Euro 2016 Daily Five: Embarrassing England, why Griezmann can be France’s new Zidane


  • English
  • Arabic

Monday at Euro 2016 saw the final two qualifiers for the quarter-finals. Here, we have collated some of the best of our content from the last 24 hours in one place. All the latests news, plus group guides, kick-off times and news from around the teams can be found at our special microsite.

1 – Spain: Ordinary defenders, on the pitch and of trophies

The glamour tie of the last 16 took place on Monday evening as traditional heavyweights Italy and Spain, the two-time defending champions, clashed in St Denis for a place in the quarter-finals. Despite an impressive group stage by Italy (yes, they did lose to Republic of Ireland, but top spot was already secured and Antonio Conte had made six changes) and a rather underwhelming one for Spain, it was Spain who entered the match as favourites.

They certainly shouldn’t have. Over the course of 90 minutes, Italy proceeded to dismantle Vicente Del Bosque’s side, and were it not for a string of impressive saves by goalkeeper David De Gea, the scoreline could have been wider than 2-0. Spain have now, in the space of two years, surrendered the World Cup at the group stage and their European title in the Round of 16.

Ian Hawkey's post-match analysis: Spain, undone by Italian urgency, have become ordinary defenders — in matches and of trophies

2 – England embarrassment

English expectations may have been lowered over recent years following a succession of failures at major tournaments, but there was a hint of optimism as the squad boarded the plane to France. Only the most fanciful England fans would have believed in winning Euro 2016, but a young, exciting squad was at the very least expected to reach a stage where they would then be defeated by stronger opposition.

Instead, England qualified second in a very winnable Group B, only to then breathe a sigh of relief for avoiding Portugal in the last 16 and drawing Iceland, the tournament novices hailing from a nation on 330,000.

What unfolded was the latest lowpoint in a series of embarrassing moments for English football, as the team packed with Premier League stars were defeated 2-1 despite taking the early lead.

Richard Jolly provided his analysis from the match in Nice: England, a country and football team in crisis, crash out of Euro 2016 an embarrassment.

3 – The fall guy

Unsurprisingly, Roy Hodgson resigned his post as England manager following the match.

4 – Is ‘Gizou’ the new ‘Zizou’?

The laborious start to the tournament by hosts France had been somewhat personified by their two star players, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann. While Pogba is still searching for his best form, Griezmann came alive gainst the Republic of Ireland on Sunday night with two goals to lead France into the quarter-finals.

Ian Hawkey profiles the Atletico Madrid striker and explains why Griezmann can be to France at Euro 2016 what Zinedine Zidane was at World Cup '98.

5 – Iceland, Italy deserving

Even if it feels wrong, the right teams won on Monday. English football correspondent Greg Lea gives his take, as well as the day's best player, goal and more.

***

Stay with The National for quarter-final previews and more analysis from Euro 2016.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport