Underdogs and catenaccio. 10 conclusions of Euro in France
The Euro 2016, which took place from 10 June to 10 July France, ended with the victory of the national team of Portugal. This competition was full of fights of characters, tactics, and also had many surprises. The sports staff of Realnoe Vremya presents its own list of ten conclusions of Euro.
Championships of characters and 'underdogs'
We remembered this Euro not because of the victory of Portugal, in spite of its sensationalism, not because of France but Iceland, Wales and even Hungary. The European Championships demonstrated it is not necessary to be a very talented and gifted football player to reach success – it's enough to work hard and believe in success.
The national team of Iceland impressed everybody, including me. It did not deserve such a defeat from the Frenchman after such an epic performance. Iceland looked great even if they lost 0-4. Anyway they did not stop, they fought till the final whistle, in spite of the score.
Wales also amazed me at Euro. It could have impressed me more if the Dragons turned out in the final or won it. The story doesn't know the subjunctive mood. However, we will remember Wales and wait for this team in Russia (the 2018 WC). They will wallop there as well as Iceland.
From tiki-taka to catenaccio
An advance from tiki-taka, which many football fans like, to catenaccio was seen at this Euro too. For example, Italia demonstrated a new version of defensive tactics, a faster football without any stress on senseless clearance. New Rubin under Javier Gracia is trying to play a similar football. Meanwhile, tiki-taka is in decline. The Spaniards crashed out of the competition very early as well the German players who did it a bit later. Guardiola's spirit carriers (Bayern and Barcelona) did not show their planned results even at club level.
The victory of Portugal in this contest is a Portuguese version of catenaccio. Gignac's kick could have destroyed everything. So, the fight of two tactics reaches a new level. There will be Portugals, Rostovs, Leicesters and Rubins, I hope, in the short run.
Can the limit lower the level of Russia football?
At Euro, all people saw an approximate level of the national team of Russia. Many people believed they the team could marvellously reach the play-off. And then it would be possible to go forward.
We can remember the national team lacked the players who could help to solve the problem-minimum – to reach the play-off – Denisov, Dzagoev, Zhirkov, Kuzmin and even Cheryshev. But it became clear the limit on the number of foreign players won't show a good result, especially after the story of Kokorin and Mamaev.
We can only hope for a more conscientious attitude of young players to their work. As usual, the generation is quite talented. Will everything be fine? Or haven't we reached the bottom of Russian football?
England = Russia
In general, the national team of England did not surprise anybody. It just confirmed its level, though they were meant to be the key favourites of the tournament before Euro, especially after a win in a friendly against Germany. England replied after 0:2 and won the match 3-2.
Why is England equal to Russia? Look, people believe in both teams before every international competition and every time fling mud at them when 'they did not live up to expectations'. The only titles of both national teams left in the 60s of the 20th centuries. Both teams have a talented generation of players who, in fact, should reach good results, but they don't win. Speaking about Russia, we can argue here if we take into account that the talented generation of Arshavin&Co. has almost disappeared. Oh, no, there is one difference: England has a Premier League, while Russia has just a Premier League with a 'passport' limit.
Final breakdown of Spanish hegemony
It the Spaniards are the best among clubs, their hegemony among the national teams is gradually dying. Spain doesn't look like a terrifying power on the world stage.
Yes, undoubtedly, it is that serious power that can win a title. But it became easier to play against Spain, I think. I mentioned above a fight of tiki-taka against catenaccio. In the 2016 European Championships, catenaccio won. Is the next fight scheduled for 2018?
Italy returned to the world top
As for Italy, Antonio Conte's team demonstrated a really good football at Euro. It was a frisky and fast catenaccio. If the national team of Germany hadn't interfered or Italy had been more accurate in penalty shoot'out, the Squadra Azzura would have played in the final of the contest and become the runner-up. Such big advances are noticeable in clubs too: in 2014-2015, Juventus reached the final of the Champions League where it was defeated by Barcelona only. Everything seems to be ahead, I don't know why.
Should we wait for a progress from Italy in the WC in Russia? It will depend on the person who will chair Italy after Conte's departure to Chelsea. It is not enough to have good players. It is necessary to know to place them on the pitch, use their forte and disguise their weak sides.
Belgium will be a top team
Even Portugal can envy the Belgian national squad: Hazard, De Bruyne, Mertens, Nainggolan, Witsel, Fellaini, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, etc. It is a very strong team, of course, and individually one of the strongest teams in the world, but there is no team, in fact. There are persons. Marc Wilmots, head coach of the national team of Belgium, did not manage to make this 'sweet' a champion, though the progress in performances was very big. The team has reached the quarter-final for the second consecutive time. In the World Cup, they were defeated only by Argentina with Leo Messi, at Euro – by Wales with Gareth Bale. But they were defeated by teams, not persons. So, Wilmots has room for work before the WC in Russia.
Griezmann as a nominee for Balon d'Or. Rival – Ronaldo
If somebody would tell it 6 months ago, many people would be surprised. Yes, Antoine is an incredibly strong player, a star of Atletico Madrid and the national team of France. He was not considered as a player who can 'do'.
At this Euro, Griezmann 'did'. He did so that got the Golden Shoe. He lost in the final, could not win the title. He failed to do it earlier in the final of the Champions League. If Griezmann had won two titles, the question of the owner of the Golden Shoe would be closed. But now – let's wait and see. His rival Cristiano Ronaldo won both titles – moreover, he did it in head-to-head battles with the Frenchman.
First title of Portugal on the world stage
What happiness was seen in the Portuguese players' eyes – it has been their first title! It has been the first gold for the national team of Portugal in football! Yes, it was just one victory more in the playing time. Yes, it was quite a poor game. Yes, it was a 'Ronaldodependence'. Now Portugal joined the number of European football champions. And I think it is not the last title of the Portuguese players.
Ronaldo became cooler than Messi
Not because Cristiano has a wonderful gift that shadows Lionel's all skills. The thing is that big-headed and narcissistic Ronaldo died. A true leader, fighter and real man was born in this contest.
For some reason, I suppose that Cristiano Ronaldo would not leave his national team even if Portugal did not win in the final. But, we also can understand Messi, of course: it is difficult to overcome the third lost final during three years. However, Rolando advanced a bit in the battle Messi vs. Ronaldo and not because his partner is Eder and not Higuain.