Plus, Toronto FC, Muskoka updates, HHS at OFSAA, and Huntsville Women’s League results

England, Portugal, and France are being pegged as the favourites – with only France being worthy of being called as such.

The host Germans are also in the mix.

The defending champs from Bella Italia?

Some are saying they’re dark horses, others are saying they’re not as good but don’t count them out, and others are just plain haters because their nations don’t win trophies.

In case we’re keeping score (and we’re always keeping score), Italia has won two World Cups and two European Championships since 1966 – when England won their only international trophy on a phantom goal.

Also . . . France has two World Cups and two Euros, Germany has three World Cups and three Euros (though a few of those trophies came as West Germany), Spain as one World Cup and two Euros, Brazil has three World Cups and five Copas, and Argentina has three World Cups and two Copas.

Meanwhile in that time, Portugal won one European championship and has never even played in a World Cup final.

England has been to one final – at home in 2021 (Euro 2020 delayed) – and lost in penalties to the Azzurri.

With that written rant on the table . . . let’s take a look the teams that should win it all, could win it all, could cause issues, and are just happy to be there.

They Should Win

England

Yep. England. The Three Lions in Qualifying who generally turn into Cubs when it’s time for major tournament penalties.

No, we don’t want it to happen, and no self-respecting fan of this sport should want it to happen (unless they are English), but the truth is the squad should have won at home last time out.

They should have been deeper in the World Cup in Qatar as well, like in the final. They should have a trophy by now. So, yes, they are among the teams in Germany who should win Euro 2024.

France

Les Bleus have had a great run of success internationally since the year 1998. That year they won the World Cup as hosts – but only after beating Italia in penalties in the quarter-finals – and have since added another World Cup (2018) and a European Cup triumph (2000), as well as losing in perhaps the greatest final of all time against Argentina in 2022.

Never count out a team with Kylian Mbappe,

Portugal

I really don’t think they deserve to be favoured, but if we’re going by the odds and their line-up of superstars, then yeah, they should win.

Still, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo along as a glorified mascot is annoying. And so many of their players are annoying in general . . . especially those who have or still play in Manchester. As well, in addition to Ronaldo, they’re bringing another Saudi League player in Reuben Neves.

They make it so hard to cheer for them, don’t they?

I do have a soft spot in my heart for Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, AC Milan’s Raphael Leao, and soon to be former AS Roma keeper Rui Patricio. So, when those three play, I hope they do well.

Their only international trophy was a lone Euro Cup victory in 2016, which was less about them winning and more about France losing the final on home soil.

Spain

This iteration of La Rojas isn’t the same as previous versions – the sides that won back-to-back Euros and a World Cup in between from 2004 through 2008.

No one will fear playing this side however no one will count them out either.

They do have super talented players, Champions League winners, and winning the tournament would not shock anyone.

In the last Euros, Spain lost to Italia in the semi-finals on penalties. However, they were the better side in that match and could have won that tournament.

So, they must be considered a favourite, even if it feels like something special is missing.

Germany

A solid squad with plenty of attacking talent, but vulnerable on the back line, the Germans are at home and that should be a good enough bounce for at least a quarter-final appearance. But, the host nation must be aiming for the semi-finals at a minimum or it must be considered a failure.

Though it feels like forever since Die Mannschaft have won anything, they were World Champions in 2014. The last time they won the Euros was when England hosted in 1996.

The last major tournament hosted by Germany was the World Cup in 2006. It was a wonderful tournament and one of the greatest semi-finals ever took place in Dortmund. Really, look it up, fantastic tournament, fantastic semi-final.

If the same nation to win that 2006 tournament wins Euro 2024, all will be right with the world.

Which brings us to . . .

They Could Win

Italia

They’re the defending European Champions but are coming off missing a second straight World Cup and not many are picking them to win it all.

The Azzurri are also in the Group of Death against Spain, Croatia, and a plucky Albania side. Opening as favourites against Albania, as I noted a few times, is actually worse than being an underdog against the Spanish or a 50-50 bet against Croatia.

Historically, Italia comes good when they’re least expected to, including during their fourth World Cup title run (2006) and their second Euro win (2020).

