How UEFA killed the Euro's

Every game of the European Championships was once must see.

They're not anymore.

Throwing the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' mantra out the window, UEFA expanded the tournament to 24 teams for France 2016.

More teams equal more games, which equals more money - seemingly the justification for any decision made by a football governing body.

24 teams obviously doesn't divide as well into a Round of 16 or Quarter Finals, therefore this tournament has introduced a farcical situation where the best four third placed sides qualify for the second round.

The fact you can now qualify from third place has made the entire tournament rather dour. Games aren't necessarily must win anymore and sides often look content with a draw. 

This has been reflected in the amount of goals scored, with Euro 2016 seeing an average of 1.84 goals per game.

Euro 2012 saw an average of 2.45 – enough said.

Interest in the group stage wasn’t as high, with weaker groups and the odd mismatch.

It’s a stark contrast to previous tournaments.

At Euro 2012 Germany, Portugal and The Netherlands were in the same group, as were Spain, Italy and Croatia and France and England.

Euro 2008 was much the same The Netherlands, Italy and France were grouped together, along with France, England and Croatia at Euro2004.

Every game was a blockbuster, every game mattered and points were precious – it was why everyone loved the Euro’s.

But the biggest mistake made at Euro 2016 is how the Round of 16 opponents are decided.

Instead of the top four ranked group winners landing the four best third placed sides, the matches were predetermined. 

It means Italy who topped Group E with six points, and could have finished with a maximum nine, had they not made 11 changes against the Republic of Ireland, take on Spain, the runner up of Group D.

On the other hand Wales, the second lowest ranked group winner will play Northern Ireland, the lowest ranked third placed side.

How is that fair?

Instead the third place sides, Slovakia, Republic of Ireland, Portugal and Northern Ireland should have been made to play the top four group winners - France, Germany, Croatia and Italy. 

As mentioned above Italy made 11 changes for their game with the Republic of Ireland, given they had already secured top spot and couldn't alter their position in the group or chances of progression in the second round. 


That meant the Republic of Ireland were able to win against a weakened side, a chance every other team in the tournament didn't have. 

The Round of 16 also has delivered a horror draw for both organisers and fans.

Italy, Spain, Germany, France and England all sit in the same half of the draw.

The other side includes Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Wales and Belgium.

We’re hardly going to get the marquee final we all hoped we would.

The Euro’s have lost their lustre and I don’t think it’s going to change anytime soon.

Euro2020 may be even more farcical with 24 teams again taking part, but the biggest issue around the next Euro’s is the fact is wont have a host nation.

Instead it will be held across thirteen European cities in thirteen different countries.

England’s Wembley Stadium will host the Semi Finals and Final, but the remainder will be played out in Copenhagen, Glasgow, Brussels, Budapest, Bilbao, Dublin, Amsterdam, Bucharest, St Petersburg, Rome, Munich and Baku – in Azerbaijan.

Co-hosting is not uncommon in recent times, but many issues come with it.

The impacts of travel between countries, inadequate rest time and issues for fans will no doubt once again be on the agenda in 2020.

The Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow and maybe Euro2016 will have a late twist that glosses over the issues the tournament has had so far.

It would want to be something special, because up to now, the Euro’s have been painfully underwhelming. 

ADAM SANTAROSSA

Laurie it's time for the future, not farewell parties

So New South Wales have lost another series, their tenth in the past eleven. 

The Blues got close once again, but close isn’t close enough. 

The players try hard, they give 100% for their state, but they simply come up short.

It’s time for change.

Laurie Daley has already come out and said he won’t make any changes for Game III, but I’m sorry Laurie, you’re wasting a great opportunity.

Paul Gallen, Greg Bird and Robbie Farah have all been great servants to NSW, but their time is up. Even if the Blues had won the series it’s unlikely that the three would have featured next year anyway.

Instead of giving these guys a farewell party in Game III, let’s start planning for the future.

Daley himself came out and said during the week that he was hesitant to blood young players because of his own experience as a 19-year-old on debut, where he was overawed by the State of Origin arena and the occasion.

If we’re going to head towards some new talent next series, let’s ensure they don’t have the same issue - give the next generation a chance in Game III. 

 At the end of the day, does it really matter if we lose, we’ve lost the series anyway.

Matt Moylan wasn’t the worst player last night, but he’s not the best fullback in the state. James Tedesco should be the first player picked for the next State of Origin.

Dylan Walker has been made the whipping boy for New South Wales’ performance in the current series, but he was okay in Origin II. Sure he gave away some silly penalties, but his opposite Greg Inglis was kept fairly quiet.

It’s easy to forget Walker is just 21 years old, he’ll see more Origin football. 

James Roberts is someone we need to find a place for in the Blues backline. Whether on the wing or in the Centres, the 2015 Dally M Centre of the Year can win a game on his own.

Jack Bird showed last night he’s an Origin player, let’s not confine him to a cameo role like Game II. Whether at Five-Eight or Centre, he needs to be there.

Adam Reynolds could be a part of New South Wales’ future as well, but he’ll miss the next match with injury. It’s the ideal chance to try a new halfback, where the pressure to succeed isn’t as great as a live Origin match.

 Aidan Sezer is that man.

The best Rugby League judges in the land are crying out for Bryce Cartwright to be given a chance in the Origin arena and Game III can do that. 

He’s a real X-Factor and Cartwright will play a huge role in the next phase of State of Origin football.

Tyson Frizell was a stand out for the Blues in Origin II – it helps when you pick players in form. 

Ryan James is in Dally M contention, currently sitting up the top of the leader board. He has the versatility to play in both the front row and back row as well.

Nathan Peats is the future dummy half option for NSW and Tyrone Peachey is the spark off the bench, providing a utility option. He can play in the centres, halves, hooker and back row – virtually covering all bases.

These changes need to happen ASAP, but realistically they won’t happen – at least not for Game III.

Laurie Daley will pick the same side in hope of a victory. ‘We’ can salvage some pride, losing the series 2-1 and talk about how we were ‘so close again’. It’s a short term view, no doubt with Daley hoping to keep his job.

Why should he care about the long term prospects when he may not be a part of things anyway. That’s not an attack on the man, most coaches would do the same, but there’s no escaping a refresh is well overdue.

Why wait until next year?

No more farewell parties, let’s give the Maroons a taste of the future...

Future Blues

James Tedesco

James Roberts

Jack Bird

Dylan Walker

Josh Mansour

James Maloney

Aidan Sezer

Aaron Woods (c)

Nathan Peats

James Tamou

Bryce Cartwright

Josh Jackson

Tyson Frizell

Tyrone Peachey

Ryan James

David Klemmer

Wade Graham

ADAM SANTAROSSA 

*This article first appeared on SBS and they retain all copyright. 

http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/league-nation-live/article/2016/06/23/time-future-laurie-not-farewell-parties