Stuart's Euro 2024 Series: 10 - Days 1&2
A rollocking start for the EURO's even if my team did take a hell of a beating first up.
Match One - Germany 5-1 Scotland
No one expected Scotland to beat Germany in the opening match, but neither was there an expectation of the half time lead being three goals and a man advantage. Only conceding another two, and claiming a goal of their own, was more respectable than could have been hoped for. Still, a great start for the hosts.
Match Two - Switzerland 3-1 Hungary
Group A's other teams went head-to-head in a match many thought would be evenly matched. Switzerland had other ideas and came out of the traps firing. Hungary did peg them back, and looked to be building some pressure, but a third goal in the second half ensured the Swiss the start they wanted.
Match Three - Spain 3-0 Croatia
With a 16 year old not only in the squad, but on the pitch, surely Spain were grasping and, against solid Croatian team, ripe for taking. In a fast game Spain took a commanding first half lead and despite increasing Croatian pressure never really looked like conceding it. A saved Croation penalty was turned in, but VAR showed encroachment before the kick had been taken.
Match Four - Italy 2-1 Albania
On twenty-three seconds Albania scored the fastest goal In EURO history. It's only the second time they have scored in the EURO's. Taking the lead against the reigning champions created an opportunity to shut up shop and keep eleven men behind the ball. It didn't work and by the sixteenth minute Italy had equalised and gained the lead. Surprisingly the goals ended their, but Italy will be glad to have avoided major embarrassment.
| Match Number | Teams | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany v Scotland | 3-0 | 2-1 | 5-1 |
| 2 | Switzerland v Hungary | 2-0 | 1-1 | 3-1 |
| 3 | Spain v Croatia | 3-0 | 0-0 | 3-0 |
| 4 | Italy v Albania | 2-1 | 0-0 | 2-1 |
| Total Goals | 11 | 5 | 16 |
On Sunday there are three matches.
Netherlands v Poland
Slovenia v Denmark
England v Serbia
Come back for brief reviews, and to keep tally of the goals scored.
For fellow football following HIVIANS (looking at anyone in @hivefpl, @footballonhive, @sportstalksocial, etc) I've got a couple of leagues to join for the EURO's:
Fantasy Football: Build a squad, score points, top the league! Join Here
Match Predictor: Guess the match score, beat everyone else! Join Here
Please come and play, and tell the HIVIANS who you think may be interested.
text by stuartcturnbull art by UEFA & altered by stuartcturnbull