Learn English Through Football

The 2016 European Championships kick off next weekend and so we are building up to the tournament by previewing all six of the groups. Today’s listening practice looks at group A with hosts France, Romania, Albania and Switzerland. Listen to the report by clicking below, while explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the bottom of the post.

Euro 2016 Preview – Group A
France
Les Bleus The hosts come into the tournament in very good form and are seen as one of the favourites to lift the trophy on July 10th. Les Bleus have twice won international tournaments when hosting the event (the European Championship in 1984 and the World Cup in 1998) and will be hoping to do so for a third time this year. Despite an off-the-field controversy involving striker Karim Benzema and midfielder Matthieu Valbuena which saw both players dropped from the final squad, the French have a powerful look to their side with Lloris, Griezmann, Payet, Pogba and Matuidi all likely to start. They should qualify from the group that is regarded as being the easiest in the competition and if the draw is kind to them in the knock-out stages they could go all the way.
Switzerland
The Swiss have never qualified for the knock-out stagesThe Swiss side qualified fairly comfortably for this year’s tournament after finishing second behind England and though they are tipped by many to come out of this group the feeling is that they may not go much further in the tournament. Their main man is Stoke City forward Xherdan Shaqiri though many fans in England will be interested in Granit Xhaka now that he has made the move from German football to Arsenal. It will also be interesting to see how he reacts when he lines up against his brother Taulant who plays for group rivals Albania.
Romania
Only one win in 12 previous attempts at European Championships Romania have not played in a European Championship since 2008 and have only won once in their 12 previous appearances in the finals – that was against England in 2000. The Tricolorii only scored 11 times in qualifying, including four against the Faroe Islands, so finding the net is clearly their weak spot though with a settled defence that includes former Spurs player Chiriches they will make it difficult for their opponents in France.
Albania
DebutantesSurprisingly qualified for their first ever major tournament by knocking out more fancied sides Serbia and Denmark. Albania only conceded five goals in their qualification campaign and the Eagles will need to maintain this strong defence if they are to have a chance. Their game against Switzerland will be interesting as many players from both sides share Albanian or Kosovan heritage and if the Albanians can get something from that opener then who knows?
Prediction
France will clearly make it through this group without any difficulties at all but it will be a battle for second with the match between Albania and Switzerland in Lens on June 11th to be the decider. It should be the Swiss – but only just.


Euro 2016 Group A



Country
Nationality
Nickname
FIFA Ranking



France
French
Les Bleus
17


Switzerland
Swiss
Nati
15


Romania
Romanian
Tricolorii
22


Albania
Albanian
Eagles
42