Italy reached the Final of Euro 2012 after a 2-1 victory over Germany, last night.
"Super" Mario Balotelli was the Italian hero after he grabbed a first half brace to put the Italians 2-0 up. Mezut Ozil scored a stoppage time penalty for Germany but it was too little, too late for Joachim Low's men.
Italy were deserving winners and could have won by more, if they had taken their chances when Germany were pushing extra men forward.
The Italians started the game well and it wasn't long before Mario Balotelli gave them the lead with a close range header. The Germans looked shell shocked and they soon found themselves 2-0 down. Mario Balotelli blasted the ball into the top corner when one on one with German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer.
Germany began taking the game to Italy and for long periods they were camped inside the Italian half but they could not break down the strong Italian defence. As the game wore on, Italy were looking dangerous on the counter attack and could have got the third goal to seal the victory. As it was, they were wasteful with their chances and could not add to Balotelli's two goals.
In injury time, Germany were presented with a lifeline when they got a penalty kick. Mezut Ozil scored but they were unable to create any more chances and it was Italy who reached Sunday's Final against Spain.
The Final will be a repeat of the opening game in Group C. On that occasion the game finished 1-1 with Italy going ahead through Antonio Di Natale, before Cesc Fabregas levelled for Spain. It was quite a tactical battle as Italy lined up with 3 at the back and had Daniele De Rossi playing in a Libero role. Spain had caused controversy by lining up with no recognised strikers.
Both coaches have changed their systems since then. Italy have been playing a 4-4-2 diamond with Andrea Pirlo conducting play from the deep lying midfield role. Spain have gone back and forth between playing a recognised striker and not. Fernando Torres has started twice and Alvaro Negredo started in the Semi-Final. In the other two games, Spain have lined up with Cesc Fabregas in a false number 9 role.
I expect we will hear a lot about formations, tactics and systems in the days running up to the Final. In my own opinion Italy have looked better since changing to the 4-4-2 diamond and Spain have looked better with a recognised striker but I expect both sides will try to counter the other and go back to the way they played in the opening game.
The Final will be another tough battle and it is almost impossible to call. Spain haven’t looked great in this tournament but they have still got to the Final. Their status as reigning World and European Champions shows what they are capable of and if they play well on the night they will be hard to beat. Italy didn’t start very well but have been getting better as the tournament goes on. If they can improve, again, from their Semi-Final performance, there is no reason why Europe can’t be saluting Italy on Sunday night as the European Champions.
Friday 29 June 2012
Thursday 28 June 2012
Semi-Final - Germany v Italy
Tonights second Semi-Final sees Germany take on Italy in Warsaw.
Germany have made a few changes & have gone back to the side that came through the group stages with one exception. Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller is replaced by club team mate Toni Kroos. I expect Kroos to spend a lot of the game covering Italian star, Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo was dominant against England and I expect Joachim Low sees him as the biggest threat to Germany's chances.
At this point Germany have 14 wins from 14 games in qualifying & the Finals. It is hard to find fault with them & they appear to have different options for every eventuality. Joachim Low has made few changes throughout the Finals but when he has they have worked perfectly. With Boateng suspended for the Denmark game he brought in Lars Bender & he responded by scoring the winning goal. Against Greece he made 3 changes & 2 of them scored goals. If Low says Kroos is starting in the Semi-Final then we have every reason to believe it will be the right choice.
Italy welcome back Giorgio Chiellini into their lineup & he will most likely start at left-back. Italy keep faith in Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano up front.
Italy have been decent so far but unfortunately for them, decent is unlikely to be good enough to beat Germany. Italy have to be better than they have been up to now and they most definitely cannot afford to be as wasteful in front of goal as they were against England.
I think this will be another tight game and wouldn't be at all surprised to see another penalty shootout decide the victor. However, I think the Germans possess more quality & think they can edge a close encounter.
Germany 1-0 Italy
Germany have made a few changes & have gone back to the side that came through the group stages with one exception. Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller is replaced by club team mate Toni Kroos. I expect Kroos to spend a lot of the game covering Italian star, Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo was dominant against England and I expect Joachim Low sees him as the biggest threat to Germany's chances.
At this point Germany have 14 wins from 14 games in qualifying & the Finals. It is hard to find fault with them & they appear to have different options for every eventuality. Joachim Low has made few changes throughout the Finals but when he has they have worked perfectly. With Boateng suspended for the Denmark game he brought in Lars Bender & he responded by scoring the winning goal. Against Greece he made 3 changes & 2 of them scored goals. If Low says Kroos is starting in the Semi-Final then we have every reason to believe it will be the right choice.
Italy welcome back Giorgio Chiellini into their lineup & he will most likely start at left-back. Italy keep faith in Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano up front.
Italy have been decent so far but unfortunately for them, decent is unlikely to be good enough to beat Germany. Italy have to be better than they have been up to now and they most definitely cannot afford to be as wasteful in front of goal as they were against England.
I think this will be another tight game and wouldn't be at all surprised to see another penalty shootout decide the victor. However, I think the Germans possess more quality & think they can edge a close encounter.
Germany 1-0 Italy
Spain 0-0 Portugal (Spain won 4-2 on pens)
Spain reached their third major tournament final in a row after a penalty shootout victory over Portugal.
The game itself was quite a dour, goalless affair. Spain once again had the majority of possession but didn't give Rui Patricio , in the Portugal goal, much to worry about.
Spain lined up with Alvaro Negredo in attack but he didn’t see much of the ball and was subbed in the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the danger man for Portugal but once again he failed to bring his shooting boots. The Real Madrid man had seven shots on goal but was unable to get any of them on target. He had a superb chance to win the tie for Portugal but his shot went high and wide of Iker Casillas’ goal.
The game was quite bad tempered and by the end nine players were given a yellow card by referee, Cuneyt Cakir of Turkey.
Portugal deserve a lot of credit for their work off the ball. They pressed the Spanish high up the pitch and forced them to make errors. Spain were unable to get into their usual flow and Portugal were able to keep them out quite comfortably in the 90 minutes of normal time.
It wasn’t until extra-time that Portugal began to tire and Spain managed to create a few openings. Andres Iniesta and Jesus Navas were both denied by good goalkeeping from Rui Patricio.
Spain were unable to find the breakthrough and the game went to a penalty shootout.
Both goalkeepers got off to a good start with saves from Xabi Alonso and Joao Moutinho, respectively. The next four penalties were taken by Iniesta, Pepe, Pique and Nani. All four were converted and the score was 2-2 after each side had taken 3 penalties.
Real Madrids, Sergio Ramos stepped up to take Spain's fourth penalty & in true Andrea Pirlo fashion, he dinked the ball straight down the middle to give Spain a 3-2 lead. It was very gutsy, especially when you consider the last penalty he hit, in the Champions League Semi-Final defeat to Bayern Munich, is still orbiting in the earth's atmosphere somewhere.
Portugal's fourth penalty taker was Bruno Alves. Alves had stepped up to take the third penalty only to be called back by Nani. When he eventually stepped up to take one he looked a very nervous man & blasted his kick off the bar.
This left Cesc Fabregas with the simple task of, score and it's another Final for Spain. Cesc stepped up & although it wasn't the best connection, the ball hit the inside of the post & went across the line.
Spain have been far from their best in this competition & I believe the man responsible for that is manager, Vicente del Bosque. It seems to me, Spain have reached the Final despite him & definitely not because of him. I don't think he knows what the best formation or system is for Spain. He has been changing back and forward between the false number 9 style & playing a recognised striker. He has changed it during most matches & Spain have suffered due to his uncertainties.
However, Spain do find themselves in yet another Final & only a fool would rule them out of retaining their European crown. They can become the first side to win three consecutive major tournaments & no matter who they meet in the Final, Spain will be a very difficult side to beat.
The game itself was quite a dour, goalless affair. Spain once again had the majority of possession but didn't give Rui Patricio , in the Portugal goal, much to worry about.
Spain lined up with Alvaro Negredo in attack but he didn’t see much of the ball and was subbed in the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the danger man for Portugal but once again he failed to bring his shooting boots. The Real Madrid man had seven shots on goal but was unable to get any of them on target. He had a superb chance to win the tie for Portugal but his shot went high and wide of Iker Casillas’ goal.
The game was quite bad tempered and by the end nine players were given a yellow card by referee, Cuneyt Cakir of Turkey.
Portugal deserve a lot of credit for their work off the ball. They pressed the Spanish high up the pitch and forced them to make errors. Spain were unable to get into their usual flow and Portugal were able to keep them out quite comfortably in the 90 minutes of normal time.
It wasn’t until extra-time that Portugal began to tire and Spain managed to create a few openings. Andres Iniesta and Jesus Navas were both denied by good goalkeeping from Rui Patricio.
Spain were unable to find the breakthrough and the game went to a penalty shootout.
Both goalkeepers got off to a good start with saves from Xabi Alonso and Joao Moutinho, respectively. The next four penalties were taken by Iniesta, Pepe, Pique and Nani. All four were converted and the score was 2-2 after each side had taken 3 penalties.
Real Madrids, Sergio Ramos stepped up to take Spain's fourth penalty & in true Andrea Pirlo fashion, he dinked the ball straight down the middle to give Spain a 3-2 lead. It was very gutsy, especially when you consider the last penalty he hit, in the Champions League Semi-Final defeat to Bayern Munich, is still orbiting in the earth's atmosphere somewhere.
Portugal's fourth penalty taker was Bruno Alves. Alves had stepped up to take the third penalty only to be called back by Nani. When he eventually stepped up to take one he looked a very nervous man & blasted his kick off the bar.
This left Cesc Fabregas with the simple task of, score and it's another Final for Spain. Cesc stepped up & although it wasn't the best connection, the ball hit the inside of the post & went across the line.
Spain have been far from their best in this competition & I believe the man responsible for that is manager, Vicente del Bosque. It seems to me, Spain have reached the Final despite him & definitely not because of him. I don't think he knows what the best formation or system is for Spain. He has been changing back and forward between the false number 9 style & playing a recognised striker. He has changed it during most matches & Spain have suffered due to his uncertainties.
However, Spain do find themselves in yet another Final & only a fool would rule them out of retaining their European crown. They can become the first side to win three consecutive major tournaments & no matter who they meet in the Final, Spain will be a very difficult side to beat.
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Semi-Final - Spain v Portugal
The first of the Semi-Finals takes place tonight with an all Iberian Peninsula clash between Spain and Portugal.
Spain got here after a simple win over France in the Quarter-Final. Portugal had an equally comfortable victory over Czech Rep although it did take them 80 minutes to break the deadlock in that game.
Spain have made one change to the starting lineup that started sgainst France. Sevilla striker, Alvaro Negredo starts up front in place of Fabregas. I have watched Negredo a few times for Sevilla and I think he could be the missing link in this Spain team. He is lively and will not be afraid to have a shot if he gets the slightest opportunity.
If Spain can keep possession like they have done in every game so far, then Silva & Iniesta will be able to create openings for Negredo to take advantage of.
Previously Spain have lined up with Torres & Fabregas in that position. Fabregas isn't a natural striker & since Torres has been through his bad run, he has appeared shot shy on occasions.
Portugal will no doubt look to get star man, Cristiano Ronaldo, involved as much as possible. Ronaldo can hurt any team in the world but I think Portugal will struggle to get the ball to him.
Everyone raves about how good Spain are in possession which is justified. However, few people mention how good Spain are when they don't have the ball. When Spain lose possession they are instantly all over the opposition, hunting in packs and forcing mistakes.
Ronaldo is not going to see as much of the ball as he has in the first 4 games. When he does get it he is going to have 3 or 4 Spaniards around him. If Portugal are to cause an upset here I think the key will be to use the spaces created due to the extra attention Ronaldo will receive.
Portugal will give Spain a decent game but I expect Spain to once again have a lot of possession & nick a narrow victory.
Spain 1-0 Portugal
Spain got here after a simple win over France in the Quarter-Final. Portugal had an equally comfortable victory over Czech Rep although it did take them 80 minutes to break the deadlock in that game.
Spain have made one change to the starting lineup that started sgainst France. Sevilla striker, Alvaro Negredo starts up front in place of Fabregas. I have watched Negredo a few times for Sevilla and I think he could be the missing link in this Spain team. He is lively and will not be afraid to have a shot if he gets the slightest opportunity.
If Spain can keep possession like they have done in every game so far, then Silva & Iniesta will be able to create openings for Negredo to take advantage of.
Previously Spain have lined up with Torres & Fabregas in that position. Fabregas isn't a natural striker & since Torres has been through his bad run, he has appeared shot shy on occasions.
Portugal will no doubt look to get star man, Cristiano Ronaldo, involved as much as possible. Ronaldo can hurt any team in the world but I think Portugal will struggle to get the ball to him.
Everyone raves about how good Spain are in possession which is justified. However, few people mention how good Spain are when they don't have the ball. When Spain lose possession they are instantly all over the opposition, hunting in packs and forcing mistakes.
Ronaldo is not going to see as much of the ball as he has in the first 4 games. When he does get it he is going to have 3 or 4 Spaniards around him. If Portugal are to cause an upset here I think the key will be to use the spaces created due to the extra attention Ronaldo will receive.
Portugal will give Spain a decent game but I expect Spain to once again have a lot of possession & nick a narrow victory.
Spain 1-0 Portugal
Tuesday 26 June 2012
Goal Line Technology? Yes, please!
The debate for goal line technology has raised its ugly head again after Ukraine were denied a certain goal against England in their final Group D clash last week.
Ukraine needed a victory to go through to the Quarter-Finals but fell behind shortly after half-time. After 60 minutes the ball fell to Marko Devic and he managed to get a shot past England goalkeeper, Joe Hart and the ball was looping towards goal. John Terry acrobatically dived, swung a foot at the ball and managed to clear it. It was a superb clearance from the former England captain but when television replays looked at the incident it became apparent that the ball had crossed the line. Quite how the goal line assistant managed to miss it is a mystery.
This debate is not a new thing. Ever since Geoff Hurst in 1966, and probably before it, there have been debates about balls crossing or not crossing the line in key matches. This season alone there have been three high profile examples were goal line technology could have been used to rule on cases were the referee got the decision wrong.
In the FA Cup, Chelsea, the eventual winners benefited from two huge decisions in the Semi-Final and the Final.
In the Semi-Final they led 1-0 at half-time. Just after the restart Juan Mata had a shot which came back out after a goal mouth scramble involving Ledley King, Benoit Essou-Akotto and John Terry. The referee decided the ball had gone across the line but the television cameras suggested otherwise. Chelsea went onto win this game 5-1 but the importance of that "ghost goal" can not be underestimated.
Tottenham players will have received instructions from manager Harry Redknapp on how to get back into the game, just 4 minutes later they were 2-0 down and it wasn't even a goal. Tottenham were forced to go chasing the game after that and Chelsea picked them off to move on to the FA Cup Final.
In that FA Cup Final, with the score at 2-1 to Chelsea, Liverpool striker, Andy Carroll rose to meet a cross and his header was clawed back out by Petr Cech. When the replays were shown it looked as though the ball was right on the line but on further inspection Petr Cech's hand was not in contact with the ball. This would suggest that the whole ball had in fact crossed the line and the game would have been level and approaching extra-time. As it was Chelsea hang on for the remaining minutes and secured another FA Cup.
In the Premier League, Clint Hill's header was goal bound until Adam Bogdan managed to get across his goal and make a superb stop. The only problem was television replays showed the ball was well over the line by the time Bolton stopper, Bogdan got his hand on it. This was a huge goal, as both teams were in the middle of a relegation battle. Bolton took the much needed 3 points in that game. In the end it was Bolton who went down and QPR managed to stay up but it was tight until the very end and could so easily have gone the other way. Premier League is big business and relegation means the loss of millions of pounds.
Bolton know that better that anyone. Back in 1997, they were denied a goal when Gerry Taggarts shot was cleared “off the line” by Everton’s Terry Phelan. Television replays confirmed the ball was over the line and the game finished 0-0. By the end of the season the league table showed Bolton and Everton level on points with Bolton getting relegated on Goal Difference. If the referee or his assistant had spotted the ball going over the line then Everton would have been relegated in Bolton’s place.
There have been numerous other instances, Roy Carroll dropping the ball behind the line against Tottenham, Luis Garcia’s goal that never was against Chelsea in the Champion’s League Semi-Final and the absolutely shocking goal that was given in a game between Watford and Reading when a Reading shot went out for a goal kick but the referee and his assistant decided the ball had gone into the net.
Needless to say something needs to happen to prevent this in the future. I am absolutely delighted that there is due to be a vote taken in early July to decide on whether goal line technology is to be introduced. Surely there is only one answer here and the IFAB will vote to introduce this technology.
