The Turks were reeling from injuries and suspensions that Fatih Terrim joked that he would have to play a reserve goalkeeper to make up the numbers – a point many media outlets took literally (N.B. Mr. Redknapp, this is correct usage of the word). Nihat, the explosive little striker was ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury, but his replacement Semih Senturk looks to be a big game player scoring vital equalizers against co-hosts Switzerland and that last minute effort against the delightful Croatians. The Turkish side has a great belief but the number of set-backs may have weakened their psychological state. In contrast, complacency may have crept into the German side, as it did against Croatia, but following consultation with the senior players, coach Joachim Low changed to a 4-5-1 allowing Ballack to thrive in his favoured role.
Turkey may have been written off but as this wonderful tournament shows, nothing is certain. Germany started confidently as they passed the ball around in the Turkish half, as the red shirts couldn’t roam into the German half in the opening minutes. Topal and Zan seemed uncertain but it wasn’t important as Kazim, the naturalised Turk took an early shot, which was straight at Jens Lehmann. Soon after, the English-born youngster crossed in a ball that was poorly cleared by Lahm as Altintop, his Bayern Munich team-mate (several of the Turks ply their trade in Germany) stole in and shot but Lehmann blocked. The Turks had settled and continued their onslaught as they kept possession and worked the angles with Sabri, the right-back swinging the ball back to the Brazilian born Aurelio, who chipped a pass into the box, which fell by the by-line. The ball was laid back to Kazim, who rattled the bar with his fierce shot.
Terrim’s side was wonderful to watch with a stunning work ethic that dominated Germany, who missed the tempo-setting Torsten Frings, apparently still not fit to start having suffered a fractured rib. A simple cross was worked cleverly from the right flank and reached Kazim, whose shot looped up onto the bar. Boral, equally industrious in his running bundled the rebound through the legs of Lehmann, who seemed helpless, perhaps expecting a harder shot, but no doubt the press was rejoicing at the chance to knock down the controversial goalkeeper. Soon after Semih had his shot from the edge of the box block for a corner that Aurelio almost nodded into the net in a period of sheer dominance. But the stereotype of the Germans came through as they levelled with their first meaningful chance. Podolski crossed from the left to the near post, where Schweinsteiger added the deftest of touches to lift the ball into the net (after ghosting in from the right with a clever run), leaving the veteran Rustu helpless. Topal tried to block but couldn’t make up the ground.
Altintop was very influential in his preferred central role, as his overhit free-kick fooled Lehmann, who managed to stretch out an arm and palm the ball over for a corner. The Bayern playmaker then made a darting run as he continued to control the pace of Turkey’s game. At the other end, Hitzelsperger played in Podolski down the left flank, with Sabri, the full-back nowhere to be found. Klose ran at ‘break-neck’ speed to support him but his club team-mate, having not seen his run, elected to shoot. In another instance, he spread the play wide to Kazim, whose end product was for once lacking as he completely miscalculated his cross and whacked it into the stands. The former Brighton player won a free-kick after another tussle in what was becoming an intriguing battle with Lahm down the Turkish right flank. Lehmann, still of Arsenal until July 1st, made a punch from Boral’s fierce free-kick (from an acute angle), as he partially redeemed himself for his earlier error. Soon after, this highly eventful game took an ugly turn after a clash of heads between Rolfes and Akman, with the former bleeding from a nasty cut.
Friedrich then made a last-ditch, desperate poke at the ball as Altintop was played in after a clever give-and-go with the striker Semih as the static defence was once more exploited. The full-back was at fault like Lehmann for the opening goal as he failed to pick up his man Boral. The half ended with Joachim Low the more worried of the two coaches. He responded by taking a huge risk in bringing on Frings, who was still recovering from his rib injury but the difference was immediately evident as the Germans seemed to press harder. It seemed fine that an Austrian was taking charge of a semi-final but if he wasn’t good enough under the immense pressure, then why appoint him? He bottled a major decision as he denied Germany a penalty (or even a free-kick) as Sabri clattered into Lahm on the edge of the box. The referee tried to stop the boos by booking Semih for a challenge but the question as to why UEFA didn’t appoint the best referees must have surely risen in the minds of some of the fans and the coaches.
One disappointment was the BBC, as they still persisted with John Motson. The man so familiar with the sheepskin coat first mistook Boral for Topal and mentioning Kazim when Semih had the ball. The veteran man had problems distinguishing David Silva and Marcos Senna in the fourth quarter final so this issue was nothing new. A power failure, which affected all television outlets cut the picture showed the difference in the quality of commentating between 5live and BBC One, with Chris Waddle surpassing Mark Lawrenson in every aspect of being a summariser. It’s time to pass the mantle to another commentating team.
Germany were more prominent but the wing play of Turkey still caused immense problems for the opposition defence. Kazim made a wonderful turn from two defenders and appeared to have his shirt pulled by Lahm in the box, but the manner in which he fell meant the claim was waived away. On the other flank Boral ran onto a lofted pass and cut inside Friedrich, who was having a poor game like the rest of his defence. The Turkish winger then shot rather than pick a team-mate, with his effort collected by Lehmann, at the first time of asking. Just as when the game seemed find a new consistency in terms of television coverage, first we lost coverage and then Klose headed in, as Rustu ran out when there was no need) once more disturbing the experience of watching the match. What was encouraging is that the BBC seemed to stick with 5live coverage, which was much more impressive, especially as it included Alan Green commentating in a game with no Liverpool presence.
Turkey just don’t know when they’re beaten do they? Senturk proved his burgeoning reputation as a big game player by stealing in at the near post from Sabri’s cross as Lehmann waited to gather. Sabri was typical of Turkey, poor defensively, great in an attacking sense. The thick-skinned Stuttgart signing seemed most likely bear the brunt of any criticism in the morning papers, but Lahm who let Sabri in down his side atoned for his error in a fine move from the left flank and he swept home confidently from Hitzelsperger’s through ball, as Germany seemed to steal the win in an unconvincing performance. Kazim appeared to turn his knee when tracking Lahm’s run as Metin came on in the dying stages. His only contribution was to fire over a free-kick, their last chance as referee Massimo Busacca blew the final whistle.
As I previously wrote on a previous post, the semi-finals and the final will be the making of this tournament and so far it is adhering to the call, in this brilliant end to the first semi final. While Germany stumbled into the final, it is the brave losers that this tournament willl remember, at least for a while. The Dutch also delighted us, but what this tournament needs is a side playing fine, technical football to triumph. On current evidence, we need one of Spain and Russia to lift the Henri Delauney trophy. But knowing the Germans and their winning mentality, a fourth win is very, very likely.
Germany 3 – 2 Turkey FT
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Euro 2008: Matchday Sixteen Round Up
Spain vs. Italy
It had been well documented in the pre-match build up that Spain had failed to defeat Italy in a major tournament since the 1920 Olympics. Aragones’ side had defeated the Italians in a friendly in the build up to this tournament, but they must do it when it counts as Aragones is only one win away from being statistically the most successful Spanish manager in their history, with the win over Greece, his ninth in a row, a run not matched by the national side since 1927. The manager has been in the news recently for dismissing the absence of Gattuso, getting into an alleged row with Ramos for his off-the-pitch life style, and even getting riled up by a Spanish radio station, which was acting as an Italian one, causing the controversial coach to declare his side would win 4-0.
The Italians always come into form in the latter stages of the tournament, but the blow of Pirlo must have affected their preparation, allowing the promising Aquilani to come in. Aragones, 70 next month, played the side that started against Russia and Sweden. Iniesta dribbled with fine balance and drew in defenders as he reached the corner flag on the left flank, before crossing. The Italians cleared easily and broke with Grosso down their left, but David Villa made up the yards to slide in and win the ball. Toni had a huge physical and aerial advantage against Puyol and Marchena, winning a free-kick, which he failed to connect with as Casillas gathered. ‘La Furia Roja’ searched for angles for the telling ball as Silva played a one-two down the inside-left channel and his deflected shot looped up for Buffon to catch.
The Italians appeared to defend deep and deny Spain their greatest strength, pace in behind. Thus Xavi and his fellow midfielders had plenty of possession but no direction in their play as they patiently waited for any opening. Donadoni’s side soaked up any pressure and looked to break using the volatile Cassano and Perrotta as outlets to supporting Toni. Torres found space on the right flank but Ambrosini robbed him off the ball with a fine tackle. The Milan midfielder then appeared to catch Villa from behind inside the box, as Lyon’s Grosso cleared. Perrotta, who thrives off Totti’s supply for Roma, made a clever run unnoticed to meet Ambrosini’s cross but his effort was tame as Casillas grabbed his header.
Ramos, criticised for his positioning in conjunction with his centre-backs, and his poor judgement as regards when to bomb forward was caught on the ball as he tried to drive forward by Ambrosini, who swiftly crossed for Toni, but the effort was out of the Bayern man’s reach. Villa was then fouled at the other end and took the resulting free-kick, shooting low under the wall for Buffon to clutch gratefully, having seen it late. Valencia’s Silva found himself popping up on the right, before he cut in and shot; Buffon smothered his effort comfortably. His fellow wide midfielder Iniesta then blazed a shot over as the game threatened to increase its pace. It was likely to be more tactical than the three previous quarter finals.
As the first half came to a close, there were a number of good chances as Cassano created space on the wing and crossed accurately to Toni, whose header was blocked by Marchena. Soon after, Torres broke down the opposite end and cut in, fooling Zambrotta with a sharp turn but the Liverpool hitman’s shot was blocked. The rebound fell to Silva, who shifted inside and shot just past Buffon’s right hand post. The clever Spaniard was reminiscent of Rosicky, when fit (if you can remember that far back) when he cut inside and shaped to shoot. While Spain struggled against Sweden, Italy were even more of a challenge. Cassano and Aquilani tucked in with the holding central midfield duo of Ambrosini and De Rossi, to add numbers in their defensive effort.
Panucci’s clearance fell to Silva at the beginning of the second half, who turned but was brilliantly blocked by the imposing Chiellini of Juventus. Torres then chased the ball down the left flank and competed with Panucci for it. He shrugged off the Roma man and turned inside, but his attempt to cross for Villa, free at the far post, was blocked by the first man. As Spain pressed, a Xavi corner was played back to Marchena, who blazed over as he attempted to imitate Denis Kolodin’s long range efforts against Holland. Both sides made changes as Camoranesi came on for Italy and Fabregas and Cazorla replaced Barcelona duo Iniesta and Xavi. De Rossi’s lofted ball into the box created panic as Casillas raced off his line to challenge Toni, who sparked a scramble in the box with his persistence, ending in Juventus winger Camoranesi shooting, with Casillas making a vital block on the line with his feet.
More space was apparent in the game as John Motson showed his age in frequently referring to Marcos Senna as Silva, a mistake non existent in the first half. This adds to the growing belief that Jonathon Pearce should replace him as the main commentator. Villa then took another free-kick that clipped the wall and landed on the roof of the net. Italy were beginning to create more chances as Zambrotta crossed for Toni, who beat two men but headed over. Fabregas began to influence the game positively, playing earlier passes, with one lofted pass out to Torres, who controlled well and forced a corner, and upping the tempo of Spain’s game. Senna then took over free-kick duties, temporarily at least, and his effort was punched away by Buffon, who was behind the goal-line. The Brazilian-born defensive midfielder had another strike, which squeezed under Buffon and touched the post, as the captain made an uncharacteristic error.
At the other end, substitute Di Natale, of Udinese, crossed to the back post, where Grosso was running in but Toni, unaware of the full-back’s run attempted an overhead kick and took away the chance for either to shoot. Aragones brought off Torres, who couldn’t reproduce his Liverpool form against the World Cup winners, for Dani Guiza, the 27 goal Mallorca striker. The big target man appeared to handle the ball as he controlled a cross from Villa, while his effort was blocked by the alert Buffon, although it didn’t matter as he was penalised. In the final minutes of injury time, a ball from the right flank by the brilliant Fabregas went over the Italian defence as Villa looked to pounce but his control let him down. Once more extra time beckoned.
Camoranesi made a fine dribble and attempted to play in Di Natale but his pass was blocked enabling Spain to start a counter-attack, as Villa crossed for Guiza to head back to Fabregas, whose first time effort was saved, as he popped up in the forward positions he frequently adopts for Arsenal. David Silva had a better attempt as he fired just wide from the rebound. Italy attacked as Marchena just knocked the ball away from Toni’s path, while Casillas tipped over Di Natale’s header for a corner. Luca Toni headed over at the near post with a clever attempt. David Villa slipped in the box but had the composure to back-heel the ball into Fabregas’ path, whilst still on the turf but Zambrotta eased the Arsenal maestro off the ball. The playmaker was then found offside as he continued to support the strikers, something Xavi failed to do, but his eventual meaningless effort was slapped aside by Buffon, who simply stuck out an arm, showed a lack of composure in front of goal on Cesc’s part.
Guiza was played down the right flank by a simple ball from the back, but the Mallorca striker dragged his shot wide, as he failed to look up with Villa supporting. In the second half of extra time, Silva played in Villa, whose first touch was poor, but his pace allowed him to atone for his original error and he shot at goal, forcing a corner as Buffon raced off his line. In the final minutes of extra-time the game became very stretched with Ramos having to play inside as Toni began to favour the space between the Real man and Puyol. The long haired full-back was aerially combative and sharp in the key moments. Cazorla of Villarreal broke down the left flank in the final minutes and his cross-shot went wide as Villa tried to connect, causing it to go to penalties. As the BBC came up with a wonderful statistic that Spain had lost three penalty shoot-outs on the 22nd of June (in 1986 against Belgium, 1996 vs. England, and in 2002 vs. South Korea). Now Spain came up against the most impressive keeper in Euro 2008.
Villa was the first to take the long walk to the spot and scored confidently, followed by Grosso, who curled it past Casillas’ right, the same corner Villa went for, as did Santi Cazorla. De Rossi, who scored in the World Cup final in Berlin, had his shot palmed away. Senna fired centrally, while Camoranesi confidently hit the ball into the top right-hand corner. Guiza, who replaced Torres, had his shot saved by Buffon. Di Natale couldn’t capitalise as Casillas guessed correctly once more. And it was up to Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas to take the deciding kick. He sent the brilliant Buffon the wrong way confidently. I personally didn’t really see the playmaker as a penalty taker, but he sent the Spanish into the semi-finals. A re-match with Russia beckons as all the history and all trivia were proved, well, trivial.
Cesc deserved the glory with his contribution on the game, perhaps winning him a place against a much improved Russia, in a game which should provide an equal, but more balanced dose of entertainment to the viewers. It is the semi-finals and the finals which this tournament will be remembered on. Let us hope they are memorable indeed.
Spain 0 – 0 Italy FT (a.e.t) (Spain won 4-2 on penalties)
It had been well documented in the pre-match build up that Spain had failed to defeat Italy in a major tournament since the 1920 Olympics. Aragones’ side had defeated the Italians in a friendly in the build up to this tournament, but they must do it when it counts as Aragones is only one win away from being statistically the most successful Spanish manager in their history, with the win over Greece, his ninth in a row, a run not matched by the national side since 1927. The manager has been in the news recently for dismissing the absence of Gattuso, getting into an alleged row with Ramos for his off-the-pitch life style, and even getting riled up by a Spanish radio station, which was acting as an Italian one, causing the controversial coach to declare his side would win 4-0.
The Italians always come into form in the latter stages of the tournament, but the blow of Pirlo must have affected their preparation, allowing the promising Aquilani to come in. Aragones, 70 next month, played the side that started against Russia and Sweden. Iniesta dribbled with fine balance and drew in defenders as he reached the corner flag on the left flank, before crossing. The Italians cleared easily and broke with Grosso down their left, but David Villa made up the yards to slide in and win the ball. Toni had a huge physical and aerial advantage against Puyol and Marchena, winning a free-kick, which he failed to connect with as Casillas gathered. ‘La Furia Roja’ searched for angles for the telling ball as Silva played a one-two down the inside-left channel and his deflected shot looped up for Buffon to catch.
The Italians appeared to defend deep and deny Spain their greatest strength, pace in behind. Thus Xavi and his fellow midfielders had plenty of possession but no direction in their play as they patiently waited for any opening. Donadoni’s side soaked up any pressure and looked to break using the volatile Cassano and Perrotta as outlets to supporting Toni. Torres found space on the right flank but Ambrosini robbed him off the ball with a fine tackle. The Milan midfielder then appeared to catch Villa from behind inside the box, as Lyon’s Grosso cleared. Perrotta, who thrives off Totti’s supply for Roma, made a clever run unnoticed to meet Ambrosini’s cross but his effort was tame as Casillas grabbed his header.
Ramos, criticised for his positioning in conjunction with his centre-backs, and his poor judgement as regards when to bomb forward was caught on the ball as he tried to drive forward by Ambrosini, who swiftly crossed for Toni, but the effort was out of the Bayern man’s reach. Villa was then fouled at the other end and took the resulting free-kick, shooting low under the wall for Buffon to clutch gratefully, having seen it late. Valencia’s Silva found himself popping up on the right, before he cut in and shot; Buffon smothered his effort comfortably. His fellow wide midfielder Iniesta then blazed a shot over as the game threatened to increase its pace. It was likely to be more tactical than the three previous quarter finals.
As the first half came to a close, there were a number of good chances as Cassano created space on the wing and crossed accurately to Toni, whose header was blocked by Marchena. Soon after, Torres broke down the opposite end and cut in, fooling Zambrotta with a sharp turn but the Liverpool hitman’s shot was blocked. The rebound fell to Silva, who shifted inside and shot just past Buffon’s right hand post. The clever Spaniard was reminiscent of Rosicky, when fit (if you can remember that far back) when he cut inside and shaped to shoot. While Spain struggled against Sweden, Italy were even more of a challenge. Cassano and Aquilani tucked in with the holding central midfield duo of Ambrosini and De Rossi, to add numbers in their defensive effort.
Panucci’s clearance fell to Silva at the beginning of the second half, who turned but was brilliantly blocked by the imposing Chiellini of Juventus. Torres then chased the ball down the left flank and competed with Panucci for it. He shrugged off the Roma man and turned inside, but his attempt to cross for Villa, free at the far post, was blocked by the first man. As Spain pressed, a Xavi corner was played back to Marchena, who blazed over as he attempted to imitate Denis Kolodin’s long range efforts against Holland. Both sides made changes as Camoranesi came on for Italy and Fabregas and Cazorla replaced Barcelona duo Iniesta and Xavi. De Rossi’s lofted ball into the box created panic as Casillas raced off his line to challenge Toni, who sparked a scramble in the box with his persistence, ending in Juventus winger Camoranesi shooting, with Casillas making a vital block on the line with his feet.
More space was apparent in the game as John Motson showed his age in frequently referring to Marcos Senna as Silva, a mistake non existent in the first half. This adds to the growing belief that Jonathon Pearce should replace him as the main commentator. Villa then took another free-kick that clipped the wall and landed on the roof of the net. Italy were beginning to create more chances as Zambrotta crossed for Toni, who beat two men but headed over. Fabregas began to influence the game positively, playing earlier passes, with one lofted pass out to Torres, who controlled well and forced a corner, and upping the tempo of Spain’s game. Senna then took over free-kick duties, temporarily at least, and his effort was punched away by Buffon, who was behind the goal-line. The Brazilian-born defensive midfielder had another strike, which squeezed under Buffon and touched the post, as the captain made an uncharacteristic error.
At the other end, substitute Di Natale, of Udinese, crossed to the back post, where Grosso was running in but Toni, unaware of the full-back’s run attempted an overhead kick and took away the chance for either to shoot. Aragones brought off Torres, who couldn’t reproduce his Liverpool form against the World Cup winners, for Dani Guiza, the 27 goal Mallorca striker. The big target man appeared to handle the ball as he controlled a cross from Villa, while his effort was blocked by the alert Buffon, although it didn’t matter as he was penalised. In the final minutes of injury time, a ball from the right flank by the brilliant Fabregas went over the Italian defence as Villa looked to pounce but his control let him down. Once more extra time beckoned.
Camoranesi made a fine dribble and attempted to play in Di Natale but his pass was blocked enabling Spain to start a counter-attack, as Villa crossed for Guiza to head back to Fabregas, whose first time effort was saved, as he popped up in the forward positions he frequently adopts for Arsenal. David Silva had a better attempt as he fired just wide from the rebound. Italy attacked as Marchena just knocked the ball away from Toni’s path, while Casillas tipped over Di Natale’s header for a corner. Luca Toni headed over at the near post with a clever attempt. David Villa slipped in the box but had the composure to back-heel the ball into Fabregas’ path, whilst still on the turf but Zambrotta eased the Arsenal maestro off the ball. The playmaker was then found offside as he continued to support the strikers, something Xavi failed to do, but his eventual meaningless effort was slapped aside by Buffon, who simply stuck out an arm, showed a lack of composure in front of goal on Cesc’s part.
