Having impressed during the groups stages, albeit from solely an attacking point of view, both Germany and Mexico made it through the groups unscathed which has set up what really should be an exciting semi-final encounter in Sochi. At this tournament so far, there has been plenty in the way of attacking intensity, and little in the way of defensive mindfulness, on show from these two so fans on Thursday night should be in for plenty of goals – famous last words…. This might be a semi-final, but it’s very much a dress rehearsal for next year’s main event and…

Having finished the group stages as the only team in the competition to win all three of their matches, Spain come into this semi-final fixture against Italy as warm favourites. Not only have they maintained a 100% record at these finals, but the Spaniards have played the most impressive football. It looks as though it will take a massive effort for anyone to stop them going all the way, let alone an Italian outfit who’ve been particularly underwhelming. In somewhat farcical fashion, Italy earned the right to play in the semi-finals via a top place finish in Group C. Despite…

Two old adversaries go head-to-head at Under-21 level on Tuesday evening as England meet Germany in the semi-finals of this summer’s Euros in Poland. Having topped group A courtesy of a commanding win on match-day three, the English should be coming into this fixture in buoyant mood while Germany, having lost their final group match, will be hoping to bounce back. During the groups, this pair both showed themselves to be useful outfits and so there’s plenty of reason to think that each can cause the other problems. The Germans in particular appeared to be a bit top-heavy with the majority…

In true German fashion, the young Die Mannschaft have gone about their business with minimal fuss at this tournament so far and are looking like the clear winners of Croup C with just one to play. A point is all that is needed for Stefan Kuntz’s men to top the group, although, with Italy needing to go for it, you certainly wouldn’t bet against the Germans taking all three points. Having won in somewhat conservative style on match-day one, it appeared as though the Italians would go on and build on what was a good start; however, that good stat has…

Having lost first time up, Czech Republic defied the expectations of most onlookers as they bounced back to defeat Italy in convincing fashion last time out, scoring three goals in the process. Such a victory was impressive, especially considering the Italians are known for being notoriously hard to beat. That result not only means that the Czech’s can still qualify for the semi-finals, but that they come into this fixture with renewed confidence. Unfortunately, after losing both of their opening fixtures, Denmark are effectively out of the competition and so, in contrast to the Czech’s, there probably isn’t too much…

Having been victorious during the opening round of fixtures, Portugal will have had high hopes of making the semi-finals, but those hopes were severely dented last time out as they were defeated by the ever-impressive Spain. With just one fixture remaining, and with Spain likely to win again, Rui Jorge’s men are left needing a win, probably to secure second place, which may or may not be enough to progress to the semi-finals. Macedonia also require a win if they’re to grace the semi-finals with their presence, although, even if they were to take three points here, progression from the…

On Friday night, Spain’s talented young squad will bid to make it three wins in a row as they take on a Serbian side who’ve been pretty poor at these finals so far. Given the way in which the Spanish have gone about their business at this tournament, it would take a brave punter to back against them securing a hat-trick of groups wins. Serbia and Spain come into this final group game in contrasting form; on the one hand you’ve got the Spanish who’ve been very impressive in swaggering their way to two wins, scoring eight goals in the…

As things stand, Group A is the tightest in the competition with all four teams still in with something of a chance of going through. Both Slovakia and Sweden come into this game knowing that a win could see them progress in first place, although their fate will depend on the outcome of the other final match between England and Poland. Having won one and lost one, Slovakia have so far been a bit up and down at this tournament; they were deserved winners against Poland as they showcased both great forward energy and character, but lost, and deservedly so,…

As the only team in Group A to win their opening fixture, Russia currently have the upper hand but, with Portugal and Mexico to play, they’ve still got plenty of work to do to qualify, let alone finish top. Portugal may well have picked up just a point on match-day one but considering that came against Mexico, the team who were always likely to provide their stiffest test, it was by no means a bad start. Russia beat a poor New Zealand side first time up so that result doesn’t exactly tell us much, although the fact that they did…

After cruising to a commanding victory over Czech Republic during the first round of fixtures, Germany’s bid to finish top of Group C is still nicely on course while Denmark, who lost their opener against other semi-final hopefuls Italy, are already looking down and out after just one game. At the start of the tournament, Germany were many people’s favourites to go all the way and their performance on Sunday afternoon suggested that they’ve certainly come to Poland to win. Having got the better of their opponents last time out in what was probably third gear at most, it’s very…

Despite coming into the tournament in patchy form, the Italians did what they do best when it comes to tournament football on match-day one as they ground out a solid victory over Denmark in disciplined fashion. In contrast, Czech Republic were poor in their loss to Germany and are all already looking in trouble as far as progressing from the group goes. Italy’s U21’s were well-drilled, organised and extremely professional in their win over Denmark and are expected to put together a similar performance here against a Czech side who failed to cope with the Germans on match-day one. The…

With the first round of fixtures now done and dusted, it’s safe to say that both Serbia and Macedonia are well and truly on the back foot in Group B. With Portugal and Spain winning first up, it’s looks as though this pair are destined for an early exit. Even though they face an uphill struggle, both will be keen to atone for their first match disappointments and, considering their opponents here also lost, both will fancy their chances. Of the two, although it was Macedonia who came off worse numerically, it was Serbia who disappointed the most on match-day…