qualify for the main tournament
Awards
Golden Ball (best player): Antoine Griezmann (France)
Golden Glove (best goalkeeper): Rui Patrício (Portugal)
Golden Boot (most goals): Antoine Griezmann (France)
Best Young Player (under 21 years old): Renato Sanches (Portugal)
Best XI of the Tournament (4-2-3-1)
GK- Rui Patrício (Portugal)
LB- Raphaël Guerreiro (Portugal)
CB- Pepe (Portugal)
CB- Jérôme Boateng (Germany)
RB- Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
CDM- Toni Kroos (Germany)
CDM- Joe Allen (Wales)
LAM/LW- Dimitri Payet (France)
CAM/CF- Aaron Ramsey (Wales)
RAM/RW- Antoine Griezmann (France)
ST- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Also, check out my Copa America Centenario Blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
Final Summary (7/10)
Result- Final
Portugal def. France 1-0 (A.E.T.)
Portugal v France
CR7 > LM10. I didn't always think so, but now I most definitely do. Perhaps Messi is a better player. But Ronaldo is the GREATEST (I am only speaking about those currently playing, it is impossible to compare people who played at different times). On the pitch, he is an amazing player. He has won the second most Ballons D'ors of all time. Off the pitch, he is known for his charitable ways. One well-known fact about Ronaldo is that he doesn't have any tattoos so he can donate blood to people who need it. It is also well-known that he uses his own money to pay for surgeries for children who need it. But in the Euro Final, we saw yet another side of Cristiano Ronaldo: a leader. Although he is a leader on the field, he showed that he was a devoted teammate and captain when he came back to the Portuguese bench to coach and support his teammates, after needing to leave the field due to injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo played a huge role in this win. He returned to the sidelines after receiving treatment for his knee, and rallied his troops to the win. He proved that he is a team player and he would never give up on his country (like some others have...). Éder, who scored the championship-winning goal, said that he was able to score because Ronaldo gave him confidence and really helped him out. This win gives Ronaldo what he had always been missing for his whole career: an international trophy. And this match has showed us something else: perhaps Ronaldo may become a coach in the future?
Final Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Portugal def. France 1-0 (A.E.T.)
Portugal v France
CR7 > LM10. I didn't always think so, but now I most definitely do. Perhaps Messi is a better player. But Ronaldo is the GREATEST (I am only speaking about those currently playing, it is impossible to compare people who played at different times). On the pitch, he is an amazing player. He has won the second most Ballons D'ors of all time. Off the pitch, he is known for his charitable ways. One well-known fact about Ronaldo is that he doesn't have any tattoos so he can donate blood to people who need it. It is also well-known that he uses his own money to pay for surgeries for children who need it. But in the Euro Final, we saw yet another side of Cristiano Ronaldo: a leader. Although he is a leader on the field, he showed that he was a devoted teammate and captain when he came back to the Portuguese bench to coach and support his teammates, after needing to leave the field due to injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo played a huge role in this win. He returned to the sidelines after receiving treatment for his knee, and rallied his troops to the win. He proved that he is a team player and he would never give up on his country (like some others have...). Éder, who scored the championship-winning goal, said that he was able to score because Ronaldo gave him confidence and really helped him out. This win gives Ronaldo what he had always been missing for his whole career: an international trophy. And this match has showed us something else: perhaps Ronaldo may become a coach in the future?
Final Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Final Preview (7/10)
The Final
Portugal v France
Sunday, July 10 @ 3:00 PM ET
Current Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Portugal v France
Today marks the conclusion of this amazing tournament. This evening, one team will be crowned champions of Europe. It will either be Portugal or France, as the two square off for the title at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis (just outside Paris). At first, there were 54 nations competing for the championship. That was reduced to 24 for the main tournament. That was then cut down to 16 for the knockout round. Then there were 8. Then 4. And now, there are only 2. Tonight, there will be 1. One champion of Europe.
Despite finishing 3rd in Group F, Portugal has come to life in the knockout round, winning each of their first 3 matches to advance to the only the second final in their nation's history (the other being the 2004 Euro Final, where they lost to Greece 1-0). On the other hand, France topped group A, and since then, never looked back, winning 3 convincing knockout-round victories to advance to the final.
This match will be close. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are a strong side and will give France a hard time. But overall, I believe France is too strong a team for the Portuguese. They have been absolutely excellent, and play a strong, team-oriented game. The entire nation has unified behind this team, and that only gives the team more momentum. They will win this final in their main national stadium in front of their own fans, and bring the trophy back to France for the first time since 2000.
