itsbeautifuloutside

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IBO Reporter : Spot51

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Intro

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|As Groups of Death go, this Group F has big hitters in Portugal (current holders of Euros and Nations League) and France and Germany (current and previous World Cup winners) with Hungary in the role of whipping boys. If Hungary do indeed suffer 3 defeats, there is every chance the others will all progress with 4 from 6 third placed sides getting through.

However, Hungary don’t have a history of doing that. In the middle of the 20th century, they were the big beast of European football. After a few dodgy decades, the Magyars qualified for Euro 2016 where they won Group F (from which Portugal came through despite finishing 3rd). They were well beaten by Belgium in their knockout game but that was their only defeat. The current squad has 12 home-based players. The rest play in either Europe or MLS with just the #8 Adam Nagy playing here with Bristol City. Hungary enjoy home advantage against Portugal and France but must travel to Munich to play the Germans.

Portugal, the holders, have improved since 2016. A number of older players have been replaced with exciting youngsters but 30-somethings Pepe, Fonte and Ronaldo are still around and still important. Twenty of this squad play outside Portugal with 9 playing here – 4 at Wolves, Jota from Liverpool and (following Cancelo’s positive Covid test) 2 each from United and City – including both clubs’ star turns, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Dias. Portugal also play 2 games in Budapest and go to Munich to play Germany.

France finished 2nd in 2016 before winning the World Cup 2 years later. They are favourites to win again this year and hardly any of their squad do not play for ECL regulars. Only 5 are home based and 7 ply their trade in the UK with Zouma, Kante and Giroud at ECL champions Chelsea. The rest are based in Spain, Italy and Germany. France begin in Munich before de-camping to Budapest for their remaining games.

2014 World Cup winners, Germany are a team in transition. Joachim Low will leave his post in August with Hansi Flick lined up to succeed. In 2016, they lost to France in the semi-final but then, at the World Cup in Russia, Germany finished bottom of their group. Recent results have not been great but they are still Germany and enjoy home advantage in all their group games. Their squad has 17 home-based players with 8 from Bayern. Six play in England with Rudiger, Kante and Werner at Chelsea.

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Match 1: Hungary v Portugal

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|The tea-time kick off in Budapest saw Hungary entertain current Champions, Portugal. Budapest is the only venue where a full stadium is allowed and proof of Covid jabs enabled over 60,000 fans to watch. I get a bit blasé about players and pundits bleating about empty stadiums but, when the vast majority of those fans blasted out the Magyar National Anthem, even I felt a tingle run down my spine.

Portugal’s recent games saw Fonte alongside Pepe at the back but, sadly, it was Jose who lost out when Ruben Dias returned. The depth of Portugal’s squad was demonstrated by Euro 2016 “Player of the Tournament” Renato Sanches sat alongside him on the bench. Their front 6 of William, Danilo, Bernado Silva, Fernandes, Jota and Ronaldo look as good as any.

Portugal (in their hooped away strip) took the game to their hosts and for much of the first half Hungary seemed happy to sit in their defensive block and let them have the ball. It took 5m before Jota got a shot away but Gulasci made a simple save. He and RB Leipzig clubmate Willi Orban marshalled the home defence with some authority.

With their front 4 exchanging places, Portugal’s width was provided by full-backs Raphael and Wolves’ Semedo. The latter was subject to a string of “firm” tackles as he sought to by-pass the home defence. Consequently, Portugal gained numerous free-kicks and corners without ever really putting Hungary in real peril.

It was 35m before Hungary got far enough forward to earn a free kick for a foul on Szalai. The ball was launched into Portugal’s box, met by a Hungarian head and Rui Patricio was obliged to save it. In the remaining minutes of the half, Jota drew another save from Gulasci before Ronaldo was played in but blazed his shot over when he looked sure to score. HT = 0-0.

After the break, Hungary began to show more ambition and certainly had more possession. Portugal had an early header by Pepe saved but the next 2 chances fell to Hungary’s strikers who each drew saves with shots from distance.

