Euro 2020 Predictions for 23rd June 2021.

Group E.

Spain versus Slovakia.

La Cartuja, Sevilla. 5:00 pm.

Spain have had a lot of possession so far this European Championship, but it has mainly been slow possession. Spain had a lot of control of the ball in their opening two matches against Sweden and Poland creating enough chances to win the games, but they didn’t. Spain’s vulnerability to counter attacks also means that they could have lost either game. Spain won’t be contenders for the European Championship with their static attacking play and having the wasteful Alvaro Morata up front.

Slovakia are a tough counter attacking team with some good players like Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar and the veteran Marek Hamsik, but should come unstuck against Spain. Slovakia had a good win against Poland, but lost 1-0 to Sweden in a boring match.

Verdict: Spain 1 Slovakia 0. Spain will do just enough to get to the second round of the European Championship 2020.

Group E.

Sweden versus Poland.

Krestovsky Stadium, St. Petersburg. 5:00 pm.

Sweden are through to the last sixteen of the European Championship playing a tight defence first game, but with a livewire in Alexander Isak up front. Sweden’s tight defensive 4-4-2 make them a tough opponent for any opposition, it also makes them a hard watch for a neutral soccer fan.

Poland had a horrid start to the European Championship, losing to Slovakia in a surprise defeat, with Grzegorz Kychowiak getting sent off in that match for two yellow cards (they were both yellows, but the ref could have used discretion), and then drawing 1-1 against Spain in Seville. Poland with reigning FIFA Player of the Year, Robert Lewandowski, will always present some goal threat, but Poland’s recent records in tournaments has being very poor.

Verdict: Sweden 1 Poland 1. Sweden will do just to get a result, but I can’t see Sweden holding Poland goalless, especially with Lewandowski’s movement and finishing ability still being a factor. Poland will finish bottom of the group in another disappointing tournament performance.

Group F.

France versus Portugal.

Puskas Arena, Budapest. 8:00 pm.

France have had a steady, but not great group stage. France beat Germany in Munich 1-0 (which is always a great result), but drew to a hard working, but limited Hungary team in Budapest. France’s safety first game plan and lack of width makes them vulnerable when the opposition scores first, even against teams like Hungary which have a noticeable difference of ability. France will still have their solid defence, a hard working and athletic midfield, and a dangerous attack, especially on counterattacks.

Portugal had a comprehensive, if flattering win over Hungary in Budapest on Match 1, but got a bit of a thrashing against Germany on matchday 2 in probably the match of the tournament so far. Portugal have set up as a counterattacking side with an industrious midfield, and with Ronaldo in attack, supported by Silva and Jota always dangerous. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has been very quiet in this tournament. The Germany match has also exposed Portugal’s vulnerability to a team that will stretch the play, but France play quite narrowly.

Verdict France 1 Portugal 1. This match could either be one of the games of the tournaments, or a boring tactical match where both teams have what they hold. Both France and Portugal are primarily counterattacking teams, meaning that unless one team scores first, this will be a very tight, tactical match which could end goalless. I think both teams will score given their attack, but would not be surprised if this match was goalless.

Germany versus Hungary

Allianz Arena, Munich. 8:00 pm.

Germany play a very open attacking game looking to stretch the play with wing backs Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens, who were both outstanding in Germany’s 4-2 win over Portugal. Chelsea’s Kai Havertz was also outstanding in Germany’s win. Germany’s win over reigning European Champions Portugal has to be Germany back among the potential contenders for the European Championship 2020. I personally don’t think that Germany will win the European Championships, because neither of Germany’s midfielders are defence minded and Germany with Hummels look quite slow at the back, making them very vulnerable to a good counterattacking team.

Hungary’s soccer team have had a creditable European Championship, giving Portugal a game until they conceded three goals in the last five minutes, and drawing 1-1 with reigning World Champions, France. Hungary will play it tight and look for the counterattack today.

Verdict: Germany 4 Hungary 1. Germany’s attacking style should see goals in this match, with Germany getting a heavy goal total today. Germany’s vulnerability to counterattacks will see Hungary getting one or two scoring chances, but Germany will create far more scoring chances today. Germany should win well. The match could also have needle with German captain, Manuel Neuer, wearing a rainbow armband (colours of the LGBQT+ community). Hungary’s Parliament have passed, very homophobic laws recently.

Linked Posts.

Euro 2020. Predictions for 20th June 2021.

Euro 2020. Predictions for 21st June 2021.

England 2 Germany 0. Round of 16. European Championship 2020.