EURO FEST 2020

EURO FEST

‘THE MOST SUCCESSFUL FORMATION WAS 4-3-3, A SYSTEM FAVOURED BY THREE OF THE FOUR SEMIFINALISTS’

t happened a year later than planned, THE DELAYED EURO 2020 MADE FOR CAPTIVATING VIEWING EURO 2020 RECAP I but Euro 2020 was most definitely worth the wait. A unique tournament staged at 11 venues right across the continent at varying degrees of capacity, it captured the imagination through sheer entertainment and unpredictability, with high-quality football on show throughout and numerous records FROM BEGINNING TO END AND CREATED MANY A LASTING tumbling on the way to Italy’s eventual triumph. MEMORY. STEPHEN DONOVAN LOOKS BACK ON THE TOURNAMENT There was hardly a dull game to speak of as AND ITS HIGHLIGHTS… most teams went at each other punch for punch and often had to go the full distance in order to be separated, but in the end it was the best and most resilient side of all that still emerged on top. Back from the international wilderness of embarrassingly failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Italy were seen as dark horses by many, but that status quickly changed to serious contenders from the moment they got the competition underway with a stylish dismantling of Turkey. From there, they hardly put a foot wrong and although questions were frequently asked of them during the knockout stages, a collective determination and immense mental fortitude carried them all the way. Indeed, the competition as a whole was one that rewarded such strength of character. Nothing epitomized that more than Denmark, who were rocked by talisman Christian Eriksen’s sickening cardiac arrest and looked set for an early exit, only to regroup and produce a series of inspired performances which led them to the semi-finals. Elsewhere, England defied persistent concerns

Marco Verratti

Following Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest, Denmark showed incredible quality and resilience to reach the semi-finals

about their defence and holding midfield options by not conceding from open play en route to finishing as runners-up, while we also saw some unlikely comebacks and the odd notable upset. From a tactical perspective, the most successful formation was 4-3-3, a system favoured by three of the four semi-finalists. In each case, the emphasis was on slick passing and controlling the tempo, which brought extra responsibility upon the three in midfield, where one would sit and allow the others more freedom to move into advanced positions. Italy used Jorginho as their lynchpin to great effect, much of Denmark’s good play came through the industrious Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Barcelona starlet Pedri was named Young Player of the Tournament after gracing Spain with his outstanding passing ability. What was so eye-catching about Italy’s successful side is that their style of play was a departure from the methodical, counter-attacking approach of many years gone by, with coach Roberto Mancini striking the perfect balance throughout the team and winning countless admirers in the process. In England, meanwhile, there was also a lot of discussion about Gareth Southgate and his decision making. Critics often questioned his team selections or accused his tactics of being too negative, but each time they were proved wrong as Southgate guided the Three Lions to the final where they only succumbed to a penalty shootout.

‘MANY OF THE STANDOUT PERFORMERS IN EURO 2020 WERE FULL-BACKS, JUST TO ILLUSTRATE HOW EFFECTIVE THEY ARE IN THIS DAY AND AGE’

Christian Eriksen worried the world when he suffered from his injury.

‘HE IS OUR BEST PLAYER AND WE MADE IT FAR FOR HIM’

For all the teams at the finals, the ability to make up to five substitutions in normal time added an extra strategic element to the mix. Although this rule had the potential to slow games down - the marathon last-16 clash between Sweden and Ukraine immediately springs to mind - the broader range of options it provided was a valuable tool in every coach’s armoury, as the timing of each change could sometimes make all the difference. Looking back on the pre-tournament buildup, several nations were tipped to be in with a chance of winning it, but there were two clear front-runners. Boasting a squad of infinite quality, World Cup winners France were highly fancied to add a third Euro crown to their trophy cabinet. Meanwhile, the world’s top-ranked side Belgium were aiming for their long-awaited first major tournament victory. However, both would end up crashing out earlier than expected. France were in Group F, which had immediately caught everyone’s attention as soon as the draw was made, for it pitted them against perennial challengers Germany, defending champions Portugal, and a committed Hungary side backed by full crowds in Budapest. After some fascinating head-to-head battles, they advanced as group winners and seemed as if they were going through the gears before unleashing their full prowess in the knockout stages. But then came the sensational penalty shootout defeat by Switzerland and the manner of it, which sent shockwaves across Europe. At that moment, it felt like anything might be possible. Belgium looked formidable in breezing through the group stage with a 100% record and then bringing Portugal’s title defence to an end courtesy of Thorgan Hazard’s superb strike, only to fall victim to irrepressible Italy as their golden generation again came up short. There were disappointments too for Germany, losing to old rivals England in the last 16 in coach Joachim Low’s final act, and the Netherlands, who fell apart against the Czech Republic in their first major tournament since the 2014 World Cup. The Dutch were at least involved in one of the best matches of the group stage as they overcame Ukraine late on despite surrendering a two-goal lead. That was one

Although questions were asked during the knockout stages, a determination and immense mental fortitude carried Italy all the way.

Once favoured France was taken out by the underdogs Switzerland in the round of 16

Underdogs Czech Republic made it to the quarter finals.

