Match 27 - Spain 1-0 Albania
When Ferran Torres put put Spain a goal up on 13 minutes it was fair to wonder if a mauling was on the cards for an Albania side who have had two close but no cigar games in this championship. For much of the first half it was just a case of waiting for the floodgates to open.
In the second half Albania continued to be pressed, but pressed back and had opportunites. Ray made several fine saves for Spain and stat wise had to make four while Albania's Strakosha only fielded two. But golas win matches and the Torres strike was sufficient to give Spain a perfect 3 wins from 3 games to top the group, and their defence has yet to concede a goal.
Match 28 - Italy 1-1 Croatia
Croatia have not had a great couple of opening games in this tournament and
an expected loss to current Champions Italy would send them home because there is no metric by which a third place team with one point and a negative goal difference could proceed.
Yet, in the 55th minute, they took the lead when Luka Modric slammed the ball into the roof of the net to atone for a saved penalty moments earlier, and suddenly Croatia were qualifying second in the group.
And exhausted Modric was subbed off, and a determined Italy continued to pile on pressure. With the end of the game approaching eight minutes of extra time were announced. Still Italy pressed, still Croatia held on. Then, in the 98th minute, Italy broke through. The single goal was enough to secure the draw and their place in the next round.
Croatia will have to see if their 2 points and minus goal difference will see them scrape through. It's unlikely.
| Match Number | Teams | 1st Half Score | 2nd Half Score | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Spain v Albania | 1-0 | 0-0 | 1-0 |
| 28 | Italy v Croatia | 0-0 | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Total Matchday Goals | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Total Tournament Goals | 38 | 31 | 69 |
Tomorrow there are 4 matches as Groups C & D close out:
Group C 17:00 kick off
Netherlands v Austria
Denmark v Serbia
Group D 20:00 kick off
England v Slovenia
Denmark v Serbia
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