Team: BELGIUM
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Belgiumhttps://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/13--belgium/
Captain: Eden Hazard
Key Players: Kevin De Bruyne; Eden Hazard; Romelu Lukaku;
Potential Breakout Player: Jeremy Doku
Notable Absentees: Adnan Januzaj (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Runners-up (1980)
Minimum Expectation: Quarterfinals
How Far Could They Go: Semifinals
Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Yannick Carrasco (MID - 7m)
The Belgians are entering their 6th Euros having a favourite for the 2016 edition before a shock exit to Wales and once more will be amongst the favourites for this version. They were perfect in qualification with ten wins scoring forty and conceding a miserly three. The topped a section which saw Russia and Scotland in 2nd and 3rd respectively. They come into the tournament the number 1 ranked team by FIFA, having held onto top spot since September 2018 - gaudy statistics.
The "Golden Generation" has largely been responsible for their recent, relative success given when most appeared on the international scene, Belgium had been mired in a long stretch in the international wilderness (over a decade between major tournaments) before they returned in World Cup 2014. Since then two quarterfinals and a semifinal at major tournaments represent moderate success, but their core group are either very near 30 or well into their 30s. The time to win is essentially now or never. They do have a UEFA Nations League semifinal to look forward to after the tournament as a shot at glory, but this is bigger needless to say. They return fifteen players from Euro 2016 and eighteen (78%) of the their World Cup 2018 side.
Roberto Martinez has been in charge since 2016 and from the familiarity of the group, clearly trusts his core group of players to continue to be effective. A variation of either a 3-4-2-1 or 5-2-2-1 is the preferred formation with Courtois in goal behind a CB trio of Vertonghen, Denayer and Alderweireld with Carrasco and Meunier as something like wing-backs. The midfield will comprise Witsel, Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne and Hazard when all are fit behind Lukaku. Their depth is shallow in defensive positions with Vermaelen first backup (an oft-injured 35 year old playing in Japan), but is much better further up the pitch with Dendoncker, Castagne and Praet for midfield with Mertens, Doku and Trossard for higher up the pitch. with provides a massive presence even if he has not been at his best this season. The biggest challenge for this team is not with the quality of the players but more immediate issues, injuries and form. There are major fitness concerns for Hazard (has barely played in 2 years in Spain), Witsel (has not played a league game since January with a serious injury) and KDB who is questionable for the opening game. They do have in their GK and ST two of the very best in the world and they are both in the forms of their lives.
The Belgians are among the very favourites to win it all and should relatively comfortably advance from this group, in all likelihood as group winners no less. From there navigation to the quarterfinals should be straightforward with this experienced group, but the big concern is when they face a tournament heavyweight, they simply need to have Hazard, Witsel and KDB at or near top form, if they are not this team is not as deep as those other teams and the drop-off in quality is too steep. Question marks remain about their defensive stability and this is especially likely to be tested noting a key part of their defence had been the cover Witsel has provided. He is an underrated but massively key cog in Belgium's recent success and Dendoncker is simply not nearly as good.
Denmark would be clear 2nd favourites to Belgium, but given the injuries to Belgium and with all the Danes group games being played at home in front of fans in Copenhagen this could be much closer than would otherwise be the case. I would be shocked if Denmark do not advance in at least 2nd spot. They are one of the better second tier countries and look very solid bets to be able to get even deeper to the quarterfinals thereafter.
The Belgians are entering their 6th Euros having a favourite for the 2016 edition before a shock exit to Wales and once more will be amongst the favourites for this version. They were perfect in qualification with ten wins scoring forty and conceding a miserly three. The topped a section which saw Russia and Scotland in 2nd and 3rd respectively. They come into the tournament the number 1 ranked team by FIFA, having held onto top spot since September 2018 - gaudy statistics.
The "Golden Generation" has largely been responsible for their recent, relative success given when most appeared on the international scene, Belgium had been mired in a long stretch in the international wilderness (over a decade between major tournaments) before they returned in World Cup 2014. Since then two quarterfinals and a semifinal at major tournaments represent moderate success, but their core group are either very near 30 or well into their 30s. The time to win is essentially now or never. They do have a UEFA Nations League semifinal to look forward to after the tournament as a shot at glory, but this is bigger needless to say. They return fifteen players from Euro 2016 and eighteen (78%) of the their World Cup 2018 side.
