Through It All Together - Euro 2016 - From a Leeds United perspectiveThrough It All Together, a Leeds United communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52562/tiat_fav.png2016-06-27T09:17:02+01:00http://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/rss/stream/119361152016-06-27T09:17:02+01:002016-06-27T09:17:02+01:00Two amazing matches; a Euro Knockout Day 3 preview
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<img alt="More of this please, gents." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e6MEoWEID8zY4l8W8B8pXZhyISc=/106x40:5098x3368/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49949875/GettyImages-533418574.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>More of this please, gents. | Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>I mean, these two matches should be kind of good, right?</p> <p>Yesterday, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/france">France</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/belgium">Belgium</a> all showed up when it counted. If Ireland could've held their composure in the last 30 minutes, they had the best chance of surprising the world and crushing the dreams of the host nation, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/slovakia">Slovakia</a> and Hungary performed about as well as everyone expected before the tournament against the top teams in the world. No surprises.</p>
<p>I went 3-0 on predictions yesterday, but that wasn't difficult. Today's though? No idea. Italy and Spain face off at 17:00, and England and Iceland finish the round off at 20:00. They're easily the most exciting matchups of the round, and I couldn't be more excited. Hope you are too.</p>
<p>Here at the blog, we finish off the knockout phase by giving you a quick rundown of today's fixtures, pointing out what to watch for, making two quick predictions, and wishing all of you Englishmen the best of luck.</p>
<p>Can't wait for today. Can't wait for the quarter-finals either. Enjoy it all.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Knockout Phase</h3>
<h4>Day Three: Monday, 27 June</h4>
<h5>Italy vs. Spain: 17:00 BT, Saint-Denis</h5>
<p>Italy and Spain. It's a shame one of these two won't make the quarterfinals, but that's what happens when you lose your final games to Ireland and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/croatia">Croatia</a> respectively, two teams knocked out already this weekend. Well, Italy had their group locked up, but come on Spain, you're better than that.</p>
<p>Or are you? The 6th ranked team in the world hasn't been nearly as dominant of late, but they've won the last two Euros (2008, 2012) and that's a pretty good record to stand on. Maybe this is when they turn it on, as Germany did yesterday. Spain's starting eleven of Nolito, Morata, Silva, Iniesta, Busquets, Fabregas, Alba, Ramos, Pique, Juanfran, and de Gea was the same in all three group games, so you can expect the same today. It's just a crazy good team if they're all playing their best game. Croatia took them out of their element a bit.</p>
<p>And that's what <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/italy">Italy</a> does best. Though there were doubts about the Azzurri coming into the tournament, they've played their style of football: defensive and boring. It's not pretty but it works, and the 700 year old Gianluigi Buffon is the rock they're all built upon. If they can hold <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/spain">Spain's</a> aging starting eleven to a goal or less, I see Italy winning a close match, but that's a tall order in the knockout phase, and this, apparently, is when the talent starts to perform. Can't wait for this match.</p>
<p><i>TIAT Prediction: Spain 2 - Italy 0.</i></p>
<h5>England vs. Iceland: 20:00 BT, Nice</h5>
<p>What a match to end this round with for us Leeds fans. The last time these two teams faced each other, England won 6-1 in June 2004, but you can expect this one to be a bit closer. I know you'll read a million previews about this match, so I'll just give you some quick hit facts:</p>
<p>England are unbeaten in their last 10 games at the Euros, shootouts excluded, so let's avoid that today.</p>
<p>They've peppered the opposing goalkeepers in this tournament, outshooting their opponents by +46, but they've only outscored them by +1. +46!</p>
<p>If Wayne Rooney plays, which he most likely will, it will be his 115th cap, equalling David Beckham's record for most games by an English outfield player. And he scored two goals in that 2004 game against Iceland.</p>
<p>England need to win this match. That's also a fact.</p>
<p>On the other side, Iceland will be proud to have made it to the knockout stage in their first ever major tournament, but they'll also be hungry to knock out "the home of football" in the biggest match in their nation's history. Their keeper, Hannes Thor Halldorsson, has made more saves than any other keeper in the tournament, and when you couple that with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england">England's</a> prolific shooting differential, he can expect to be busy. Iceland drew with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/portugal">Portugal</a> 1-1, drew with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/hungary">Hungary</a> 1-1, and topped <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/austria">Austria</a> 2-1 in the group stage's final match. The call on that goal is already something of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2016/6/22/12007238/iceland-vs-austria-goal-tv-call-video" target="_blank">internet legend</a>.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Sono seriamente preoccupato per il telecronista islandese <a href="https://t.co/H5UFxstjdh">pic.twitter.com/H5UFxstjdh</a></p>
— Daniele Mari (@danmari83) <a href="https://twitter.com/danmari83/status/745694539738943488">June 22, 2016</a>
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<p>But let's hope that that's the best moment Iceland has at this tournament. England needs a win, both on the field and off it right now, and if Roy can find the right combination on the field at the right time... (Vardy? Kane? Rooney? Sturridge? Sterling apparently? Anyone but Wilshere?) ...they should definitely move on to their Quarterfinal matchup against the hosts. An England - France match could be the most entertaining of the round (though Germany - whoever will be epic too).</p>
<p><i>TIAT Prediction: England 2 - Iceland 1. (Because nothing England does is ever easy.)</i></p>
