On the afternoon of June 11, the 2016 European Cup in France finally kicked off!
Amid the loud cheers of "La Marseillaise" in the audience, the host French team sat at the Stade de France and ushered in the challenge of Romania.
The French team also used its main force in this game. Giroud stepped forward, Payet and Griezmann flew together on both wings, Pogba, Kante and Matuidi formed a three-midfielder, with Lamy and Koscielny guarding In the defense, Evra and Sagna are on the left and right, with Lori guarding the door.
It can be said that France is definitely better than its opponents in terms of lineup.
But in this game, the French team still encountered strong resistance from the Romanian team.
Playing until the 58th minute of the second half, Payet made a left-footed pass from the right. Giroud shook his head in front of Tatarusanu and broke the net, 1-0!
This is the first goal of this European Cup and also the 18th goal Giroud has scored in his 50th appearance for the French team.
But in the 65th minute, Evra fouled Stanciu with his left foot in the penalty area. The referee decisively awarded a penalty kick. Stanciu took the penalty and calmly shot a low shot into the lower right corner to break the net. The score became 1-1!
This is the first penalty kick in this European Cup. At the same time, Stancu has scored 10 goals in the Romanian national team.
In the 89th minute, Kanter passed the ball and Payet made a beautiful left-footed kick in front of the penalty area. The ball flew into the upper left corner of the door like a shell, 2-1!
France completes the killing blow! This is Payet's fourth goal in his 20th appearance for the French team.
In the 91st minute, Payet was replaced by Sissoko amidst the cheers of tens of thousands of fans. Payet was moved to tears and the whole audience chanted Payet's name.
In the end, thanks to Payet's world-beating kill, France got off to a good start!
At the same time, this difficult game also tells everyone that there are no weaklings who can enter the main draw of the European Cup!
Even a team like Romania without well-known stars can still cause huge trouble to the star-studded French team!
Then there was a match between the other two teams in this group in Lens, Albania versus Switzerland.
The dominant Switzerland only defeated Albania 1:0. Central defender Fabian scored a goal in the first 5 minutes, helping the team gain three points.
The next day, Sweden's warm-up match opponent, Wales in Group B, ushered in the first match of the European Cup. They defeated Slovakia 2:1 and won their first main match victory in the history of the European Cup!
Bell opened the scoring for Wales. After being equalized in the second half, Kanu came off the bench to score!
Wales' victory also eased the pressure on the Swedish national team.
Looking at it this way, Wales does not seem to be a weak force...
So being able to draw with Wales also shows that the Swedish team has made some progress under the leadership of Pan Yi.
Next, England's 1:1 draw with Russia in Group B once again proved that there are no underdogs in the European Cup.
Even with Pan Yi's two disciples Vardy and Harry Kane leading the way, the English still had no good way to defeat the Russian team, and in the end they could only shake hands and make peace.
Compared with this dull game, something happened off the field that attracted the attention of the world media.
That was when fans from the two countries clashed outside the stadium. After a heated exchange of opinions, the final result was that 200 Russian fans defeated 2,000 English fans.
This incident even shocked Russia’s biggest boss, Emperor Vladimir Putin, who said he didn’t understand the matter...
In the next few games, there were no surprises.
Croatia defeated Türkiye 1:0.
Germany 2:0 Ukraine.
Spain 1:0 Czech Republic.
Next, it’s the turn of Group E, the Sweden VS Ireland game is about to begin!
——
"I know that Pan Yi is a championship-level coach and I respect him very much. However, I have also won two Champions League championships, so I am not afraid of him."
Martin O'Neill, head coach of the Irish national team, said this at the pre-match press conference.
If the surname "O'Neal" is mentioned, most people may think of the big shark in the NBA, but in fact, Martin O'Neal has also gained a lot of fame in football, but he is a little older, and many People just don’t remember it.
From 1971 to 1981, the team Martin O'Neill played for was...Nottingham Forest!
Yes, he was a key player under the legendary coach Clough, and won consecutive European Cups with the team in 1978 and 1979, and also won the English top league championship in 1978.
