The UEFA Euro 2016 boot battle: Day 11
Today was the day which home nations Wales and England would decide their Euro 2016 fate. England faced Slovakia knowing that they were all but mathematically through to the last 16, with Wales playing Russia. What more motivation did the two need to win today than knowing that wins would send those Russian muppets home?
Roy Hodgson changed his side majorly from the team which beat Wales in the previous round of matches. Joe Hart started for Nike, but Adidas’ Dele Alli was dropped to the bench.
England, as you would expect, dominated from the start. Their first real chance came when Jamie Vardy paced Martin Skrtel and found himself one-on-one. He lacked that clinical-edge though, as his shot was straight at the keeper.
A short while later, Adam Lallana had the ball cut back to him, and he fired a shot on goal that was well saved. Jordan Henderson also had a powerful, goal-bound volley blocked.
Slovakia’s first opportunity in the second half came when Chris Smalling chested back to Hart, but it was misjudged by the defender. The underdogs failed to capitalise though, as Hart managed to gather in his arms.
Later, Nathaniel Clyne got in behind the Slovakian defence, but his shot from close-range was blocked by the keeper. Vladimir Weiss also had an effort on target.
England had an effort cleared off the line when Henderson ran down the wing and delivered a cross. The chipped ball found its way to the back post to Alli, but the youngster’s shot was cleared on the line fantastically by Skrtel.
More relentless pressure from England late on proved to be in vein, as all they had to show for it were a few efforts off target. The match ended 0-0, which would have suited Slovakia prior to kick-off. This left Slovakia on four points and with a real chance of qualifying in at least third spot. England guaranteed qualification, finishing on five points, knowing that they would finish top if Wales failed to win.
Alli came on as a substitute and didn’t do enough to merit any points. Alternatively, Hart picks up a point for Nike for the clean sheet.
Onto that Wales game then. Gareth Bale, as ever, started for Adidas.
He started well, testing Igor Akinfeev early with a stinging shot that he could not collect. Minutes later, Joe Allen threaded a lovely ball through to Aaron Ramsey, who dinked the ball over the on-rushing keeper nicely.
Before twenty minutes, Wales had doubled their lead. A Bale run lead to the ball falling to Neil Taylor, who missed his first effort before poking the rebound into the net.
It could have been three before half time when a great Bale run ending in Sam Vokes having a chance in the box, but he could not convert.
After the break, Akinfeev again saved Russia after Bale tried to dink over the keeper, but he stood tall. Bale did get his goal later though, when Ramsey slipped it through to him, and the Real Madrid-man finished calmly.
The game finished 3-0, and Wales secured top spot. Bale got four points for Adidas after the MOTM performance, a goal and an assist.
Adidas
Bale +4
Alli 0
Nike
Hart +1
Overall score
Adidas 21-12 Nike
Tomorrow’s Euro 2016 matches
Northern Ireland v Germany
Ukraine v Poland
Croatia v Spain
Czech Republic v Tukey
Players involved
Adidas: Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Ozil, Rakotic, Muller.
Nike: Srna, Ramos, De Bruyne, Gotze, Iniesta.
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