Europe Nations Cup Playoffs ( 2nd legs ) return to action today.........
Germany vs Italy ( 2 - 1 )
France vs Croatia ( 0 - 2 )
Portugal vs Denmark ( 0 - 1 )
Spain vs Netherlands ( 2 - 2 )
Germany used a number of young players in the 1st leg , in part to replace injured players , and giving cameos to others. The tide has shifted between these 2 old rivals , as Germany are undefeated in the past 7 head to head competitions ( 3 wins 4 draws ). Starting line ups pending , Lean to Germany
France sat a number of starters back in Croatia , so the result wasnt as surprising as it seemed. I look for coach Deschamp to insert players like Konate , Barcola , Camavinga and Olise, to make a genuine attempt to reverse the 2 goal deficit.
Portugal coach Martinez seems set on rewarding the " Old boys Club " for past accomplishments. Ronaldo @ age 40 is a liability on the defensive side of the ball , and nowhere near the offensive threat he once was many years ago. Fernandes playing central midfield over Vitinha was another foolish choice by Martinez , since he is hard pressed to getting a starting role with lowly Man U. Portugal all day long with the appropriate changes in place.
Spain are heads and tails better then the Dutch side available to coach Koeman at the moment. Awaiting the line ups before backing Spain on home soil today. Its a very different situation playing in front of 80,000 orange shirted fans and hoping for a result.
My 2 cents