In 2013, Martin O'Neill became the head coach of the Irish national team.
He was deeply influenced by the traditional British style of play in the 1970s and 1980s, so today's Irish team still maintains a tough style of playing high and high.
"I don't deny that it's no secret that I will beat Sweden with solid defense and sharp counterattacks."
At the end of his press conference, Martin O'Neill said: "Pan Yi certainly has magic, but isn't there an old saying in the Dragon Kingdom that a clever woman cannot make a meal without rice. With the ability of the Swedish team's current personnel, it is impossible to play as well as in Chelsea Such smooth football! So, I have enough confidence to beat the Swedish team!"
When it was Pan Yi's turn, it was obvious that the reporters' questions would become broader.
After all, Pan Yi's popularity can be said to be the highest in the world, so his news value will naturally be higher, and more people will pay attention to him.
"What do you think of the issues surrounding your leadership of the team that have been widely circulated in the recent period? Are you worried about the impact of the team from the outside world? For example, the morale of the players, or the effectiveness of preparations for the game?"
A reporter from the British Times asked the first question, which is also the question that most fans on the Internet are concerned about.
Pan Yi smiled faintly and looked at the camera: "I think those comments are normal. Anyone and any organization have the right to express their own opinions. I can only say that everyone, including me and the coaching staff, I am very satisfied with the preparation effect. We believe that we can be in good condition for the European Cup, and I am very confident about it!"
"The Times" reporter immediately asked the second question, "Speaking of the European Cup, the opponent in the first game is Ireland. Their coach Martin O'Neill is very confident about defeating you, so what do you think? ?Have you decided how to fight?"
This is also an issue that many fans are concerned about.
Because everyone can see that for both the Swedish team and the Irish team, the first game is almost a life and death battle.
If we lose this game and face the next two strong teams, it will be very dangerous.
Martin O'Neill has been coaching the Irish national team for three years. Although the tactics are relatively simple, there is an advantage in that it is easy for the players to understand and implement.
In addition, Irish players have always been accustomed to this way of playing, so there is no need to doubt their tactical familiarity and execution ability.
Relatively speaking, Pan Yi only temporarily took over the team a week or two ago. After that, he adjusted the lineup and playing style. At present, it seems that a stable offensive and defensive system has not been built. This is what everyone thinks about Sweden. The team’s biggest worry.
Ireland is good at rushing and fast breaks. If the Swedish team's defense is not solved well, it is likely to encounter a bad start in the first game.
Then the next two group matches will be very dangerous, because Belgium and Italy are much stronger than Ireland!
"What my opponents think has nothing to do with me. But having confidence is a good thing. If you don't have confidence before the game, you won't be able to perform well during the game."
Pan Yi replied easily:
"I will decide the final lineup before the game. For now, we are still adjusting and practicing. I can't reveal the specific play method yet."
"Ireland's strength is actually very good. Both O'Shea and Robbie Keane are famous stars. They are players who can play an important role on the field."
"But I have also done detailed research on them. When the time comes, we will have corresponding measures to deal with them and bring out our own characteristics."
"Many people say that I am not familiar with leading the national team. I do not deny this. But I also know that the European Cup and club competitions are different, and my coaching staff and I have also re-adapted to this. Adjust it, I believe there won’t be any big problems!”
At this time, a reporter from Svenska Dagbladet asked:
"Our national team was drawn into the group of death before, and faced favorites like Belgium and Italy. Everyone thought it would be a bit difficult to qualify."
"But there are also optimistic fans who believe that we can fight hard to defeat Ireland, then draw with Italy, and finally allow a small loss to Belgium. With four points, we can qualify as second in the group, or third in the group with better results."
"What do you think of this plan? In other words, do you have the confidence to lead the team out of such a deadly group?"
Hearing these words, Pan Yi almost laughed out loud.
Isn't this the same qualifying routine as the Dragon Country national team in the 2002 World Cup?
I didn’t expect that people all over the world love to count.
