Dhaka Tribune guide to EURO 2016

Dhaka Tribune

S aturd ay, JuN E 11, 2016

Guide Pag e

4

The Interview

Pag e s

6-19

group reviews

Pag e

22

The missing XI

Editor’s Note

Editor Zafar Sobhan Sport Team Fazley Rabbi Moon Ali Shahriyar Amin Bappa Mohammad Isam Mazhar Uddin Omi Minhaz Uddin Khan Mazharul Hoque Shishir Rashad Banna Contributor Raihan Mahmood Graphics Arifur Rahman Masum Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal Advertisement Shahin Ahsan Production Masum Billah Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel Website dhakatribune.com/sport fb.com/DhakaTribuneSport Email your letters to sport.dt@dhakatribune.com

Looking forward to Euro 2016 Zafar Sobhan It’s not the World Cup, but it’s the next best thing.

In fact, in some ways it might be even better. The European Championship, being a smaller tournament with fewer teams often provides a better average quality and more competitive matches.

As a result, unlike the World Cup, which has yet to ever see a true upset, upset winners of the Euros are not uncommon, from Czechoslovakia in 1976 (the first Euros I watched on TV) to Denmark in 1992 to the miracle of Greece in 2004.

Not only that, it has often in the past also provided the proving ground and best show-case for some of the greatest sides in history.

The French national team of the mid 1980s never won a World Cup, bowing out at the semi-final stage twice in a row, but it was at the 1984 Euros that they reached their peak and played their best football.

Similarly, they were succeeded by the great Dutch Masters who somehow never quite managed to put it together in 1990, were too raw in 1986 and were long gone by 1994.

But that marvel of a team, led by Ruud Gullitt and featuring the genius of Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard, Ronald Koeman and others played their best football in 1988 on their way to an imperious victory at the Euros.

If you missed the 1988 Euros, you missed one of the greatest sides to ever play the game.

This year’s Euros promise to be

as intriguing and exciting as any in the past. There is obviously not one dominant side and as many as a dozen who might conceivably steal it.

Indeed, if there is one thing that the Euros have taught us over the years, it is never to count anyone out.

The usual suspects will be in fine form: Spain and Germany have been the heavyweights of Europe for over a decade and will still be formidable.

France the hosts are looking strong

detailed information about each team, we also take a look at who to watch out for and who we will miss, together with some special guest interviews and finally, our in-house predictions.

Who will be the player of the tournament? Which young player will use Euro 2016 as his coming out party? Who will be the team that takes everyone by surprise? Who will be the biggest disappointment? What will be the

For a dark horse, try Croatia, with some of the finest and most skilled players on the continent, coming good just at the right time and the talismanic stars of Portugal and Sweden will be looking to make a point. There are few teams with the overall balance and quality of Belgium, and one should always keep an eye open for Italy and England.

For a dark horse, try Croatia, with some of the finest and most skilled players on the continent, coming good just at the right time.

Here at the Dhaka Tribune we have tried to provide our readers with an interesting and valuable guide to the upcoming tournament, your onestop shop for everything you need to know about Euro 2016. In addition to

biggest shock? Who will be the team that finally takes all the beans?

All these and other questions are the ones that we try to answer and try to give you the tools to answer yourself in this supplement.

One thing is for sure, Euro 2016 is going to be a lot of fun and we hope that we can be there with you every minute of the way.

We trust that you will find this special supplement an invaluable companion to your viewing pleasure over the next month. l

Zafar Sobhan is the Editor, Dhaka Tribune.

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The Interview

‘France, Spain, Belgium, Germany my favourites’ Dutch tactician Lodewijk de Kruif left here for the Netherlands last Thursday morning after his temporary role as head coach of Bangladesh came to an end with last Tuesday’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers play-off against Tajikistan. With that said, just like any other coach in the world, De Kruif too will have one eye on the Euro 2016, irrespective of whether he is employed or not.

And on the eve of the European Championship, Shishir Hoque of Dhaka Tribune managed to catch up with the 46-year old Dutchman for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts: What do you expect to see in Euro 2016?

Prediction is very difficult in a big tournament like the Euro. France is favourite because of their home advantage. They also have a very strong team now. I saw them playing some friendlies. Spain is always there.

There should be one or two outsiders, which everybody hopes a little bit too. You know the strong countries but everybody is always hoping on other countries that suddenly appear.

Belgium is one of them. Germany should be there in the last four, as always.

Of course you want to see good football and you want to see all the big stars of all the big leagues delivering. Unfortunately my country (the Netherlands) is not there. We are in some kind of transition.

I think it is a part of selection and scouting. We had one group for a long time, with only one or two stepping in and stepping out. Now is the time to renew the group so you have to give them time to start a new era with new players and the coach (Danny Blind). Then you must be patient because in my country we only have access to minimum players because it’s a small country. It’s not like France, Spain or England, but we are starting again. We did well in the last three friendlies.

Do you still think of those moments when the Netherlands failed to make it to the final round, having lost to the unheralded Iceland twice in the group stage?

In the last two games, nobody found it as a surprise. We saw already the tragedy before. You saw that the team was going down, the team had problems; they couldn’t bring them up to the level. Players were not fit, too old, etc.

Problems were starting already. We were very realistic in the last game.

We know it’s been done. Of course it was a big hammer because we have always been there in the Euro. We were not good enough so we accept it and try to build up again like we are doing here in Bangladesh.

So with the Netherlands not around this time, who are you rooting for?

Very unfortunate that Holland is not there, but I have (strong) feelings

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MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

How did the Netherlands get into this mess?

for Belgium and Germany because I played in those countries. But the favourites to win the tournament are France or Spain.

Which players do you think will steal the show?

We have the big names like Cristiano Ronaldo. The problem with him is that he is playing in an average team. The player I was following last time was Dimitri Payet. He is very speedy. I’m very curious about his development in the coming tournament. I also want to see a few guys from Belgium for whom this is the first big tournament and they have to deliver. They have quality players.

Magnificent changes and developments have taken place in Belgium football in recent years. How did it happen?

There has been very big changes in Belgium. It has come with giving a lot of attention to the academies, and also good tournaments and good league with youth players. They pick them up at a very early age and from there, their education starts.

Belgium is also frequently using their former colonies to pick players.

Maybe their parents or grandparents came to Belgium for work and from there they pick up the players. You can see that influence in the Belgium team with those big strikers.

Like Romelu Lukaku.....

And Vincent Kompany. It’s sad that he is out of Euro for injury. Those are the guys who bring them up to the level.

These two things are responsible for the development of Belgium football.

Which coaches do you think will have the most influence in the Euro?

Joachim Low, the Germany coach. He has been there for a long time. When he started, Low was facing the same problem as the current Netherlands team, which is a nice contradiction.

In the beginning when he started, nothing was good. From that time he tried to start a new team by bringing in new guys.

I have sympathy for that guy because he did a tremendous job bringing up a very good team.

Another guy I have sympathy for is Marc Wilmots, the Belgium coach. He is like a street fighter. He is not a great tactician but he built a great team with players of great quality. Those guys, I will be following.

Do you remember your first Euro experience?

I remember very well. It was a very good experience in 1988 when we became champions. I was 18 years old. We were not regular in the Euro, so that year we were in the picture again and first time with good players like Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten to Ronald Koeman.

We took the trophy in Germany. I can remember the whole country was crazy. Everybody was celebrating for days.

Then of course you remember that famous Basten goal in the final.....

It was a tremendous moment. They will always remember him because of that goal. They will also remember the team because they got the title.

