EURO 2020 - predict the semi finalists

Euro 2020 starts on Friday and is shaping up to be quite an open tournament, with no clear favourite IMO.

So rather than the usual "pick the winner" poll. I thought how about predicting the last four semi-finalists. Maybe Scotland will be one of them.

To do so, I've created this poll as multi choice, but if you could limit your choices to four that will be great. If you can also share your four predictions than we can see who comes closest to getting all four correct picks. No prize for the winner, just the award of being considered more knowledgeable than the rest (or luckier).

I've gone Italy, Belgium, France and Portugal.

France - world champions, potential QF opponents for Scotland :greengrin
Belguim - class throughout that squad, tough call as they might need to take on the Italians but I think they will edge it
England - young and athletic with dangerous goal scorers, survive the 18th of June and who knows?
Denmark - Professional, strong team, expect them to finish second to Belguim in their group but to edge Holland/Switzerland

France
Belgium
Holland
Spain

Germany
France
England
Belgium

I've not checked the pathways so don't know if that really is likely.

Italy.
Denmark.
France.
Spain.

Belgium, France, England and Netherlands. Belgium beat England in final.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theonlywayisup

I've gone Italy, Belgium, France and Portugal.

---

For this prediction to come true Portugal need to knock Germany out in the group stages.
Is that likely?

Scotland
Scotland
Scotland
Scotland

And we'll lose in the final on penalties.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Glory Lurker

Germany
France
England
Belgium

I've not checked the pathways so don't know if that really is likely.

---

Don't know the pathways either.
Add Italy and Spain to your list and you will probably have the last 4.
I need to then pick 4 from 6 as you have done.

Given Germany and France are in the same group one of them will meet another big hitter earlier than the rest which will naturally reduce the big hitters by 1.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CMurdoch

For this prediction to come true Portugal need to knock Germany out in the group stages.
Is that likely?

---

I think that could easily go either way – Germany obviously have a fair number of top players but they're still in a bit of a transition. That said, of course they are specialists in progressing through tournaments in just about any circumstances.

Belgium
France
Spain
Scotland

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CMurdoch

For this prediction to come true Portugal need to knock Germany out in the group stages.
Is that likely?

---

Portugal have a great squad right now, much better strength in depth than they normally have.

With players like Cancelo, Dias, Guerro, Danilo, Neves, Renato Sanches, Bernaro Silva, Felix, Jota, Ronaldo I could see them coming ahead of Germany in their group.

Germany will obviously be strong but fullback position is a real problem for them just now. With the strong wingers portugal have I think they'll beat Germany.

Done one of those score predictor things for work, which auto fills out all the pathways for the knock out round, and got the following semi finalists:

Belgium, Portugal, France, Denmark.

Knocking out Turkey, Scotland, Spain, Netherlands respectively in the round of 16.

The way the draw works out a lot of the favourites could knock each other out in the R16 and quarters.

My semifinals are

France v Italy
Portugal v Turkey

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CMurdoch

Don't know the pathways either.
Add Italy and Spain to your list and you will probably have the last 4.
I need to then pick 4 from 6 as you have done.

Given Germany and France are in the same group one of them will meet another big hitter earlier than the rest which will naturally reduce the big hitters by 1.

---

The winner of our group plays the runner up in the France Portugal Germany group. So it might end up being advantageous to finish second in our group, you’d then play whoever is second in theSweden/Spain group.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hibsbollah

The winner of our group plays the runner up in the France Portugal Germany group. So it might end up being advantageous to finish second in our group, you’d then play whoever is second in theSweden/Spain group.

---

That's interesting. I assume it deviates from the normal A1 vs B2, B1 vs A2 etc format because of the complication of some third-placed teams going through?

I think some folk are underestimating just how good Italy are just now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CMurdoch

For this prediction to come true Portugal need to knock Germany out in the group stages.
Is that likely?

---

Yes fairly, Germany don't really have a prolific goal scorer.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hibsbollah

The way the draw works out a lot of the favourites could knock each other out in the R16 and quarters.

My semifinals are

France v Italy
Portugal v Turkey

---

Would Italy not likely have to beat Belgium to reach this stage? I'm all for it, I want Italy to win it.

Think there's too many permutations to predict to that degree.

France will win it though.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by One Day Soon

Would Italy not likely have to beat Belgium to reach this stage? I'm all for it, I want Italy to win it.

---

Surely you want Scotland to win it? :wink:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DH1875

I think some folk are underestimating just how good Italy are just now.

---

I took a punt on Denmark putting them out in the round of 16 in my predictor, but I could easily see them winning it if they get a bit of luck.

Been on an amazing run of results the past couple of years, got a great midfield and Immobile will always score goals up top. Not too sure about their defence though, Chiellini is aging and I've never really rated Bonucci that much.