They don’t have a superstar per say, but they do have a lot of skillful midfielders that can make game-changing plays at any given time. Prediction: the AS Roma quartet of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante (his dad is a Canadian with Italian roots), Gianluca Mancini, and Il Faraone (The Pharaoh) Stephan El Shaarawy make a big impact on the tournament.

The last time they played the Euros they left with the trophy. The last time they were in Germany for a major tournament, they left with the trophy.

It may just happen again.

Netherlands

The greatest footballing nation to never win a World Cup is in a great position to win their second ever European trophy, having won in Germany in 1988.

Is this team as good as the Oranje were back then, probably not, but they are full of very good players with the right mix of youth and experience, skill and force.

Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong have championship experience, including on the big European stages.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Dutch make a deep run and even lift the Cup. They do have goals in them, as many Canadians witnessed in the 4-0 friendly win by the Netherlands on Thursday.

Belgium

The Golden Generation that was once, incomprehensibly, ranked number-one in the FIFA World rankings, are reaching their golden years (at least in football ages).

Their best players are in their twilight seasons and the next generation isn’t quite as skilled or feared by anyone these days.

Still, Kevin De Bruyne is a force to be reckoned with, soon to be former AS Roma striker Romelu Lukaku can still break a game open, and they have a solid supporting cast around them.

Not being among the favourites for the first time in a long time could be beneficial. The pressure is off.

Is this the year they finally win their first ever national team trophy?

Croatia

Seriously can’t comprehend why this nation hasn’t won a national team cup in any tournament.

They fell short at the 1998 World Cup in France, finishing third. They lost the 2018 World Cup final to France (though the ref was definitely favouring the French – it was a bad day for the match officials). They finished third in Qatar in 2022.

On the flip side, the Vatreni have never really been close to a European title despite amazing teams. Their best results have been quarter-final appearances.

Much like the Belgians, they have an aging core featuring one of the greatest to touch a ball in Luka Modric (seriously, one of my Top 10 favourite all-time players).

Yet, there is another generation on the way, and you can never count out the Croatians as they play smart football with those moments of skillful brilliance that leave you in awe.

The Bracket Busters

One of these teams could make a deep run if all goes the right way and mess up the tournament – or make it better, depending on who you support.

Denmark

They have a European title to their name. It happened in 1992. They never even qualified for the tournament and only got a place because the war broke out in Yugoslavia, they were disqualified and Denmark got the spot.

On another note, for another column, that Yugoslavia team was on the verge of football greatness – they would have won the 1992 Euros and the 1994 World Cup had the war never occurred.

Serbia

Strong. United. Fierce. But, never quite do much when the bright lights of the big cups start to shine. That’s due to change sometime.

Switzerland

They probably won’t do anything drastic like make the semi-finals, but they could do it and that would mess up a lot of people’s pool picks.

Turkey

Always featuring some stellar footballing talent, the Turkish just never quite show up all the way when it counts. Still, they can beat anyone on their day.

Austria

This is an up-and-coming football nation that were a disallowed offside goal away from stopping Italia in the round-of-16 in the last Euros. They won’t be afraid of anyone.

Could Cause One Upset

We’re not going to break down in depth for each of these nations, but suffice it say they each have talent that plays in the world’s best leagues and even for some of the world’s best teams. So, a big upset of a tournament favourite isn’t out of the question – even if winning it all just isn’t a likely scenario.

Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Scotland, Romania.

It’s Just Nice to Have Qualified

Uhm, yeah, maybe a third-place fluke round-of-16 appearance could happen, but you’re all going home very early. Thanks for coming out and making up the numbers – the tournament organizers appreciate the ad revenue you have generated in your respective nations.

Israel, Finland, Georgia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Estonia.

Toronto FC on a break

The Reds are in the middle of a two-week break, and it’s come at a nice time to regroup ahead of the second half of the MLS Season, which includes a mid-season Leagues Cup tournament in late July and August.

I think it’s fair to say this year’s team, led by the motivational spirit and adaptable tactics of manager John Herdman, have moved well past last year’s embarrassment.