Will you follow Euro 2016?

I’m planning my holidays in France so I will watch it from the sidelines. I will pick some pieces of the cake.

Have you bought any tickets yet?

Not yet but it is always possible to collect the tickets. I want to taste the environment of France as well.

Everybody is also getting crazy. It’s very nice to have that experience.l

The European View

‘I wouldn’t miss a Euro match’ Ever since making his international bow in the 2013 Saff Championship, Jamal Bhuiyan has established himself as one of the most integral members of the Bangladesh football team set-up. During these three years, he rarely missed a game and has been regarded in many quarters as the best defensive midfielder in South Asia. In order to spend more time and build up a strong rapport with his team mates, the 26-year old Denmark-based midfield enforcer joined premier league champions and former employers Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club at the end of 2014. And with the Euro 2016 getting underway in France, Jamal shared his insight, thoughts and predictions of the European Championship with Shishir Hoque of Dhaka Tribune . Here are the excerpts: “Euro is held in the best time of the year, when everyone is in vacation.

The weather is really nice in Denmark at this time. I remember that when I was younger, I saw all the matches because they would put up big screens in our school and in the streets so that we didn’t miss any of the matches.

I was two years old when Denmark won the Euro 1992. People went crazy as they didn’t expect this result. I have some pictures from back then.

My father told me about this when I was a little bit older. I still think it was an amazing achievement for a country of only five million people.

But this time Denmark is not in the competition after losing to Sweden. I’m cheering for Sweden this time because they have Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I love him very much, he is a very nice guy. I think most people in Denmark like him too.

I think that France has the strongest team. They are also hosting the tournament. They have [Paul] Pogba, [Antoine] Griezmann, [N’Golo] Kante, and these are some great players. They have a solid defence line. I expect them to go to the final.

England has a good team too. If you see the strikers they have (Jamie) Vardy, they have Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and new upcoming superstar Marcus Rashford.

I think Rooney will play a little behind because he is a bit old now and he doesn’t have that speed any more.

Vardy and Kane have so much speed and both score a lot of goals.

But the thing with England is that they fail in competitions with good players. Maybe it is because they play so many games in England and not so many British players actually go out to play in the other leagues. Most of them stay in England for their whole career. For example, the Brazilians play in England, Spain, France and the rest of Europe. British players always play in England because England is a good country and there is a lot of money there. They also get to play a lot of matches because they have a number of competitions, which end up making them tired.

Among the teams who can surprise, Wales and Belgium are right up there.

A few years ago I think Wales were 100th or 110th in the world. Now they are No 8. They have Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and other good EPL (England Premier League) players. I think they will go to the semi-finals.

As a defensive midfielder myself, I will be following N’Golo Kante, Luka Modric and Sergio Busquets.

Kante is running everywhere and reads the game very well. Modric is amazing with the ball while Busquets never plays a bad game because he knows what to do and he has that experience

Belgium is an amazing team with top class players like Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Mousa Dembele and Kevin de Bruyne. I think we saw the old Hazard in the end of the season, which is good for Belgium as he is a key player. I think he was expecting to be sold to [Real] Madrid or some

other big clubs but that didn’t happen and he felt disappointed. Then [Jose] Mourinho was sacked. The new coach (Guus Hiddink) came. Hazard was not in good condition at that time.

When talking about Belgium, you also have to bear in mind that sometime you have a superstar team

and there is a lot of individuals which may hurt the team. Like in 2006, Brazil played the World Cup with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka and all the superstars but they couldn’t work together. Too many egos is not good.

But let us not make the mistake of forgetting about Germany. They always make it to the semi-finals in every competition. As for Spain, some of their older players are gone now so up front there is Alvaro Morata and David Silva.

As a defensive midfielder myself, I will be following N’Golo Kante, Luka Modric and Sergio Busquets.

Kante is running everywhere and reads the game very well. Modric is amazing with the ball while Busquets never plays a bad game because he knows what to do and he has that experience. He knows where to stand and where the opponents go. He is very tactical.

In my childhood, I wouldn’t miss a match. When I will be playing in Bangladesh at my new club Sheikh Russel, I will be watching with my flat-mates. I travel a lot these days but I always watch the games no matter where I am.” l

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group a Albania

Coach: Gianni de Biasi Fifa ranking: 42 Best finish: Debut finals Strengths

The team rely on a very solid defence and apply a high pressing game to try to force opponents into making mistakes. Di Biasi’s system needs a hard-working forward and in Sokol Cikalleshi he has that.

Weaknesses Scoring goals. There are no two ways about it. This is not a highscoring side and that may well be their undoing in France.

Squad Goalkeepers: Etrit Berisha, Alban Hoxha, Orges Shehi.

Defenders: Lorik Cana, Arlind Ajeti, Mergim Mavraj, Elseid Hysaj, Ansi Agolli, Frederic Veseli, Naser Aliji.

Midfielders: Ledjan Memushaj, Ergys Kaçe, Andi Lila, Migjen Basha, Odise Roshi, Burim Kukeli, Ermir Lenjani, Taulant Xhaka, Armir Abrashi.

Forwards: Bekim Balaj, Sokol Cikalleshi, Armando Sadiku, Shkelzen Gashi.

Key player Lorik Cana, captain and defensive linchpin, has big-stage experience from PSG, Marseille and Lazio —and he will need it.

One to watch Sokol Cikalleshi. The 25-year-old striker must hit his peak if he is to deliver the goals needed to advance.

France

Did you know?

Albania had 28 shots on target in qualifying - fewer than any side who made it to Euro 2016.

Coach: Didier Deschamps Fifa ranking: 17 Best finish: Winners 1984, 2000 Strengths The hosts have arguably the best and most dynamic midfield in Europe with players such as Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi, Dimitri Payet and N’Golo Kanté.

Weaknesses The defence. They should be OK in the central area but the fullbacks – likely to be Patrice Evra (35) and Bacary Sagna (33) – will struggle against pace.

Squad Goalkeepers: Benoit Costil, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda.

Defenders: Lucas Digne, Patrice Evra, Christophe Jallet, Laurent Koscielny, Eliaquim Mangala, Samuel Umtiti, Bacary Sagna, Adil Rami.

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Morgan Schneiderlin, N’Golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba, Moussa Sissoko.

Forwards: Kingsley Coman, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial, Dimitri Payet.

Key player Paul Pogba. The 23-year-old Juventus midfielder can dictate play or change the game with a single brilliant pass.

One to watch Anthony Martial has the ability to set Euro 2016 alight on his tournament debut.

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Did you know?

As the host nation, France did not need to qualify for Euro 2016. Instead they played home and away friendly matches against the five teams in qualifying Group I as part of a Uefa initiative to better prepare host nations for tournaments.

group a Romania

Coach: Anghel Iordanescu Fifa ranking: 22 Best finish: Quarter-finals 2000 Strengths

Romania’s organised and extremely stingy defence is the envy of all other managers at the tournament – they conceded only twice in 10 qualifiers.

Weaknesses There does not seem to be a Plan B and, while they are good on the counterattack, they often struggle to create chances from midfield.

Squad Goalkeepers: Ciprian Tatarusanu, Costel Pantilimon, Silviu Lung.

Defenders: Cristian Sapunaru, Alexandru Matel, Vlad Chiriches, Valerica Gaman, Dragos Grigore, Cosmin Moti, Razvan Rat, Steliano Filip.