Many of those opposed to Goal Line Technology bring up the argument that it would stop the flow of play. Would a few seconds to get a decision right really stop the flow of a game for that long? Statistics suggest that in an average game the ball is in play for between 60 and 70 minutes. That is one third of a match. Would it really interrupt a game for so long that it wouldn’t be worth getting the decision correct? I imagine if you asked any team who have suffered from this if they feel a short delay is worth it you would get a resounding yes.
Anytime I’ve watched another sport that uses technology to make key decisions it’s always one of the most exciting parts of the game. Whether its cricket, rugby or tennis every time the hawk eye or video ref is called for the excitement in the crowd reaches fever pitch. Could you imagine in the dying minutes of that FA Cup Final at Wembley, Petr Cech claws out Andy Carrolls header and the referee calls for the use of the goal line technology. Suddenly you have a stadium full of frantic fans. 30,000 fans in blue biting their finger nails, with their heads in their hands praying for a reprieve. 30,000 fans in red biting their finger nails and ready to explode in celebration if the decision goes their way. The decision comes through and it’s a goal. One half of the stadium goes into raptures & the other half sink in despair. Who in their right mind does not want a piece of that? Football is one of, if not the best game on the planet. Let’s take a great product and make it even better.
Another argument against technology is, when do we draw the line? Can the referee just refer every dubious decision to the men upstairs?
At this point I’d suggest something similar to the rules applied by the NFL. Every scoring play in American Football is automatically reviewed. After a goal there is always a delay as the scoring team celebrate their goal. Whilst they are celebrating would it be possible for some kind of video referee to view the goal? This would enable referees and their assistants to confirm if they had got offside decisions correct as well as the rare ocassions when there is doubt over a ball crossing the goal line.
Football is now much more than a game and has become a huge industry with billions of pounds at stake. It's very unfair to expect any business to suffer due to an honest mistake made by an individual when the technology is available to guarantee accurate decisions.
In any other business in the world if a product became available that would improve that sport or business, it would be snapped up. Why are we still having this debate? There's only one answer to the problem and the IFAB owe it to football fans all over the world to make the right choice!
Ukraine needed a victory to go through to the Quarter-Finals but fell behind shortly after half-time. After 60 minutes the ball fell to Marko Devic and he managed to get a shot past England goalkeeper, Joe Hart and the ball was looping towards goal. John Terry acrobatically dived, swung a foot at the ball and managed to clear it. It was a superb clearance from the former England captain but when television replays looked at the incident it became apparent that the ball had crossed the line. Quite how the goal line assistant managed to miss it is a mystery.
This debate is not a new thing. Ever since Geoff Hurst in 1966, and probably before it, there have been debates about balls crossing or not crossing the line in key matches. This season alone there have been three high profile examples were goal line technology could have been used to rule on cases were the referee got the decision wrong.
In the FA Cup, Chelsea, the eventual winners benefited from two huge decisions in the Semi-Final and the Final.
In the Semi-Final they led 1-0 at half-time. Just after the restart Juan Mata had a shot which came back out after a goal mouth scramble involving Ledley King, Benoit Essou-Akotto and John Terry. The referee decided the ball had gone across the line but the television cameras suggested otherwise. Chelsea went onto win this game 5-1 but the importance of that "ghost goal" can not be underestimated.
Tottenham players will have received instructions from manager Harry Redknapp on how to get back into the game, just 4 minutes later they were 2-0 down and it wasn't even a goal. Tottenham were forced to go chasing the game after that and Chelsea picked them off to move on to the FA Cup Final.
In that FA Cup Final, with the score at 2-1 to Chelsea, Liverpool striker, Andy Carroll rose to meet a cross and his header was clawed back out by Petr Cech. When the replays were shown it looked as though the ball was right on the line but on further inspection Petr Cech's hand was not in contact with the ball. This would suggest that the whole ball had in fact crossed the line and the game would have been level and approaching extra-time. As it was Chelsea hang on for the remaining minutes and secured another FA Cup.
In the Premier League, Clint Hill's header was goal bound until Adam Bogdan managed to get across his goal and make a superb stop. The only problem was television replays showed the ball was well over the line by the time Bolton stopper, Bogdan got his hand on it. This was a huge goal, as both teams were in the middle of a relegation battle. Bolton took the much needed 3 points in that game. In the end it was Bolton who went down and QPR managed to stay up but it was tight until the very end and could so easily have gone the other way. Premier League is big business and relegation means the loss of millions of pounds.
Bolton know that better that anyone. Back in 1997, they were denied a goal when Gerry Taggarts shot was cleared “off the line” by Everton’s Terry Phelan. Television replays confirmed the ball was over the line and the game finished 0-0. By the end of the season the league table showed Bolton and Everton level on points with Bolton getting relegated on Goal Difference. If the referee or his assistant had spotted the ball going over the line then Everton would have been relegated in Bolton’s place.
There have been numerous other instances, Roy Carroll dropping the ball behind the line against Tottenham, Luis Garcia’s goal that never was against Chelsea in the Champion’s League Semi-Final and the absolutely shocking goal that was given in a game between Watford and Reading when a Reading shot went out for a goal kick but the referee and his assistant decided the ball had gone into the net.
Needless to say something needs to happen to prevent this in the future. I am absolutely delighted that there is due to be a vote taken in early July to decide on whether goal line technology is to be introduced. Surely there is only one answer here and the IFAB will vote to introduce this technology.
Many of those opposed to Goal Line Technology bring up the argument that it would stop the flow of play. Would a few seconds to get a decision right really stop the flow of a game for that long? Statistics suggest that in an average game the ball is in play for between 60 and 70 minutes. That is one third of a match. Would it really interrupt a game for so long that it wouldn’t be worth getting the decision correct? I imagine if you asked any team who have suffered from this if they feel a short delay is worth it you would get a resounding yes.
Anytime I’ve watched another sport that uses technology to make key decisions it’s always one of the most exciting parts of the game. Whether its cricket, rugby or tennis every time the hawk eye or video ref is called for the excitement in the crowd reaches fever pitch. Could you imagine in the dying minutes of that FA Cup Final at Wembley, Petr Cech claws out Andy Carrolls header and the referee calls for the use of the goal line technology. Suddenly you have a stadium full of frantic fans. 30,000 fans in blue biting their finger nails, with their heads in their hands praying for a reprieve. 30,000 fans in red biting their finger nails and ready to explode in celebration if the decision goes their way. The decision comes through and it’s a goal. One half of the stadium goes into raptures & the other half sink in despair. Who in their right mind does not want a piece of that? Football is one of, if not the best game on the planet. Let’s take a great product and make it even better.
Another argument against technology is, when do we draw the line? Can the referee just refer every dubious decision to the men upstairs?
At this point I’d suggest something similar to the rules applied by the NFL. Every scoring play in American Football is automatically reviewed. After a goal there is always a delay as the scoring team celebrate their goal. Whilst they are celebrating would it be possible for some kind of video referee to view the goal? This would enable referees and their assistants to confirm if they had got offside decisions correct as well as the rare ocassions when there is doubt over a ball crossing the goal line.
Football is now much more than a game and has become a huge industry with billions of pounds at stake. It's very unfair to expect any business to suffer due to an honest mistake made by an individual when the technology is available to guarantee accurate decisions.
In any other business in the world if a product became available that would improve that sport or business, it would be snapped up. Why are we still having this debate? There's only one answer to the problem and the IFAB owe it to football fans all over the world to make the right choice!
Italy 0-0 England (Italy win 4-2 on pens)
Italy came through a penalty shootout to seal the last Semi-Final spot and set up a clash with Germany.
Nobody can deny Italy deserved their victory but once it gets to a penalty shootout anyone can win.
England started off quite well and had two or three good chances early on. Glen Johnson should have done better from 6 yards but the ball seemed to get caught in his feet and he could only scoop the ball straight at Buffon. Wayne Rooney was unlucky with a header and Danny Welbeck went close after a nice passing move between him & Rooney.
Italy were also unlucky in the opening minutes with Daniele De Rossi's speculative effort struck the inside of the post & came back out into play.
After England's good start, it wasn't long before the Italians began to dominate. England had lined up in a flat 4-4-2 and the Italians were playing a narrow 4-4-2 diamond. This left the Italians with an extra man in the middle & Pirlo then dropped into the space between the midfield and defence. Due to being light in the middle the English wingers were being dragged into the centre & this left the Italian full backs with a free run up the wings & they kept England in their own half for most of the game.
Such was the Italian dominance a comfortable victory of three or four nil would not have been a flattering scoreline. However, England deserve credit as their defence and midfield worked extremely hard to keep the Italians score at nil.
Balotelli was lively throughout & could have grabbed a few goals but was denied by a mixture of bad finishing, good goalkeeping & good defending.
The overwhelming Man of the Match was Italys, Andrea Pirlo. He ran the game from his deep lying midfield position & managed to complete 115 passes which was 32 more than his nearest rival, Riccardo Montolivo. Englands top passer was Ashley Cole with 33. Eight Italians completed more passes than Ashley Cole which emphasises how dominant Italy were.
Despite all the Italian possession and chances they couldn't break down the tough English defence in 120 minutes so the game went to a penalty shootout.
After both teams scored their first penalty it was suddenly advantage, England. Montolivo missed the target & Wayne Rooney scored for England to put them ahead 2-1 after two penalties each.
Andrea Pirlo stepped up next for Italy to score one of the gutsiest penalties you are ever likely to see. With Italy behind in the shootout the pressure was firmly on Pirlo to keep them in the tie. The Juventus man stepped up and dinked the ball straight down the middle. Had England keeper, Joe Hart, stood his ground it would have been one of the easiest saves of his career but he had dived to his right & Pirlo scored.
Ashley Young stepped up for England & summed up his entire tournament in one kick. He struck the cross bar & the scores were now level at 2-2 after 3 penalties each.
Nocerino scored for Italy & the pressure was now on Ashley Cole. Cole hit a weak penalty & Buffon was able to get down to his left to make the save. Italy were now ahead & Alessandro Diamanti would have the opportunity to send his side into the Semi-Finals. Diamanti sent Hart the wrong way and it was yet more penalty heartbreak for England.
Italy will now play Germany in Thursday's Semi-Final. Germany have been very impressive so far. They have a 100% record throughout the Finals and qualifying. Italy will have to improve again and play better than they have so far to have any chance of beating the Germans.
Nobody can deny Italy deserved their victory but once it gets to a penalty shootout anyone can win.
England started off quite well and had two or three good chances early on. Glen Johnson should have done better from 6 yards but the ball seemed to get caught in his feet and he could only scoop the ball straight at Buffon. Wayne Rooney was unlucky with a header and Danny Welbeck went close after a nice passing move between him & Rooney.
Italy were also unlucky in the opening minutes with Daniele De Rossi's speculative effort struck the inside of the post & came back out into play.
After England's good start, it wasn't long before the Italians began to dominate. England had lined up in a flat 4-4-2 and the Italians were playing a narrow 4-4-2 diamond. This left the Italians with an extra man in the middle & Pirlo then dropped into the space between the midfield and defence. Due to being light in the middle the English wingers were being dragged into the centre & this left the Italian full backs with a free run up the wings & they kept England in their own half for most of the game.
Such was the Italian dominance a comfortable victory of three or four nil would not have been a flattering scoreline. However, England deserve credit as their defence and midfield worked extremely hard to keep the Italians score at nil.
Balotelli was lively throughout & could have grabbed a few goals but was denied by a mixture of bad finishing, good goalkeeping & good defending.
The overwhelming Man of the Match was Italys, Andrea Pirlo. He ran the game from his deep lying midfield position & managed to complete 115 passes which was 32 more than his nearest rival, Riccardo Montolivo. Englands top passer was Ashley Cole with 33. Eight Italians completed more passes than Ashley Cole which emphasises how dominant Italy were.
Despite all the Italian possession and chances they couldn't break down the tough English defence in 120 minutes so the game went to a penalty shootout.
After both teams scored their first penalty it was suddenly advantage, England. Montolivo missed the target & Wayne Rooney scored for England to put them ahead 2-1 after two penalties each.
Andrea Pirlo stepped up next for Italy to score one of the gutsiest penalties you are ever likely to see. With Italy behind in the shootout the pressure was firmly on Pirlo to keep them in the tie. The Juventus man stepped up and dinked the ball straight down the middle. Had England keeper, Joe Hart, stood his ground it would have been one of the easiest saves of his career but he had dived to his right & Pirlo scored.
Ashley Young stepped up for England & summed up his entire tournament in one kick. He struck the cross bar & the scores were now level at 2-2 after 3 penalties each.
Nocerino scored for Italy & the pressure was now on Ashley Cole. Cole hit a weak penalty & Buffon was able to get down to his left to make the save. Italy were now ahead & Alessandro Diamanti would have the opportunity to send his side into the Semi-Finals. Diamanti sent Hart the wrong way and it was yet more penalty heartbreak for England.
Italy will now play Germany in Thursday's Semi-Final. Germany have been very impressive so far. They have a 100% record throughout the Finals and qualifying. Italy will have to improve again and play better than they have so far to have any chance of beating the Germans.
Sunday 24 June 2012
Quarter-Final - England v Italy
England & Italy will complete the Quarter-Finals when they face off tonight in Kiev.
Roy Hodgsons, England, got here on the back of a draw with France, followed by wins over Sweden & Ukraine. That was enough to top Group D.
Italy claimed second in Group C after a win over Ireland and draws with Spain & Croatia.
Neither side have been great in this tournament but they have both done enough to get them through.
England look better under Hodgson. Previous English managers have been criticised over the style of football they play but there seems to be an attitude of we're not very good & we're just pleased to be here among the media & the fans.
This change of attitude has allowed Roy Hodgson to play to England's strengths which is far from the free flowing style previous managers have been forced to play.
England are able to play a more containing style & it suits them perfectly. England are quite strong in defence and they also possess a lot of pace in attack. Counter attacking football is perfect for this current England squad.
This England side remind me in many ways of the Greece side who won in 2004. Neither would be considered when discussing the best teams in the tournament but both have a great team spirit and will to win. The one difference in the two is that England do have one or two players who could be regarded as world class.
However, it is very difficult to play this containing style throughout a whole tournament. To win you will always require an amount of luck which so far England have had in abundance.
The bizarre Walcott goal in the Sweden game and the "ghost goal" in the Ukraine game are examples of this. If lady luck stays on their side and players like Terry, Cole, Gerrard & Rooney are at their best then England might just be crowned European Champions next Sunday.
Italy appear to have stuck to their 4-4-2 diamond formation, from the 2-0 victory over Ireland.
I expect Pirlo to be the deep midfielder and Montolivo to play behind the strikers. De Rossi and Marchisio should form a narrow 2 in the centre. Fullbacks, Abate and Balzaretti will be expected to get forward and provide width for the Italians.
Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano line up in attack for Italy and I do believe it is the right decision. Both have looked lively in the group games and I have been particularly impressed by Balotellis hold up play, something we have saw little of for Man City.
England players will no doubt have plenty to say to Balotelli as it is well known he isn't the hardest player to wind up but as long as Balotelli lets his football do the talking he can be the difference here.
I expect Italy will have large amounts of possession, but it will take the creativity of Pirlo or Montolivo to break down a difficult England defence. Italy will have to be wary not to push too many bodies forward as Rooney, Welbeck and Young all possess the pace to hurt the Italian defence.
I think this game will be tight and expect we could see the first penalty shootout of Euro 2012.
England 1-1 Italy (aet)
Roy Hodgsons, England, got here on the back of a draw with France, followed by wins over Sweden & Ukraine. That was enough to top Group D.
Italy claimed second in Group C after a win over Ireland and draws with Spain & Croatia.
Neither side have been great in this tournament but they have both done enough to get them through.
England look better under Hodgson. Previous English managers have been criticised over the style of football they play but there seems to be an attitude of we're not very good & we're just pleased to be here among the media & the fans.
This change of attitude has allowed Roy Hodgson to play to England's strengths which is far from the free flowing style previous managers have been forced to play.
England are able to play a more containing style & it suits them perfectly. England are quite strong in defence and they also possess a lot of pace in attack. Counter attacking football is perfect for this current England squad.
This England side remind me in many ways of the Greece side who won in 2004. Neither would be considered when discussing the best teams in the tournament but both have a great team spirit and will to win. The one difference in the two is that England do have one or two players who could be regarded as world class.
However, it is very difficult to play this containing style throughout a whole tournament. To win you will always require an amount of luck which so far England have had in abundance.
The bizarre Walcott goal in the Sweden game and the "ghost goal" in the Ukraine game are examples of this. If lady luck stays on their side and players like Terry, Cole, Gerrard & Rooney are at their best then England might just be crowned European Champions next Sunday.
Italy appear to have stuck to their 4-4-2 diamond formation, from the 2-0 victory over Ireland.
I expect Pirlo to be the deep midfielder and Montolivo to play behind the strikers. De Rossi and Marchisio should form a narrow 2 in the centre. Fullbacks, Abate and Balzaretti will be expected to get forward and provide width for the Italians.
Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano line up in attack for Italy and I do believe it is the right decision. Both have looked lively in the group games and I have been particularly impressed by Balotellis hold up play, something we have saw little of for Man City.
England players will no doubt have plenty to say to Balotelli as it is well known he isn't the hardest player to wind up but as long as Balotelli lets his football do the talking he can be the difference here.
I expect Italy will have large amounts of possession, but it will take the creativity of Pirlo or Montolivo to break down a difficult England defence. Italy will have to be wary not to push too many bodies forward as Rooney, Welbeck and Young all possess the pace to hurt the Italian defence.
I think this game will be tight and expect we could see the first penalty shootout of Euro 2012.
England 1-1 Italy (aet)
Spain 2-0 France
Spain set up a Semi-Final clash with Portugal after a 2-0 victory over France.
It was a classic performance from Spain. They took the lead after 20 minutes and never looked like losing it. The goal was once again down to the creativity of my player of the tournament so far, Iniesta. After some good work he released Jordi Alba down the left wing and his pinpoint cross was headed into the goal by Xabi Alonso.
After the goal Spain were content to keep possession. On the few occasions France got the ball they didn't really trouble Spain and only had one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes.
Spain had 60% of possession and much like in their World Cup campaign seemed content to win 1-0. It looked as though that would be the final score until Pedro went down easily under a challenge from Anthony Reveillere. Xabi Alonso stepped up to grab his brace and seal a 2-0 victory for Spain.
The penalty was perhaps a bit soft but Spain should have had one in the first half when Cesc Fabregas was taken down by Gael Clichy.
Spain were comfortable winners & look much the same as they did in the World Cup when four 1-0 wins in the knockout stages saw them lift the trophy.
They meet Portugal in the Semi-Final on Wednesday. Portugal are no mugs and if they can get Cristiano Ronaldo into the game then they can hurt Spain. Spain will most likely have at least 60% of possession so Portugal need to make their chances count.
For France it has been another disappointing tournament, although it has been better than their last two. Their 2-0 win over Ukraine was the first victory France have had at a major tournament since their 2006 World Cup Semi-Final win over Portugal.
French fans will most likely be disappointed by their teams poor displays but a Quarter-Final exit is a respectable improvement on their last two bottom of the group finishes in 2008 and 2010.
Next up for France, will be trying to secure a contract to keep Laurent Blanc as manager. Blanc wanted to extend his deal before the tournament but he was denied this and it has been speculated that Tottenham are interested in securing his services as manager.
It was a classic performance from Spain. They took the lead after 20 minutes and never looked like losing it. The goal was once again down to the creativity of my player of the tournament so far, Iniesta. After some good work he released Jordi Alba down the left wing and his pinpoint cross was headed into the goal by Xabi Alonso.
After the goal Spain were content to keep possession. On the few occasions France got the ball they didn't really trouble Spain and only had one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes.
Spain had 60% of possession and much like in their World Cup campaign seemed content to win 1-0. It looked as though that would be the final score until Pedro went down easily under a challenge from Anthony Reveillere. Xabi Alonso stepped up to grab his brace and seal a 2-0 victory for Spain.
The penalty was perhaps a bit soft but Spain should have had one in the first half when Cesc Fabregas was taken down by Gael Clichy.
Spain were comfortable winners & look much the same as they did in the World Cup when four 1-0 wins in the knockout stages saw them lift the trophy.
They meet Portugal in the Semi-Final on Wednesday. Portugal are no mugs and if they can get Cristiano Ronaldo into the game then they can hurt Spain. Spain will most likely have at least 60% of possession so Portugal need to make their chances count.
For France it has been another disappointing tournament, although it has been better than their last two. Their 2-0 win over Ukraine was the first victory France have had at a major tournament since their 2006 World Cup Semi-Final win over Portugal.
French fans will most likely be disappointed by their teams poor displays but a Quarter-Final exit is a respectable improvement on their last two bottom of the group finishes in 2008 and 2010.
Next up for France, will be trying to secure a contract to keep Laurent Blanc as manager. Blanc wanted to extend his deal before the tournament but he was denied this and it has been speculated that Tottenham are interested in securing his services as manager.
Saturday 23 June 2012
Quarter-Final - Spain v France
Spain and France take centre stage tonight for the penultimate Quarter-Final of Euro 2012.
Spain are the reigning European and World Champions. They have revolutionised the beautiful game in recent years and will be strongly expected to set up up an all Iberian Peninsula Semi-Final with Portugal.
Spain haven't quite been at their best in this tournament but still topped their group after 2 wins and a draw. They drew 1-1 with Italy before crushing Ireland 4-0. In the final group game they were far from their best and had to rely on a late goal to clinch top spot in the group.
Spain have once again lined up without a striker. Cesc Fabregas and David Silva will rotate in the false number 9 position. I wasn't particularly impressed by them against Italy & think they look more threatening when they had a recognised striker on the pitch.
France reached the Quarter-Finals after finishing second in Group D. They started with a draw against England, then beat Ukraine. Luckily for France results went their way & they still reached the Quarter-Final despite a 2-0 defeat to Sweden.
France haven't looked particularly impressive so far and will need to improve if they want to give Spain a game.
Ribery and Benzema have been poor and it's obviously difficult for any side to play well when their two star players are playing below par. If these two turn up France can hurt Spain but they have shown very little in the first 3 games to make me think tonights the night.
Historically, Spain have never beat France in a competitive game. I'd be very surprised if that run continues beyond the next few hours.
Spain 2-0 France
Spain are the reigning European and World Champions. They have revolutionised the beautiful game in recent years and will be strongly expected to set up up an all Iberian Peninsula Semi-Final with Portugal.
Spain haven't quite been at their best in this tournament but still topped their group after 2 wins and a draw. They drew 1-1 with Italy before crushing Ireland 4-0. In the final group game they were far from their best and had to rely on a late goal to clinch top spot in the group.
Spain have once again lined up without a striker. Cesc Fabregas and David Silva will rotate in the false number 9 position. I wasn't particularly impressed by them against Italy & think they look more threatening when they had a recognised striker on the pitch.
France reached the Quarter-Finals after finishing second in Group D. They started with a draw against England, then beat Ukraine. Luckily for France results went their way & they still reached the Quarter-Final despite a 2-0 defeat to Sweden.
France haven't looked particularly impressive so far and will need to improve if they want to give Spain a game.
Ribery and Benzema have been poor and it's obviously difficult for any side to play well when their two star players are playing below par. If these two turn up France can hurt Spain but they have shown very little in the first 3 games to make me think tonights the night.
Historically, Spain have never beat France in a competitive game. I'd be very surprised if that run continues beyond the next few hours.
Spain 2-0 France
Germany 4-2 Greece
Germany reached the Semi-Finals last night after a very strong performance against Greece. Joachim Low's side won 4-2 and it was probably a scoreline that flattered the Greeks.
Germany were firmly in control from the beginning. Only good goalkeeping and sloppy finishing prevented them from taking the lead earlier.
The opening goal when it came was yet another superb strike from Philip Lahm. He doesn't score many but when he does they are usually memorable.
After that it was normal service as Germany continued to look the more likely to get a goal. Half time came and in the first ten minutes of the second half the play remained in the Greek half.
After 55 minutes, Dimitris Salpingidis got away on the right wing & his cross was met by Georgios Samaras who levelled the scores at 1-1.
This was the first time in the tournament that the Germans had conceded an equalising goal after going ahead. Some teams may have panicked but it just isn't the German way.
Joachim Low will have been looking for a reaction from his team & he only had to wait 6 minutes to get one.
Sami Khedira arrived in the box at just the right time to volley home to put the Germans ahead.
Minutes later Miroslav Klose got his head to a corner just ahead of the Greece goalkeeper to give the Germans some breathing space at 3-1.
Marco Reus blasted home to make it 4-1 before Salpingidis converted a late penalty to make the scoreline look a lot closer than the game actually was.
The Germans have won all four of their games in Euro 2012 to add to their ten out of ten victories in qualifying. They are now just two games away from completing a perfect Championship victory.
Based on last night & their displays in the group stage it will take a very good side to stop them claiming that record.
The changes they made last night all worked out with Klose and Reus scoring. Schurrle, despite not scoring, looked lively & Joachim Low will have a few decisions to make before the Semi-Final.
In that Semi-Final they will face the winners of tomorrows Quarter-Final between England and Italy. Both sides face a difficult battle to get to the Semi-Final and which ever side gets through will no doubt face an even tougher test against Germany.
Greece go home after exceeding expectations. After the first two games they looked dead and buried but a hard earned win over Russia was enough to get them to the last 8.
Greece have a gameplan & that gameplan is to spoil. On one hand they have to be credited as they reached a European Championship Quarter-Final playing that way and won it 8 years ago in much the same way. However, as a football fan, it's not good to watch & I can't see too many neutrals shedding any tears now that Greece have been eliminated.
Germany were firmly in control from the beginning. Only good goalkeeping and sloppy finishing prevented them from taking the lead earlier.
The opening goal when it came was yet another superb strike from Philip Lahm. He doesn't score many but when he does they are usually memorable.
After that it was normal service as Germany continued to look the more likely to get a goal. Half time came and in the first ten minutes of the second half the play remained in the Greek half.
After 55 minutes, Dimitris Salpingidis got away on the right wing & his cross was met by Georgios Samaras who levelled the scores at 1-1.
This was the first time in the tournament that the Germans had conceded an equalising goal after going ahead. Some teams may have panicked but it just isn't the German way.
Joachim Low will have been looking for a reaction from his team & he only had to wait 6 minutes to get one.
Sami Khedira arrived in the box at just the right time to volley home to put the Germans ahead.
Minutes later Miroslav Klose got his head to a corner just ahead of the Greece goalkeeper to give the Germans some breathing space at 3-1.
Marco Reus blasted home to make it 4-1 before Salpingidis converted a late penalty to make the scoreline look a lot closer than the game actually was.
The Germans have won all four of their games in Euro 2012 to add to their ten out of ten victories in qualifying. They are now just two games away from completing a perfect Championship victory.
Based on last night & their displays in the group stage it will take a very good side to stop them claiming that record.
The changes they made last night all worked out with Klose and Reus scoring. Schurrle, despite not scoring, looked lively & Joachim Low will have a few decisions to make before the Semi-Final.
In that Semi-Final they will face the winners of tomorrows Quarter-Final between England and Italy. Both sides face a difficult battle to get to the Semi-Final and which ever side gets through will no doubt face an even tougher test against Germany.
Greece go home after exceeding expectations. After the first two games they looked dead and buried but a hard earned win over Russia was enough to get them to the last 8.
Greece have a gameplan & that gameplan is to spoil. On one hand they have to be credited as they reached a European Championship Quarter-Final playing that way and won it 8 years ago in much the same way. However, as a football fan, it's not good to watch & I can't see too many neutrals shedding any tears now that Greece have been eliminated.
Friday 22 June 2012
Quarter-Final - Germany v Greece
Germany and Greece are the teams involved in tonights second Quarter-Final.
So far in the tournament Germany have looked impressive. They came through a tough group with nine points after victories over Portugal, Denmark & Holland.
The Germans were typically well organised, well balanced & efficient. Everything we have come to expect of a German side, Joachim Low's side have.
Low has managed to spring a surprise tonight with his team selection. Out go Muller, Podolski and Gomez and they are replaced by Reus, Schurrle and Klose. Whether this is confidence or arrogance I'm not really sure but I don't like it either way.
Germany are resounding favourites to win tonight but a European Championship Quarter-Final is not the time to rest players. If Germany win, their Semi-Final isn't until Thursday. That's a 6 day turnaround which is as good as it gets in a major tournament.
Germany played the same team throughout the group stage until suspension forced them to change it. They played every 4 days at the group stage so I really don't understand Joachim Lows thinking here.
Greece can count themselves very fortunate to have made it to the Quarter-Finals. They were terrible in their first two games. They managed a draw against Poland but they really should have been out of the game by half-time.
In the game against Czech Rep they were 2-0 down early & creating very little until Petr Cech gifted Gekas with an open goal to bring the game back to 2-1. Greece never really threatened again and the final score was 2-1.
This left Greece needing to beat Russia to reach the Quarter-Finals. Right at the end of a first half dominated by Russia, a slip by a Russian defender allowed Greece captain, Giorgos Karagounis a free run at goal and he wasn't to be denied. Another 45 minutes of Russian dominance and frantic Greek defending ensued & somehow when the final whistle blew Greece were in the last eight.
In tonights game Germany will be the aggressor. They will be met by a strong and resolute Greek defence. Greece will sit back and try to keep the game at 0-0 for as long as possible. In the interests of watching a good game, the Germans need to score an early goal. If Germany score early the Greeks will be forced to come out & play football. The longer it stays 0-0 the worse the game will be.
I do hope Germany win tonight as I'm not a fan of anti-football tactics & if Greece progress it will ruin a perfectly good Semi-Final. I expect Germany will be too strong but I do remember only too well what happened in the 2004 Quarter-Final when Greece met another strongly fancied nation.
Germany 2-0 Greece
So far in the tournament Germany have looked impressive. They came through a tough group with nine points after victories over Portugal, Denmark & Holland.
The Germans were typically well organised, well balanced & efficient. Everything we have come to expect of a German side, Joachim Low's side have.
Low has managed to spring a surprise tonight with his team selection. Out go Muller, Podolski and Gomez and they are replaced by Reus, Schurrle and Klose. Whether this is confidence or arrogance I'm not really sure but I don't like it either way.
Germany are resounding favourites to win tonight but a European Championship Quarter-Final is not the time to rest players. If Germany win, their Semi-Final isn't until Thursday. That's a 6 day turnaround which is as good as it gets in a major tournament.
Germany played the same team throughout the group stage until suspension forced them to change it. They played every 4 days at the group stage so I really don't understand Joachim Lows thinking here.
Greece can count themselves very fortunate to have made it to the Quarter-Finals. They were terrible in their first two games. They managed a draw against Poland but they really should have been out of the game by half-time.
In the game against Czech Rep they were 2-0 down early & creating very little until Petr Cech gifted Gekas with an open goal to bring the game back to 2-1. Greece never really threatened again and the final score was 2-1.
This left Greece needing to beat Russia to reach the Quarter-Finals. Right at the end of a first half dominated by Russia, a slip by a Russian defender allowed Greece captain, Giorgos Karagounis a free run at goal and he wasn't to be denied. Another 45 minutes of Russian dominance and frantic Greek defending ensued & somehow when the final whistle blew Greece were in the last eight.
In tonights game Germany will be the aggressor. They will be met by a strong and resolute Greek defence. Greece will sit back and try to keep the game at 0-0 for as long as possible. In the interests of watching a good game, the Germans need to score an early goal. If Germany score early the Greeks will be forced to come out & play football. The longer it stays 0-0 the worse the game will be.
I do hope Germany win tonight as I'm not a fan of anti-football tactics & if Greece progress it will ruin a perfectly good Semi-Final. I expect Germany will be too strong but I do remember only too well what happened in the 2004 Quarter-Final when Greece met another strongly fancied nation.
Germany 2-0 Greece
Portugal 1-0 Czech Rep
Portugal became the first team through to the Semi-Finals after a 1-0 victory over Czech Rep.
Cristiano Ronaldo got the only goal of the game with a header with ten minutes left.
Portugal were dominant throughout & if Ronaldo had brought his shooting boots they would have won by a few more. The Real Madrid striker had 8 shots on goal & the only one on target was his goal. He did look lively and got himself into some good positions but was wasteful with his chances.
If Portugal meet Spain in the Semi-Final, Ronaldo will have to be a lot more clinical. He won't get 8 chances against Spain so when he does get a chance he'll have to take it.
Other standouts for Portugal were left back, Fabio Coentrao and midfielder, Joao Moutinho. Coentrao seems to save his best form for Portugal. He was a standout in the last World Cup and seems to be carrying that form into this tournament. Moutinho looks increasingly impressive in midfield & seems to be the man pulling all the strings & doing the creative work for Ronaldo & Nani.
Czech Republic go home after giving quite a good account of themselves despite not really having any big stars.
The Czechs were well organised & difficult to break down. They just lacked that little bit of extra quality in the final 3rd.
They have had a few players who will have enhanced their reputations in this tournament. Midfielder, Petr Jiracek has looked superb and managed to get two goals. Vaclav Pilar on the wing also looked good. He is set to join Jiracek at Wolfsburg next season. Right-back, Theodor Gebre Selassie was another star for the Czechs. He was very attacking but was strong in defence when he had to be. It would appear scouts for Bundesliga club, Werder Bremen agree with me as he has joined them today on a four year contract.
The Czechs can now look forward to their World Cup qualifying campaign but for Portugal it's time to rest up and prepare to meet the winners of Spain and France in next Wednesdays Semi-Final.