France
Italy
Portugal
Scotland

Scotland
France
Belgium
Germany

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by blackpoolhibs

Surely you want Scotland to win it? :wink:

---

That would be wildest dreams territory but has no chance of happening. I'll stick with the Italian part of my genes for this one.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CMurdoch

For this prediction to come true Portugal need to knock Germany out in the group stages.
Is that likely?

---

Yes IMO

I tried to do a predictor last night and came out with a final 4 of Portugal, England, Belgium and Denmark. Obviously once you hit QFs it's so tough to predict.

Can't wait for the tournament to get started now!

I'm guessing the votes for Scotland are a case of heart over head? Hope I'm wrong but I suspect we won't win a game.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by One Day Soon

Would Italy not likely have to beat Belgium to reach this stage? I'm all for it, I want Italy to win it.

---

Yeah, they would likely face Belgium in the quarters. They’re my second favourites behind France; you can’t argue with their form; seemingly ageless defence, Barella doing his best Baggio impression and I like Chiesa up front. Italy and France don’t seem to have any weaknesses to me, plenty of cover in positions and most of their players haven’t gone far in European club competitions this year.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by He's here!

I'm guessing the votes for Scotland are a case of heart over head? Hope I'm wrong but I suspect we won't win a game.

---

No. We all think Scotland will win the euros.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nonshinyfinish

That's interesting. I assume it deviates from the normal A1 vs B2, B1 vs A2 etc format because of the complication of some third-placed teams going through?

---

Correct. There’s 6 group winners 6 runners up and 4 best 3rd places get into the last 16. Of the 6 runners up, 4 play another runner up and only two get a winner from another group.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fergus52

Portugal have a great squad right now, much better strength in depth than they normally have.

With players like Cancelo, Dias, Guerro, Danilo, Neves, Renato Sanches, Bernaro Silva, Felix, Jota, Ronaldo I could see them coming ahead of Germany in their group.

Germany will obviously be strong but fullback position is a real problem for them just now. With the strong wingers portugal have I think they'll beat Germany.

---

And Bruno Fernandes.

I think Portugal are the value bet for the Euros personally. I have it between them, France and Belgium in terms of a bet. Probably favour Belgium overall but like Portugal at the prices.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hibsbollah

Yeah, they would likely face Belgium in the quarters. They’re my second favourites behind France; you can’t argue with their form; seemingly ageless defence, Barella doing his best Baggio impression and I like Chiesa up front. Italy and France don’t seem to have any weaknesses to me, plenty of cover in positions and most of their players haven’t gone far in European club competitions this year.

---

I think Donnarumma is a cracking keeper too and if he had just a little more experience I'd really fancy their chances.

Bet365 are offering 9 on Italy which seems very good odds. I can't quite see how they have England as second favourites at 6. I wonder what odds they would offer for England, Scotland and Wales to make it to the last 4?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hibsbollah

The winner of our group plays the runner up in the France Portugal Germany group. So it might end up being advantageous to finish second in our group, you’d then play whoever is second in theSweden/Spain group.

---

The big countries like England need to win almost every game to win the tournament so probably won't be up to any jiggery poker to finish out of the top spot in our group and the other countries are probably not good enough to take the foot off the pedal at any time.
It is exciting to at least be part of the tournament for a change.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fergus52

Portugal have a great squad right now, much better strength in depth than they normally have.

With players like Cancelo, Dias, Guerro, Danilo, Neves, Renato Sanches, Bernaro Silva, Felix, Jota, Ronaldo I could see them coming ahead of Germany in their group.

Germany will obviously be strong but fullback position is a real problem for them just now. With the strong wingers portugal have I think they'll beat Germany.

---

Thanks for the heads up.
I like Fernández at Man Utd as well.
Seems a great professional as well as a great player.

Has anyone started up a Hibs.net Euro 2020 Fantasy Football league?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fergus52

Portugal have a great squad right now, much better strength in depth than they normally have.

With players like Cancelo, Dias, Guerro, Danilo, Neves, Renato Sanches, Bernaro Silva, Felix, Jota, Ronaldo I could see them coming ahead of Germany in their group.

Germany will obviously be strong but fullback position is a real problem for them just now. With the strong wingers portugal have I think they'll beat Germany.

---

Portugal are hard to predict, lots of exciting attacking players and Fontes had a great season with Lille, their manager is extremely defensive minded (awful boring Greece teams as well as fairly dull but successful Portugal national team five years ago), so might not be good on the eye, they know how to win though.

So going by the poll so far, it's looking like Belgium and France are most peoples favourites for the semi final, followed by England and Germany, with Italy just behind them.