Midfielders: Mihai Pintilii, Ovidiu Hoban, Andrei Prepelita, Adrian Popa, Gabriel Torje, Alexandru Chipciu, Nicolae Stanciu, Lucian Sanmartean.

Forwards: Claudiu Keseru, Bogdan Stancu, Florin Andone, Denis Alibec.

Key player Captain Vlad Chiriches, formerly of Tottenham, now with Napoli. Vital at heart of defence that conceded the fewest goals in qualifying (two).

One to watch Nicolae Stanciu, a 23-year-old playmaker who will be eyeing a big money move from Steaua Bucharest.

Did you know?

Romania have played 13 matches at European Championship finals. Their only victory came courtesy of a lastminute penalty to beat England in 2000 and advance to the quarterfinals.

Switzerland

Coach: Vladimir Petkovic Fifa ranking: 15 Best finish: Group stages (three times) Strengths The Swiss have a good blend of young and old. The midfield is probably their strongest area with Granit Xhaka sitting deep and Xherdan Shaqiri further upfield.

Weaknesses The pace of the centre-backs – probably Johan Djourou and Fabian Schär – is a potential problem and they may struggle for goals.

Squad Goalkeepers: Roman Burki, Marwin Hitz, Yann Sommer.

Defenders: Johan Djourou, Nico Elvedi, Michael Lang, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Francois Moubandje, Ricardo Rodríguez, Fabian Schar, Steve von Bergen.

Midfielders: Valon Behrami, Blerim Dzemaili, Gelson Fernandes, Fabian Frei, Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria.

Forwards: Eren Derdiyok, Admir Mehmedi, Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic, Shani Tarashaj.

Key player Xherdan Shaqiri, Stoke’s one-time record signing, won the Champions League with Bayern Munich and is a diamond in a strong midfield.

Did you know?

Switzerland have finished bottom of their group in each of their three previous Euros, winning only one of nine matches.

One to watch Nico Elvedi, 19, one of three teenagers in the squad, is a Borussia Mönchengladbach centre-half.

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group B England

Coach: Roy Hodgson Fifa ranking: 11 Best finish: Third place 1968 Strengths

Finally, this is a young, dynamic team with two effervescent Spurs players likely to make a difference this summer in the way they attack - Dele Alli and Harry Kane.

Weaknesses The defence looks vulnerable, with Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill prone to the occasional lapse. Hodgson, remarkably, has only three centre-backs in his squad (although Eric Dier can play there as well).

Squad Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton.

Defenders: Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Ryan Bertrand, Danny Rose, Nathaniel Clyne.

Midfielders: Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Raheem Sterling, Jack Wilshere.

Strikers: Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge, Marcus Rashford.

Key player Wayne Rooney. Divides opinions but Roy Hodgson swears by his skipper, who can still be world-class.

One to watch

Did you know?

England are the only European team to have won the World Cup but not the European Championship.

Dele Alli. The Spurs midfielder was playing in League One when qualifying began.

Russia

Coach: Leonid Slutsky Fifa ranking: 29 Best finish: Winners 1960 (as Soviet Union) Strengths This team look like they are enjoying their football again.

There is speed on the flanks and the options up front – Aleksandr Kokorin, Artem Dzyuba and Fedor Smolov – have all been in good form.

Weaknesses The centre-backs Sergei Ignashevich and Vasili Berezutski are still first choice in central defence and that is a concern. Alan Dzagoev’s injury is also a huge blow.

Squad Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev, Yuri Lodygin, Guilherme.

Defenders: Aleksei Berezutski, Vasili Berezutski, Sergei Ignashevich, Dmitri Kombarov, Roman Neustadter, Georgi Schennikov, Roman Shishkin, Igor Smolnikov.

Midfielders: Artur Yusupov, Dmitri Torbinski, Aleksandr Golovin, Denis Glushakov, Oleg Ivanov, Pavel Mamaev, Aleksandr Samedov, Oleg Shatov, Roman Shirokov.

Forwards: Artem Dzyuba, Aleksandr Kokorin, Fedor Smolov.

Key player Artem Dzyuba. Scored 15 in 30 for Zenit this season and also grabbed six Champions League goals.

One to watch Roman Neustadter. Capped twice by Germany, the Schalke midfielder brings class to central midfield.

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Did you know?

Russia are the only finalists who did not score a header in qualifying.

group B Slovakia

Coach: Jan Kozak Fifa ranking: 24 Best finish: Debut finals Strengths

Marek Hamsik had not played as well for Slovakia as he had for Napoli before Kozak took over, but now he makes the national side tick with his tireless running and ability to create and score goals.

Weaknesses Hamsik again, sadly. Slovakia rely heavily on the 28-year-old, which means there is little in the way of attacking threat should he be nullified.

Squad Goalkeepers: Matus Kozacik, Jan Mucha, Jan Novota.

Defenders: Peter Pekarik, Milan Skriniar, Martin Skrtel, Norbert Gyomber, Jan Durica, Kornel Salata, Tomas Hubocan, Dusan Svento.

Midfielders: Marek Hamsik, Juraj Kucka, Miroslav Stoch, Vladimir Weiss, Robert Mak, Patrik Hrosovsky, Jan Gregus, Viktor Pecovsky, Stanislav Sestak, Ondrej Duda.

Forwards: Michal Duris, Adam Nemec.

Key player Marek Hamsik. Headline act with Napoli who makes Slovakia tick and scores crucial goals.

Did you know?

Slovakia midfielder Vladimir Weiss made six assists in qualifying - the joint highest.

One to watch Robert Mak. Former Youth Cup winner with Manchester City who’s got pace to burn on the wing.

Wales

Coach: Chris Coleman Fifa ranking: 26 Best finish: Debut finals Strengths There is no denying it: Gareth Bale is the Wales national team in so many ways and the main reason they are in France. He scored seven and set up two of their 11 goals during qualifying.

Weaknesses The absence of a proven Premier League centre-forward. Simon Church, Sam Vokes and Robson-Kanu have all auditioned for the role but none of them are prolific.

Squad Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Daniel Ward, Owain Fon Williams.

Defenders: Ashley Williams, James Chester, Ben Davies, James Collins, Chris Gunter, Neil Taylor, Jazz Richards.

Midfielders: Joe Ledley, Joe Allen, David Vaughan, Jonathan Williams, David Edwards, George Williams, Aaron Ramsey, Andy King.

Forwards: Gareth Bale, David Cotterill, Hal Robson-Kanu, Simon Church, Sam Vokes.

Key player Gareth Bale. Scored seven goals in qualifying, the Real Madrid ace is the class act in the Welsh ranks.

One to watch

Did you know?

Gareth Bale scored 64% of Wales’ 11 goals in qualifying - the highest proportion by a player from the teams that qualified for France.

Aaron Ramsey. Scores goals from deep for Arsenal, a handy knack to have.

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group C Germany

Coach: Joachim Low Fifa ranking: 4 Best finish: Winners 1996

(& 1972 and 1980 as West Germany)

Strengths Germany’s spine is incredibly strong, with Manuel Neuer, Jérôme Boateng, Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller, and there is an abundance of attacking midfielders to call upon.

Weaknesses Central midfield looks a bit inexperienced after injuries to Ilkay Gündogan and Bastian Schweinsteiger, as do the full-back positions, where Emre Can and Jonas Hector could start.

Squad Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Bernd Leno, Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Defenders: Jerome Boateng, Emre Can, Jonas Hector, Benedikt Howedes, Mats Hummels, Shkodran Mustafi, Jonathan Tah. Midfielders: Julian Draxler, Sami Khedira, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski, Andre Schurrle, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Julian Weigl.

