Spain-England, the long-awaited epilogue of the German European Championships is staged at the Olympiastadion in Berlin: the top scorer title is also up for grabs.
Is soccer ready to return “home”? Three years after the great disappointment at Wembley, the same question arises again, although this time England fans, as a purely superstitious matter, have tried to intone as little as possible of the infamous “Football is coming home” tune.
If at Euro 2020 it was Italy that prevented the Henri Delaunay cup from returning to the country of the game’s inventors, this time Luis De La Fuente’s brilliant Spain (but especially the young talents Yamal and Williams) will try. La Roja has been the only one to entertain and offer something interesting in a European Championship in which good matches can be counted on the fingers of one hand. And in which many of the supposed “bigs” disappointed in terms of play (see France). Spain, on the other hand, appeared super organized from the very first game.
Morata and his teammates immediately showed that they had clear ideas, developing plots – no longer just ball possession – that emphasized the immense talent of its interpreters, through pressing and verticalizations. A lethal mix for any team the Red Furies found in their path.
First Croatia and Italy in the group were the losers. Then freshman Georgia in the round of 16 and finally Germany and France in the quarters and semifinals, respectively. The same cannot be said of the English, who made it to the last act in Berlin mainly thanks to their individuality. The Three Lions’ selection, without enchanting, relied each time on individuals (Bellingham, Kane) to get themselves out of trouble. In the round of 16 against Slovakia it was saved with 40 seconds left, against Switzerland in the quarters it came out on penalties, and with the Netherlands, in the semifinals, it completed its comeback in 90′ thanks to a goal by reserve striker Watkins.
Ruiz has attacking numbers
It was undoubtedly the European starlet Yamal but among the most decisive players, in Spain, was former Napoli player Fabian Ruiz. Outstanding both with the ball between his feet and without.
The PSG midfielder scored two goals and shot 15 times toward the opponent’s goal, including nine from outside the box. Striker’s numbers. Shots from distance are one of the Achilles’ heels for English goalkeeper Pickford.
And that is why we point to Ruiz as a possible scorer in the Berlin final. Besides him, it is also a must to spend a token on Harry Kane, whom we already picked in the antepost odds as a potential top scorer of this European Championship. The Bayern Munich slinger is still in the running to become one.
The former Tottenham man has grown match after match and coach Southgate is once again relying on his killer instinct to pierce the Iberian defense. As far as assists are concerned, it is impossible not to consider Yamal, who has recorded as many as 3 so far, creating numerous chances. We expect, then, at least two shots on goal from Dani Olmo, another added striker (3 goals so far), and from Foden, who is benefiting from the new form chosen by Southgate. Watch also for Nico Williams, very dangerous with his dribbles on the left, and defender Stones, who can hurt with his head on developments from set pieces. Two names on each side regarding the possible yellows waved by referee Letexier: Cucurella and Le Normand (Spain) and Bellingham and Shaw (England), although the latter is in the running with Trippier.
Share comparison
Ruiz scorer Plus is listed at 6.25 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 8.50 on Snai. Foden at least two shots on goal Plus is quoted at 4.05 on Goldbet, Lottomatica and 5.00 on Snai.
