Group B at the 2020 UEFA European Championships includes some heavy hitters as well as a new addition to the European stage.
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Russia will go head-to-head to determine who goes through.
This is Finland’s first-ever major tournament and they face two former winners in Denmark and Russia and a strong Belgian side.
BELGIUM
Belgium has chosen a squad filled with players in their primes.
Their 26-man team entering the tournament is the oldest at an average age of 29.3.
Furthermore, their squad is the most internationally experienced, with over 50 caps per player on average.
Nice graph from @RahulIyer32. England are one of the youngest squads at Euro 2020, but have totalled the most minutes over a long season. 10 – 11 players near or above the 'likely knackered' threshold. Belgium are peak squad age, with a much fresher team than most top sides 👀 pic.twitter.com/V0GCafQsmY
Belgium’s world-class individuals will have the world in awe once again this year.
However, an ageing defence may put a roadblock in their chances at glory.
Regardless, a side that includes Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will strike fear into the hearts of the opposition.
The presence of Thibaut Courtois between the sticks will offer safe hands while Timothy Castagne will offer the side an extra man out wide.
The Belgians squad is stacked and they should have minimal problems getting out of Group B.
DENMARK
Denmark will provide the Belgians with their biggest challenge in the group stage with world-class talents of their own lining up for the Danes this summer.
Kasper Schmeichel will act as the impenetrable wall behind the reliable Andreas Christensen.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg will work tirelessly to protect the backline while Christian Eriksen will be the side’s playmaker.
RB Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen and Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite offer options in attack.
All three of their games will be played in Parken Stadium, Copenhagen and the home advantage could help them when they need it most.
FINLAND
Finland was one of the surprise packages in the qualifying phase, beating out Greece and Bosnia & Herzegovina to a place in Euro 2020.
The side boasts a veteran squad filled with talents from foreign leagues.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Lukas Hradecky will offer a safe pair of hands in goal.
In addition to this, Finnish-Irish star Daniel O’Shaugnessy will form part of the side’s three-man defence.
31-year-old Teemu Pukki will lead the line for the Eagle-Owls with Glen Kamara and captain Tim Sparv occupying the midfield.
The side has upset World Cup winners France in the last year and could offer an upset in the group.
RUSSIA
2018 World Cup hosts Russia round off the teams in Group B.
The World Cup quarterfinalists will compete for one of the two automatic spots in the group but will be without some of their core players from the World Cup run.
Goalkeeper Anton Shunin will hope to replicate Igor Akinfeev’s performances on the world stage but with only three selected centre-backs to protect him.
Mário Fernandes will offer Russia the creative outlet and width he has done for years on the right-hand side while the trio of Aleksander Golovin, Aleksey Miranchuk and Denis Cheryshev will look to light up the tournament alongside their captain Artem Dzyuba.
Russia also has a home advantage at Krestovsky Stadium, St. Petersburg for two of their games – Belgium and Finland.
Aside from the Belgians, this group could be one of the more competitive of the tournament.
Group B fixtures: Denmark v Finland, Saturday, 12th June 17:00. Belgium v Russia, Saturday 12th June 20:00. Finland v Russia, Wednesday 16th June 14:00. Denmark v Belgium, Thursday, 17th June 17:00. Russia v Denmark, Monday, 21st June 20:00. Finland v Belgium, Monday 21st June 20:00.
Luckily, online gambling is legal in Ireland. And as long as you are 18 years of age – you’re good to enjoy all sorts of casino entertainment. But unfortunately, that doesn’t prevent scammers and unfair operators from hindering players from successful experiences making bets online. It’s easier than you can imagine to end up on a gambling website that has a license and still get finessed one way or another. To put it in short words – looking for online casinos in Ireland can be like walking on a minefield. And if you don’t already know, searching for one on the web and clicking the first option that looks legit isn’t that great of an idea. With that said, it’s essential to be discerning and follow criteria when choosing a site to trust your funds with. It’s one thing to lose money on a bet, but it will sting a lot more if you get tricked by unreasonable terms and conditions that hide underneath a gambling license. It’s time to put an end to this issue once and for all by simply learning the process of deciphering between good and bad gambling sites. What matters most when choosing a gambling site? Although it’s easy to get distracted by colorful graphics and rich casino libraries, there are a few aspects that weigh heavily when it comes to your gambling experience. Don’t let that overwhelm you; it’s pretty simple. The first thing you need to do is determine what you are seeking when playing on casinos. That way, you can mesh the following criteria along with your preferences and land a casino that will blow your socks off. Here is how you can better understand your standards and likings when choosing a casino: 1. Figure out the content that excites you most. Whether you’re a fan of modern 3D graphics or simply want games with the highest winning opportunities – research the content before searching for a gambling site. 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However, not all promotions are as promising as they seem. You will have to check for the following: -Fair wagering requirements, usually between 20x-40x. Anything higher than that won’t be of many benefits to you. Playthrough demands can lead you to overspend and having your winnings stuck without a way out. 3. Banking matters. You don’t want a casino that will hold on to your money for weeks or even months. Check the withdrawal limits, times, and payment methods before registration. Remember that legit a casino won’t usually charge fees for deposits, and withdrawal times should never be longer than a week (excluding verification). 4. You have to make sure you have someone to turn to when issues surface. Having a customer service system (whether it’s chat, phone support, or email) is crucial because there are quite a few problems that can occur throughout your time in a casino. 5. Player reviews expose things you may not find in terms and conditions of a casino without digging. Take time to read reviews from other online gamblers and see any significant disadvantages that you’re not willing to deal with. Before you gamble Online casinos can be an excellent source of entertainment and can fill your pockets in an instant if you get lucky. Keep in mind that it can end poorly – as great as it is to have such an opportunity. Many players are suffering from gambling addictions and spend money that they don’t even have. Be mindful when making bets, and don’t let it become your only hope for extra income.