Forwards: Mario Gomez, Mario Gotze, Leroy Sane.

Key player Thomas Muller is unspectacular but ruthlessly effective. Tactically intelligent and super-fit, he has 37 goals for club and country this season.

Did you know?

Toni Kroos made 315 more passes than any other player during qualifying.

One to watch Leroy Sane. Both Manchester clubs are said to be keen on the £40million-rated 20-yearold.

N. Ireland

Coach: Michael O’Neill Fifa ranking: 25 Best finish: Debut finals Strengths “We are going to have to outrun the opposition, as simple as that,” said Michael O’Neill after they had qualified. The five-man midfield takes some breaking down.

Weaknesses There is a lack of depth in the squad, illustrated best perhaps by the fact that they have tried a three-man defence after losing Chris Brunt to injury. Not a lot of other options around.

Squad Goalkeepers: Alan Mannus, Michael McGovern, Roy Carroll.

Defenders: Craig Cathcart, Jonathan Evans, Gareth McAuley, Luke McCullough, Conor McLaughlin, Lee Hodson, Aaron Hughes, Patrick McNair, Chris Baird.

Midfielders: Steven Davis, Oliver Norwood, Corry Evans, Shane Ferguson, Stuart Dallas, Niall McGinn, Jamie Ward.

Forwards: Kyle Lafferty, Conor Washington, Josh Magennis, Will Grigg.

Key player Kyle Lafferty fired seven goals in qualifying but played only nine club matches last season.

One to watch Will Grigg was the opposite of Lafferty — he didn’t play in qualifying but scored 28 goals for Wigan this season.

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Did you know?

Northern Ireland became the first nation seeded fifth to finish top of a European Championship group.

group C Poland

Coach: Adam Nawalka Fifa ranking: 27 Best finish: Group stages 2008, 2012 Strengths

Poland are one of few sides to still have two out-and-out forwards in their starting XI, Arkadiusz Milik providing the perfect foil for Robert Lewandowski.

Weaknesses Injuries have deprived Nawałka of the winger Pawel Wszolek and the winger-turned-left-back Maciej Rybus and that could be a problem in France.

Squad Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio, Anthony Lopes, Eduardo.

Defenders: Vieirinha, Cedric, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves, Jose Fonte, Eliseu, Raphael Guerreiro.

Midfielders: William Carvalho, Danilo Pereira, Joao Moutinho, Renato Sanches, Adrien Silva, Andre Gomes, Joao Mario.

Forwards: Rafa Silva, Ricardo Quaresma, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eder.

Key player Robert Lewandowski. Florentino Perez is reportedly determined to make the striker his latest Galactico at Real Madrid.

One to watch

Did you know?

Poland scored 33 goals in qualifying, more than any other team.

Holding midfielder Karol Linetty has been scouted by Manchester City and Tottenham.

Ukraine

Coach: Mykhailo Fomenko Fifa ranking: 19 Best finish: Group stages 2012 Strengths

?

The star wingers, Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka, can create and score goals while the defence is supremely organised – and can even contribute with the odd goal from set pieces.

Weaknesses There is a distinct lack of options up front behind the first-choice striker, Roman Zozulya, who, remarkably, is suspended for six months from domestic football for attacking a referee.

Squad Goalkeepers: Andriy Pyatov, Denys Boyko, Mykyta Shevchenko.

Defenders: Yevhen Khacheridi, Bohdan Butko, Artem Fedetskyi, Oleksandr Karavaev, Oleksandr Kucher, Yaroslav Rakytskiy, Vyacheslav Shevchuk.

Midfielders: Serhiy Rybalka, Denys Garmash, Serhiy Sydorchuk, Andriy Yarmolenko, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Ruslan Rotan, Taras Stepanenko, Viktor Kovalenko, Anatoliy Tumoschuk, Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Forwards: Roman Zozulya, Pylyp Budkivskyi, Yevhen Seleznyov.

Key player Yevhen Konoplyanka, one half of Ukraine’s pair of wing wonders.

Did you know?

Prior to beating Slovenia to book their place in France, Ukraine had lost all five play-off ties they had played.

One to watch Artem Kravets, who has 24 goals in 58 games for his country.

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Euro 2016: EURO 2016 GROUPS A

Group

B

Group

Group

France

England

Germany

Romania

Russia

Ukraine

Albania

Wales

Poland

Switzerland

Slovakia

Northern Ireland

D

Group

E

Group

Group

Spain

Belgium

Portugal

Czech Rep.

