BFW Euro watch 1: How Bayern players are faring in the Euros

Bayern Munich is a top team, and they are definitely one of the best clubs in the world based on squad strength. The club has some of the world’s best attackers, midfielders and defenders (and the GOAT keeper), which means that the squad is well represented in the Euros. No fewer than 13 current Bayern players are suiting up for their countries in the Euros. As much as it pains me to say this, Alaba isn’t a Bayern player anymore, so he won’t receive coverage here.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that Canadian Alphonso Davies won’t get a shoutout, because although he’s not playing in the Euros, he has been involved in some exciting international fixtures with the Canadian National team, both in the World Cup Qualifiers and the Gold cup, and still has quite a few games coming up. So without further ado, let’s see how the Bavarian Boys™ are doing:

Germany

Germany had what one could call a “tale of two games”. Against France, the Germans were able to generate numerous chances, but were terrible up front, registering just one shot on target. They were slightly better defensively, aside from an own goal scored by Hummels. Overall, the team looked uninspired and bereft of ideas against a super compact and defensive France side, resulting in a 1-0 defeat.

Against Portugal however, Die Mannschaft looked like different beasts. They showed intent from the kickoff whistle, and though Portugal grabbed an early goal (totally against the run of play), the team showed resolve and class to bounce back and give the Portuguese a 4-2 spanking. Sure, that score line doesn’t exactly scream spanking, but if you saw the game, you’re bound to agree. The Germans dominated possession for a vast majority of the game, with sea after sea of white shirts chipping in with cross after cross and shot after shot. FT: 4-2 to Germany.

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Manuel Neuer: Also known as “ManWall Neuer” among the Bayern fanbase, Bayern’s captain did really well to keep France at bay after the own goal conceded (man had his own defender scoring against him). He also organized the defense against Portugal and made a few vital saves. Overall, a good showing from the GOAT.

Thomas Müller: Against France, Müller looked very active at the start, but slowly faded away as the match progressed. He was probably convinced that they just weren’t going to score, since the attack just wasn’t clicking. Against Portugal however, he was the most active player up front, putting in loads of key passes and being heavily involved in 3 of the 4 goals.

Joshua Kimmich: Was played out of position against France, and just couldn’t make as much of an impact from RWB, especially since he was up against Lucas Hernandez. He put in a stellar shift against Portugal though, chipping in with an assist and the cross that led to the second own goal. Plus, his drive was there for all to see.

Serge Gnabry: Unlucky in both games, with an attempt just glancing off the far post against France, and a goal being ruled offside against Portugal. Overall, he failed to make an impact against the well drilled French defense, but was much more active against Portugal. Can do much better, though.

Leroy Sane: A late sub in both games, and couldn’t really make much of an impact.

Leon Goretzka: Out with an injury for the first game, but came in as a substitute against Portugal. Stabilized the midfield and put in some nice through balls and passes. Loew will undoubtedly be considering him an option to start against Hungary.

Niklas Süle: Criminally underused, and was left on the bench throughout the game against France. Came in as a substitute against Portugal and was rock solid. It’s going to be confusing if he doesn’t get significant game time against Hungary.

Jamal Musiala: The Moose didn’t feature at all in both games. Sob!

France

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Yet to lose a game in the Euros, France have enjoyed a solid campaign thus far. A very pragmatic approach and a strong defensive display against Germany saw them emerge 1-0 victors (courtesy of Hummels). Against Hungary, France lacked clinical finishing, with the Hungarians putting in an outstanding defensive display. This led to them sharing the spoils with a 1-1 draw.

Lucas Hernandez: Hands down France’s best defender, and one of France’s best players so far. He shut down France’s left flank expertly against Germany, and ensured that nobody got past him. He didn’t feature in the second game against Hungary (rested), and one can’t help but think that France could’ve had a better shot at winning with him on the pitch.

Benjamin Pavard: Super solid against Germany, pocketing Gosens and again, playing a huge part in keeping the Germans goalless. However, against Hungary, despite having a decent game overall, him getting caught off guard by an onrushing Attila who scored Hungary’s only goal will be a moment will undoubtedly bother him.

Corentin Tolisso: Came in as a sub in both games and looked very crisp and sharp with his passing and ball progression. He’s really impressing with France.

Kingsley Coman: Didn’t feature in the game against Germany at all and missed the Hungary fixture due to the birth of his child (for which he had to leave camp).

Poland

Poland just haven’t been good so far. They looked very disorganized against Slovakia, and couldn’t string five passes together. The supply to Lewandowski was nonexistent, which saw the world’s best player drop to the midfield and defense for vast periods, trying to carry the ball forward. Nothing came of Poland’s overall effort except for a Linetty goal, and they lost, deservedly. Slovakia 2-1 Poland.

Against Spain, they went forward with more intent, but were quickly silenced by a Morata goal in the first half. They would turn it around with a goal in the second half, but that was all there would ever be to see in the game as they left with a 1-1 draw, making the game against Sweden a do or die fixture.

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Robert Lewandowski: Totally isolated in the first game, and looked visibly upset and frustrated. Any striker would be, with the complete lack of support and any sort of supply from his teammates. Against Spain however, he seemed like a man on a mission, trying to heave and push for a Poland goal or two.

He had the most key passes that game, and chipped in with some great crosses that his teammates just couldn’t finish. He ended up scoring the equalizer (who else, lol) with an expertly taken header that amazed even the commentators. All of Poland’s hope rests on this man, as they will be hoping to eke out a win against Sweden while also increasing the goal difference.

And that sums up our Euros coverage.

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Canada (World Cup qualifiers)

Alphonso Davies: Canada and Davies are just flying high. They have won ALL their World Cup Qualifier games, scoring 15 goals in just 4 games and conceding NONE.

Davies featured in all the games, scoring 2 and setting up 7 in the process. He’s been in superb form, and it feels good to see the Davies we all knew from last season back and thriving in that left wing back role. For Canada, he is their left back AND left winger, and he does both jobs excellently.

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Canada seems all set to qualify for the world cup. Davies will next take part in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and will be looking to go the distance with Canada.

Pretty decent from the Bavarian Boys™ overall, eh?