MARGAO
Who do the pundits pick to win the Euro 2020?
“To tell you the truth all four teams are good and they have reached the last four stage because they have got something special in them,” Armando Colaco, former India coach, told 'The Goan'.
“Italy is a very tricky team and right from the time Mancini took over they have not yet lost a game. They are good in all the departments... Spain is a young team that has blossomed at the right moment, scoring goal after goal. Denmark wants to prove a point to the world and wants to be there in the final because of Eriksen,” Colaco said.
“England is playing in their own den and will have plenty of support to egg them on unless they take things for granted. It's very difficult to predict but I will go for Italy v England in the final,” said Colaco.
Alvito D'Cunha, the former East Bengal player, agreed with Colaco's choice of the finalists.
“I fancy Italy and England in the summit clash. Both the teams playing attacking football and also defending well. We all know Italy is very good at defending but their attack is also good. I believe with the absence of Spinzolla, it will be difficult for Spain,” said D'Cunha.
Shabbir Ali, former coach of Salgaocar, ITI and Churchill Brothers said it's difficult to predict results in Euro.
“In this Euro, many of the favourites or strong teams have been eliminated. France, Belgium, Germany have exited. I thought these three would feature in the last four and Belgium could win it. But now only Italy, the other team I fancied is in the semis,” Ali said.
Maria Rebello, former FIFA women's referee, also weighed in on her choices for the summit clash.
“Chances are good for Italy and hosts England but you can't underestimate Spain and Denmark. Italy is good in all departments with a mix of senior and not so young players, plus a good goalkeeper,” Rebello said. “England has surprised everyone with their performance and has not conceded a goal; good in all departments plus a good bench strength.”
Dempo SC coach Samir Naik said, “Both England and Italy have got everything but most importantly have balance and a hard mentality under their respective coaches. But if I had to pick one team, I would go with Italy. They have a tremendous depth to their squad and are technically brilliant as always.
“Spain are very experienced and have given consistent performance. The highlight of their performance is they keep the ball possession and are also good snatchers of the ball. Their bench strength is also good,” Naik said.
Savio Vaz, coach of Sporting Clube de Goa, said, “I am swaying on this pick as Denmark and Italy are playing compact football. However, England is playing in their own backyard.”
Ishfaq Ahmed, assistant coach of Kerala Blasters, expects England and Spain in the final. “Both the teams have got intimidating names in their lineups. But if had to pick one team, I would go with Spain.”