Italy

Iceland

Turkey

Rep. of Ireland

Austria

Croatia

Sweden

Hungary

Group Stage

Date Match 10 June 11 June 11 June 11 June

France v Romania Albania v Switzerland Wales v Slovakia England v Russia

Time

45,000

1:00 am

St Denis

2:00 pm

7:00 pm

Lens

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

Bordeaux

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Marseille

2:00 pm

7:00 pm

Paris

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

Nice

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Lille

2:00 pm

7:00 pm

Toulouse

13 June

Rep Ireland v Sweden

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

St Denis

13 June

Belgium v Italy

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Lyon

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

Bordeaux

8:00 pm

1:00 am

St Etienne

14 June 14 June 15 June

Austria v Hungary Portugal v Iceland Russia v Slovakia

2:00 pm

7:00 pm

Lille

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

Paris

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Marseille

2:00 pm

7:00 pm

Lens

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

Lyon

Germany v Poland

8:00 pm

1:00 am

St Denis

17 June

Italy v Sweden

2:00 pm

7:00 pm

Toulouse

17 June

Czech Rep v Croatia

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

St Etienne

15 June 15 June 16 June 16 June 16 June

17 June

Romania v Switzerland France v Albania England v Wales Ukraine v N Ireland

Spain v Turkey

18 June Belgium v Rep Ireland 18 June 18 June

Iceland v Hungary Portugal v Austria

19 June Switzerland v France

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Nice

2:00 pm

7:00 pm

Bordeaux

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

Marseille

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Paris

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Lille

19 June

Romania v Albania

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Lyon

20 June

Slovakia v England

8:00 pm

1:00 am

St Etienne

20 June

Russia v Wales

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Toulouse

21 June

N Ireland v Germany

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

Paris

21 June

Ukraine v Poland

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

Marseille

21 June

Croatia v Spain

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Bordeaux

21 June

Czech Rep v Turkey

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Lens

22 June

Hungary v Portugal

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

Lyon

22 June

Iceland v Austria

5:00 pm

10:00 pm

St Denis

22 June

Sweden v Belgium

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Nice

8:00 pm

1:00 am

Lille

22 June

12

Italy v Rep Ireland

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5

BD Time Venue

8:00 pm

Turkey v Croatia

Spain v Czech Rep

Final 10 July

Parc des Princes

Poland v N Ireland

13 June

7

81,300 places matches

PARIS

12 June

Germany v Ukraine

Stade de France

F

12 June 12 June

SAINT-DENIS

C

BORDEAUX

Bordeaux Stadium 42,100

5

TOULOUSE Stadium

33,500

4 MARSEILLE Velodrome Stadium 67,400

6

Round of 16

Quarterfinals

Match 1 25 June 2016 2pm/7pm (BDT) St Etienne

QF1 30 June 2016 8pm/1am (BDT) Marseille

Match 3 25 June 2016 8pm/1am (BDT) Lens

Semifinal

2A v 2C

M1 v M3

1D v 3B/E/F

SF1 6 July 2016 8pm/1am (BDT) Lyon

Match 2 25 June 2016 5pm/10pm (BDT) Paris

QF1 v QF2

1B v 3A/C/D

Match 6 26 June 2016 8pm/1am (BDT) Toulouse

1F v 2E

FIN

10 July 8pm/1am (BDT

SF1 v

QF2 1 July 2016 8pm/1am (BDT) Lille

M2 v M6

at a glance Paul

Pogba FRANCE

LILLE

Ronaldo PORTUGAL

Ivan

LENS

Rakitic CROATIA

Bollaert-Delelis Stadium

4

38,200

LYON

6

Lyon Stadium 58,900

SAINT-ETIENNE

Geoffroy-Guichard stadium 4 42,000

NICE Stadium

4

Manuel

Neuer

36,200

GERMANY

Previous Winners

NAL

y 2016 T) St Denis

Cristiano

Pierre-Mauroy Stadium 6 50,200

Quarterfinals

Round of 16

QF3 2 July 2016 8pm/1am (BDT) Bordeaux

Match 5 26 June 2016 5pm/10pm (BDT) Lille

M5 v M7

Semifinal SF2 7 July 2016 8pm/1am (BDT) Marseille

QF3 v QF4

v SF2

Match 7 27 June 2016 5pm/10pm (BDT) St Denis

M4 v M8

1E v 2D

Match 4 26 June 2016 2pm/7pm (BDT) Lyon

QF4 3 July 2016 8pm/1am (BDT) St Denis

1C v 3A/B/F

1A v 3C/D/E

Match 8 27 June 2016 8pm/1am (BDT) Nice

2B v 2F

Host country France Spain Italy Belgium Yugoslavia Italy France

Winner

Germany

USSR

Sweden

Spain

England

Italy West Germany Czechoslovakia West Germany France

Netherlands Belgium Portugal Austria Switzerland Ukraine Poland

Netherlands Denmark Germany France Greece Spain Spain

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group D Croatia

Coach: Ante Cacic Fifa ranking: 27 Best finish: Quarter-finals 1996, 2008 Strengths

The pure quality of the central midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic may be enough to take Croatia out of the group.

Weaknesses Up front, Mario Mandzukic is still first choice, despite scoring only one of Croatia’s 20 goals in the qualifiers and despite his style not fitting that well with the rest of the team.

Squad Goalkeepers: Danijel Subasic, Lovre Kalinic, Ivan Vargic.

Defenders: Vedran Corluka, Darijo Srna, Domagoj Vida, Sime Vrsaljko, Gordon Schildenfeld, Ivan Strinic, Tin Jedvaj.

Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic, Ivan Perisic, Milan Badelj, Marko Rog, Ante Coric.

Forwards: Mario Mandzukic, Nikola Kalinic, Marko Pjaca, Duje Cop, Andrej Kramaric.

Key player Luka Modric’s playmaking will be central to anything good Croatia achieve.

One to watch

Did you know?

Euro 2016 is their fourth successive appearance in the finals, and fifth in their six attempts since the country seceded from Yugoslavia.

Mateo Kovacic already has Inter and Real Madrid on his CV at just turned 22. A mercurial midfielder has bags of natural talent but needs consistency on the big stage.

Czech Rep.

Coach: Fifa ranking: Best finish:

Pavel Vrba 30 Runners-up 1996

Strengths The Czechs’ flexibility is their strength, the team equally adept at pressing high against weaker opponents and sitting back to defend against so-called better sides.

Weaknesses The team is still a bit too reliant on the veteran Tomas Rosicky and can fail to break down teams in his absence (although they lost only one of five qualifiers without him).

Squad Goalkeepers: Petr Cech, Tomas Vaclik, Tomas Koubek.

Defenders: Theodor Gebre Selassie, Pavel Kaderabek, David Limbersky, Marek Suchy, Michal Kadlec, Tomas Sivok, Roman Hubnik, Daniel Pudil.

Midfielders: Borek Dockal, Jiri Skalak, Vladimir Darida, Daniel Kolar, Ladislav Krejci, Josef Sural, David Pavelka, Jaroslav Plasil, Tomas Rosicky.

Forwards: Milan Skoda, Tomas Necid, David Lafata.

Key player With doubts about Tomas Rosicky’s fitness, Vladimir Darida of Hertha Berlin — courted by many — is likely to be the midfield fulcrum.

One to watch Ladislav Krejci is a 23-year-old Sparta Parague winger with oodles of pace.

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Did you know?

The Czechs were the only Euro 2016 finalists who failed to keep a clean sheet in qualifying.

group D Spain

Coach: Vicente del Bosque Fifa ranking: 6 Best finish: Winners 1964, 2008, 2012 Strengths

The quality of some of the players is the envy of most managers and Vicente del Bosque normally manages to get the best out of them (the 2014 World Cup notwithstanding).

Weaknesses Spain can struggle for goals, with Del Bosque often playing Cesc Fàbregas as a false 9 - although there is also Álvaro Morata, Aritz Aduriz or Nolito to choose from up front.

Squad Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David de Gea, Sergio Rico.

Defenders: Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Cesar Azpilicueta, Hector Bellerin, Sergio Ramos, Juanfran.

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Mikel San Jose, Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Bruno Soriano, Andres Iniesta, Koke.

Forwards: Pedro, David Silva, Alvaro Morata, Aritz Aduriz, Nolito, Lucas Vazquez.

Key player

Did you know?

Spain don’t have a designated national stadium.

Andres Iniesta has won it all for club and country and remains a vital part of Spain’s midfield with a consistency that others don’t tend to match.

One to watch Alvaro Morata will be worth keeping an eye on as big-club suitors gather.

Turkey

Coach: Fifa ranking: Best finish:

Fatih Terim 18 Semi-finals 2008

Strengths Attacking midfield, where players such as Arda Turan, Hakan Calhanoglu, Oguzhan Ozyakup and Yunus Malli are all options.

Weaknesses Central defence is not an area where Terim is spoilt for choice, often preferring to play the defensive midfielder Mehmet Topal there having decided not to call up Omer Toprak.

Squad Goalkeepers: Volkan Babacan, Onur Recep Kivrak, Harun Tekin.

Defenders: Gokhan Gonul, Ahmet Calik, Sener Ozbayrakli, Hakan Balta, Mehmet Topal, Semih Kaya, Ismail Koybasi, Caner Erkin.

Midfielders: Emre Mor, Volkan Sen, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nuri Sahin, Oguzhan Ozyakup, Ozan Tufan, Selcuk Inan, Arda Turan, Olcay Sahan.

Forwards: Burak Yilmaz, Cenk Tosun, Yunus Malli.

Key player Arda Turan is the only Turkish player who routinely turns up in lists of the world’s best players. His close control and vision are part of the reason Barcelona paid £30m for him.

One to watch

Did you know?

Turkey have improved every time they have competed at the European Championship: group stage in 1996, quarter-finals in 2000, semi-finals in 2008.

Ozan Tufan. The 21-year-old Fenerbahce Holding midfielder was the only man to play every qualifier.

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group E Belgium

Coach: Marc Wilmots Fifa ranking: 2nd Best finish: Runners-up 1980 Strengths

Their front line is bursting with young, attacking talent, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Divock Origi and Yannick Carrasco all options for the front four positions.

Weaknesses Central defence. Vincent Kompany’s injury means Thomas Vermaelen or the inexperienced Jason Denayer will play alongside Toby Aldeweireld.

Squad Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Jean-Francois Gillet, Simon Mignolet.

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Laurent Ciman, Jason Denayer, Christian Kabasele, Jordan Lukaku, Thomas Meunier, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen.