<p align="center"><img style="border: 5px solid white;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg"></p>
<p>That's it for the knockout phase previews. Which game are you most looking forward to today? Never mind, they're both going to be amazing. I can't wait. Think I was off on my predictions though? Let me hear it on Twitter, Facebook, and in the comments below.</p>
<p>Can't wait for August, but this Euro stuff sure will do for now. Come on, England. #MOT</p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2016/6/27/12028812/euro-2016-the-knockout-stages-day-three-italy-spain-england-icelandJohnny Wakefield2016-06-26T09:17:03+01:002016-06-26T09:17:03+01:00Stars, Champs, Talent: Euro Knockout Day 2 Preview
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<img alt="Or will the Irish feel-good story continue for Brady and Hoolahan?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c5Ea8DPabMXazJjWm9hm8dzjFMw=/0x0:3328x2219/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49949853/GettyImages-539895392.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Or will the Irish feel-good story continue for Brady and Hoolahan? | Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Favorites France, Germany, and Belgium all play today, but lucky Ireland, scrappy Slovakia, and a red-hot Hungary stand in their way.</p> <p>So yesterday's matches were... played. They weren't nearly as exciting as we expected, and the match we thought would be a defensive slugfest was probably the most exciting of the three. Switzerland lost to Poland in penalty kicks after a glorious goal from Shaqiri sent it to extra time. Wales squeaked out a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland on a sad own goal after NIR played their defensive game so well. And Portugal vs. Croatia was absolute garbage until Quaresma scored in the 117th minute to give the Ronaldos a surprising 1-0 win at the death, a win they probably didn't deserve on the day, but a win that counts nonetheless.</p>
<p>That goal from Shaqiri though was probably the best goal of the entire tournament. Watch it please.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="https://streamable.com/e/t7w9"></iframe></div>
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<p>Goodness. Not enough for the Swiss though. Too bad.</p>
<p>Portugal plays Poland on Thursday, and Wales plays the winner of today's third match, Belgium or Hungary. We were 2-1 on our predictions yesterday, not expecting Croatia to lay a beautiful red and white checkered egg; let's see how we do today. Again, we'll give you a quick rundown of today's fixtures, point out what to watch for, make a quick prediction, and wish all of you readers luck if you have a team playing today (Ireland, maybe?). Should be better games than yesterday at least.</p>
<p>We'll continue tomorrow with Day Three previews and predictions. Rest up, tomorrow's matches are stellar too.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Knockout Phase</h3>
<h4>Day Two: Sunday, 26 June</h4>
<h5>France vs. Ireland: 14:00 BT, Lyon</h5>
<p>This is the Thierry Henry <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLUxMRYJAso" target="_blank">handball</a> revenge match, right? Right.</p>
<p>Ireland pulled off a miracle against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/italy">Italy</a> last Wednesday to advance to the knockout phase, but they were defeated by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/france">France's</a> "Hand of Frog" miracle in 2009 keeping Ireland out of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/fifa-womens-world-cup">World Cup</a>, and that will be first on the minds of all their supporters today. It's Ireland's first Euro knockout appearance in their history, and it came after two goals in the toughest group of the six. They were demolished by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/belgium">Belgium</a>, drew with eliminated <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/sweden">Sweden</a>, and pulled off a miracle against Italy. They'll need to be better to beat France, though the momentum from their 1-0 win might carry them through.</p>
<p>The hosts came into the tournament as favorites. Powered by Pogba, Giroud, Payet, Griezmann, Lloris, and a million other big names, France won a relatively easy group with four goals and seven of nine points. Ireland (and their passion, heart, and luck) will be a stiff challenge for the pressure-laden side, but they should win this one comfortably and look to face <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england">England</a> or Iceland in the Quarterfinals. Sorry, Sean.</p>
<p><i>TIAT Prediction: France 2 - Ireland 1.</i></p>
<h5>Germany vs. Slovakia: 17:00 BT, Lille</h5>
<p>Germany is <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a>, everyone. They're the reigning World Cup champions, are chock full of stars who play together well, and haven't allowed a single goal in this tournament. They've averaged 71.9% possession so far at Euro 2016. 71.9%! They're just plain good. Thomas Muller will look to score his first Euro goal today, Mario Gomez will look to tie Jurgen Klinsmann for the German record of 5.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/slovakia">Slovakia</a> hope to build off their performances against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/russia">Russia</a> and England and pull off the biggest upset of the tournament, but they might have a reason to be confident: they beat Germany just last month, 3-1. Slovakia scored three goals on four shots in that one, with Marek Hamsik, Michal Duris, and Juraj Kucka finding the net. That has to be their focus: repeat that performance and steal the biggest game in their nation's history. Good luck to them.</p>
<p><i>TIAT Prediction: Germany 2 - Slovakia 0.</i></p>
<h5>Hungary vs. Belgium: 20:00 BT, Toulouse</h5>
<p>Where did Hungary come from? The 20th ranked side in the world leads the tournament with 6 goals, and their performance against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/portugal">Portugal</a> was something special to win their difficult group. They'll need to hold on to that magic against Belgium, an underperforming side at this tournament, but an incredibly talented one nonetheless (they're ranked #2 in the world, you know).</p>
