Euro 2016 matchday two delivered plenty more spice to an already tasty tournament.
Hodgson’s substitutions spare England’s blushes
England broke Welsh hearts everywhere after two second half goals overturned a 1-0 half time deficit, inflicted by star winger Gareth Bale. Despite establishing early dominance, Roy Hodgson and his Three Lions outfit were tactically outfoxed by a dogged Wales in the opening 45, and Bale made them pay. Joe Hart made a meal of his loopy free kick, with the ball eventually nestling into the bottom corner just before the interval.
Defeat would have been a near fatal outcome for England and Hodgson seemed to recognise that danger, wasting no time rejigging his setup. Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge replaced ineffectual pair Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, and it was Vardy would turn the match on its head, finding a way through courtesy of an unlucky Ashley Williams.
Sturridge’s 92nd minute toepoke saw England across the line, and for many, leaving just one question for their boss: why didn’t Sturridge and Vardy start?
Italy roll on with defensive tactics
Love it or hate it, Italy’s typically staunch defensive setup is once again wreaking rewards and they can now boast a perfect six from six points tally. And why would the Azzurri waiver from their greatest strength? Their all-Juventus back three of Giorgio Chiellini, Leo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli is thus far unblemished but have found a way at the other end, scoring twice against Belgium as well as a late winner to down Sweden in a cagey battle.
Eder’s strike secured Italy’s progression and likely top spot in Group E. Lacking some of their usual star power, boss Antonio Conte believes his team has proven the critics wrong – who could argue?
Belgium’s emphatic response
Murmurs of unrest, albeit unproven, within the Belgian camp seem to have been put to bed, with the Red Devils seeing off Ireland 3-0 after a second half blitz. Romelu Lukaku bagged a brace as the Belgians delivered something of a statement of intent having fallen to Italy on matchday one.
Internal criticism was brandied all over De Rode Duivels. Manager Marc Wilmots pointed the finger at a number of players after the disappointing defeat at the hands of the Italians, and combined with a perceived individualistic mentality, looked potentially set to derail their Euros campaign.
But Belgium’s second half performance against the Irish showed exactly why they were so fancied to take out the entire tournament before it began, and an equally impressive outing against Sweden in their final group stage match could see them brought back into contention.
Northern Ireland’s landmark victory
Northern Ireland were not able to overcome tough opposition in their maiden Euros appearance against Poland, but Michael O’Neill’s men made history by defeating a disappointing Ukraine side 2-0 at the Stade des Lumieres. Gareth McAuley put Norn Iron in the drivers seat 49 minutes in before Niall McGinn sealed the deal at the death.
The Green and White Army have given themselves every chance every chance to secure an unlikely round of 16 berth, but sitting in third on three points, they will have to cause one of the great Euro shocks and down world champions Germany in Paris.
Group F heavyweights on the brink
This group is one of the most intriguing at this instalment of the European Championships: one team a football giant, one a 20th century power, a debutant and an unheralded darkhorse.
While the vast majority of the European big boys look set to reach the round of 16, Portugal are staring elimination in the face. They dominated against Austria, another nation that was expected to reach far greater heights in France, yet could not find a way through from 23 efforts on goal, leaving Hungary and Iceland to eye off the next round.
Portugal currently sit on two points from a possible six and will be desperate for a win to secure certain progression when they meet an old football powerhouse, Hungary, in Lyon on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Das Team sit bottom of Group F with a solitary point and must rain on the Iceland parade if they are to reach the last 16.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