Guiza was played down the right flank by a simple ball from the back, but the Mallorca striker dragged his shot wide, as he failed to look up with Villa supporting. In the second half of extra time, Silva played in Villa, whose first touch was poor, but his pace allowed him to atone for his original error and he shot at goal, forcing a corner as Buffon raced off his line. In the final minutes of extra-time the game became very stretched with Ramos having to play inside as Toni began to favour the space between the Real man and Puyol. The long haired full-back was aerially combative and sharp in the key moments. Cazorla of Villarreal broke down the left flank in the final minutes and his cross-shot went wide as Villa tried to connect, causing it to go to penalties. As the BBC came up with a wonderful statistic that Spain had lost three penalty shoot-outs on the 22nd of June (in 1986 against Belgium, 1996 vs. England, and in 2002 vs. South Korea). Now Spain came up against the most impressive keeper in Euro 2008.
Villa was the first to take the long walk to the spot and scored confidently, followed by Grosso, who curled it past Casillas’ right, the same corner Villa went for, as did Santi Cazorla. De Rossi, who scored in the World Cup final in Berlin, had his shot palmed away. Senna fired centrally, while Camoranesi confidently hit the ball into the top right-hand corner. Guiza, who replaced Torres, had his shot saved by Buffon. Di Natale couldn’t capitalise as Casillas guessed correctly once more. And it was up to Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas to take the deciding kick. He sent the brilliant Buffon the wrong way confidently. I personally didn’t really see the playmaker as a penalty taker, but he sent the Spanish into the semi-finals. A re-match with Russia beckons as all the history and all trivia were proved, well, trivial.
Cesc deserved the glory with his contribution on the game, perhaps winning him a place against a much improved Russia, in a game which should provide an equal, but more balanced dose of entertainment to the viewers. It is the semi-finals and the finals which this tournament will be remembered on. Let us hope they are memorable indeed.
Spain 0 – 0 Italy FT (a.e.t) (Spain won 4-2 on penalties)
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Euro 2008: Matchday Fifteen Round Up
‘Hiddink against his homeland’ - That was how the press had billed it. Arsene Wenger claimed any advantage for the Russians would be a psychological impact on the Dutch players thinking he would have some sort of inside knowledge. Of course these were all theories. Holland were unchanged from the side that overcame the World Cup finalists, with Robben suffering a recurrence of a groin problem. Russia started with a 4-4-2, of course this was only a formation on paper, as it was with the Dutch, during the game, there were likely to be positional changes to create wonderful football. Fitttingly, it was a rematch of the Euro 88 final between the two nations, on the very day which Van Basten scored a stunning volley, in what is seen as the most break-taking goal in Euro history.
Early on Dirk Kuyt, who complemented the technical style of some of his fellow midfielders with sheer running and hard graft, headed over after Van Bronckhorst crossed from the left. His fellow full-back, equally impressive in his attacking power and drive, hit a free-kick after Arshavin was fouled on the edge of the area. It had Van Der Sar scrambling across and the European Cup winner pushed it away for a corner. The Russians looked a slick outfit, as Kolodin’s goal-bound drive was deflected wide. The white shirts attacked once more, finding Semshov on the right flank, whose cross was headed over by the enigmatic Pavlyuchenko, outrageous one minute, frustrating the next.
Holland tried to build from the back but the pressing of the Russians denied them the space afforded to them by the bigger sides. The set up of the game allowed Russia to play their typical counter-attacking style, while Holland were forced to play a possession style unsuited to their set-up. The Russians looked more defensively aware from their naïve display in their opening game against the Spanish. Aniukov made a poor defensive header and Van Nistlerooy headed back in towards Sneidjer, who shot with the outside of his foot to the far corner but Ignashevich came across to made a vital block to keep the scores level.
The Dutch got in behind by a long ball, so unlike the style typically associated to them, as Bouhalrouz won a corner, which was cleared to Engelaar who steered his shot wide. Soon afterwards, Kolodin was unfortunate to give away a free-kick on Van Nistlerooy. Sneidjer took it and both De Jong and the Real Madrid striker both missed it by a whisker. At the other end, Arshavin broke and cut in and forced Van Der Sar into a world class save, tipping it past the post. Soon after Denis Kolodin tested the Dutch captain with two vicious strikes from long range, the former forcing him to knock it over, the latter causing him to scramble across as it threatened to dip.
Boulahrouz then played in a pass to Van Nistlerooy, who turned his man, and despite almost slipping, he kept his composure to shoot across Akinfeev, who parried straight into the danger area, but the defence cleared as the Dutch were about to pounce. Kolodin, impressive as he pushed up for any chance of a pot-shot at goal, displayed his defensive flaws by poking the ball when under pressure straight to Van Der Vaart, who shot immediately, albeit straight at Akinfeev, who elected to punch as usual. The second half began as the industrious Kuyt was taken off for Arsenal’s Van Persie, who appeared to add mobility and attacking flair immediately as he drifted in to end a finely crafted Dutch move, but unfortunately sliced his volleyed effort from Van Nistlerooy’s flick.
Once more Van Der Vaart’s deliveries from set-pieces troubled the Russians, whose defensive frailties were evident on occasion despite a huge improvement since their opening game. On this occasion, De Jong ran around the back and failed to connect once more. Heitinga was then brought on for Boulahrouz, who ran off to rapturous applause after the tragic death of his daughter ealier in the week. Holland fell behind as their right flank was adapting, with Arshavin cutting in and then playing a reverse pass down the same flnak for Semak to cross. Pavlyuchenko connected with a first-time shot past Van Der Sar as the Russians extended their fine performance to goals.
It was this situation the Dutch had not found themselves in previously. This was the first occasion in which they were a goal behind. The question of character came to the fore, with Van Basten’s side against arguably a weaker team (based on reputation alone), who afforded them little space. Van Persie cut in from the right and blazed a shot over, while later he won a corner and headed wide under pressure from Zhirkov, with Akinfeev stranded. The Russians showed their fluid movement as Pavlyuchenko lifted the ball into Anuikov’s path, and as he controlled, the angle closed but he forced the keeper into sharp stop. Van Nistlerooy was fouled on the edge of the area, as Kolodin was booked, meaning he will be suspended from any potential semi-final involvement. Sneidjer looked to take the free-kick but it was Van Persie who blazed it over, as he struggled to make his frequent involvement count.
Holland weren’t able to get in behind Russia and had possession in areas far from Akinfeev’s net, and thus, they were reduced to shots from long- range, with Van Der Vaart having one such attempt straight at the 22 year old keeper. Russia continued to attack as Pavlyunchencko exploited Mathijsen’s error but his attempted lob was blocked by the brilliant Van Der Sar. The eastern European nation tried to walk the ball in, creating brilliant angles as Zhirkov’s final ball was taken off the target as the net gaped. Sneidjer continued to take shots from long range but they all fell wide or were blocked by the white shirts. Only five minutes remained when Pavlyuchenko was penalised for using his hand to control the ball. Sneidjer whipped a brilliant ball in to the far post to Real Madrid team-mate Van Nistlerooy, who nodded in for his 33rd international goal to equal with Johan Cruyff, arguably the greatest ever to play the beautiful game.
Zhirkov’s driven cross cleared off the goal-line by Ooijer, as Russia reminded their opponents of their clear attacking threat and intent. Lubos Michel appeared to send off (for a second booking) Kolodin for a challenge on the brilliant Sneidjer, but to his credit reversed the decision following consultation with the linesman, who was focussed for a vital decision, as extra time loomed. The tireless Sneidjer, who Real Madrid would be idiotic to sell (especially after he confirmed his desire to stay, just recently), burst past a defender and shot, as his team-mates failed to support his run, only to Akinfeev’s chest. Once more the former Ajax playmaker found his club team-mate after a sharp turn, but Van Nistlerooy aimed his shot over. Van Persie cut in and played a one-two with the prolific Real striker, but his weak shot was deflected by Ignashevich but Akinfeev gathered.
Pavlyuchenko cut in from the left flank and hit a fine right-foot shot at the near post that rattled the crossbar as the Russians showed their flair. The brilliant Arshavin, burst past his marker and cut back precisely for the substitute Torbinksy, who side-footed into Van Der Sar’s clutch. Kolodin smacked a free-kick just past the post as the game opened up with chances at both ends. The first half of extra-time ended as penalties loomed with the record of one success in five looming over the Oranje. Zhirkov beat Heitinga with ease and cut into the penalty area. He appeared to be felled but Lubos Michel ordered him to get up.
Arshavin dribbled with wonderful balance, constantly changing pace and unhinging Heitinga as he reached the by-line to cross. The ball stayed in play and bent over Van Der Sar to fall for Torbinsky, who tapped it into a open goal, having been booked earlier meaning he’d miss the semi-final. The world class Arshavin, who surely has increased his range of suitors from Everton and Newcastle to the likes of Arsenal and Bayern, turned in the box and slotted home through the legs of Van Der Sar at the near post, a disappointing end to a illustrious international career. The little maestro cared until the final minute, showing brilliant character as he fought for every ball. A quarter final in the Euros had always gone to penalties when it went into extra-time – until now that is. Hiddink’s ‘Russian Revolution’, (yes, get used to it, it’s a phrase you’ll be hearing for some time) deservedly put out Holland, who seemed strangely disjointed as Van Basten’s reign ended.
They couldn’t cope with another counter-attacking side, which played with the pressing reminiscent of their group stage games, and the off-the-ball running that was compatible with the vision of the more creative players. They may be defensively vulnerable, especially aerially, but their attacking play, with Anuikov and Zhrikov bombing down the flank, mobility in midfield and attack. They had the threat from long range, with Kolodin, while not so assured defensively, hit long range free-kicks, like Koeman, Witschge and De Boer in Dutch history. The Russians were giving reminders of Holland circa 1974 as they claimed revenge against their 1988 conquerors. Hiddink claimed that he would willingly become ‘traitor of the year’ for a Russian win, and with a £400,000 bonus for reaching the quarter finals, another healthy dose of roubles must have been added to his bank account.
Once more the Dutch choked when it mattered, the only comfort an Arsenal fan can take is the early return of Robin Van Persie. The ‘inferiority complex’ in Dutch football culture was further emphasised, as a side of great team spirit appeared to break down when their usual game could not be administered to the situation at hand. One would expect the Russians to give anyone a run for their money, but their aerial weakness could be exploited by the giant Luca Toni if the trend of Group Stage runners up proving victorious in the quarter finals, Spain could once more fall to the Azzurri as they have done for almost 100 years.
He has done it with South Korea, Austrailia and Holland. Now he has led Russia to the latter stages of a major international tournament. Whatever he has, it is frightening to think Chelsea could have signed him once upon a time.
Holland 1 – 3 Russia (a.e.t) FT
Early on Dirk Kuyt, who complemented the technical style of some of his fellow midfielders with sheer running and hard graft, headed over after Van Bronckhorst crossed from the left. His fellow full-back, equally impressive in his attacking power and drive, hit a free-kick after Arshavin was fouled on the edge of the area. It had Van Der Sar scrambling across and the European Cup winner pushed it away for a corner. The Russians looked a slick outfit, as Kolodin’s goal-bound drive was deflected wide. The white shirts attacked once more, finding Semshov on the right flank, whose cross was headed over by the enigmatic Pavlyuchenko, outrageous one minute, frustrating the next.
Holland tried to build from the back but the pressing of the Russians denied them the space afforded to them by the bigger sides. The set up of the game allowed Russia to play their typical counter-attacking style, while Holland were forced to play a possession style unsuited to their set-up. The Russians looked more defensively aware from their naïve display in their opening game against the Spanish. Aniukov made a poor defensive header and Van Nistlerooy headed back in towards Sneidjer, who shot with the outside of his foot to the far corner but Ignashevich came across to made a vital block to keep the scores level.
The Dutch got in behind by a long ball, so unlike the style typically associated to them, as Bouhalrouz won a corner, which was cleared to Engelaar who steered his shot wide. Soon afterwards, Kolodin was unfortunate to give away a free-kick on Van Nistlerooy. Sneidjer took it and both De Jong and the Real Madrid striker both missed it by a whisker. At the other end, Arshavin broke and cut in and forced Van Der Sar into a world class save, tipping it past the post. Soon after Denis Kolodin tested the Dutch captain with two vicious strikes from long range, the former forcing him to knock it over, the latter causing him to scramble across as it threatened to dip.
Boulahrouz then played in a pass to Van Nistlerooy, who turned his man, and despite almost slipping, he kept his composure to shoot across Akinfeev, who parried straight into the danger area, but the defence cleared as the Dutch were about to pounce. Kolodin, impressive as he pushed up for any chance of a pot-shot at goal, displayed his defensive flaws by poking the ball when under pressure straight to Van Der Vaart, who shot immediately, albeit straight at Akinfeev, who elected to punch as usual. The second half began as the industrious Kuyt was taken off for Arsenal’s Van Persie, who appeared to add mobility and attacking flair immediately as he drifted in to end a finely crafted Dutch move, but unfortunately sliced his volleyed effort from Van Nistlerooy’s flick.
Once more Van Der Vaart’s deliveries from set-pieces troubled the Russians, whose defensive frailties were evident on occasion despite a huge improvement since their opening game. On this occasion, De Jong ran around the back and failed to connect once more. Heitinga was then brought on for Boulahrouz, who ran off to rapturous applause after the tragic death of his daughter ealier in the week. Holland fell behind as their right flank was adapting, with Arshavin cutting in and then playing a reverse pass down the same flnak for Semak to cross. Pavlyuchenko connected with a first-time shot past Van Der Sar as the Russians extended their fine performance to goals.
It was this situation the Dutch had not found themselves in previously. This was the first occasion in which they were a goal behind. The question of character came to the fore, with Van Basten’s side against arguably a weaker team (based on reputation alone), who afforded them little space. Van Persie cut in from the right and blazed a shot over, while later he won a corner and headed wide under pressure from Zhirkov, with Akinfeev stranded. The Russians showed their fluid movement as Pavlyuchenko lifted the ball into Anuikov’s path, and as he controlled, the angle closed but he forced the keeper into sharp stop. Van Nistlerooy was fouled on the edge of the area, as Kolodin was booked, meaning he will be suspended from any potential semi-final involvement. Sneidjer looked to take the free-kick but it was Van Persie who blazed it over, as he struggled to make his frequent involvement count.
Holland weren’t able to get in behind Russia and had possession in areas far from Akinfeev’s net, and thus, they were reduced to shots from long- range, with Van Der Vaart having one such attempt straight at the 22 year old keeper. Russia continued to attack as Pavlyunchencko exploited Mathijsen’s error but his attempted lob was blocked by the brilliant Van Der Sar. The eastern European nation tried to walk the ball in, creating brilliant angles as Zhirkov’s final ball was taken off the target as the net gaped. Sneidjer continued to take shots from long range but they all fell wide or were blocked by the white shirts. Only five minutes remained when Pavlyuchenko was penalised for using his hand to control the ball. Sneidjer whipped a brilliant ball in to the far post to Real Madrid team-mate Van Nistlerooy, who nodded in for his 33rd international goal to equal with Johan Cruyff, arguably the greatest ever to play the beautiful game.
Zhirkov’s driven cross cleared off the goal-line by Ooijer, as Russia reminded their opponents of their clear attacking threat and intent. Lubos Michel appeared to send off (for a second booking) Kolodin for a challenge on the brilliant Sneidjer, but to his credit reversed the decision following consultation with the linesman, who was focussed for a vital decision, as extra time loomed. The tireless Sneidjer, who Real Madrid would be idiotic to sell (especially after he confirmed his desire to stay, just recently), burst past a defender and shot, as his team-mates failed to support his run, only to Akinfeev’s chest. Once more the former Ajax playmaker found his club team-mate after a sharp turn, but Van Nistlerooy aimed his shot over. Van Persie cut in and played a one-two with the prolific Real striker, but his weak shot was deflected by Ignashevich but Akinfeev gathered.
Pavlyuchenko cut in from the left flank and hit a fine right-foot shot at the near post that rattled the crossbar as the Russians showed their flair. The brilliant Arshavin, burst past his marker and cut back precisely for the substitute Torbinksy, who side-footed into Van Der Sar’s clutch. Kolodin smacked a free-kick just past the post as the game opened up with chances at both ends. The first half of extra-time ended as penalties loomed with the record of one success in five looming over the Oranje. Zhirkov beat Heitinga with ease and cut into the penalty area. He appeared to be felled but Lubos Michel ordered him to get up.
Arshavin dribbled with wonderful balance, constantly changing pace and unhinging Heitinga as he reached the by-line to cross. The ball stayed in play and bent over Van Der Sar to fall for Torbinsky, who tapped it into a open goal, having been booked earlier meaning he’d miss the semi-final. The world class Arshavin, who surely has increased his range of suitors from Everton and Newcastle to the likes of Arsenal and Bayern, turned in the box and slotted home through the legs of Van Der Sar at the near post, a disappointing end to a illustrious international career. The little maestro cared until the final minute, showing brilliant character as he fought for every ball. A quarter final in the Euros had always gone to penalties when it went into extra-time – until now that is. Hiddink’s ‘Russian Revolution’, (yes, get used to it, it’s a phrase you’ll be hearing for some time) deservedly put out Holland, who seemed strangely disjointed as Van Basten’s reign ended.
They couldn’t cope with another counter-attacking side, which played with the pressing reminiscent of their group stage games, and the off-the-ball running that was compatible with the vision of the more creative players. They may be defensively vulnerable, especially aerially, but their attacking play, with Anuikov and Zhrikov bombing down the flank, mobility in midfield and attack. They had the threat from long range, with Kolodin, while not so assured defensively, hit long range free-kicks, like Koeman, Witschge and De Boer in Dutch history. The Russians were giving reminders of Holland circa 1974 as they claimed revenge against their 1988 conquerors. Hiddink claimed that he would willingly become ‘traitor of the year’ for a Russian win, and with a £400,000 bonus for reaching the quarter finals, another healthy dose of roubles must have been added to his bank account.
Once more the Dutch choked when it mattered, the only comfort an Arsenal fan can take is the early return of Robin Van Persie. The ‘inferiority complex’ in Dutch football culture was further emphasised, as a side of great team spirit appeared to break down when their usual game could not be administered to the situation at hand. One would expect the Russians to give anyone a run for their money, but their aerial weakness could be exploited by the giant Luca Toni if the trend of Group Stage runners up proving victorious in the quarter finals, Spain could once more fall to the Azzurri as they have done for almost 100 years.
He has done it with South Korea, Austrailia and Holland. Now he has led Russia to the latter stages of a major international tournament. Whatever he has, it is frightening to think Chelsea could have signed him once upon a time.
Holland 1 – 3 Russia (a.e.t) FT
Friday, 20 June 2008
Euro 2008: Matchday Fourteen Round Up
Croatia vs. Turkey
Turkey, a side who have only led for two minutes in the whole tournament, and won two matches came into the match with great confidence and a sense of belief that they could reach a first semi-final, a target Croatia were also looking at. Bilic was confident enough to name his side, unchanged from the one that overcame Germany, to the media the day before the match. Turkey can only play at a high tempo, while Croatia’s team suits matches against the bigger sides, where more space is available to attack. It seemed to make for an intriguing contest.
Arda Turan, who has a wonderful balance and dribbling ability, beat a number of men, when given the ball in the opening seconds but his final cross into the box was behind the intended target, giving an indication of a end to end game as Sabri played a poor pass out from the back, which Modric intercepted. The Tottenham schemer drove forward and his shot was blocked by his own man when the pass to the left flank was available. At the other end, Altintop, a creative playmaker, was finally given a midfield berth as he was laid off by Nihat, but the Bayern man shot wide of the mark. Sabri gave the ball away once more after Rustu, the veteran hesitated once more, and a last ditch block denied Srna in the six yard box as the ball was played back in.
At the other end Nihat won a fortunate free-kick after Croatia Captain Niko Kovac won the ball. Altintop drove the ball but Kovac blocked bravely as he led by example. Croatia had two brilliant chances as Modric skipped down the right channel and crossed perfectly for Olic, who fired his shot against the woodwork with the goal gaping. The ball fell quickly to Kranjcar but the Portsmouth attacker couldn’t react swiftly enough and headed over. Soon after Pranjic, arguably the full-back of the tournament together with Van Bronckhorst and Zhirkov, worked space deep in the Turkish half as Fatih Terrim’s right flank was continually exposed but his cross was cleared.