<p>The Red Devils are loaded with stars: Lukaku, Benteke, Origi, de Bruyne, Mertens, Fellaini, Courtois... the list goes on and on. And Eden Hazard has to show up for his national team at some point right? Belgium has kept clean sheets in their last two matches, but they'll face their biggest challenge against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/hungary">Hungary's</a> suddenly potent attack. Sleepy so far in France, I think Belgium wakes up just in time and pulls off the "upset" here... only to face Gareth Bale and Wales in the Quarterfinals.</p>
<p><i>TIAT Prediction: Belgium 3 - Hungary 1.</i></p>
<p align="center"><img style="border: 5px solid white;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg"></p>
<p>That's it for our day two preview. Which game are you most looking forward to? I know for most of our readers it's probably that first one, but Germany and Belgium always provide great storylines too. Think I was way off on my predictions? Let me hear it on Twitter, Facebook, and in the comments below.</p>
<p>Can't wait for August, but this'll do for now. #MOT</p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2016/6/26/12028786/euro-2016-the-knockout-stages-day-two-france-germany-belgium-irelandJohnny Wakefield2016-06-25T09:17:03+01:002016-06-25T09:17:03+01:00Dallas Dreaming; the Euro Knockout Day 1 Preview
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<img alt="A dream run continues for Stuart and NIR." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2YTovrx8WY1xQcb9RFmAsJcivFg=/0x129:3997x2794/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49949519/GettyImages-541954334.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>A dream run continues for Stuart and NIR. | Charles McQuillan/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>England, Northern Ireland, and Wales: all still alive in the knockout round. What should we watch for on day one? </p> <p>The group stage of Euro 2016 had it all: Ireland topping <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/italy">Italy</a>, a beautiful <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england">England</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/wales">Wales</a> match, Stuart Dallas and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/northern-ireland">Northern Ireland</a> advancing, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/croatia">Croatia</a> topping <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/spain">Spain</a> at the death, Ronaldo being Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic retiring and being knocked out, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/hungary">Hungary</a> and Iceland advancing, amazing fans being amazing fans, "Will Grigg's On Fire" adapted to every nation.... You really couldn't ask for anything more (unless you're an England fan, then you're always left wanting).</p>
<p>And the next few rounds promise more of the same. We kick off the knockout phase at Through It All Together by giving you a quick rundown of Saturday's fixtures, pointing out what to watch for, making a quick prediction, and wishing all of you readers luck. God knows after the tumultuous last few days in the UK, we could all use a good distraction.</p>
<p>We'll continue on Sunday with Day Two predictions and previews, and then finish off on Monday with Day Three.</p>
<p>Enjoy watching Stuart Dallas today, let's all hope he can score a goal for Leeds United in Paris.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Knockout Phase</h3>
<h4>Day One: Saturday, 25 June</h4>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/switzerland">Switzerland</a> vs. Poland: 14:00 BT, Saint-Etienne</h5>
<p>The Swiss have only beaten Poland once in international competition way back in 1976, with Poland winning four times and the team drawing five. That won't matter too much to either of these sides, as both are excited to be playing in the first Euro knockout phase matches in their nation's history. Switzerland scored twice in the group phase, both from set pieces, making them the only team left without a goal from open play. Meanwhile, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/poland">Poland's</a> stingy defence allowed a whopping zero goals in the group phase. They'll need Robert Lewandowski and company to step up their attack, but Poland should win this match.</p>
<p><i>TIAT Prediction: Poland 2 - Switzerland 0.</i></p>
<h5>Wales vs. Northern Ireland: 17:00 BT, Paris</h5>
<p>What a tournament for both of these sides. Wales won Group B thanks to a dominating performance over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/russia">Russia</a>, and <span>Gareth Bale</span> is peak Gareth Bale, scoring in all three matches. They've emerged from the group phase as potential finalists (what??) after landing on an "easier" side of the bracket, and having trailed for only 2 minutes and 31 seconds so far in this tournament, they should feel secure in this matchup.</p>
<p>Northern Ireland on the other hand have the lowest possession percentage in the entire tournament (28.5%) and the fewest shots (17). They lost twice, but advanced off a 2-0 win over a winless <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/ukraine">Ukraine</a> side. While they're the heavy underdogs, their fans have been incredible, and they'll hope their <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/">Leeds United's</a> Stuart Dallas and company can hold Wales to few goals, get lucky on the counter, and hold on for a big upset. (Most likely, farewell to the lone Leeds representative at Euro 2016. It's been fun.)</p>
<p><i>TIAT Prediction: Wales 3 - Northern Ireland 0. Ouch.</i></p>
<h5>Croatia vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/portugal">Portugal</a>: 20:00 BT, Lens</h5>
<p>This game is interesting. Croatia, whose fans want to get them <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/18/why-croatia-fans-disrupt-euro-2016-match-czech-republic" target="_blank">kicked out of the tournament</a>, won a group that included Spain, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/turkey">Turkey</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/czech-republic">Czech Republic</a> by scoring five goals and earning seven of nine points. They have only lost one of their last 10 Euro matches, and led by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona's</a> Ivan Rakitic, hope to continue that streak against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid's</a> Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.</p>