Cristiano Ronaldo got the only goal of the game with a header with ten minutes left.
Portugal were dominant throughout & if Ronaldo had brought his shooting boots they would have won by a few more. The Real Madrid striker had 8 shots on goal & the only one on target was his goal. He did look lively and got himself into some good positions but was wasteful with his chances.
If Portugal meet Spain in the Semi-Final, Ronaldo will have to be a lot more clinical. He won't get 8 chances against Spain so when he does get a chance he'll have to take it.
Other standouts for Portugal were left back, Fabio Coentrao and midfielder, Joao Moutinho. Coentrao seems to save his best form for Portugal. He was a standout in the last World Cup and seems to be carrying that form into this tournament. Moutinho looks increasingly impressive in midfield & seems to be the man pulling all the strings & doing the creative work for Ronaldo & Nani.
Czech Republic go home after giving quite a good account of themselves despite not really having any big stars.
The Czechs were well organised & difficult to break down. They just lacked that little bit of extra quality in the final 3rd.
They have had a few players who will have enhanced their reputations in this tournament. Midfielder, Petr Jiracek has looked superb and managed to get two goals. Vaclav Pilar on the wing also looked good. He is set to join Jiracek at Wolfsburg next season. Right-back, Theodor Gebre Selassie was another star for the Czechs. He was very attacking but was strong in defence when he had to be. It would appear scouts for Bundesliga club, Werder Bremen agree with me as he has joined them today on a four year contract.
The Czechs can now look forward to their World Cup qualifying campaign but for Portugal it's time to rest up and prepare to meet the winners of Spain and France in next Wednesdays Semi-Final.
Thursday 21 June 2012
Quarter-Final - Czech Rep v Portugal
Tonight sees Czech Republic clash with Portugal in the first of the 4 Quarter-Final clashes.
Czech Republic got here on the back of winning Group A. After starting with a heavy defeat to Russia, the Czechs bounced back with consecutive victories over Greece and Poland.
Portugal also lost their opening game to Germany before bouncing back with wins over Denmark and Holland to seal the runner-up spot in Group B.
Despite that heavy defeat to Russia, the Czechs have shown glimpses of being a good side. Gebre Selassie, Jiracek and Pilar have all enhanced their reputation in this tournament.
Even in the Russia game the Czechs started brightly before Russia got 2 goals on the counter attack. The Czechs got one back & had chances to equalise but two late Russian goals gave the scoreline a rather flattering look.
Czech Rep goalkeeper, Petr Cech would have to accept some responsibility for that result too. The Chelsea man should have done better with 3 of the goals.
Petr Cech's bad performances didn't stop there. The Czechs got two early goals in their second group game and were seemingly cruising. That was until a fairly simple ball was played into
his box and Cech completely misjudged it, leaving the Greek forward a simple tap in.
Luckily for Cech his side managed to hold on and it seems to have been a turning point for him.
Czech Rep required a point at least to get through against Poland. They went one better & managed to secure a 1-0 win. Results went their way & they topped the group.
Portugal started their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Germany. They didn't play particularly well until Germany took the lead. Once they went 1-0 behind they started to push for the equaliser & were unlucky on a few occasions not to get it.
The Portugeese got their first win against Denmark. They took an early 2-0 lead but Denmark managed to get it back to 2-2 with their only two chances. With the score at 2-1 Cristiano Ronaldo was guilty of missing 2 one on ones. Luckily, Portugal got a late winner to take a 3-2 victory.
Portugals final group game was against Holland were they fell 1-0 behind. This seemed to spark Cristiano Ronaldo into life & he went onto have by far his best performance of the Championships.
The Real Madrid man scored twice & really should have had more. If he can carry that form into the knockout stages than Portugal are a match for anyone.
Tonight's game should be tight enough. On paper Portugal are fancied strongly but I don't think they'll get it easy as people think. The Czechs are no mugs and will be well organised. Portugal rely heavily on wingers, Nani and Ronaldo. If those two get into the game then it's hard to see past Portugal. The Czechs will need to do something special to keep them quiet if they want to progress to the Semi-Finals.
On a side note, keep an eye out for the battle between Ronaldo and Gebre Selassie on the wing. Gebre Selassie is a fullback who loves to get forward. If he gets caught on one of his raids up the line then there's no better man than Cristiano Ronaldo to punish his mistakes.
Czech Rep 0-1 Portugal
Czech Republic got here on the back of winning Group A. After starting with a heavy defeat to Russia, the Czechs bounced back with consecutive victories over Greece and Poland.
Portugal also lost their opening game to Germany before bouncing back with wins over Denmark and Holland to seal the runner-up spot in Group B.
Despite that heavy defeat to Russia, the Czechs have shown glimpses of being a good side. Gebre Selassie, Jiracek and Pilar have all enhanced their reputation in this tournament.
Even in the Russia game the Czechs started brightly before Russia got 2 goals on the counter attack. The Czechs got one back & had chances to equalise but two late Russian goals gave the scoreline a rather flattering look.
Czech Rep goalkeeper, Petr Cech would have to accept some responsibility for that result too. The Chelsea man should have done better with 3 of the goals.
Petr Cech's bad performances didn't stop there. The Czechs got two early goals in their second group game and were seemingly cruising. That was until a fairly simple ball was played into
his box and Cech completely misjudged it, leaving the Greek forward a simple tap in.
Luckily for Cech his side managed to hold on and it seems to have been a turning point for him.
Czech Rep required a point at least to get through against Poland. They went one better & managed to secure a 1-0 win. Results went their way & they topped the group.
Portugal started their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Germany. They didn't play particularly well until Germany took the lead. Once they went 1-0 behind they started to push for the equaliser & were unlucky on a few occasions not to get it.
The Portugeese got their first win against Denmark. They took an early 2-0 lead but Denmark managed to get it back to 2-2 with their only two chances. With the score at 2-1 Cristiano Ronaldo was guilty of missing 2 one on ones. Luckily, Portugal got a late winner to take a 3-2 victory.
Portugals final group game was against Holland were they fell 1-0 behind. This seemed to spark Cristiano Ronaldo into life & he went onto have by far his best performance of the Championships.
The Real Madrid man scored twice & really should have had more. If he can carry that form into the knockout stages than Portugal are a match for anyone.
Tonight's game should be tight enough. On paper Portugal are fancied strongly but I don't think they'll get it easy as people think. The Czechs are no mugs and will be well organised. Portugal rely heavily on wingers, Nani and Ronaldo. If those two get into the game then it's hard to see past Portugal. The Czechs will need to do something special to keep them quiet if they want to progress to the Semi-Finals.
On a side note, keep an eye out for the battle between Ronaldo and Gebre Selassie on the wing. Gebre Selassie is a fullback who loves to get forward. If he gets caught on one of his raids up the line then there's no better man than Cristiano Ronaldo to punish his mistakes.
Czech Rep 0-1 Portugal
Wednesday 20 June 2012
Group D Review
England & France qualified from Group D last night but neither looked convincing in doing so.
England beat Ukraine 1-0 to top the group and set up a Quarter-Final tie with Italy. They were made to work hard for the victory & even had a bit of help from the goal line assistant.
For most of the game Ukraine were dominant & better finishing from their strikers and England could well have been in trouble.
The games main talking point will no doubt be the goal that never was. Marko Devic's shot crept over the line just as John Terry acrobatically swung a foot at it. The referee & his assistants said it was no goal but television replays proved otherwise.
England will no doubt point to Frank Lampard's effort against Germany in South Africa 2010. The ball was over the line then & it was over the line last night. It's not England or John Terry's fault that the refereeing team got the decision wrong. The group at fault here is FIFA.
I understand there is due to be a decision made about the use of goal line technology shortly after this tournament. That's all very well & hopefully it gets the go ahead but it's still too late for the Ukraine national team. This isn't a new thing & the debate has been rumbling on for years. The technology has been available for a while now so there's not really any excuse not to have something in place by now.
After the goal that never was Ukraine continued to press but England stood firm at 1-0 & won the group.
I mentioned in my preview last night that I felt Milner & Young weren't doing enough. Once again I wasn't impressed by either & would like to see Walcott & Oxlade-Chamberlain getting a start.
The Italians rely heavily on their full-backs / wing-backs to give them width. Even when they went to 4-4-2 the 4 in midfield played in a narrow diamond & it was up to the full-backs to get forward & provide the width. England could play Walcott & Oxlade-Chamberlain out wide forcing the Italian full-backs to stay back more & then try to crowd out the packed centre of the pitch.
England will also have to defend better against Italy. They gave Sweden & Ukraine far too many chances. If chances are falling to Cassano, Di Natale or Balotelli then you are going to suffer.
I think the Quarter-Final will be a tough battle between two teams who will concentrate more on not losing than winning and I would not be at all surprised to see this one go all the way to a penalty shootout.
France clinched a Quarter-Final place despite losing 2-0 to Sweden.
France will have to improve if they are to give defending champions, Spain, any cause for concern.
In their 3 games they haven't looked great. Star striker, Karim Benzema has drawn a blank in all 3 games. He has been playing an unusual role for France. He keeps dropping out into midfield and when the ball is going into the box he's usually not in there. It's almost as if he is playing the false number 9 role but nobody else knows about it. None of the other French players are making use of the space he is leaving & a lot of French attacks die out because of it.
Against Spain, France won't get a huge amount of chances & when they come they will need someone to be there to finish it off. Benzema is a quality finisher but he hasn't shown it so far in Ukraine.
France do have a few individuals who can hurt Spain and they will need them to be at their best. All the French hopes lie on the shoulders of Ribery, Nasri and Benzema. If one of those can do something special they have a chance but if not then it will be Spain who go onto the Semi-Finals.
Another of the co-hosts crashed out last night after Ukraine's 1-0 defeat to England.
Ukraine can be proud of their efforts in Euro 2012. Their 2-1 win over Sweden will undoubtedly live long in the memory of every Ukrainian. Their opening game as a co-host of the European Championships, their inspirational captain who is long past his best pops up with a double to give them a 2-1 victory. It's the sort of thing Hollywood script writers dream of.
Unfortunately for Ukraine that was their peak. A 2-0 defeat at the hands of France set up a win or go home clash with England. Ukraine were quite poor against France and I feel they were victims of the same hangover Denmark suffered from after their win over Holland. It's amazing how many times in football a team has a huge result, only to go and lose the next game.
As I've already mentioned Ukraine were unlucky to lose to England. They had huge amounts of possession but lacked that little bit of quality in the final third that they would have had a few years back with Sergei Rebrov and Shevchenko. Even though he is past his best, based on the Sweden game a fully fit Shevchenko may well have caused the England defence a few extra problems.
Ukraine can take a lot of positives from this tournament & they can now concentrate on trying to qualify for Brazil in 2014.
Sweden, Sweden, Sweden. Where do you start with Sweden? They lost the first game to Ukraine, lose the next one to England and become the 2nd team to be eliminated.
At this stage the obituaries are being written & then bang, they absolute destroy France.
I've absolutely no idea were that performance came from. They won 2-0 but it really could & should have been more. Big Zlatan scored a sensational goal. I give him a lot of stick but that goal was as good as anything I've saw this summer.
Sunderland's Seb Larsson got the 2nd when he blasted home a rebound from close range.
Sweden did not look good in their first two games & as an Ireland fan I was looking at them as a team we could beat in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers but based on last night's display we might have to rethink that idea. If Sweden take last night's performance into the qualifiers then surely they are strong favourites to get that 2nd place spot behind Germany.
England beat Ukraine 1-0 to top the group and set up a Quarter-Final tie with Italy. They were made to work hard for the victory & even had a bit of help from the goal line assistant.
For most of the game Ukraine were dominant & better finishing from their strikers and England could well have been in trouble.
The games main talking point will no doubt be the goal that never was. Marko Devic's shot crept over the line just as John Terry acrobatically swung a foot at it. The referee & his assistants said it was no goal but television replays proved otherwise.
England will no doubt point to Frank Lampard's effort against Germany in South Africa 2010. The ball was over the line then & it was over the line last night. It's not England or John Terry's fault that the refereeing team got the decision wrong. The group at fault here is FIFA.
I understand there is due to be a decision made about the use of goal line technology shortly after this tournament. That's all very well & hopefully it gets the go ahead but it's still too late for the Ukraine national team. This isn't a new thing & the debate has been rumbling on for years. The technology has been available for a while now so there's not really any excuse not to have something in place by now.
After the goal that never was Ukraine continued to press but England stood firm at 1-0 & won the group.
I mentioned in my preview last night that I felt Milner & Young weren't doing enough. Once again I wasn't impressed by either & would like to see Walcott & Oxlade-Chamberlain getting a start.
The Italians rely heavily on their full-backs / wing-backs to give them width. Even when they went to 4-4-2 the 4 in midfield played in a narrow diamond & it was up to the full-backs to get forward & provide the width. England could play Walcott & Oxlade-Chamberlain out wide forcing the Italian full-backs to stay back more & then try to crowd out the packed centre of the pitch.
England will also have to defend better against Italy. They gave Sweden & Ukraine far too many chances. If chances are falling to Cassano, Di Natale or Balotelli then you are going to suffer.
I think the Quarter-Final will be a tough battle between two teams who will concentrate more on not losing than winning and I would not be at all surprised to see this one go all the way to a penalty shootout.
France clinched a Quarter-Final place despite losing 2-0 to Sweden.
France will have to improve if they are to give defending champions, Spain, any cause for concern.
In their 3 games they haven't looked great. Star striker, Karim Benzema has drawn a blank in all 3 games. He has been playing an unusual role for France. He keeps dropping out into midfield and when the ball is going into the box he's usually not in there. It's almost as if he is playing the false number 9 role but nobody else knows about it. None of the other French players are making use of the space he is leaving & a lot of French attacks die out because of it.
Against Spain, France won't get a huge amount of chances & when they come they will need someone to be there to finish it off. Benzema is a quality finisher but he hasn't shown it so far in Ukraine.
France do have a few individuals who can hurt Spain and they will need them to be at their best. All the French hopes lie on the shoulders of Ribery, Nasri and Benzema. If one of those can do something special they have a chance but if not then it will be Spain who go onto the Semi-Finals.
Another of the co-hosts crashed out last night after Ukraine's 1-0 defeat to England.
Ukraine can be proud of their efforts in Euro 2012. Their 2-1 win over Sweden will undoubtedly live long in the memory of every Ukrainian. Their opening game as a co-host of the European Championships, their inspirational captain who is long past his best pops up with a double to give them a 2-1 victory. It's the sort of thing Hollywood script writers dream of.
Unfortunately for Ukraine that was their peak. A 2-0 defeat at the hands of France set up a win or go home clash with England. Ukraine were quite poor against France and I feel they were victims of the same hangover Denmark suffered from after their win over Holland. It's amazing how many times in football a team has a huge result, only to go and lose the next game.
As I've already mentioned Ukraine were unlucky to lose to England. They had huge amounts of possession but lacked that little bit of quality in the final third that they would have had a few years back with Sergei Rebrov and Shevchenko. Even though he is past his best, based on the Sweden game a fully fit Shevchenko may well have caused the England defence a few extra problems.
Ukraine can take a lot of positives from this tournament & they can now concentrate on trying to qualify for Brazil in 2014.
Sweden, Sweden, Sweden. Where do you start with Sweden? They lost the first game to Ukraine, lose the next one to England and become the 2nd team to be eliminated.
At this stage the obituaries are being written & then bang, they absolute destroy France.
I've absolutely no idea were that performance came from. They won 2-0 but it really could & should have been more. Big Zlatan scored a sensational goal. I give him a lot of stick but that goal was as good as anything I've saw this summer.
Sunderland's Seb Larsson got the 2nd when he blasted home a rebound from close range.
Sweden did not look good in their first two games & as an Ireland fan I was looking at them as a team we could beat in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers but based on last night's display we might have to rethink that idea. If Sweden take last night's performance into the qualifiers then surely they are strong favourites to get that 2nd place spot behind Germany.
Tuesday 19 June 2012
Group D - France v Sweden; England v Ukraine
Group D ends tonight with France, England & Ukraine battling it out for the last two Quarter-Final places.
France need a draw to guarantee a Quarter-Final place. If they win they will win the group unless England can better their result.
France have been solid without being spectacular so far. They have a win over Ukraine & a draw with England.
They have made a few changes tonight with M'Vila and Ben Arfa getting starts. On current form they should be comfortable victors.
Sweden have been poor. Zlatan Ibrahimovic aside, they don't have a great deal of quality.
Zlatan is a player I've been highly critical of in the past but he looks head and shoulders above the rest of hus team mates.
Regardless of the result, Sweden will be eliminated so it is all about pride tonight but on current form any pride would have to come from an unlucky defeat.
England welcome Wayne Rooney into their line-up again to fave Ukraine. Rooney was suspended for the opening 2 games after getting sent off in Qualification.
