Euro 2020. Predictions for 16th June 2021.

Russia versus Finland

Group B

Krestovsky Stadium, St. Petersburg. 2:00 pm.

Russia were very poor against Belgium last Saturday, barely asserting themselves on the ball, and conceding two soft goals in the first half. Russia even with two home games, won’t get out of the group in my opinion.

Finland won their first match ever in the European Championship, away to Denmark, in a match that will always be overshadowed by the near death of Christian Ericsson. It is hard to read into Finland’s last match due to the circumstances of what happened on the pitch.

Verdict 1-1 draw. Neither team are really good enough to beat each other.

Turkey versus Wales.

Group A.

Olympic Stadium, Baku. 5:00 pm.

Turkey were pathetic against Italy, making no effect on the match on the ball, Turkey didn’t even counter attack against Italy. Italy’s three goals without reply against Turkey, means that Turkey have a big job to get into the next round.

Wales while outplayed for long periods against Switzerland, still got a result that day. Wales always seems to be one of the teams that is better then the sum of their parts, as well as having in Gareth Bale, a man that can still win a game on his own. Manchester United’s Daniel James, means that is serious pace on both flanks for the Welsh.

Verdict: Wales 1 Turkey 0. Team spirit should swing it for the Welsh.

Italy versus Switzerland.

Group A.

Stadio Olimpico, Rome. 8:00 pm.

Italy looked good on Friday against Turkey (I thought Turkey were very poor). Italy are a team in serious form, being a team with a near thirty match unbeaten run. Italy have a good, but slow defence, very good midfield that is one of the best in the tournament, but an attack that lacks world class players.

Switzerland looked decent for long periods against Wales, but didn’t win. Switzerland have some good players playing in the Bundesliga and the Premiership, but lack a really top player who can really transform the team. Switzerland are one of those teams that can reach the last 16 and maybe quarter finals with a favourable draw, but are just not an elite team.

Verdict: Italy 2 Switzerland 0. Switzerland will give Italy, a harder game then Turkey did on Friday, but Italy are still better then Switzerland.

(C). Ferdia O’Mahony 2021.