Manchester City at the Euros: Ajanki, Rodri Get Off The Winning Starts
Manchester City at the Euros: Ajanki, Rodri Get Off The Winning Starts
The Euros kicked off on Friday to its usual grandeur, but unfortunately, no Manchester City players were present in the opening day spectacle. However. a couple of former Blues did appear for Germany as they thrashed Scotland 5-1 in Munich. Ilkay Gundogan marshalled his team superbly as the Germans went 3-0 up by half-time, and added another two in the second half to record the highest opening day score at the Euros. Another former Blue, Leroy Sane, came off the bench in the 63rd minute, replacing Florian Wirtz with the score at 3-0.
On Saturday, Manuel Akanji started as Switzerland took on Hungary in the other Group A match. The Swiss dominated the first half and went into a 2-0 lead before Hungary pulled a goal back in the second half. Hungary pressed for an equaliser and had their chances to level the scores, however, Akanji’s side withstood the pressure and scored a third goal deep into injury time to secure their first group stage win.
Germany face Hungary in the next group fixtures on Wednesday, while Switzerland will be hopeful of progression as they face Scotland on the same day.
Three City players featured in the late afternoon game on Saturday, but on opposing sides as Rodri’s Spain took on Croatia. Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol started the match for Croatia, but found themselves 3-0 down by half-time. Two goals in three minutes put Spain in control, and they added a third on the stroke of half-time. Kovacic was replaced in the 65th minute, while Rodri, who, unsurprisingly had been booked, left the field in the 78th. Three former Blues were on the subs bench for Spain, in the form of Aymeric Laporte, Jesus Navas and Ferran Torres, with the latter making an 86th minute appearance as Spain saw out the game.
No Blues featured in Italy’s 2-1 win over Albania, but a match that started with a bang, ended in a whimper as the holders saw out victory. Albania scored the fastest-ever goal at the Euros, finding the back of the net after just 23 seconds. Italy levelled on 11 minutes and took the lead five minutes later and the fans were expecting a goal-fest. Unfortunately, it didn’t materialise and no further goals were scored to entertain those that managed to stay awake.
Sunday sees England finally in action and Blues fans will be hoping to see Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden in action in the evening match. Nathan Ake’s Netherlands face Poland in the first match of the afternoon.