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Previewing Euro 2016 Group F

By Anthony Gallo

Portugals forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during international friendly match between Portugal and Estonia in preparation for the Euro 2016 at Estadio da Luz on June 8, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Bruno Barros / DPI / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Portugals forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal during international friendly match between Portugal and Estonia in preparation for the Euro 2016 at Estadio da Luz on June 8, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Bruno Barros / DPI / NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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Here is a quick look at what Euro 2016 Group F could look like when they kick off on June 14th.

Austria

Das Team might look to be a team ready to take the next step forward. If there is a team to watch out for, Austria could be that team. They haven’t had the best decade, failing to reach the World Cup since 1998 and reaching their first Euro in 2008 (because they were co-hosts) and even when they made it that version of the Euro’s, they failed to get out of the group stage.

That was the past, and Austria is very focused on the future. They rank 10th in the world (the highest in country history), have some of the top talents in the world, and finished their qualifying stage with only one draw and nine wins.

Staring for Austria is Bayern Munich’s David Alaba, who will likely be in the midfield for his country. Alaba is a star for Bayern and has been very versatile for club and country, being able to play both fullback and holding midfield well. Then there is Stoke City’s Marko Arnautovic, who has been a strong force for his English team and will be a tough task for team’s in Group F and beyond.

With others likes Mainz’s Julian Baumgartlinger, Basel’s Marko Janko, Leicester City’s Christian Fuchs and Dynamo Kyiv’s Aleksandar Dragovic, Austria could not only make it out of their group, but could surprise many and go on a deep run.

Hungary

It may be difficult for Hungary to make it out of Group F and to the knockout stages, but never say never in soccer. This will be Hungary’s first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup, so give them some credit. They haven’t been to the Euros since 1972, part of their hey days from the late 30’s to the mid 70’s. Hungary have a mix of experienced team members and youths trying to make a name for themselves. Their 40-year-old goalkeeper, Gabor Kiraly, is set to become one of the oldest players in this tournament. While midfielder Adam Nagy is their youngest at 20.

Hungary made it through to Euro 2016 by winning a playoff against Norway. Since that play-off match at the end of November, they have played three friendlies. They settled for two draws to Croatia and Ivory Coast and lost 2-0 to Germany. It’s been a long road for Hungary to make it to the Euro’s, and featuring in a group with Portugal, Austria and the surprising Iceland, may be difficult for them. They are kind of lacking in the striker department, and former Sporting Kansas City forward Krisztian Nemeth to step up and bring back his form from his last MLS season.

Hungary will need to work extra hard if they want to make it the round of 16, if not, it is still a bright look into their future after re-entering the international scene.

Iceland

If a country could relate to English Premier League side Leicester City, than this would be the closest to it. Iceland, the country of just over 300,000 people has made their first ever major international tournament. They proved many, many people wrong that they couldn’t do it, considering the small population, but now it is their chance to do it.

This could also be one of the best groups to do it. Most think that Group F will see almost any team make it through. Could Iceland be that team? Maybe. They have talent in Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurðsson and Cardiff’s Aron Gunnarsson, but it is a squad where many players can fit into the lineup and make a difference.

The defence, one that allowed only six goals in qualifying, has talented Krasnodar man Ragnar Sigurðsson and Malmo’s Kári Árnason. These two will be a big reason if Iceland want to shock teams in their group. Another key factor is their striker. If Augsburg’s Alfreð Finnbogason get’s a chance, he could guide his nation to a berth in the round of 16. If not, it is still a great story to follow.

This will be their manager Lars Lagerback’s last tournament as coach of Iceland, could they give him a good sign off?

Portugal

The team that features one of the world’s best, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal are heavy favorites in this group, and for good reason. With the likes of Nani, Pepe, Joao Moutinho, along with Ronaldo, this team could be a threat. Nani is coming off a pretty good season for Turkish side Fenerbahce, scoring 12 goals in all competitions and is proving he can still play on the wing. Center back Pepe is coming off a Champions League victory with teammate Ronaldo and will be the heart of their defence.

Not only do they have a good starting XI, but their bench features upcoming stars like Bayern’s new signing Renato Sanches, Sporting CP’s William Carvalho and Benfica’s Andre Gomes. These three could push their way into the lineup and will be very eager to show what they can do on the big stage.

Portugal has one of the best players in the world, a deep bench, a good starting XI, and have gone 9-4 since last June. Portugal could very much make it past the round of 16 if Ronaldo is at his highest level, further proving he could be the best to ever play.

Next: GALLERY: Athletes mentoring athletes

Predictions:

  1. Portugal
  2. Austria
  3. Iceland
  4. Hungary

For more Euro 2016 coverage, visit our Euro 2016 hub page.

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