From 65m both sides began introducing substitutes and Gulasci made a great save when he tipped a Fernandes shot round his post. Portugal’s key substitution came when Rafa Silva of Benfica (a proper winger) began hugging the right touchline. Hungary were still in this and Jota in particular was starting to make mistakes. I lost count of the number of times he lost the ball when trying to force the game.

On 77m Hungary brought on Siger (Ferencvaros) and Schon (FC Dallas) and within 3 minutes Schon had the ball in the net. He looked miles offside, a fact confirmed by the VAR crew. Portugal responded by getting Jota off and bringing on Renato Sanchez and Eintracht goal-machine Andre Silva.

Hungary survived until 84m but the wily Rafa Silva cut in from his wing to find Raphael free in the middle. The Dortmund full-back let fly and an attempted block merely directed the ball past Gulasci into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later Orban brought down Rafa Silva inside the box. Up stepped CR7, playing in his 5th Euros, to score in his 5th Euros and take his goals scored in Euros one ahead of Michel Platini’s record. Not bad for a relatively quiet evening for Portugal’s captain. To be fair, Ronaldo takes a great penalty – no skips, no jumps, just runs up and thrashes the thing beyond the keeper’s dive.

Hungary had deserved better but their torment was not over. With Moutinho on in midfield, Portugal could taste blood in the water. In added time, Ronaldo played a couple of one-twos with Rafa Silva as he cut across the box before rolling the ball into net. Make that 11 goals at the Euros – and counting.

Hungary are not a bad side and, in another group, they may have entertained hopes of a run into the knock-out bit. With France up next here. followed by a trip to Munich, methinks they will be watching that on TV.

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Match 2: France v Germany

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|To say these great European nations “have history” is an understatement. In a football sense, the Germans (as West Germany) were more successful but, with 2 World Cups, 2 Euros and other finals, France are catching up. There were no major surprises in either team sheet now that both Hummels and Muller are back in the German fold. Bayern often provide the bulk of German sides but here only 4 of theirs started – plus both French fullbacks. Likewise, Benzema was back for France and started up front with Griezmann and Mbappe.

This was not a classic football match with flowing moves and silky skills on display. It was more like heavy weight boxing with both contestants wary of the other’s knockout punch. The early sparring saw an over-enthusiastic Kimmick booked and the wing-back did remarkably well to stay out of trouble for the rest of the game. France looked the better side early on and should have taken the lead on 16m. Kante and Pavard won a corner which Pogba met but his header went high - should have scored. A minute later Mbappe drew a save from Neuer.

Some matches so far have been very one sided so it was nice to see two sides both going at it but both defences looked well drilled and chances were few. Then, following a Griezmann corner, France recovered the ball and Pogba played in Hernandez overlapping on the left. The full back fair lashed a low hard cross down the “corridor of uncertainty”. Poor Mats Hummels, facing the wrong way, could not sort his feet out and the ball bounced off him into the roof of the net. 1-0 France.

Germany upped their game. Gosens found Muller who headed wide, then (after Kante had tripped Gundogan) Kroos hit the wall with a free kick. He got another soon after. This went past the wall but not under the bar. Indeed, from this point on, France seemed happy to sit on their lead and hit Germany on the break. They are adept at intercepting passes and on 36m Mbappe got at them, winning a corner which was headed out. Soon after Gnabry set up Gundogan who fired wide. At half time it was still 1-0.

The second half carried on in the same vein and Germany overtook France in most stats – but not the important one. France continued to hit on the break and the air was “bleu” when Griezmann was unmarked in the box but Rabiot chose to shoot instead and hit the woodwork. Soon after, Germany’s best chance arrived when Gnabry met Gosens’ cross but steered his header too high. Gnabry was then foiled by Lloris before both sides enjoyed a “time out” while Pavard was treated onfield but he was able to carry on.

Germany were now on-top but were very pleased to see a late flag on 66m when Mbappe had the ball in their net. Substitutes began arriving with Sane and Werner bringing pace and width for Die Mannschaft. At the back, Hummels redeemed himself with a fantastic sliding tackle to thwart the pacy Mbappe bearing down on goal. It was, however, superb defending from the French that characterised their win. Another French “goal” was chalked off on 85m when Mbappe was again offside. Volland and Can joined the fray as Germany sought an equaliser but their best chance fell to Sane who stuck it horribly wide. During 6 more minutes France brought on another Bayern player in Tolisso and were obliged to take off the injured Rabiot with Dembele on for the last knockings.