Prediction: France wins 2-1
Also, check out my Copa America blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
SemiFinals Summary (7/6 - 7/7)
Results (SemiFinals)
Portugal def. Wales 2-0
France def. Germany 2-0
Portugal v Wales
Wales' unprecedented streak is finally over. They had a good run, but all good things must come to an end. They outperformed many of the top teams in Europe to finish in the top 4 of the tournament. They did better than Spain, Italy, England, Croatia and many others. They even knocked Belgium themselves. In this match, Ronaldo and Portugal came roaring through, and in a span of 3 minutes near the beginning of the second half, Portugal scored twice to take a 2-goal lead with 37 minutes to play. Then they could sit back and defend as Wales tried to break through their defense. Of course, Wales could not, and Portugal held on for a 2-0 victory, meaning they advance to the Euro Cup Final for only the 2nd time in their history (the first being 2004, where they lost to Greece 1-0).
Germany v France
This match was a rematch of the 2014 World Cup Quarterfinal, where Germany knocked France out of the tournament before winning the Cup. This time, however, the result was different. As expected, Germany was dominant in terms of possession, winning the possession battle 68-32. They completed 566 passes compared to France's 234. They were dominating going into the half-time break, but they could not seem to score. But when Bastian Schweinsteiger committed a stupid handball in the penalty area in stoppage time, France was awarded a penalty kick. Antoine Griezmann scored the penalty, and France went into half-time with the lead. Germany went from dominating the match to being behind at the break. Then Germany had to play a more attacking style of play, and, as happens often, France put the match away with a great counter-attack. Now the defending World Champs are eliminated, and hosts France get a chance to win the Euro Cup in front of their own fans in the final against Portugal on Sunday.
The Final
Portugal v France
Sunday, July 10 @ 3:00 PM ET
New Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Also, take a look at my Copa America blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
Portugal def. Wales 2-0
France def. Germany 2-0
Portugal v Wales
Wales' unprecedented streak is finally over. They had a good run, but all good things must come to an end. They outperformed many of the top teams in Europe to finish in the top 4 of the tournament. They did better than Spain, Italy, England, Croatia and many others. They even knocked Belgium themselves. In this match, Ronaldo and Portugal came roaring through, and in a span of 3 minutes near the beginning of the second half, Portugal scored twice to take a 2-goal lead with 37 minutes to play. Then they could sit back and defend as Wales tried to break through their defense. Of course, Wales could not, and Portugal held on for a 2-0 victory, meaning they advance to the Euro Cup Final for only the 2nd time in their history (the first being 2004, where they lost to Greece 1-0).
Germany v France
This match was a rematch of the 2014 World Cup Quarterfinal, where Germany knocked France out of the tournament before winning the Cup. This time, however, the result was different. As expected, Germany was dominant in terms of possession, winning the possession battle 68-32. They completed 566 passes compared to France's 234. They were dominating going into the half-time break, but they could not seem to score. But when Bastian Schweinsteiger committed a stupid handball in the penalty area in stoppage time, France was awarded a penalty kick. Antoine Griezmann scored the penalty, and France went into half-time with the lead. Germany went from dominating the match to being behind at the break. Then Germany had to play a more attacking style of play, and, as happens often, France put the match away with a great counter-attack. Now the defending World Champs are eliminated, and hosts France get a chance to win the Euro Cup in front of their own fans in the final against Portugal on Sunday.
The Final
Portugal v France
Sunday, July 10 @ 3:00 PM ET
New Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Also, take a look at my Copa America blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 9, 2016
SemiFinals Preview (7/6 - 7/7)
Matches- SemiFinals
Portugal v Wales (Wed. 7/6 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Germany v France (Thurs. 7/7 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Portugal v Wales
1 month ago, if you had told me Wales would be playing in semifinals of the Euro Cup, I would have laughed in your face. It could never happen, Wales would not even advance to the knockout stage.
When will this run end? Wales most certainly won't win it all. Their luck will run out eventually, probably even in this match. Portugal is getting better and better game by game, and Wales will be without their best midfielder and 2nd best overall player, Aaron Ramsey, who has been suspended after receiving his 2nd yellow card of the tournament. Without him, it will likely be hard for Wales to get their offense going, as Ramsey has the most assists so far in the tournament. Portugal will be able shut down the Welsh offense, and probably get a goal of their own, using the counter-attacking style of play they know so well.