Rakitic, the Schalke player continued to disturb the Turkish right flank as his cross was punched away by Rustu as Olic waited to pounce and atone for his earlier miss. At the other end, Turan’s backheel played in Tuncay who didn’t have the strength to brush off his marker. One would think he’d try twice as hard having been booked causing him to miss a prospective semi-final. Soon after, Altintop burst past Kovac and was looking to play Nihat in for a one versus one situation, but he mis-kicked the ball at the critical moment. Turkey came back into the game as Topal shot from long-range, in a strike which had Pletikosa scrambling across goal.
Turkey added comedy to the game with horrible defending as Olic broke after a poor headed clearance. Rustu met him but his punch was weak. The defender Asik came over to cover but misjudeged the bounce allowing Olic to head towards the goal from the end-line but Balta was back to clear to Tuncay who ran it away from danger. Modric was becoming increasingly influential, with a smart turn and pass playing in Kranjcar, who managed to squeeze away a shot despite being closed down swiftly by Sabri and Asik. The former Zagreb man, started a counter-attack and found himself in possession on the left flank, turning his marker several times, he crossed for the off-side Olic, who controlled and finished but couldn’t control his run at all.
Pranjic passed inside to Rakitic, who played a one-two with Olic, to find himself only against Rustu, with pressure from the Turkey defenders running back but he blazed his shot over as Croatia looked to take the game by the scruff of the neck, while Turkey looked content to hold on and look for the odd counter-attack. Terrim then took a risk by bringing on Semih Senturk, a striker, for midfield workhorse Topal to partner Nihat, who had little service throughout. Petric, brought on for Kranjcar in an earlier substitution, went past a number of men to win a free-kick on the edge of the area. Srna had a curling effort but Rustu saved it acrobatically, while Petric headed wide soon after. Turkey entered the final minutes with a sense of destiny as Altintop’s thread pass reached its target but the cross was immediately blocked. The game became stretched as Croatia attacked, with Modric played in down the right flank by a clever back-heeled pass and his cross reached Olic, who, squeezed in a shot, albeit straight at Rustu. The keeper was forced to make a save from a 40 yard free-kick from Srna, which almost squeezed under him.
Olic has hit by Robert Kovac’s shot but he was quick to react and fired a volley over in the final action of the 90 minutes. Extra time beckoned. Tuncay burst past a number of blue shirts and tried to angle in a cross from the by-line but rather than find a red shirt, the attempt troubled Pletikosa at the near post, who punched it away for a corner. Klasnic (yes, he of the double kidney transplant) was brought on for Olic, who was wasteful in front of goal despite his endless running and energetic display. Semih Senturk blazed over after being playing in by Arda Turan from the right flank. Turkey continued a good spell of possession, as Tuncay fired in a shot from the edge of the area and it flashed wide as only 15 minutes remained.
Asik joined Tuncay and Turan in the book as he would be the third Turk to be suspended from any semi-final involvement, as Fatih Terrim’s side further weakened themselves. The exhausted players were surely roused to that extra yard of running or inspiration by the great atmosphere created, which was even more prominent in the final stages, with no-one wanting penalties. Croatia were the fitter and better rested side, with their first-choice side having not played since the second matchday of Group B. Turkey caused some panic in the Croatian box as the ball fell to Turan wide on the right, but his cross was blocked. At the other end Modric battled for the ball but Rustu gathered. Sabri was fouled on the right flank of the Croatian area, allowing Nihat to take the free-kick. He injured himself in taking the dead ball as it went out for a throw in. The captain and explosive Villarreal striker went off injured four minutes before penalties. Was it worth keeping him on?
But Croatia attacked in the dying seconds and the first cross was blocked and Modric gathered as Rustu ran out pointlessly, and the schemer of slight build crossed with the veteran in no position to save as Klasnic headed in. Was it won? Not with Turkey in the game. A long ball up from Rustu bounced and the substitute Semih, who scored against Switzerland, smacked it in with aid of a slight deflection. Bilic went from ecstasy to shock, complaining about the time keeping and the refusal by the referee for him to bring on Jerko Leko. He had to gather himself to lift his players for a penalty shoot-out.
Modric took the first spot-kick and the delay of getting the ball may have affected him as he shot wide to the left of Rustu, having scored against Austria inside 3 minutes in their opening game he missed here (0-0). Turan, the confident youngster hit it low and opted for power and it crept under Pletikosa (0-1). Srna sent Rustu the wrong way and slotted home (1-1). Semih took a powerfully struck penalty into the left corner (1-2). Rakitic, the 20 year old Schalke player, wilted under pressure in the Turkey end (1-2). Hamit Altintop slotted home to Pletikosa’s left, beating the keeper with ease (1-3). Petric shot to the left but Rustu guessed correctly and beat it away to turn from villain to hero (1-3).
The Turks prevailed in one of the most stunning finales to a game as the huge psychological blow of Semih’s goal gave the Turks the advantage. Terrim’s side reach the semi-finals as Bilic tried to lift his shattered players, with images of the inconsolable Srna evoking sympathy from the stunned fans. 66-1 at the start of the tournament, Turkey may struggle to reach the final, with key players suspended against Germany. But if we’ve learnt anything from this brilliant tournament, one of the best ever, never ever rule Turkey out. Having been out of games for its majority, they showed it takes a second to succeed. The last gasp goals are becoming a trademark. As one forum member claimed: Alex Ferguson said in one of his more lucid moments: "Bloody Hell. Football, eh?!" That phrase is no more fitting in any situation than this one.
The stunning end to a tense, cagey encounter will predictably allow the BBC to roll out the pun ‘Turkish Delight’. They along with several tabloids surely won’t be able to resist, will they?
Croatia 1- 1 Turkey FT (a.e.t) (Turkey won 3-1 on penalties)
Turkey, a side who have only led for two minutes in the whole tournament, and won two matches came into the match with great confidence and a sense of belief that they could reach a first semi-final, a target Croatia were also looking at. Bilic was confident enough to name his side, unchanged from the one that overcame Germany, to the media the day before the match. Turkey can only play at a high tempo, while Croatia’s team suits matches against the bigger sides, where more space is available to attack. It seemed to make for an intriguing contest.
Arda Turan, who has a wonderful balance and dribbling ability, beat a number of men, when given the ball in the opening seconds but his final cross into the box was behind the intended target, giving an indication of a end to end game as Sabri played a poor pass out from the back, which Modric intercepted. The Tottenham schemer drove forward and his shot was blocked by his own man when the pass to the left flank was available. At the other end, Altintop, a creative playmaker, was finally given a midfield berth as he was laid off by Nihat, but the Bayern man shot wide of the mark. Sabri gave the ball away once more after Rustu, the veteran hesitated once more, and a last ditch block denied Srna in the six yard box as the ball was played back in.
At the other end Nihat won a fortunate free-kick after Croatia Captain Niko Kovac won the ball. Altintop drove the ball but Kovac blocked bravely as he led by example. Croatia had two brilliant chances as Modric skipped down the right channel and crossed perfectly for Olic, who fired his shot against the woodwork with the goal gaping. The ball fell quickly to Kranjcar but the Portsmouth attacker couldn’t react swiftly enough and headed over. Soon after Pranjic, arguably the full-back of the tournament together with Van Bronckhorst and Zhirkov, worked space deep in the Turkish half as Fatih Terrim’s right flank was continually exposed but his cross was cleared.
Rakitic, the Schalke player continued to disturb the Turkish right flank as his cross was punched away by Rustu as Olic waited to pounce and atone for his earlier miss. At the other end, Turan’s backheel played in Tuncay who didn’t have the strength to brush off his marker. One would think he’d try twice as hard having been booked causing him to miss a prospective semi-final. Soon after, Altintop burst past Kovac and was looking to play Nihat in for a one versus one situation, but he mis-kicked the ball at the critical moment. Turkey came back into the game as Topal shot from long-range, in a strike which had Pletikosa scrambling across goal.
Turkey added comedy to the game with horrible defending as Olic broke after a poor headed clearance. Rustu met him but his punch was weak. The defender Asik came over to cover but misjudeged the bounce allowing Olic to head towards the goal from the end-line but Balta was back to clear to Tuncay who ran it away from danger. Modric was becoming increasingly influential, with a smart turn and pass playing in Kranjcar, who managed to squeeze away a shot despite being closed down swiftly by Sabri and Asik. The former Zagreb man, started a counter-attack and found himself in possession on the left flank, turning his marker several times, he crossed for the off-side Olic, who controlled and finished but couldn’t control his run at all.
Pranjic passed inside to Rakitic, who played a one-two with Olic, to find himself only against Rustu, with pressure from the Turkey defenders running back but he blazed his shot over as Croatia looked to take the game by the scruff of the neck, while Turkey looked content to hold on and look for the odd counter-attack. Terrim then took a risk by bringing on Semih Senturk, a striker, for midfield workhorse Topal to partner Nihat, who had little service throughout. Petric, brought on for Kranjcar in an earlier substitution, went past a number of men to win a free-kick on the edge of the area. Srna had a curling effort but Rustu saved it acrobatically, while Petric headed wide soon after. Turkey entered the final minutes with a sense of destiny as Altintop’s thread pass reached its target but the cross was immediately blocked. The game became stretched as Croatia attacked, with Modric played in down the right flank by a clever back-heeled pass and his cross reached Olic, who, squeezed in a shot, albeit straight at Rustu. The keeper was forced to make a save from a 40 yard free-kick from Srna, which almost squeezed under him.
Olic has hit by Robert Kovac’s shot but he was quick to react and fired a volley over in the final action of the 90 minutes. Extra time beckoned. Tuncay burst past a number of blue shirts and tried to angle in a cross from the by-line but rather than find a red shirt, the attempt troubled Pletikosa at the near post, who punched it away for a corner. Klasnic (yes, he of the double kidney transplant) was brought on for Olic, who was wasteful in front of goal despite his endless running and energetic display. Semih Senturk blazed over after being playing in by Arda Turan from the right flank. Turkey continued a good spell of possession, as Tuncay fired in a shot from the edge of the area and it flashed wide as only 15 minutes remained.
Asik joined Tuncay and Turan in the book as he would be the third Turk to be suspended from any semi-final involvement, as Fatih Terrim’s side further weakened themselves. The exhausted players were surely roused to that extra yard of running or inspiration by the great atmosphere created, which was even more prominent in the final stages, with no-one wanting penalties. Croatia were the fitter and better rested side, with their first-choice side having not played since the second matchday of Group B. Turkey caused some panic in the Croatian box as the ball fell to Turan wide on the right, but his cross was blocked. At the other end Modric battled for the ball but Rustu gathered. Sabri was fouled on the right flank of the Croatian area, allowing Nihat to take the free-kick. He injured himself in taking the dead ball as it went out for a throw in. The captain and explosive Villarreal striker went off injured four minutes before penalties. Was it worth keeping him on?
But Croatia attacked in the dying seconds and the first cross was blocked and Modric gathered as Rustu ran out pointlessly, and the schemer of slight build crossed with the veteran in no position to save as Klasnic headed in. Was it won? Not with Turkey in the game. A long ball up from Rustu bounced and the substitute Semih, who scored against Switzerland, smacked it in with aid of a slight deflection. Bilic went from ecstasy to shock, complaining about the time keeping and the refusal by the referee for him to bring on Jerko Leko. He had to gather himself to lift his players for a penalty shoot-out.
Modric took the first spot-kick and the delay of getting the ball may have affected him as he shot wide to the left of Rustu, having scored against Austria inside 3 minutes in their opening game he missed here (0-0). Turan, the confident youngster hit it low and opted for power and it crept under Pletikosa (0-1). Srna sent Rustu the wrong way and slotted home (1-1). Semih took a powerfully struck penalty into the left corner (1-2). Rakitic, the 20 year old Schalke player, wilted under pressure in the Turkey end (1-2). Hamit Altintop slotted home to Pletikosa’s left, beating the keeper with ease (1-3). Petric shot to the left but Rustu guessed correctly and beat it away to turn from villain to hero (1-3).
The Turks prevailed in one of the most stunning finales to a game as the huge psychological blow of Semih’s goal gave the Turks the advantage. Terrim’s side reach the semi-finals as Bilic tried to lift his shattered players, with images of the inconsolable Srna evoking sympathy from the stunned fans. 66-1 at the start of the tournament, Turkey may struggle to reach the final, with key players suspended against Germany. But if we’ve learnt anything from this brilliant tournament, one of the best ever, never ever rule Turkey out. Having been out of games for its majority, they showed it takes a second to succeed. The last gasp goals are becoming a trademark. As one forum member claimed: Alex Ferguson said in one of his more lucid moments: "Bloody Hell. Football, eh?!" That phrase is no more fitting in any situation than this one.
The stunning end to a tense, cagey encounter will predictably allow the BBC to roll out the pun ‘Turkish Delight’. They along with several tabloids surely won’t be able to resist, will they?
Croatia 1- 1 Turkey FT (a.e.t) (Turkey won 3-1 on penalties)
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Euro 2008: Matchday Thirteen Round Up
Germany, a side shorn of Manager Joachim Low and midfield workhorse Torsten Frings out injured, brought in Rolfes, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, while Hitzelsperger also came in. Hans Flick, the assistant coach took charge of the technical area as Low watched from a box, apparently under watch from a UEFA official.
Ronaldo had an early run down the left and crossed but it was too close to Lehmann, who claimed that Arsenal have a formula for dealing with the winger, one dismissed by Clive Tyldesley, the ITV commentator. There must have been an element of truth with Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, and Emmanuel Eboue all dealing with the attacker with ease, with his dangerous moments coming in central areas in a roaming role. Portugal started confidently with decent possession bypassing strong pressure using the wingers to relieve any pressure, with Simao taking one raking ball confidently into his stride. He was played down the right channel but his shot at the near post was caught by Lehmann.
The first big chance fell to Moutinho, the Sporting Lisbon playmaker, after Boswinga’s burst of pace and swerving cross, but the young schemer was undesicive and lifted his knee to connect with it, only to see it blaze over. A diving header could have given the Portuguese the lead. They failed to take their chance as wonderful interplay between Podolski and Ballack found the former in space down the left flank and he outpaced one to score accurately for Schweinsteiger who slid in to round off a wonderful move
Then Bastian Schweinsteiger’s free-kick was floated in for Miroslav Klose to head in unmarked as the red shirts were static in their marking for the Bayern Munich striker to double their lead, with a second in four minutes. The Portuguese were stunned as the Germans used to counter-attack and their physical style to keep the ball well and attack in numbers. Clive Tyldesley called for the ‘real Ronaldo’, but obviously he was in Brazil recuperating from a serious injury. They used the running of Ronaldo, who was more involved in a central role, in behind more frequently to gain a foothold in the game. But it was a brilliant piece of possession play that cut open Germany, as Deco won the ball in his own half, and played in Simao, who spread the play to Ronaldo, who sprinted down the left channel to the box. His effort was blocked well by Lehmann who rushed out but the ball fell to a central area, where Nuno Gomes turned and fired in past the last-ditch attempt to block the shot from Metzelder, with Lehmann stranded.
ITV’s obsession and continuing hype of Ronaldo was tedious; the Real Madrid target was more prominent in the later minutes, but lost his marker for the second Germany goal and was well marshalled by the Germans. He did come close as the half drew to an end but his shot was wide as he burst into the box. Portugal were still in the ascendancy in the second half, as Ronaldo run forward past a few men, and was brought down by Friedrich, who then stepped on the winger as he returned to his position. He was booked only for the original foul, while the hilarious reaction from Ronaldo, who writhed around as if he had been shot, did not affect the referee, who might not have seen the incident.
Deco, revitalised after an apparent decline, was dominating the midfield, with mobility and incisive passing into space. The Barcelona midfielder, soon to on the move, flicked on a corner to Pepe, who headed over, with the ball coming quickly to him. Perhaps Lehmann’s outstretched form distracted the Real Madrid defender who headed over. The naturalised Portuguese defender then was booked for a shoulder charge on Klose. Schweinsteiger took the resulting free-kick and Ballack headed in past the flapping Ricardo to reinstate their two-goal lead. He was adjudged to push Ferreira away to connect with the ball.
Scholari brought on Nani for Gomes, who gave the armband to Ronaldo, whose first duty as captain was to further feed his ego and puff his chest before wasting a perfectly good free-kick opportunity by blazing the ball over instead of crossing. The younger United winger made one fine run as his side chased the game. The new Chelsea manager took the final throw of the dice by bringing on Helder Postiga, the £6m Tottenham flop, for Petit, the defensive midfielder, as four attackers were on, with their midfield light as Germany threatened to counter. Deco probed and lifted a pass to the Porto striker, who was challenged bravely by Jens Lehmann, who took a blow to the thigh. Nani troubled two defenders on the left flank, before shifting back away from goal before hitting an inswinging cross for Postiga to head home past Lehmann with little defensive pressure.
Germany were attacked with heavy pressure as Carvalho ran forward too but their pressure was stopped on two occasions by Postiga fouling the centre-back, while Nani wasted another opportunity by blazing high. Bosingwa provided width and endless energy down the right flank, but wasn’t given the pass to exploit the space in behind as crosses were frequently put in but headed away by Mertesacker and Metzelder. Germany had the final chance as Podolski broke down the left wing, cut inside his man, but his shot was easily caught by Ricardo. The Germans had prevailed once more as Ballack knocked out his new manager, as Metzelder knocked out his rival Pepe for the centre-back position at Real. A tense finish was epitomised by Jogi Low lighting up a cigarette. Apparently he doesn’t smoke.
Hopefully Jens Lehmann can round off a frustrating season with a triumph in the Euros. Tomorrow they will find out who their semi-final opponents will be. A rematch between Croatia and Germany looks enticing as another brilliant match appears to be in the prospect.
Portugal 2 – 3 Germany FT
Ronaldo had an early run down the left and crossed but it was too close to Lehmann, who claimed that Arsenal have a formula for dealing with the winger, one dismissed by Clive Tyldesley, the ITV commentator. There must have been an element of truth with Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, and Emmanuel Eboue all dealing with the attacker with ease, with his dangerous moments coming in central areas in a roaming role. Portugal started confidently with decent possession bypassing strong pressure using the wingers to relieve any pressure, with Simao taking one raking ball confidently into his stride. He was played down the right channel but his shot at the near post was caught by Lehmann.
The first big chance fell to Moutinho, the Sporting Lisbon playmaker, after Boswinga’s burst of pace and swerving cross, but the young schemer was undesicive and lifted his knee to connect with it, only to see it blaze over. A diving header could have given the Portuguese the lead. They failed to take their chance as wonderful interplay between Podolski and Ballack found the former in space down the left flank and he outpaced one to score accurately for Schweinsteiger who slid in to round off a wonderful move
Then Bastian Schweinsteiger’s free-kick was floated in for Miroslav Klose to head in unmarked as the red shirts were static in their marking for the Bayern Munich striker to double their lead, with a second in four minutes. The Portuguese were stunned as the Germans used to counter-attack and their physical style to keep the ball well and attack in numbers. Clive Tyldesley called for the ‘real Ronaldo’, but obviously he was in Brazil recuperating from a serious injury. They used the running of Ronaldo, who was more involved in a central role, in behind more frequently to gain a foothold in the game. But it was a brilliant piece of possession play that cut open Germany, as Deco won the ball in his own half, and played in Simao, who spread the play to Ronaldo, who sprinted down the left channel to the box. His effort was blocked well by Lehmann who rushed out but the ball fell to a central area, where Nuno Gomes turned and fired in past the last-ditch attempt to block the shot from Metzelder, with Lehmann stranded.
ITV’s obsession and continuing hype of Ronaldo was tedious; the Real Madrid target was more prominent in the later minutes, but lost his marker for the second Germany goal and was well marshalled by the Germans. He did come close as the half drew to an end but his shot was wide as he burst into the box. Portugal were still in the ascendancy in the second half, as Ronaldo run forward past a few men, and was brought down by Friedrich, who then stepped on the winger as he returned to his position. He was booked only for the original foul, while the hilarious reaction from Ronaldo, who writhed around as if he had been shot, did not affect the referee, who might not have seen the incident.
Deco, revitalised after an apparent decline, was dominating the midfield, with mobility and incisive passing into space. The Barcelona midfielder, soon to on the move, flicked on a corner to Pepe, who headed over, with the ball coming quickly to him. Perhaps Lehmann’s outstretched form distracted the Real Madrid defender who headed over. The naturalised Portuguese defender then was booked for a shoulder charge on Klose. Schweinsteiger took the resulting free-kick and Ballack headed in past the flapping Ricardo to reinstate their two-goal lead. He was adjudged to push Ferreira away to connect with the ball.