<p>The Ronaldos, after earning a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Hungary, barely snuck into the knockout phase, on the strength of Ronaldo's third game performance (and his photogenic abs, probably). They drew Iceland, drew Portugal, and drew Hungary, but they'll need more Ronaldo magic to advance. He's also one goal short of Michel Platini's record of nine goals in the competition. Did we mention Ronaldo plays in this one? Portugal have not impressed, and they'll need to step up against a red-hot Croatia. Should be interesting to see if Ronaldo, I mean Portugal, can get it done.</p>
<p><i>TIAT Prediction: Croatia 2 - Portugal 1.</i></p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
<p>That's it for our day one preview. Which game are you most looking forward to? I know for most it's that second one, but Croatia-Portugal looks fun too. Think I was way off on my predictions? Let me hear it on Twitter, Facebook, and in the comments below.</p>
<p>Can't wait for August, but this'll do for now. #MOT</p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2016/6/25/12028612/euro-2016-the-knockout-stages-day-one-defence-dallas-cristiano-ronaldo-absJohnny Wakefield2016-06-23T09:17:02+01:002016-06-23T09:17:02+01:00England draw with Slovakia, bore us all to tears
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<img alt="Jack Wilshire underperformed for England on Monday and should find it hard to get back into the squad against Iceland." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PnXJ7FuwnA_g25baDCmRMEkCHus=/0x33:4518x3045/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49925513/GettyImages-541820360.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jack Wilshire underperformed for England on Monday and should find it hard to get back into the squad against Iceland. | Dan Mullan/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With a very underwhelming draw against Slovakia, England make it through to the last 16 of Euro 2016 and earn a much more difficult path to the final.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before we get into it, let’s start this recap on a high note. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england" class="sbn-auto-link">England</a> are through to the last 16 of Euro 2016 with a winnable game against Iceland coming up on Monday.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span>As for high notes, that’s about all there is at the moment. In a game that England dominated possession-wise, we once again, in similarity to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/russia" class="sbn-auto-link">Russia</a> game, lacked creativity and quality in the final third. If we had won, then all would be forgotten, but given the fact we drew with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/slovakia" class="sbn-auto-link">Slovakia</a>, it's hard to look past <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/149755/roy-hodgson" class="sbn-auto-link">Roy Hodgson</a>’s six changes he made and think anything other that it was largely his fault that we now sit on the same side of the last 16 as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany" class="sbn-auto-link">Germany</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/italy" class="sbn-auto-link">Italy</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/spain" class="sbn-auto-link">Spain</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/france" class="sbn-auto-link">France</a>.</span><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XWFG-R2aOWA" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unsurprisingly Kane and Sterling dropped to the bench for this game, and rightly so. I had predicted that Roy would make a few more changes to give players a rest as well. I was not expecting Walker, Rose, Rooney, and Alli all to be benched though. The risk of England losing the momentum they had picked up against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/wales" class="sbn-auto-link">Wales</a> was instantly put under threat by making so many changes, and it well and truly backfired on Roy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We can say that we dominated, Slovakia were never a threat, or even with 6 changes we should have won. All these things could be true, but in reality, we drew against a poor side, created little and we didn’t need to make that many changes in the first place. Therefore the blame has to sit at Roy’s door.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hmm. If there was no vested interest in that game you'd have given up on it an hour ago.</p>
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilHayYEP/status/744996192053039104">June 20, 2016</a>
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<p class="MsoNormal">For me, Wilshire, Bertrand and Henderson all performed terribly and had it been Walker, Alli and Rooney on the field instead, we would have won the game. Perhaps we underestimated how much we already rely on certain players in particular. Walker, Rooney and Alli, along with Lallana, have been our stand out players in the tournament so far. Giving one of them a rest would have been fine, but three of them was too much for England to deal with.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A lot of our creativity comes from midfield, mainly from Rooney’s quarterback position and Alli's vision. Replacing them with a very below par Wilshire and Henderson proved our undoing in the end.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of course, England are still unbeaten and go through to the last 16. The problem this draw causes us is that by finishing second in the group, we now have all 4 of the favourites in our half of the last 16. In terms of the last 16 game, this doesn’t matter too much as England will line up against Iceland on Monday in a game that, if we play our strongest 11, we should win. The problems come after that, where we would no doubt place France in the quarters, and then Italy/Germany/Spain in the semis.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If England really want to win the competition then we of course have to beat the best. But beating 3 of the best <i>in a row</i> is a lot more unlikely than what we would have faced in the other half of the draw, where really only <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/croatia" class="sbn-auto-link">Croatia</a> look really dangerous.</p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2016/6/23/12005694/euro-2016-england-vs-slovakia-bore-drawMattRobinson882016-06-21T08:17:02+01:002016-06-21T08:17:02+01:00Northern Ireland: "Not in the Face, Germany!"
