Ukraine’s resilience keeps the Euro campaign alive
At halftime during Ukraine’s crucial match against Slovakia, they were facing a daunting challenge. Behind 1-0 and lacking a threatening presence, their European Championship journey was in jeopardy.
However, a much-improved second-half performance, led by Mykola Shaparenko, gave them a huge 2-1 win that put them in a much better position to escape their group.
Roman Yaremchuk Scoring the winning goal against Slovakia
Shaparenko who grabbed a goal and an assist on his way to a Man of the Match performance guided a relentlessly determined Ukrainian side to their first three points.
Following a disappointing performance in a 3-0 loss to Romania in their opening match, this display was reminiscent of the Ukraine team that fans had seen during the qualification rounds.
They finish their group stage campaign with a crucial match against Belgium, aware that securing a draw would probably secure a spot in the knockout rounds. If they exhibit the same determination in that match as they did in the second half against Slovakia, they stand a strong chance of achieving a positive outcome.
Rangnick’s men continue to impress
After narrow opening defeats to Group D heavyweights France and the Netherlands, Poland, and Austria were fully aware of the significance of their encounter in Berlin.
Austria made a strong start, with Gernot Trauner scoring an early header, maintaining the competitive form displayed in their previous match against Kylian Mbappe and his teammates.
Poland responded through Krzysztof Piatek, but Austria maintained their attacking intensity with high-pressure gegenpressing, reaping the rewards of their proactive tactics in the latter stages of the game.
Austria Christoph Baumgartner Won MOTM Against Slovakia
Christoph Baumgartner and Marko Arnautovic’s goals secured a highly impressive victory for Das Team, extending their remarkable upturn in form under Rangnick (seven wins in their last nine matches).
France toothless without Mbappe
Sometimes you don’t fully appreciate a player until you get a glimpse into life without them. Yesterday night we saw what France is like without Kylian Mbappe and it wasn’t a fun watch.
Kylian Mbappe was frustrated on the bench yesterday
France’s talisman provides the team with rapid counterattacks and lethal finishing in front of goal. His relentless threat poses a constant challenge for defenders, and in his absence, France appears devoid of potency and struggles to make an impact.
Ultimately, France was fortunate to secure a point as Xavi Simons’ goal was disallowed by VAR. Despite Mbappe’s absence being strongly felt, it has been the most promising start to the tournament for the World Cup finalists.
Xavi Simons frustrated after his goal was controversially ruled out for offside
They managed to secure a lackluster 1-0 victory against Austria in their first match, with Antoine Griezmann squandering two clear opportunities. However, in tonight’s match, they struggled to create meaningful chances in another uninspiring performance.
Mbappe will be back and France as a result will be better, but to be so reliant on one player is concerning and shows their fragility at this tournament.