At the mid-way point of the season, TFC is sitting at 7 wins, 7 losses and 3 draws. It’s good enough for sixth in the Eastern Conference with 24 points and within striking distance of a top four spot. That would be an incredible turnaround from being dead last in 2023.

While it’s been a team effort, the overall effort, skill and determination from Italian winger Federico Bernadeschi has been the catalyst for so much of TFC’s success this season. He’s even starting to get some nods from the pundits to be in the MVP race.

The only downside to his passionate, all-in season is the hot-blooded reactions that have led to a string of yellow cards and now another red card (via two yellows – one deserved, one not-so-much).

He’ll miss the June 15 home date against Chicago, as will Richie Laryea, Jonathan Osorio, and Sean Johnson (Copa America call-ups for the Canadians and Americans respectively) – but fellow Italian star Lorenzo Insigne and the rest of a rejuvenated, united Reds squad will be on hand to put on a show and hopefully get three points.

Following that match, there is a mid-week showdown at BMO Field on June 19 against Nashville, and perhaps a very rested Bernadeschi will have some magic moments to share with the home fans.

Muskoka United FC

The U16 Boys travelled to Sudbury last weekend and split two games. In the early match, they faced Sudbury’s U15 team and fell 1-0 to a fluky goal despite being the better of the two sides. In the late game, the MUFC team got two goals from Oscar Juszczak and one from Theo Briand in a 3-1 win.

The U16 Girls opened their HDSL season on Monday with a 4-2 win over North Bay with Claire Allison, Sarah McKay, Jamie Demos, and Maja Lettress scoring for MUFC.

The U18 Boys picked up a second straight 2-1 win, this time over Orillia on Tuesday night. Andrés Alfaro and Zach Caplan scored for Muskoka.

The U14 Boys won their game against Innisfil this week 6-3, having also won 5-1 on Barrie on May 28. Goal scorers to be added at a later date.

The U14 Girls defeated South Simcoe United 3-1. Goal scorers to be added when/if they are sent in by the team staff.

The U13 Boys were defeated by Collingwood this week 5-0. Despite the loss, the coaches are happy with the effort and progression. In their first game two weeks ago, the MUFC team beat North Bay 4-1. Goal scorers to be added when they become available.

On Wednesday night, the U12 Girls finally played their first match of the season against the powerhouse North Bay squad. Despite a very good effort and matching the North Bay girls for chances and play, MUFC were unlucky in a 2-1 loss. Paulina Juszczak scored for Muskoka.

Meanwhile, later Wednesday, the Muskoka O45 team took on Nottawasaga under the lights at Gostick Park with the threat of lightning and an uneven match official hovering over every play. In a very even affair that a draw would have been a fair result, the visitors got a pair of late goals as Muskoka fell 2-0.

Hoyas at OFSAA

The Huntsville High School Hoyas boys’ soccer team were at OFSAA in North Bay this week and finished with three very close loses and one draw.

In their first match on Thursday, the boys took a tough loss on the chin 1-0 to St. Paul C.S.S. They followed it up in the late match with another good effort, but again a one goal loss, 2-1 to Harbord C.I. Rowan Simpson scored for Huntsville.

On Friday, the Hoyas took another tough 1-0 to Paul-Desmarais ESC in the morning match, before earning a 0-0 draw in the late match against Crestwood S.S.

Huntsville Women’s League

The Huntsville Women’s Soccer League continued with Week 3 action at Conroy Park on Monday.

Muskoka Tea Company eked out a 1-0 win over Muskoka Marshmallo Company to stay undefeated while handing their opponents a first loss of the season. In the other match, On The Docks Pub beat the SportLab 2-1.

Player of the Match awards went to Chrystal Fleming, Sophie Small, Kelly Siemms and Erika Carr.

The weekly draw for the melt in your mouth Annie’s Lasagna from That Little Place By The Lights went to Chrystal Fleming.

That’s it for this week. Stay tuned next week for a Copa America preview, what’s up at the Euros, Toronto FC, Muskoka updates, and more. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to subscribe below.

Ciao for Now!