Prediction: Portugal wins 1-0
Germany v France
After routing Iceland, the hosts now go up against the toughest team the World has to offer: Germany. The German team is loaded with stars, but all these stars work together and play with a team-first mentality, making them almost impossible to beat. But Italy showed that it could be done. The key to beating Germany is good defense. France's defense is one of the best in the tournament. They have allowed 4 goals in 5 matches, although 2 were penalties, and the other 2 were meaningless consolation goals by Iceland. I believe their defense will continue to thrive, and hold the German attack in check. But that is only half the battle, because if they can't score themselves, they will face a shootout, where they would most definitely lose. But the French attack has been superb recently, with Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, and Dmitri Payet all among the top 3 goalscorers in the cup. I believe, with the support of the fans, they will be able to score when it counts in the crucial moments of the match.
Prediction: France wins 1-0
Also, check out my Copa America blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
Portugal v Wales (Wed. 7/6 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Germany v France (Thurs. 7/7 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Portugal v Wales
1 month ago, if you had told me Wales would be playing in semifinals of the Euro Cup, I would have laughed in your face. It could never happen, Wales would not even advance to the knockout stage.
When will this run end? Wales most certainly won't win it all. Their luck will run out eventually, probably even in this match. Portugal is getting better and better game by game, and Wales will be without their best midfielder and 2nd best overall player, Aaron Ramsey, who has been suspended after receiving his 2nd yellow card of the tournament. Without him, it will likely be hard for Wales to get their offense going, as Ramsey has the most assists so far in the tournament. Portugal will be able shut down the Welsh offense, and probably get a goal of their own, using the counter-attacking style of play they know so well.
Prediction: Portugal wins 1-0
Germany v France
After routing Iceland, the hosts now go up against the toughest team the World has to offer: Germany. The German team is loaded with stars, but all these stars work together and play with a team-first mentality, making them almost impossible to beat. But Italy showed that it could be done. The key to beating Germany is good defense. France's defense is one of the best in the tournament. They have allowed 4 goals in 5 matches, although 2 were penalties, and the other 2 were meaningless consolation goals by Iceland. I believe their defense will continue to thrive, and hold the German attack in check. But that is only half the battle, because if they can't score themselves, they will face a shootout, where they would most definitely lose. But the French attack has been superb recently, with Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, and Dmitri Payet all among the top 3 goalscorers in the cup. I believe, with the support of the fans, they will be able to score when it counts in the crucial moments of the match.
Prediction: France wins 1-0
Also, check out my Copa America blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
QuarterFinals Summary (6/30 - 7/3)
Results- QuarterFinals
Portugal def. Poland 1-1 (5-3 Pens)
Wales def. Belgium 3-1
Germany def. Italy 1-1 (6-5 Pens)
France def. Iceland 5-2
Poland v Portugal
Portugal has still not won a match, but they are through to the semifinals! They tied all 3 group stage matches against Iceland, Austria, and Hungary. Then they drew 0-0 against Croatia, but advanced in extra time. Then they drew against Poland, and advanced on penalties. And despite not winning yet, they only have to beat Wales to advance to the finals! Ronaldo and Portugal have not been playing the best soccer, but they always perform in the crucial moments of the match and make it out unscathed. As for Poland, they outperformed their expectations, but they will be disappointed to lose such a close match that was decided by a single missed penalty.
Wales v Belgium
Can they go all the way? They didn't even need a huge game out of Gareth Bale and they still got by Belgium relatively easily. And this is the same Belgium that had just won 3 consecutive shutouts. They were solid all around, and did a great job shutting down the powerful Belgian attack. The only goal was a long-range strike from Nainggolan early in the match that the defense could have done nothing about. But after that, Wales rebounded and scored 3 in a row to upset the Belgians and achieve a spot in the semis of this Euro 2016. As for Belgium, they were one of the best teams in the cup so far, and they will undoubtedly be upset at being knocked out so soon, by Wales of all teams. Regardless, they will bounce back and come back even stronger at the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
Germany v Italy
This match definitely lived up to the hype. Germany opened the scoring in the 65th minute and held most of the possession up until that point. But in the 77th minute, German defender Jerome Boateng blatantly handballed the ball in the penalty area, and Leonardo Bonucci put the penalty away to equalize the match. Then the match stayed level through the end of the match and extra time, and a shootout ensued. This shootout was among the most bizarre and dramatic of all the shootouts I have ever seen. Italy got to an early lead in the shootout, but could not seem to score afterwards, but Germany equalized following a series of bad penalties from Italy. Then in sudden death, with the pressure mounting at every kick, Matteo Darmian finally missed on Italy's 9th kick. Then Jonas Hector scored to send Germany through. Germany's victory means they must face France in the semis, in a rematch of the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 2014, which Germany won 1-0. As for Italy, they fought valiantly against the defending world champs, and should be very happy with the way they played in this tournament, once they get over being upset from being eliminated.