Midfielders: Mousa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini, Radja Nainggolan, Axel Witsel.

Forwards: Michy Batshuayi, Christian Benteke, Yannick Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens, Divock Origi.

Key player Kevin De Bruyne. Scorer of five goals in qualifying, the team is now built around the Man City playmaker, rather than Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

One to watch

Did you know?

In 2000, Belgium became the first host nation not to make it past the group stage.

Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco, 22, scored in Champions League final and is a pacey threat from wide.

Ireland

Coach: Martin O’Neill Fifa ranking: 31st Best finish: Group stages 1988 & 2012 Strengths This is an extremely hard-working side (think Jon Walters) and Shane Long’s speed and aerial power up front will trouble most defences.

Weaknesses O’Neill’s biggest problem is in central defence, where Richard Keogh could start with John O’Shea.

Squad Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph, Shay Given, Keiren Westwood.

Defenders: Cyrus Christie, Seamus Coleman, Ciaran Clark, Richard Keogh, Shane Duffy, John O’Shea, Stephen Ward.

Midfielders: James McClean, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Jeff Hendrick, Stephen Quinn, Wes Hoolahan, David Meyler, Robbie Brady, Aiden McGeady.

Forwards: Jon Walters, Shane Long, Robbie Keane, Daryl Murphy.

Key player Shane Long. The Southampton forward has 16 international goals and will lead the line in France.

One to watch Jeff Hendrick. The Derby midfielder’s daring dribbles and tireless work ethic were key in qualifying.

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Did you know?

The Republic of Ireland will have the oldest squad at Euro 2016 - with an average age of 29 years and 297 days.

group E Italy

Coach: Antonio Conte Fifa ranking: 15th Best finish: Winners 1968 Strengths

A defence containing the Juve block of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Berzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini will always be extremely difficult to break down.

Weaknesses Conte is not blessed with a huge amount of options up front, with the first-choice striker Graziano Pellè struggling to get in to the Southampton team at times this season.

Squad Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon, Federico Marchetti, Salvatore Sirigu.

Defenders: Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Angelo Ogbonna.

Midfielders: Federico Bernardeschi, Antonio Candreva, Matteo Darmian, Daniele de Rossi, Mattia de Sciglio, Stephan El Shaarawy, Alessandro Florenzi, Emanuele Giaccherini, Thiago Motta, Marco Parolo, Stefano Sturaro.

Forwards: Eder, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, Graziano Pelle, Simone Zaza.

Key player Daniele De Rossi. Experienced Roma midfielder is the glue which holds the team together.

One to watch

Did you know?

Italy’s 4-0 defeat

by Spain at Euro 2012 is the biggest losing margin in the final of a European Championship or World Cup.

Antonio Candreva. Skillful and hard working Lazio midfielder will be tasked with suppling crosses for Southampton striker Graziano Pelle.

Sweden

Coach: Fifa ranking: Best finish:

Erik Hamren 36th Semi-finals 1992

Strengths Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still one of the best players in the world and absolutely crucial to Sweden’s chances. Scored 11 of 19 goals in qualifying.

Weaknesses The lack of speed in defence is a concern as Andreas Granqvist is not the quickest of centre-backs but he could play alongside the more mobile 21-year-old Victor Nilsson Lindelof.

Squad Goalkeepers: Andreas Isaksson, Robin Olsen, Patrik Carlgren.

Defenders: Ludwig Augustinsson, Erik Johansson, Pontus Jansson, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist, Mikael Lustig, Martin Olsson.

Midfielders: Jimmy Durmaz, Albin Ekdal, Oscar Hiljemark, Sebastian Larsson, Pontus Wernbloom, Erkan Zengin, Oscar Lewicki, Emil Forsberg, Kim Kallstrom.

Forwards: Marcus Berg, John Guidetti, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Emir Kujovic.

Key player Zlatan Ibrahimovic - His country’s record scorer with 62 goals, everything revolves around Ibra.

One to watch

Did you know?

Ibrahimovic has more international goals (62) than the rest of the squad put together. combined (52).

Oscar Lewicki. Previously at Bayern Munich, a move to the Premier League has been mooted for the 23-year-old central midfielder.

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group F Austria

Coach: Marcel Koller Fifa ranking: 10 Best finish: Group stages 2008 Strengths

David Alaba is the star name but the whole midfield deserves praise, with the more defence-minded Julian Baumgartlinger and the dynamic Zlatko Junuzovic equally important.

Weaknesses The back four is sometimes exposed if Baumgartlinger and Alaba wander too far upfield – which happens quite often – and they may struggle if key players get injured.

Squad

Did you know?

Austria were ranked at an all-time low of 105th in the world after their only other appearance at the European Championship, the one they co-hosted with Switzerland in 2008.

Goalkeepers: Robert Almer, Heinz Lindner, Ramazan Oezcan.

Defenders: Aleksandar Dragovic, Christian Fuchs, Gyorgy Garics, Martin Hinteregger, Florian Klein, Sebastian Prodl, Markus Suttner, Kevin Wimmer.

Midfielders: David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic, Julian Baumgartlinger, Martin Harnik, Stefan Ilsanker, Jakob Jantscher, Zlatko Junuzovic, Marcel Sabitzer, Alessandro Schoepf.

Forwards: Lukas Hinterseer, Rubin Okotie, Marc Janko.

Key player David Alaba. The versatile 23-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder, centrehalf, wide man and left-back has five Bundesliga titles and five consecutive Austrian player of the year awards.

One to watch Former Bayern youth midfielder Alessandro Schöpf, 22, has shone since a January move to Schalke, winning his first caps this year.

Hungary

Coach: Bernd Storck Fifa ranking: 20 Best finish: Third place 1964 Strengths Set pieces. Out of the 14 goals scored in qualifying, five came from corners, one direct from a free-kick and two after a free-kick was not cleared properly by the defence

Weaknesses Hungary can, at times, be a bit predictable, with a lack of speed in the final third, but the 22-year-old attacking midfielder Laszlo Kleinheisler could change all that.

Squad Goalkeepers: Gabor Kiraly, Denes Dibusz, Peter Gulacsi.

Defenders: Attila Fiola, Barnabas Bese, Richard Guzmics, Roland Juhasz, Adam Lang, Tamas Kadar, Mihaly Korhut.

Midfielders: Adam Pinter, Gergo Lovrencsics, Akos Elek, Zoltan Gera, Adam Nagy, Laszlo Kleinheisler, Zoltan Stieber.

Forwards: Balazs Dzsudzsak, Adam Szalai, Krisztian Nemeth, Nemanja Nikolics, Tamas Priskin, Daniel Bode.

Key player Balazs Dzsudzsak, the 29-year-old captain, is an attacker with Bursaspor and can create and score.

Did you know?

First-choice goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly is hoping to become the first 40-year-old to appear in the European Championship, surpassing Lothar Matthaus as the tournament’s oldest player.

One to watch Midfielder Adam Nagy, aged 20 and the youngest member of the squad. Plays for Ferencváros but linked to big European clubs.

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group F Iceland

Coach: Lars Lagerback Fifa ranking: 34 Best finish: Debut finals Strengths

The midfield area is key, with Aron Gunnarsson and Gylfi Sigurdsson complementing each other exceptionally well, the latter allowed a fairly free role going forward.

Weaknesses The team’s main striker, Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, who averages nearly a goal every other game in international football, has had an injury-interrupted season with Nantes.

