The UEFA Euro 2016 boot battle: Day 8
Today hosted another three matches in this glorious Championships. No team has taken the initiative and the tournament by the balls and really put in an impressive performance. On show on day 8, were three teams who were fancied to do well at Euro 2016; Croatia, Spain and Italy.
Italy were up first, and after never really emulating their famous 2006 World Cup success, they had a real chance to comprehensively qualify after beating, may people’s favourites, Belgium. Sweden were looking to improve on their point won against Ireland.
The first-half was dull and had few chances. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the only player involved in our battle in the match, went down early on in the box, but was judged not to have been fouled. A couple of Swedish shots that never really threatened to go in were the closest either side came to a goal.
Both teams again struggled to create in the second-half. Sweden’s greatest opportunity fell to the chosen one, Ibra. He lingered threateningly at the back post, but he unbelievably put his effort over the bar from barely a couple of yards out- though he was flagged for offside anyhow. Italy’s best chance came when Marco Parolo latched onto a perfect cross, but his thunderous header rebounded off the bar.
It looked as though the match would play out to a 0-0 bore draw, but Eder had other ideas. In the 88th minute, his magnificent run into the area ended with him finishing it calmly into the bottom corner, to guarantee his side progress into the next round.
Ibra didn’t do enough to win any points, and lost a point for Nike for his inexplicable miss.
Next up was arguably the game of the tournament; Czech Republic v Croatia. Darijo Srna and Ivan Rakitic were on show for Nike and Adidas respectively.
The Croats majorly stepped up their performance after the 1-0 against Turkey. They played some flowing football, with Rakitic heavily involved. He had the first chance of the game, when he cut back inside and fired a powerful shot on goal, but Peter Cech was on hand to save with his feet.
Ivan Perisic then opened the scoring when he broke down the left. He took on his man, shifted the ball to his left foot and beautifully struck it into the far corner.
After the break, thy doubles their lead when the Czechs sloppily gave the ball away in the final third. Rakitic was played through and had the audacity to dink it over the on-rushing Cech.
There looked to be no way back for the Czechs, but out of nowhere they pulled one back when Milas Skoda headed powerfully into the corner. Then, in the 94th minute, Tomas Necid scored a penalty after a handball in the area, giving the Czechs an undeserved point.
Rakitic get two points for Adidas after scoring and putting in a good performance. Srna, for conceding two goals, loses two points. However, we awarded him two bonus points for playing just five days after the death of his father. An inspirational leader, and great bravery shown.
The final match was Spain against Turkey. Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos started for Nike in the Spain side.
Alvaro Morata was the star man for Spain. Early on, Spain hit the post after he made a nuisance of himself in the box. Pique also missed a good chance when he headed his effort into the ground and over. Morata then opened the scoring after heading home a whipped Nolito cross into the net.
Nolito himself then got on the scoresheet, after a horrible defensive header back. The forward slid in and finished into the corner.
Just after the break, Spain got their third after pretty much walking it in. Iniesta played a piercing ball through to Jordi Alba who squared to Morata, who tapped it in.
Turkey had a couple of chances late on, but clinical finishing eluded them. Spain were in control and looked a shadow of their 2014-selves.
Ramos gets one point for the clean sheet, but loses one for his booking, but Iniesta gets a point for a good performance.
Adidas
Rakitic +2
Nike
Ibrahimovic 0
Srna 0
Iniesta +1
Ramos 0
Overall score
Adidas 16-11 Nike
Tomorrow’s Euro 2016 matches
Belgium v Ireland
Iceland v Hungary
Austria v Portugal
Players involved
Adidas: Alaba, Vermaelen
Nike: Ronaldo, De Bruyne
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