France 1-1 England

A draw was a perhaps unsurprising result in this match, with the emphasis being more about not losing as opposed to bagging all three points. Both sides knew that this would likely be the most difficult group game, and a draw means they can afford to take only one win and one draw from the other two matches and still progress through the group.

There were no real surprises in the starting XI for France. Yann M’Vila was deemed not quite fit enough to start, so Alou Diarra began in his place.

For England, the selection of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at left midfield was a bit of a surprise, over the more experienced Stewart Downing. Welbeck started up front as expected, with Young providing support. Milner was deployed at RM to attempt to nullify the threat of Ribery.

England seemed content to sit with their rigid two banks of four when France came forward and this led to a bit of space for France to work the ball in, but for no real reward.

The 15th minute brought a massive chance to the feet of James Milner. After being played through by Young, he rounded Lloris, but with the goal gaping, failed to wrap his foot around the shot and put it wide.

On the half hour, a clumsy foul by Evra gave England a free kick in a decent position on the right. Gerrard swung the ball in to a dangerous area, and Joleon Lescott rose highest to head home with England’s first (and only) shot on target of the match.

The lead didn’t last long though, with Samir Nasri driving home from 20 yards after some nice buildup down the left. Again, England’s willingness to sit back proved to be their undoing in this situation.

France peppered Joe Hart’s goal for the remainder of the match but failed to fashion any clear chances. In the end, a satisfactory point for both sides, which puts them in pole, position to progress out of the group.

 Ukraine 2-1 Sweden

Whilst the emphasis in the other match was on avoiding defeat, this game was the polar opposite. The two yellow and blue underdogs knew that anything less than 3 points would put them in a very difficult position to achieve progression from the group.

There were no major selection surprises for Ukraine, but although many expected Andriy Shevchenko to start on the bench, he took his place up front from kick off.

The main surprise from Sweden was that Elm started alongside Kallstrom as opposed to vice-captain Anders Svensson. In doing so, they left themselves quite open in the middle, as neither of the central players had the defensive capabilities that Svensson provides.

Ukraine’s best play came down the flanks, and, as highlighted in my earlier blog, Yarmolenko was proving to be quite a threat in wide positions, as was Konoplyanka. Both were involved in setting up an early chance for Shevchenko, but his composure deserted him and he snatched it wide.

For Sweden, the lack of a holding midfield player meant they were more susceptible to the Ukrainian counterattacks that looked so dangerous all night – but it was still the visitors who scored first when Ibrahimovic converted from close range.

Ukraine were to have the last laugh however – Yarmolenko crossed for Shevchenko  to nod home, and then shortly after the talismanic striker struck with his head again to give the co-hosts an absolutely vital three points and a real shot at making it out of the group. They can afford to sit back against France now which will play into their hands, with their strength on the counter.


ROUND TWO FIXTURES:

Ukraine v France
Sweden v England