The dust has settled on another UEFA European Championships. Spain securing a record fourth triumph with a thoroughly deserved 2-1 win over England in Berlin. A competition which had several story compelling storylines and several fancied sides who failed to deliver. Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on the competition.
Best Moment
Lamine Yamal’s strike against France in the semi-final. Given the sledging from Rabiot before the game, it was fitting that the sixteen year old at the time had the last laugh with an all conquering performance. His goal injected life into the Spanish challenge and was the prelude to Olmo’s superb second goal. Yamal announced himself to the world stage and his assist in the final was noteworthy too. Four assists in the competition also. A star is born! Rabiot goes back to the drawing board.
Biggest Player Disappointment
Kylian Mbappe. He took the most shots on target out of anyone in the tournament but delivered precious little. His domestic form this season mirrored in this tournament run. The odd flash of brilliance but his execution and final third play was poor. A player who has plenty to prove at Real Madrid. France looked for inspiration from Mbappe but the only contribution Mbappe made was on the French general election!
A close second is Ronaldo. I am a big fan of Ronaldo but this tournament exposed the player. No pressing, no movement up top and his influence hung over the Portuguese camp. Roberto Martinez had other players at his disposal but it was all about Ronaldo and the results were clear from a mundane group performance, there would be zero final for the team or Ronaldo.
Biggest Team Disappointment
Belgium continue to disappoint in major tournament football. They look the part before these tournaments but whether it is squad morale or general managerial gaffes, they have failed to deliver. With the calibre of player in the side, Belgium should have been a handful in the final third but we again saw Lukaku fluff his lines and Doku was a minimal bit part player. Kevin de Bruyne clearly frustrated with the situation and life in the national side. The players looked relieved when they lost to France. Belgium face a rebuild and plenty of soul searching to find out why this under-performance in tournament play? Roberto Martinez was not the issue.
Germany. The host nation flattered on opening night based on a horrific stage fright cameo from Scotland. Musiala aside, Germany’s final third lacked the precision and accuracy required. There was a over dependency on Toni Kroos in the middle of park. Spain deservedly eliminated Germany in the knockout rounds. The defensive unit opened by the fluency of Spain’s intricate passing.
England were a frustrating watch. A manager who was too loyal to a striker who does not press and no genuine central midfield option to complement to launch defence into attack. What Philips that integral to England’s central midfield setup? A team which was disjointed which only looked better when replacements came on. The final run does not mask the clear squad and team cohesion issues throughout the tournament. England were blessed to make it to the final. Lessons need to be learned.
Best Game
I thoroughly enjoyed the Turkey vs. Georgia contest. Both teams gave as good as they got and Turkey’s first two goals were sensational strikes. An amazing atmosphere generated on the night.
Spain were slick throughout. Their performance against Croatia in the group phase was a statement of intent. Their clinical finishing in the opening half killed the game off with ease. Croatia were on the back foot from there on out.
Netherland and Austria was an excellent contest. Both sides went for it. Sabitzer’s goal to win the game was extremely well worked. Austria were a good team to watch, well organised but had a genuine final threat.
Player of the Tournament
It must go to Spain. They were imperious throughout. Rodrigo was genuine class in the middle of the park. His game reading and ability to orchestrate with cohesion and fluency is what sets him part. His opening half performance ran England midfield to exhaustion. He set the tone for the tournament and his team mates followed.
Team of the Tournament
Mamardashvili
A colossal for Georgia throughout the tournament. Quality saves in the tournament as Georgia impressed plenty of neutrals.
Carvajal, Guehi, Laporte, Cucurella.
The three Spanish selections speak for themselves. All had stellar tournaments. Carvalaj’s defensive nous and his abilty to create seen in this tournament. His pass to Yamal last night to setup the opener was superb. Cucurella shoved the Gary Neville criticism back to Salford with standout performances from a defensive and attacking perspective. Laporte was solid as a rock. Guehi was England’s best player in the tournament. The unheralded Crystal Palace defender did not put a foot wrong during his appearances.
Rodrigo, Fabian Ruiz
This was the most formidable midfield duo in the tournament. No-one else came close in this selection. A wonderful pair who provide defensive and attacking cohesion to Spain.
Yamal, Olmo, Williams
Yamal and Williams were excellent throughout the tournament. I have an admirer of Olmo. His work ethic and ability to get into superb attacking areas are key strengths. His game winner against France summed up the player. His movement, first touch and strike were exceptional. Spanish dominated team of the tournament and rightly so!
Gakpo
Netherlands struggled for cohesion but Gakpo was an ever present in terms of his performance levels. His ability on the ball and in the air significant in the Netherland’s run to the last four. Liverpool should see a massive second season from Gakpo. A player with plenty of upside to his current play and form.