The semi-finals were fantastic. Both teams that advanced trailed at one point in their matches. It will be difficult for the final to surpass the excitement. The remaining two teams are the best and have few weaknesses. This is an elimination match, meaning overtime and penalty kicks will decide which team wins the championship. Before the pick is made, the numbers are for which team placed where in their assigned group. Here is the prediction for which team wins the championship and the UEFA Euros trophy.
1B Spain v. 1C England
This is an uneven matchup. Spain has won every match played, dominating on every side of the ball. England’s mostly struggled to score until late in matches. Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente has found the best players and has used roster depth as an advantage. English manager Gareth Southgate depends on multiple groups of substitutions to push England to a win. At least he finally figured out which players to put in their correct positions.
Match deciding factor: Dani Carvajal, Marc “Cucurella” Saseta, Robin le Normand, Jose Ignacio “Nacho” Fernández Iglesias and the Spanish defense v. Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and the English offense.
Both managers and teams must adapt and counter the deep rosters and substitutions made once the second half begins. England has the deeper offense while Spain has the deeper defense. Manager Luis de la Fuente has seen and gotten more out of La Roja’s roster while manager Gareth Southgate’s finally putting players (like Phil Foden) in their correct positions and continually botches playing time for star players (like captain Harry Kane).
Spain’s defense gets a boost with elite defender Dani Carvajal coming back from suspension. The defensive quartet of Carvajal, Marc “Cucurella” Saseta, Robin le Normand and Jose Ignacio “Nacho” Fernández Iglesias consistently disrupts the best offenses in Europe. Kane’s struggled with his hustle, positioning, and longer minutes most of the tournament while Phil Foden’s struggled to play different parts of the pitch. Fortunately for the Three Lions, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer have been the main playmakers in previous elimination matches.
England can’t give up the first goal of the match just to play catch up because they have the talent to do so at any given time. La Roja’s mastered how to attack every team this tournament and shuts down anyone on defense. Don’t be surprised if Spain dominates start to finish with little to no errors on either side of the ball.
Prediction: Spain wins 2-1 and takes home their fourth Euros championship trophy
Semifinals predictions record: 2-0
Total Euros prediction record: 20-8
JD's Sportscorner 