Pan Yi held back his laughter and answered the question seriously:
"Since the group we are in is called the group of death, it is naturally very difficult to qualify. This requires our greatest efforts. But such calculations are meaningless. Football has never been achieved by calculation. Winner."
"I have also been telling my players that they must perform at their best level in the three group matches, instead of defaulting to losing when they see a strong team like Belgium. There is no fear in my dictionary. !”
"Of course, the three opponents in our group are all teams with different styles. I also drew up three different tactical plans specifically for them, and made targeted arrangements for them."
"As for what it will look like specifically, you will know when you go to the field and see it."
The reporter from Svenska Dagbladet asked a new question: "Many people are asking, you have always advocated offensive football, and you have always advocated offense as your football creed. So now, the Swedish team is obviously not as strong as Chelsea also has a lot of problems in the defense, will you continue to stick to your football beliefs in the game?"
After Pan Yi heard this, he couldn't help but laugh:
"I have to make it clear that I don't have a specific playing style, the tactics I develop for my team are all about winning."
"Why did I focus on attacking football when I was at Chelsea? It was because our strength did not allow us to give the ball away."
"In fact, when I met a team with strong control ability like Barcelona, I would take the initiative to shrink and play defensive counterattack."
"So, specifically with regard to the Swedish team I'm leading today, I can't guarantee you what kind of football I will play."
"But one thing is guaranteed, no matter what tactics it is, it is football that can win!"
——
On the evening of June 13th, Stade de France.
This large stadium was specially built for the 1998 World Cup. Since its completion, it has been the home stadium of the French national football team, hosting events including World Cup qualifiers, European Nations Cup qualifiers, etc. It was also used to host the UEFA Champions League in 2006. venue for the finals.
Today, 80,000 fans gathered here to watch the opening game of Group E between Sweden and Ireland.
Before the game even started, the atmosphere at the scene became very intense.
Because everyone can feel that this is a life-and-death battle that starts early, and most people believe that the person who loses the game will be expelled from the European Cup in advance!
Data shows that the two teams have met 10 times in history, with Sweden having 5 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, scoring 16 goals and conceding 13 goals, giving it a slight advantage.
The two teams have played against each other in World Cup qualifiers and European Cup qualifiers, but have never met in the finals of a major competition.
The last time the two teams met was in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. Sweden won 2-1 away and drew 0-0 at home.
It can be said that regardless of history or current situation, the strength of these two teams is equivalent.
Martin O'Neill's starting lineup for Ireland today is a 4-3-1-2, which is a 4-4-2 variant of three defensive midfielders + one attacking midfielder.
Goalkeeper: 23-Randolph;
Defenders: 2-Coleman, 4-O'Shea, 3-Clark, 19-Brady;
Midfielder: 6-Whelan, 8-McCarthy, 13-Hendrick; 20-Hoolahan;
Forwards: 14-Walters, 9-Sean Long.
Pan Yi used a 4-3-3 formation similar to the one used by Wales in the second half to deal with it:
Goalkeeper: 1-Isaksson;
Defenders: 5-Olsson, 14-Lindelof, 4-Granqvist, 3-Johansson;
Midfielder: 6-Forsberg, 8-Ekdal, 9-Karlström;
Forwards: 19-Isak, 10-Ibrahimovic, 20-Guidetti.
Pan Yi's strategy for the Swedish team is to attack, and attack immediately after the game starts!
Only 3 minutes into the game, Forsberg sent a stunning diagonal through ball, which accurately found Guidetti.
But Guidetti failed to stop when he got the ball, resulting in a missed scoring opportunity.
After he adjusted, he began to be interfered by the Irish defender, so he hurriedly shot low but was saved by the goalkeeper, missing a good opportunity in vain.
Then there was a straight overhead pass from Karlström. This time it was Isaac, but the Swedish teenager seemed a little nervous and failed to hold the ball firmly. The opponent's defender took the first step and destroyed the ball.