That was that. Just the one goal separated them but France defended majestically as they sat on Hummels’ gift for 70m. Without the offsides France may have won by more but the effectiveness of their performance suggests they will go very deep into Euro 2020 2021. Germany v Portugal WILL be interesting.

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IBO Reporter : Spot51

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Match 3: Hungary v France

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|The Puskas Stadium was full and rocking again. It now seems our government preferring to let in the Delta Covid variant rather than UEFA’s hangers on could see the Final being moved to Budapest. Another “Brexit win”?

Both sides made a single change from their previous games with Nego in for Hungary and Digne for Les Bleus. In charge today was Michael Oliver, probably the only English referee capable of upholding the high standards of officiating these Euros have enjoyed. It was a baking hot afternoon by the Danube so “Drinks Breaks” were in-play.

Hungary had been solidly defensive against Portugal but now needed to win points so were on the front foot here. Fiola’s hearty challenge on Pavard in the 1st minute showed they were here to compete. Hungary got the first chance on 4m after Varane clattered Salloi. France cleared their lines with Botka needing treatment after going down in their box. Varane’s second foul on Salloi saw him booked on 10m and the cool defending France relied upon against Germany was absent this afternoon. Only Lloris seemed to have a handle on things.

BBC pundit Jenas “remarked that “tackles were flying in” which described what was happening on the pitch. Gradually France steeped up their tempo and kept better control of the ball. Benzema has a shot blocked then Griezmann ought to have scored. He didn’t but the annoyingly late offside flag spared his blushes. Digne was getting down the left and on 17m Mbappe got to his cross but his header was off target. When Pogba was fouled midway through the half we got the drinks break. Magyar captain Szalai also needed treatment and could not continue – replaced by Nikolic before the restart.

The new man lined up in Hungary’s wall and Mbappe’s powerful shot hit him full in the face and down he went. Thankfully, the sub was able to carry on. His team were much more adventurous today and a lovely passing move carried them the length of the pitch. France, again, were happy to defend and might have gone ahead on 31m. A glorious Griezmann pass found Mbappe in the box. His flicked backheel fooled the defenders and Benzema had an easy chance. He stuck it wide! Minutes later Mbappe carved through Hungary’s back line but also missed with his shot.

France increased the pressure so now their hosts were able to break. On 43m a promising move saw Salloi’s shot hit Fiola. In added time, Fiola outwitted Varane and broke into the box. Defenders tracked him but his low drive beat Lloris at his near post and a whole nation went wild. HT – 1-0 Hungary.

France emerged as if “les tasse de the” had been flying in their dressing room – straight onto the front foot. Gulasci dived bravely among the boots to hold Pogba’s cross and Botka earned a yellow card for fouling Mbappe. Didier hooked the ineffectual Rabiot but Dembele was not an immediate improvement.

Hungary were defending well but, unlike their previous defeat, also sought every opportunity to get at France. Whenever the Magyars moved up field the whole stadium roared their approval. This was now a cracking match - end to end - and Hungary rode their luck when Dembele’s fierce drive came back off a post.

On 65m Pavard fouled Salloi and Hungary sent their big defenders up for the free kick. Salloi failed to find a red shirt but worse was to follow. Lloris saw Benzema and Mbappe breaking forward against just 2 defenders and hit a long ball towards them. The defenders allowed the ball to bounce – schoolboy error- and sure enough Mbappe controlled the ball and tried to find the centre forward. Poor Willi Orban had a hand in two Portugal goals last Tuesday and, in attempting to stop the ball reaching Benzema, merely teed it up for the onrushing Griezmann who smashed home the equaliser.

Hungary stuck to their task. A foul on Dembele saw Mbappe fire a free kick wide before the 2nd half drinks break. Hungary had the next shot forcing another save from the French skipper. Subs began arriving, Cseri for Hungary, Giroud and Tolisso for France. As time ran down, Hungary dropped deeper to preserve their point. They were grateful when Gulasci leapt to catch an 81m corner above Giroud and Co. A minute later Mbappe got through but Guslasci made a brave, point blank save to keep him out.

