It was an exciting first round of Euro 2020 with 28 total goals scored and exciting matches all-around.
It was not all fun and games, however, as the whole world was reminded that these athletic specimens are all humans in the end and they deserve our support off the pitch at times.
Here is the recap:
Christian Eriksen in Stable Condition after Scary On-Field Collapse
Denmark and Inter Milan star midfielder Christian Eriksen is currently recuperating after suffering a cardiac arrest last week in a match against Finland. Eriksen was reportedly “gone” and then resuscitated following the horrific scene.
The incident was a reminder that tomorrow is never promised. He has received numerous amounts of support from teammates, fans, and opposing players and fans. Belgian striker and Inter teammate Romelu Lukaku dedicated his first goal to Eriksen in Belgium’s 3-0 win.
He is considered one of Denmark’s greatest ever players.
Italy dominates Turkey
From the beginning to the end of the game, it was apparent what Turkey wanted to do; defend with their lives. Unfortunately for them, it all went to nothing as the red-hot Italians scored three goals in the second half.
Italian striker Ciro Immobile is in great form, having scored in three straight matches. Italian manager Roberto Mancini has established a new offensive mindset that has been effective for the notoriously defensive Azzuri and Immobile seems to be benefiting from it.
Wales steals three points from Switzerland
With Italy’s dominant performance, it was important for the Welsh and the Swiss to receive points in order to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive.
The Swiss struck first in the 49th minute after a goal from forward Breel Embolo. With the Swiss in full control possession-wise, it seemed like they would get the win. However, a wonderful header goal by Welsh striker Kieffer Moore in the 79th minute helped Wales draw level. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Belgium thrashes Russia
It was business as usual for the No. 1 ranked team in the world. Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku scored twice in Belgium’s 3-0 win against Russia.
For his first goal, he honored his Inter teammate Eriksen, who had collapsed the game before. Belgium are one of the favorites to win the Euro.
Austria win Contentious Game
The underdog North Macedonia held their against an Austria team led by star midfielder David Alaba. Austria was able to score two unanswered goals in the second half to win the match 3-1.
The controversy came after the third goal when Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic shouted and taunted a Macedonian player after scoring. Allegedly, he chanted racial epithets at the player. Arnautovic has received a 1-match ban.
De Boer-led Netherlands barely holds on
Although Frank De Boer was a great player, he has received a lot of criticism as a manager (just ask Jose Mourinho). De Boer’ defensive 5-3-2 formation with a country notorious for their attack has received backlash worldwide.
However, it seemed like the Dutch were in full control after going up 2-0 against Ukraine. Everything was going well for De Boer and his team. Then it all came tumbling down. In a five-minute frame, Ukraine drew level with a goal-of-the-tournament contender by Andriy Yarmolenko and a header goal by Roman Yaremchuk.
Holland was able to get an 85th minute header goal by Denzel Dumfries to win the match 3-2, but it seems that an incredibly-talented Dutch team is not living up to its potential.
England gets revenge
The last time England played Croatia in a major tournament, it was to go to the World Cup final. They lost 2-1 in overtime and the whole country was heartbroken.
They were able to get some payback against the Baltic powerhouse with a highly-competitive 1-0 win. Man City speedster Raheem Sterling scored the defining goal as England seeks to win their first European Championship.
Goal-of-the-Tournament for Czech Republic
The Czech Republic defeated Scotland 2-0 due to the magic of Patrik Schick. Schick scored his first goal in the 42nd minute, but his second goal was one of the stories of the tournament so far.
After receiving the ball in a potential breakaway, instead of running towards goal, he took a shot from 50 yards away and scored. Many have called it one of the greatest goals in Euro history.
Lewandowski, Poland disappointments Continue
Robert Lewandwski is one of the greatest strikers of all time. Unfortunately, the rest of the Polish team is not on his level. This was proven after they were defeated by the vastly underrated Slovakia 2-1.
Poland were believed to be a dark horse favorite in the last World Cup, but did not even make it past the first round. Now the disappointment continues to pile up while their greatest ever player is not getting any younger.
The Bad Side of Tiki Taka
Spain dominated Sweden. They were clearly the best team on the pitch. At one point in the late first half, Sweden only had 9% possession. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Alvaro Morata, who has been criticised for consistency in the past, missed an easy goal-scoring opportunity that should have given Spain the three points they needed. Without a reliable goal-scorer, Spain’s legendary ball-movement has proven to be insignificant.
Ronaldo aging like Fine Wine
Portugal scored three late goals against Hungary, thanks to the heroics of Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Guerreiro.
The future looks good for the defending champs, as youngsters like Guerreiro, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes have proven that there will be success beyond Ronaldo. It is only a matter of time until they become a world power.
Germany takes a Bite out of France, and Lose
France defeated Germany 1-0 after an unfortunate own goal by star German defenseman Mats Hummels. France scored two additional goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe, but they were called offside.
The big story of the game was when German defender Antonio Rudiger unleashed his inner Luis Suarez and took a nibble out of French midfielder Paul Pogba. The game continued without incident, but Rudiger could face a ban.
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