Welcome to the fourfiveone weekly Euros 2016 review. We will be covering issues relating to the events at the 2016 European Championship in France.
DE GEA IN TROUBLE?
First Karim. Now De Gea? The Spanish number one has been embroiled in a serious and complex sexual assault case on the eve of the Euros. He hasn’t been identified as a participant in the act but his role is just as damaging if true. An unidentified witness has stated that he was one of those who instigated the meeting between two other footballers and Ignacio Allende Fernandez known as ‘Torbe’ (a man who was jailed last year for the sexual abuse of minors and the distribution of pornography involving underage girls). The timing of this is bad for many reasons; but the most prevalent is the fact that De Gea has finally come into his own as Spain’s number one goalkeeper. It was no mean feat dislodging the stalwart and Spanish world cup winning captain Iker Casillas in the team, and things like this will not help him in his quest to permanently keep Iker out of the first eleven. Yes time is of course on De Gea’s side but these types of scandals in football have a long lasting impact on the reputation of a player. Of course it is innocent until proven guilty and De Gea has come out and denied all involvement in the case but I am sure he is disappointed in the timing of this distasteful scandal threatening to undo all his hard work over the past couple of seasons.
THE DIMITRI PAYET LP
It isn’t often in life where you can be profoundly touched emotionally by an event in sport but when it does happen it can be truly a moment to savour. A year from the day he curled home an absolute peach of a goal in the dying moments of the first game of the competition, Payet was nowhere near the French squad. He had been in a very unenviable position for his entire career in French football. He was respected for having very good technical ability but not enough to be rewarded with a chance to prove himself on the big stage. He just wasn’t trusted enough. Considering that he moved to West Ham at the age of 28 goes to show that this wasn’t only the opinion held by those in France. None of the ‘big’ teams in Europe deemed him as good enough to play for them; despite having a very impressive final season with Marseille. During the 2014/15 season Payet scored 7 in 36 Ligue 1 games. He also provided 16 assists which is a massive part of his game. These efforts were finally enough for him to be recognised by the French National Team. He was a part of the squad during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers but was ruthlessly overlooked for the team that travelled to Brazil. This must have been excruciatingly painful for a player who thought he had finally earned the respect of the nation.
What a change a couple of months can make. In October 2015 Payet was outraged by his omission from the national team labelling it as an ‘injustice.’ Fast forward to June 2016. Not only was he the match winner against Romania but he was the best player on the pitch. He assisted Giroud for the first goal and dictated play in midfield. All of the French attacks went through Dimitri. Not Pogba, or Griezmann; the two players expected to set the tournament alight for the home nation. Dimitri was the heart and soul of the team. He handled the occasion with brilliant temperament when others around him looked quite nervous and understandably so. There is a huge amount of pressure on the host nation at every tournament; but even more when you are being considered as one of the favourites to win. His tears when being taken off after his heroics were surprising, but all things considered, they were inevitable. Henry summed it up perfectly: “…you saw a man who was hurt. He showed tremendous desire.” This was no understatement. Payet is French footballs’ journeyman and has seemed to finally get his shot at the title. He clearly doesn’t want this opportunity to pass him by.
WHEN TWO BROTHERS COLLIDE
For the first time in history two brothers played against each other in the Euros. Granit Xhaka played for the country his parents migrated to (Switzerland) whereas Taulant Xhaka played for his native country of Albania. It was a very unique scenario and really shed light on the dynamics of ‘national loyalty’ in general. National loyalty is in inverted commas due to the decision of who to represent at international level not always being up to the players. In many cases, players decide to play for their native countries due to the competition being far too high in their adopted country; making their consistent selection for the latter squad unrealistic. (Kevin-Prince Boateng opting to play for Ghana instead of Germany, despite playing for the German U19, 20 & 21 teams). This doesn’t mean that when the eventual choice is made to play for the often perceived ‘weaker’ native nation that special moments cannot be achieved with them. To refer to KPB once again and his time with the Ghanaian national squad. He was really embraced and adored by the Ghanaian population. He also embraced Ghanaian culture which was very refreshing to see. In this fascinating battle of the brothers Switzerland came out on top, but it was intriguing to watch the match unfold with brothers on opposing teams representing different nations.
THE WELSH HAVE ARRIVED
This was the first time Wales had played at an international tournament since 1958 but it sure as hell didn’t look like it. After an initial scare early in the game where Slovakian star man Hamsik created a brilliant chance by himself to only be denied by a goal line clearance by Ben Davies; Wales came into their own. Bale was imperious and scored a wonderful deserved free kick in the first half. Ramsey attracted attention for his deft touches and great vision rather than his bleach blonde hair. Welsh captain Ashley Williams was solid at the back and Joe Allen put in a dynamic and tidy performance in the centre of midfield. By winning that first game they have relieved themselves of a huge amount of pressure going into the game against England. The Welsh are no longer looking over the wall at the action on the pitch. They are at the centre circle ready for kick off. Your move England.
CLASSIC ENGLAND? I THINK NOT…
Following the 1-1 draw with Russia I noticed an out pouring of the same narrative surrounding the England team for years. ‘Classic England’. ‘Same old Story’. I disagree. For the first time in a long time England looked like contenders to effectively compete in an international competition. They were in total control of the game, attacked very well and defended well too. What really stood out to me was the way in which those players in form during the premier league have clearly retained that confidence and now are ready to display it on the international stage. Walker, Dier and Rose in particular were terrific. If Kane and Ali were able to convert some good chances during the match the score line would have read very differently than it did at full time. Before we say same old England remember that England have the youngest squad in the tournament based on average age. They are inexperienced but fearless. The score may have prompted ‘classic England’ calls but I assure you it isn’t. They look young, energetic, passionate and ready to compete. Judge them at the end of the campaign and not after the first game.
HOOLIGANISM
I don’t want to write too much on this as it takes attention away from the beautiful game so all I will say on the matter is this. For those participating in the disgusting acts of violence before during and after games; remember what made you so passionate about the game and not the senseless violence. You are spoiling it for everyone and tarnishing the name of the sport.
Fourfiveone 
Leave a comment