Loverenscics came off the bench to defend the siege of Hungary’s box but as time ran down the red wall stood firm. In added time Lemar came on replacing Dembele who presumably was hurt. France’s last chance fell to Varane but the centre back sent his header wide.

At the final whistle, the stadium erupted in acknowledgement of Hungary staying in the competition. Beat Portugal next week and they’ll be in the Round of 16. The point effectively sends France through but an improved Germany await them in Munich. Who will win this group now?

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Match 4: Portugal v Germany

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|Hungary drawing with France was on nobody’s radar and that point keeps the Magyars alive in Group F. Portugal beat them comfortably and Germany might have tried to score against France till July without grabbing an equaliser. The German press had given Joachim Low a good kicking after that match and another defeat would end their participation in these Euros.

Both sides were unchanged from their first games. It was 30C+ in Munich and both sides were able to wear their “home” kit. Under 15K rattled around the Allianz Arena and, for the second time this afternoon, the ref was English. Anthony Taylor is no Michael Oliver so this match was littered with poor decisions but, thankfully, none serious enough to impact the result.

Low stuck with his game plan, 3 defenders and wing backs. Gosens was up and down their left side with Kimmich on the right. Inevitably Kimmich drifts in field (he plays in the middle for Bayern) but when this happens right sided defender Ginter takes his place (much like Tierney and Robertson down Scotland’s left). Indeed, when Gosens headed home Ginter’s cross on 4m Germany could have led but VAR saw Gnabry (who was offside) try to connect with the cross so it was disallowed. Germany looked up for this and dominated early possession. On 12m Gosens played inside to Kroos whose shot was blocked by Dias.

On 14m Germany won a corner and the big men piled forward. The cross was headed out and picked up by Bernado Silva on their right. Players raced towards Neuer’s goal, notably the red shirts of Jota and CR7. Silva’s diagonal ball found Jota who controlled it before laying it into Ronaldo’s path. Tap in – 1-0 and they’d hardly had a kick.

The German crowd booed but their team were straight back up the other end where another right-wing cross found Gosens who drew a save from Patricio. As the match settled down Portugal created more chances. Dias might have put them further ahead when he met a pass at the back post but tried to play it back across goal.

Up the other end, Dias shanked a clearance over his own bar before the drinks break arrived. Portugal then attempted to do what France did by letting Germany have the ball and hit them on the break. It didn’t work. Germany rebuilt their confidence and, on 35m, another Kimmich cross found Gosens in behind Semedo. He drove the ball low and hard towards Havertz but Dias stuck out a boot and sent it into his own goal: 1-1 and game on.

Within 4 minutes Germany led. Gosens crossed to the far post, Kimmich played it back across. This time it was Raphael who planted the ball past his keeper – OG looking good for the Golden Boot at these Euros! There was no let up. Germany were on a mission (to enhance their goal difference it seemed) and they kept going at Portugal but it was the away side that created the next 2 chances. First Pepe won a corner which was cleared before, in 3m added time, Bernardo Silva sent a free kick into the box. Suddenly Germany recovered the ball, poured forward and Rui Patricio did well to keep out Gnabry’s shot.

HT = 1-2

Bernardo Silva’s lack of assistance to Semedo at right back may be why he was hooked at half time, replaced by Sanches. Portugal were quickly out of the traps and it took Germany a while to get into the 2nd half. Then they scored a third! Gosens again breached their defences but this time picked out a white shirt, Havertz stabbing it home for a 2-goal lead. Taylor then gave Portugal a free kick for Jota’s obvious dive but CR7 did the decent thing by firing over the bar.

On 58m Rafa Silva replaced William in Portugal’s midfield but 2m later they conceded again. This time it was one wing back to the other as Gosens rose at the back stick to head home Kimmich’s cross making it 1-4. The camera actually caught the trace of a smile on the face of the German coach!