<figure>
<img alt="FIRE. Dallas and NIR have to come out on fire to take down Germany." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wcwQvh5MrxlIIxU3tITjbpxTzOc=/0x322:3642x2750/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49905667/GettyImages-540680542.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>FIRE. Dallas and NIR have to come out on fire to take down Germany. | Julian Finney/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Northern Ireland takes on the tournament favorites in their final group stage match. Can they make history... again?</p> <p>I won't remind you that <a href="http://twitter.com/willgriggfire" target="_blank">Will Grigg's on fire</a> in this preview, because he's really not. I mean, Will Grigg <i><b>is</b></i> on fire, not literally, and mostly on the internet. He hasn't seen the pitch in Euro 2016, and he likely won't against Germany in the final group match in Group C today.</p>
<p>But that's okay because his team's <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2016/6/17/11962572/euro-2016-northern-ireland-and-its-fans-got-the-win-they-so-deserved-ukraine" target="_blank">2-0 victory</a> over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/ukraine">Ukraine</a> on Thursday made this game today <i><b>matter</b></i>. Norn Iron played exciting football in the rain and hail, and the Green and White Army got their historic first win in European competition, just adding to the party they were already having in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/france">France</a>. Stuart Dallas played the full 90 minutes, and the team rewarded the support with the three points.</p>
<p>They sit in the middle of Group C, good enough to have clinched third and potentially have a shot at the knockout round even with zero points, but a win (a win, against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany" class="sbn-auto-link">Germany</a>, hahahahaha... but maybe?) would give them 6 points and a shot at winning the group depending on the result between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/poland">Poland</a> and Ukraine.</p>
<p>That's crazy right? I'm just going to leave this video in the preview again, because it's all I can think about as I write those first three paragraphs.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eSzeYHIJaO8" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>I spent some time in Northern Ireland in the summer of 2010, and I'll never forget it. The people were great, from Londonderry to Ardglass, and the hospitality flowed for this rain-soaked bicyclist (and my friend, what up D-bo?) wherever we went. It might have been that we looked like pathetic, wet sots weaving through the Irish rains without rain gear and with ridiculous beards at all hours of the day and night... but whatever it was, Northern Ireland earned its place in my heart that summer.</p>
<p>And this summer, six years later, the nation has just gotten more lovable. <a href="https://twitter.com/WillGriggFire/status/731577587957436417/video/1" target="_blank">Will Grigg's on fire</a>, everyone, in case you haven't heard (crap, couldn't avoid it), and if the team can pull off a remarkable, memorable result against Germany on Tuesday, the entire nation might burst into flame as well.</p>
<p>To do that, they have to go through the reigning <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/fifa-womens-world-cup">World Cup</a> champions. Germany hasn't been incredible thus far in Euro 2016, scoring only two goals against Ukraine, to match <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/northern-ireland">Northern Ireland's</a> output. They also couldn't score against Poland, similar to Northern Ireland, and held on for a 0-0 draw to give them four points atop the group.</p>
<p>But they are still a dominant force. Any lineup that boasts <span>Sami Khedira</span>, Toni Kroos, <span>Thomas Muller</span>, Mesut <span>Ö</span>zil, and <span>Mario Gotze</span> in attack are going to be a problem <i><b>for anyone</b></i>, and their defence and goalkeeping <i><b>ain't bad either</b></i>. Though none of those listed have scored yet in this tournament, they surely will by the time it's through, and Northern Ireland has to avoid being <a target="_blank" href="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/2014-07/1/10/enhanced/webdr07/anigif_enhanced-29416-1404225959-36.gif">punched in the face</a> by their brute strength.</p>
<p><span>And while he has suggested there might be changes in the lineup that faced Poland, Germany manager Joachim Low wasn't hesitant to guarantee a threatening, potent attack on Tuesday.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Last week it was all about the defence, now it's offence. We will win against Northern Ireland. We will win the group and then, I believe, we'll be playing in Lille again for the round of 16. I don't know about any other ways."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Confident words from a man <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2016/6/15/11945578/germany-coach-jorgi-low-scratch-groin-butt-sniff-apologize-euro-2016">caught sniffing his bum</a>.</p>
<p>Will <a href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Leeds United's</a> lone representative play 90 again? Will Dallas be able to stand tall against Germany's superstar-laden midfield? Will he score and make me lose my mind? Will Northern Ireland just yell "<a target="_blank" href="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/2014-07/1/10/enhanced/webdr07/anigif_enhanced-29416-1404225959-36.gif">Not in the Face</a>" for 90 minutes?</p>
<p>We'll find out soon enough. Good luck today Northern Ireland, hope we see you again in the knockout stages.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">WHAT</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Stuart Dallas' Northern Ireland v Germany</p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Euro 2016 Group C</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">WHERE</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Parc des Princes, Paris, France</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">WHEN</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Tuesday, June 21, 2016</p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">9:00a PT / 12:00p ET / 5:00p BT</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">WHO</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><i>Northern Ireland's possible Starting XI</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">McGovern; Hughes, Cathcart, McAuley, J. Evans; C. Evans, Norwood; Ward, Davis, Dallas; Washington.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><i>Germany's possible Starting XI</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Neuer; Howedes, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Khedira, Kroos; Muller, <span>Ö</span>zil, Draxler; Gotze.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">ODDS</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Northern Ireland 14/1</p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Draw 5/1</p>
<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Germany 13/50</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">PREDICTION</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;">Screw it. There's no way Northern Ireland should survive this match, but they played Poland evenly and beat Ukraine by the same score Germany did. I'm going 1-0 Northern Ireland. Goal: STUART DALLAS.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(P.S. Don't care, doing this again. WILL GRIGG IS ON FIRE! YOUR DEFENCE IS TERRIFIED!)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eOpGCGtCVsE" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2016/6/21/11985444/euro-2016-northern-ireland-vs-germany-preview-not-in-the-face-will-grigg-fireJohnny Wakefield2016-06-20T14:23:35+01:002016-06-20T14:23:35+01:00Can Roy and His Boys Finish Group B In Style?