Roberto Martinez has been in charge since 2016 and from the familiarity of the group, clearly trusts his core group of players to continue to be effective. A variation of either a 3-4-2-1 or 5-2-2-1 is the preferred formation with Courtois in goal behind a CB trio of Vertonghen, Denayer and Alderweireld with Carrasco and Meunier as something like wing-backs. The midfield will comprise Witsel, Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne and Hazard when all are fit behind Lukaku. Their depth is shallow in defensive positions with Vermaelen first backup (an oft-injured 35 year old playing in Japan), but is much better further up the pitch with Dendoncker, Castagne and Praet for midfield with Mertens, Doku and Trossard for higher up the pitch. with provides a massive presence even if he has not been at his best this season. The biggest challenge for this team is not with the quality of the players but more immediate issues, injuries and form. There are major fitness concerns for Hazard (has barely played in 2 years in Spain), Witsel (has not played a league game since January with a serious injury) and KDB who is questionable for the opening game. They do have in their GK and ST two of the very best in the world and they are both in the forms of their lives.
The Belgians are among the very favourites to win it all and should relatively comfortably advance from this group, in all likelihood as group winners no less. From there navigation to the quarterfinals should be straightforward with this experienced group, but the big concern is when they face a tournament heavyweight, they simply need to have Hazard, Witsel and KDB at or near top form, if they are not this team is not as deep as those other teams and the drop-off in quality is too steep. Question marks remain about their defensive stability and this is especially likely to be tested noting a key part of their defence had been the cover Witsel has provided. He is an underrated but massively key cog in Belgium's recent success and Dendoncker is simply not nearly as good.
Team: DENMARK
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Denmark
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/35--denmark/
Captain: Simon Kjaer
Key Players: Christian Eriksen; Simon Kjaer; Kasper Schmeichel
Potential Breakout Player: Joakim Maehle
Notable Absentees: Lasse Schone (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1992)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Quarterfinals
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Denmark
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/35--denmark/
Captain: Simon Kjaer
Key Players: Christian Eriksen; Simon Kjaer; Kasper Schmeichel
Potential Breakout Player: Joakim Maehle
Notable Absentees: Lasse Schone (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1992)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Quarterfinals
Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Joakim Maehle (DEF - 4.5m)
Denmark will enter this tournament with strong pedigree as a former champion, in 1992 where they didn't even qualify and were only afforded their place when Yugoslavia were unable to participate. They qualified unbeaten in their group finishing 2nd to Switzerland, but drew as many as they won.
They got to the Round of 16 in Russia and acquitted themselves well in their UEFA Nations League group finishing 2nd to Belgium but ahead of England, beating and drawing with the English but twice beaten by the Belgians. They have a familiar group with a well defined style of play but benefit from some highly technical players and a group which largely plays in Europe's Top 5 leagues.
Their coach is new to role since 2020 but the continuity within the national team program means that the formation and style of play they have grown accustomed to remains. They set up in a variation of a 4-5-1 / 4-3-3, with Schmeichel in goal behind a quarter of Wass, Kjaer, Christensen and Maehle. The midfield of Hojbjerg, Delaney and Eriksen play narrowly with Poulsen and Brathwaithe as hardworking attackers playing to support Dolberg. The Danes boast good depth for a 'smaller' nation with the likes of Andersen, Vestergaard, Skov, Stryger Larsen and Cornelius good experience options of the bench whilst also have very promising young players Skov Olsen and Wind to call on. Eriksen offers a major threat creatively and off dead-ball plays to offer a true number 10 to make this team tick.
Denmark would be clear 2nd favourites to Belgium, but given the injuries to Belgium and with all the Danes group games being played at home in front of fans in Copenhagen this could be much closer than would otherwise be the case. I would be shocked if Denmark do not advance in at least 2nd spot. They are one of the better second tier countries and look very solid bets to be able to get even deeper to the quarterfinals thereafter.
