Archive for May 2016

Home Archive for May 2016

Belgium

Maybe the most surprising number 1 in FIFA ranking. The red devils led in the table from November 2015 to March 2016. The last appearance of Belgium at Euro was in 2000, when the country co-hosted the tournament with Netherlands. Then the team played only in the group stage and won only in their first match against Sweden. 16 years later it seems that Belgium can be a hidden favorite for the trophy.

Belgium at Euros

Pre-squad:

The manager: Marc Wilmots

As a player Wilmots is Belgium's top-scorer as FIFA World cups with 5. He was in the squad at 4 World cups and one Euro. After he retired in 2003, Wilmots managed Schalke 04 as an interim manager. Then the ex-midfielder went into politics and was a member of the party Reformist Movement. Wilmots was in the Belgian Senate for two years. In 2004/05 season he managed Sint-Truiden and since 2012 is in charge at Belgium national team.

The star: Kevin de Bruyne

One of the most expensive players in British football and the most expensieve Belgian ever spent his first season at Manchester City and quickly became a starter for the team. Kevin was much better than the other big name in Belgium - Eden Hazard, in 2015/16. De Bruyne scored five goals and provided three assists in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifies.

Belgium's matches in Group E

13 June 2016 - Belgium - Italy, 18:00, Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon

18 June 2016 - Belgium - Ireland, 15:00, Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

22 June 2016 - Sweden - Belgium, 21:00, Allianz Riviera, Nice

Team profile: Croatia

Since seceding from Yugoslavia in 1991, Croatia have emerged as a force in international football. They qualified in their debut UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup campaigns, finishing third at France '98 where Davor Šuker was the six-goal top scorer. Croatia have become final tournament regulars, missing out only twice – in 2000 and 2010 – but have progressed beyond the group stage on just one further occasion, at UEFA EURO 2008. They qualified for the UEFA EURO 2016 finals – their fourth in a row – as runners-up to Italy in Group H.

Croatia at Euros

Pre-squad:

The manager: Ante Cacic

Cacic managed many teams in Croatia, including Dynamo Zagreb, Lokomotiva, NK Zadar and Inter Zaprecic. Also he was in charge at Libiya U-21 team and Slovenian Maribor. He was one of the fist coaches in the country, who obtained UEFA pro licence in the 90's. Cacic replaced Niko Kovac as manager of Croatia in September 2015 and he is still unbeaten for six matches. The manager's record for Croatia is 5 wins and 1 draw.

The star: Luka Modric

The playmaker won his second Champions league with Real Madrid. His work on the pitch both in defense and in attack is key for his team. Modric is the most expensive Croatian transfer is he proves that he worth the €30m, which Real payed for him. Alongside with Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic and Mateo Kovacic, Croatia has a world class midfielders.

Croatia's matches in Group D

12 June 2016 - Turkey - Croatia, 15:00, Parc des Princes, Paris

17 June 2016 - Czech Republic - Croatia, 18:00, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne

21 June 2016 - Croatia - Spain - 21:00, Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

Team profile: Turkey

Turkey missed every major tournament since 2008, when the team reached the semi-finals. The team qualified after finishing in third place in the qualifying Group A behind Czech Republic and the surprise Iceland. Turkey can reach a good result at tournaments. In 2002 the team won the bronze medals at FIFA World cup, playing at world championship for first time for 48 years! Led by Arda Turan and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Turkey is not an outsider in Group D.

Turkey at Euros:

Squad:

The manager: Fatih Terim

"The emperor" is the most famous Turkish manager, alongside with Senol Gunes. Terim led Galatasaray with Claudio Taffarel and Georghe Hagi to an UEFA Cup triumph in 2000. After that he managed Fiorentina and Milan in Italy. Under Terim's management Turkey played 1/2-final at UEFA Euro 2008. In 2013 began the emperor's third reign in the national team. (after the periods 1993 - 1996 and 2005 - 2009).

The star: Arda Turan

This season was tough for Turkey's captain and leader. He didn't play a single game for Barcelona in the first half of the season due to Barca's transfer ban. Then he played 18 times and scored 2 goals. It's difficult for the midfielder to be a leading player for his club. Euro 2016 is a great chance for Arda to demonstrate his class once again. He also played for Turkey at their last appearance in Euro in 2008.

