Ukraine Fight Back Against Slovakia
Anatoliy Trubin, in for Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin after a calamitous first game where he was at fault for two goals, was called into action numerous times early on. He stood up to the test, making some solid saves. After 17 minutes, though, he couldn’t keep out a header from Ivan Schranz and Slovakia took a deserved lead.
Ukraine, knowing they needed a win, came out for the second half a different side. They had more energy and showed real intent to get an equaliser. And that’s exactly what they got when Mykola Shaparenko finished off a nice move, slotting home low past the keeper in the 54th minute.
Adidas
Shaparenko (Goal): 3 (MOTM): 4
Nike
–
Running Total: Adidas 92 – Nike 91
Amazing Austria Too Much for Poland
After a juxtaposing impressive defeat to France in their opener, Austria knew that another good performance was futile if it didn’t come with points. They were up against a Poland side that had Lewandowski back (though he started on the bench), who also needed points after their loss to Netherlands.
Austria pushed early and looked hungry to get those points. Gernot Trauner was the unlikely first goalscorer, popping up in the box to head home and give his side an early lead. But Poland got a quick equaliser, with the ball ricocheting to Krzysztof Piatek, who slotted home.
Austria Overpower Poland in the Second Half
It was the Austrians who continued to show the most attacking endeavour and they retook the lead in the second half. After a clever dummy that I do most Sundays, the ball came to Christoph Baumgartner. Unlike on a Sunday where none of my teammates read my intellectual play though, Baumgartner finished past Wojciech Szczesny.
Adidas
Baumgartner (Goal): 3, (MOTM): 4
Nike
Piatek (Goal): 2
Trauner (Goal): 3
Running Total: Adidas 99 – Nike 96
VAR the Star in Disappointing Draw
We’re going to keep this one short and sweet, because in all honesty we’re still bitterly disappointed. France, the pre-tournament favourites, taking on an ever-strong Netherlands side on paper could have been the game of the tournament. In reality, it lacked quality and intent. Even Kylian Mbappe coming off the bench could do little to keep me from falling asleep on my sofa.
To sum up the chances in the game, in which there were still several, Jeremie Frimpong had the Dutchmen’s best chance within the first few minutes. He raced away from the French defence and forced Mike Maignan into a fingertip save. As for France, it seemed like Antoine Griezmann had about 34 different huge chances, in which he barely mustered half a decent shot – fluffing his lines on multiple occasions. It was bizarre. Multiple times he got into great positions where you thought it had to be a goal, but time after time he miss hit his efforts.
The biggest moment of the game came late on, when Xavi Simons thundered a late strike into the back of the net. The linesman was clearly as bored as we were and decided he wanted to do something. He instantly flagged Denzel Dumfries offside, who was stood way offside next to Maignan. BUT, he was not affecting the play.
As fans of the Premier League, we’re used to our fair share of VAR drama. And you know what? I’ll be honest with you, I was even starting to miss it. Time and time again, we’ve seen quick VAR decisions in this tournament. Offsides, penalties, red cards all being decided in a matter of seconds and frankly, it unsettled me. But this, this took the absolute *iss. OF COURSE it had to be the English officials that make the worst call of the tournament and bring VAR into disrepute for the first time in Germany. SHAMBLES.
Anyway, the game finished 0-0 and I had to relentless apologise to my Mrs for hyping up such a boring game. Tomorrow’s Euros recap might be cancelled as I will more than likely be forced to watch Love Island instead. Thanks France, thanks a lot.
Adidas
Kante (MOTM): 4
Kounde (Clean Sheet): 2
Dumfries (Clean Sheet): 2
Bart Verbruggen (Clean Sheet): 3
Nike
Maignon (Clean Sheet): 3
Upamecano (Clean Sheet): 2
Saliba (Clean Sheet): 2
De Vrij (Clean Sheet): 2
Van Dijk (Clean Sheet): 2
Ake (Clean Sheet): 2
Running Total: Adidas 110 – Nike 109
Boot Battle Standings (Adidas 110 Nike 109) – Matchday 8:
LOADS of points were won for both sides as we got one step closer to finding out whether Adidas or Nike has the best football boots. Adidas took back the lead, with Sharapenko’s goal and MOTM-performance for Ukraine. The late game, while it lacked goals, didn’t lack points for our Boot Battle. With both sides earning a clean sheet, the defences came out on top – which benefitted a Nike-heavy Netherlands back line. Tomorrow sees Cristiano Ronaldo back in action, looking to open his account in this tournament, while Belgium play Romania in a must-win game.
