First, our becoming-standard and too-often-used disclaimer for negative stories about fans at Euro 2016: not all Croatians. But, some Croatians. Croatia were playing really well and up 2-1 against the Czech Republic Friday when a group of Croatian fans thought it would be cool to bombard the field with flares.
It was not cool.
In case you missed it here is the stunner from Dimitri Payet. It was evident from the opening ceremony how much this game and tournament was going to mean to the French players. Tears of pure joy falling down Payet's face is all you need to see to know the meaning of his goal. Romania fought hard as they tied the game up with a penalty in the second half but the French were still searching for a goal and 3 points as regulation end neared.
As per usual when I write about the Russians at Euro 2016, I begin with this disclamer: not all Russians. But some Russians.
Most people didn't expect much from Italy at Euro 2016, but no team has looked better so far. The italians have yet to concede a goal in the tournament and held one of the world's best players, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, without a shot on goal.
Sometimes, when two countries with such rich, intertwined histories as England and Wales compete on the biggest stages in sports, feels are felt. One sad Wales fan was caught on camera during Wales's crushing loss to England and he was feeling some serious feels.
He was feeling all the feels.
Nothern Ireland got their first ever victory in the European Championships after defeating Ukraine 2-0. Gareth McAuley scored the first goal in a major championship for Green and White Army since 1986. It was an odd match, as there was a match delay due to 'adverse weather conditions'. Heavy rain turned to hail, but I'm sure it was nothing Northern Ireland and Ukrainian players couldn't handle. It was an odd decision by the referee as the delay only lasted 5 or so minutes, but it didn't cool down the lads from Northern Ireland. Here are the highlights of the match via twitter:
It was all so close to going gloriously, pathetically, predictably wrong for England. They put in a first half against Wales that was reminiscent of everything that England had ever done wrong in the past: there was talent on the field, more talent than the opposition, but England not only couldn’t get ahead, they found themselves behind. When Gareth Bale sent in his deep, deep free-kick past Joe hart, who maybe should have done better, it seemed like history was doomed to repeat itself.
Gareth Bale is already a better leader and winner at 26, than Wayne Rooney has ever been in his almost fifteen year career. That, along with a few other reasons is exactly why Wales will beat England tomorrow.
Bale Wins More On UEFA’s Big Stage:
Gareth Bale has already won two Champions League trophies at Real Madrid. Bale is only 26 and is just about to hit his prime on a Galacticos team that will only continue to spend and remain competitive in the years to come.
It is not easy to keep up the pressure in the heat of Marseilles. Especially if your opponents play with discipline and commitment.
Albania went onto the field with the focus reserved for the most important of games, and they immediately showed it. The Balkans awre spurred on by a wall of fans who came all the way to the Velodrome of Marseilles to support their country. A great sight.
Albania put on such a fight that France regretted not having their big names on the field. Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann started the game on the bench.
Romania vs. Switzerland ended 1-1 after a frenetic and entertaining battle. Romania took a shock lead through another penalty by Bogdan Stancu, but the Swiss pegged them back in the second half on the back of an absolute stunner by Admir Mehmedi. Switzerland dominated the match for large periods, but their final ball was well below par and they wasted a multitude of good opportunities, while Romania threatened often on the break.