Euro 2016: Daily RoundUp – Group A

Personally, I didn’t think this was the most exciting group. But I thoroughly enjoyed what Sunday’s win meant for Albania.

Group A:

Sunday 19 June 2016: Romania 0 – 1 Albania

 

LYON, FRANCE – JUNE 19: Armando Sadiku (R) of Albania heads the ball to score the opening goal past Ciprian Tatarusanu (C) of Romania during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group A match between Romania and Albania at Stade des Lumieres on June 19, 2016 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Albania’s forward Armando Sadiku (L) and Romania’s defender Vlad Chiriches vie for the ball during the Euro 2016 group A football match between Romania and Albania at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium in Lyon on June 19, 2016. / AFP / jeff pachoud (Photo credit should read JEFF PACHOUD/AFP/Getty Images)

Man of the Match: Arlind Ajeti (Albania)

Romania had a shot within the first 3 minutes of this match but it wasn’t their night. Both teams had a number of shots on goal before Albania scored in the 43rd minute. Sadiku sent it into net from Memushaj’s cross. It was a huge goal for Albania, as it was their first major tournament goal. The first half ended the way the match would. Neither team were able to make any ground in the second half. Romania had to make a sub in the 60th when Denis Alibec picked up an injury and was replaced by Gabriel Torje. After 5 minutes of extra time, that was it. Albania had their first ever win and their first ever goal in a major tournament. Unfortunately neither team qualified for the round of 16.

Sunday 19 June 2016: Switzerland 0 – 0 France

Switzerland’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer (L) and Switzerland’s defender Johan Djourou jump for the ball during the Euro 2016 group A football match between Switzerland and France at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Lille on June 19, 2016. / AFP / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD (Photo credit should read KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images)

Man of the Match: Yann Sommer (Switzerland)

Going into this, I’d heard a whole lot about how Pogba wasn’t living up to expectation. With that said, I think he’s played quite well through the tournament and it’s been hard for the entire French squad to live up to what Payet is doing for them. In the first half both sides were pushing forward at every opportunity but France looked only slightly more dangerous. Despite good chances for both sides, the half ended scoreless. The second half was much the same as the first. France’s best chance was in the 75th minute when Payet hit the woodwork. The whistle was blown without added time and the draw meant both teams qualify for next round.

-mygypsyspirit