Scholari brought on Nani for Gomes, who gave the armband to Ronaldo, whose first duty as captain was to further feed his ego and puff his chest before wasting a perfectly good free-kick opportunity by blazing the ball over instead of crossing. The younger United winger made one fine run as his side chased the game. The new Chelsea manager took the final throw of the dice by bringing on Helder Postiga, the £6m Tottenham flop, for Petit, the defensive midfielder, as four attackers were on, with their midfield light as Germany threatened to counter. Deco probed and lifted a pass to the Porto striker, who was challenged bravely by Jens Lehmann, who took a blow to the thigh. Nani troubled two defenders on the left flank, before shifting back away from goal before hitting an inswinging cross for Postiga to head home past Lehmann with little defensive pressure.
Germany were attacked with heavy pressure as Carvalho ran forward too but their pressure was stopped on two occasions by Postiga fouling the centre-back, while Nani wasted another opportunity by blazing high. Bosingwa provided width and endless energy down the right flank, but wasn’t given the pass to exploit the space in behind as crosses were frequently put in but headed away by Mertesacker and Metzelder. Germany had the final chance as Podolski broke down the left wing, cut inside his man, but his shot was easily caught by Ricardo. The Germans had prevailed once more as Ballack knocked out his new manager, as Metzelder knocked out his rival Pepe for the centre-back position at Real. A tense finish was epitomised by Jogi Low lighting up a cigarette. Apparently he doesn’t smoke.
Hopefully Jens Lehmann can round off a frustrating season with a triumph in the Euros. Tomorrow they will find out who their semi-final opponents will be. A rematch between Croatia and Germany looks enticing as another brilliant match appears to be in the prospect.
Portugal 2 – 3 Germany FT
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Euro 2008: Matchday Twelve Round Up
With their place secured in the quarter finals, Aragones decided to rest the first choice players and give a run-out to the fringe players as he tested his squad out, like Marco Van Basten and Slaven Bilic in the past few days, with Pepe Reina, Fabregas and 27 goal Mallorca striker Dani Guiza all starting. Reported Arsenal targets Raul Albiol and Ruben de La Red also started. Many of those playing were all supported by the Spanish media and fans to start in the first choice side with a fine performance likely to be used as a justification for why they should start more frequently. Greece were only fighting for pride having been eliminated without much of a fight. Surely they must leave having at least scored a goal?
Fabregas broke down the right hand side and crossed for Ruben De la Red, but the ball was taken away from his path after Sergio Garcia, also running into the box took a touch. The incisive Spanish passing appeared to trouble Greece early on. Fabregas was playing early balls to Guiza to exploit his height, in a faster pace in comparison to perhaps Xavi and David Silva. Xabi Alonso attempted to lob Nikopolidis from his own half, with the veteran having no idea of his angles as he back peddled into the post as the Juventus target’s shot was just wide. The Liverpool man was then played in by Fabregas but his low shot lacked the required bend to creep in.
The two Premiership stars combined once more as Fabregas laid off a free-kick to his compatriot, whose side-footed strike from distance whizzed past the post as Nikopolidis left the ball. After Iniesta’s penalty appeal was rejected, Greece won a free-kick at the other end. Karagounis whipped a ball in and Charisteas was afforded a free-header which he bulleted into the net as Greece finally got their goal, with their first decent chance. It appeared that the Greece of old had returned with the main change the placement of Karagounis in a central role allowing Rehhagel’s team to lead despite having little possession.
Alonso then hit the post with a rasping drive that deserved to be an equaliser, as Spain used further chances up but failed to register a goal for all their possession. The Greeks seemed to be troubling Spain even more so but a moment of brilliance allowed the Spanish to equalize. A fine floated ball from Fabregas reached Guiza, who headed back to De la Red, whose rocket of a shot slammed into the net, despite the firm hand of Nikopolidis, who was taken aback by the speed of the shot. In Spain’s possession play, De la Red was over shadowed by his fellow midfielders, such as Iniesta on the wing, but his graft went unnoticed until this fine goal.
Soon after Fabregas’ ball reached the head of Juanito, who headed wide. Guiza was played in down the channel and steadied himself before shooting across goal, as the ball edged past the post. Soon after Sergio Garcia lifted the ball over Nikopolidis from an acute angle as the Greek captain committed himself by rushing out but the effort trickled wide. The Zaragoza man, looking for a move this summer after his side was relegated, might have put off a few, by ghosting in from the right to hit a shot that was rising at a great angle, an effort fitting for rugby rather than football. But the wideman showed his better side, with a curling ball towards Dani Guiza, who obliged at the opportunity to score his first international goal with a simple header and to win the game for Spain.
Spain enter the quarter finals with a perfect record as once more rotation pays off in Euro 2008 after a long club season, freshness and fatigue are key factors. Some brilliant footballing nations will meet in a mouth-watering round starting with Germany and Portugal tomorrow.
Greece 1 – 2 Spain FT
In the more important game of the night, Russia played Sweden, with the winner of the two qualifying naturally, but Sweden can qualify with a draw due to a better goal difference. A simple target, with none of the complicated permutations from yesterday made this game more accessible. Arshavin, a brilliant playmaker of Zenit St. Petersburg returned in place of Torbinsky as Russia were given a boost. Shame his club team-mate Pavel Pogrebnyak, a clinical striker was ruled out of the tournament altogether with injury. On the opposing side, Ibrahimovic, who finally came into scoring form for his national side in the last two games, was deemed fit enough to play, after his dominating 45 minute appearance against Spain threatened to cause an upset.
Arshavin showed his vision by picking out Pavlyuchenko’s run on the left flank with a raking long-range pass. Soon after the mobile dibbler headed wide and failed to fully connect to a cross from the right. The Russians were dominant in their ball manipulation, creating fine angles to work the pass as they stretched Sweden. Arshavin’s misjudged cross troubled Isaksson, who was forced to tip over for a corner. A clever ball past the crowd of players waiting to head it reached Zhirkov, a brilliant full-back whose volley edged past the post and almost swerved back in threatening to ripple the net thus Isaksson was scrambling across the goal.
The Russian dominance paid off as Sweden’s defence was in disarray, with Anyukov crossing for Pavlyuchenko to sweep home as Hiddink’s influence once more appeared to give success in a wonderful footballing display. Their possession was assured and confident but Henrik Larsson gave a reminder with a flicked header to the far post that hit the upright. Soon after order was restored and the lead nearly doubled as Pavlyuchenko hit the bar after another sweeping move while Zyryanov’s follow up was patted away for a corner by Isaksson.
Akinfeev added to the Russian collective performance with two important saves, one from Ljungberg as the Swedes stepped up their efforts, while the second was at the feet of Ibrahimovic, with both running out for corners. They were not utilised by the Swedes as the half ended with an Arshavin-inspired Russia in front. The brilliant attacker slotted home after a deadly counter-attack on 50 minutes, once more involving the rampaging Zhirkov. Sweden were more prominent in their attacks, using crosses more frequently realising the tendency of Akinfeev to punch rather than catch the ball caused concerns in the Russian defence.
Ibrahimovic headed downwards at the far post after a cross from the left flank, but the bounce caused the power of his effort to be lost as it fell into Akinfeev’s hands. Another Russian attack saw Zyryanov’s shot deflect onto the post as they chased a third. The Russians attempted to keep the move alive as a cross was chipped up for Ivan Saenko, who, with the goal gaping, headed across goal. Then Pavlyuchenko headed into Isaksson’s arms. Another chance passed by as Saenko crossed for Pavlyuchenko but the cut-back was behind the striker who couldn’t connect well enough, despite the fact that he had time to control and shoot after the Saenko had drawn two defenders to him.
Hiddink and his group of technical footballers reached the quarter final for the first time since the Soviet Union disbanded and meet Holland in a tie where the sides with a brilliant brand of counter-attacking football meet. Holland, being the bigger side will be obliged to take the game to Russia, who’ll thrive in their usual set-up. It appears to be a wonderful game in the making as Hiddink plays his homeland.
Russia 2 – 0 Sweden FT
Below is the full quarter-final draw with a kick-offs at 7.45pm.
Thursday - Germany v Portugal (ITV)
Friday - Croatia v Turkey (BBC)
Saturday - Netherlands v Russia (ITV)
Sunday - Spain v Italy (BBC)
One would see a Portugal – Netherlands final as likely but with so many results in this tournament against the trend, we should not be surprised to see a dark horse triumphing in Vienna on June 29th.
Fabregas broke down the right hand side and crossed for Ruben De la Red, but the ball was taken away from his path after Sergio Garcia, also running into the box took a touch. The incisive Spanish passing appeared to trouble Greece early on. Fabregas was playing early balls to Guiza to exploit his height, in a faster pace in comparison to perhaps Xavi and David Silva. Xabi Alonso attempted to lob Nikopolidis from his own half, with the veteran having no idea of his angles as he back peddled into the post as the Juventus target’s shot was just wide. The Liverpool man was then played in by Fabregas but his low shot lacked the required bend to creep in.
The two Premiership stars combined once more as Fabregas laid off a free-kick to his compatriot, whose side-footed strike from distance whizzed past the post as Nikopolidis left the ball. After Iniesta’s penalty appeal was rejected, Greece won a free-kick at the other end. Karagounis whipped a ball in and Charisteas was afforded a free-header which he bulleted into the net as Greece finally got their goal, with their first decent chance. It appeared that the Greece of old had returned with the main change the placement of Karagounis in a central role allowing Rehhagel’s team to lead despite having little possession.
Alonso then hit the post with a rasping drive that deserved to be an equaliser, as Spain used further chances up but failed to register a goal for all their possession. The Greeks seemed to be troubling Spain even more so but a moment of brilliance allowed the Spanish to equalize. A fine floated ball from Fabregas reached Guiza, who headed back to De la Red, whose rocket of a shot slammed into the net, despite the firm hand of Nikopolidis, who was taken aback by the speed of the shot. In Spain’s possession play, De la Red was over shadowed by his fellow midfielders, such as Iniesta on the wing, but his graft went unnoticed until this fine goal.
Soon after Fabregas’ ball reached the head of Juanito, who headed wide. Guiza was played in down the channel and steadied himself before shooting across goal, as the ball edged past the post. Soon after Sergio Garcia lifted the ball over Nikopolidis from an acute angle as the Greek captain committed himself by rushing out but the effort trickled wide. The Zaragoza man, looking for a move this summer after his side was relegated, might have put off a few, by ghosting in from the right to hit a shot that was rising at a great angle, an effort fitting for rugby rather than football. But the wideman showed his better side, with a curling ball towards Dani Guiza, who obliged at the opportunity to score his first international goal with a simple header and to win the game for Spain.
Spain enter the quarter finals with a perfect record as once more rotation pays off in Euro 2008 after a long club season, freshness and fatigue are key factors. Some brilliant footballing nations will meet in a mouth-watering round starting with Germany and Portugal tomorrow.
Greece 1 – 2 Spain FT
In the more important game of the night, Russia played Sweden, with the winner of the two qualifying naturally, but Sweden can qualify with a draw due to a better goal difference. A simple target, with none of the complicated permutations from yesterday made this game more accessible. Arshavin, a brilliant playmaker of Zenit St. Petersburg returned in place of Torbinsky as Russia were given a boost. Shame his club team-mate Pavel Pogrebnyak, a clinical striker was ruled out of the tournament altogether with injury. On the opposing side, Ibrahimovic, who finally came into scoring form for his national side in the last two games, was deemed fit enough to play, after his dominating 45 minute appearance against Spain threatened to cause an upset.
Arshavin showed his vision by picking out Pavlyuchenko’s run on the left flank with a raking long-range pass. Soon after the mobile dibbler headed wide and failed to fully connect to a cross from the right. The Russians were dominant in their ball manipulation, creating fine angles to work the pass as they stretched Sweden. Arshavin’s misjudged cross troubled Isaksson, who was forced to tip over for a corner. A clever ball past the crowd of players waiting to head it reached Zhirkov, a brilliant full-back whose volley edged past the post and almost swerved back in threatening to ripple the net thus Isaksson was scrambling across the goal.
The Russian dominance paid off as Sweden’s defence was in disarray, with Anyukov crossing for Pavlyuchenko to sweep home as Hiddink’s influence once more appeared to give success in a wonderful footballing display. Their possession was assured and confident but Henrik Larsson gave a reminder with a flicked header to the far post that hit the upright. Soon after order was restored and the lead nearly doubled as Pavlyuchenko hit the bar after another sweeping move while Zyryanov’s follow up was patted away for a corner by Isaksson.
Akinfeev added to the Russian collective performance with two important saves, one from Ljungberg as the Swedes stepped up their efforts, while the second was at the feet of Ibrahimovic, with both running out for corners. They were not utilised by the Swedes as the half ended with an Arshavin-inspired Russia in front. The brilliant attacker slotted home after a deadly counter-attack on 50 minutes, once more involving the rampaging Zhirkov. Sweden were more prominent in their attacks, using crosses more frequently realising the tendency of Akinfeev to punch rather than catch the ball caused concerns in the Russian defence.
Ibrahimovic headed downwards at the far post after a cross from the left flank, but the bounce caused the power of his effort to be lost as it fell into Akinfeev’s hands. Another Russian attack saw Zyryanov’s shot deflect onto the post as they chased a third. The Russians attempted to keep the move alive as a cross was chipped up for Ivan Saenko, who, with the goal gaping, headed across goal. Then Pavlyuchenko headed into Isaksson’s arms. Another chance passed by as Saenko crossed for Pavlyuchenko but the cut-back was behind the striker who couldn’t connect well enough, despite the fact that he had time to control and shoot after the Saenko had drawn two defenders to him.
Hiddink and his group of technical footballers reached the quarter final for the first time since the Soviet Union disbanded and meet Holland in a tie where the sides with a brilliant brand of counter-attacking football meet. Holland, being the bigger side will be obliged to take the game to Russia, who’ll thrive in their usual set-up. It appears to be a wonderful game in the making as Hiddink plays his homeland.
Russia 2 – 0 Sweden FT
Below is the full quarter-final draw with a kick-offs at 7.45pm.
Thursday - Germany v Portugal (ITV)
Friday - Croatia v Turkey (BBC)
Saturday - Netherlands v Russia (ITV)
Sunday - Spain v Italy (BBC)
One would see a Portugal – Netherlands final as likely but with so many results in this tournament against the trend, we should not be surprised to see a dark horse triumphing in Vienna on June 29th.
Euro 2008: Matchday Eleven Round Up
Raymond Domenech was under intense pressure, having played tactics and personnel that have made his side take only a point in their opening two games. The Frenchman, prone to astrological factors in his decision-making, a point highlighted by the media only recently whereas as we Arsenal fans, realised his flaws when Robert Pires was dropped after Euro 2004. A changed side was put out, with Thuram, apparently not playing due a poor mental state to play, with Abidal playing in central defence with Gallas. Clerc and Evra were the full-backs as Sagnol made a similar claim. Donadoni, under the threat of being sacked if he doesn’t reach at least the semi-finals due to a clause in his new contract, brought in the wonderfully talented but hugely temperamental Cassano, now of Sampdoria.
The two World Cup finalists of two years previous now met in a match with their fates in the hands of Romania, who played a Dutch side making nine changes. When the replacements include Robben, Van Persie and Huntelaar and Afellay, who Arsenal reportedly had a bid of £10 million rejected, they could hardly be accused of playing a weakened team. In Zurich, Abidal, a questionable choice at centre-back, let in Toni, who broke free but appeared to shoot early when time was on his side, as the ball was fired past Coupet’s right hand post. Franck Ribery appeared to injury himself in the aftermath of a collision with Zambrotta, and the Bayern’s wing wizard was in considerable pain as he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher. Arsenal target Samir Nasri replaced his former Marseille teammate.
Pirlo’s corner was headed goalwards by Panucci, whose effort was blocked by a combination of Coupet and Makelele on the post as Italy pressed sensing an advantage with Ribery’s injury affecting the French, while the weakness in their defence also aided Italy. Evra was booked for a poor challenge, while Toni had another effort from the resulting free-kick taken by Pirlo. At the other end Govou broke with space on the right flank, but ignored the supporting run from Clerc and dragged his shot well wide. Pirlo played a one-two with Toni and chipped in a wonderful pass to Perrotta, who failed to control as he was through on goal.
Toni controlled a long ball beautifully with an outstretched leg, but the bumbling Abidal denied him a clear goal scoring opportunity, with referee Michel did not hesitate to send off the Barcelona full-back, as France’s night went from bad to worse. Pirlo fired home the spot-kick into the top corner to send the Italians into the lead. Nasri was taken off after only 16 minutes to allow Boumsong replace Abidal in the defence. One would question Domenech’s faith in Boumsong, as he preferred to start a full-back in his place. The former Newcastle man is famous for his participation on Newcastle’s comedy defence, with English fans assuming that the result for Italy was looking more likely. Arsenal fans must have been disappointed by the French coach’s decision to take off Nasri, who rarely had the ball, with only one run lacking penetration made, with two fouls made to break up Italian dominance.
De Rossi fired over as the Italians used patient build-up play to move the French players around and tire them as quickly as possible. Then a back-heeled flick from Toni went agonizingly past the post after a deep cross from the right flank. This was one of five chances the 38 goal Bayern man had in a few minutes. Henry was then played in by Toulalan’s finely weighted ball but he fired wide in a great chance to level.
In Berne, Mutu teased his man and crossed from the left flank for Niculae to control and volley wide. Arsenal’s Van Persie headed high and wide from an Englelaar ball, which he struggled to direct. Soon after a throw-in reached Mutu and turned his marker to create half a yard of space to cross but it narrowly evaded his target. Soon after, Van Persie ran to the left to meet another Engelar ball but couldn’t direct his header back at goal as it once more went wide. Huntelaar headed over, while Robben was played in soon after by Huntelaar’s deft touch but touched it wide when one on one with Lobont as the Dutch threatened to take the lead. But Romania, having heard of Italy’s goal, were forced to take the initiative as Mutu hit a rising shot from the edge of the area but it whirred wide. Then Rat bombed down the right flank and pulled back for Codrea but he blazes over in a fine chance.
Benzema hit a free kick against the wall, while his second attempt was volleyed over.
De Rossi fine run forward and turned Toulalan brilliantly but was fouled on the edge of the box. Grosso, who scored the winner against Germany in the 2006 semi-final hit the base of the post with a bending effort with a touch from Coupet preventing the Italians doubling their lead. The second half began with the Italians playing deep and on the counter-attack in a typical defensive manner as they looked to hold their lead. Henry had two efforts on goal which Buffon grabbed with ease. Toulalan, dubbed the ‘white Makelele’ in some quarters, was dictating the French play impressively as both sides were given fresh incentive with news filtering through into the stadium that Huntlelaar had scored in Berne from an Afellay cross stepped over by Engelaar, who deceived two Romanian defenders with his decoy run. Previous to this Van Persie latched onto a long ball, turned and shot, but Lobont was equal to it, with a fine reaction save.
Coupet rushed out to deny Toni but the Italians doubled their lead after Cassano was fouled. De Rossi took the free-kick and the net rippled following a wicked deflection of the outstretched leg of Thierry Henry, which fooled Coupet who had already dived to his right. The goal was marked down as an own goal for the Barcelona striker with De Rossi’s original effort looking to end up closer to the corner flag than the net. With the game practically won, the Italians resorted to delaying the game with a small foul on Cassano causing the former Bari man to collapse dramatically and needing treatment on the pitch as the French players waited to try an unlikely fight back. Buffon made a wonderful save from a curling effort by Benzema. Arsenal captain William Gallas appeared to hurt his back after a collision, but the tough defender dared not go off and reduce his side to nine men as Anelka came on as a third and final substitute.
It seemed the end of an era for France after a particularly cruel end, with Vieira, outstanding in the closing stages of Inter’s third Scudetto triumph, despite what Mark Lawrensen may think was a huge loss, while the mental state of Thuram and Sagnol the age of the defence and injury to Ribery, poor tactics all contributed to the fall of this onc great side. But the future is bright, with youngsters such as Benzema (who made a fine run in the last action of the game), Nasri and Ben Arfa, who failed to make the final cut, all three won a U17 youth tournament together for France. 2010 is the objective for France, with or without Domenech, probably and hopefully without. Deschamps may be the man to take the Blues forward in a qualification group containing Romania.
Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie scored in clinical fashion and reminded fans of his vast potential when match-fit after he collected a pass from the right and lashing into the net at the near post with a bullet of a shot. Like Croatia, Van Basten’s side showed a winning pattern despite wholesale changes in personnel, and face one of Sweden or Russia on Sunday. Romania, despite a spirited effort in drawing with France and Italy will no doubt look towards Mutu’s missed penalty as the predominant factor concerning their elimination. The playmaker was no doubt their best player but it was his action that made the difference for the worse unfortunately for the Fiorentina man.
A mouth-watering match ha now been set up between Spain and Italy in the pick of the round. A wonderful tournament with such entertainment continues with pure footballing sides all progressing so far as it threatens to surpass Euro 2000, the last great tournament of recent times.
France 0 – 2 Italy FT
Holland 2 – 0 Romania FT
The two World Cup finalists of two years previous now met in a match with their fates in the hands of Romania, who played a Dutch side making nine changes. When the replacements include Robben, Van Persie and Huntelaar and Afellay, who Arsenal reportedly had a bid of £10 million rejected, they could hardly be accused of playing a weakened team. In Zurich, Abidal, a questionable choice at centre-back, let in Toni, who broke free but appeared to shoot early when time was on his side, as the ball was fired past Coupet’s right hand post. Franck Ribery appeared to injury himself in the aftermath of a collision with Zambrotta, and the Bayern’s wing wizard was in considerable pain as he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher. Arsenal target Samir Nasri replaced his former Marseille teammate.
Pirlo’s corner was headed goalwards by Panucci, whose effort was blocked by a combination of Coupet and Makelele on the post as Italy pressed sensing an advantage with Ribery’s injury affecting the French, while the weakness in their defence also aided Italy. Evra was booked for a poor challenge, while Toni had another effort from the resulting free-kick taken by Pirlo. At the other end Govou broke with space on the right flank, but ignored the supporting run from Clerc and dragged his shot well wide. Pirlo played a one-two with Toni and chipped in a wonderful pass to Perrotta, who failed to control as he was through on goal.
Toni controlled a long ball beautifully with an outstretched leg, but the bumbling Abidal denied him a clear goal scoring opportunity, with referee Michel did not hesitate to send off the Barcelona full-back, as France’s night went from bad to worse. Pirlo fired home the spot-kick into the top corner to send the Italians into the lead. Nasri was taken off after only 16 minutes to allow Boumsong replace Abidal in the defence. One would question Domenech’s faith in Boumsong, as he preferred to start a full-back in his place. The former Newcastle man is famous for his participation on Newcastle’s comedy defence, with English fans assuming that the result for Italy was looking more likely. Arsenal fans must have been disappointed by the French coach’s decision to take off Nasri, who rarely had the ball, with only one run lacking penetration made, with two fouls made to break up Italian dominance.
De Rossi fired over as the Italians used patient build-up play to move the French players around and tire them as quickly as possible. Then a back-heeled flick from Toni went agonizingly past the post after a deep cross from the right flank. This was one of five chances the 38 goal Bayern man had in a few minutes. Henry was then played in by Toulalan’s finely weighted ball but he fired wide in a great chance to level.
In Berne, Mutu teased his man and crossed from the left flank for Niculae to control and volley wide. Arsenal’s Van Persie headed high and wide from an Englelaar ball, which he struggled to direct. Soon after a throw-in reached Mutu and turned his marker to create half a yard of space to cross but it narrowly evaded his target. Soon after, Van Persie ran to the left to meet another Engelar ball but couldn’t direct his header back at goal as it once more went wide. Huntelaar headed over, while Robben was played in soon after by Huntelaar’s deft touch but touched it wide when one on one with Lobont as the Dutch threatened to take the lead. But Romania, having heard of Italy’s goal, were forced to take the initiative as Mutu hit a rising shot from the edge of the area but it whirred wide. Then Rat bombed down the right flank and pulled back for Codrea but he blazes over in a fine chance.
Benzema hit a free kick against the wall, while his second attempt was volleyed over.
De Rossi fine run forward and turned Toulalan brilliantly but was fouled on the edge of the box. Grosso, who scored the winner against Germany in the 2006 semi-final hit the base of the post with a bending effort with a touch from Coupet preventing the Italians doubling their lead. The second half began with the Italians playing deep and on the counter-attack in a typical defensive manner as they looked to hold their lead. Henry had two efforts on goal which Buffon grabbed with ease. Toulalan, dubbed the ‘white Makelele’ in some quarters, was dictating the French play impressively as both sides were given fresh incentive with news filtering through into the stadium that Huntlelaar had scored in Berne from an Afellay cross stepped over by Engelaar, who deceived two Romanian defenders with his decoy run. Previous to this Van Persie latched onto a long ball, turned and shot, but Lobont was equal to it, with a fine reaction save.
Coupet rushed out to deny Toni but the Italians doubled their lead after Cassano was fouled. De Rossi took the free-kick and the net rippled following a wicked deflection of the outstretched leg of Thierry Henry, which fooled Coupet who had already dived to his right. The goal was marked down as an own goal for the Barcelona striker with De Rossi’s original effort looking to end up closer to the corner flag than the net. With the game practically won, the Italians resorted to delaying the game with a small foul on Cassano causing the former Bari man to collapse dramatically and needing treatment on the pitch as the French players waited to try an unlikely fight back. Buffon made a wonderful save from a curling effort by Benzema. Arsenal captain William Gallas appeared to hurt his back after a collision, but the tough defender dared not go off and reduce his side to nine men as Anelka came on as a third and final substitute.
It seemed the end of an era for France after a particularly cruel end, with Vieira, outstanding in the closing stages of Inter’s third Scudetto triumph, despite what Mark Lawrensen may think was a huge loss, while the mental state of Thuram and Sagnol the age of the defence and injury to Ribery, poor tactics all contributed to the fall of this onc great side. But the future is bright, with youngsters such as Benzema (who made a fine run in the last action of the game), Nasri and Ben Arfa, who failed to make the final cut, all three won a U17 youth tournament together for France. 2010 is the objective for France, with or without Domenech, probably and hopefully without. Deschamps may be the man to take the Blues forward in a qualification group containing Romania.
Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie scored in clinical fashion and reminded fans of his vast potential when match-fit after he collected a pass from the right and lashing into the net at the near post with a bullet of a shot. Like Croatia, Van Basten’s side showed a winning pattern despite wholesale changes in personnel, and face one of Sweden or Russia on Sunday. Romania, despite a spirited effort in drawing with France and Italy will no doubt look towards Mutu’s missed penalty as the predominant factor concerning their elimination. The playmaker was no doubt their best player but it was his action that made the difference for the worse unfortunately for the Fiorentina man.
A mouth-watering match ha now been set up between Spain and Italy in the pick of the round. A wonderful tournament with such entertainment continues with pure footballing sides all progressing so far as it threatens to surpass Euro 2000, the last great tournament of recent times.
France 0 – 2 Italy FT
Holland 2 – 0 Romania FT
Euro 2008: Matchday Ten Round Up
Germany and Austria is a match with huge history, with politics, and being geographical neighbours creating an intense rivalry and a stunning atmosphere in the Ernst Happel Stadium. Austria defeated the ‘enemy’ in 1978 in a 3-2 thriller dubbed the ‘Miracle of Cordoba’, the 1982 game was controversial with the sides accused in some quarters of not ‘competing’ and keeping the score favourable for both sides as the game ended 0-0. That apparently is the reason why the final group game is always played at the same time to avoid future accusations, at least according to the BBC.
Jansen was dropped after his poor defensive performances at left back. Friedrich was reinstated to the starting eleven as Low returned to the World Cup 2006 defence. Klose ran down the right flank and checked his run to beat his marker. Then the Bayern Munich man shifted a yard to create space to roll the ball to Gomez, who had the simple job of tapping in from a yard. But the highly rated striker continued a disappointing tournament as he mishit the ball and it looped up high into the air and the Austrian defence managed clear. The German pressure continued as Podolski, who must be wondering why he cannot seem to start up front ahead of the luckless Gomez, had his shot blocked. Soon after Austria were denied a penalty kick as Metzelder grappled with his striker and brought him down.
The static German defence struggled as Hopper failed to control the cross from the right as the ball rolled through to Lehmann, who clutched it gratefully. Aufhauser then shot from long range as Lehmann had to parry to his left with a diving save. The Germans then took their turn to attack as Podolski, who looked to add to his 3 goals, shot from outside of the box but Macho saved. The tensions were high as Aufhauser appeared to raise his hand to Podolski in an off-the-ball incident. Soon after both Hickersberger and Low were sent to the stands as the referee Manuel Gonzalez lost patience with their protests against the 4th Official.
Germany began the second half with renewed vigour, as they played with a higher tempo and more urgency with Lahm frequently bursting forward from left-back aiding the attack. The greater attacking pressure from Lahm resulted in a free-kick as he was brought down by Ivanschitz. Michael Ballack obliged to fire into the top right-hand corner past the dive of Macho, from the dead ball as he ended a run of poor, direct set-piece taking in the tournament.
Bayern Munich’s Lahm continued his influential second half display with a driving run past several Austrian players but he lacked end product as his shot was dragged wide. Some decent interplay down the left flank between Ballack and Podolski allowed the latter to shoot, but his shot whirred just wide of the right hand post. Austria fought back as Ivanschitz hit a tame shot, which rolled to Lehmann. The substitute Kienast almost levelled but his effort was blocked, while a few seconds later, the same striker’s header went wide.
The Germans tried to extend their lead, by substituting the ineffective Mario Gomez for Hitzelsperger, famous for his long range shots and their power. He played in Klose, who was challenged by Macho, who bravely dived it his feet and won the ball but was injured in the process. Ivanschitz had a lucky break as the ball fell in his direction after a block on his original run by Metzelder and he closed down on goal but was denied the opportunity to shoot as Lahm cleared over his own bar with a sliding clearance. Hoffer then had the chance to turn and shoot but sliced his hit wide as the co-hosts pressed for an equaliser. Germany tried to break as Klose was played in but his shot was too close to Macho who batted it away. Soon after Torsten Frings drove forward and shot low, inches wide.
In the final seconds of stoppage time Kormaz’s cross was headed away by Metzelder, who was brilliantly positioned as two strikers waited in behind in what was Austria’s final opportunity to equalize. They managed to work the ball to the wide areas on several occasions but the quality of the final ball was always poor. Oliver Neuville broke forward as Germany had a chance to kill the game off shot wide, despite having many options on either side of him.
Low’s side set up a mouth-watering quarter final with fellow favourites Portugal, as the hosts went out in respectable fashion, and not the humiliating manner, which many of their fans dreaded.
Austria 0 – 1 Germany FT
Bilic started with essentially a second choice side with a few regulars as Modric was rested in a game which Poland had to emerge victorious to stand any chance of progressing to the next stage. Beenhakker moved Dudka into defence
Poland almost took the lead as Lobodzinski crossed but Runje punched the ball away, while the returning ball into the box from the left was cleared for a corner. Rakitic whipped in a dangerous free-kick from the right flank, which Werder’s Klasnic, the first kidney transplant patient to play football almost stole in, after Vejic headed agonizingly wide. Schalke 04’s Rakitic showed his importance in the side by taking set-pieces and dictating their play. Lewandowski then fired a shot high and wide as Poland looked to seize the initiative. The fine left footed Pranjic of Heerenveen continued to bomb down the left and crossed for Petric, who failed to connect but was flagged offside anyway. Previously he tried a chip to the far post, but the left footed strike meant it curved away from the post in another chance.
Ivan Klasnic ran clear of the Poland defence and looked primed to break the deadlock, but Poland keeper Artur Boruc raced off his line and did brilliantly to smother the Croat's strike. Minutes later the Celtic stopper repeated the feat against Ivan Rakitic's effort from the left-hand side of the box. Krzynowek hits a free kick into the wall and the same man had a volley blocked as the ball set up nicely. Jerko Leko then shot wide as Croatia dominated. Klasnic was played in after a simple flick beat the Polish defence but his shot was blocked by Arthur Boruc, who rushed out expertly, as Rakitic’s follow up was hit well wide of the goal.
Boruc was finally beaten as Pranjic cut back for Klasnic, who shot into the far corner to send the Croats into the lead and driving seat for the top spot in Group A. Pranjic continued to bomb forward and hit the bar after getting his angles wrong. Roger Guerreiro, the naturalised Pole, received a simple pass when in space, which he used to turn and shoot to the far post, and it trickled despairingly wide as he held his head in his hands. Saganowski headed at the far post, which was caught by Runje after a floated cross from the left flank. His replacement Zahorski was then denied by Croatia reserve Runje as Poland desperately went for an equalizer but it was in vain.
Ivan Klasnic’s brilliant recovery from a kidney disorder to score the winner and set up a quarter final with Turkey, was fitting of a player who worked incredibly hard to bring back his career from the dead. His goal brought an easier route to the Semi-final with two colourful managers meeting in Slaven Bilic and Fatih Terrim in what should be an entertaining contest.
Poland 0 – 1 Croatia FT
Jansen was dropped after his poor defensive performances at left back. Friedrich was reinstated to the starting eleven as Low returned to the World Cup 2006 defence. Klose ran down the right flank and checked his run to beat his marker. Then the Bayern Munich man shifted a yard to create space to roll the ball to Gomez, who had the simple job of tapping in from a yard. But the highly rated striker continued a disappointing tournament as he mishit the ball and it looped up high into the air and the Austrian defence managed clear. The German pressure continued as Podolski, who must be wondering why he cannot seem to start up front ahead of the luckless Gomez, had his shot blocked. Soon after Austria were denied a penalty kick as Metzelder grappled with his striker and brought him down.
The static German defence struggled as Hopper failed to control the cross from the right as the ball rolled through to Lehmann, who clutched it gratefully. Aufhauser then shot from long range as Lehmann had to parry to his left with a diving save. The Germans then took their turn to attack as Podolski, who looked to add to his 3 goals, shot from outside of the box but Macho saved. The tensions were high as Aufhauser appeared to raise his hand to Podolski in an off-the-ball incident. Soon after both Hickersberger and Low were sent to the stands as the referee Manuel Gonzalez lost patience with their protests against the 4th Official.
Germany began the second half with renewed vigour, as they played with a higher tempo and more urgency with Lahm frequently bursting forward from left-back aiding the attack. The greater attacking pressure from Lahm resulted in a free-kick as he was brought down by Ivanschitz. Michael Ballack obliged to fire into the top right-hand corner past the dive of Macho, from the dead ball as he ended a run of poor, direct set-piece taking in the tournament.
Bayern Munich’s Lahm continued his influential second half display with a driving run past several Austrian players but he lacked end product as his shot was dragged wide. Some decent interplay down the left flank between Ballack and Podolski allowed the latter to shoot, but his shot whirred just wide of the right hand post. Austria fought back as Ivanschitz hit a tame shot, which rolled to Lehmann. The substitute Kienast almost levelled but his effort was blocked, while a few seconds later, the same striker’s header went wide.
The Germans tried to extend their lead, by substituting the ineffective Mario Gomez for Hitzelsperger, famous for his long range shots and their power. He played in Klose, who was challenged by Macho, who bravely dived it his feet and won the ball but was injured in the process. Ivanschitz had a lucky break as the ball fell in his direction after a block on his original run by Metzelder and he closed down on goal but was denied the opportunity to shoot as Lahm cleared over his own bar with a sliding clearance. Hoffer then had the chance to turn and shoot but sliced his hit wide as the co-hosts pressed for an equaliser. Germany tried to break as Klose was played in but his shot was too close to Macho who batted it away. Soon after Torsten Frings drove forward and shot low, inches wide.
In the final seconds of stoppage time Kormaz’s cross was headed away by Metzelder, who was brilliantly positioned as two strikers waited in behind in what was Austria’s final opportunity to equalize. They managed to work the ball to the wide areas on several occasions but the quality of the final ball was always poor. Oliver Neuville broke forward as Germany had a chance to kill the game off shot wide, despite having many options on either side of him.
Low’s side set up a mouth-watering quarter final with fellow favourites Portugal, as the hosts went out in respectable fashion, and not the humiliating manner, which many of their fans dreaded.
Austria 0 – 1 Germany FT
Bilic started with essentially a second choice side with a few regulars as Modric was rested in a game which Poland had to emerge victorious to stand any chance of progressing to the next stage. Beenhakker moved Dudka into defence
Poland almost took the lead as Lobodzinski crossed but Runje punched the ball away, while the returning ball into the box from the left was cleared for a corner. Rakitic whipped in a dangerous free-kick from the right flank, which Werder’s Klasnic, the first kidney transplant patient to play football almost stole in, after Vejic headed agonizingly wide. Schalke 04’s Rakitic showed his importance in the side by taking set-pieces and dictating their play. Lewandowski then fired a shot high and wide as Poland looked to seize the initiative. The fine left footed Pranjic of Heerenveen continued to bomb down the left and crossed for Petric, who failed to connect but was flagged offside anyway. Previously he tried a chip to the far post, but the left footed strike meant it curved away from the post in another chance.
Ivan Klasnic ran clear of the Poland defence and looked primed to break the deadlock, but Poland keeper Artur Boruc raced off his line and did brilliantly to smother the Croat's strike. Minutes later the Celtic stopper repeated the feat against Ivan Rakitic's effort from the left-hand side of the box. Krzynowek hits a free kick into the wall and the same man had a volley blocked as the ball set up nicely. Jerko Leko then shot wide as Croatia dominated. Klasnic was played in after a simple flick beat the Polish defence but his shot was blocked by Arthur Boruc, who rushed out expertly, as Rakitic’s follow up was hit well wide of the goal.
Boruc was finally beaten as Pranjic cut back for Klasnic, who shot into the far corner to send the Croats into the lead and driving seat for the top spot in Group A. Pranjic continued to bomb forward and hit the bar after getting his angles wrong. Roger Guerreiro, the naturalised Pole, received a simple pass when in space, which he used to turn and shoot to the far post, and it trickled despairingly wide as he held his head in his hands. Saganowski headed at the far post, which was caught by Runje after a floated cross from the left flank. His replacement Zahorski was then denied by Croatia reserve Runje as Poland desperately went for an equalizer but it was in vain.
Ivan Klasnic’s brilliant recovery from a kidney disorder to score the winner and set up a quarter final with Turkey, was fitting of a player who worked incredibly hard to bring back his career from the dead. His goal brought an easier route to the Semi-final with two colourful managers meeting in Slaven Bilic and Fatih Terrim in what should be an entertaining contest.
Poland 0 – 1 Croatia FT
Euro 2008: Matchday Nine Round Up
The stage was set for a great game as the Czech Republic and Turkey with the two sides level on points and sharing defeats to Portugal and victories against co-hosts Switzerland, the match had to be won by one side or penalties after 90 minutes was a very real possibility. The main change was bringing in Koller for Baros, whose mobility and smart movement gave Bruckner’s side a strong focal point in comparison to the slow, static beanpole striker. But his stature was the main reason for his selection as he competed with Cetin physically.
Libor Sionko then returned the ball into the box from the right after great work down the left from the brilliant Marek Jankulovski and with Jan Koller set to pounce, Servet Cetin made a fine interception, showing he can match Koller on the ground, despite struggling aerially. Grygera then stormed down the right flank and crossed for Koller, who accepted the invitation to finish and guided the ball into the net off the underside of the bar via the hand of Volkan. Koller, who looked very unfit in the opening game, was totally dominant in this decider heading another ball over and volleying high and wide as the Czechs had the larger influence on the game.
Nihat tried an acrobatic scissor kick as the ball looped up into the air from a poor Jankulovski clearance but it was overhit. The Turks came back into the game as Tuncay Sanli headed goalwards but Cech was equal to it. Sabri, worked hard on the right flank and tricked his marker to allow him to advance to the box but his cut-back was blocked. Soon after the lively Libor Sionko swung in a deep cross from the right and Jaroslav Plasil met it at the far post to double the Czechs advantage, with the pace of the ball beating Volkan, who got a touch onto the ball in vain.
Jan Koller ran through, despite being marginally offside, only to shoot tamely wide from 10 yards, in an awkward fashion with mobility never being his strong point Fortunately for the Czechs, it wasn't too costly. Fatih Terrim was furious as Turkey were down to ten men, looking to bring a substitute on in the build up due to injury. Polak then hit the post after a fine cut-back and tried to head in the rebound with Emre Asik almost catching him fully on the head as they competed for the same ball. The Turkish defender then was booked for hauling down David Rozenhal, who was at the time strangely the furthest man up-field for the Czechs.
