Euro U21 gets off to a great start
Uefa Euro U21 group stage has really kicked off to a great start. There have been many exciting matches, goals and shocks and surprises. There will be many players who have caught the eye of big European clubs and they will hope to continue to prove their worth. Futbol Mundial brings you the best moments so far from the U21’s tournament and the teams best in line to go all the way.
Early exits for big names like Germany, Belgium and Italy
For starters they have been many big shocks including Italy, Netherlands, Germany and Belgium all exiting early. It was a rough start for Italy as they lost to favorites France after putting up a fight against France. They picked themselves up by beating Switzerland 3-2. However they then lost to Norway after Botheim gave the Norwegians the lead in the 65th minute. Belgium and Netherlands both drew stalemate in their opening match. They then both drew in their respective matches against Georgia and Portugal. Netherlands then came back in the match after falling behind to Georgia but it was not enough to send them through. Belgium on the other hand then lost to Portugal after equalizing through Vertessen but it was barely enough to send them to the quarterfinals. Germany was the worst of them all as they only picked up a single point Israel.
France and England the favorites for the tournament
The biggest impressors in this tournament have so far been England and France without a doubt. The Three Lions have not conceded a single goal and have managed to win all their games comfortably scoring six goals in three appearances. They now face Portugal who managed to through their group narrowly only securing four points. England will be the favorites against Portugal without a doubt considering how they have been performing. France is also another team favored to win the tournament as they won all of their group stage games. They have managed to score seven goals in the group stage which is the most out of any team.
Smith Rowe, Ruiz and Barcola
There have been many impressive players but a few that have caught the eye are Barcola, Smith Rowe and Ruiz. Barcola has scored two goals in three appearances to take France to the quarterfinals. He will hope to take France all the way to winning their second ever title. Smith Rowe’s goal against Israel helped secure a win for the Three Lions which helped them advance to the next round. Ruiz has had a promising campaign so far with his two goals in the group stage to earn La Roja a place in the quarterfinals.