Team: FINLAND
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Finland
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/42--finland/
Captain: Tim Sparv
Key Players: Lukas Hradecky; Teemu Pukki; Robin Lod
Potential Breakout Player: Fredrik Jensen
Notable Absentees: N/A
Best Historical Finish: N/A - first time qualifier
They will likely lineup with a 5-4-1 seeing Hradecky in goal behind Raitala, O'Shaughnessy, Toivio, Arajurri and Alho. The midfield of Sparv, Kamara, Schuller and Lod lineup behind Pukki. Probably well off on this one, but this is a team which is entering the tournament lacking quality and now devoid of form. They just lost to Estonia in Finland in their last friendly before the tournament.
Don't want to oversimplify or over critique, but the Finns will not advance and should consider it a great success if they get a point. The play Denmark in Denmark, Russia in Russia and Belgium period. There is no real reason for optimism for a result but great pride should be taken in qualifying. Three games and done. Look to stack your fantasy squads with players against this team.
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Finland
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/42--finland/
Captain: Tim Sparv
Key Players: Lukas Hradecky; Teemu Pukki; Robin Lod
Potential Breakout Player: Fredrik Jensen
Notable Absentees: N/A
Best Historical Finish: N/A - first time qualifier
Minimum Expectation: Qualifying (Already achieved)
How Far Could They Go: Group Stage
How Far Could They Go: Group Stage
Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Stay Away!
Finland will be making their first appearance at a major tournament in their history and that should be lauded. They qualified finishing 2nd to Italy in their group pipping Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina to get here. They don't score a bunch but focus on trying to be tight at the back. Hradecky is their best player and he will be worked during this tournament.
They will likely lineup with a 5-4-1 seeing Hradecky in goal behind Raitala, O'Shaughnessy, Toivio, Arajurri and Alho. The midfield of Sparv, Kamara, Schuller and Lod lineup behind Pukki. Probably well off on this one, but this is a team which is entering the tournament lacking quality and now devoid of form. They just lost to Estonia in Finland in their last friendly before the tournament.
Don't want to oversimplify or over critique, but the Finns will not advance and should consider it a great success if they get a point. The play Denmark in Denmark, Russia in Russia and Belgium period. There is no real reason for optimism for a result but great pride should be taken in qualifying. Three games and done. Look to stack your fantasy squads with players against this team.
Team: RUSSIA
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Russia
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/57451--russia/
Captain: Artem Dzyuba
Key Players: Artem Dzyuba; Aleksandr Golovin; Aleksei Miranchuk
Potential Breakout Player: Andrei Mostovoy
Notable Absentees: Fyodor Smolov (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1960 as the USSR); Semifinals (2008)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Russia
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/57451--russia/
Captain: Artem Dzyuba
Key Players: Artem Dzyuba; Aleksandr Golovin; Aleksei Miranchuk
Potential Breakout Player: Andrei Mostovoy
Notable Absentees: Fyodor Smolov (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1960 as the USSR); Semifinals (2008)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round
Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Aleksandr Golovin (MID - 7.5m)
The coach has been in his role since 2016 and whilst a lot of the credit for their 2018 run was due to homefield advantage, he has a group he knows well and plays to their strengths. They will play with a 5-4-1 system, Shunin in goal behind a CB trio of Semenov, Dzhikiya and Kudryashov with Fernandes and Zhirkov as the wing-backs. The midfield will see the deeper lying duo of Odzoyev and Zobnin with Golovin and Miranchuk playing off Dzyuba as the focal point striker. Cheryshev could be a difference maker off the bench but beyond that, this is not a particularly talented of deep team.
Make no mistake Belgium and Denmark should be heavy favourites to finish in the top two spots. Russia has the fact that they play Belgium and Finland at home in St. Petersburg in their favour but it looks very likely that the Russians will head into a direct play-off with Denmark (away in Copenhagen) in the last round of group games needing at least a point to advance - otherwise they will need to hope 3 points is enough to be a Top 4 third placed team.
The Russians will be making their 12th appearance and 5th consecutive but more often than not cannot find a way out of the Group Stage. Their unexpected and impressive run to the quarterfinals at the 2018 World Cup showed this team is capable of something. Qualification was a relatively straightforward process finishing 2nd in their group with eight wins from ten, the blemishes were losses to Belgium. The scored thirty-three goals and conceded eight (just one in the eight games not against Belgium).
