Ep47: European Championships - Groups C & D - Team Playing Styles and Match Previews
Today we take a look at teams from the 2024 European Championships Groups C and D.
The earlier kick offs involve the group D teams so we'll start there.
France v Poland - France have been less impressive than we were expecting, however, this has to be put into context as we've seen an Austria team who have played some very good high tempo football, and the Dutch were unlucky not to snatch a win. Will Mbappe return for this one?That will surely give them even more attacking threat. It's worrying for other teams that they've not hit their full stride yet...... the best teams usually hit their stride in the knockout stages.... and France have shown they know how to survive and advance in the past. Poland have been underwhelming, but again, they've played against some very good opposition, and have never been totally outplayed. We wonder how they would have faired in an easier (on paper) group like Group A or Group C. Poland will always be a tricky opponent, and even though their tournament will likely end after this game they never make it easy.
Netherlands v Austria - We think this has the potential to be a cracking match up.... if both teams feel the reward is greater than the risk. Both teams know that 4 points assures them of qualification into the knockout stages so will they go all out for the win, or will the Dutch be happy with a runners up spot? And we imagine the Austrians would be delighted to collect 4 points from a group containing these three high level opponents. If the Austrians continue with their fierce high pressing style then we should expect an exciting match..... if we see them sit back early then perhaps it'd be a good idea to change the channel. The Dutch have quality in their side, but do they have that steel needed to perform under high level pressure? They certainly performed well against a good French side and have the technical ability to beat a strong Austrian press..... but how will they respond if they concede the first goal?
Next we look at Group C.
Denmark v Serbia - I have a soft spot for Denmark as I (Tom) have family there, and I don't ever remember a Danish team that wasn't at the very least willing to work hard for each other. They were by far the better team against a very passive England, and will be looking for that level of performance against a tough uncompromising Serbia team that ranks surprisingly high in the attacking metrics for teams after two games. I'm hoping for a Danish win, but with Mitrovic and Jovic up front Serbia are more than capable of getting a win themselves. All to play for.
England v Slovenia - Englsnd rank 23rd out of 24 teams for Expected Goals (Xg) after two games. Their press is the slowest and least intense of all team in the tournament so far. Give good players time and space and they will make you pay. England are strongest in attack yet they are ranked 1st in long balls and playing a direct style of play....... a style which i can almost guarantee none of the starting XI play on a regular basis for their club teams. We're all confused, but that could all change very easily if the selected team is given more balance and the players given the creative freedom to be the attacking threat we know they can be. With qualification assured will a cautious Gareth Southgate allow that to happen? Slovenia on the other hand have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They have played almost exclusively on the counter attack in a direct manner so expect them to sit deep and look to frustrate England in order to profit from a swift counter attack or set piece situation.
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