THE HOSTING XI

STAGING EURO 2020 IN MULTIPLE CITIES THROUGHOUT EUROPE WAS ALWAYS GOING TO BE A DIFFICULT UNDERTAKING, EVEN BEFORE COVID-19. IT DIVIDED OPINION, BUT AS STEPHEN DONOVAN EXPLORES, WAS FAR FROM A DISASTER

Aleksander Ceferin is against having multiple host nations again in the future

When former UEFA president Michel Platini announced way back in 2012 that the staging of Euro 2020 would be spread over some 13 cities across the continent in order to mark the competition’s 60th anniversary, it seemed an innovative idea to some, and a crazy one to others. Regardless of the opposing arguments, it certainly guaranteed that it was going to be unlike any other major tournament to date. After a competitive bidding process, the host venues were selected with Wembley Stadium being awarded the semi-finals and final, and despite Brussels being stripped of its matches in 2017 it looked like everything was proceeding as well as could be expected. But then, with the finals just months away and the group stage draw having been made, a global pandemic would turn preparations completely upside down. With the world at a standstill the competition was delayed by a year and when it finally came around, the question was how many supporters each stadium could safely admit. That caused Dublin and Bilbao to have to pull out, with the latter replaced by Seville to bring the final number of host cities to 11. It wasn’t the ideal scenario, but ultimately the countless logistical challenges were overcome. The issue of travel was a regular talking point as Switzerland clocked up almost 10,000 miles on their way to reaching the quarter-finals, while England had the luxury of playing just one of their seven games away from Wembley. It was an unfair disparity and perhaps the most telling reason why current UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin is against having multiple host nations again in the future, but in the circumstances it must surely be seen as a success. Every venue had its own unique vibe, and perhaps most importantly, the presence of fans made it extra special.

EURO 2020 AWARDS

AS THE DUST SETTLES FROM ITALY’S EURO 2020 SUCCESS, STEPHEN DONOVAN LOOKS AT THOSE WHO WENT HOME WITH THE INDIVIDUAL HONOURS

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA

Faultless throughout Italy’s path to victory, Donnarumma showed exactly why he’s a world-class goalkeeper, not least when making two decisive saves in the shootout to beat England in the final. An imposing figure between the posts, he ultimately emerged the hero and has proved the natural successor to Gianluigi Buffon.

Pre-tournament favourites France suffered a shock penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland in the last 16

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - PEDRI

A special mention to Denmark’s Mikkel Damsgaard, but the meteoric rise of Pedri continues to astound. It feels crazy to believe that he has only one season of senior football behind him, but now the 18-year-old has become just as indispensable to Spain as he is for Barcelona with his dynamic midfield performances.

COACH OF THE TOURNAMENT - ROBERTO MANCINI

Several coaches enhanced their reputations at Euro 2020, but Mancini’s transformation of Italy since taking charge is nothing short of phenomenal. With a neat and expansive style of play, he’s built a side that feels almost impossible to beat and instilled a fearsome mentality that carried them all the way.

TOP SCORER CRISTIANO RONALDO

Despite Portugal being eliminated in the last 16, Cristiano Ronaldo still managed to claim the Golden Boot and a bunch of records. His five goals all came in the group stage, the most impressive being a skillful finish against Hungary as he moved well clear as the top scorer in the competition’s history.

REVELATION OF THE TOURNAMENT - RAHEEM STERLING

Many England supporters felt that Sterling wasn’t worthy of a place in England’s starting XI for the Euros, but coach Gareth Southgate kept faith with the Manchester City forward and he truly delivered. Three goals and a succession of top-drawer performances saw Sterling deservedly named in the Team of the Tournament.

‘JUNE 28 WAS SURELY THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY DAY OF ACTION IN EUROS HISTORY, AS IT BROUGHT 14 GOALS, NON-STOP DRAMA, AND TWO SCARCELYBELIEVABLE COMEBACKS’

of a clutch of pulsating encounters sprinkled across the four weeks, including Germany’s thrilling 4-2 win over Portugal, Sweden clinching top spot in Group E with a last-gasp goal against Poland, and the gripping first semi-final between Italy and Spain where both teams maintained phenomenally high standards for the entire 120 minutes.

And who could forget memorable Monday?

June 28 was surely the most extraordinary day of action in European Championship history, as two astonishing last-16 games produced 14 goals, non-stop drama, and two scarcely-believable comebacks. Spain somehow allowed a comfortable 3-1 lead slip against Croatia before prevailing 5-3 after extra time, and then came the infamous demise of France. It looked like Les Bleus had rescued a tricky situation when Karim Benzema’s double and a wonder strike from Paul Pogba punished

Switzerland for missing a penalty which would have put them 2-0 up just moments earlier. It seemed like game over, but the Swiss deservedly hit back in the final 10 minutes and went on to win as Kylian

Mbappe capped a campaign to forget by failing with the crucial spot-kick. It was an absolute classic. Pogba’s sublime curler was one of the goals of the tournament along with Andriy Yarmolenko’s beauty against the Netherlands and a screamer from Denmark defender Andreas Christensen in their thumping win over Russia, but the best of the lot was Patrick Schick’s breathtaking 50-yard effort against Scotland. The Czech Republic striker went on to be one of the stars of Euro 2020, with his five goals matched only by Golden Boot winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the leading scorer in the competition’s history and equaled the world record of 109 in international men’s football. Italy hero Gianluigi Donnarumma was named Player of the Tournament, but many of the other standout performers were full-backs, just to illustrate how effective they are in this day and age. Leonardo Spinazzola was a constant weapon for the Azzurri until being cruelly struck down by injury, Joakim Maehle was equally relentless for Denmark and scored twice, and nobody caught the eye more for the Netherlands than Denzel Dumfries, who was essentially an auxiliary striker. The abiding memory of Euro 2020 is that it was a finals like no other. Every host city brought a different atmosphere and flavour, and most importantly it caught fire on the pitch. There was extra time aplenty, more own goals than in all the previous Euros combined, strength shown in extreme adversity, and very worthy champions at the end. After 51 games and 142 goals, Italy showed that they’re the real deal once again.