At the other end, a dangerous cut-back from Altintop, the right-back, normally an attacking midfielder for Bayern and it passed a crowd of players at the near post and ran to Arda Turan, who arrowed his shot in at the far post. Cech got a hand but it wasn’t enough. Kazim Kazim found himself in space but couldn’t control and eventually got into a tangle with his own team mate, resulting in the Czechs regaining the ball. Petr Cech continued a season of apparently uncharacteristic errors as he failed to catch a seemingly harmless cross and the untiring Nihat took advantage and tapped in to level the scores very late.
Nihat hit a wonderful curling shot in off the underside past Cech after being played in by a simple ball from Altintop through the Czech defence as the pint-sized Villarreal striker made it two in two minute to destroy Czech hopes and cement this night as one of the worst in Petr Cech’s career. There was still enough time for more controversy the Czechs almost equalized as Volkan shoved Jan Koller to the ground after the ball ran out for a goal kick, with referee Frojdfeldt not hesitating to send off the Turk, who should be the proud in the sense that he is capable of flooring the 6ft 7inch giant. But he will now miss the quarter final with Slaven Bilic’s Croatia. Tuncay went into goal for the remainder of injury time.
A most exhilarating denouement to this group stage match in this wonderful tournament showed the enigmatic nature of the Turks, who will make one half of an intriguing quarter final.
Turkey 3 – 2 Czech Republic FT
Portugal fielded essentially a reserve side as Fernando Meira, predominantly a centre-back for Stuttgart, came into midfield. The highly rated Miguel Veloso, a defensive midfielder started too in place of his Sporting Lisbon team-mate Joao Moutinho. To The Swiss had nothing to play for apart from pride and to give veteran coach Kobi Kuhn a fine send off as he went into retirement after their final group stage match.
The Portuguese started confidently, epitomised by an eye-catching cross from the exuberant Ricardo Quaresma, who executed a Rabona to float a fine cross that Helder Postiga, once of Tottenham headed over. Portugal's Nani fired in a low free-kick and Pepe deflects it on to the crossbar, via a brilliant reaction save from Pascal Zuberbuehler. The Manchester United youngster took on the role of his team-mate Ronaldo in influencing the proceedings from the wing. Yet as Portugal seemed to dominate possession, Inler reminded the audience of his ability with a long range shot that Ricardo had to tip over. Nani then broke into the area and passed sideways to Postiga, whose goal-bound shot was brilliantly blocked by Senderos.
Nani’s free kick was then punched away by Zuberbuehler as Portugal continued to search for the opener. Behrami of Lazio was caught by Paulo Ferreira, after the winger beat him for pace, and the Swiss man was caught on his ankle and was carried off by stretcher but fortunately came back on. Hakan Yakin then headed at goal from an Inler free-kick but was denied by Ricardo as the Swiss almost stole into the lead, after Scolari typically kept three men up-field for a chance to counter as set pieces continued to show themselves as a weakness in Portugal’s impressive arsenal of talents. Meira fed Postiga, with a slide-rule pass, and he slotted home but was incorrectly flagged offside (Lichtsteiner played him on) as Portugal continued to dominate.
Nani then hit the outside of the post having been found by a fine pass from Veloso. Ricardo Quaresma, who once more seemed to be playing second fiddle in this Portugual side, this time to Nani, drilled in a shot from 20 yards that Pascal Zuberbuehler punched the ball away, unable to gather. Gokhan Inler, who has attracted many suitors through his commanding displays in centre midfield, hit a sensational right-foot shot from 30 yards that clipped the outside of the post, as the Swiss began to take the game to Portugal. Their pressure was rewarded when Hakan Yakin latched onto a great clipped pass from Eren Derdiyok and kept his composure and smashed his shot between the legs of Ricardo. Hakan Yakin hammered a left-foot shot into the top corner from the penalty spot as Basel went mad as they went closer to what would be their first win at a European Championship finals as Tranquilo Barnetta was fouled through a challenge from Fernando Meira, who was already booked for dissent but escaped a second yellow.
The game ended, overshadowed by events in Geneva, but the scenes were as jubilant as those from the Turkish team and fans as the co-hosts bowed out with their pride in tact, and Kobi Kuhn could retire on a climax defeating one of the favourites, albeit a weakened Portugal side.
Switzerland 2 – 0 Portugal FT
Libor Sionko then returned the ball into the box from the right after great work down the left from the brilliant Marek Jankulovski and with Jan Koller set to pounce, Servet Cetin made a fine interception, showing he can match Koller on the ground, despite struggling aerially. Grygera then stormed down the right flank and crossed for Koller, who accepted the invitation to finish and guided the ball into the net off the underside of the bar via the hand of Volkan. Koller, who looked very unfit in the opening game, was totally dominant in this decider heading another ball over and volleying high and wide as the Czechs had the larger influence on the game.
Nihat tried an acrobatic scissor kick as the ball looped up into the air from a poor Jankulovski clearance but it was overhit. The Turks came back into the game as Tuncay Sanli headed goalwards but Cech was equal to it. Sabri, worked hard on the right flank and tricked his marker to allow him to advance to the box but his cut-back was blocked. Soon after the lively Libor Sionko swung in a deep cross from the right and Jaroslav Plasil met it at the far post to double the Czechs advantage, with the pace of the ball beating Volkan, who got a touch onto the ball in vain.
Jan Koller ran through, despite being marginally offside, only to shoot tamely wide from 10 yards, in an awkward fashion with mobility never being his strong point Fortunately for the Czechs, it wasn't too costly. Fatih Terrim was furious as Turkey were down to ten men, looking to bring a substitute on in the build up due to injury. Polak then hit the post after a fine cut-back and tried to head in the rebound with Emre Asik almost catching him fully on the head as they competed for the same ball. The Turkish defender then was booked for hauling down David Rozenhal, who was at the time strangely the furthest man up-field for the Czechs.
At the other end, a dangerous cut-back from Altintop, the right-back, normally an attacking midfielder for Bayern and it passed a crowd of players at the near post and ran to Arda Turan, who arrowed his shot in at the far post. Cech got a hand but it wasn’t enough. Kazim Kazim found himself in space but couldn’t control and eventually got into a tangle with his own team mate, resulting in the Czechs regaining the ball. Petr Cech continued a season of apparently uncharacteristic errors as he failed to catch a seemingly harmless cross and the untiring Nihat took advantage and tapped in to level the scores very late.
Nihat hit a wonderful curling shot in off the underside past Cech after being played in by a simple ball from Altintop through the Czech defence as the pint-sized Villarreal striker made it two in two minute to destroy Czech hopes and cement this night as one of the worst in Petr Cech’s career. There was still enough time for more controversy the Czechs almost equalized as Volkan shoved Jan Koller to the ground after the ball ran out for a goal kick, with referee Frojdfeldt not hesitating to send off the Turk, who should be the proud in the sense that he is capable of flooring the 6ft 7inch giant. But he will now miss the quarter final with Slaven Bilic’s Croatia. Tuncay went into goal for the remainder of injury time.
A most exhilarating denouement to this group stage match in this wonderful tournament showed the enigmatic nature of the Turks, who will make one half of an intriguing quarter final.
Turkey 3 – 2 Czech Republic FT
Portugal fielded essentially a reserve side as Fernando Meira, predominantly a centre-back for Stuttgart, came into midfield. The highly rated Miguel Veloso, a defensive midfielder started too in place of his Sporting Lisbon team-mate Joao Moutinho. To The Swiss had nothing to play for apart from pride and to give veteran coach Kobi Kuhn a fine send off as he went into retirement after their final group stage match.
The Portuguese started confidently, epitomised by an eye-catching cross from the exuberant Ricardo Quaresma, who executed a Rabona to float a fine cross that Helder Postiga, once of Tottenham headed over. Portugal's Nani fired in a low free-kick and Pepe deflects it on to the crossbar, via a brilliant reaction save from Pascal Zuberbuehler. The Manchester United youngster took on the role of his team-mate Ronaldo in influencing the proceedings from the wing. Yet as Portugal seemed to dominate possession, Inler reminded the audience of his ability with a long range shot that Ricardo had to tip over. Nani then broke into the area and passed sideways to Postiga, whose goal-bound shot was brilliantly blocked by Senderos.
Nani’s free kick was then punched away by Zuberbuehler as Portugal continued to search for the opener. Behrami of Lazio was caught by Paulo Ferreira, after the winger beat him for pace, and the Swiss man was caught on his ankle and was carried off by stretcher but fortunately came back on. Hakan Yakin then headed at goal from an Inler free-kick but was denied by Ricardo as the Swiss almost stole into the lead, after Scolari typically kept three men up-field for a chance to counter as set pieces continued to show themselves as a weakness in Portugal’s impressive arsenal of talents. Meira fed Postiga, with a slide-rule pass, and he slotted home but was incorrectly flagged offside (Lichtsteiner played him on) as Portugal continued to dominate.
Nani then hit the outside of the post having been found by a fine pass from Veloso. Ricardo Quaresma, who once more seemed to be playing second fiddle in this Portugual side, this time to Nani, drilled in a shot from 20 yards that Pascal Zuberbuehler punched the ball away, unable to gather. Gokhan Inler, who has attracted many suitors through his commanding displays in centre midfield, hit a sensational right-foot shot from 30 yards that clipped the outside of the post, as the Swiss began to take the game to Portugal. Their pressure was rewarded when Hakan Yakin latched onto a great clipped pass from Eren Derdiyok and kept his composure and smashed his shot between the legs of Ricardo. Hakan Yakin hammered a left-foot shot into the top corner from the penalty spot as Basel went mad as they went closer to what would be their first win at a European Championship finals as Tranquilo Barnetta was fouled through a challenge from Fernando Meira, who was already booked for dissent but escaped a second yellow.
The game ended, overshadowed by events in Geneva, but the scenes were as jubilant as those from the Turkish team and fans as the co-hosts bowed out with their pride in tact, and Kobi Kuhn could retire on a climax defeating one of the favourites, albeit a weakened Portugal side.
Switzerland 2 – 0 Portugal FT
Euro 2008: Matchday Eight Round Up
While the whole of Europe spoke of the Brilliant ‘Oranje’, the other outstanding performer of Euro 2008, Spain were preparing for a game to settle the winners of Group D. Unchanged from the 4-1 destruction of Russia, Spain were not overconfident, knowing that a bright start doesn’t necessarily mean a bright finish, as their 4-0 opening win against Ukraine in Germany 2006, a tournament that ended early, as seems to be the norm with ‘La Furia Roja’, with a defeat to France. Sweden, on the other hand, rarely have sides of outstanding individual talent, but a team of grafters, who always seem to reach the big stage. This time, however, they have the temperamental Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the line alongside with veteran Henrik Larsson, who always seemingly accepts his call for his country after the tedious process of qualifying, to play on the big stage.
An early conceded free-kick by Spain, saw Ibrahimovic receive the ball, but he failed to control and shoot. Torres raised a similar warning as he dribbled down the right side of the box and cut back, but it was blocked. Sweden countered, as one would expect them to, when facing the patient possession football of Spain, as Larsson set Ljungberg free down the left flank, but his shot was weak as it rolled into the arms of Casillas. A finely worked corner, as the ball was played short and cut back to David Silva, who chipped a delicate pass into the run of Torres, who touched the ball in while stretching to take the lead for Spain. The celebration however, left great room for improvement. Elmander could have helped restore the lead but lacked the composure to find Ljungberg at the far post and instead shot into the side netting as he raced into the box.
Larsson made a cleverly timed run from Ibrahimovic’s floated pass but could only direct his shot high over the bar. Yet for all of Spain’s dominance, Sweden hit back as a simple move beat Spain with a cross-field pass to Stoor, who crossed from deep to Ibrahimovic, who controlled well, turned Sergio Ramos with ease and slotted home past the despairing hand of Casillas, who got a touch, which fortunately for Sweden was not enough to deny them a goal, as the ball trickled over the line. Ibrahimovic was controlling the tempo of the attack and dropped deep to play in midfield runners in a typical playmaker role as Spain were rattled. Aragones’ side had more to complain about as Pieter Vink denied them a penalty with Elmander clearly barging David Silva in the penalty area. Furthermore, he blew for half time when Silva had a chance to cross into the box, denying them an advantage.
Swedish hopes took a blow as Markus Rosenberg came on for Ibrahimovic at half time, after the Inter talisman was hampered by a knee injury. The Spanish had Silva through on goal but he elected to pass, as did Villa, with their side reminiscent of Arsenal in the 06/07 season, wasting a great chance to retake the lead. Aragones decided to bring off Barcelona duo Iniesta and Xavi for Arsenal’s Fabregas and Santi Cazorla of Villarreal to bring different ideas to refocus the Spanish attack, with urgency and a higher tempo needed. Villa cut in from the left and fed Silva, who checked back and shot and Isaksson saved but could not gather as Villa won the ball back and cut back for Torres, whose shot was blocked off the line by Daniel Andersson as Spain pressed for another goal.
Senna, then drove forward and forced Isaksson to parry his long range shot as Spain struggled to open up the hard working Swedes. The defender Hansson hit a free-kick from deep back across goal as Larsson agonizingly stretched to make the goal-bound touch in vain. Yet the substitution of Ibrahimovic had hampered Sweden who sat back behind the ball to prevent Spain from playing their way through to goal. Werder Bremen’s Rosenberg was not as effective in holding up the ball or influencing the play. And it was not possession football that shocked Sweden in stoppage time but route one as a hopeful long ball from Capdevila evaded the leap of Torres, but found its way into the path of David Villa, who turned from the defender and fired low in the far corner to practically confirm Spain a place in the quarter finals and make himself the leading scorer (with 4 goals) once more.
The Valencia striker added more pounds onto his already vast transfer value with this goal and showed why he is regarded as a better finisher than compatriot Torres. Despite not really deserving this victory in terms of their performance, a clinical finisher at their disposal could take Spain far in this competition. Ramos, so highly rated in European football after a wonderful season with Real Madrid had a poor game in an attacking and defensive sense. This gritty side might just be what the Spanish need to finally add to their 1964 success in the same competition. What Luis Suarez inspired then, David Villa could do now.
Sweden 1 – 1 Spain FT
Russia were destroyed in their opening game by attempting to play football against the Spanish, but their possession football may prove more successful against the defensive Greeks. Still deprived of their star attacker Andrei Arshavin, they’ll need to use the majority of the possession to open up Otto Rehhagel’s side instead of the counter-attacking style which Zenit St. Petersburg held in such good stead in their UEFA Cup success. Their poor defensive performance has to be improved upon with more pressure needed high up the pitch.
On the other hand the defending champions have to prove they are worthy of the title which they won with organisation and steel in Lisbon four years ago. After a performance with almost no adventure a few days ago, they switched to a 4-3-3, with Ansas, the third centre-back against Sweden being dropped. And Amanatidis almost stole in after Kolodin slipped by the highly rated, 22 year old Igor Akinfeev rushed out to deny him by clearing quickly. Bilyaletdinov countered for the Russians in what what shaping out to be a scrappy match but his shot was high and wide. Greece managed to show some invention as a fine reverse pass released full-back Seitaridis, whose cross was too near to Akinfeev. At the other end Pavyluchenko, cut in and shot but his bending effort was tipped over by veteran Nikopolidis. The same man whose brace dampened English hopes in Russia, appealed for a penalty for handball of Dellas but his claims by countered through his original offside position as the cross came in from the right.
The Russians were looking more threatening but the direct Greece, won a free kick, in which Angelo Charisteas missed the ball completely as a free heading opportunity came his way. The ball hit Semshov on the line and he awkwardly cleared it for a corner. The Greece striker was guilty for wasting another opening as Patsatzoglou. Zhrikov had been instrumental in the majority of Russian moves as he bombed down the left flank continuously and tormented his marker. This was evident as he passed to Torbinsky, who crossed to the back post drawing out Nikopolidis, who was taken out of play by a wonderful flick by Russia captain Semak, for Zyryanov to tap into an empty net. The Champions were on the brink of elimination. Greece were able to reshuffle after the injury of Seitaridis, as playmaker Karagounis was brought on. His first action was to a hit a poor free-kick and then to take a booking to stop Russia countering his original error.
Angelo Charisteas continued his poor finishing by showing a complete lack of composure when one versus one against Akinfeev, he lamely lifts his shot into the air so that the CSKA, one time arsenal target could simply catch it. Where was the power in that shot? Pavlyuchenko then shot hard at the near post to remind the viewer how to hit a ball when required. The same man then was found ploughing a lone furrow down the left flank and cut inside with a brilliant turn of pace past Kyrgiakos but he dragged his shot wide at the near post when a curling effort around Nikopolidis would have fared him better. Zhrikov then crossed to Pavlyuchenko, who backheeled it into the path of Bilyaletdinov, who lashed it wide, as Russia wasted another chance to extend their lead.
Bilyaletdinov had another chance after Nikopolidis’ outstretched hand patted away a dangerous cross but the danger was imminent as the Russian stole the ball and his goal-bound shot was blocked by Dellas’s brilliant block to add some gloss to further shambolic defending. Four years ago, they were the epitome of defensive solidity, now, ages has weakened them significantly, as it as many defences in Austria and Switzerland, the French a clear example. The substitute Saenko made a fine dribble beating two players as he carried the ball out of defence and played a wonderfully weighted through ball to Pavlyuchenko, who shot high and wide, once more lacking composure.
The lively Karagounis, who was willing to shoot as shown earlier in the match, turned away from two players before being chopped down to win a free-kick. Charisteas had the ball in the net but the Greeks were contentiously flagged offside as Russia continued to dominate the closing stages. Fine counter-attacking, and aesthetically brilliant passing patterns were insignificant with a lack of composure in the final third, be it the assisting pass or the shot on goal. Semak broke after Greece threw a number of players up the pitch and fed Pavlyuchenko, who fired over the bar as Russia’s lack of attacking end product was evident once more. Roberto Rosetti blew his whistle and Greece were no more.
A shadow of the victors that shocked the whole of Europe, they went out without having scored a goal. This Russian win means that Spain will go through, while all depends on the final matchday encounter between Sweden and Russia. While the entertainment wasn’t as compelling as yesterday, it was still of a high level but ITV’s coverage was very disappointing. The constant repetition of Sweden-Spain highlights, Andy Townsend’s constant stream of clichés when analysing the match and appointing Sam Allyardyce as a pundit (who by the way looked like a tacky, low level mob boss) further emphasised BBC’s superiority in every department of football coverage on free-to-air television. Oh, and I forgot the adverts every other minute. Things will be low in the autumn when Internationals and the FA Cup arrive on the channel.
Greece 0 – 1 Russia FT
An early conceded free-kick by Spain, saw Ibrahimovic receive the ball, but he failed to control and shoot. Torres raised a similar warning as he dribbled down the right side of the box and cut back, but it was blocked. Sweden countered, as one would expect them to, when facing the patient possession football of Spain, as Larsson set Ljungberg free down the left flank, but his shot was weak as it rolled into the arms of Casillas. A finely worked corner, as the ball was played short and cut back to David Silva, who chipped a delicate pass into the run of Torres, who touched the ball in while stretching to take the lead for Spain. The celebration however, left great room for improvement. Elmander could have helped restore the lead but lacked the composure to find Ljungberg at the far post and instead shot into the side netting as he raced into the box.
Larsson made a cleverly timed run from Ibrahimovic’s floated pass but could only direct his shot high over the bar. Yet for all of Spain’s dominance, Sweden hit back as a simple move beat Spain with a cross-field pass to Stoor, who crossed from deep to Ibrahimovic, who controlled well, turned Sergio Ramos with ease and slotted home past the despairing hand of Casillas, who got a touch, which fortunately for Sweden was not enough to deny them a goal, as the ball trickled over the line. Ibrahimovic was controlling the tempo of the attack and dropped deep to play in midfield runners in a typical playmaker role as Spain were rattled. Aragones’ side had more to complain about as Pieter Vink denied them a penalty with Elmander clearly barging David Silva in the penalty area. Furthermore, he blew for half time when Silva had a chance to cross into the box, denying them an advantage.
Swedish hopes took a blow as Markus Rosenberg came on for Ibrahimovic at half time, after the Inter talisman was hampered by a knee injury. The Spanish had Silva through on goal but he elected to pass, as did Villa, with their side reminiscent of Arsenal in the 06/07 season, wasting a great chance to retake the lead. Aragones decided to bring off Barcelona duo Iniesta and Xavi for Arsenal’s Fabregas and Santi Cazorla of Villarreal to bring different ideas to refocus the Spanish attack, with urgency and a higher tempo needed. Villa cut in from the left and fed Silva, who checked back and shot and Isaksson saved but could not gather as Villa won the ball back and cut back for Torres, whose shot was blocked off the line by Daniel Andersson as Spain pressed for another goal.
