Ukraine was unlikely to beat Germany when they faced off in the first round of group play at Euro 2016 last weekend, but their struggles weren’t supposed to be this cruel. Ukraine played very well against Germany, and Germany quite honestly were boring, controlling the game with long spells of tepid possession. Still, Germany won 2-0.
OK. OK. Now that I have had time to breath after Mexico’s thrilling 1-1 draw with Venezuela, a result that gives Mexico first place in Group C, I can relate to all of you what just happened.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!
Honestly, this Copa America has been one of the most exciting tournaments I have ever seen. Euro 2016 has been good, but not this good. The last World Cup was good, but not this good. And Jesus “Tecatito” Corona just scored the best goal we have seen so far, and we have seen some really good goals.
Don’t believe me? Just watch:
Things got contaversial at Euro 2016 during its opening weekend. During the 90 minutes between the opening and closing whistles of matches were spectacular, but otherwise, when the teams go away and fans are left to their own devices, hooliganism reigned Saturday.
The most notorious incidences so far have involved the actions of England and Russia fans surrounding the England vs. Russia group stage match this past Saturday. Some of those incidences are depicted in this video:
Jogi Low can celebrate the fact that his Germany squad opened up Euro 2016 by taking care of business against Ukraine, 2-0, but, instead of doing that, maybe he shouldn't appear in public for a bit.
Low got caught by a camera on the sidelines doing . . . well he . . . just watch the video, which may or may not be safe for work (it probably is unless your company is run by Puritans).
Luka Modric is a player that deserves to be talked about. His leadership and play are key for Croatia to operate as a unit. He demonstrated his "magic" Saturday against Turkey when he helped Croatia grab 3 points and jump to the top of group D. After a high Turkey clearance, Luka Modric came springing down the middle to hit a top spinning volley that skipped past the Turkish goalkeeper. A volley we all dream about, exectuted perfectly by Modric. The fans were so excited that they couldn't help but jump in and celebrate on the pitch with the players too...
Germany vs. Ukraine ended 2-0 in favor of Die Mannschaft in Group C, with Shkodran Mustafi and Bastian Schweinsteiger baggin the goals. The result sees Germany leapfrog Poland, who beat Northern Ireland earlier, into first place. It wasn't a vintage performance from Germany, and Ukraine were a little unlucky not to equalize in the first half, but the Germans stayed strong and ground out the victory.
Don’t laugh, the United States of America has every reason to believe they can win the Copa America Centenario. Having clinched a birth in the quarter-finals, it’s as good a time as any to dissect this American squad.
In Brad Guzan, they have one of the best goalkeepers on the continent. John Brooks absolutely nullified Paraguay in the most complete manner a defender can. Michael Bradley continues to grow in stature from his holding midfield role, and the USA boasts enough attacking options to trouble the entire Copa field.
The stats alone behind Dimitri Payet’s performance against Romania are absurd: a game-winning goal, an assist, multiple highlight reel skills, and eight key passes. The context behind them elevate his performance too nothing short of legendary.
After making only 18 appearances for France prior to today, after being passed over time and time again again by the biggest clubs in the world, 29-year-old Dimitri Payet scored the game winning goal to give France a 2-1 victory over Romania in the opening match of Euro 2016, a tournament that France is hosting.
Uruguay vs. Venezuela ended 1-0 in favor of La Vinotinto, as a Suarez-less Uruguay basically bowed out of the Copa America without a fight. Venezuela frustrated La Celeste, and continually hit them on the break to great effect, with Salomon Rondon scoring the lone goal. Neither team are assured of anything yet, but barring a shock result when Mexico take on Jamaica later tonight, Uruguay are out, and Venezuela are through.
Who would have thought Mexico would have had a tougher time with Jamaica than Uruguay? Despite the back and forth match, El Tri netted another 2-0 result against a Jamaican side that didn't take advantage of their opportunities. Chicharitos first goal of the tournament was a beauty, and now the Bundesliga star is just 1 goal away from tying all-time leading Mexican scorer Jared Borgetti. El Tri are now in the quarterfinals and will play Venezuela on Monday.