In the 6th minute, the Swedish team played a small-scale cooperation in the frontcourt. Ekdal passed the ball and found Ibrahimovic. The latter came over from the left to get the ball and shot a long shot, but it was slightly higher.
After that, the Swedish team used the momentum after the opening to attack all the way, obviously hoping to win the game in one go.
The cameras of the live game frequently found Pan Yi sitting in the front row of the Swedish coaching bench, with Arteta and Scaloni sitting on his left and right.
"After Pan Yi came to the Swedish national team, he also brought all his old Chelsea players to the coaching staff. Today, the Swedish team attacked very fiercely, and they also had the attitude of Chelsea's fierce opening attack."
"And a big difference to Sweden under Erik Hamlen is that their attack is not entirely reliant on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but often moves forward through the two wingers."
"However, this is obviously a double-edged sword. While it frees Ibrahimovic from being deliberately marked by opponents, other players must also take on more responsibilities."
"Whether it is Guideti or Isaac, it is obvious that there is still a big gap between their personal abilities and Ibrahimovic. In the first ten minutes, although the two of them also got opportunities, they also had obvious disadvantages. Mistake.”
"Is this the right choice? The game has just begun, let us wait and see!"
In fact, Pan Yi on the sidelines was a little uneasy at this time.
The technical level of most of the Swedish players is very different from that of the Chelsea players. Pan Yi knows this, and the game against Wales has proved this.
However, in a major competition like the European Cup, it feels like this technical gap has been magnified.
If it weren't for the fact that Ireland on the opposite side was also half-matched, and Martin O'Neill was obviously a little afraid of Pan Yi and started to defend first, perhaps Sweden would not be able to take advantage of the field at the beginning.
Therefore, Pan Yi quickly stood up and walked to the command area.
"Karlström! You have to run more and open more gaps to create space for Olsson's forward penetration!"
"Ekdal, you have to take your position back a little and give me some peace of mind! Your responsibility is to protect the two brothers in front!"
"Forsberg, you have to get the ball more, make more breakthroughs, and move forward boldly! What are you afraid of? You are the most skilled player on the field besides Ibrahimovic!"
"Did Guidetti not eat today? Why do you keep making mistakes when stopping the ball? If you keep doing this, I will replace you!"
"Issac, pay attention to your position! After Olsson moves forward, you have to coordinate with him in time. If he can't go back, you have to make up for him!"
"Lindelof, you passed the ball very well, keep it up..."
It can be said that among the 11 Swedish starting players currently on the field, only Ibrahimovic does not need Pan Yi to worry about.
As an experienced world-class star and an old partner who has worked with Pan Yi, Pan Yi often does not need to explain it clearly to Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic naturally knows what to do.
As for the others, Pan Yi has to step by step to let the Swedish players know what they should do on the court!
Pan Yi rarely does this, but he knows he must do it now.
In such a practical moment, in such a suffocating competition atmosphere, promptly correcting the players' mistakes on the field and guiding them into their correct tactical system can achieve twice the result with half the effort.
Under Pan Yi's constant shouting, the Swedish players followed suit one by one, and the scene became smoother and smoother, and a lot of the tension in their hearts was eliminated.
In the 14th minute, the Swedish team got another chance at the front of the penalty area.
Isaac and Olsson formed a cooperation on the left. After the two hit the wall, Isaac got the ball and passed it to Forsberg.
As the defense at the front of the penalty area was attracted by Ibrahimovic who was pulled behind, Forsberg dribbled the ball into the penalty area and formed a single shot.
But this guy's right-footed shot was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper Randolph, and he once again missed a good scoring opportunity.
"He still looks a little nervous!" Arteta looked over from the back row, shook his head and sighed.
"Yeah." Pan Yi nodded, "But their goalkeeper responded very quickly this time, so we were a little unlucky."
The main goalkeeper of the Irish national team has been occupied by Shai Given for a long time, but this old Premier League acquaintance who played for Manchester City, Newcastle and other teams is 40 years old this year, so he can only retreat to the second line as a substitute.