Squad Goalkeepers: Hannes Halldorsson, Ogmundur Kristinsson, Ingvar Jonsson.

Defenders: Ari Skulason, Hordur Magnusson, Hjortur Hermannsson, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Kari Arnason, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Birkir Saevarsson, Haukur Heidar Hauksson.

Midfielders: Emil Hallfredsson, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Aron Gunnarsson, Theodor Elmar Bjarnason, Arnor Ingvi Traustason, Birkir Bjarnason, Johann Gudmundsson, Runar Mar Sigurjonsson.

Forwards: Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, Alfred Finnbogason, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Key player Gylfi Sigurdsson, the 26-year-old Swansea midfielder, was top scorer in qualifying with six goals and his form will be instrumental to Iceland’s progress.

One to watch

Did you know?

With a population of 330,000, they’re the smallest country to qualify for a European Championship or World Cup.

Midfielder Arnor Ingvi Traustason, 23, voted most promising youngster in Iceland three years ago, has been starring for Norrkoping in Sweden and about to move to Vienna.

Portugal

Coach: Fifa ranking: Best finish:

Fernando Santos 8 Runners-up 2004

Strengths Cristiano Ronaldo stands out – of course he does – but this team are now a good blend of young and old, with players such as Renato Sanches an option from the bench.

Weaknesses Goals, as always with Portugal, and the key midfielder, João Moutinho, has struggled with injuries this spring.

Squad Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio, Anthony Lopes, Eduardo.

Defenders: Vieirinha, Cedric, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves, Jose Fonte, Eliseu, Raphael Guerreiro.

Midfielders: William Carvalho, Danilo Pereira, Joao Moutinho, Renato Sanches, Adrien Silva, Andre Gomes, Joao Mario.

Forwards: Rafa Silva, Ricardo Quaresma, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eder.

Key player Ronaldo, who at 31 is still a hugely influential force, prolific goal scorer (56 international goals) and talisman who can win a game.

One to watch Midfielder Renato Sanches, 18, the second youngest player at the tournament after England’s Marcus Rashford, who will complete a €35m move to Bayern from Benfica this summer.

Did you know?

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first player to score at four European Championships if he finds the back of the net in France.

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19

the local view

Let’s hope for the best for Vardy Raihan Mahmood Back in 2006, France and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane arrived in Bangladesh on a two-day visit and as per the schedule, he went to a remote village near the capital where thousands of villagers welcomed him with a floral reception.

The crowd and their enthusiasm of the moment stunned the Fifa Ballon d’Or winner. His simple confession was, “I never thought that in this remote part of the world, I am so much popular and the people know my name”.

In fact, that’s the global appeal of football. The heroic deeds of the football heroes in the field make them a household name in the territories that remain unexplored and even unknown to them. With a fabulous English Premier League campaign behind him and the grand stage of Euro 2016 beckoning, can Jamie Vardy attain a new height and stamp a lasting impression among the football lovers of Bangladesh?

Jamie Vardy in 2015-16 Goals Games Leicester City 24 36 England 3 8 The top tournaments of world football attain massive attraction among the sports lovers of the country with the Fifa World Cup definitely at the top of the list.

The appeal of Joga Bonito and the Latin American rivalry of Brazil and Argentina to name but a few attractions, draw the people to the beautiful game.

But in the context of Euro, where the top European teams compete and all the modern techniques and tactics of the game are visible, it remains as a second choice among the masses.

However I believe the scenario is changing and this edition of Euro will have more viewers and stormy discussions among the football flocks of the country.

Why Latin American football is more popular in this part of the world remains as a mystery as one European Union delegate a few years ago said the topics can be a subject of research. After all, football in this part of the world was introduced by the British people, and not the others.

Undoubtedly, the English Premiership is the most followed league in Bangladesh and Vardy is no doubt the most talked player among them. It is well known that Leicester City’s Vardy has more goals, more shots on target and has created more chances than any other Premier League striker this season.

Whoever followed Vardy closely

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EU RO 2 0 16 | DHAK A TR I B U N E guide

saw that he is an aggressive runner always tormenting the opposition defenders. He is a predator when the ball is in his possession in the penalty area. Leicester have been benefited

the forwards and it is just the matter of availing the opportunities as far as Vardy is concerned.

Whenever England play, the Bangladesh football fans will be

Undoubtedly, the English Premiership is the most followed league in Bangladesh and Vardy is no doubt the most talked player among them with his fitness and stamina as he is a constant menace and thrives in a team that plays pressing football, and has acted as the first defender when his team did not possess the ball.

Inexperience at the international level may be a weak point for Vardy but England boss Roy Hodgson has the faith on the Leicester ace and it is all down to Vardy to climb to the top.

With the likes of Wayne Rooney and Raheem Sterling playing as midfielders, there will be plenty of deliveries to

searching for Vardy’s deeds. Stamping the authority at the very top of international level is a tough task but I think Vardy will be highly motivated to attain the laurels. Not only for him but also for his country that has failed to rise to the occasion in the last decade. Vardy can create a lasting legacy in Euro 2016 or at the same time fade away like many English players did in the past.

So then, let’s hope for the best for Jamie Vardy! l

potential stars

Stars to watch out for at Euro 2016 SUPERSTARS Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal

Gareth Bale Wales

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sweden

a three time world player of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo again rose to the occasion to fire Portugal to Euro 2016.

The Real Madrid striker scored five of his country’s 11 goals in qualifying, but an international title remains a glaring absence from his exhaustive list of honours.

Snapped up by Manchester United in 2003 as an 18-yearold, Ronaldo helped the Red Devils to three successive Premier League crowns and the 2008 Champions League.

He became the world’s most expensive footballer when Real Madrid splashed out 94 million euros for him in 2009, but Ronaldo has more than delivered a return on the investment.

With seven goals and two assists in qualifying, Bale did more than any other player to end Wales’s 58-year wait to qualify for a major tournament. After coming through the ranks at Southampton, he exploded onto the global scene at Tottenham Hotspur, where he was twice named England’s Player of the Year, before moving to Real Madrid in 2013 in a world-record 100.8 million euro transfer.

Lightning quick, superb in the air and with a jackhammer left foot, he operates in a free role for Wales and his pace on the counter-attack will be a source of concern for every defence he encounters.

The Swedish striker is steeling himself for a final farewell to France after four glorious years at Paris Saint-Germain.

Having landed league titles with Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan, Ibrahimovic sent records tumbling during a trophyladen spell at the Parc des Princes as PSG established themselves as the dominant force in French football.

Time may be ticking down on the Swede’s international career, but Ibrahimovic reinforced his reputation as one of the greatest strikers of his generation with 11 goals in qualifying. The 34-year-old, Sweden’s record goalscorer, is undoubtedly the key to his country’s hopes at Euro 2016.

NEWCOMERS Marcus Rashford England

Anthony Martial France

Renato Sanches Portugal

On February 25 this year, 18-year-old Marcus Rashford awoke a virtual unknown. By the time he went to bed he was a sensation, having scored twice on his Manchester United debut in a 5-1 Europa League win over FC Midtjylland.

More goals followed - a brace against Arsenal on his Premier League debut, a classy derby winner at Manchester City, a stunning effort at West Ham United in the FA Cup - and he ended the campaign with eight goals in 18 appearances.

Derided as an expensive panic buy when Manchester United forked out an initial £36 million ($52.6 million, 47 million euros), Anthony Martial silenced critics with an impressive debut season at Old Trafford. The 20-yearold finished with 17 goals and emerged as one of the few bright spots as United missed out on the Champions League. Hailing from the same Paris suburb as Thierry Henry, Martial is following a path to stardom similar to that of the one taken by Henry.

