European U-21 Championships 2015: Pivotal Factors to Decide Group B
The Under-21 European Championships begin on Wednesday, as host nation the Czech Republic play Denmark in Prague.
As Bleacher Report continues its buildup and preview work for the tournament, we mull over the key questions and pivotal factors that will decide Group B and map out its path.
Can Sweden summon their giant-killing instinct to upset the apple cart, will Italy's defence let anyone through and will teams be able to figure out how to play against Portugal's unorthodox, striker-less diamond?
Take a peek inside, read our thoughts and add yours in the comments below!
Italy's Defence
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There's a legitimate chance none of Italy's opponents will score against them; their defensive line is that good on paper.
Being able to call upon Alessio Romagnoli and Daniele Rugani to enforce from central defence is a luxury very few youth coaches ever have, and they've both just completed stunning Serie A seasons to rubber-stamp their authoritative air.
The projected full-backs, Davide Zappacosta and Cristiano Biraghi, are both good for their age group too, and it's easy to crown the Azzurri the finest defence in the tournament.
That could lead to three victories for Italy, ensuring them passage to the semi-finals. It could also keep all three games extremely close and, therefore, the group close, creating a tight situation among all four teams.
Sweden's Giant-Killing Tendencies
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Sweden's play-off victory over France to reach the finals was a truly eye-popping result. Hakan Ericson's side managed to oust Les Bleus 4-3 on aggregate despite losing the first leg 2-0.
It was a team including Geoffrey Kondogbia, Aymeric Laporte, Samuel Umtiti, Giannelli Imbula and Florian Thauvin. To beat this collection of star individuals, you have to have a little something about you; it's fair to say whatever the Scandinavians lack in on-paper strength, they make up for in spirit and fight.
Sweden have landed in a group with three veritable giants in England, Italy and Portugal, but while that may worry the fans and count them out among experts, there's no reason they can't summon the giant-killing spirit that helped them get past France.
If they do—and they most certainly can—it blows the group wide open.
Portugal's...Tactical Nuances
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Portugal are certain to be the hipster's choice in this tournament, such is their strange setup and way of playing.
Coach Rui Jorge has been praised in his homeland for moving away from the typical 4-3-3 the nation is famed for and moving toward a 4-4-2 diamond shape. The system negates the fact that Portugal still don't have any typical No. 9s coming through the ranks and instead uses two wide forwards or attacking midfielders playing a loose role up top.
The whole thing will be strung together by No. 10 Bernardo Silva, Monaco's emerging Iberian playmaker. It's going to be a fun, unorthodox watch, and it will be interesting to see exactly how the other youth teams deal with something so strange at this level.
Harry Kane and Saido Berahino
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England were nice and settled in how they play at the start of the 2014-15 season, but then Harry Kane came along and tore up the Premier League with 21 goals in his maiden campaign.
It posed a dilemma to Gareth Southgate and the England U21 setup: With the Young Lions so settled in their way of playing, and with Saido Berahino so effective up front as the prima punta, how do you introduce Kane to the team without ripping up the equilibrium.
It's still unclear as to how England will line up, but the strong bet is on the 4-3-3 formation with Berahino out to the right. It's a shame for the 10-goal man to be pushed wide—he top-scored in qualifying, after all—and it could disturb this team to the point where it falls flat against good opposition.
The Final Matchday
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If Sweden play up to their capabilities, this group could be extremely tight heading into the final matchday. It's feasible each team could be locked on three points apiece or be separated by a paltry one between.
That makes Matchday 3 critical, with Portugal becoming the favourites to advance, thanks to the fact they play the Swedes last, while England tackle Italy just hours before.
Unlike in Group A, where the first round of games could well shape proceedings, Group B could be decided with the last kick.