Gosens and Hummels were immediately replaced by Halstenberg and Can and Portugal replaced Bruno Fernandes with Moutinho. Havertz was then carded for a forward’s tackle on CR7 allowing Moutinho to send the free kick goalwards. CR7 rose and headed it back in for Jota to score from close range: 2-4 now!

Moutinho’s accurate passing got Portugal back into the match prior to the drinks break. Then Germany brought on Goretska and Sule for Havertz and Gundogan enabling Can to move into centre midfield. Ginter was carded for his foul on Jota before Moutinho won a corner on the left. With the big defenders all forward we expected a cross but the ball was rolled towards Sanchez. The Lille star rolled the ball to improve his shooting angle an unleashed a firm shot which had Neuer beaten but cannoned back off his post. Close – but no cigar!

That scare perked up Germany who went into the last 10m intent on keeping the ball. Portugal saw little of it until Rafa Silva carried them forward. As soon as Germany recovered the ball they were straight up the other end, Gorestska firing just over. Andre Silva replaced Jota and saw a bit more possession but Germany quickly got into their defensive block and kept them at bay. Sane replaced Gnabry but Portugal frantically attacked in the dying minutes. Semedo and Pepe got chances that Germany fended away and Sanchez almost had his shorts ripped off by his marker, not that Taylor saw anything…

In the 4 extra minutes, Germany ran down the clock, survived one last corner and celebrated a great win with their ecstatic fans at the end.

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IBO Reporter : Spot51

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Matches 5: Portugal v France & 6: Germany v Hungary

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|With Germany lying second and capable of a finish in any position I decided to watch their game v Hungary while, in Budapest, France and Portugal battled to finish top of Group F.

Hungary kept the side that had drawn with France and Germany made just one change with Sane in for Muller. Portugal left out William and Bruno Fernandes bringing Moutinho and Sanchez into a 4-3-3 with Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo and Jota upfront. France replaced both fullbacks with Kounde and Henandez starting and Tolisso replacing Rabiot in Midfield.

This was only the 3rd time Germany had met Hungary in a major tournament. Both previous meetings happened during the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. During the group stages the ”Magnificent Magyars” including Hidegkuti, Kocsis and Puskas thrashed (West) Germany’s second string 8-3. Germany brought back their stars to beat Turkey 7-2 and accompany Hungary into the knock-out. The sides met again in the final at the bankdorf in a game which is remembered as “The Miracle of Bern” when Germany beat the favourites 3-2.

This rainy evening in Munich both sides wore away colours, Black for Germany and white for Hungary. Germany kicked off and Gulasci was the first keeper calked to action saving from Kimmich. Hungary were not sitting back either and Hummels did well to break up their first attack. Germany’s wing backs had destroyed Portugal but Hungary were not going to let that happen to them. Without the ball their own wingbacks, Nego and Fiola, dropped back denying Germany the space out wide they wanted to exploit. Furthermore, Hungary were defending like fiends and Kimmich in particular received a number of early fouls and other crunching tackles. Hungary were not sitting back either. Play swept back and forth across the sodden pitch and something had to give. On 11m Salloi picked up the ball on the right and saw his captain Szalai breaking into the box. He curled a delicious pass forward where the #9 escaped his markers and planted a diving header past Neuer: 1-0 Hungary.

This lifted Hungary up to 3rd in the Group and left Germany bottom. Germany tried to respond but were kept at arm’s length and when Havertz finally got a ball into the box Gulasci dealt with it comfortably. Kimmich began to drift inside allowing Ginter to double up against Fiola but Hungary kept the door shut. Germany’s best chance looked like being from set pieces and on 21m Havertz won a corner. Kimmich’s cross was met by Hummels but his header came back off the bar. The ball was returned forcing Gulasci to save Ginter’s effort.

Encouraged, Germany turned up the heat and the overload down their right saw Ginter deliver a series of crosses into the box. On 27m Fiiola fouled Kimmich allowing Kroos another chance to cross. His free kick reached Hummels but this time the big defender headed over. Within a minute, Botka was booked for fouling Gundogan who immediately got himself carded for his foul on Kleinheisler.