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<img alt="Excellent. I love Scandinavian death metal. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eTDQQWQnYcnnT1KM4a8il5CDEbw=/0x0:2559x1706/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49898115/GettyImages-541232300.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Excellent. I love Scandinavian death metal. | Handout/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>England take on Slovakia in our third and final group game tonight. Will we finish in style? Or will it it be another night when we all need a stiff drink before bed time?</p> <p>After a thrilling last minute winner against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/wales" class="sbn-auto-link">Wales</a>, it’s time to brace yourselves once again as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england" class="sbn-auto-link">England</a> look to take on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/slovakia" class="sbn-auto-link">Slovakia</a> in their third and final group stage game of Euro 2016.</p>
<p>England have undoubtedly taken us through the mill thus far in the tournament, with a frustrating draw against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/russia" class="sbn-auto-link">Russia</a>, and then making an absolute meal of the Wales game. Looking at the Group B table though it makes for perfectly acceptable reading and it’s hard to say that England haven’t played well so far. They have just been very "English" about the whole thing and made it harder than it needs to be.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3HRvOH7M9XAQA2p68_7VRO9n0pg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6676291/onw.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Roy will undoubtedly make changes from the starting lineups he put out in the first two games, with <span>Raheem Sterling</span> being dropped to the bench being at the top of that order. <span>Harry Kane</span> is the second player who has been underperforming so far this tournament and it should be a straight trade with Vardy and Sturridge coming in.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t be too surprised to see a few other changes as Roy may look to rest a few players ahead of a last 16 clash. Rooney may well be rested in place of Jack Wilshire as well as Lallana who could get a well deserved rest in place of <span>James Milner</span>. I don’t expect any changes to the back 4 who have looked pretty solid so far.</p>
<p>As we all expected after <span>Joe Hart</span>’s howler against Gareth Bale, the media have of course gone into a drop Joe Hart frenzy, calling for Forster to get his spot. I don’t see this one happening at all though. Not that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/128846/fraser-forster" class="sbn-auto-link">Fraser Forster</a> wouldn’t be equally as solid as Hart, more that Roy is clearly the type of guy who keeps faith in his England regulars.</p>
<p>From a Slovakian point of view, they will of course look to danger man Marek Hamsik to be the difference. He's a player England should be well aware of after this rocket the other day.</p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HAMSIK CRAZY GOAL! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaSlovacchia?src=hash">#RussiaSlovacchia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2016?src=hash">#EURO2016</a> <a href="https://t.co/nZxm2gO3tf">pic.twitter.com/nZxm2gO3tf</a></p>
— Stanislaw (@stas8t) <a href="https://twitter.com/stas8t/status/743077695085551617">June 15, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>There are so many possible permutations behind tonight’s game and who finishes where in other groups. Let's break it down as simply as possible though, and make a few predictions in other groups.</p>
<p><b>England win and top the group – </b>If England win, then we are guaranteed to win the group, regardless of what happens in the Wales game. This would mean playing whoever finished strongest 3rd in either groups A, C or D, which at the minute is looking like Albania, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/northern-ireland" class="sbn-auto-link">Northern Ireland</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/czech-republic" class="sbn-auto-link">Czech Republic</a> or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/turkey" class="sbn-auto-link">Turkey</a>. Either way, England would certainly expect to beat any of these 4 teams.</p>
<p><b>England draw and finish second – </b>If England draw, then the Wales game comes into play. If Wales fail to win, then we still finish top and the permutations above still apply. Assuming Wales win though and England finish second on 5 points, then we will play the runner up in group F, simple. This would also quite simply be the winner of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/belgium" class="sbn-auto-link">Belgium</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/sweden" class="sbn-auto-link">Sweden</a>’s final group game. I would personally still expect England to beat either of these, but topping the group would definitely lead to an easier last 16 game. <b></b></p>
<p><b><span>England lose and finish third -</span></b><span> I’m not even going to entertain the idea that England will lose this game. Mainly because then it gets really complicated and we will have to hope 4 points is enough to make us one of the best 3rd place teams (which it probably will). As for who we would play though, God only knows, and hopefully someone at UEFA knows too. </span></p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z_-SEjmG9mYGTJKk24rO8g6qLdg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6676297/two.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><b>Prediction – </b>As long as England start as they finished against Wales, then the victory should be safe. It won’t be a walk in the park though, and given how close most of our games have been so far, I’m going for 2-1 to England. (Probably a <span>Jamie Vardy</span> goal in there too.)</p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2016/6/20/11975780/euro-2016-an-england-vs-slovakia-preview-lets-finish-in-styleMattRobinson882016-06-17T14:46:26+01:002016-06-17T14:46:26+01:00Vive El Vardy: England slays the Baledragon