Senna, then drove forward and forced Isaksson to parry his long range shot as Spain struggled to open up the hard working Swedes. The defender Hansson hit a free-kick from deep back across goal as Larsson agonizingly stretched to make the goal-bound touch in vain. Yet the substitution of Ibrahimovic had hampered Sweden who sat back behind the ball to prevent Spain from playing their way through to goal. Werder Bremen’s Rosenberg was not as effective in holding up the ball or influencing the play. And it was not possession football that shocked Sweden in stoppage time but route one as a hopeful long ball from Capdevila evaded the leap of Torres, but found its way into the path of David Villa, who turned from the defender and fired low in the far corner to practically confirm Spain a place in the quarter finals and make himself the leading scorer (with 4 goals) once more.
The Valencia striker added more pounds onto his already vast transfer value with this goal and showed why he is regarded as a better finisher than compatriot Torres. Despite not really deserving this victory in terms of their performance, a clinical finisher at their disposal could take Spain far in this competition. Ramos, so highly rated in European football after a wonderful season with Real Madrid had a poor game in an attacking and defensive sense. This gritty side might just be what the Spanish need to finally add to their 1964 success in the same competition. What Luis Suarez inspired then, David Villa could do now.
Sweden 1 – 1 Spain FT
Russia were destroyed in their opening game by attempting to play football against the Spanish, but their possession football may prove more successful against the defensive Greeks. Still deprived of their star attacker Andrei Arshavin, they’ll need to use the majority of the possession to open up Otto Rehhagel’s side instead of the counter-attacking style which Zenit St. Petersburg held in such good stead in their UEFA Cup success. Their poor defensive performance has to be improved upon with more pressure needed high up the pitch.
On the other hand the defending champions have to prove they are worthy of the title which they won with organisation and steel in Lisbon four years ago. After a performance with almost no adventure a few days ago, they switched to a 4-3-3, with Ansas, the third centre-back against Sweden being dropped. And Amanatidis almost stole in after Kolodin slipped by the highly rated, 22 year old Igor Akinfeev rushed out to deny him by clearing quickly. Bilyaletdinov countered for the Russians in what what shaping out to be a scrappy match but his shot was high and wide. Greece managed to show some invention as a fine reverse pass released full-back Seitaridis, whose cross was too near to Akinfeev. At the other end Pavyluchenko, cut in and shot but his bending effort was tipped over by veteran Nikopolidis. The same man whose brace dampened English hopes in Russia, appealed for a penalty for handball of Dellas but his claims by countered through his original offside position as the cross came in from the right.
The Russians were looking more threatening but the direct Greece, won a free kick, in which Angelo Charisteas missed the ball completely as a free heading opportunity came his way. The ball hit Semshov on the line and he awkwardly cleared it for a corner. The Greece striker was guilty for wasting another opening as Patsatzoglou. Zhrikov had been instrumental in the majority of Russian moves as he bombed down the left flank continuously and tormented his marker. This was evident as he passed to Torbinsky, who crossed to the back post drawing out Nikopolidis, who was taken out of play by a wonderful flick by Russia captain Semak, for Zyryanov to tap into an empty net. The Champions were on the brink of elimination. Greece were able to reshuffle after the injury of Seitaridis, as playmaker Karagounis was brought on. His first action was to a hit a poor free-kick and then to take a booking to stop Russia countering his original error.
Angelo Charisteas continued his poor finishing by showing a complete lack of composure when one versus one against Akinfeev, he lamely lifts his shot into the air so that the CSKA, one time arsenal target could simply catch it. Where was the power in that shot? Pavlyuchenko then shot hard at the near post to remind the viewer how to hit a ball when required. The same man then was found ploughing a lone furrow down the left flank and cut inside with a brilliant turn of pace past Kyrgiakos but he dragged his shot wide at the near post when a curling effort around Nikopolidis would have fared him better. Zhrikov then crossed to Pavlyuchenko, who backheeled it into the path of Bilyaletdinov, who lashed it wide, as Russia wasted another chance to extend their lead.
Bilyaletdinov had another chance after Nikopolidis’ outstretched hand patted away a dangerous cross but the danger was imminent as the Russian stole the ball and his goal-bound shot was blocked by Dellas’s brilliant block to add some gloss to further shambolic defending. Four years ago, they were the epitome of defensive solidity, now, ages has weakened them significantly, as it as many defences in Austria and Switzerland, the French a clear example. The substitute Saenko made a fine dribble beating two players as he carried the ball out of defence and played a wonderfully weighted through ball to Pavlyuchenko, who shot high and wide, once more lacking composure.
The lively Karagounis, who was willing to shoot as shown earlier in the match, turned away from two players before being chopped down to win a free-kick. Charisteas had the ball in the net but the Greeks were contentiously flagged offside as Russia continued to dominate the closing stages. Fine counter-attacking, and aesthetically brilliant passing patterns were insignificant with a lack of composure in the final third, be it the assisting pass or the shot on goal. Semak broke after Greece threw a number of players up the pitch and fed Pavlyuchenko, who fired over the bar as Russia’s lack of attacking end product was evident once more. Roberto Rosetti blew his whistle and Greece were no more.
A shadow of the victors that shocked the whole of Europe, they went out without having scored a goal. This Russian win means that Spain will go through, while all depends on the final matchday encounter between Sweden and Russia. While the entertainment wasn’t as compelling as yesterday, it was still of a high level but ITV’s coverage was very disappointing. The constant repetition of Sweden-Spain highlights, Andy Townsend’s constant stream of clichés when analysing the match and appointing Sam Allyardyce as a pundit (who by the way looked like a tacky, low level mob boss) further emphasised BBC’s superiority in every department of football coverage on free-to-air television. Oh, and I forgot the adverts every other minute. Things will be low in the autumn when Internationals and the FA Cup arrive on the channel.
Greece 0 – 1 Russia FT
Euro 2008: Matchday Seven Round Up
After a heavy, unexpected defeat to the Dutch, the World Champions Italy reinstated veteran attacker Del Piero and broke up the Milan midfield trio torn apart in the first leg by swapping Gattuso with De Rossi and also removing Ambrosini. The five changes expected to exploit Toni’s strength and aerial ability, by using the width and running brought by left back Fabio Grosso and Simone Perrotta of Roma. Romania kept the same formation which brought them a draw against France, once more looking to counter attack with the Italians likely to be presented the majority of possession just like France.
Romania’s biggest threat in Adrian Mutu made an early impression as he challenged for a cross in the opening stages but headed over. Later the Fiorentina man was found to be offside as the Romanians broke again. Yet Italy tried to take an early advantage as Toni played in Del Piero, top scorer in Serie A this past season, whose shot was deflected for a corner. Camoranesi chipped in a weighted pass in the path of the Juventus trequartista but the ball was taken away from him. Yet Perrotta, as every commentator will mention him being born in Aston-under –Lyne, the birth place of Geoff Hurst, crossed the ball back across goal but Del Piero headed wide at the near post. The same man played a delicate back-heel into the direction of Perrotta but the pass was intercepted. While Del Piero was involved in most of the early Italian attacks, Mutu broke and shot towards the far post but Buffon rushed out swiftly and denied him well.
Defender Gabriel Tamas hit a rasping long range drive, which he did well to keep low as Buffon pushed it away from his left. Soon after Chivu whipped in a dangerous free-kick, with which Niculae connected well and it hit the base of the post with aid of a deflection of an Italian defender. Zambrotta cleared and two Romanian players collided head on in a bid to knock the ball back into the box. Radoi was worse off and was taken off by a stretcher cart with Dica replacing him. Yet the Italians hit back as Grosso curled a dangerous ball into the six-yard box, with which Del Piero almost connected in what would have been a sure goal. Later Toni headed wide as Italian pressure continued.
Yet the Romanians reminded the fans of their threat as Razvan Rat hit from long range after some decent possession, with the ball whirring just past the post as Buffon scrambled across the goal. Soon after, Del Piero was fouled and hit the resulting free-kick high and wide as Pirlo also competed to have a try. Pirlo played a fine pass down the line, which his new AC Milan team-mate Zambrotta controlled and crossed to Toni, who knocked down for Perrotta to hit, but a fine recovery challenge denied him. Then came three successive corners, from which Romania were stretched and seemed to forget their defensive strategy as Toni wreaked havoc with a powerful header that was saved and knock-downs into dangerous areas, as Lobont bravely cleared the ball.
The Italians used their set pieces in a creative manner as the ball was played deep on the stroke of half time by Pirlo to Zambrotta who chipped the ball into the box to Toni who headed in but was wrongly flagged offside in a poor decision by the linesman as Italy’s luck deserted them. Italy began the second half with patient possession but were shocked after a poorly weighted back-header to Buffon fell into the path of Mutu, who swept home with great confidence past Buffon to send Romania into a unexpected lead. Just two minutes later Giorgio Chiellini headed the ball back across goal from a corner and Panucci stabbed home to equalize and relight Italian hopes. Yet the Romanians had further chances to retake the lead with Petre’s shot blocked by Grosso. The Lyon left-back then made a last ditch sliding tackle to stop Nicolita shooting as the Italians were short at the back.
Soon after, Cassano lifted a ball into Toni, who chested down to De Rossi, whose diving header was well saved by the athletic lunge of Lobont to his right. Yet Panucci’s fine performance had a turn for the worse as referee Tom Ovrebo gave a penalty for pulling. In the most tense of moments, Buffon showed why he is rated as the finest keeper in the world in some quarters with a wonderful save from Mutu’ well struck penalty. The Romanians appeared to rock the Italians, with Ambrosini brought on to steady the Italian ship. Toni went down under pressure when competing for a Cassano cross and appealed for a penalty but all Italian claims were waived away. Soon after a lofted pass from Pirlo was directed to Quagliarella via a Luca Toni knock-down but the Udinese striker failed to connect and was also called off-side.
In injury time the Romanians won a free-kick but it was wasted as Tamas fired over from distance ending the match in a draw, which adds great need of a win against France on the final Group C Matchday (which doesn’t guarantee their progress), while Romanian hopes are looking up as one of the favourites’ hopes linger by a thread after a fascinating encounter in Zurich.
Italy 1 – 1 Romania FT
After a footballing master-class against Italy, this most anticipated of matches is set to decide if all four sides can still progress on the final matchday. Marco Van Basten started with the same eleven players who provided a balance that played to their counter-attacking strengths and refuted claims from those such as Johan Cruyff, the Oranje legend and one of the pioneers of ‘totaalvoetbal’, who claims their rich footballing heritage is being betrayed with the use of two holding midfielders in Engelaar and De Jong. The duo performed heroically.
France on the other hand had to step up their pedestrian tempo and provide defensive pressure from the front. The return of Henry with both Benzema and Anelka dropped meant two similar styles as France kept their two holding midfielders, providing defensive stability. This time they were not expected to create with Ribery in an attacking trio alongside Govou and Malouda in a bid to support ex-Arsenal attacker Henry. Holland started aggressively with two foul in quick succession to halt any prolonged French possession. Soon after the bounce of the ball beat the experienced Lilian Thuram and found its way to Van Nistlerooy, who turned and shot rather than set up Kuyt. The Liverpool man was body checked by the wily Makelele in an action which deserved a booking, but Herbert Fandel did not caution the Chelsea man.
Soon after, France’s decent start continued as Malouda crossed to the far post for Ribery who headed wide. Yet Holland continued their fine form as Kuyt headed in Van Bronckhorst’s corner after easily fending off the poor aerial challenge of Malouda to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead after nine minutes. France almost hit back as Ribery dispossessed the giant Engelaar and drove at the Dutch defence, as Henry ran wide to create space for his compatriot but the Bayern man was stopped in full-flow. Some wonderful possession football by the Dutch created an opening for Sneidjer, whose shot was blocked, as France failed to pressure the orange shirts. A long ball from Van Bronckhorst beat Thuram with alarming ease and Kuyt pounced on the loose ball but shot over as with the defence in trouble.
The Dutch appeared to be in control as Van Nistlerooy turned wonderfully but France suddenly pounced into life as Sidney Govou shot from an acute angle at the near post under pressure but Van Der Sar saved sharply with his feet. France came back into the game to a certain extent as Govou had another shot blocked and soon after Malouda hit a shot from distance, which the Dutch keeper gathered. Soon after the veteran clutched onto Govou effort, while Ribery and Makelele also strode forward with the former using the run of the latter to create space for a shot, which the Manchester United keeper saved well once more. These three efforts in quick succession swung the momentum of the tie as Ribery broke down the right flank and crossed only for both Henry and Govou to evade the ball. Later, the busy Makelele fed Henry who turned and shot just wide.
Engelaar’s tendency to lose the ball in the first half caused him to be replaced by Arjen Robben, so impressive in the closing stages of Real Madrid’s season, as Van Basten tried to stem the tide of French attacks. Henry, quiet in the first half, beat two players and crossed for Ribery to win a corner off Van Bronckhorst. The Dutch were rocked after many deflections as the ball fell to Henry whose shot was brilliantly blocked by Oojier at point blank range. Henry was brilliantly played through be Malouda’s overhead kick but his lob was too long, and the finish was not typical of what one expects of the Barcelona man. Perhaps a season of playing on the left flank has taken away his sharpness in front of goal, despite scoring 19 last season (mostly against lesser sides).
Later Robben dribbled down the left flank and crossed for Sneidjer, who headed straight into the arms of Coupet. A world class goal from Holland stunned France as Van Nistlerooy did a roulette playing the ball into the path of Robben, who drove down the wing with electric pace and found Van Persie, who at the far post fired in with what seemed to be his first meaningful touch to double the Dutch lead. Soon after Robben switched to the right flank and dribbled with menace but his shot was too close to Coupet, who gathered well. Soon after, Robin Van Persie intercepted a lax Makelele pass, and advanced but was without support and his cut-back found no-one.
Sagnol bombed down the right and provided a brilliant cross for Henry to direct into the goal with the faintest of touches to bring France back into contention. Immediately, Arjen Robben, wonderfully dribbled in the box, shifted the ball to his left and fired a totally unexpected bullet of a shot past the shell-shocked Coupet to retake a two goal lead. The brilliant, but injury prone Dutchman stood totally perplexed, amazed at his own ability in this enthralling game. After Anelka and Gomis were brought on, Ribery beat De Jong with ease and pulled back only for Makelele to be the recipient, a more composed finisher would have made it 3-2 as the Chelsea man fluffed his shot. At the other end, a fine floated pass from midfield found Ruud Van Nistlerooy, who headed towards goal as Coupet scrambled back to knock it past the post. Soon after fine interplay between Van Bronckhorst and Sneidjer played in Van Persie with a cross-field pass, but Coupet rushed out and cleared the danger. Ribery fired a free-kick over after Makelele was fouled and with his miss went any hope of a France comeback. Evra’s cross was blocked and the Dutch countered once more as Robben sped up the pitch and fired in a shot from the edge of the area, but it flashed wide. Sneidjer topped off a stunning performance with a turn and shot into the top corner. Comprehensive victories over the two World Cup finalists and scoring 7 goals in turn, showed why this Netherlands side are true contenders for the Henri Delauney trophy.
France and Italy are now contesting for survival in Euro 2008, with their chances not in their hands, even with a win, while two years ago they were competing for the World Cup. Such has been their demise. The brilliant Dutch have qualified for the quarter finals, alongside Portugal and Croatia and have surely gained thousands of new fans with their stunning counter-attacking football. Van Basten’s substitutions were very attacking and bold, when another manager would have put on a defender to stem the French attacks, he went for broke and it paid off. Surely he’d rather stay on than leave to become Ajax coach this summer?
This was definitely the game of the tournament so far and the entertainment bar a few matches has been of high quality. Who needs England to make a tournament sparkle when we have the Oranje?
Holland 4 – 1 France FT
Romania’s biggest threat in Adrian Mutu made an early impression as he challenged for a cross in the opening stages but headed over. Later the Fiorentina man was found to be offside as the Romanians broke again. Yet Italy tried to take an early advantage as Toni played in Del Piero, top scorer in Serie A this past season, whose shot was deflected for a corner. Camoranesi chipped in a weighted pass in the path of the Juventus trequartista but the ball was taken away from him. Yet Perrotta, as every commentator will mention him being born in Aston-under –Lyne, the birth place of Geoff Hurst, crossed the ball back across goal but Del Piero headed wide at the near post. The same man played a delicate back-heel into the direction of Perrotta but the pass was intercepted. While Del Piero was involved in most of the early Italian attacks, Mutu broke and shot towards the far post but Buffon rushed out swiftly and denied him well.
Defender Gabriel Tamas hit a rasping long range drive, which he did well to keep low as Buffon pushed it away from his left. Soon after Chivu whipped in a dangerous free-kick, with which Niculae connected well and it hit the base of the post with aid of a deflection of an Italian defender. Zambrotta cleared and two Romanian players collided head on in a bid to knock the ball back into the box. Radoi was worse off and was taken off by a stretcher cart with Dica replacing him. Yet the Italians hit back as Grosso curled a dangerous ball into the six-yard box, with which Del Piero almost connected in what would have been a sure goal. Later Toni headed wide as Italian pressure continued.
Yet the Romanians reminded the fans of their threat as Razvan Rat hit from long range after some decent possession, with the ball whirring just past the post as Buffon scrambled across the goal. Soon after, Del Piero was fouled and hit the resulting free-kick high and wide as Pirlo also competed to have a try. Pirlo played a fine pass down the line, which his new AC Milan team-mate Zambrotta controlled and crossed to Toni, who knocked down for Perrotta to hit, but a fine recovery challenge denied him. Then came three successive corners, from which Romania were stretched and seemed to forget their defensive strategy as Toni wreaked havoc with a powerful header that was saved and knock-downs into dangerous areas, as Lobont bravely cleared the ball.
The Italians used their set pieces in a creative manner as the ball was played deep on the stroke of half time by Pirlo to Zambrotta who chipped the ball into the box to Toni who headed in but was wrongly flagged offside in a poor decision by the linesman as Italy’s luck deserted them. Italy began the second half with patient possession but were shocked after a poorly weighted back-header to Buffon fell into the path of Mutu, who swept home with great confidence past Buffon to send Romania into a unexpected lead. Just two minutes later Giorgio Chiellini headed the ball back across goal from a corner and Panucci stabbed home to equalize and relight Italian hopes. Yet the Romanians had further chances to retake the lead with Petre’s shot blocked by Grosso. The Lyon left-back then made a last ditch sliding tackle to stop Nicolita shooting as the Italians were short at the back.
Soon after, Cassano lifted a ball into Toni, who chested down to De Rossi, whose diving header was well saved by the athletic lunge of Lobont to his right. Yet Panucci’s fine performance had a turn for the worse as referee Tom Ovrebo gave a penalty for pulling. In the most tense of moments, Buffon showed why he is rated as the finest keeper in the world in some quarters with a wonderful save from Mutu’ well struck penalty. The Romanians appeared to rock the Italians, with Ambrosini brought on to steady the Italian ship. Toni went down under pressure when competing for a Cassano cross and appealed for a penalty but all Italian claims were waived away. Soon after a lofted pass from Pirlo was directed to Quagliarella via a Luca Toni knock-down but the Udinese striker failed to connect and was also called off-side.
In injury time the Romanians won a free-kick but it was wasted as Tamas fired over from distance ending the match in a draw, which adds great need of a win against France on the final Group C Matchday (which doesn’t guarantee their progress), while Romanian hopes are looking up as one of the favourites’ hopes linger by a thread after a fascinating encounter in Zurich.
Italy 1 – 1 Romania FT
After a footballing master-class against Italy, this most anticipated of matches is set to decide if all four sides can still progress on the final matchday. Marco Van Basten started with the same eleven players who provided a balance that played to their counter-attacking strengths and refuted claims from those such as Johan Cruyff, the Oranje legend and one of the pioneers of ‘totaalvoetbal’, who claims their rich footballing heritage is being betrayed with the use of two holding midfielders in Engelaar and De Jong. The duo performed heroically.
France on the other hand had to step up their pedestrian tempo and provide defensive pressure from the front. The return of Henry with both Benzema and Anelka dropped meant two similar styles as France kept their two holding midfielders, providing defensive stability. This time they were not expected to create with Ribery in an attacking trio alongside Govou and Malouda in a bid to support ex-Arsenal attacker Henry. Holland started aggressively with two foul in quick succession to halt any prolonged French possession. Soon after the bounce of the ball beat the experienced Lilian Thuram and found its way to Van Nistlerooy, who turned and shot rather than set up Kuyt. The Liverpool man was body checked by the wily Makelele in an action which deserved a booking, but Herbert Fandel did not caution the Chelsea man.