Turkey's matches in Group D:

12 June 2016 - Turkey - Croatia, 15:00, Parc des Princes, Paris

17 June 2016 - Spain - Turkey - 21:00, Allianz Riviera, Nice

21 June 2016 - Czech Republic - Turkey, 21:00, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens

Team profile: Czech Republic

An European champion in 1976 as Chechoslovakia, Czech Republic's greatest success in the recent years is reaching the final of Euro in 1996. In that time the team had many great players like Karel Poborsky and Jiri Nemec. In the current squad the only real star is the keeper Petr Cech, who will brake Poborsky's record for most appearances soon. Careers of leaders in midfield Tomas Rosicky and Jaroslav Plasil are towards the end, but Hertha's Vladimir Darida may be a new Czech star.

Czech Republic on European championships:

Squad:

The manager: Pavel Vrba

The coach of the year in Czech Republic six years a row brought Viktoria Pilzen to European tournament and the performance was descent for a team without any experience. In November 2013 Vrba became the manager of the national team, but coudn't qualify for 2014 FIFA World cup. Vrba had his revenge and led the team to the European championship.

The star: Petr Cech

The 34-old goalkeeper was one of the best in this Euro qualifications and also had a great season for Arsenal in the Premier league. In 2015/16 Cech kept the most clean sheets in the league and won the award Golden glove for fourth time. A Chelsea's cult hero, the goalkeeper is a synonym for stability and consistency and with his great form is ready for another big tournament.

Czech Republic's matches in group D

13 June 2016 - Spain - Czech Republic - 15:00, Stadium Municipal, Toulouse

17 June 2016 - Czech Republic - Croatia, 18:00, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne

21 June 2016 - Czech Republic - Turkey, 21:00, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens

Team profile: Spain

La Furia failed to impress at 2014 FIFA World cup, but Vicente Del Bosque's team is still the current European champion. There is some surprises in Spanish squad - Fernando Torres, Diego Costa and Juan Mata weren't called up. But here are Celta's star Nolito, and also Saul and Koke from Athletico Madrid. Veterans like Iniesta and Sergio Ramos will be key players of La Roja in the road to the fourth title in Spain's history.

Spain at European championships

Squad:

The manager: Vicente del Bosque

The man, who led Spain to their first World cup in 2010. Del Bosque's career is related to Real Madrid, where he played 14 years and managed Los blancos three times. He won the Champions league in 2000 and 2002 and also was Best club coach in 2002. With Spain Del Bosque won FIFA World cup and European championship in 2012. He will resign from the post after this tournament.

The star: Andres Iniesta

One of the architects of the "tiki-taka" style at Barcelona, the midfielder won dozens of trophies. His variety on the pitch makes him one of the most creative players in Spanish La Liga. Iniesta plays mainly as a central midfielder, but he can be on the wing and behind the striker as well. Without his partner in midfield Xavi, Iniesta will take the lead in La Roja squad.

Spain's matches in Group D:

13 June 2016 - Spain - Czech Republic - 15:00, Stadium Municipal, Toulouse

17 June 2016 - Spain - Turkey - 21:00, Allianz Riviera, Nice

21 June 2016 - Croatia - Spain - 21:00, Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

Team profile: Northern Ireland

The native country of legends like George Best and Pat Jennings has only appeared at FIFA World cup 3 times. The best performance of the Green and White army is quarter-final at 1958 World cup in Sweden. In 2016 Northern Ireland for first time qualified for European championship, finishing in their qualification group in first place. The team is in one of the hardest groups at the tournament - with Germany, Ukraine and Poland and the challenge is tough for team without a serious international experience.

Squad:

The manager: Michael O'Neill

Before Northern Ireland, the ex-midfielder had a little experience as a manager. He was in charge at Brechin City in Scotland and at Shamrock Rovers in Republic of Ireland. With Shamrock the League of Ireland twice and also Setanta cup in 2010, O'Neill was appointed manager of Northern Ireland in December 2011 and led the team to UEFA Euro 2016. He is Sports manager of the year and Sports personality of the year for 2015.

