Here’s the fourth of our special Euro 2016 Breakfast Bulletins as we bring you all the overnight headlines, some viral gems and info from our men on the ground.
MONDAY MORNING’S BIG STORIES
1 – More trouble as booze banned
It was as depressing as it was predictable when news filtered through that German and Ukrainian fans had clashed ahead of their game. Hooliganism is often described as the English disease but the particular strain that has affected France these last few days has been particularly contagious.
However, the actions of a moronic few – and it is important to remember that it is a minority – has seen the sale of alcohol banned in and around stadiums and fan zones. It has got to the ridiculous stage where adults cannot be trusted to partake in an alcohol beverage without wreaking utter havoc.
2 – Croatia announce their arrival as dark horses
For a side that have a midfield of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Rakitic, Croatia tend to go under the radar. However, they announced their arrival at this year’s Euros with a clinical performance against Turkey.
Modric is the fulcrum of this side and capped an exceptional performance with a brilliant strike from distance.
Croatia are priced at 25-1 to win the tournament but this side look at least as good as the one that came third in the World Cup in France back in 1998.
3 - Germany are the opening game kings
Joachim Low’s side have continued their record of never losing an opening game of a European Championship after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Ukraine.
Despite their relatively rough run-up to the tournament which included friendly defeats to England and Slovakia, plus injuries to key players such as Marco Reus, they showed all the mettle required to win their opening match of the tournament.
Shkodran Mustafi and Bastian Schweinsteiger's stoppage-time effort secured victory for Low's men after containing a plucky Ukraine side who threatened in the latter stages of the first half.
Indeed, it was Manchester United midfielder Schweinsteiger who became the first German substitute to net in a European Championship encounter since Oliver Bierhoff scored twice in that famous 1996 showpiece final against the Czech Republic.
SUNDAY'S RESULTS
Northern Ireland 0-1 Poland - Northern Ireland's first match at a major tournament in 30 years ended in disappointment as they were beaten 1-0 by Poland in Group C. Read the full report.
Croatia 1 Turkey 0 - Luka Modric scored one of the greatest goals of his career to give Croatia a 1-0 victory over Turkey in their Euro 2016 opener.Read the full report.
Germany 2-0 Ukraine - Germany got their bid for a record fourth European Championship crown off to a winning start as they defeated Ukraine 2-0 in Lille. Read the full report.
TODAY’S BIG MATCHES
Spain v Czech Republic, Toulouse 2pm – The Czechs condemned Netherlands to a watching brief on their way to winning a qualifying group that also included Iceland and Turkey, so are not to be underestimated. However, the build-up to the match will most likely be dominated by the furore surrounding David de Gea. He is expected to start but how will he perform? Read the full preview.
Republic of Ireland v Sweden, Saint-Denis 5pm – Zlatan against the smiling eyes of the Irish. With Belgium and Italy the other teams in the group, this match has the feel of a knockout tie. It could be a cagey affair settled by the odd goal. Read the full preview.
Italy v Belgium, Lyon 8pm – Perennial big-hitters Italy take on dark horses Belgium in a match that could define the group and set the tone for either side’s campaign. Belgium come into the match favourites purely because they are in form. Read the full preview.
CLASH OF THE DAY
Zlatan Ibrahimovic v Ireland – It is more than likely his last international tournament, and the charismatic Swede will surely not let it pass without leaving an indelible mark on the Euros. Ireland should provide a stern test, though – they are a robust defensive unit so it should prove a intriguing battle.
Pete Hall in Toulouse
There is a much more positive feeling in this part of southern France, with Spain flags and banners adorning every bar around Le Capitole. The ‘Pink City’ is looking a darker shade of Red this evening, as thousands of La Rioja followers seem to have made the short journey across the border.
The same high spirits were not present in the pre-match press conference, however, as Vincent del Bosque, Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta looked distinctly uncomfortable answering more questions on the David de Gea controversy.
Much of the talk afterwards centred around whether Del Bosque will opt for the Manchester United stopper, despite the allegations that have been made against him in the last week.
And from del Bosque’s answers, and the insight from Spanish journalists close to the camp, it seems de Gea will start, with del Bosque reportedly having made the decision weeks ago.
Marcus Foley in Nice
After the rugged nature and brawling of Marseille, Nice represented a pleasant comedown.
There were reports of brief clashes at the Rue Saint-Francois-de-Paule in the old city centre on Saturday but those brief skirmishes were a distant memory on Sunday as fans of both sides basked in glorious sunshine inNice la Belle.
Northern Irish fans were singing Polish songs and the Poles replied in kind. “Will Grigg's on fire” dominated much of the chanting in and outside the stadium with Polish fans providing a particularly impressive rendition.
It was carnival stuff, and exactly what the tournament needed. Nice, Nice.
SHARING IS CARING – EURO 2016 VIRAL GEMS
To be fair, this guy is not wrong; everyone likes a bit of self-deprecation.
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