All articles by: Jools Jordan-Probert

Italy U21’s vs Germany U21’s – Match Preview

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UEFA U21 European Championships, Marszałek Piłsudski Stadium, Kraków 7.45pm

Italy U21’s vs Germany U21’s – Match Preview – European titans clash as already-qualified Germany face competitive rivals Italy, The Azzurrini knowing a victory is vital to join the Germans in the semi-finals.

Germany were second-favourites coming in to the tournament and have lived up to that billing with irrepressible performances so far. Dispatching the dark horses Czech Republic 2-0 in the opening match signified the control the Germans possessed, proceeded by a ruthless 3-0 victory over Denmark in a game which illustrated the skill and talent the creative powers possessed by the German midfield and attack.
Continuing in this vein of form will strike fear into the hearts of not just Italy, but any team that Germany have to face moving forward in the competition.

Conversely, Italy have struggled to reach the heights many suggested were possible before the tournament began. A 2-0 win over Denmark gave optimism without truly convincing and despite containing big names and stellar players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Domenico Beradi the side hasn’t fully clicked so far and that was demonstrated in the 3-1 defeat to Czech Republic last time out.

With Czech Republic currently in second place and placing perhaps the tournament’s weakest team in Denmark (only the best 2nd placed side joins the three group winners in qualifying for the semi-finals) Luigi Di Bagio’s men will be wholeheartedly aware anything less than a victory will suffice. Such a result will require a turnaround in fortunes for both teams and remains unlikely. If Italy’s big players can find form and release themselves from their current rigidity, then the task isn’t impossible, however.

Max Meyer has attracted interest from all over Europe Photo Credit: skysports.com

Players to Watch
Max Meyer has been on the eyes and minds of scouts since he broke onto the scene four years ago for hometown club Schalke, at just the age of 17. 163 Appearances and 20 goals for the senior side later and Meyer has established himself as an important cog in one of Germany’s biggest clubs – and with good reason. The attacking midfielder shows flashes of brilliance in almost every performance, his fantastic footwork and ability to beat a man often makes experienced defenders look foolish. With a more consistent output in terms of goals and assists Meyer could be a truly great player for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. At this level, however, he is almost unparalleled and possesses the quality to eviscerate any team that has the displeasure of facing him.

Federico Bernardeschi brings experience to the young Italian side Photo Credit: dailystar.co.uk

It seems almost unpalatable that players with the experience that Federico Bernardeschi possesses can play at a youth tournament, but it offers a chance for tournament experience that can prove vital moving forward for senior national teams. And Fiorentina’s No.10 is a precise example of that, already capped 9 times in the senior Italy team; the 23-year-old is seen as one of Italy’s better prospects for potential future success. Bernardeschi is a unique mixture in the modern game, a winger with great pace but at 6ft, is big and strong and also works extremely hard defensively. Despite that work rate, he is blessed with a cultured and precise left foot and beats players through elegant means which make him a pleasure to watch. On the top of his game, Bernadeschi definitely has the ability to put a strong Germany team to the sword in a must win game. Which is precisely his task.

 

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New Zealand vs British & Irish Lions – 1st Test – Match Preview

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1st Test, Eden Park, Auckland 8.35am

New Zealand vs British & Irish Lions – 1st Test – Match Preview –The anticipation is at critical level; the waiting is over and the real battle is ready to commence. The British and Irish Lions face World Champions New Zealand in the 1st Test of The Lions Tour in Auckland.

Warren Gatland is looking to preside over back-to-back Lions series wins for the first time since 1974. However, in the way is only the most difficult task in all of rugby – emerging victorious in a test series in New Zealand against the All Blacks.

In fact, the only time that The Lions have ever achieved this outstanding feat, back in 1971, winning the series 2-1 courtesy of extraordinary team spirit and a rare, brilliant 45 metre drop goal by the legendary JPR Williams to draw the final test and preserve the overall lead.

Lions tours are steeped in history, tradition, passion and entertainment and this edition promises to be no different whatsoever.

It was a sluggish start, narrowly beating the Barbarians (Provincial Union XV) 13-7 before suffering a 22-16 defeat to Blues. A rugged 12-3 victory over Crusaders proceeded before a remarkable 23-22 defeat to Highlanders – this game seemed to be the turning point in attacking play. The Lions stormed to 32-10 and 34-6 victories over New Zealand Maori and Chiefs respectively as momentum hit peak, in due course for The Lions enter the fray of the World Champions.

The All Blacks have won 10 of the 11 Lions Tours in history and are unequivocally the best team of all time with an impenetrable aura of dominance that makes even the most confident of men quiver. Current back-to-back World Champions – the only time in history that has been accomplished – Steve Hansen’s men will feel no pressure to win and instead will relish the opportunity to do battle with the best the Northern Hemisphere can offer.
Expect an epic.

Peter O’Mahony will lead the Lions in place of Sam Warburton Photo Credit: skysports.com

Team News 
Warren Gatland has displayed authority and decisiveness in naming his match day squad and the major surprise is the announcement of Sam Warburton becoming the first tour captain to miss out on the 1st Test in 87 years – being directly replaced in the back row and in captaincy by the incredible rising star of Peter O’Mahony. O’Mahony wasn’t even expected to make the tour in March, before a phenomenal performance in Ireland’s defeat of England forced his way into the reckoning.

