The late goals continue.
Drama at the very death is an ongoing theme at the European Championships, with 28% of all goals in this tournament having arrived after the the 86th minute.
The second round of group games saw a few more comprehensive victories with Spain and Belgium claiming the first 3-0 wins of the competition thus far.
Northern Ireland have given a mightily impressive account of themselves, as have Hungary, while the 100% records of France, Italy and Spain have continued.
While the Italians dominated our opening round XI, it is Vicente del Bosque’s Spanish side who most impressed us over the past three days.
Here’s our XI of the second round of group fixtures.
Michael McGovern (Northern Ireland) – Ukraine and their tricky wide men were expected to get their first points of Euro 2016 against lowly Northern Ireland but the bookmakers didn’t take the well-disciplined defensive unit that Michael O’Neill has nurtured into account. Four saves for Michael McGovern and a clean sheet that massively impressed us.
Florian Klein (Austria) – He doesn’t have the biggest name but he’s quite simply been the best right back of the past few days. He played a key role in keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet and was rewarded with a clean sheet despite the tidal wave of Portuguese pressure on Saturday night.
Jerome Boateng (Germany) – Mats Hummels returned to the starting line-up but it’s his central defensive partner who has stolen all the spotlight as Boateng’s excellent tournament continued by limiting Robert Lewandowski’s chances.
Jérôme Boateng’s game by numbers vs. #POL:
4 blocks
3 interceptions
3 clearances
2 tackles wonSolid at the back. pic.twitter.com/jPUeNlwNlv
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 16, 2016
Gareth McAuley (Northern Ireland) – Ate up Ukrainian pressure for 90 minutes and was rightly awarded man of the match. Came up with a wondrous headed goal just after half-time but it was his defensive solidity that most stood out.
Jordi Alba (Spain) – His marauding runs forward are more akin to a left winger but the Barcelona full back was impenetrable on Friday night. Was replaced after setting Alvaro Morata up for his second and Spain’s third but was a joy to watch before coming off.
Luka Modric (Croatia) – People will write Croatia’s capitulation off as a result of the crowd trouble but, in fact, Skoda’s goal came when the game-running force known as Luka Modric was substituted. It’s almost unbelievable what he’s capable of doing in tight spaces.
Andres Iniesta (Spain) – Rightly moving to the front of the line in the discussion about the best midfielder of all time. He doesn’t often get the headlines for club or country but the man is a magician.
This is one of those evenings where you just feel privileged having been able to witness Andrés Iniesta in his prime.
— Jonas Adnan Giæver (@CheGiaevara) June 17, 2016
Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium) – Played a huge role in the second-half demolition job put together by Belgium. Led the counter-attack for his side’s opener and just made Ireland’s life miserable with his ability on the ball.
Marek Hamsik (Slovakia) – A goal of the tournament contender and an assist in the same game. Slovakia’s hopes in this competition quite literally rest on one man’s shoulders.
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) – After stinking the place up against Italy, Romelu Lukaku did what he does best against Ireland… being in the right place at the right time and finishing with his left foot. A monster on his day.
Alvaro Morata (Spain) – It’s looking like Spain may be well on their way to solving their number. 9 problem. Alvaro Morata looked mature beyond his years with his brace against Turkey and seems to be a real prospect at just 23 years of age.