Russia entered Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018 with one of the oldest squads at either tournament. The average age is much reduced as a number from those squads have now moved on from the national team. Only Dzyuba and Golovin return from the 2016 squad and eight from the 2018 odyssey.
The coach has been in his role since 2016 and whilst a lot of the credit for their 2018 run was due to homefield advantage, he has a group he knows well and plays to their strengths. They will play with a 5-4-1 system, Shunin in goal behind a CB trio of Semenov, Dzhikiya and Kudryashov with Fernandes and Zhirkov as the wing-backs. The midfield will see the deeper lying duo of Odzoyev and Zobnin with Golovin and Miranchuk playing off Dzyuba as the focal point striker. Cheryshev could be a difference maker off the bench but beyond that, this is not a particularly talented of deep team.
Make no mistake Belgium and Denmark should be heavy favourites to finish in the top two spots. Russia has the fact that they play Belgium and Finland at home in St. Petersburg in their favour but it looks very likely that the Russians will head into a direct play-off with Denmark (away in Copenhagen) in the last round of group games needing at least a point to advance - otherwise they will need to hope 3 points is enough to be a Top 4 third placed team.
Play UEFA Euro 2020 Fantasy Football - Join The League
League Code: 50EFWFWU01
Umm, WHY No mention of Denis Cheryshev for Russia? He is arguably one of their best players and was a huge star in 2018 World Cup. I think he is a key player. He has had a lot of injury problems which is why he has not been starting lately, but when healthy, he is probably Russia's best player.
ReplyDeleteAnyways Belgium should top this group easily. I expect Russia vs Denmark to end in a draw, but Russia will edge it out for third place due to being more complete team in attack and will net more goals against Finland than Denmark will. Denmark rely too much on Eriksen to create something in attack for them.
Was between Cheryshev, Fernandes and Miranchuk for me for the last spot. Cheryshev has so poor in club form this season, just made a pick. He was brilliant in 2018 agreed.
DeleteRussia-Denmark in Copenhagen with fans turns what might have been a potential draw into an almost banker win for me, plus the Russia team looks questionable to me but better than Finland for sure.
Denmark definitely have the home advantage for sure, but I just feel that Russia is the better team overall though, and the Danish home advantage will push them to a draw. It is true that Cheryshev didn't have the best season, but he is very injury prone and half the time he is not even completely fit. As long as he is fit this summer, he is one of Russia's best players.
DeleteHere is why I really think that Russia is generally the superior team to Denmark. Denmark has a slightly better defense, but I feel that they really rely too much on Eriksen to create something spectacular in attack, especially against defensive teams (Finland is a very defensive team). I just have strong doubts about Denmark being able to breakdown Finland. They should get a narrow win, but more like 1-0 maybe.
Russia has Golovin, Cheryshev, Fernandes, Dzyuba, and I feel many of their players link up pretty well chemistry wise. As for the Denmark vs Russia game, home advantage will benefit the Danish a little bit but probably not as much as you think. Russia will likely have more possession with a direct approach and break them down at some point. Denmark will hit back on the counter or maybe via an Eriksen free kick.
Another player I am very surprised not to see in the Russian squad is Kokorin. He is 30 years old but I highly believe that he is Russia's second best striker after Dzyuba and Smolov is third. The funny thing is that Kokorin was supposed to go to 2018 World Cup and Dzyuba wasn't even supposed to be there, but Kokorin got injured and had to pull out and then Dzyuba was called to replace him. Its just funny how that turned out as Dzyuba became the star striker of the team!
Kokorin hasn't played for Russia since his stint in jail awhile ago. Agreed he was supposed to be the big star striker for Russia and that assault charge ended those hopes.
DeleteAlso, this shouldn't affect Belgium in the group stage but one thing you forgot to mention was Kompany's retirement. Kompany was extremely key to their defense in 2018 World Cup, and I believe due to his retirement, they will concede a lot more goals easier in the knockout stages which is why I do not see them going all the way to win the tournament.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Kompany replaced by Denayer makes a major difference, big drop-off.
Delete