Another notable talking points include Liam Williams starting at full-back, Gatland clearly seeing Williams’ vast ability with the ball in hand as more important than the defensive and goal-kicking reliability of Leigh Halfpenny. Elliot Daly also features alongside Anthony Watson in a new look, exciting back three.

An injury to the outrageously powerful Billy Vunipola sees Talupe Falletau given the opportunity to showcase his array of abilities at Number 8.
Gatland has spoken specifically about how difficult the choice between Maro Itoje and Alun Wyn Jones at lock has been, finally deciding on the experienced Welshman. Expect the English monster Itoje to be hugely influential from the bench though.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read hopeful to return in the 1st test Photo Credit: skysports.com

For the All Blacks, captain Kieran Read has been out of action for seven weeks, but a return to full fitness means the No.8 will unquestionably start and captain his side in the 1st test – lining up alongside the wonderful back-row of Sam Cane and Jerome Kaino.
The biggest surprise was Steve Hansen’s inclusion of Rieko Ioane – without a test start to his name – on the wing instead of Julian Savea.
Ryan Crotty’s return to full fitness also sees him reclaim a centre birth alongside Sonny Bill-Williams over Anton Lienert-Brown.

Lions team: L Williams (Wales); A Watson (England), J Davies (Wales), B Te’o (England), E Daly (England); O Farrell (England), C Murray (Ireland); M Vunipola (England), J George (England), T Furlong (Ireland); AW Jones (Wales), G Kruis (England); P O’Mahony (capt, Ireland), S O’Brien (Ireland), T Faletau (Wales).

Replacements: K Owens (Wales), J McGrath (Ireland), K Sinckler (England), M Itoje (England), S Warburton (Wales), R Webb (Wales), J Sexton (Ireland), L Halfpenny (Wales).

New Zealand Team: B Smith; I Dagg, R Crotty, S B Williams, R Ioane; B Barrett, A Smith; J Moody, C Taylor, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, J Kaino, S Cane, K Read (capt).


Replacements: N Harris, W Crockett, C Faumuina, S Barrett, A Savea, TJ Perenara, A Cruden or L Sopoaga, A Lienert-Brown.

 

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New Zealand vs Portugal – Match Preview

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Confederations Cup, Group A
Krestovskyi Stadium, Russia 4pm

New Zealand vs Portugal – Match Preview – European Champions Portugal are seeking just a point against already-eliminated New Zealand to book their place in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup.

Fernando Santos’ men were shaky in a 2-2 draw against Mexico in the opening game – but a much more resilient performance in a Ronaldo-led 1-0 victory over tournament hosts Russia sees Portugal as firm favourites to make it into the final four.
Mexico, ahead of Portugal by one goal on goal difference, face Russia in the other group game and the Selecao know bettering the Gold Cup champions’ result will result in a 1st place finish in Group A.

2016 OFC Nations Cup Champions New Zealand have been out of their depth so far in this competition, losing meagrely 2-0 to Russia before a similarly disappointing performance in a 2-1 defeat to Mexico. The only positive to emerge from the tournament so far is captain Chris Wood ending The All Whites’ 555-minute goal-scoring drought in the Confederations Cup. Anthony Hudson’s side face the utmost uphill struggle to beat the European Champions and claim a first ever victory in official FIFA tournament play.

This match sees Portugal as overwhelming favourites but there is a strong likelihood that most of the side will be rested, including the on-fire Cristiano Ronaldo, giving New Zealand a glimmer of hope. However, you would still expect Portugal to have too much firepower for a creativity lacking Kiwis side. New Zealand do not normally concede many goals, so if they can stay defensively structured and stave off the Portuguese attack and still be clinical, a surprise could be on the cards. But it is a big if.

Bernado Silva is a threat with his creativity and drive towards opposition defences Photo Credit: skysports.com

Players to Watch
With Ronaldo likely to be rested, Bernado Silva could be the most important player in the Portuguese attack. Manchester City’s new £43m signing impressed in the 1-0 defeat of Russia, and has been in fantastic form since Monaco’s last campaign – contributing 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions as his side claimed the Ligue 1 title and reached the Champions League semi-finals. Elusive and with devastating ability with the ball at his feet, Bernado Silva is a threat every single time he picks up the ball from 35 yards and drives towards the opposition. The attacking midfielder has an eye for goal and is also adept at threading the ball into the tightest gaps in defences. New Zealand will have their work cut out for them in resisting Bernado Silva’s charms.

New Zealand’s Chris Wood made his 50th International appearance against Russia Photo Credit: espnfc.com

Captain Chris Wood earned his 50th (and now 51st) cap during the tournament, and in that international career has scored a stellar 20 goals – including his side’s solitary strike this tournament in the last game against Mexico. Leeds United’s prized asset smashed in 27 goals in The Championship last season and 30 in all competitions, earning himself a spot in the coveted Championship Team of the Year, narrowly missing out on Player of The Year to Anthony Knockeart. The 6ft3 striker is a constant threat and will be confident he can snatch up any of the likely scarce chances presented to him in this game.

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