Born and raised in Lisbon, the 18-year-old Renato Sanches made his first-team debut with Benfica in October, then earned his first international cap in March before Bayern Munich shelled out an initial 35 million euros - a fee that could rise to 80 million euros - to tie down one of Europe’s most promising youngsters.

Injuries to Bernardo Silva and Tiago opened the door for the teenager’s inclusion in Fernando Santos’ 23-man squad, with Sanches the youngest player to feature for Portugal at a major finals.

VETERANS Gianluigi Buffon Italy

Iker Casillas Spain

At 38, the evergreen Buffon has shown few signs of slowing down and remains Italy’s undisputed number one. A star of the Azzurri’s 2006 World Cup winning side, Buffon is still at the top of his game a decade later. He set a new Serie A record by going unbeaten for 974 consecutive minutes as Juventus claimed a fifth straight league championship.

A winner of two European championships and the 2010 World Cup, Casillas will forever be associated with the golden era of Spanish football. However, the 35-year-old endured a torrid 2014 World Cup in Brazil and then made an ignominious and tearful departure from boyhood club Real Madrid a year later.

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missing XI

Euro 2016 Missing XI

Euro records Most title wins Spain 1964, 2008, 2012

Germany

Balotelli

Benzema

1972, 1980, 1996

Costa

highest scoring final 2012 Spain 4 (Silva, Alba, Torres, Mata) Italy 0

highest scoring match Ben Arfa

Drinkwater

Isco

Bellarabi

1960 semi-final Yugoslavia 5 (Galic, Zanetic, Knez, Jerkovic 2) France 4 (Vincent, Heutte 2, Wisnieski)

Most goals in a EURO 2000

Senderos

Lovren

Martinez

85 goals in 31 matches at an average of 2.74 goals per match

Highest scoring nation at EURO France (1984) 14 goals in five matches

Trapp

Best defenders at EURO

The best players missing Injury has prevented the likes of Belgium’s Vincent Kompany, France’s Raphael Varane and Germany’s Marco Reus from being involved. But other top names have been deemed surplus to requirements for the competition in France.

Here, we have put together an XI made up of some of the best players who will not be playing at Euro 2016.

Kevin Trapp (Germany) The 25-year-old goalkeeper has had a superb first season with PSG, keeping 25 clean sheets in all competitions to help them win an unprecedented domestic treble. However, this was not enough to force his way into the squad.

Dejan Lovren (Croatia) After an inconsistent start to his Liverpool career, the 26-year-old has now established himself in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI. Unfortunately for the central defender, his relationship with Croatia head coach Ante Cacic is not as strong.

Philippe Senderos (Switzerland) The former Arsenal and Fulham defender has 55 international caps but will not be adding to those this summer.

Javi Martinez (Spain) The defensive midfielder/defender has had his share of injury problems but he remains a high-profile absentee. The 27-year-old made 27 appearances for Bayern Munich this season but this was not enough

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to give him the chance to add to the World Cup and European Championship winners medals.

Danny Drinkwater (England) The 26-year-old defensive midfielder’s omission prompted some anger from fans on social media.

But with Eric Dier likely to start and Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere fit again, Roy Hodgson clearly feels he has enough midfield options.

Hatem Ben Arfa (France) “Hatem has had a great season but he’s not the only one in that position,” said France coach Didier Deschamps, who also has Antoine Griezmann, Anthony Martial and Dimitri Payet at his disposal.

Karim Bellarabi (Germany) Bellarabi is a surprising omission.

The 26-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has had a superb season scoring seven times in his final 16 appearances to help his club to a third-place Bundesliga finish.

Isco (Spain) Such is the abundance of quality

available to Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, he is able to leave out a player who has just helped Real Madrid win their 11th European title.

Mario Balotelli (Italy) Three goals in 23 appearances in his second loan spell at AC Milan was never likely to be enough to earn Balotelli a spot in the Italy squad.

Diego Costa (Spain) After just one strike for his country in qualifying and doubts over his fitness, coach Del Bosque clearly feels he has better options.

Karim Benzema (France) He has been excluded following his implication in an alleged attempt by one of his friends to blackmail international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.

Honourable mentions Jose Reina (Spain), Mathieu Debuchy (France), Juan Mata (Spain), Kevin Mirallas (Belgium), Hamdi Salihi (Albania), Andros Townsend (England) and Fernando Torres (Spain). l

1 goal conceded Spain 6 matches (2012)

Fastest goal at EURO 68 seconds Dmitri Kirichenko for Russia against Greece in 2004

Highest scorer in a tournament Michel Platini (FRA) 9 goals (1984)

Top scorers in Euro 9 goals Michel Platini (FRA)

7 goals Alan Shearer (ENG)

6 goals Nuno Gomes (POR), Thierry Henry (FRA), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWE), Patrick Kluivert (NED), Ruud van Nistelrooy (NED) 6, Cristiano Ronaldo (POR)

Most matches played 16 Van der Sar (NED), Lilian Thuram (FRA)

14 Iker Casillas (ESP), Luis Figo (POR), Nuno Gomes (POR), Philipp Lahm (GER), Karel Poborsky (CZE), Cristiano Ronaldo (POR), Zinedine Zidane (FRA)

Most appearances in a final Rainer Bonhof of Germany Played in the 1972, 1976 and 1980 finals

predictions

What DT sport predicts

Fazley Rabbi Moon

Ali Shahriyar Amin Bappa

Minhaz Uddin Khan Semifinalists : Portugal, Italy, France, Germany (Winner)

Semifinalists

: Spain, Belgium, Germany, France (Winner)

Semifinalists : Italy, Belgium, Germany

France (Winner)

Biggest flop

: England

Biggest flop

: Spain

Surprise package : Wales

Surprise package : Croatia

Biggest flop

: Spain

Surprise package : Turkey

Best player

: Paul Pogba (France)

Best player

: Antoine Griezmann (France)

Best player

: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Top scorer

: Antoine Griezmann (France)

Top scorer

: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Top scorer

: Thomas Muller (Germany)

Rashad Banna

Mazharul Hoque Shishir

Mazhar Uddin Omi

Semifinalists : France, Belgium, England, Germany (Winner)

Semifinalists : Germany, Belgium, Spain

France (Winner)

Semifinalists : Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal (Winner)

Biggest flop

: Italy

Biggest flop

Surprise package : Republic of Ireland

: Italy

Surprise package : Iceland

Biggest flop

: England

Surprise package : Croatia

Best player

: Thomas Muller (Germany)

Best player

: Paul Pogba (France)

Best player

: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Top scorer

: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Top scorer

: Antoine Griezmann (France)

Top scorer

: Antoine Griezmann (France)

And the winner of Euro 2016 is...

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20 15

An Austrian research team has calculated the probability of a team winning the competition based on odds from 19 online bookmakers

21.5% 20.1 13.7

10

y Por tug al Cro atia Aus tria Pol and Sw itze rlan d Rus sia Wa les Tur key Ukr ain e Cze ch Rep .

Ice lan d Sw ede Rep n . of Irel and Slo vak ia Rom ani a Hu n No gar rth y ern Irel and Alb ani a

Ital

0

Fra nce Ger ma ny Spa in Eng lan d Bel giu m

5

Source: Achim Zeileis. University of Innsbruck, Christoph Leitner, Kurt Hornik

E U RO 2 0 1 6 | DH A K A TR I B U N E g uide

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