Kevin Whitcher
So after the words on England’s shameful exit yesterday, some brief thoughts on the other seven matches that took place between Saturday and Monday. Although first, I see that the FA are interested in Arsene Wenger as the next England manager. He’s been asked before, and I can’t see any change in his response this time, even if they were to wait a year for him. He might be given the opportunity to manage the French national side after Didier Deschamps, but that is the only national job he would take. And only on the basis that it is effectively a form or semi-retirement. He would not consider the idea unless his options for coaching on a daily basis were no more. And can anyone see him managing another club after Arsenal, given the power he enjoys there? The worry is that he is so addicted to the job (he has admitted there is nothing else in his life) that he will want to continue after the current deal ends. My suspicion is that Arsenal will out of the top four next season, and another manager will be given a chance to take the club to the higher level they have been struggling to attain ever since the stadium move. Whether or not his stock will still be high enough for an international job then remains to be seen. What the England team really need is a motivator and an organizer to get the best out of the players. There are actually a lot of similarities between them and Arsenal in that respect, so Wenger should be the last man they choose for the job. However, the FA doesn’t think that way.
Anyway, on a side note, I was looking at the 2020 finals, which will be held in stadiums all over the continent, knowing that the semis and final will be held at Wembley. The group stage and first two knockout rounds are going to be held in 12 different countries. I have a feeling that the schedule for one team could go something like: group games in Azerbaijan, Denmark and Belgium followed by knockout games in Spain and Russia. I can quite firmly promise you right now that I will not be attempting to see a match in every one of the stadiums used for the finals (13 in all) although I might be tempted to do, say, a week in Bilbao (where the games that Spain host will be played) and catch a couple of group matches.
So, let’s return to the novel idea of holding all the games in the same country. And this individual spending so long glued to the sofa that I will admit to falling asleep during a couple of the matches – and if we are talking Croatia against Portugal, that wasn’t difficult. Anyhow, in chronological order…
Switzerland v Poland – Back on Granit Xhaka watch, I have to say I felt he had hardly any influence on the game. A poor man’s Gilberto – without any likelihood of the Brazilian’s goals. The first 90 minutes was the classic game of two halves. Poland dominating the opening 45 minutes. Lewandowski looked knackered. Extra time was very predictable with both sides more worried about not losing than winning. As for the penalty shoot out, what can be said about the new Arsenal signing’s spot kick? It was firmly struck, I’ll give him that. Goodbye Switzerland.
Wales v Northern Ireland – Looking at the starting line-ups, I noted that all but three of the Welsh players were with Premier League clubs, and one of the trio as a certain Gareth Bale. And I am counting Burnley as a Championship team for the sake of this. Norn Ireland only had three players at Premier League clubs. It didn’t take much foresight to work out the boys in green would be tough to break down, but in the end, quality told. Bale’s ability broke the deadlock, and the conquered Irishmen received a hero’s welcome back home, in spite of winning just one game out of four. At the end of the day, they were playing a forward who turns out for Birmingham City during the season. Bale on the other hand is the world’s most expensive player. They have done well to even be at the finals. And their supporters had a damn good time.
Croatia v Portugal – The first 90 minutes were a lesson in how to ensure you increase your chances in the lottery of the penalty shoot out. It was pleasing that the game was settled before we had to have spot kicks, even if we had to wait a long time for the goal. Croatia’s pony-tailed centre back seemed to get all their chances and should have scored at least one of them. Have to say that William Carvalho looks better than Xhaka in the position – far more influential. I know Arsenal were linked with him a year or two back, but it looks like that boat has sailed.
France v Republic of Ireland – So no revenge for Thierry Henry’s handball back in 2009 then. Ultimately, quality told here. Organization and spirit can take you all the way, as Greece proved in 2004, but in truth it can be actually quite dull to watch. France have taken time to get going in every game, and against the Irish, Giroud played well as the linkman. If Arsenal plan to splash the cash on a proven goalscorer, they could do a lot worse than signing Andre Griezmann. Come on Arsene, he’s even French. Paul Pogba is beginning to show his class and Sagna’s cross for the opening goal was a reminder of the days we had at least one full back who could deliver from wide. The Republic had a dream start with the penalty, but France look to be improving as the tournament progresses after a fairly dodgy first three matches.
Germany v Slovakia – A predictable and painless German win – they could even afford a Mesut Ozil penalty miss. Apparently Thomas Muller did not take it because he’s missed a couple for Bayern recently. Who’d have thought it? The Germans short of penalty takers! The roof in Lille was open, as it should have been for the Italy v Ireland game last Wednesday night. Could not believe they relaid the pitch for this game mid-tournament. It looked awful, but apparently played ok. I fell asleep during the second half after the third goal. If I was Arseblog I’d have made a note about what I dreamt about, but I’m not.
Belgium v Hungary - Was this really ever in doubt? Class told, with Eden Hazard finding his form. Hungary could not live with the Belgians over 90 minutes, although for a long time they were more resistant than the Irish had been in Bordeaux. But it couldn’t last. The 24 team format allows a lot of countries a shot at glory, but it will be the usual suspects that will be there at the death. Belgium are ranked number 2 in the world by FIFA. They are on the up and surely the favourites to make the final from their half of the draw now.
Italy v Spain - Tika taka is dead. Take out Lionel Messi and possession football, as played by Spain, can be nullified. Spain won everything between 2008 and 2012, but their dominance seems to be over. Italy do what Italy do best. Win football matches in whatever way is required. Italy v Germany looks a cracker on paper. And as for the passion of Antonio Conte – I have said it before and I will say it again. Chelsea have an excellent chance of winning the title with this guy running the show. He is Mourinho mark II. I am really looking forward to next season’s Premier League. Guardiola, Mourinho, Conte, Klopp. There will be more entertainment on the sidelines than the pitch. Arsene needs to up his game…
To finish, a few general thoughts. There were a lot of fans of the competing teams at all the games mixed together in ‘neutral areas’ – and I was not aware of any problems between fans in these areas. The problems came from within the sections allocated to the fans by the FA’s of countries themselves. I saw problems there with Russian fans attacking England fans in the neighbouring neutral section, and Turkish fans fighting between themselves. And of course there was the in-fighting of the Croatian fans. But outside these areas, fans could watch the game together without getting into a fight.
You may have noticed that at times, stewards between the fans and the pitch held a rope between them to prevent fans getting past them. Eh? How is that going to stop anyone? It certainly didn’t stop the Russians in Marseille. Really not sure about this idea.
Tactics – We have seen the return to prominence of sides that use defence rather than attack to progress. However, this does not concern me for football generally. Cup football is about survival. Making sure you do not lose. League football requires points – so that two wins and a defeat is worth double what you get for three draws. I am fairly certain the majority of matches in the tournament have seen less than 2.5 goals for those that bet on over or under. And I suspect that will continue now. Matches generally get even tighter as the final gets nearer, with the odd exception.
I’ll be back with more musings after the quarter finals. I predict the following to progress – Portugal, Belgium, Italy and France.
