We’re now deep into Euro 2020 with Matchday 2 now completed, but who needs what going into the last game to stay in the competition?
Matchday two of Euro 2020 finished on Saturday, with Spain taking on Poland. The second games in the group are always very exciting because it sets up the final round. Winning or losing in Matchday 2 can sometimes even mean staying or leaving the competition.
We had a total of 27 goals in this round, one less than Matchday 1. On top of this there were some big upsets for France, Spain and England, as well as a six goal thriller between Germany and Portugal. This time, everyone was on their best behaviour as no one picked up a red card, but VAR did get involved more this time.
With just one game left for each side, except for Group A, it’s a tense time now with most teams needing to win. With just 90 minutes remaining for each country, what is the best they can finish?
Euro 2020 Matchday 2 Round-Up
Group A
Turkey took on Wales in Group A at the Baku Olympic Stadium, with the Welsh fans heavily outnumbered. This didn’t matter though as the side captained by Gareth Bale put on a fantastic performance to win 2-0. It should have been 3-0 but the Real Madrid winger send a penalty way over the bar. Italy continued their impressive campaign with another 3-0 win, this time over Switzerland, in a result that put them through. The Group A leader would take on Wales in the next round with Switzerland and Turkey the other game. As long as Wales match the result or better of Switzerland, they will go through.
Group B
Belgium and Denmark met in Group B, which included a minutes applause on the tenth minute for Christian Eriksen. Denmark took the early lead, but a second half masterclass from Kevin De Bruyne ensured Belgium kept their perfect start as they won 2-1. Finland and Russia were the other game in the group which was a slightly dull affair as Russia came away with a 1-0 win. With six points so far, a point against Finland for Belgium will be enough for them to stay top of Group B. Despite losing both games, a convincing win for Denmark over Russia, could see them finish second in the group.
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Group C
Top of Group C with two wins in two is the Netherlands. They beat Austria 2-0 with new Barcelona forward Memphis Depay opening up his account at Euro 2020. The other game in Group C saw Ukraine get their first points of the tournament, beating North Macedonia 2-1. Despite losing though, this was a huge moment for North Macedonia as it was their first ever goal at an international tournament, courtesy of Leeds player Alioski. The Netherlands are now through to the next round as they take on North Macedonia. The game between Ukraine and Austria leaves it all to play for, with the winner going into the Round Of 16.
Group D
One of the most anticipated games of Matchday 2, was England vs Scotland. Southgates side were expected to win this game by a some goals, but ended up drawing 0-0 in what was a huge result for Scotland. Croatia and Czech Republic also drew in Group D, with the game finishing 1-1. Czech Republic now sit top of the group on goal difference but take on England in the next round of fixtures. Croatia need to win and Czech Republic to also win in order to automatically qualify from the group. Scotland also aren’t out of it and a win for them and a loss for England could also see them sneak in.
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Group E
In Group E, Spain were looking to finally get their first win of Euro 2020, but were unable to do so once again. They drew 1-1 with Spain after opening the scoring through Morata, but Lewandowski opened his account scoring a header and getting a point for his country. Sweden kept up their impressive start, by beating Slovakia 1-0 to put them top of the group. They play Poland in the last game, with a point enough to get them through. That leaves Spain to play Slovakia, which should finally see them win a game this summer, however, they’re going to have to be far more clinical in front of goal if they want to win!
Group F
The final group provided us with the best game of Matchday 2. Portugal took on Germany and the hosts took the lead through Ronaldo. However, two own goals later and the game was in Germanys hands. It finished 4-2 to the Germans and now the pressure is on Portugal when they take on France in the next game. The World Cup winners, drew 1-1 with Hungary, who actually took the lead. This was a shock for everyone and has put pressure on France to not lose this last game.
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