He partners Danny Welbeck in attack. Another man I have been highly critical of in the past is Andy Carroll and I feel he can count himself unlucky to be left out after a good display against Sweden.
England have played well enough in this tournament but they should be looking to get more out of Young & Milner on the wings. If England progress & these two don't step up a bit then I'd be surprised if Walcott & Oxlade-Chamberlain weren't called upon for the next game.
Ukraine are without their star striker, Andrei Shevchenko tonight & it may take more than a huge, passionate support to get them the win they require to reach the knockout stages.
Ukraine aren't a great side & will find it tough to get a result against an England side who will be tough to break down.
France 2-0 Sweden
England 1-0 Ukraine
France need a draw to guarantee a Quarter-Final place. If they win they will win the group unless England can better their result.
France have been solid without being spectacular so far. They have a win over Ukraine & a draw with England.
They have made a few changes tonight with M'Vila and Ben Arfa getting starts. On current form they should be comfortable victors.
Sweden have been poor. Zlatan Ibrahimovic aside, they don't have a great deal of quality.
Zlatan is a player I've been highly critical of in the past but he looks head and shoulders above the rest of hus team mates.
Regardless of the result, Sweden will be eliminated so it is all about pride tonight but on current form any pride would have to come from an unlucky defeat.
England welcome Wayne Rooney into their line-up again to fave Ukraine. Rooney was suspended for the opening 2 games after getting sent off in Qualification.
He partners Danny Welbeck in attack. Another man I have been highly critical of in the past is Andy Carroll and I feel he can count himself unlucky to be left out after a good display against Sweden.
England have played well enough in this tournament but they should be looking to get more out of Young & Milner on the wings. If England progress & these two don't step up a bit then I'd be surprised if Walcott & Oxlade-Chamberlain weren't called upon for the next game.
Ukraine are without their star striker, Andrei Shevchenko tonight & it may take more than a huge, passionate support to get them the win they require to reach the knockout stages.
Ukraine aren't a great side & will find it tough to get a result against an England side who will be tough to break down.
France 2-0 Sweden
England 1-0 Ukraine
Group C Review
Spain and Italy were narrow victors last night which sent both sides into the Quarter-Finals.
It took a goal 3 minutes from time through Jesus Navas to secure Spain's Quarter-Final place as winners of Group C.
Up until then Italy were going to win the group & a single goal from Croatia would have saw Spain exit the competition.
Spain have won the group with two wins and a draw but it hasn't exactly been comfortable for them with the exception of the Ireland game.
In the opening game Italy took the lead before Fabregas levelled. Italy had chances to win the game but a point each was probably a fair result.
Spain cruised to a 4-0 win over Ireland & looked impressive in doing so but Ireland have been by far the worst team in this tournament so it is hard to judge just how good Spain were in that game.
Last night Spain found themselves in that awkward position were they knew a draw would see them through to the knockout stages and they looked like a side who didn't really know whether to go for the win or settle for a draw.
After riding their luck a bit they got the only goal of the game with 3 minutes to go. Fabregas played a superb chip pass into Iniesta, who after controlling the ball on his chest/arm, played the ball across for Jesus Navas to blast into the empty net.
On paper it looks like a case of job done for Spain after picking up 7 points from their 3 games but look into it further & they don't seem like the same invincible team we have saw in the last two major Championships.
They will now face the runner-up in Group D which could be France, England or Ukraine. I would expect a victory against Ukraine but unless they get back to form, England or France just might be able to spring a surprise.
Italy secured the runner-up spot in Group C with a 2-0 win over Ireland. Italy changed from their 3 at the back formation & also made a few personnel changes.
Italy got the 3 points in the end but it was far from their best display. The game was quite even until Cassano opened the scoring with a header from a corner. In the second half Keith Andrews had a few chances for Ireland which he hit straight at Buffon. If Ireland had scored an equaliser and held on for a point, Italy would have been
eliminated.
Once Spain went 1-0 up it also left Italy in the unusual position of needing to win by 3 clear goals if Croatia equalised at 1-1.
Italy did get a 2nd goal when Man City striker, Mario Balotelli scored a superb volley from a corner.
Fortunately for them Croatia were unable to get the goal they needed & it's the Italians who have a Quarter-Final to look forward to.
In that Quarter-Final Italy will meet either France, England or Ukraine. Once again I would expect them to beat Ukraine in the unlikely event they win Group D. Should the Italians come up against England or France I'd find it very hard to pick a winner. It is as close to 50-50 as I can imagine.
Croatia can consider themselves unfortunate to be on the way home after holding their own with the big two for 177 minutes.
Yet again Slaven Bilic's side came to a major tournament and played some superb football, winning over the hearts of fans from far and wide.
In Luka Modric they have one of the best, most exciting midfielders in the world. It appears his wish of a move to a big club may finally be coming true. If reports are to be believed the Spurs man may be on his way to Spain to sign for Real Madrid.
If Croatia had got a 1-1 draw on the night they'd have been through. They had a superb chance to take the lead when Luka Modric made a great run forward from midfield and crossed with the outside of his right foot. The cross was perfect for Ivan Rakitic who put the ball the only place he could without scoring, straight at Iker Casillas.
The chance came & went and the Croats had another half chance or two but it wasn't to be & Croatia were eliminated.
Slaven Bilic leaves the role of manager now the tournament is over & he will no doubt get a club job as he has made Croatia a team to be taken seriously again in the major tournaments.
Ireland go home early after 3 defeats and as I understand it they equalled the record as the worst ever European Championship performance.
I won't go too deep into it as I have already wrote an article on the Irish campaign.
Hopefully Ireland will learn lessons from it and come back stronger but there is no doubt that there needs to be changes & for me the changes would start with the 4-4-2 formation.
It took a goal 3 minutes from time through Jesus Navas to secure Spain's Quarter-Final place as winners of Group C.
Up until then Italy were going to win the group & a single goal from Croatia would have saw Spain exit the competition.
Spain have won the group with two wins and a draw but it hasn't exactly been comfortable for them with the exception of the Ireland game.
In the opening game Italy took the lead before Fabregas levelled. Italy had chances to win the game but a point each was probably a fair result.
Spain cruised to a 4-0 win over Ireland & looked impressive in doing so but Ireland have been by far the worst team in this tournament so it is hard to judge just how good Spain were in that game.
Last night Spain found themselves in that awkward position were they knew a draw would see them through to the knockout stages and they looked like a side who didn't really know whether to go for the win or settle for a draw.
After riding their luck a bit they got the only goal of the game with 3 minutes to go. Fabregas played a superb chip pass into Iniesta, who after controlling the ball on his chest/arm, played the ball across for Jesus Navas to blast into the empty net.
On paper it looks like a case of job done for Spain after picking up 7 points from their 3 games but look into it further & they don't seem like the same invincible team we have saw in the last two major Championships.
They will now face the runner-up in Group D which could be France, England or Ukraine. I would expect a victory against Ukraine but unless they get back to form, England or France just might be able to spring a surprise.
Italy secured the runner-up spot in Group C with a 2-0 win over Ireland. Italy changed from their 3 at the back formation & also made a few personnel changes.
Italy got the 3 points in the end but it was far from their best display. The game was quite even until Cassano opened the scoring with a header from a corner. In the second half Keith Andrews had a few chances for Ireland which he hit straight at Buffon. If Ireland had scored an equaliser and held on for a point, Italy would have been
eliminated.
Once Spain went 1-0 up it also left Italy in the unusual position of needing to win by 3 clear goals if Croatia equalised at 1-1.
Italy did get a 2nd goal when Man City striker, Mario Balotelli scored a superb volley from a corner.
Fortunately for them Croatia were unable to get the goal they needed & it's the Italians who have a Quarter-Final to look forward to.
In that Quarter-Final Italy will meet either France, England or Ukraine. Once again I would expect them to beat Ukraine in the unlikely event they win Group D. Should the Italians come up against England or France I'd find it very hard to pick a winner. It is as close to 50-50 as I can imagine.
Croatia can consider themselves unfortunate to be on the way home after holding their own with the big two for 177 minutes.
Yet again Slaven Bilic's side came to a major tournament and played some superb football, winning over the hearts of fans from far and wide.
In Luka Modric they have one of the best, most exciting midfielders in the world. It appears his wish of a move to a big club may finally be coming true. If reports are to be believed the Spurs man may be on his way to Spain to sign for Real Madrid.
If Croatia had got a 1-1 draw on the night they'd have been through. They had a superb chance to take the lead when Luka Modric made a great run forward from midfield and crossed with the outside of his right foot. The cross was perfect for Ivan Rakitic who put the ball the only place he could without scoring, straight at Iker Casillas.
The chance came & went and the Croats had another half chance or two but it wasn't to be & Croatia were eliminated.
Slaven Bilic leaves the role of manager now the tournament is over & he will no doubt get a club job as he has made Croatia a team to be taken seriously again in the major tournaments.
Ireland go home early after 3 defeats and as I understand it they equalled the record as the worst ever European Championship performance.
I won't go too deep into it as I have already wrote an article on the Irish campaign.
Hopefully Ireland will learn lessons from it and come back stronger but there is no doubt that there needs to be changes & for me the changes would start with the 4-4-2 formation.
Irish Eyes Are Still Smiling
Ireland leaves Euro 2012 after 3 consecutive defeats and unless Sweden loses heavily to France the Irish will be regarded as the worst team in the tournament. However, it is better to be not good enough at the European Championships, than not good enough to get there.
In most countries the team would be coming home in disgrace but in Ireland they will most likely receive a hero’s welcome.
Some people may disagree with that opinion, Roy Keane included but for most people the greatest victory for Ireland was simply qualifying for only our second European Championship Finals and fifth Major Tournament in all.
We are a small nation of just 4.5m people yet we managed to qualify for the Finals ahead of 12 countries who have a larger population than we do. That list includes Romania, Belgium, Serbia, Switzerland and Scotland. What makes this achievement all the more remarkable is the fact that soccer is only our third most played sport behind Gaelic Football and Hurling.
The vast majority of Ireland fans we are disappointed we couldn’t perform a bit better in the Finals and perhaps even feel that we are a better side than what we showed but the bottom line is we are still proud of the Boys in Green.
There has been a lot of talk of retirements after this tournament. It has been speculated that Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane could be on the verge of quitting the international scene. Whilst I may not agree that all of those are good enough to play in the starting 11, they are most definitely good enough to be a part of the squad. Those four have got over 400 caps between them and if they are willing to do so they would be an asset to have around the squad with the only difference being they are not absolutely guaranteed to start.
One criticism I would have at the moment is the loyalty of manager Giovanni Trapattoni. Loyalty is a great thing to have but “Trapp” takes it too far. He is obsessed by playing 4-4-2 and only made one change to his “usual” starting 11 throughout the tournament when he started Simon Cox in place of Kevin Doyle against Spain.
4-4-2 is almost impossible to play in this day in age. Go to any top side in any league and very, very few of them will play 4-4-2. In this tournament almost every team is playing some variation of 4-3-3/4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1.
Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews will always give 100% but they are limited footballers. Trapp is expecting them to go into a battle in midfield against 3 players and expecting them to come out on top. In the games against Croatia and Spain, Andrews and Whelan were going into the midfield battle as the 4th and 5th best midfielders of the 5 on the pitch. Needless to say the Irish were dominated and had very little possession. In the Italy game Italy played a variation of 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond and Ireland were able to get 47% possession in what was there best performance in the competition.
I don’t think this is coincidental and perhaps if Trapp had shown some variation in his tactics we may have at least been closer in our three games and maybe even nicked a result somewhere along the road.
As much as I can speak about Trapp’s tactics it has to be said that we done ourselves no favours whatsoever. We conceded a goal in the first 3 minutes of the first 4 halves of football we played in the competition. When you do this the team talk you have just received goes out the window and you have to move onto Plan B.
Some individuals also performed well below their capabilities. Shay Given gave probably his 3 worst displays in an Irish shirt throughout Euro 2012. There was much talk before the tournament that he was injured and to be honest he looked like a man who wasn’t fit. Of the nine goals we conceded in the tournament Shay would probably feel he could have done better with seven of them. It’s hard to criticise him though as he has been superb for Ireland over the years and if it wasn’t for him then we most likely would not have qualified.
Richard Dunne, John O’Shea, Stephen Ward, Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane are all better players than what we saw in Poland. If we can keep most of those players in place and bring in young talents like James McClean, Shane Duffy, Marc Wilson, Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Anthony Stokes then we can come back stronger and give qualification for the 2014 World Cup a real go.
I don’t think any article on the Irish can be complete without mentioning the fans. Yet again the Irish fans have travelled in their thousands to support their team. They have received praise from players, opposition teams and their hosts, Poland. When it comes to supporting their team there is nobody quite like the Irish. We are truly world class when it comes to getting behind our team. Now the biggest challenge is for Giovanni Trapattoni and the Boys in Green to give the fans the world class performances on the field they deserve.
Follow me on twitter @gjsportsblog
In most countries the team would be coming home in disgrace but in Ireland they will most likely receive a hero’s welcome.
Some people may disagree with that opinion, Roy Keane included but for most people the greatest victory for Ireland was simply qualifying for only our second European Championship Finals and fifth Major Tournament in all.
We are a small nation of just 4.5m people yet we managed to qualify for the Finals ahead of 12 countries who have a larger population than we do. That list includes Romania, Belgium, Serbia, Switzerland and Scotland. What makes this achievement all the more remarkable is the fact that soccer is only our third most played sport behind Gaelic Football and Hurling.
The vast majority of Ireland fans we are disappointed we couldn’t perform a bit better in the Finals and perhaps even feel that we are a better side than what we showed but the bottom line is we are still proud of the Boys in Green.
There has been a lot of talk of retirements after this tournament. It has been speculated that Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane could be on the verge of quitting the international scene. Whilst I may not agree that all of those are good enough to play in the starting 11, they are most definitely good enough to be a part of the squad. Those four have got over 400 caps between them and if they are willing to do so they would be an asset to have around the squad with the only difference being they are not absolutely guaranteed to start.
One criticism I would have at the moment is the loyalty of manager Giovanni Trapattoni. Loyalty is a great thing to have but “Trapp” takes it too far. He is obsessed by playing 4-4-2 and only made one change to his “usual” starting 11 throughout the tournament when he started Simon Cox in place of Kevin Doyle against Spain.
4-4-2 is almost impossible to play in this day in age. Go to any top side in any league and very, very few of them will play 4-4-2. In this tournament almost every team is playing some variation of 4-3-3/4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1.
Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews will always give 100% but they are limited footballers. Trapp is expecting them to go into a battle in midfield against 3 players and expecting them to come out on top. In the games against Croatia and Spain, Andrews and Whelan were going into the midfield battle as the 4th and 5th best midfielders of the 5 on the pitch. Needless to say the Irish were dominated and had very little possession. In the Italy game Italy played a variation of 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond and Ireland were able to get 47% possession in what was there best performance in the competition.
I don’t think this is coincidental and perhaps if Trapp had shown some variation in his tactics we may have at least been closer in our three games and maybe even nicked a result somewhere along the road.
As much as I can speak about Trapp’s tactics it has to be said that we done ourselves no favours whatsoever. We conceded a goal in the first 3 minutes of the first 4 halves of football we played in the competition. When you do this the team talk you have just received goes out the window and you have to move onto Plan B.
Some individuals also performed well below their capabilities. Shay Given gave probably his 3 worst displays in an Irish shirt throughout Euro 2012. There was much talk before the tournament that he was injured and to be honest he looked like a man who wasn’t fit. Of the nine goals we conceded in the tournament Shay would probably feel he could have done better with seven of them. It’s hard to criticise him though as he has been superb for Ireland over the years and if it wasn’t for him then we most likely would not have qualified.
Richard Dunne, John O’Shea, Stephen Ward, Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane are all better players than what we saw in Poland. If we can keep most of those players in place and bring in young talents like James McClean, Shane Duffy, Marc Wilson, Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Anthony Stokes then we can come back stronger and give qualification for the 2014 World Cup a real go.
I don’t think any article on the Irish can be complete without mentioning the fans. Yet again the Irish fans have travelled in their thousands to support their team. They have received praise from players, opposition teams and their hosts, Poland. When it comes to supporting their team there is nobody quite like the Irish. We are truly world class when it comes to getting behind our team. Now the biggest challenge is for Giovanni Trapattoni and the Boys in Green to give the fans the world class performances on the field they deserve.
Follow me on twitter @gjsportsblog
Monday 18 June 2012
Group C - Spain v Croatia; Italy v Ireland
Pre-match Predictions : Group C comes to an end tonight with Spain, Croatia & Italy battling it out for the two qualification spots.
Spain meet Croatia with the winner topping the Group. There is a twist though as a 2-2 draw can send both through as having scored most goals in the head to head battles. As I've already said, what was wrong with Goal Difference?
With Spain you know what you are going to get. They will have 60-70% possession & it's normally a matter of if they can break teams down or not.
