Euro 2016: Goldman Sachs predicts Belgium vs. France final

 

Investment bank, Goldman Sachs, has predicted that the final match at the ongoing Euro 2016 will be between star-studded Belgium and host nation, France.

Using complex algorithms and econometric methods, researchers at Goldman Sachs have been able to prune down the thirty-two teams, which started the tournament to 2.

So far, sixty-nine goals have been scored from thirty-six games played at the group stages.

France, clearly the favourites

France’s progress in the tournament has more to do with superb form of West Ham star, Dimitri Payet. His two goals helped Les Bleus dispatched Romania and Albania to leave the hosts sitting top of Group A.

Coached by former France player and tournament winner, Didier Deschamps, the team netted four goals and conceded only one in the group stages, a sign of solid backline and deadly frontline.

With Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezman in France team, and the support of the fans as the host nation, Deschamps could rule Europe once again and bring the memories of Euro 2000 where he won the tournament as a player.

Belgium’s chance at history

With stars like Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and inspiring Everton striker, Romelu Lukaku, who have registered two goals in Euro 2016, making up the Belgium side, it will be no surprise to see the team reach the final stage of the biggest tournament in European football.

Coach Marc Wilmots parades the youngest side in the tournament that play for top clubs in Europe.

The qualities in the Belgium side might be the x-factor that could see them reach the final stage. Wilmots’ team showed enough quality in the their game against the Republic of Ireland, and the 1-0 victory over Sweden, to justify their qualifications.

The odds favour France who have won the tournament in 2000.

Anthony Nlebem