I fail to see the similitaries. Portugal still play a dry football, compare to Spain or Germany. I feel that any decent team would beat them in KO round. Though they have quite easy route to go deep.
Well, Portugal has guys that can hit the back of the net. But in any case, I wasn't making a prediction, I was just following up on the above posts talking about the best looking teams so far.
Yup, I'd mind-holed Xavi.I agree he's special. OTOH, Gakpo has a bit of pace, but we've been waiting for him to make a statement professionally for years. I think he's more EPL hype than actual substance. On balance, this still isn't a special Oranje side. They're a few levels below their typical standard these days, talent-wise, IMO.
The Netherlands had to give up a lot in midfield with both Frenkie and Koopmeiners missing in action. Frenkie is arguably the best Dutch midfielder while Koopmeiners was arguably Serie A's best midfielder this season. Schouten is a Eredivisie player and Reijnders, while a very talented player, has minimal experience on a grand stage. With that in mind they've both done well though. The Dutch defense is solid enough to go deep into the tournament. With Xavi as '10' and not on the wings, the Dutch have enough creativity and attack as well, especially if Koeman benches Depay (terrible in the two opening games) and puts Zirkzee in with Gakpo and Malen. Frimpong is a RB, and a great one at it, not a winger even if Koeman insists on deploying him there, so I'd put him in for Dumfries as well. The talent is there to go deep IMO, but Koeman is to the Dutch NT what Southgate is to the English NT.
Shame about the late German goal. We would have had a couple of potentially mouth-watering R16 and QF matches on our hands had the Swiss held on. Oh well...
Scored the tying goal in the most German way possible. With France looking pretty mediocre without Mbappe and Germany also looking beatable it's so hard to name an absolute favorite. Spain are looking pretty good honestly. If they had a better striker (I don't rate Morata) they would be the outright favorites IMO. They have everything. Solid defense and goalkeeper, great midfield, great attack bar Morata.
I hear what you're saying but still feels a bit early for Spain. These teams with all kids in the attack never seem to go all the way. And am still thinking back to the 2022 WC where they had good defense and midfield but were eliminated because they had no end product. But yeah, tough tournament to call. At beginning, I picked Portugal v England final. Haven't seen enough to change that , though not very confident in that prediction
Spain started with a lost in 2010, followed by 1 goal margin win for next 6 games. They never rely on goalscoring prowess. Same thing with whenever they win tournament, they never put a thrashing performance that would makes everyone point them as fav. Team like England on other hand, would score 4-6 goals in one match and still always end up empty handed. Group stage means little particularly for the big team, as long they qualify for next round.
I think that teams can either "peak too early" in a tournament, or get better as the tournament goes along. In Qatar, Spain thrashed Costa Rica 7-0, only to later lose to Moroccan Catenaccio in the knockouts. Meanwhile, Argentina lost to Saudi in their first game, before growing over each and every game, to finally win the whole thing. Spain were the side that "peaked too early," while Argentina continued to grow and improve. If anything, Spain may be again "peaking too early," while France and Germany grow and improve with each match. England will once again lose in the knockouts, followed by a tsunami of Brit media lament.
England also thrashed Panama 6-1 in 2018 , thrashed Iran 6-2 in 2022, they'd eventually lost to the better sides like Belgium (twice), Croatia and France. I still think England best chance was in Euro 2020, they managed to beat Germany (granted its poor Germany but still) , they had home adventage and early goal adventage in final, even Italy missed their penalties first, but off course England still managed to blew it.
Incredible sequence in the Croatia game! Modric misses a penalty but scores from open play about 30 seconds later.
Epic last min tying goal from Italy. As clutch as it gets in terms of finish. The draw puts them through to the R16. Croatia are likely out. Rest in Pain Modric.
I could try to dig up the 'former barca player' thread but I'll just say hats off to Sylvinho, coach of Albania and Barca legend: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_...h-urges-keep-feet-ground-flawless-group-stage
Croatia can still advance. Need 4 games to go a certain way though. The tallest ask is England needs to beat Slovenia 3-0 or better. Its better for Spain if Croatia don't advance because then Spain would avoid the 3rd-place team from Group D in the next round (which could be a trickier opponent than the other third-place finishers).
I thought we pressed well and created enough scoring chances to win. I don't think the game was dry at all from our side. A bit of better shooting and we would have won. Costa Rica parked the bus big time and in a field with smaller dimensions, it complicates things.
Not to throw shade at Brasil, but I keep waiting for them to find a higher level, but then they don't. For example, Colombia curb-stomped and humiliated the USMNT, then Brasil draw vs them. It may be coincidental, but them drawing to T&T has got to be a disappointment. Scoring a total of 1 goal vs that opposition, given the wealth of attacking options has also got to be a disappointment. Football is more fun when Brasil are good. Here's hoping they can find that next level.
I take this back. Holland are a complete mess! Koeman is trying, I guess, as he made a 35th minute sub. Lol. Then again, it's a bit late in the Euros to realize that Xavi should be starting. But Spain, or any other first place team, should have no fear facing Holland.