Torres starts again & in the 2 games so far Spain have looked better when he was on the pitch.
He should have his confidence back after a brace against Ireland & with guys like Xavi, Silva & Iniesta providing the ammunition he could well add to his tally tonight.
Croatia have made a few changes & appear to have lined up more defensively. Jelavic has been left out which is unfortunate as I think the way to tackle Spain is to fight them on the front foot.
Croatia will have to be very strong defensively to get a result & it's something I don't believe they have in them.
Italy know that a win over Ireland & A Spain or Croatia victory will see them into the last 8.
They too have made some changes & appear to have abandoned the 3 at the back formation.
Balotelli misses out too which I am surprised at as he has looked sharp so far. If Italy play the way they can it should be a comfortable win & then they can keep one eye on the Spain v Croatia match.
Ireland have nothing to play for tonight other than pride. They have been very disappointing so far & it could be time to say goodbye to some stalwarts after this tournament.
Regardless the Irish can be proud that they got here & hopefully lessons can be learned for hopefully another try in 4 years time.
Spain 3-0 Croatia
Italy 2-0 Ireland
Spain meet Croatia with the winner topping the Group. There is a twist though as a 2-2 draw can send both through as having scored most goals in the head to head battles. As I've already said, what was wrong with Goal Difference?
With Spain you know what you are going to get. They will have 60-70% possession & it's normally a matter of if they can break teams down or not.
Torres starts again & in the 2 games so far Spain have looked better when he was on the pitch.
He should have his confidence back after a brace against Ireland & with guys like Xavi, Silva & Iniesta providing the ammunition he could well add to his tally tonight.
Croatia have made a few changes & appear to have lined up more defensively. Jelavic has been left out which is unfortunate as I think the way to tackle Spain is to fight them on the front foot.
Croatia will have to be very strong defensively to get a result & it's something I don't believe they have in them.
Italy know that a win over Ireland & A Spain or Croatia victory will see them into the last 8.
They too have made some changes & appear to have abandoned the 3 at the back formation.
Balotelli misses out too which I am surprised at as he has looked sharp so far. If Italy play the way they can it should be a comfortable win & then they can keep one eye on the Spain v Croatia match.
Ireland have nothing to play for tonight other than pride. They have been very disappointing so far & it could be time to say goodbye to some stalwarts after this tournament.
Regardless the Irish can be proud that they got here & hopefully lessons can be learned for hopefully another try in 4 years time.
Spain 3-0 Croatia
Italy 2-0 Ireland
Group B Review
Group B came to a conclusion last night with Germany & Portugal progressing to the last 8. For Denmark & Holland it's time to look ahead to the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.
Germany managed to maintain their 100% record with a hard fought 2-1 win over Denmark.
At one stage Germany were just one goal away from going out & could even consider themselves fortunate that the referee waved away Danish appeals for a penalty when Bendtner was clearly brought down in the box.
Just minutes later the ball fell kindly to Lars Bender who was able to score the goal which sends Germany into the last 8 as Group B winners.
Germany meet Greece in the Quarter-Finals in a tie which they will be hot favourites to win.
The Germans look well balanced & will be many people's favourites to claim their 4th European Championship. Manager, Joachim Loew seems to have a settled line-up which he has faith in & so far has only changed it when he had to due to a suspension for Jerome Boateng.
I fully expect Germany to get past Greece in the Quarter-Finals & they will then face a Semi-Final against the winners of the 4th Quarter-Final between the Group D winners & Group C runner-up. If Spain win Group C as expected, then I'd be surprised to see any of the other possible opponents defeat the Germans.
Portugal beat Holland last night to set up a Quarter-Final with Group A winners, Czech Rep.
Portugal hadn't looked great in their first two games & star player Cristiano Ronaldo was struggling. Last night Cristiano Ronaldo came back to form with a bang & Portugal looked like a serious threat in the competition.
When in top form Ronaldo is unplayable & he is in my opinion the best player in this competition. If he plays well Portugal can compete with any team in the tournament.
From now on it's win or go home & Portugal will always have a chance as long as they have Cristiano Ronaldo.
Denmark missed out on the Quarter-Finals after a 2-1 defeat to Germany and as I have already mentioned they can consider themselves unlucky not to have got the chance to take the lead late on after Bendtner was hauled to the ground by Badstuber. However, the referee did not give it & it wasn't to be for Denmark.
The Danes can take a lot of positives from their campaign. 3rd place is a good achievement in a group that included Germany, Portugal & Holland.
Many people thought Denmark were there to make up the numbers in Group B but with 10 minutes left they were still in a position to qualify.
The Danes can take a lot of pride in their performance.
Pride is one thing the Dutch cannot take home from Euro 2012. They came into the tournament as one of the favourites after finishing 2nd in the 2010 World Cup. 3 defeats later and they go home with a lot more questions than answers.
How can a team that include as many World Class individuals as Holland go home after the Group Stage with 3 defeats under their belt?
Sneijder, Robben & Van Persie would all be considered in a discussion about the best players in their positions in the world. There are plenty of other top performers in that side but when it came down to it they quite simply could not play together as a team.
Whether it was too many egos or bad preparation was to blame is a question only they and soon to be ex, coach Bert van Marwijk can answer.
Either way it will take a strong character to get the Dutch back on track in time for a successful World Cup 2014.
Germany managed to maintain their 100% record with a hard fought 2-1 win over Denmark.
At one stage Germany were just one goal away from going out & could even consider themselves fortunate that the referee waved away Danish appeals for a penalty when Bendtner was clearly brought down in the box.
Just minutes later the ball fell kindly to Lars Bender who was able to score the goal which sends Germany into the last 8 as Group B winners.
Germany meet Greece in the Quarter-Finals in a tie which they will be hot favourites to win.
The Germans look well balanced & will be many people's favourites to claim their 4th European Championship. Manager, Joachim Loew seems to have a settled line-up which he has faith in & so far has only changed it when he had to due to a suspension for Jerome Boateng.
I fully expect Germany to get past Greece in the Quarter-Finals & they will then face a Semi-Final against the winners of the 4th Quarter-Final between the Group D winners & Group C runner-up. If Spain win Group C as expected, then I'd be surprised to see any of the other possible opponents defeat the Germans.
Portugal beat Holland last night to set up a Quarter-Final with Group A winners, Czech Rep.
Portugal hadn't looked great in their first two games & star player Cristiano Ronaldo was struggling. Last night Cristiano Ronaldo came back to form with a bang & Portugal looked like a serious threat in the competition.
When in top form Ronaldo is unplayable & he is in my opinion the best player in this competition. If he plays well Portugal can compete with any team in the tournament.
From now on it's win or go home & Portugal will always have a chance as long as they have Cristiano Ronaldo.
Denmark missed out on the Quarter-Finals after a 2-1 defeat to Germany and as I have already mentioned they can consider themselves unlucky not to have got the chance to take the lead late on after Bendtner was hauled to the ground by Badstuber. However, the referee did not give it & it wasn't to be for Denmark.
The Danes can take a lot of positives from their campaign. 3rd place is a good achievement in a group that included Germany, Portugal & Holland.
Many people thought Denmark were there to make up the numbers in Group B but with 10 minutes left they were still in a position to qualify.
The Danes can take a lot of pride in their performance.
Pride is one thing the Dutch cannot take home from Euro 2012. They came into the tournament as one of the favourites after finishing 2nd in the 2010 World Cup. 3 defeats later and they go home with a lot more questions than answers.
How can a team that include as many World Class individuals as Holland go home after the Group Stage with 3 defeats under their belt?
Sneijder, Robben & Van Persie would all be considered in a discussion about the best players in their positions in the world. There are plenty of other top performers in that side but when it came down to it they quite simply could not play together as a team.
Whether it was too many egos or bad preparation was to blame is a question only they and soon to be ex, coach Bert van Marwijk can answer.
Either way it will take a strong character to get the Dutch back on track in time for a successful World Cup 2014.
Sunday 17 June 2012
Group B - Germany v Denmark; Portugal v Holland
Germany go into tonight's final Group B games as the only team in Euro 2012 with a 100% record. A draw is enough for them to win the Group. Opponents Denmark have to win to guarantee a Quarter-Final place.
Germany have so far beaten Holland and Portugal who looked like the next best teams in Group B before the tournament started. Based on the first two games Germany should win this but in this tournament there are no guarantees as we saw last night when Russia looked a certainty to go through.
If Germany can play as they have they will be facing Greece for a Semi-Final place. It is as simple as that. Germany are better than Denmark & should beat them but we all know that funny things can happen in football so Germany cannot afford to be complacent.
Denmark sit on 3 points after a 1-0 win over Holland in their opening game & a 3-2 defeat to Portugal in their 2nd game.
The Danes looked good against Holland and defended very well to hang on for the win. However, it looked like a very different Denmark that lost 3-2 to Portugal last Wednesday.
For Denmark to progress they need to find another performance like the one against Holland. Germany are very solid & don't give much away so Denmark's best option is to keep it tight defensively & perhaps hope results go their away & that a draw is enough to reach the Quarter-Finals.
The other game is between Holland and Portugal.
For Portugal a win & they are in the Quarter-Finals. If they draw they have to hope Denmark don't beat Germany. If they lose by one goal they could still go through if Denmark lose to Germany.
Portugal really need more from their star man, Cristiano Ronaldo. He missed two bad chances against Denmark when one on one with the goalkeeper. In a Real Madrid shirt those were both goals but he seems to struggle to reenact that form for Portugal.
Holland have been very poor in this tournament & can count themselves lucky to still be in with a chance of qualifying after defeats in their opening two games.
I see their team includes all the stars tonight so it will be interesting to see what way they line up. They haven't looked like a team so far & need to get that right tonight.
I believe Germany will beat Denmark which will make the other game a shootout. If Holland play together as a team they have enough to beat Portugal by the two goals required. They might just do it you know.
Germany 2-0 Denmark
Holland 2-0 Portugal
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Germany have so far beaten Holland and Portugal who looked like the next best teams in Group B before the tournament started. Based on the first two games Germany should win this but in this tournament there are no guarantees as we saw last night when Russia looked a certainty to go through.
If Germany can play as they have they will be facing Greece for a Semi-Final place. It is as simple as that. Germany are better than Denmark & should beat them but we all know that funny things can happen in football so Germany cannot afford to be complacent.
Denmark sit on 3 points after a 1-0 win over Holland in their opening game & a 3-2 defeat to Portugal in their 2nd game.
The Danes looked good against Holland and defended very well to hang on for the win. However, it looked like a very different Denmark that lost 3-2 to Portugal last Wednesday.
For Denmark to progress they need to find another performance like the one against Holland. Germany are very solid & don't give much away so Denmark's best option is to keep it tight defensively & perhaps hope results go their away & that a draw is enough to reach the Quarter-Finals.
The other game is between Holland and Portugal.
For Portugal a win & they are in the Quarter-Finals. If they draw they have to hope Denmark don't beat Germany. If they lose by one goal they could still go through if Denmark lose to Germany.
Portugal really need more from their star man, Cristiano Ronaldo. He missed two bad chances against Denmark when one on one with the goalkeeper. In a Real Madrid shirt those were both goals but he seems to struggle to reenact that form for Portugal.
Holland have been very poor in this tournament & can count themselves lucky to still be in with a chance of qualifying after defeats in their opening two games.
I see their team includes all the stars tonight so it will be interesting to see what way they line up. They haven't looked like a team so far & need to get that right tonight.
I believe Germany will beat Denmark which will make the other game a shootout. If Holland play together as a team they have enough to beat Portugal by the two goals required. They might just do it you know.
Germany 2-0 Denmark
Holland 2-0 Portugal
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Group A Review
The unlikeliest of outcomes occurred last night with Greece beating Russia to join the Czech Rep in the Quarter-Finals.
A 1-0 win for Greece was enough to see the 2004 Champions qualify from Group A at the expense of group favourites Russia. Both sides ended on 4 points but in this tournament, head to head is a higher ranked tie-breaker than goal difference & therefore Russia are eliminated. Incidentally if goal difference had been used Russia would be in last 8.
I don't think head to heads is the fairest way to settle ties in a group in these tournaments. I think goal difference is a better way as it is more of a reflection on who the best team was over the 3 group games but unfortunately these are the rules and we have to live with them.
Greece are by no means an exciting team to watch. They set their stall out not to lose games, rather than win them. It's not pretty but it is effective & this year we saw Chelsea win the Champions League in much the same fashion. At the end of the day Greece have done what they set out to do & now take their place in the last 8.
Regardless who they play, they will no doubt provide tough opposition & it will take a good performance to break them down.
Czech Rep defeated co-hosts Poland in the other Group A game last night to qualify for the last 8 as group winners. Jiracek got the goal & I have to say he has impressed me in all 3 games they have played. Petr Cech looks to have got some form back & no doubt the clean sheet will do him the world of good.
The Czechs almost missed out right at the end when Poland had a great opportunity which if they had scored, would have sent Russia & Greece through.
As it is however the Czechs will now await the runner-up in Group B in the Quarter-Finals. They have shown a few good touches & now Petr Cech seems to be over his blip in form they have every chance of progressing further.
This is far from the best Czech Rep team we have saw in recent years but once again they have gave a good account of themselves on the European stage.
It is now time to say goodbye to co-hosts, Poland and Russia.
Poland relied heavily on Dortmund pair, Lewandowski & Blaszczykowski. These two were involved in everything positive the Poles done throughout the tournament. Now that the Poles are out the inevitable bidding war for the services of Lewandowski can begin.
Manchester Utd appeared to be the pre-tournament favourites so it will be interesting to see if his performances in these Championships has attracted more interest from other clubs.
Russia on paper were the best team in this group & the tournament is worse off now that Arshavin & Dzagoev are no longer a part of it.
Group A was the weakest of the 4 groups & regardless of who Czech Rep & Greece meet in the Quarter-Finals they will start as outsiders but they have already shown in this tournament that they can be tough to beat & have what it takes to get a result when it matters.
A 1-0 win for Greece was enough to see the 2004 Champions qualify from Group A at the expense of group favourites Russia. Both sides ended on 4 points but in this tournament, head to head is a higher ranked tie-breaker than goal difference & therefore Russia are eliminated. Incidentally if goal difference had been used Russia would be in last 8.
I don't think head to heads is the fairest way to settle ties in a group in these tournaments. I think goal difference is a better way as it is more of a reflection on who the best team was over the 3 group games but unfortunately these are the rules and we have to live with them.
Greece are by no means an exciting team to watch. They set their stall out not to lose games, rather than win them. It's not pretty but it is effective & this year we saw Chelsea win the Champions League in much the same fashion. At the end of the day Greece have done what they set out to do & now take their place in the last 8.
Regardless who they play, they will no doubt provide tough opposition & it will take a good performance to break them down.
Czech Rep defeated co-hosts Poland in the other Group A game last night to qualify for the last 8 as group winners. Jiracek got the goal & I have to say he has impressed me in all 3 games they have played. Petr Cech looks to have got some form back & no doubt the clean sheet will do him the world of good.
The Czechs almost missed out right at the end when Poland had a great opportunity which if they had scored, would have sent Russia & Greece through.
As it is however the Czechs will now await the runner-up in Group B in the Quarter-Finals. They have shown a few good touches & now Petr Cech seems to be over his blip in form they have every chance of progressing further.
This is far from the best Czech Rep team we have saw in recent years but once again they have gave a good account of themselves on the European stage.
It is now time to say goodbye to co-hosts, Poland and Russia.
Poland relied heavily on Dortmund pair, Lewandowski & Blaszczykowski. These two were involved in everything positive the Poles done throughout the tournament. Now that the Poles are out the inevitable bidding war for the services of Lewandowski can begin.
Manchester Utd appeared to be the pre-tournament favourites so it will be interesting to see if his performances in these Championships has attracted more interest from other clubs.
Russia on paper were the best team in this group & the tournament is worse off now that Arshavin & Dzagoev are no longer a part of it.
Group A was the weakest of the 4 groups & regardless of who Czech Rep & Greece meet in the Quarter-Finals they will start as outsiders but they have already shown in this tournament that they can be tough to beat & have what it takes to get a result when it matters.
Saturday 16 June 2012
Group A - Russia v Greece; Poland v Czech Rep
Pre-match Predictions : Group A comes to an end tonight & all four teams still have a chance of qualification.
The team in the best position is Russia who only need a point to qualify & a win to go through as Group winners. The Russians have looked impressive so far with Andrei Arshavin & Alan Dzagoev looking particularly impressive. If Russia could get more out of their central striker, Aleksandr Kerzhakov they would be a match for any team in the competition.
The Russians opponents tonight, Greece, have had a very poor tournament so far but if they could pick up a win tonight they will be in the Quarter-Finals.
So far they have shown very little except for a decent second half showing against Poland and even then it could be argued that Poland imploded.
