Euro 2020 may be well under way, but Denmark's opening game was a timely reminder of more important things. The health and wellbeing of players is paramount. Full credit to the medics that arrived immediately on scene to assist Christian Eriksen. We wish him a safe and speedy recovery.
There is still time for slow starting teams to come to the fore and for others to stop altogether before the party gets going. Here are my confirmed selections for Perfect Picks' Euro 2020 Contest #2.
Perfect Picks Euro 2020 Contest #2
Scotland v Czech Republic
The Tartan Army have waited 23 long years for an appearance in a major championship. Being able to play at Hamden Park in their opening tie will be a massive dream bonus to their fans. However, Scotland have never progressed past the first round of an international tournament and their fans will know that they need to get off the ground running with a clear statement of intent. They face a Czech Republic team that have lost two of their last three international games. To add to Czech woes, Scotland beat them twice last year in the Nations League. Surely another repeat result is imminent? Prediction: Scotland to win by 1
Poland v Slovakia
Robert Lewandowski has scored a staggering 93 goals in 87 club games over the last two seasons. He is one of the most outstanding players of his generation and may very well be playing in his last ever European Championship. If Poland are going to qualify from this tricky group then he will have to be at his best. Slovakia on the other hand lack a goalscoring talisman of equal measure. With that said they are unbeaten in their last 5 games. But Poland, just like Scotland, will know that they have to win their opening tie or else face a trickier route out of the group. Prediction: Poland to win by 2 Spain v Sweden
It almost seems surreal and unthinkable that no Real Madrid players were selected in Spain’s final squad. Even Brighton and Hove Albion have managed to secure some representation. But it is also a compliment to the depth of talent that Spain has at hand. Of course, this is a very different Spain team to the one that seemed unstoppable from Euro 2008 to Euro 2012, but you can’t underestimate them. As for Sweden, they may not be as potent following Ibrahimovic’s injury just before Euro 2020, even if they have won 5 international games in a row. Against Spain in Seville, surely there’s only one winner?
Prediction: Spain to win by 1
Hungary v Portugal
It’s remarkable to think that Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing his best football aged 36. He was a key force as Portugal won their first ever major tournament at Euro 2016. But this time around, they will have to also navigate their way past both France and Germany in the group stages to stand a chance of reaching the knockouts, let alone the final again. This group may even come down to goal difference so they will have to learn lessons and avoid complacency against Hungary. The Magyars shocked Portugal at Euro 2016 with an entertaining 3-3 draw which was good enough for them to sensationally top their group and progress to the Round of 16. But this time around I feel that things will be rather different.
Prediction: Portugal to win by 2 (Star Pick)
France v Germany
In many ways this could have easily been a knock out match and in some ways it could even be just that if either team loses heavily from the get go. Both teams will need to be cautious knowing that a defeat in their first game will be deeply problematic, especially if Portugal can overcome Hungary. The World Cup champions will no doubt be the favourites with their talented crop that oozes class from the backline all the way up to their attacking options. But Germany won’t be pushovers and will make things tough in this encounter. Prediction: Draw