Ireland's current starting goalkeeper is Darren Randolph from Birmingham. Although he is not top-notch, his reaction speed at the goal line is still very fast.
"This opportunity is good, but Ireland seems to be more relaxed than us now and plays more calmly than us!" Scaloni also frowned and analyzed, "Now they are playing defensive counterattack, with three midfielders The ability to protect the defensive line and limit space is too strong, and it is difficult for our short-pass penetration to create a threat!"
This is one of the biggest features of Martin O'Neill's 4-3-1-2 formation today.
Different from the ordinary four-parallel midfielder, his formation has three defensive midfielders.
Whelan, McCarthy, and Hendrick, these three are all midfielders who can't run to death.
Maybe in terms of ball control and passing ability, they are not as good as the Swedish team, but in terms of running, interception and steals, and stalking, the Swedish team is really no match for Ireland.
Sweden's three midfielders today, except for Ekdal, Forsberg and Karlström are actually more organizational and offensive.
"It's time to slow down and let the boys adjust." Pan Yi nodded and said.
It has been almost 20 minutes since the start, but the Swedish team has not yet made any achievements.
Especially after Ireland adapted to the Swedish team's rhythm and became more confident as they defended, Sweden's offense also began to hit a wall.
At this time, Sweden's rhythm must also slow down. After all, they do not have the physical strength to maintain a fast-paced attack all the time.
However, as soon as the Swedish team closed in, Ireland took the opportunity to launch a very threatening counterattack.
Forward Sean Long took the ball and deceived Lindelof with a fake move before passing in. Walters' header was lifted over the crossbar by Isaacson.
After all, Isaksson is also a goalkeeper who has played for Manchester City. He still showed his general style at critical moments. His height of nearly two meters also made him appear to be able to deal with such high-altitude bombings with ease.
But this time Ireland's attack also showed Sweden's inexperience.
When the order to slow down the pace and shrink the front came down, Pan Yi clearly asked everyone to slow down, proceed step by step, and not rush back.
But the players still relaxed like a tight rubber band and became limp, no matter how hard they were.
That's why Ireland seized the opportunity and made a threatening shot.
But now we can only adjust slowly during the game, and we can't rush it.
In Pan Yi's expectation, if the opening attack fails to score, the first half must still focus on stability. First, let the players fully adapt to the intensity of the game and the atmosphere of the scene, and fully relax their bodies, including psychologically. is also like this.
Of course it's good to have a chance to score. If there is no chance, stabilize the players' emotions first, and then try to make adjustments in the second half to slowly get back into shape.
The current European Cup is divided into 24 teams into six groups. After the group stage, 16 teams enter the knockout rounds. Therefore, the top two teams in each group and the four third-placed teams with the best results can all be considered. Advance.
In other words, as long as you don't lose, there's actually no problem.
After all, 4 points is quite safe to qualify, and 3 points can theoretically qualify, as long as you don't lose too many goals and the goal difference is not too low.
In fact, in Pan Yi's previous European Cup, the Portuguese team scored three consecutive draws in the group stage, accumulating 3 points, and finally qualified as third in the group.
After qualifying, Portugal immediately transformed into a superman, defeating Croatia and Poland through overtime and penalty kicks, and then defeated Wales and the host France to finally win the championship!
Therefore, Pan Yi must consider the overall situation.
It is impossible that because Sweden and Ireland are the most direct competitors, they will use up all their bullets.
What if we really get a miserable victory, but the team is out of ammunition and food, and loses the last two games to the strong teams Belgium and Italy. In the end, it will be a negative goal difference of 3 points, and it will be difficult to qualify in the end.
In the 2016 European Cup in the previous life, the four third-place teams that qualified were awarded two with 4 points and two with 3 points.
And the teams with 3 points are Portugal and Northern Ireland. Their goal difference...
All zero!
The article was reviewed today, so it’s late. Anyway, if you find that I haven’t posted a post or it’s late, it’s all for this reason. Ants never delay updates, and never even ask for leave! ^_^You can believe in ants just like you believe in Pan Yi!
(End of chapter)
