Euro 2016: Tournament Review
Underdogs, Lack of goals, Frenatic Fans, Sub-par Superstars and Antoine Griezmann, Gareth Bale and Iceland- Euro 2016 had its ups and downs but will surely be a tournament to remember.
All good things must end and the same can be said about this summers festival of football as Euro 2016 has come to an end with Portugal emerging as surprising champions and the hosts and favorites France suffering heartbreak in the final. Before the tournament began i doubt many people, barring Portuguese fans and a few Ronaldo fans could have even imagined winning the trophy. This continued the trend of underdogs performing well throughout the tournament and solid defensive teams winning.
The tournament was really made for underdogs with Iceland beating England, Croatia topping a group with Spain, Wales reaching the semis, Hungary qualifying for knockouts and Portugal winning. These teams showed that the most important thing in football is not having the best players but the best team spirit and feeling of togetherness. Wales, Iceland and Portugal were some of the most close-knit teams who gave their everything and won and lost together. They were excellently organized by coaches who were excellent tactically and made them defend and break on the counter.
51 matches. 108 goals with an average of 2.12 goals per game is not the best average. The tournament began with lackluster, drab defensive games but as the tournament opened up the goals began to fly in. Still it perhaps was not the most exciting tournament in recent memory but it captured the attention of football fans for a month. France was the best team in this respect with 1.86 goals every game followed by Belgium and Wales. France also created the most chances along with Portugal with Germany and Belgium following closely. Germany, Spain and England were teams that dominated Possession but lacked a cutting edge. Spain were the best passers with Iniesta and Fabregas displaying their attributes.
The tournament will also be remembered for Superstars like Ibrahimovic, Lewandowski, Rooney, Muller, Kane disappointing and Pogba and Ronaldo not at their respective bests. The above superstars were coming of the back of excellent seasons and were perhaps slightly tired coming into the tournament they did not perform to expectation.
It is fair to say that Austria, England, Russia were the worst performing teams in comparison with their expectations and they did not perform well. This once again highlighted the flaws in Englands management system because they had one of the most dynamic, youthful and talented squads but Roy Hodgson found a way to lose against Iceland. Bad decisions are what cost them. This will all need to be changed with a new manager. They lacked a cutting edge and especially against Iceland a proper Plan A and Plan B.
Goal of the Tournament- Xherdan Shaqiri Bicycle Kick against Poland.
The goal was absolutely ridiculous and is the front runner for the Puskas award for sure.
Moment of the Tournament- Iceland beating England (Brexit) :)
Icelands Viking Clap was copied by many teams as it was intimidating.
The ultimate underdogs and their Viking Clap startled the perennial under performers in the upset of the tournament and this went to show that money and individuality is not what. matters in football.
Player of the Tournament- Antoine Griezmann
He alone knocked Germany out of the tournament and put in fantastic displays when it mattered being named top scorer. Special shout outs go to Bale, Ramsey, Payet and Hazard. A superstar was born in France and that came thanks to Iceland. They were trailing 1-0 at halftime and his move into the center changed the game with 2 goals as he came up with a header and brilliant dink under pressure. He then dismantled Iceland with a goal and terrific display and beat Germany. He was easily the best player and is in contention for the Ballon d'or.
Team of the Tournament- Wales
Their team spirit and fantastic coach found a way to beat teams with excellent plans and were a great teams but also had individual talent in Bale and Ramsey. Portugal, Iceland and France were also brilliant.
Below i am giving my Team of the Tournament-
Goalkeeper- Rui Patricio
Made 20 saves in the tournament, 2nd highest and came up big in the final with some outstanding game saving saves that went a long way in winning the tournament.
Right Back- Joshua Kimmich
The young Munich Prodigy was the most industrious right back creating the 3rd most number of chances in the tournament and was also brilliant defensively.
Center Back- Boateng
Apart from one hand ball he was flawless making goal line clearances and marshalling an excellent German Defense while also contributing in attack.
Center Back- Pepe
He was one of the standout Portuguese Players as he was impeccable in defense and curbed his aggression to put out extremely mature displays.
Left Back- Raphael Guerrero
The best full back at the tournament was dearly missed by Portugal in the 3-3 against Hungary and otherwise with him on the pitch they only conceded 3 goals. He was good in attack but a stalwart in defense.
Center Mid- Toni Kroos
His excellent passes from deep and controlling the pace of the game was on display as he showed why he is one of the best midfielders in the game.
Center Mid- Aaron Ramsey
Wales dearly missed him in the semi-final loss to Portugal. His attacking runs from deep, playmaking and high pressing midfield play were highlights of the tournament as he gave it his all.
Attacking Mid- Dimitri Payet
His form wavered at the end of the tournament but until the semi-finals he was the best player, winnning the games against Romania and Albania while performing excellently against Iceland.
Right Wing- Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale was Wales best players showing why he is one the worlds best players. He was brilliant on the counter and kept his nations hopes alive with outstanding displays in all the matches.
Striker- Antoine Griezmann
He came to fruition in the knockout stages and displayed all his best attributes his skill, dribbling, pace and finishing and alone dismantled Germany on the break.
Left Wing- Cristiano Ronaldo
He was not at his best but was still an inspirational captain, he perfomed when it mattered most against Hungary scoring 2, Against Wales scoring 1 and assisting 1 and was inspirational of the touchline in the final.
Honorable mentions- Joe Allen, Renato Sanches, Nani, Hazard, Lloris, Bonucci, Kevin de Bruyne, Morata.
There it is Euro 2016 is over and what a tournament it has been with some superstars announcing themselves on the international stage and underdogs and youngsters taking the tournament by storm. Tomorrow i will give my team of underdogs and surprise superstars.