News from Budapest told of a Portugal goal. Attempting to punch away a cross, Hugo Lloris had landed a firm uppercut on Danilo, flooring the PSG man. The penalty was despatched, as ever, by Ronaldo – Portugal were now atop Group F.

Back in Munich, Germany’s frustration mounted and both sides were sticking the boot in as play went from end to end. Rudiger rose well to head Fiola’s crossa away just as a cloudburst arrived over the Allianz. Great curtains of rain swept across the pitch and German fans donned plastic ponchos or ran for cover whilst the away fans remained, singing away and soaked to the skin. Even the coaches had donned waterproofs to prowl their technical areas.

Through the deluge, Hungary attacked, Schafer firing over from distance. Then Salloi drew a save from Neuer. There was a brief pause whilst Botka was treated but with the defender back on Sane set up Havertz who dragged his shot wide.

In the 2 added minutes, the rain began to ease and news arrived of an equaliser for France. Another penalty was awarded for Semedo’s foul on Mbappe and Benzema had stuck it away. At half time France were back in charge of Group F but Germany still had it all to do. As the players left the pitch for hot showers and dry kit, unless the half time score-line changed, we were witnessing Low’s last match in charge of Germany…

During the interval, the rain stopped but neither side made changes and Hungary continued to defend like fiends. News from Budapest told Benzema had got behind the Portugal defence to put France 2-1 up and further ahead in the Group.

Germany sought an equaliser but Gulasci saved from Havertz and crosses into Hungary’s box were headed away. Kimmich had now reverted to centre midfield with Sane playing as a right winger and occupying Fiola. Even Rudiger got far enough up field to have a shot deflected for a corner. On 58m Goretzka replaced Gundogan and Germany failed to capitalise on further corners before Fiola broke away pursued by Sane. The winger stumbled and stopped the ball with his arm. Salloi took the free kick which hit Neuer’s post and went behind.

Hang on – Portugal were now level again. Ronaldo’s cross had hit an outstretched arm and he had slotted the game’s 3rd penalty. England fans trying to work out who they’d play the following week were now thoroughly confused but it wouldn’t be Germany - unless they scored.

Hungary’s tackles were getting dirtier and both Szalai and Fiola were booked as Germany tried to break them down. Fiola’s foul proved costly as the resulting free kick eluded Gulasci and reached Hummels. The centre half’s header back across goal and Havertz headed over the line. 1-1 and Germany were now up to second.

Havertz was replaced by Muller and while the cameras were filming that Hungary launched an attack. Schafer played the ball to Sazlai and continued his run. The ball was played on and Schafer ran between Sane and Muller and headed it past Neuer. Hungary were back in front and Germany were back to the foot of the Group table.

Germany went again, Gosens header was saved and Goretzka was just inches from Ginter’s cross. Meanwhile Werner was on for Gnabry and Schon for Salloi. It was all Germany now but Hungary would not yield. Kroos was everywhere and his balls into the box were punched or headed away – proper backs to the wall defending. Kroos then played a 1-2 with Gosens but stuck his shot wide.

Varga came on for Szalai and Musiala and Volland for Ginter and Gosens. Musiala went to left wing and Volland to centre forward and suddenly it all came together. Kroos and Werner got the ball wide and Musiala beat his man and found Werner inside the box. The Chelsea man’s shot was blocked but fell nicely for Goretzka. He thumped it passed Gulasci: 2-2 and everyone was back where they started.

Suddenly it was all Hungary and Neuer had to save a speculative effort. As Sane carried the ball out, the Hungarians looked really tired tracking his run. Fiola and Kleinheiser were hooked with Nicolic and Lovrencsics coming on. Germany gradually forced them back and when +4m were signalled they tried to play the remaining time in Hungary’s half. Goretzka was key in stopping Hungary breaking up field and Sane might have done better than send his final cross behind the goal.

Time was up in both games and despite 3 hours of frantic activity and 8 goals everyone finished exactly where they’d begun. Hungary were headed home and their squad went to the away fans and sang their tearful anthem to each other. Meanwhile, France go back to Budapest to face Switzerland, Germany to Wembley and England and Portugal head for Sevilla and a date with Belgium

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