From all the heavyweights that played so far (Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands), England looked the least dominant. Up to the 1-0 their play was ok, but they never really pushed for another goal and let Serbia dominate the whole second half. It worked out in the end, and that’s all that matters in a long tournament, but it’s a risky strategy.
Can’t blame them - given their past history in qualifying, and the health of the average Scottish football fan, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Pleasing colour-coordination in the Ukraine v Romania game.
Two surprises today: Romania beat Ukraine 3-0 (very deservedly) and Slovakia Belgium 1-0 (with luck and passion, two revoked Belgian goals after VAR, but also deservedly).
Slovakia beating Belgium was apparently the biggest upset, in terms of ranking, in Euros history.
I would have bet that one of the Greek wins in 2004 was the biggest upset.
The French are phoning it in. Never in trouble.
That’s a bit risky though, the Austrians under Rangnick are no slouches.
Ouch, I’m afraid Mbappé just broke his nose.
ETA: well, I guess he’s in a state of shock, or why did he pull that stunt of returning to the pitch and get carded for it? I’m not a doctor, but his nose looked visibly broken.
I’m actually really impressed by the Austrians.
Poland should be scared.
The French just are unbelievable.
The French are rightly favourites but not sure it was that comfortable. Austria had a golden chance to take the lead. But all that matters is the win at this stage. It’ll take an incredible performance by somebody to best this French team.
I was totally flabbergasted by that.
Ridiculous that there is no concussion substitute in these championships. But if he’s found to have got a concussion does that put Mbappe out for the next game or two? The broken nose alone might make his participation a problem for a few more days anyway.
I predict he will be playing with a mask in the next game.
Broken noses are common, and tend to heal well. To state the obvious, most of the nose is cartilage and their is a thin plate of bone (vomer) which provides support. A broken nose means the bone is broken into two or more pieces. Displacement is usually fairly minimal and the pieces can be usually pulled back into a linear shape without an operation, though this might be delayed if very swollen until the swelling goes down in 3-5 days.
However, there can be:
- swelling to the soft tissue and nasal passages
- extensive bruising
- mild to moderate pain
- nosebleeds, or blood clots in the nose wall
- other injuries to facial bones, brain, soft tissue
- further contact may hurt, worsen injury, bleed
Assuming that the swelling is mild to moderate and there are no other injuries, might well be back with a rigid mask if the pain is under control and there are no breathing difficulties with exertion.
I also predict he will return with a mask but not until the third game.
What impressed me the most about France was the performance of Kante. I considered him a potential weakness because he looked past it in his final season at Chelsea and he’s now 33 and playing in Saudi Arabia.
You know, when I saw that Turkey-Georgia is the next game, I didn’t expect much. But what can I say, it’s a breathtaking game full of intensity and speed.
I figure this is likely CR7’s last Euros…my last chance to dislike-watch him. 
I share your dislike of Ronaldo. In fact I dislike this Portuguese team - Pepe and Fernandes have not got likeable on-pitch personalities and Portugal I think have the most cynical players in European football. Expect to see lots of diving, rolling around and whinging when things don’t go their way.
However whenever I’ve visited Portugal the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming so it’s not personal - it’s just their footballing culture I guess.
Having said all of the above, Portugal are a close second to France as my tip to win the competition. They have a superbly talented team.
Agreed, CR7 has already died at least three gruesome deaths, and they are ony playing the 14th minute! Only Pepe is more despicable as a player.