Opinion

Iceland recorded a 2-1 win over England in the last-16 at Euro 2016, in what is the most famous victory in the history of the tiny Nordic nation. The result led to English boss Roy Hodgson resigning from his post.

There were huge question marks over the ability of Belgium to win Euro 2016, despite the fact they are ranked as the second best team according to the world rankings.

Portugal’s last-16 defeat of Croatia at Euro 2016 was slightly fortunate. The game was goalless in normal time, but Portugal snatched the win with just three minutes of extra-time left, as Ricardo Quaresma headed home from close-range.

Every group of Euro 2016 has offered some entertaining international football. Well, some did worst but some teams and players really stand out this year. Here are some of the stage takers and the best teams that make us love football.

Belgium headed into Euro 2016 as the highest ranking team in the competition, ranked as the second best team in the world rankings.

Leicester City have announced that star striker Jamie Vardy has agreed a new four-year deal with the club and will sign it once he returns from Euro 2016. Just prior to heading to the Euro’s Arsenal had activated a £20million release in his Foxes contract.

It may be harsh to say that Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has not shown-up at Euro 2016, but the forward has endured a frustrating few weeks. The 31-year-old has had a lot to say about Portugal’s opponents, as Fernando Santos’ team drew their opening three games in France.

European champions Spain were expected to coast past Croatia by many in their last group game at Euro 2016, but Croatia had other ideas as Ante Cacic’s side recorded a famous 2-1 win with a late goal from winger Ivan Perisic.

England were left frustrated by a goalless draw against Slovakia on Monday night at Euro 2016. The draw coupled with Wales hammering Russia means that Chris Coleman’s side finished top of the group with the Three Lions second.

Wales recorded a superb 3-0 victory over Russia in Group B of Euro 2016 on Monday night. The victory coupled with England’s draw against Slovakia meant that the Dragons topped their group.

European champions Spain have recorded two wins from their two games at Euro 2016, just like football predictions suggested they would. There two games produced mixed emotions for the Spanish.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are experiencing a frustrating Euro 2016 campaign so far. An opening game 1-1 draw with Iceland was followed-up by a goalless draw against Austria on Saturday night.

Belgium faces the Republic of Ireland on Saturday in Bordeaux in a game they cannot afford to lose, after the Red Devils opening game 2-0 defeat against Italy.

European champions Spain head into Friday’s Euro 2016 game against Turkey with the chance to seal their spot in the knockout stages.

Group F of Euro 2016 kicked-off on Tuesday night with two surprising results, as Hungary defeated neighbours Austria, while Portugal were held 1-1 by Iceland.

Italy headed into Euro 2016 as a team that many had wrote-off, but their opening game saw the Azzurri record a 2-0 win over highly-rated Belgium. In truth it was typical of what the Italians seem to do at every major tournament.

Croatia opened their Euro 2016 campaign on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Turkey in Paris. In truth the scoreline did not do justice to their dominance and performance. Ante Cacic’s side hit the woodwork through both Darijo Srna and Ivan Perisic.

World champions Germany opened their Euro 2016 campaign with an efficient 2-0 over Ukraine in Group C. In truth Joachim Low’s side were not at their best in Lille, but managed to get the job done with goals from Shkodran Mustafi in the first half and veteran midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger in stoppage-time.

France’s result and the pattern of their game with Romania in the Euro 2016 opener on Friday night were highly-predictable. At half-time the game was goalless and Romania had defended for their lives, as France dominated play.

Wales open their Euro 2016 campaign with a clash against Slovakia on Saturday in Bordeaux. The tournament will be just the second the Dragons have qualified for in their history, with their last only other appearance coming at the World Cup in 1958.