On the results & performances so far all signs point to a Russian victory but with football being football nothing can be guaranteed but I would be very surprised if the Quarter-Finals kick off and Russia aren't involved.
The other game tonight is between co-hosts Poland and the Czech Republic. The equation is simple, Poland win they are through, Czech Republic win and they are through. If the game is a draw both could be out depending on if Greece beat Russia or not.
Poland have had two solid draws so far. They do look quite limited apart from the Dortmund pairing. If Lewandowski & Blaszczykowski can get involved in the game then Poland can win. They will have huge support & sometimes that can give you an extra edge. A tournament always has a better atmosphere when the hosts are involved so it would be nice to see them or Ukraine get beyond the group stage.
Czech Rep have been up & down in their two games so far. They were well beaten by Russia although they did have some positive moments in that game despite the scoreline. Against Greece they got off to a flying start & were 2-0 up inside a few minutes. They looked fairly comfortable but yet again Petr Cech looked poor & let the ball slip past him to set up the grandstand finish. Luckily for Cech they hang on for the win.
I think this game will be tight & can see it being a draw entering the last 15/20 minutes. The Poles will no doubt throw all they have at the Czech Rep & I have a funny feeling they might just nick it.
Russia 2-0 Greece
Poland 2-1 Czech Rep
The team in the best position is Russia who only need a point to qualify & a win to go through as Group winners. The Russians have looked impressive so far with Andrei Arshavin & Alan Dzagoev looking particularly impressive. If Russia could get more out of their central striker, Aleksandr Kerzhakov they would be a match for any team in the competition.
The Russians opponents tonight, Greece, have had a very poor tournament so far but if they could pick up a win tonight they will be in the Quarter-Finals.
So far they have shown very little except for a decent second half showing against Poland and even then it could be argued that Poland imploded.
On the results & performances so far all signs point to a Russian victory but with football being football nothing can be guaranteed but I would be very surprised if the Quarter-Finals kick off and Russia aren't involved.
The other game tonight is between co-hosts Poland and the Czech Republic. The equation is simple, Poland win they are through, Czech Republic win and they are through. If the game is a draw both could be out depending on if Greece beat Russia or not.
Poland have had two solid draws so far. They do look quite limited apart from the Dortmund pairing. If Lewandowski & Blaszczykowski can get involved in the game then Poland can win. They will have huge support & sometimes that can give you an extra edge. A tournament always has a better atmosphere when the hosts are involved so it would be nice to see them or Ukraine get beyond the group stage.
Czech Rep have been up & down in their two games so far. They were well beaten by Russia although they did have some positive moments in that game despite the scoreline. Against Greece they got off to a flying start & were 2-0 up inside a few minutes. They looked fairly comfortable but yet again Petr Cech looked poor & let the ball slip past him to set up the grandstand finish. Luckily for Cech they hang on for the win.
I think this game will be tight & can see it being a draw entering the last 15/20 minutes. The Poles will no doubt throw all they have at the Czech Rep & I have a funny feeling they might just nick it.
Russia 2-0 Greece
Poland 2-1 Czech Rep
Friday 15 June 2012
Group D - England v Sweden
Pre-match Prediction : A huge game for England tonight when they go head to head with Sweden.
England managed to hang on for a draw on Monday against France to start their campaign in a respectable fashion.
They were outplayed at times & created very little but that typical, gritty, English style defence saw them earn a point.
As I see it sitting back & attacking teams on the counter-attack looks like a good plan for England. Without Rooney, England lack creativity but they have a lot of pacey forwards.
Technically, England aren't great. They are better at making games physical but most European teams should be able to enjoy the majority of possession against them.
I'm not particularly impressed by the team England have selected tonight. It looks like a straight 4-4-2 & I don't think 4-4-2 works at this level. I'd have gone with Welbeck in the middle of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Young with Milner, Gerrard & Parker in the middle.
Sweden looked very poor against Ukraine. They got the first goal but defensively they looked very poor.
Sweden will rely heavilly on getting a good performance from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. On his day he can be unplayable but he traditionally struggles against English opposition.
I think this will be a tight game & it is one that England can win but I think they have got the team wrong.
England 1-1 Sweden
England managed to hang on for a draw on Monday against France to start their campaign in a respectable fashion.
They were outplayed at times & created very little but that typical, gritty, English style defence saw them earn a point.
As I see it sitting back & attacking teams on the counter-attack looks like a good plan for England. Without Rooney, England lack creativity but they have a lot of pacey forwards.
Technically, England aren't great. They are better at making games physical but most European teams should be able to enjoy the majority of possession against them.
I'm not particularly impressed by the team England have selected tonight. It looks like a straight 4-4-2 & I don't think 4-4-2 works at this level. I'd have gone with Welbeck in the middle of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Young with Milner, Gerrard & Parker in the middle.
Sweden looked very poor against Ukraine. They got the first goal but defensively they looked very poor.
Sweden will rely heavilly on getting a good performance from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. On his day he can be unplayable but he traditionally struggles against English opposition.
I think this will be a tight game & it is one that England can win but I think they have got the team wrong.
England 1-1 Sweden
Group D - Ukraine v France
Pre-match Prediction : Another chance to see one of the co-hosts as Ukraine take on France.
Ukraine got their campaign off with a win over Sweden on Monday night to send the home fans into raptures.
They looked the better team on Monday & it was good to see Shevchenko back to form, scoring his nations two goals.
Tonight will be a much tougher test for Ukraine as the face a France side who are undefeated in over 20 games.
I'd like to see a bit more from France winger Frank Ribery. He is capable of so much but it is very rare he shows it.
I'd also like to see striker, Karim Benzema stay forward a little more. He is up front on his own but spent a lot of time coming deep & it left France with no options in the penalty area.
Again, this one is difficult to call. France are no doubt the better team but home advantage in tournament play can be very inspiring. Having said that it's a big ask to win your first game as Host then go up against a team like France just 4 days later.
Ukraine 1-2 France
Ukraine got their campaign off with a win over Sweden on Monday night to send the home fans into raptures.
They looked the better team on Monday & it was good to see Shevchenko back to form, scoring his nations two goals.
Tonight will be a much tougher test for Ukraine as the face a France side who are undefeated in over 20 games.
I'd like to see a bit more from France winger Frank Ribery. He is capable of so much but it is very rare he shows it.
I'd also like to see striker, Karim Benzema stay forward a little more. He is up front on his own but spent a lot of time coming deep & it left France with no options in the penalty area.
Again, this one is difficult to call. France are no doubt the better team but home advantage in tournament play can be very inspiring. Having said that it's a big ask to win your first game as Host then go up against a team like France just 4 days later.
Ukraine 1-2 France
Group C - Ireland v Spain
Pre-match Prediction : This is one were I will be watching from behind the sofa. Ireland against the defending European and World Champions Spain.
Ireland made a terrible start to the competition with a dire performance against Croatia.
Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. We conceded the 3 goals at the worst times possible, opening minutes, before half-time & just after half-time.
The goals themselves were very poor. The first was a weak header & Shay Given somehow let it get by him. There was a defender ahead of him who also seemed to leave the ball & let it go through.
The second was very poor from Stephen Ward. He had possession & for some reason let the ball beat him & it ran on too far & went to a Spanish player. We never regained possession & a minute or so later we had conceded again, after Ward sliced an attempted clearance into the path of Jelavic. Ward may have been clipped as he attempted to clear but it is still no excuse for the Irish defence to stop & hold their hands in the air.
The third was just a freak occurance when the ball rebounded off a post, off Given's head and into the net. You couldn't do that again if you tried.
It wasn't all bad for Ireland. In the 20 or so minutes between conceding the first and equalising we actually looked like a good side. At 3-1 down we also created a few, good chances. We also should have had a penalty when Keane was taken down but I am convinced the referee never gave out as their was a Croatian down injured at the time.
I thought Trap made a few bad decisions too. From early on it was clear the 4-4-2 wasn't working. We had no outball as McGeady and Duff were being forced back into playing like extra full-backs. That left us punting the ball up to Keane and Doyle who had no support as the midfield were camped back in our own box. I also don't understand why he brought Cox on to play out left. Surely James McClean would have been perfect for that role.
In tonights game we need to be better defensively & we also need to scrap 4-4-2. A variation of 4-3-3/4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 would give us extra help in the midfield. We can't seriously expect Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews to win a midfield battle against 5 or 6 Spanish & we need to give them as much help as possible.
Spain got a point in their first game against Italy & will be unlikely to take the Irish lightly. Any slip ups here would have them in danger of going out.
Against Italy Spain went with a controversial 4-6-0 formation with Fabregas & Silva sharing that false number 9 role. I wasn't entirely convinced by it & thought they looked a lot more dangerous when Torres came on. Albeit Torres' finishing was poor but there were chances created for him.
Barring a miracle Spain should have enough to comfortably beat the Irish & based on the first game it doesn't look like a miracle is just around the corner.
Ireland 0-3 Spain
Ireland made a terrible start to the competition with a dire performance against Croatia.
Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. We conceded the 3 goals at the worst times possible, opening minutes, before half-time & just after half-time.
The goals themselves were very poor. The first was a weak header & Shay Given somehow let it get by him. There was a defender ahead of him who also seemed to leave the ball & let it go through.
The second was very poor from Stephen Ward. He had possession & for some reason let the ball beat him & it ran on too far & went to a Spanish player. We never regained possession & a minute or so later we had conceded again, after Ward sliced an attempted clearance into the path of Jelavic. Ward may have been clipped as he attempted to clear but it is still no excuse for the Irish defence to stop & hold their hands in the air.
The third was just a freak occurance when the ball rebounded off a post, off Given's head and into the net. You couldn't do that again if you tried.
It wasn't all bad for Ireland. In the 20 or so minutes between conceding the first and equalising we actually looked like a good side. At 3-1 down we also created a few, good chances. We also should have had a penalty when Keane was taken down but I am convinced the referee never gave out as their was a Croatian down injured at the time.
I thought Trap made a few bad decisions too. From early on it was clear the 4-4-2 wasn't working. We had no outball as McGeady and Duff were being forced back into playing like extra full-backs. That left us punting the ball up to Keane and Doyle who had no support as the midfield were camped back in our own box. I also don't understand why he brought Cox on to play out left. Surely James McClean would have been perfect for that role.
In tonights game we need to be better defensively & we also need to scrap 4-4-2. A variation of 4-3-3/4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 would give us extra help in the midfield. We can't seriously expect Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews to win a midfield battle against 5 or 6 Spanish & we need to give them as much help as possible.
Spain got a point in their first game against Italy & will be unlikely to take the Irish lightly. Any slip ups here would have them in danger of going out.
Against Italy Spain went with a controversial 4-6-0 formation with Fabregas & Silva sharing that false number 9 role. I wasn't entirely convinced by it & thought they looked a lot more dangerous when Torres came on. Albeit Torres' finishing was poor but there were chances created for him.
Barring a miracle Spain should have enough to comfortably beat the Irish & based on the first game it doesn't look like a miracle is just around the corner.
Ireland 0-3 Spain
Thursday 14 June 2012
Group C - Italy v Croatia
Post-match Prediction : Group C should begin to take shape today with the latest round of fixtures and today's 5pm game is Italy v Croatia.
Italy come into this one after a very good result against defending European and World Champions, Spain. Italy took the lead in that game but were unable to hold onto it and in the end had to settle for a point. The Italians played 3 at the back with De Rossi playing in the Libero role. It was an interesting idea and one that worked out quite well.
As usual the Spanish had a lot of possession but they never really hurt the Italians and Italy were fairly comfortable until Spain made a few changes near the end.
The front two of Cassano and Ballotelli both looked lively and Cassano was impressive but I was also quite impressed with Balotelli's hold up play which is a side to his game we don't often see.
The Croatians got off to a dream start with a comfortable win over Ireland. It's hard to judge how good they actually were though as pretty much anything that could go wrong, did go wrong for the Irish.
Modric unsurprisingly looks like a key player for them and Jelavic and Mandzukic look like a handful in attack. Ireland never really tested their back line but they will surely face a sterner test this evening.
This game is very tough to call but I think the Italians have a little more class & enough in the physical side too to deal with the Croats.
Italy 2-1 Croatia
Italy come into this one after a very good result against defending European and World Champions, Spain. Italy took the lead in that game but were unable to hold onto it and in the end had to settle for a point. The Italians played 3 at the back with De Rossi playing in the Libero role. It was an interesting idea and one that worked out quite well.
As usual the Spanish had a lot of possession but they never really hurt the Italians and Italy were fairly comfortable until Spain made a few changes near the end.
The front two of Cassano and Ballotelli both looked lively and Cassano was impressive but I was also quite impressed with Balotelli's hold up play which is a side to his game we don't often see.
The Croatians got off to a dream start with a comfortable win over Ireland. It's hard to judge how good they actually were though as pretty much anything that could go wrong, did go wrong for the Irish.
Modric unsurprisingly looks like a key player for them and Jelavic and Mandzukic look like a handful in attack. Ireland never really tested their back line but they will surely face a sterner test this evening.
This game is very tough to call but I think the Italians have a little more class & enough in the physical side too to deal with the Croats.
Italy 2-1 Croatia
Wednesday 13 June 2012
Group B - Holland 1-2 Germany
Pre-match Prediction : Yet another massive clash in Group B between two old rivals. The earlier result means neither team can go out or go through tonight but the result will go a long way to deciding who does go through.
Holland started off with a bad result and a bad display. They looked like a team who had never met each other, yet just 2 years ago they were in the World Cup Final. Robben & Van Persie surely won't be as bad again. Sneijder looked good & his passing was as good as ever. If he can get some help from the front 3 then they can get back to the team they were.
Germany got a good win against Portugal in the opening game without ever really looking at their best. They created a few chances but in truth they were a bit lucky to hang on in the end. Germany have a long way to go based on their first performance but it's usually the way the Germans go about it and I don't think anyone would be surprised to see them in the Final.
I find this one hard to predict & it genuinely could go either way so in that scenario, plump for the draw.
Holland 1-1 Germany
Post-match Verdict : The Germans scored a crucial voctory here to put their big rivals on the brink of elimination and themselves on the brink of the Quarter-Finals.
Germany once again were the same clinical, efficient side we have come accustomed to watching. After a sluggish start it only took one chance for Gomez and it was 1-0 Germany. Not long after Badstuber had wasted a great chance the ball fell to Gomez in the box again and it was 2-0.
Gomez wouldn't be the sort of striker who is particularly involved in a game but once he gets a chance in the box it's more likely than not that it will end up in the net.
Germany are looking very strong at the moment. They have a lot of creativity in midfield with Ozil and Schweinsteiger looking superb so far and with Gomez's finishing as clinical as it has been they will be a hard side to beat.
My only criticism of them would be Boateng has struggled a bit at right-back. Naturally he is left sided but can play in the middle too, so far both opponents have targeted him and any successes they have had have come against him with van Persie turning him for the Dutch goal last night.
Holland have been such a disappintment in this tournament. They came in regarded as one of the favourites but their performances to date have been more like a team who should have struggled in Qualification which the Dutch did not do.
They look like a side who are not together as a team and perhaps rumours of discontent in their team are true. Huntelaar seems unhappy at not starting and from what I can see it appears there are other players unhappy at that too. Their coach appears to have lost the confidence of the players and I'd be surprised to see him back again after this tournament.
I won't even go into my thoughts on Arjen Robben other than to say I feel he is letting his country down. His spoilt child attitude is a stain on football.
Next up for the Germans is neighbours, Denmark. Germany need a point to win the group and based on performances so far I fancy them to get at least that.
For the Dutch it's a clash with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. A win by a few goals for Holland and a German win in the other game could yet send the Dutch through to the Quarter-Finals. It is highly possible it could happen but it would need to be a very different Dutch team with a very different attittude to the one we have saw in their first two games.
Holland started off with a bad result and a bad display. They looked like a team who had never met each other, yet just 2 years ago they were in the World Cup Final. Robben & Van Persie surely won't be as bad again. Sneijder looked good & his passing was as good as ever. If he can get some help from the front 3 then they can get back to the team they were.
Germany got a good win against Portugal in the opening game without ever really looking at their best. They created a few chances but in truth they were a bit lucky to hang on in the end. Germany have a long way to go based on their first performance but it's usually the way the Germans go about it and I don't think anyone would be surprised to see them in the Final.
I find this one hard to predict & it genuinely could go either way so in that scenario, plump for the draw.
Holland 1-1 Germany
Post-match Verdict : The Germans scored a crucial voctory here to put their big rivals on the brink of elimination and themselves on the brink of the Quarter-Finals.
Germany once again were the same clinical, efficient side we have come accustomed to watching. After a sluggish start it only took one chance for Gomez and it was 1-0 Germany. Not long after Badstuber had wasted a great chance the ball fell to Gomez in the box again and it was 2-0.
