EURO 2016 Review - Show your colours at Postbox Shop

Euro 2016 had its ups and downs but will definitely be a tournament to remember. There was a lack of goals, fanatical fans (good & bad), under-par superstars and of course the ‘Victorious Vikings’! Throughout Euro 2016, there were 51 matches, 108 goals were scored at an average of 2.12 goals per game. Not the best average compared to previous Euro 16 results. Euro 2016 football came to an end with Portugal emerging as surprising champions and the hosts and favourites France suffering heartbreak in the final. Before the tournament began there would not have been many people who could foresee Portugal winning the trophy. The tournament was dominated by mostly defensive underdogs, who effectively achieved the right result. The success of underdogs is highlighted with Iceland beating England, Croatia topping a group with Spain, Wales reaching the semi-final stage, Hungary qualifying for the knock-out stage and Portugal winning the whole tournament. These teams showed that team spirit, cohesion and excellent tactics prevailed. The tournament began with lackluster, drab defensive games but as the tournament opened up the goals began to fly in. Still it perhaps was not the most exciting tournament in recent memory but it captured the attention of football fans for a month. France was the best team in this respect with 1.86 goals every game followed by Belgium and Wales. France also created the most chances along with Portugal with Germany and Belgium following closely behind. Germany, Spain and England were teams that dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge. Spain were the best passers with Iniesta and Fabregas the best exponents of the art. The tournament will also be remembered for superstars that didn’t quite live up to their billing, reputations or exorbitant salaries. Players like Ibrahimovic, Lewandowski, Rooney, Muller, Kane, Pogba and Ronaldo all under performed. It is fair to say that Austria, England and Russia were the worst performing teams in comparison with their expectations and they did not perform well. This once again highlighted the flaws in England’s management system because they had one of the most dynamic, youthful and talented squads but Roy Hodgson found a way to lose against Iceland. Bad decisions are what cost them. England lacked a cutting edge and especially against Iceland a proper Plan A and Plan B. I wonder if the newly appointed England manager, Sam Allardyce, will fare any better?

For more information on EURO 2016 Review - Show your colours at Postbox Shop talk to PostBox Shop Ltd