Chelsea are hoping to use Tammy Abraham to help bargain for Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund
All eyes are on the 20-year-old Norwegian this summer as he is expected to make a big move to one of Europe’s wealthiest clubs.
Real Madrid, PSG and both Manchester clubs have shown great interest in the youngster, but Chelsea want to make a splash in the market this year.
Haaland has an estimated market value of €100 million which continues to rise.
Do Chelsea need Haaland?
The forward had another stellar season for Borussia Dortmund where he won the Bundesliga Player of the Season award.
He bagged 27 goals and six assists in just 28 matches as well as great form in the Champions league.
Chelsea, instead, struggled in front of goal this year Timo Werner a big source of worry for them.
Werner was preferred over the more Premier league experienced Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham.
The German only managed six goals in 35 league appearances this year with easy misses become a regular occurrence for him.
If Haaland were to come to the European champions, then Werner could find a new role on the wing or as support to the big Norwegian.
Chelsea are pursuing a possible move for Erling Haaland but know they may need to pay over £150m for him, according to The Telegraph 🔵 pic.twitter.com/mJdhPHooTj
Sky Italy reporter Matteo Moretto has reported that Barcelona are considering a move for Raheem Sterling.
Days after signing Sergio Aguero from the Sky Blues, Barcelona might be looking to reunite him with a former teammate.
Newly appointed Barca president, Joan Laporta is trying to impress the fans by locking Lionel Messi down to a new contract and by making big signings.
Barça think of trying to sign Raheem Sterling (26) from Manchester City this summer. It's clear that it would be a very complicated operation. Players will need to be involved for the operation to become feasible. [@MatteMoretto] pic.twitter.com/JklE4iVDai
Madrid have been told they will need to spend at least €100 million to sign the Brazilian attacker, Richarlison, from Everton.
Earlier this month, Carlo Ancelotti made a shock return to Madrid after only one full year in Everton and is now looking to bring some players with him.
Ancelotti will need to break the bank to reunite with Richarlison, according to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central.
Everton's players were in “complete shock” when they found out manager Carlo Ancelotti was returning to Real Madrid. Richarlison and James Rodriguez are both now considering their future at the club. [The Athletic] pic.twitter.com/pJ8lvuYbrX
— PF | Transfer News (@PurelyFootball) June 5, 2021
Is Richarlison worth it?
The 24-year-old has made a big mark in Merseyside since signing from Watford in 2018.
Last season, the forward scored 12 goals and got three assists in all competitions.
Although, Everton had a disappointing finish to the season dropping to 10th in the league.
The Brazilian also showed his fiery side picking up five yellows and one red card last season.
Could it happen?
Richarlison is only believed to have a market value of €62 million but Everton will want more to compensate for their loses.
Ancelotti is also known for reuniting with old players, bringing James Rodriguez with him to both Bayern Munich and Everton.
The move would also allow the forward to link up with fellow countrymen Vinicius Jr, Militao and Casemiro in Madrid.
🚨According to many reports, Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign Richarlison for Real Madrid.
Imagine Real Madrid's attacking trio with:
▶ Vinícius Júnior (20) – Left Winger. ▶ Richarlison Andrade (24) – Centre Forward. ▶ Rodrygo Goes (20) – Right Winger. pic.twitter.com/FdbfgkcF50
— Pro Future Stars (@ProFutureStars1) June 4, 2021
Real Madrid would probably be prioritizing a big move for the likes of Kylain Mbappe or Erling Haaland.
Richarlison is currently on international duty with Brazil for the Copa America.
Brazil will begin the competition against Venezuela at 22:00 on Sunday 13th of June.
The centre of defence is a very important part of international football, and it can often be the reason why teams succeed.
There are many centre backs heading to the 2020 UEFA European Championship this summer, but who should make your fantasy side?
We have the answer.
PAU TORRES – SPAIN, €4.5m
Pau Torres will play at his major international tournament at the age of 22.
The defender is wise beyond his years and has shone for Unai Emery’s Villarreal this season.
In a group where Spain are favourites, the centre back will play alongside Aymeric Laporte, if the starting eleven against Portugal is anything to go by.
The defender will rack up the points for your fantasy side with his calm and composed attitude.
He is a cheap addition to your fantasy team at just €4.5m and will repay that and more with his performances.
ANTONIO RUDIGER – GERMANY, €5.5m
Antonio Rudiger has been brilliant since Thomas Tuchel took the reins at Chelsea.
The German central defender will be hungry for more silverware after winning the UEFA Champions League.
His heading ability and defending inside the 18-yard box is sure to rack up tons of points.
His height and strength will also help him to dominate the opposing strikers.
The tough centre half comes in at a relatively cheap €5.5m, given his talents.
FANTASY FOOTBALL FIND: ALESSANDRO BASTONI – ITALY, €4.5m
The fantasy football find for centre-back is Alessandro Bastoni.
Bastoni won Serie A this season with Inter Milan and was one of their best players throughout the season.
A calm defender with an eye for a pass, the Italian can impress on the international stage this summer.
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