The star: Steven Davis

The captain and the leader of Northern Ireland is a vital part of Southampton in the Premier league. Davis is a technically gifted deep-lying playmaker, who can pull the strings in midfield. Captain of Northern Ireland for 10 years, Davis is one of the most experienced players of the team, playing in England for Aston Villa and Fulham and also for Glasgow Rangers in Scotland. Davis was selected by the fans in the greatest XI of the national team.

Northern Ireland's matches in Group C

12 June 2016 - Poland - Northern Ireland - 18:00, Allianz Riviera, Nice

16 June 2016 - Ukraine - Northern Ireland - 18:00, Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon

21 June 2016 - Northern Ireland - Germany - 18:00, Parc des Princes, Paris

Team profile: Poland

There had been a Polish presence at seven FIFA World Cups before the country finally qualified for a first UEFA European Championship final tournament, in 2008. As co-hosts for the 2012 event a second appearance quickly followed but, as on their debut in Austria, they failed to win a game and did not progress beyond the group stage. Now the team possess top-grade striker in Robert Lewandowski, who powered Poland to UEFA EURO 2016 with a record-equaling qualifying competition tally of 13 goals.

Poland in European championships:

Pre-squad:

The manager: Adam Nawalka

Nawalka played at 1978 FIFA World cup for Poland. Under his management Poland finished second in their qualifying group with only one game lost. At club level, Nawalka managed Krzeszowice, Wisla Krakow (he won the Polish League cup in 2001), Zagłębie Lubin and Jagielonia. Also he was assistant manager of Leo Beenhakker at Poland in 2008. Nawalka took a charge at the national team in 2013 and in 2015 he was selected for manager of the year in Poland.

The star: Robert Lewandowski

The Bundesliga's top scorer with 30 goals and also the top scorer of Euro qualified with 13, Lewandowski is in outstanding form and many specialists think that Poland's number 9 is the best striker in Europe. Also Lewa was the best player of qualifications and Polish sportsman of 2015. With his goal scoring ability, it won't be a surprise if Robert pass the Włodzimierz Lubański's record for most goals for Poland.

Poland's matches in Group C:

12 June 2016 - Poland - Northern Ireland - 18:00, Allianz Riviera, Nice

16 June 2016 - Germany - Poland - 21:00, Stade de France, Paris

21 June 2016 - Ukraine - Poland - Stade - 18:00 Vélodrome, Marseille

Team profile: Ukraine

Ukraine qualified for Euro 2016 after a win against Slovenia in play-offs. In 2012, when the team debuted on European championship, Andriy Shevchenko and co. were eliminated in the group stage. Now Ukraine is in difficult group once again, but the matches against strong teams will help the side to become stronger. It will be great success for Mykhaylo Fomenko's team if they qualify for the knockout stage.

Ukraine on European championships

Provisional squad:

The manager: Mykhaylo Fomenko

As a player Fomenko won the Cup winners' cup and the UEFA Super cup in 1975 with Dynamo Kiev. He was the assistant of the legend Valeriy Lobanovskiy at Dynamo between 1980 and 1980 and head coach of the "white-blues" in 1993. Also Fomenko was in charge in Guinea national team, Metalist Kharkov and Tavria Simferopol. Since December 2012 Fomenko is the head coach of Ukraine and has 22 wins of 32 matches.

The star: Andriy Yarmolenko

26-years old winger is the second highest goalscorer of Ukraine's history with 23 goals. Yarmolenko scored 6 times in this qualifies and helped the side to win in the play-offs against Slovenia. The star of Dynamo Kiev is in Barcelona in Arsenal's short lists and we can see him soon in one of the top European championships. His veracious work ethic has earned him the moniker of 'The man with two hearts'.

Ukraine's matches in Group C

12 June 2016 - Germany - Ukraine - 21:00, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

16 June 2016 - Ukraine - Northern Ireland - 18:00, Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon

21 June 2016 - Ukraine - Poland - Stade - 18:00 Vélodrome, Marseille

Team profile: Germany

The current world champion is one of the favorites of every tournament. Joachim Low's squad is strongly balanced between young talents and experienced veterans. With the cult heroes of the Mannschaft Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski, top keeper Manuel Neuer and the stars Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil there is no doubt that the only acceptable result for Germany is the European title.

