Match 22 - Czechia 1-1 Georgia
Another game in this tournament where a team has the majority of chances but is held at bay. Czech republic dominated this game. They had more than 5 times the shots of Georgia, nearly two-thirds of the possession, and went behind at the end of the first half to a well struck penalty from another contentious handball decision.
Statistics wise it was Georgia's only shot on target.
They could have had a goal from open play in the last minute, but Lobjanidze placed his shot over the bar.
While Czechia had already equalised by that point, and had a goal disallowed - another handball - they couldn't parlay their dominance into victory and now must defeat Türkiye to have hopes of progression.
Match 23 - Portugal 3-0 Türkiye
Three goals to nil makes it sound oh so easy for Portugal. In reality it was, and could have been easier if other chances were converted. A Türkiye team which looked as good as any EURO team in the last game suffered stage fright in the second and suffered the consequences against a Portugal side used to the pressure of being everyone's down low team.
Silva's goal on 21 minutes and Fernandes on 55 were almost classic of their respective English Premier League careers. The middle goal is a classic of another kind. Another Portugese attack had been foiled and Akaydin passed hack the keeper, only he never watched, and Bayındır had come out to collect. The ball slid towards the goal and despite the best efforts of Çelik it was over the line before he could get there.
This adds to the Own Goals which are top scorers of this EURO's. Only Lukaku's three disallowed goals are close.
Match 24 - Belgium 2-0 Romania
Belgium needed a strong response after surprise first match defeat. Inside two minutes Tielemans had slotted them ahead and things were on track. Attack after attack followed but they couldn't find a second and, worryingly, Romania had chances of their own.
Lukaku looked to have provided teh breathing cushion of a second goal but, for the third time in two games, VAR denied him (and my fantasy team). When De Bruyne slotted home on the 79th minute there was concern of another off-side, but maybe the shirt tugging and shoving cancelled out any marginal advantage.
Going into the final games all sides in Group E are on 3 points. Anyone can go through on Wednesday. Belgium are likely to have enough to get past Ukraine, but Slovakia v Romania may just be the crucial game in the group.
| Match Number | Teams | 1st Half Score | 2nd Half Score | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Czechia v Georgia | 0-1 | 1-0 | 1-1 |
| 23 | Portugal v Türkiye | 2-0 | 1-0 | 3-0 |
| 24 | Belgium v Romania | 1-0 | 1-0 | 2-0 |
| Total Matchday Goals | 3-1 | 3-0 | 6-1 | |
| Total Tournament Goals | 36 | 27 | 63 |
Tomorrow the final group games begin and there are 2 matches:
Germany v Switzerland
Hungary v Scotland
Germany are through whatever the result. Switzerland are probably through even with a loss. Scotland's goal difference may not be enough to go through as a third place team even if they win. Hungary are unlikely to go through even with a win.
That being said, big wins for Germany and Scotland - well, a combined +7 goal difference, would see Scotland go through second. As a Scots fan my head knows this doesn't happen but, well, just imagine.
For fellow football following HIVIANS (looking at anyone in @hivefpl, @footballonhive, @sportstalksocial, etc) I've got a couple of leagues to join for the EURO's:
Fantasy Football: Build a squad, score points, top the league! Join Here
Match Predictor: Guess the match score, beat everyone else! Join Here
Please come and play, and tell the HIVIANS who you think may be interested.
text by stuartcturnbull art by UEFA & altered by stuartcturnbull