<figure>
<img alt="He's a one man party. Jamie Vardy. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p1AngU86QlYPrWUDlNbr0WqH344=/0x81:1805x1284/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49883333/GettyImages-540667094.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>He's a one man party. Jamie Vardy. | Dan Mullan/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It didn't disappoint, did it? England nail home a last minute winner to break Welsh hearts. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wow. Where to start? Over 24 hours later and my heart has just about stopped pounding after what was an exhilarating second half performance from England. This game really took me through the mill. From the media driven hype beforehand to that very familiar sense of heartache by half time, and then to adulation courtesy of a frantic second half of which none other than <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> and Sir <span>Jamie Vardy</span> produced the goods needed to send England away with 3 points and one foot in the last 16 of the tournament.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It started off in an all too familiar fashion in the first half with England lacking any real creativity, Kane/Sterling looking just as ineffective as they did against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/russia">Russia</a> and the sense that this game was not going to be the comfortable victory England had hoped for.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It didn’t take long for the game to take a real nose dive either after <span>Joe Hart</span> well and truly fu*ked up on a Gareth Bale 35 yard free kick. To be audacious enough to even attempt a shot from there is just mental, and Bale deserves all the plaudits he gets, but Joe Hart shouldn’t be beaten from there even if it's Thor’s Hammer coming at him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gareth Bale v England <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2016?src=hash">#EURO2016</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WAL?src=hash">#WAL</a> <a href="https://t.co/FqA3fnnGsd">https://t.co/FqA3fnnGsd</a></p>
— #WALMOT (@WALMOT3) <a href="https://twitter.com/WALMOT3/status/743665895281725440">June 17, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal">By half time I think every English person in the country was screaming for Roy to throw caution to the wind and bring on at least Jamie Vardy, preferably Sturridge or Rashford too. Thankfully, Roy didn’t disappoint and for the entire 45 minutes the game turned into the Alamo.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If we take anything away from this game, it has to be this: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england">England's</a> best players are aggressive attacking players, and we need to let them loose in order to play our best football. Vardy has been lethal all season for Leicester, Sturridge is the best technical player we have, and Rashford (as much as it pains me to say this) is the best young England player I have seen in a long time.They all need to play a big part in this Euro campaign, and there is no excuse to be playing an out of form Sterling instead of any of them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Jamie Vardy v <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/wales">Wales</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2016?src=hash">#EURO2016</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WAL?src=hash">#WAL</a> <a href="https://t.co/5KnQC7pHuF">https://t.co/5KnQC7pHuF</a></p>
— #WALMOT (@WALMOT3) <a href="https://twitter.com/WALMOT3/status/743721484175052800">June 17, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Harry Kane</span> hasn’t been good either, but his time will come. He’s a truly classy player, who I am sure we will see again at these Euros, but he needs to sit the next one out and have a think about why it’s not going right for him at the moment.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Outside the strikers, it was another very solid game for Clyne, Walker and Lallana as well, and as dangerous as it may seem, Roy really needs to relish the fact England's best chance of winning this tournament is letting attacking youth run wild.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Daniel Sturridge v Wales <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2016?src=hash">#EURO2016</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENG?src=hash">#ENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WAL?src=hash">#WAL</a> <a href="https://t.co/D6SremGZB1">pic.twitter.com/D6SremGZB1</a></p>
— #WALMOT (@WALMOT3) <a href="https://twitter.com/WALMOT3/status/743565337346596864">June 16, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x6SNV1c-tzXmlmPP93y2xj-mKhs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6665555/one.0.png">
</figure>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Now that we can put this Home Nations affair behind us, England need to come into the next game and set down a marker. We have dealt with the first game nerves and proved that we have a good mentality, passion and skill in the second. Now we need to show that we aren’t just here for a quarter-final place.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So far I have watched every single game of this Euros and it’s the same teams (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/italy">Italy</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/spain">Spain</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a>) who look like potential trophy candidates.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">England have the potential to beat any of these three. This is the moat attacking youthful squad we have had in my lifetime and if we can set a real marker down against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/slovakia">Slovakia</a>, I’m pretty sure none of the big 3 will really want to face us anytime soon.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Man of the Match</b> – There were lots of good performances in the second half, but over the course of the 90 minutes I would give it to Kyle Walker. He had a hand in most of England's good attacks down the channels and only seems to be growing as this tournament goes on.</p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2016/6/17/11962854/england-vs-wales-vive-la-vardyMattRobinson882016-06-17T13:30:11+01:002016-06-17T13:30:11+01:00Northern Ireland Fans Deserved Thursday's Big Win