Surprised that there are more votes for Scotland than Portugal, at present.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by One Day Soon

I think Donnarumma is a cracking keeper too and if he had just a little more experience I'd really fancy their chances.

Bet365 are offering 9 on Italy which seems very good odds. I can't quite see how they have England as second favourites at 6. I wonder what odds they would offer for England, Scotland and Wales to make it to the last 4?

---

Donnarumma isn't that short on experience. Young but has played loads for Milan and Italy.

Italy
Belgium
England
France

Belgium
Croatia
England
France

Wide open tournament and really difficult to call the group of death, with France, Germany and Portugal.
With three games in Munich, the Germans may do better than expected.
Anyhoo, I've got Germany v Italy and Netherlands v Portugal in the semis.
That's with Portugal knocking out England and Spain (on penalties) and Italy edging out Belgium in the last eight.

France v Germany
Turkey v Portugal

France, Italy, Germany, Denmark

Interesting that North Macedonia have three votes :hmmm:

Which is more votes than Switzerland (1), Turkey (0), Wales (2), Russia (0), Austria (0), Ukraine (2), Croatia (1), Czech Republic (0), Poland (0), Slovakia (1), Sweden (0) and Hungary (1) :hmmm:

Am I missing something?

Netherlands
England
Portugal
Spain

Havent really studied the draw but in terms of my top four favourites

Italy
Portugal
France
Belgium

Of the home nations I've got England as quarter finalist, Scotland & Wales last 16.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lancs Harp

Havent really studied the draw but in terms of my top four favourites

Italy
Portugal
France
Belgium

Of the home nations I've got England as quarter finalist, Scotland & Wales last 16.

---

This was mine too except I had Spain instead of Italy. I don’t know how the draw works out and couldn’t be bothered to check so didn’t post my selections 😆

Sweden all the way ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theonlywayisup

Interesting that North Macedonia have three votes :hmmm:

Which is more votes than Switzerland (1), Turkey (0), Wales (2), Russia (0), Austria (0), Ukraine (2), Croatia (1), Czech Republic (0), Poland (0), Slovakia (1), Sweden (0) and Hungary (1) :hmmm:

Am I missing something?

---

I think a few posters have gone for a semi-final line-up of Scotland plus whoever they deem the three weakest teams.

Obviously the votes overall are a mixture of what people think will happen, what they want to happen, what they think would be funny, folk who've studied form and potential opponents/pathways, folk who've just just picked four of the traditional contenders etc etc. I wouldn't read too much into any of it.

Bump! Still open to car your vote, if you've not already done so.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theonlywayisup

I've gone Italy, Belgium, France and Portugal.

---

:agree: snap

Well how are your picks doing so far?

The semi finals are lining up as being one from each group, as follows:

Belgium / Portugal / Italy / Austria

France / Switzerland / Croatia / Spain

Sweden / Ukraine / England / Germany

Netherlands / Czech Republic / Denmark (who have beaten Wales)

Anyone still with a chance of getting all four semi finalists, not many I would think.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theonlywayisup

Well how are your picks doing so far?

The semi finals are lining up as being one from each group, as follows:

Belgium / Portugal / Italy / Austria

France / Switzerland / Croatia / Spain

Sweden / Ukraine / England / Germany

Netherlands / Czech Republic / Denmark (who have beaten Wales)

Anyone still with a chance of getting all four semi finalists, not many I would think.

---

Three of mine are competing for one semi-final spot, so only two possible for me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theonlywayisup

I've gone Italy, Belgium, France and Portugal.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sherlock Jones

Italy.
Denmark.
France.
Spain.

---

Three out of four ain't bad.

Please, please, please win Denmark. They are absolutely insufferable and it's getting worse everyday

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Is It On....

Please, please, please win Denmark. They are absolutely insufferable and it's getting worse everyday

---

Denmark won’t win surely, easy game for England according to some folk
on here.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee

Denmark won’t win surely, easy game for England according to some folk
on here.

---

This game I'm really looking forward too. England have impressed me, passion, pace and a decent sprinkling of ability....contenders for sure. Denmark though....strong, technically brilliant and since the events of the opening game, galvanized! This game has all the makings of an absolute classic, neither side play with any fear. I think this is 50:50.

As for the other semi, Italy have impressed me more than any other side. For long spells this has been the Italy of 1982, attacking, silky, passionate....at times though they still revert to 'type'.....falling over, play acting and skilled in the 'dirty' but subtle foul. As for Spain I'm surprised to see them this far...aging in places and transitional in others....still a good side though. Can't see passed Italy though, the one question mark for me is Chiellini's fitness....as captain he brings that team together, good enough without him but with him they are another level.

Enjoyed this tournament, lets hope England don't spoil it by winning the thing :greengrin