Gomez wouldn't be the sort of striker who is particularly involved in a game but once he gets a chance in the box it's more likely than not that it will end up in the net.
Germany are looking very strong at the moment. They have a lot of creativity in midfield with Ozil and Schweinsteiger looking superb so far and with Gomez's finishing as clinical as it has been they will be a hard side to beat.
My only criticism of them would be Boateng has struggled a bit at right-back. Naturally he is left sided but can play in the middle too, so far both opponents have targeted him and any successes they have had have come against him with van Persie turning him for the Dutch goal last night.
Holland have been such a disappintment in this tournament. They came in regarded as one of the favourites but their performances to date have been more like a team who should have struggled in Qualification which the Dutch did not do.
They look like a side who are not together as a team and perhaps rumours of discontent in their team are true. Huntelaar seems unhappy at not starting and from what I can see it appears there are other players unhappy at that too. Their coach appears to have lost the confidence of the players and I'd be surprised to see him back again after this tournament.
I won't even go into my thoughts on Arjen Robben other than to say I feel he is letting his country down. His spoilt child attitude is a stain on football.
Next up for the Germans is neighbours, Denmark. Germany need a point to win the group and based on performances so far I fancy them to get at least that.
For the Dutch it's a clash with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. A win by a few goals for Holland and a German win in the other game could yet send the Dutch through to the Quarter-Finals. It is highly possible it could happen but it would need to be a very different Dutch team with a very different attittude to the one we have saw in their first two games.
Group B - Denmark 2-3 Portugal
Pre-match Prediction : A huge game for both nations this evening as Denmark can put themselves on the verge of a Quarter-Final place. Portugal need a win to keep themselves alive.
The Danes had a fantastic win over the Dutch. Very few people expected it but Denmark set themselves up well, took their chance when it came and had some luck on their side when Holland probably should have done better with their chances. Agger & particular Kjaer were impressive at the back. Brondby star Krohn-Delhi who got the goal was also impressive & I will be watching him closely in tonights game.
Portugal had an up and down game against Germany. They rode their luck a bit with Germany missing a few chances but once they went behind they could count themselves unlucky not to have got an equaliser. The Portugeese squad is full of a lot of individually talented players but they need to regroup & get their tournament back on track tonight.
I have lost count of the amount of times I have saw a team slip up after a massive victory. The Danes had a massive win on Saturday & it is a huge ask for the Danes to contain Portugal just 4 days later. This Portugal team have the best player in the tournament in Cristiano Ronaldo and tonight is the night he has to prove it.
Denmark 0-2 Portugal
Post-match Verdict : Portugal just managed to edge out the Danes to keep their destiny in their own hands.
Portugal got off to a great start with goals from Pepe and Postiga giving them a 2-0 first half lead. At this stage they were cruising but slackness at the back let Bendtner reduce the deficit before half-time.
Portugal again started the second half in the ascendency and really should have been further head but superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo twice fluffed his lines when presented with a one on one opportunity with the Danish goalkeeper. Seconds after Ronaldo's second miss, the Danes were level with Bendtner finishing off a superb cross from Jacobsen.
At this point the Portugeese must have been cursing their luck as they had been by far the better team but there was time for one more goal and it was Portugal's Varela who got it. After swinging wildly with his left foot the ball ricocheted back into his path and he swung the right foot at it and he found the bottom corner.
Portugal were the better team but will need more help from their defence and Cristiano Ronaldo if they wish to make any impression on this tournament.
The Danes looked very much like a team who had put in 110% four days earlier and were playing more or less on empty. Having said that when they got their chances they took them and almost stole a point but in the end it was Portugal who had that little bit of extra luck at the end.
Next up for Portugal is a clash with struggling, Holland. If Portugal win they are still not guaranteed qualification. If Denmark beat Germany 4-3, 5-4 etc and Portugal beat Holland 1-0, the Portugeese could go out although it would be quite unlikely.
For Denmark it's a clash with group leaders Germany. Germany only require a point to guarantee their place as group winners but as they are still not guaranteed of a Quarter-Final place I cannot see them tinkering with the team. Denmark need to better Portugal's result to guarantee a Quarter-Final place.
The Danes had a fantastic win over the Dutch. Very few people expected it but Denmark set themselves up well, took their chance when it came and had some luck on their side when Holland probably should have done better with their chances. Agger & particular Kjaer were impressive at the back. Brondby star Krohn-Delhi who got the goal was also impressive & I will be watching him closely in tonights game.
Portugal had an up and down game against Germany. They rode their luck a bit with Germany missing a few chances but once they went behind they could count themselves unlucky not to have got an equaliser. The Portugeese squad is full of a lot of individually talented players but they need to regroup & get their tournament back on track tonight.
I have lost count of the amount of times I have saw a team slip up after a massive victory. The Danes had a massive win on Saturday & it is a huge ask for the Danes to contain Portugal just 4 days later. This Portugal team have the best player in the tournament in Cristiano Ronaldo and tonight is the night he has to prove it.
Denmark 0-2 Portugal
Post-match Verdict : Portugal just managed to edge out the Danes to keep their destiny in their own hands.
Portugal got off to a great start with goals from Pepe and Postiga giving them a 2-0 first half lead. At this stage they were cruising but slackness at the back let Bendtner reduce the deficit before half-time.
Portugal again started the second half in the ascendency and really should have been further head but superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo twice fluffed his lines when presented with a one on one opportunity with the Danish goalkeeper. Seconds after Ronaldo's second miss, the Danes were level with Bendtner finishing off a superb cross from Jacobsen.
At this point the Portugeese must have been cursing their luck as they had been by far the better team but there was time for one more goal and it was Portugal's Varela who got it. After swinging wildly with his left foot the ball ricocheted back into his path and he swung the right foot at it and he found the bottom corner.
Portugal were the better team but will need more help from their defence and Cristiano Ronaldo if they wish to make any impression on this tournament.
The Danes looked very much like a team who had put in 110% four days earlier and were playing more or less on empty. Having said that when they got their chances they took them and almost stole a point but in the end it was Portugal who had that little bit of extra luck at the end.
Next up for Portugal is a clash with struggling, Holland. If Portugal win they are still not guaranteed qualification. If Denmark beat Germany 4-3, 5-4 etc and Portugal beat Holland 1-0, the Portugeese could go out although it would be quite unlikely.
For Denmark it's a clash with group leaders Germany. Germany only require a point to guarantee their place as group winners but as they are still not guaranteed of a Quarter-Final place I cannot see them tinkering with the team. Denmark need to better Portugal's result to guarantee a Quarter-Final place.
Tuesday 12 June 2012
Group A - Poland 1-1 Russia
Pre-match Prediction : Host nation back in action tonight against rivals & group favourites Russia.
Poland got off to a superb start against Greece & should have had the game won by half time but they made a few errors & only their replacement goalkeeper made a superb penalty save or they'd have ended up losing. Lewandowski & Blaszczykowski were very impressive in the first half against the Greeks & Poland will need them at their absolute best to get a result tonight.
Russia go into this after probably the most impressive performance from the first round of group games. They defended very well & hit the Czech's with quick counter attacks. Dzagoev & Arshavin were both superb. Kerzhakov however missed a lot of simple chances & is very fortunate to keep his place in the team. Pavlyuchenko scored & set one up in his short time on the field & I expect if Kerzhakov doesn't get to form tonight then the ex-Spurs striker can expect to get a start in the next game.
Poland have the support but I feel they are quite a limited side & believe Russia can pick them off on the counter-attack & qualify for the Quarter-Finals.
Poland 1-3 Russia
Post-match Verdict : This was a decent end to end battle between two sides who now find themselves with their fate in their own hands.
Poland were a lot better than they were on Friday and caused the Russian backline quite a few problems. Only the goalkeeper made a few decent saves or they could have picked up all 3 points in this game. The Borussia Dortmund pair, Lewandowski and Blaszcykowski again looked very sharp with the latter scoring an absolutely fantastic goal to get the Poles back into the game at 1-1. Lewandowski is showing in this tournament the reasons why Manchester United seem so keen to get his signature. Surely Sir Alex Ferguson is watching these Championships with his head in his hands as the price is no doubt increasing with every performance. From what I have saw he reminds me of Alan Shearer in his pomp. He is good in the air, good on the ground and makes the centre-backs life a misery. Some strikers around Europe may not suit the style of the Premier League but Lewandowski looks made for it and I have no doubt that wherever he ends up will be gaining a top quality striker.
Russia weren't as impressive in this game as they were against Czech Rep. To be fair the opposition gave them a much harder time than the Czech Rep did but they didn’t look quite as clinical in this game. Kerzhakov once again was disappointing and surely the time has arrived for Dick Advocaat to assess his options in attack. Arshavin appears to revel in the leadership role he has in the national team and Alan Dzagoev looks like a star but I feel Russia would be better if they went with either Pavlyuchenko or Pogrebnyak up front. Otherwise Russia look like a solid unit and regardless of how far they go in the tournament I think they will always provide stern opposition, even against the very top teams.
Next up for Russia is Greece who have looked poor so far. A win or a draw would see Russia progress & depending on other results they could even progress with a defeat. Given how poor Greece have looked I expect Russia to be in the Quarter-Finals and probably as group winners after beating Greece.
For Poland it is a do or die clash with the Czech Rep. The equation is simple, win and you are in the last 8, lose or draw and the tournament is over. I've no doubt this game will be a cracker & it's a great one for the tournament as it's always good to see the hosts in big games. Win, lose or draw the Polish fams will no doubt create an occasion that will not be easily forgotten.
Poland got off to a superb start against Greece & should have had the game won by half time but they made a few errors & only their replacement goalkeeper made a superb penalty save or they'd have ended up losing. Lewandowski & Blaszczykowski were very impressive in the first half against the Greeks & Poland will need them at their absolute best to get a result tonight.
Russia go into this after probably the most impressive performance from the first round of group games. They defended very well & hit the Czech's with quick counter attacks. Dzagoev & Arshavin were both superb. Kerzhakov however missed a lot of simple chances & is very fortunate to keep his place in the team. Pavlyuchenko scored & set one up in his short time on the field & I expect if Kerzhakov doesn't get to form tonight then the ex-Spurs striker can expect to get a start in the next game.
Poland have the support but I feel they are quite a limited side & believe Russia can pick them off on the counter-attack & qualify for the Quarter-Finals.
Poland 1-3 Russia
Post-match Verdict : This was a decent end to end battle between two sides who now find themselves with their fate in their own hands.
Poland were a lot better than they were on Friday and caused the Russian backline quite a few problems. Only the goalkeeper made a few decent saves or they could have picked up all 3 points in this game. The Borussia Dortmund pair, Lewandowski and Blaszcykowski again looked very sharp with the latter scoring an absolutely fantastic goal to get the Poles back into the game at 1-1. Lewandowski is showing in this tournament the reasons why Manchester United seem so keen to get his signature. Surely Sir Alex Ferguson is watching these Championships with his head in his hands as the price is no doubt increasing with every performance. From what I have saw he reminds me of Alan Shearer in his pomp. He is good in the air, good on the ground and makes the centre-backs life a misery. Some strikers around Europe may not suit the style of the Premier League but Lewandowski looks made for it and I have no doubt that wherever he ends up will be gaining a top quality striker.
Russia weren't as impressive in this game as they were against Czech Rep. To be fair the opposition gave them a much harder time than the Czech Rep did but they didn’t look quite as clinical in this game. Kerzhakov once again was disappointing and surely the time has arrived for Dick Advocaat to assess his options in attack. Arshavin appears to revel in the leadership role he has in the national team and Alan Dzagoev looks like a star but I feel Russia would be better if they went with either Pavlyuchenko or Pogrebnyak up front. Otherwise Russia look like a solid unit and regardless of how far they go in the tournament I think they will always provide stern opposition, even against the very top teams.
Next up for Russia is Greece who have looked poor so far. A win or a draw would see Russia progress & depending on other results they could even progress with a defeat. Given how poor Greece have looked I expect Russia to be in the Quarter-Finals and probably as group winners after beating Greece.
For Poland it is a do or die clash with the Czech Rep. The equation is simple, win and you are in the last 8, lose or draw and the tournament is over. I've no doubt this game will be a cracker & it's a great one for the tournament as it's always good to see the hosts in big games. Win, lose or draw the Polish fams will no doubt create an occasion that will not be easily forgotten.
Group A - Greece 1-2 Czech Rep
Post Match Prediction - Doesn't bode well for this being too exciting. Neither team showed very much in their opening encounters.
Greece were terrible in the 1st half against Poland & by rights should have been out of it by the half. They showed a bit more urgency 2nd half & got rewarded when the Poles and in particular Szczesny imploded & gave them a route back into the game. They have lost a few to injuries & suspensions and still have Samaras starting which is as bad as it can get after Fridays display.
The Czechs, despite being well beaten by Russia, did show some glimpses of talent. They were caught on the counter-attack for 3 goals & I can't see Greece being as adventurous as the Russians were. The right-back & the 2 in midfield looked promising for the Czechs and if Petr Cech & the big 4 show any improvement I think they can get the better of Greece here.
Greece 0-2 Czech Rep
Post-match Verdict : This was a superb result for the Czechs after a storming start.
The Greek goalkeeper should be disappointed with his own part in the two goals. He has had a poor tournament which looks to be over for him now after his injury. In all 3 of the goals conceded by the Greeks he has been partially to blame.
The Czechs again showed some good touches & once again Jiracek in midfield and Gebre Selassie at right-back gave good performances & managed a goal and an assist between them. Gebre Selassie still plays in the Czech Rep for Slovan Liberec so he could be a decent signing for a Premier League club. Jiracek is at Wolfsburg so may cost a bit more but based on his two performances so far, he is showing signs that he would be a good addition to a Premier League club.
The Czechs biggest problem so far would appear to be Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech. He was very poor against Russia & should have done better for at least 3 and possibly all 4 of the goals depending on how harsh you are. He followed that up with another disaster, allowing a cross to slip through his hands into the path of a Greek striker. Luckily the Czechs hung on for the victory but Cech needs to get over this Champions League hangover if he wants to take his season beyond the weekend.
Celtic striker Samaras deserves some praise too for finally looking like a footballer again. I'm not saying he had a great game or even a good game but he certainly had a better game. The big man showed some nice touches & helped create a few chances for his teammates. He is, and always has been, a confidence player & hopefully this improvement will help him get back to form.
Next up for the Greeks is Russia & whilst they still have a chance of qualification they haven't really shown much to make you think they have a realistic chance of getting the victory they need.
For the Czechs it's now onto what looks like being an absolute cracker of a match against the hosts, Poland. A draw may well be enough for the Czechs depending on the other result but that won't be an easy task against a fired up host.
Greece were terrible in the 1st half against Poland & by rights should have been out of it by the half. They showed a bit more urgency 2nd half & got rewarded when the Poles and in particular Szczesny imploded & gave them a route back into the game. They have lost a few to injuries & suspensions and still have Samaras starting which is as bad as it can get after Fridays display.
The Czechs, despite being well beaten by Russia, did show some glimpses of talent. They were caught on the counter-attack for 3 goals & I can't see Greece being as adventurous as the Russians were. The right-back & the 2 in midfield looked promising for the Czechs and if Petr Cech & the big 4 show any improvement I think they can get the better of Greece here.
Greece 0-2 Czech Rep
Post-match Verdict : This was a superb result for the Czechs after a storming start.
The Greek goalkeeper should be disappointed with his own part in the two goals. He has had a poor tournament which looks to be over for him now after his injury. In all 3 of the goals conceded by the Greeks he has been partially to blame.
The Czechs again showed some good touches & once again Jiracek in midfield and Gebre Selassie at right-back gave good performances & managed a goal and an assist between them. Gebre Selassie still plays in the Czech Rep for Slovan Liberec so he could be a decent signing for a Premier League club. Jiracek is at Wolfsburg so may cost a bit more but based on his two performances so far, he is showing signs that he would be a good addition to a Premier League club.
The Czechs biggest problem so far would appear to be Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech. He was very poor against Russia & should have done better for at least 3 and possibly all 4 of the goals depending on how harsh you are. He followed that up with another disaster, allowing a cross to slip through his hands into the path of a Greek striker. Luckily the Czechs hung on for the victory but Cech needs to get over this Champions League hangover if he wants to take his season beyond the weekend.
Celtic striker Samaras deserves some praise too for finally looking like a footballer again. I'm not saying he had a great game or even a good game but he certainly had a better game. The big man showed some nice touches & helped create a few chances for his teammates. He is, and always has been, a confidence player & hopefully this improvement will help him get back to form.
Next up for the Greeks is Russia & whilst they still have a chance of qualification they haven't really shown much to make you think they have a realistic chance of getting the victory they need.
For the Czechs it's now onto what looks like being an absolute cracker of a match against the hosts, Poland. A draw may well be enough for the Czechs depending on the other result but that won't be an easy task against a fired up host.
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