How the English 'Killed' Football at the Euros

Written for NAP by: Jasmin Tajić, journalist for "Oslobođenje"

Football fans have largely been offered what we expected from the European Championship in Germany so far - a spectacle! Excellent football from most of the national teams at the Euros, and the teams that few expected to impress, primarily Georgia, have particularly delighted.

Of course, I cannot fail to mention Austria, Turkey, and Switzerland, but also Slovenia. Each of these has impressed in its own way. Georgia impressed with its brave approach and by playing every match without fear, regardless of who was on the other side.

Austria, although eliminated, showed that they know how to play top-level pressing, specifically this modern gegenpressing, whose "father" is precisely the Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick.

Turkey impressed with its approach, especially considering they are the youngest team at this Euros. Dynamic play, fast counter-attacks, very good passing, and fearless against everyone. Even the goals conceded against Portugal did not deter the Turks; they continued with their plan.

Switzerland is perhaps the best example of how to play as a team without being a team that only defends in an organized manner. All of Switzerland's lines of play function in a great way; the defence is stable and strong, the midfield is excellent in both directions, and the attack is quite lively, but also in service of the team.

As for Slovenia, it is probably a team from which we can learn and build our national team. First and foremost, the Slovenians are aware of their lack of quality, but they compensate for it with fight. One doesn't die for the beauty of Slovenia's game, but one enjoys their fighting spirit, which, I repeat, can be a great example for us.

It is certain that some favourites have disappointed so far, although it is always a question of how Belgium is so high on the FIFA rankings and how England is always among the top 2 favourites. Belgium was deservedly eliminated, and England is still holding on, although the hardest thing for me at this Euros was watching England's matches, because their play has neither head nor tail, nor is it clear what anyone is doing. If they survive Switzerland on Sunday, who knows what they will do until the end.

France, it seems so far, has been playing "under wraps" and only as much as needed. Whether that will cost them, we will see. Now they face Portugal, who have not impressed and who advanced with a lot of luck and thanks to goalkeeper Costa. Cristiano Ronaldo is indeed one of the best players in history, but time has made him look like a burden to the Portuguese team, and it is clear that Roberto Martinez, the coach, does not have the courage to leave him on the bench. Tonight's duel between France and Portugal could be a real lullaby and an attempt at tactical outsmarting, in which a single goal or penalties will decide.

The aforementioned Turkey has a chance against the Netherlands, whose coach Ronald Koeman is in that position only because he was a legendary player; as a coach, he has left no mark anywhere. Koeman's setup is a great chance for the young and spirited Turkey to reach the semi-finals for the second time in history.

For the end, I have left the participants of today's first quarter-final. Spain and Germany have shown the most so far, and we are all eagerly awaiting tonight's match. The Spanish have built a great team that threatens from all positions and is dangerous every time they cross into the opponent's half. On the other hand, Germany has its strengths, but it will certainly be most difficult for them to withstand Spain's quick counter-attacks, and if they manage to prevent the "Red Fury's" counter-attacks, they have a great chance to advance.

All in all, we hope to continue enjoying, except, of course, for England's matches; there is no enjoyment there as we have enjoyed so far, and may the best team win.

P.S. Serbia and Croatia have done well point-wise, considering how they played.