France v Iceland
Iceland finally got exposed, as we all had been waiting for. The French rolled through this match, scoring 4 in the first half, before easing off the gas pedal for the second half. They played an all-around great match, as we have become accustomed to seeing from this strong French side. But now they must face the Germans in the semis, who knocked them out of the World Cup 2 years ago. That should be another great match. As for Iceland, they got what was coming for them. Regardless, they still won the hearts of fans all over the world with their determination and passion. They should hold their heads high, as making the quarterfinals is a huge achievement for a nation of that size.
New Matches (SemiFinals)
Portugal v Wales (Wednesday, July 6 @ 3 PM ET)
Germany v France (Thursday, July 7 @ 3 PM ET)
New Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Also, take a look at my Copa America blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
Portugal def. Poland 1-1 (5-3 Pens)
Wales def. Belgium 3-1
Germany def. Italy 1-1 (6-5 Pens)
France def. Iceland 5-2
Poland v Portugal
Portugal has still not won a match, but they are through to the semifinals! They tied all 3 group stage matches against Iceland, Austria, and Hungary. Then they drew 0-0 against Croatia, but advanced in extra time. Then they drew against Poland, and advanced on penalties. And despite not winning yet, they only have to beat Wales to advance to the finals! Ronaldo and Portugal have not been playing the best soccer, but they always perform in the crucial moments of the match and make it out unscathed. As for Poland, they outperformed their expectations, but they will be disappointed to lose such a close match that was decided by a single missed penalty.
Wales v Belgium
Can they go all the way? They didn't even need a huge game out of Gareth Bale and they still got by Belgium relatively easily. And this is the same Belgium that had just won 3 consecutive shutouts. They were solid all around, and did a great job shutting down the powerful Belgian attack. The only goal was a long-range strike from Nainggolan early in the match that the defense could have done nothing about. But after that, Wales rebounded and scored 3 in a row to upset the Belgians and achieve a spot in the semis of this Euro 2016. As for Belgium, they were one of the best teams in the cup so far, and they will undoubtedly be upset at being knocked out so soon, by Wales of all teams. Regardless, they will bounce back and come back even stronger at the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
Germany v Italy
This match definitely lived up to the hype. Germany opened the scoring in the 65th minute and held most of the possession up until that point. But in the 77th minute, German defender Jerome Boateng blatantly handballed the ball in the penalty area, and Leonardo Bonucci put the penalty away to equalize the match. Then the match stayed level through the end of the match and extra time, and a shootout ensued. This shootout was among the most bizarre and dramatic of all the shootouts I have ever seen. Italy got to an early lead in the shootout, but could not seem to score afterwards, but Germany equalized following a series of bad penalties from Italy. Then in sudden death, with the pressure mounting at every kick, Matteo Darmian finally missed on Italy's 9th kick. Then Jonas Hector scored to send Germany through. Germany's victory means they must face France in the semis, in a rematch of the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 2014, which Germany won 1-0. As for Italy, they fought valiantly against the defending world champs, and should be very happy with the way they played in this tournament, once they get over being upset from being eliminated.
France v Iceland
Iceland finally got exposed, as we all had been waiting for. The French rolled through this match, scoring 4 in the first half, before easing off the gas pedal for the second half. They played an all-around great match, as we have become accustomed to seeing from this strong French side. But now they must face the Germans in the semis, who knocked them out of the World Cup 2 years ago. That should be another great match. As for Iceland, they got what was coming for them. Regardless, they still won the hearts of fans all over the world with their determination and passion. They should hold their heads high, as making the quarterfinals is a huge achievement for a nation of that size.
New Matches (SemiFinals)
Portugal v Wales (Wednesday, July 6 @ 3 PM ET)
Germany v France (Thursday, July 7 @ 3 PM ET)
New Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Also, take a look at my Copa America blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
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