Germany on European championships:

Squad:

The manager: Joachim Low

Low is in charge for 10 years. For this time he built a whole new generation of players in the national team - Neuer, Muller, Ozil, Kroos...With this great names Germany won their first World Cup for 24 years! Now Low is counting on new youngers - here are Brandt, Weigl, Leroy Sane. Will the be the future of Germany? We will see soon. But one is for sure - Joachim Low can create successful team with patience and hard-working.

The star: Thomas Muller

One of Bayern Munich's leaders scored many important goals and also was Bundesteam's top goalscorer in the qualifications with 9 goals. Playing mainly as a right winger for Germany, Muller can be used as well as attacking midfielder or striker. Thomas often in in the right place in the right time and it helps the team a lot. Thomas shone in the World cups in 2010 and 2014, but he still didn't score a single goal in Euros.

Germany's matches in Group C:

12 June 2016 - Germany - Ukraine - 21:00, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

16 June 2016 - Germany - Poland - 21:00, Stade de France, Paris

21 June 2016 - Northern Ireland - Germany - 18:00, Parc des Princes, Paris

Team profile: Slovakia

Slovakia debuted on major tournament in 2010 FIFA World cup. In South Africa the team played at round of 16. Now, six years later, "Repre" are at the spotlight again. Jan Kozak's team finished second in their group and the big name in the squad Marek Hamsik became the top scorer of qualifying group C with 5 goals. It seems like Slovakia isn't outsider with players like Hamsik, Martin Skrtel and Juraj Kucka.

The manager: Jan Kozak

A famous midfielder in 80's, who played for Dukla Prague and Lokomotiva Kosice. As a manager, he won Slovak Superliga twice with Kosice in 1996/97 and 1997/98 seasons. He qualified the team for the group stage of the Champions league in 1997. Since 2013 Kozak is the manager of Slovakia. In that period he lose only 5 times in 29 games. "The team is stronger than this in 2010", says the manager.

The star: Marek Hamsik

The leader of Napoli and "Repra" is pulling the strings in midfield for many years. This season he was one of the top players in Serie A and helped Napoli to finish second in the Italian championship. Hamsik scored 5 goals and became the top goalscorer of qualification Group C. Marek is the heart and the soul of Slovakia team and his leadership and experience will help "Repra" in the tough fights in the Euro.

Slovakia's matches in Group B:

11 June 2016 - Wales - Slovakia, 18:00, Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

15 June 2016 - Russia - Slovakia - 15:00, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

20 June 2016 - Slovakia - England, 21:00, Stade Geoffroy Guilchard, Saint-Etienne

Team profile: Wales

Euro 2016 will only the second major tournament for the native country of the legends Ian Rush and Ryan Giggs. The Dragons played only at FIFA World cup in 1958 in their history. The team qualified without any problems to the European championship, losing only once in the group with Belgium and Bosnia. Led by Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, the British side may be the surprise of the tournament this year.

The manager: Chris Coleman

Coleman led Wales to 8-th place in the FIFA ranking in October 2015 - a historical record for the team. He succeeded Gary Speed as national team manager in 2012 and qualified the team for European championship for first time. Coleman managed Fulham in the Premier League between 2003 and 2007, and also Real Sociedad in Spain, Coventry and Greek side Larisa.

The star: Gareth Bale

The most expensive footballer scored 19 times in 23 matches for Real Madrid this season. Bale debuted for the national team, when he was only 16 and has serious international experience. His decisions on the pitch are key for Wales. "We know what he can give us and he is the kind of guy that will never fail you.", said manager Coleman. Without a doubt, the game of the team will depend on Gareth's skills and form.

Wales' matches at Group B:

11 June 2016 - Wales - Slovakia, 18:00, Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

15 June 2016 - England - Wales, 15:00, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens

20 June 2016 - Russia - Wales, 21:00, Stadium Municipal, Toulouse

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Belgium

Team profile: Croatia

Team profile: Turkey

Team profile: Czech Republic

Team profile: Spain

Team profile: Northern Ireland

Team profile: Poland

Team profile: Ukraine

Team profile: Germany

Team profile: Slovakia

Team profile: Wales

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