<figure>
<img alt="These fans deserved Thursday's match." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yQAIsaAAGCUMKGM-T-l6USGGfNc=/0x0:5054x3369/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49883081/GettyImages-540887820.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>These fans deserved Thursday's match. | Michael Steele/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What a day for the fans of the Green and White Army. Historic, memorable, and so good, so good, so good.</p> <p>The Green and White Army has been my favorite part of Euro 2016. Bottom line. The football on the pitch has been entertaining to say the least (especially that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england">England</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/wales">Wales</a> game, eh?), but when a nation is making its European Championship debut and the fans turn out as they have for Northern Ireland, it's something special indeed.</p>
<p>Conditions in Lyon weren't the best for Norn Iron's second match of the tournament, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/ukraine">Ukraine</a> had to deal with the same thing, and the men in green and white were certainly better at adapting to the rain (and even a few minutes of hail). They came out strong and dominated the first half, though their first goal didn't come until Gareth McAuley's beautiful header in the 49th minute.</p>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gareth McAuley's goal made much better with Titanic music <a href="https://t.co/aizQECbxrB">pic.twitter.com/aizQECbxrB</a></p>
— Andrew (@MartialMastery) <a href="https://twitter.com/MartialMastery/status/743549857080696832">June 16, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Nice work with the soundtrack, Andrew.</p>
<p>After enduring a Ukrainian offensive throughout the remaining 40 minutes, Niall McGinn scored a second in the sixth minute of stoppage time to seal the win and the three points for Northern Ireland. A single point against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a> will likely be enough to see them through to the knockout stages, and that's a tall task, but the win alone felt so good.</p>
<p>And on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/">Leeds United</a> Stuart Dallas watch, Dallas got the start (!) and played the full 90+ minutes in Lyon. He was a part of the attack all day, had a shot or two on net, but didn't directly factor into either goal. I'm sure he didn't mind. He also had a few confrontations with a Ukrainian defender or two, and earned himself a yellow in the 87th minute. He definitely made an impact.</p>
<p>The highlight of the day though was always the Green and White Army of supporters. Colin Murray of TalkSport and MetroUK told the story best yesterday with multiple fan videos on his Twitter account. One in particular went a bit viral, but all of them are worth watching to realize just how important these matches are to the Northern Ireland supporters. They have showed up in numbers in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/france">France</a>, and you had to be happy for them yesterday.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If I never take another video in my life, in cool with that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GAWA?src=hash">#GAWA</a> <a href="https://t.co/ukZjIwT6oW">pic.twitter.com/ukZjIwT6oW</a></p>
— colin murray (@ColinMurray) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColinMurray/status/743467479637311488">June 16, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You know you want it... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WillGriggsOnFire?src=hash">#WillGriggsOnFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GAWA?src=hash">#GAWA</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZNDyKimBbG">pic.twitter.com/ZNDyKimBbG</a></p>
— colin murray (@ColinMurray) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColinMurray/status/743492942942314497">June 16, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GAWA?src=hash">#GAWA</a> are keeping their feet on the ground here in Lyon ⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/VpXKGKAeZR">pic.twitter.com/VpXKGKAeZR</a></p>
— colin murray (@ColinMurray) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColinMurray/status/743535942749786112">June 16, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="tl">Na na na na na na na !!! <a href="https://twitter.com/WillGriggFire">@WillGriggFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gawa?src=hash">#gawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/euro2016?src=hash">#euro2016</a> <a href="https://t.co/1b0j1Yqw5k">pic.twitter.com/1b0j1Yqw5k</a></p>
— colin murray (@ColinMurray) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColinMurray/status/743583113037619200">June 16, 2016</a>
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<p>I mean, isn't that the best part of international football? Fans making memories they'll never forget with their countrymen, and their team delivering them their first win ever in the European finals. That's a fabulous day of fandom.</p>
<p>Next up: a frustrated Germany. The Euro-favorites/reigning <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/fifa-womens-world-cup">World Cup</a> champs suffered a scoreless draw at the hands of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/poland">Poland</a>, and they'll be looking to take out their frustrations on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/northern-ireland">Northern Ireland's</a> defense. Cherish this match against Ukraine, #NIR... and good luck on Tuesday.</p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2016/6/17/11962572/euro-2016-northern-ireland-and-its-fans-got-the-win-they-so-deserved-ukraineJohnny Wakefield