The Euro 2016 weekend highlights: 25-27 June

The worst 90 minutes in English football history

Nobody realistically believed that England would win Euro 2016, but did anyone truly think it would end this way? Even 12 hours on it is hard to fathom just how poor the three lions were in losing 2-1 to Iceland and bowing out of the tournament at the first knockout round. A wretched evening culminated in Roy Hodgson resignation as manager minutes after the final whistle, with the 68 year old’s position untenable. Yet it is the players who, to their credit, have already taken much of the blame for the result – and rightly so. As fear and panic wrapped themselves around those on the pitch during an increasingly desperate second half, the England players lost all sense of tactical discipline and even straightforward five yard passes went astray. Iceland exploited these weaknesses and fully deserved to progress to a quarter final meeting with France on Sunday.

But as ridiculous as it sounds, we should not over exaggerate the significance of this match. Yes, England were worse than awful, but this performance wasn’t in keeping with the positive, dynamic displays of the group stages. It would be hard to argue that the three lions weren’t the best team in Group B and it was only a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal that prevented them from winning all three games comfortably. With many current England players still yet to reach their potential and plenty of bright prospects in the younger age groups, there are still reasons to be hopeful. Despite last night’s evidence, the future’s bright. Unfortunately that will be no consolation to a squad that will leave France hanging their heads in shame.

The highs and lows of tournament football

Moving away from yesterday’s horror show, this weekend illustrated just how harsh a major tournament can be. After securing top spot in Group F thanks to a whirlwind 3-3 draw with Portugal, Hungary looked forward to Sunday’s match against Belgium with the pressure firmly on the shoulders of their opponents and the belief that they could spring an upset. These dreams were mercilessly crushed by Eden Hazard and co, with the 4-0 scoreline arguably flattering Hungary more than the Belgians. Croatia also entered the knockout stages in high spirits due to an impressive 2-1 victory over holders Spain in their final group game. A place in the ‘easier’ half of the draw even had some pundits tipping them to go all the way, especially as an uninspiring Portugal team were their next opponents. Yet none of Croatia’s considerable attacking flair was allowed to flourish in a dire 120 minutes of football and Ricardo Quaresma’s last minute header was enough to send the Croatians home.

If France continue to progress then this celebration will be out in force. Image: Youtube/Messi vs CR7

But the rollercoaster of emotions that is an international tournament was most brutally felt by Ireland. Their shock 1-0 win over Italy was enough to set up a last 16 match against France, where a second-minute Robbie Brady penalty sent the Irish into dreamland. Remaining ahead at half time meant that the boys in green had gone over two hours of football against two of the tournament’s favourites without conceding; the finish-line was in sight. Finally, though, the French pressure told. Two goals in five minutes from Antoine Griezmann proved to be a sucker punch from which the Irish never recovered, and despite such a gutsy showing they were on the next flight home.

Favourites turn up the heat

The second round matches gave perhaps the clearest indication of who could win Euro 2016. The aforementioned Belgians have scored eight goals without reply in their last three matches but face a tricky quarter final against Wales. The Welsh took four points off Belgium in qualifying so will be quietly confident, but they are up against a side who are hitting form at just the right time. Germany illustrated the importance of possessing a cutting edge in swatting aside Slovakia; whereas England did everything but score against the Slovakians, the world champions went ahead early and never looked like relinquishing their lead. Lastly, another Antonio Conte tactical masterclass guided Italy to a 2-0 victory over Spain, underlining the Azzurri’s status as the team to beat. They meet Germany in the quarter final on Saturday – whoever emerges victorious will arguably be the favourites to lift the trophy on July 10.