The 2016 European Championship has served up plenty of talking points so far. France got the tournament off to a flyer with their dramatic win. The likes of Germany and Spain predictably marched to victory, albeit less than convincingly. England and Portugal stumbled at the first hurdle, while Italy took a few people by surprise.
With plenty more action still to come, now's the perfect time to reflect on what we've witnessed in the competition so far.
Game of the round
There have been a few late twists in the fixtures so far, but the most exciting game as a whole was the intriguing clash between Belgium and Italy. The much fancied Belgians were expected to take control of the tie, but instead came up against a resilient Italian set-up.
Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system nullified Belgium’s threat in the first half and largely restricted them to shots from distance, while always looking threatening when advancing themselves. Once Emanuele Giaccherini scored, the game opened up and was increasingly stretched in the final 15-20 minutes when Belgium threw numbers forward and Italy retaliated on the break.
As a result, the game witnessed 30 shots in total – that's one every three minutes. Both sides missed big chances and the keepers were kept occupied, but despite Belgium being afforded 18 shots, it was Thibaut Courtois who made four saves to Gianluigi Buffon's three.
Graziano Pellè's goal in injury time capped off an enthralling bout in style. The counter-attack was swift before Antonio Candreva showed great composure to pick out the Southampton striker who's sumptuous volley was upstaged only by the magnitude of the celebration as virtually the entire Italian dugout stormed the pitch to join in.
Goal of the round
Euro 2016 hasn't been graced by a flurry of goals just yet, but we've been treated to a few of the utmost quality. Italy's two goals against Belgium were both beauties and Dimitri Payet's winner against Romania was a show-stopper, while Eric Dier's free-kick and Wes Hoolahan's half-volley deserve mentions as well.
However, Luka Modric has probably produced the finest goal of the tournament so far. In terms of sheer technique and difficulty, his strike to win the game for Croatia against Turkey was out of this world. A hooked clearance from Selcuk Inan, which soared high into the Parisian evening sky, seemed to have fended off any immediate danger but Modric took everyone by surprise when he seemingly appeared out of thin air and smacked a perfectly executed volley from all of 30 yards that left the keeper with no chance.
Very few players are capable of such technique, but Modric's class really shone through in that instant. The goal stands out not only for being the winner, but for its sheer shock value as well.
Standout moment
The tournament didn't take long to deliver an iconic moment, which will live long in the memory of football fans, particularly French ones. The host's opening game wasn't going according to script. Despite taking the lead, they were pegged back from the spot and with the final whistle looming, it appeared as if their Euro 2016 campaign would begin on a sour note. Cometh the hour, cometh the man and there was only one who was going to produce a piece of genius to raise the roof off the Parc des Princes.
Dimitri Payet dominated the game, creating eight chances while everyone else on the field collectively fashioned just nine. His goal was special for a number of reasons. It ensured a new chapter in the 29-year-old’s incredible renaissance season.
The goal is also set apart by the very technique required to execute it as well. With four Romanian shirts around him, three in particularly close proximity, Payet’s first touch set him up for the strike perfectly. The eventual shot itself was a dream: struck with his weaker foot, it was equipped with all the swerve and dip you’d want to see it sail past a hapless goalkeeper and nestle beautifully into the top corner.
Most of all though, the goal is special for it’s sheer impact, not just on the result, but on the tournament as a whole, particularly for the French. Against the backdrop of caution, doubt and understandable concern, Payet produced a work of art to inspire the French team and support alike, one that could well see them rally to glory in this tournament.
Best player
Dimitri Payet has had a couple of fantastic seasons at club level for West Ham United and he's carried his form into the European Championship. Payet popped up everywhere against Romania and absolutely bossed the midfield. He had a hand in every promising move France fashioned. He also bagged himself an assist and a stunning winning goal.
Biggest disappointment
Despite a decent first-half performance, that all-important second goal eluded Portugal and they wound up with just a point against an Iceland team playing their first ever European Championship. Portugal have been afforded the good fortune of being drawn in a relatively comfortable group, but have gotten off to a poor start. Cristiano Ronaldo only turned up in spurts, while the team as a whole lacked a killer instinct.
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