Soon after, France’s decent start continued as Malouda crossed to the far post for Ribery who headed wide. Yet Holland continued their fine form as Kuyt headed in Van Bronckhorst’s corner after easily fending off the poor aerial challenge of Malouda to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead after nine minutes. France almost hit back as Ribery dispossessed the giant Engelaar and drove at the Dutch defence, as Henry ran wide to create space for his compatriot but the Bayern man was stopped in full-flow. Some wonderful possession football by the Dutch created an opening for Sneidjer, whose shot was blocked, as France failed to pressure the orange shirts. A long ball from Van Bronckhorst beat Thuram with alarming ease and Kuyt pounced on the loose ball but shot over as with the defence in trouble.
The Dutch appeared to be in control as Van Nistlerooy turned wonderfully but France suddenly pounced into life as Sidney Govou shot from an acute angle at the near post under pressure but Van Der Sar saved sharply with his feet. France came back into the game to a certain extent as Govou had another shot blocked and soon after Malouda hit a shot from distance, which the Dutch keeper gathered. Soon after the veteran clutched onto Govou effort, while Ribery and Makelele also strode forward with the former using the run of the latter to create space for a shot, which the Manchester United keeper saved well once more. These three efforts in quick succession swung the momentum of the tie as Ribery broke down the right flank and crossed only for both Henry and Govou to evade the ball. Later, the busy Makelele fed Henry who turned and shot just wide.
Engelaar’s tendency to lose the ball in the first half caused him to be replaced by Arjen Robben, so impressive in the closing stages of Real Madrid’s season, as Van Basten tried to stem the tide of French attacks. Henry, quiet in the first half, beat two players and crossed for Ribery to win a corner off Van Bronckhorst. The Dutch were rocked after many deflections as the ball fell to Henry whose shot was brilliantly blocked by Oojier at point blank range. Henry was brilliantly played through be Malouda’s overhead kick but his lob was too long, and the finish was not typical of what one expects of the Barcelona man. Perhaps a season of playing on the left flank has taken away his sharpness in front of goal, despite scoring 19 last season (mostly against lesser sides).
Later Robben dribbled down the left flank and crossed for Sneidjer, who headed straight into the arms of Coupet. A world class goal from Holland stunned France as Van Nistlerooy did a roulette playing the ball into the path of Robben, who drove down the wing with electric pace and found Van Persie, who at the far post fired in with what seemed to be his first meaningful touch to double the Dutch lead. Soon after Robben switched to the right flank and dribbled with menace but his shot was too close to Coupet, who gathered well. Soon after, Robin Van Persie intercepted a lax Makelele pass, and advanced but was without support and his cut-back found no-one.
Sagnol bombed down the right and provided a brilliant cross for Henry to direct into the goal with the faintest of touches to bring France back into contention. Immediately, Arjen Robben, wonderfully dribbled in the box, shifted the ball to his left and fired a totally unexpected bullet of a shot past the shell-shocked Coupet to retake a two goal lead. The brilliant, but injury prone Dutchman stood totally perplexed, amazed at his own ability in this enthralling game. After Anelka and Gomis were brought on, Ribery beat De Jong with ease and pulled back only for Makelele to be the recipient, a more composed finisher would have made it 3-2 as the Chelsea man fluffed his shot. At the other end, a fine floated pass from midfield found Ruud Van Nistlerooy, who headed towards goal as Coupet scrambled back to knock it past the post. Soon after fine interplay between Van Bronckhorst and Sneidjer played in Van Persie with a cross-field pass, but Coupet rushed out and cleared the danger. Ribery fired a free-kick over after Makelele was fouled and with his miss went any hope of a France comeback. Evra’s cross was blocked and the Dutch countered once more as Robben sped up the pitch and fired in a shot from the edge of the area, but it flashed wide. Sneidjer topped off a stunning performance with a turn and shot into the top corner. Comprehensive victories over the two World Cup finalists and scoring 7 goals in turn, showed why this Netherlands side are true contenders for the Henri Delauney trophy.
France and Italy are now contesting for survival in Euro 2008, with their chances not in their hands, even with a win, while two years ago they were competing for the World Cup. Such has been their demise. The brilliant Dutch have qualified for the quarter finals, alongside Portugal and Croatia and have surely gained thousands of new fans with their stunning counter-attacking football. Van Basten’s substitutions were very attacking and bold, when another manager would have put on a defender to stem the French attacks, he went for broke and it paid off. Surely he’d rather stay on than leave to become Ajax coach this summer?
This was definitely the game of the tournament so far and the entertainment bar a few matches has been of high quality. Who needs England to make a tournament sparkle when we have the Oranje?
Holland 4 – 1 France FT
Euro 2008: Matchday Six Round Up
Once again, the two contenders for the top spot met, this time in Group B. The Germans were unchanged following their relatively comprehensive defeat of Poland, while Petric, ineffective in the first game against co-hosts Austria was replaced by Rakitic, as they changed into a more cohesive formation. A generally lacklustre performance by the whole side reduced the expectations of the fans especially with match against the tournament favourites up next.
Naturally both sides were looking to exploit each others weaknesses, with German left-back Marcel Jansen the focus of much criticism along with Jens Lehmann’s capability with the long-range shot. In contrast, Luka Modric’s consistency in controlling the tempo throughout a game and the capability of the whole side to withstand a fast paced game was also questioned. The Germans looked to use Ballack’s vision to progress further up the pitch as Jansen’s cross reached the box and Gomez nicely set it up for Podolski to volley, but his effort was blocked. The Croatians looked to make their own impact on the game with a fine passing move ending in Mertesacker heading the ball clear under heavy pressure earning the centre back a free kick. Later Metzelder, the injury prone Real Madrid player, had to execute a perfectly timed sliding tackle on Olic, as he ran onto a testing through-ball from Modric.
The Croatian pressure continued as Kranjcar spread the play to the left flank where fine interplay involving Rakitic, Pranjic and Olic drew the German defence deep into the box allowing space for a fine cross to the far post to be made. Srna connected ahead of Jansen who was poor positionally, and fired past Jens Lehmann, who had no chance. Further Croatian possession saw Rakitic work the ball into the box and an Olic knockdown into a large hole in the German defence allowed Kranjcar to shoot but pressure from Jansen saw him fire over in a fine chance. But the Germans came back as Ballack’s free-kick, perhaps the second decent dead ball shot since Pirlo against Holland a few days back, was saved by Pletikosa.
After a much delayed corner, due to the referee attempting to stop any shoving and shirt pulling, Frings whipped in a decent corner, only for Metzelder to head over. Corluka beat Jansen with ease and ran down the line with no opposition. The Manchester City full-back passed across the edge of the box and the ball ended up at the feet of Olic who lifted a pass into the stride of Kranjcar, who controlled with his chest and volleyed, albeit it straight at Jens Lehmann, who saved brilliantly. From the resulting corner, Lehmann was forced to punch under pressure as Bilic’s side were on the ascendancy as the first half ended. The lack of urgency in the German midfield in comparison to their competitive, hungry opponents was perhaps the key reason as to their lack of success in the opening 45 minutes.
The poor Jansen was replaced by ‘speed merchant’ Odonkor as Germany looked to assert their influence on the game. This was evident in the early stages of the second half as Lahm’s cross was awkwardly punched out by Pletikosa as Ballack lifted the rebound over. Modric then tested Lehmann with a dipping shot after a move involving Ballack broke down for Germany. There was possession but a lack of end product as Gomez ran towards the box, after Corluka mistimed his interception, but his cross was behind Klose. But as they began to improve on their first half showing, a cross from Rakitic deflected off Podolski towards the goal. Lehmann managed to touch it onto the post but the ball rebounded fortuitously for Olic to tap into an empty net as the tournament favourites were thrown into despair.
Yet they almost drew level as Ballack spread the ball wide to substitute Schweinsteiger, who teased his marker and fired a low shot across the goal mouth which Pletikosa did well to divert from the goal. Yet the Germans hit back once more as Lahm crossed from the left and Ballack headed back across the goal with aid of a deflection and Podolski volleyed in past the keeper to level with David Villa, who also has 3 goals as the Germans mounted a late fight back. Yet any hopes of scoring an equalizer were dashed as the volatile Schweinsteiger reacted to Jerko Leko’s cynical challenge.
The German shoved his fellow substitute, who held his face as he collapsed dramatically, despite no contact being made against his face, but referee Frank De Bleeckere did not hesitate to send off the left winger as Joachim Low’s side suffered their first defeat, which significantly reduced their chances of them finishing top and avoiding Portugal in the quarter finals. The game ended as Germany tried to launch the ball into the Croatia box from a free kick after Luka Modric was booked for a poor challenge on Torsten Frings, a reported Arsenal target. The 31 year old Werder Bremen man broke up play well on occasions but was unable to stop the tides of Croatia attacks as his side failed to really make an impact until the dying moments.
Croatia celebrated with their charismatic lawyer-guitarist-manager Slaven Bilic as the side progressed into the quarter finals, adding their name to a list of favourites including Portugal and Holland (after initial impressive showings), whilst temporarily chalking off Germany’s hopes, at least in the eyes of the tabloid media. The ineffective performances of Gomez and Klose will see calls for Podolski, best young player in the 2006 World Cup, to be used in a striking role rather than the left win position he currently occupies. There he doesn’t provide the defensively frail Marcel Jansen protection as shown frequently as the Bayern Munich full back was repeatedly beaten in Germany’s opening two games. Fritz was anonymous on the right flank while Odonkor is unnecessary unless a counter-attacking formation is utilised. The loss of Bernd Schneider now appears to be revealing itself against greater opposition.
Perhaps this first upset of Euro 2008 will be the first of many concerning Europe’s giants as the Croats try to win it for the injured Eduardo. Bilic looks very tactically sharp following his very effective changes from the opening game. The Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Markovic must be privately congratulating himself on securing Bilic’s signature until 2010.
Croatia 2 – 1 Germany FT
The Austrian side performed heroically in their opening game and were by no means humiliated by Croatia as expected by most viewers. After co-hosts were knocked out yesterday, they will be wishing for a different fate with all hopes the hosts of resting on the lowest ranked side in the tournament. Both sides need a victory to remain within a chance of qualifying, while a loss would have been disaster. Obviously we have to mention the sole English presence with Howard Webb and his team of officials refereeing this seemingly unglamorous tie.
A change from the 3-5-2 formation to the standard 4-4-2 allowed Hickersberger greater defensive stability in what was expected to be a physical contest. Austria could have countered as Korkmaz found room on the left flank but the winger delayed as Austria built up some possession with playmaker Ivanschitz taking the first shot of the game, but it dragged wide. The influential midfielder then tried his luck from 32m out, as he curled a free kick over the wall but Boruc gathered well. Later, the Polish defence, still playing a high line were caught out with a terrible back pass as Martin Harnik ran through but Celtic’s Boruc got a vital touch on his slide rule shot. The same man was denied from a few yards out after Korkmaz dribbled down the flank and cut back as the Austrian striker shot straight down the middle of the goal.
The Polish keeper was having a brilliant game as he denied the Austrians a third time with Poland cut open with a finely weighted ball as Leitgeb was played onside by the defence but his shot was too close to Boruc, who rushed out swiftly to close the angle once more. Soon after Ivanschitz hit a rising shot from the edge of the area as Austria looked to take the lead in this open game, where defence was obviously not the priority. Once more Boruc came to the rescue, rushing out and denying Garics the chance to cross back into the danger area.
Even the Austrian centre back Stranzl roamed forward and he beat his markers when surrounded in the corner with a delightful nutmeg but his pull back was behind everyone. The lack of defensive pressure and slow tempo allowed Leitgeb to rush forward but he failed to control the cross as it ran away from him. Immediately the dominant Poles were shocked as Roger Guerreiro, who scored his first goal for his adopted country after a smart ball to the back post was controlled by Saganowski, who then cut inside and shot but goalkeeper Jurgen Macho’s touch moved the ball away from the goal and unfortunately the last defender as the Brazilian-pole tapped in the rebound. There were claims of offside despite the keeper and the last defender getting a touch before it reached Roger.
The dominant Austrians regressed as the momentum swung and Poland began to see more of the ball with Krzynowek taking a shot from distance, which the ex-Sunderland man Macho saving to his left with ease. The first half ended as Austria saw another sight of goal with Stranzl at the far post stretching for Leitgeb’s over-hit free-kick. In a bid to improve on their lead, Leo Beenhakker swapped the suicidal defensive capabilities (or lack of) for Golanski, who struggled against Germany’s Fritz in their opening game, a player who was anonymous in today’s earlier kick-off. The substitute brought down Ivanschitz causing penalty claims which Howard Webb rejected.
A fine pass from Guerreiro released Ebi Smolarek, whose shot was spilled by Macho but cleared on the second attempt. Jurgen Macho saved from close range after Bak volleyed from a Guerreiro cross, and he added to this one with a punch from Lewandowski’s follow up. As Poland pressed, it was Macho that was busy once more, having to tip over Krzynowek’s long range free-kick. Austria had six minutes left to salvage a draw as Proedl headed wide from a corner. Fatigue set in as their play was never as aggressive or high-paced as their opening 30 minutes. Yet in the dying minutes of injury time, Howard Webb gave the host nation a penalty, after pushing and shoving in the box, and the veteran Ivica Vastic, Austrian player of the year, smashed home the penalty to equalize. Apparently the lucky chap will receive a lifetime supply of beer just for scoring. Yet Hickersberger and his side will rue their missed opportunities in the opening half, hich could have given them a priceless win.
The host nation will play Germany in a local derby in their final group match with need of a win to have any chance of qualifying but have defender Proedl suspended. An exciting finale aided the Austrians and added further excitement to a tournament that has burst into life. Imagine the scenes if they qualify for the next round. Just imagine.
Austria 1 – 1 Poland FT
Naturally both sides were looking to exploit each others weaknesses, with German left-back Marcel Jansen the focus of much criticism along with Jens Lehmann’s capability with the long-range shot. In contrast, Luka Modric’s consistency in controlling the tempo throughout a game and the capability of the whole side to withstand a fast paced game was also questioned. The Germans looked to use Ballack’s vision to progress further up the pitch as Jansen’s cross reached the box and Gomez nicely set it up for Podolski to volley, but his effort was blocked. The Croatians looked to make their own impact on the game with a fine passing move ending in Mertesacker heading the ball clear under heavy pressure earning the centre back a free kick. Later Metzelder, the injury prone Real Madrid player, had to execute a perfectly timed sliding tackle on Olic, as he ran onto a testing through-ball from Modric.
The Croatian pressure continued as Kranjcar spread the play to the left flank where fine interplay involving Rakitic, Pranjic and Olic drew the German defence deep into the box allowing space for a fine cross to the far post to be made. Srna connected ahead of Jansen who was poor positionally, and fired past Jens Lehmann, who had no chance. Further Croatian possession saw Rakitic work the ball into the box and an Olic knockdown into a large hole in the German defence allowed Kranjcar to shoot but pressure from Jansen saw him fire over in a fine chance. But the Germans came back as Ballack’s free-kick, perhaps the second decent dead ball shot since Pirlo against Holland a few days back, was saved by Pletikosa.
After a much delayed corner, due to the referee attempting to stop any shoving and shirt pulling, Frings whipped in a decent corner, only for Metzelder to head over. Corluka beat Jansen with ease and ran down the line with no opposition. The Manchester City full-back passed across the edge of the box and the ball ended up at the feet of Olic who lifted a pass into the stride of Kranjcar, who controlled with his chest and volleyed, albeit it straight at Jens Lehmann, who saved brilliantly. From the resulting corner, Lehmann was forced to punch under pressure as Bilic’s side were on the ascendancy as the first half ended. The lack of urgency in the German midfield in comparison to their competitive, hungry opponents was perhaps the key reason as to their lack of success in the opening 45 minutes.
The poor Jansen was replaced by ‘speed merchant’ Odonkor as Germany looked to assert their influence on the game. This was evident in the early stages of the second half as Lahm’s cross was awkwardly punched out by Pletikosa as Ballack lifted the rebound over. Modric then tested Lehmann with a dipping shot after a move involving Ballack broke down for Germany. There was possession but a lack of end product as Gomez ran towards the box, after Corluka mistimed his interception, but his cross was behind Klose. But as they began to improve on their first half showing, a cross from Rakitic deflected off Podolski towards the goal. Lehmann managed to touch it onto the post but the ball rebounded fortuitously for Olic to tap into an empty net as the tournament favourites were thrown into despair.
Yet they almost drew level as Ballack spread the ball wide to substitute Schweinsteiger, who teased his marker and fired a low shot across the goal mouth which Pletikosa did well to divert from the goal. Yet the Germans hit back once more as Lahm crossed from the left and Ballack headed back across the goal with aid of a deflection and Podolski volleyed in past the keeper to level with David Villa, who also has 3 goals as the Germans mounted a late fight back. Yet any hopes of scoring an equalizer were dashed as the volatile Schweinsteiger reacted to Jerko Leko’s cynical challenge.
The German shoved his fellow substitute, who held his face as he collapsed dramatically, despite no contact being made against his face, but referee Frank De Bleeckere did not hesitate to send off the left winger as Joachim Low’s side suffered their first defeat, which significantly reduced their chances of them finishing top and avoiding Portugal in the quarter finals. The game ended as Germany tried to launch the ball into the Croatia box from a free kick after Luka Modric was booked for a poor challenge on Torsten Frings, a reported Arsenal target. The 31 year old Werder Bremen man broke up play well on occasions but was unable to stop the tides of Croatia attacks as his side failed to really make an impact until the dying moments.
Croatia celebrated with their charismatic lawyer-guitarist-manager Slaven Bilic as the side progressed into the quarter finals, adding their name to a list of favourites including Portugal and Holland (after initial impressive showings), whilst temporarily chalking off Germany’s hopes, at least in the eyes of the tabloid media. The ineffective performances of Gomez and Klose will see calls for Podolski, best young player in the 2006 World Cup, to be used in a striking role rather than the left win position he currently occupies. There he doesn’t provide the defensively frail Marcel Jansen protection as shown frequently as the Bayern Munich full back was repeatedly beaten in Germany’s opening two games. Fritz was anonymous on the right flank while Odonkor is unnecessary unless a counter-attacking formation is utilised. The loss of Bernd Schneider now appears to be revealing itself against greater opposition.
Perhaps this first upset of Euro 2008 will be the first of many concerning Europe’s giants as the Croats try to win it for the injured Eduardo. Bilic looks very tactically sharp following his very effective changes from the opening game. The Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Markovic must be privately congratulating himself on securing Bilic’s signature until 2010.
Croatia 2 – 1 Germany FT
The Austrian side performed heroically in their opening game and were by no means humiliated by Croatia as expected by most viewers. After co-hosts were knocked out yesterday, they will be wishing for a different fate with all hopes the hosts of resting on the lowest ranked side in the tournament. Both sides need a victory to remain within a chance of qualifying, while a loss would have been disaster. Obviously we have to mention the sole English presence with Howard Webb and his team of officials refereeing this seemingly unglamorous tie.
A change from the 3-5-2 formation to the standard 4-4-2 allowed Hickersberger greater defensive stability in what was expected to be a physical contest. Austria could have countered as Korkmaz found room on the left flank but the winger delayed as Austria built up some possession with playmaker Ivanschitz taking the first shot of the game, but it dragged wide. The influential midfielder then tried his luck from 32m out, as he curled a free kick over the wall but Boruc gathered well. Later, the Polish defence, still playing a high line were caught out with a terrible back pass as Martin Harnik ran through but Celtic’s Boruc got a vital touch on his slide rule shot. The same man was denied from a few yards out after Korkmaz dribbled down the flank and cut back as the Austrian striker shot straight down the middle of the goal.
The Polish keeper was having a brilliant game as he denied the Austrians a third time with Poland cut open with a finely weighted ball as Leitgeb was played onside by the defence but his shot was too close to Boruc, who rushed out swiftly to close the angle once more. Soon after Ivanschitz hit a rising shot from the edge of the area as Austria looked to take the lead in this open game, where defence was obviously not the priority. Once more Boruc came to the rescue, rushing out and denying Garics the chance to cross back into the danger area.
Even the Austrian centre back Stranzl roamed forward and he beat his markers when surrounded in the corner with a delightful nutmeg but his pull back was behind everyone. The lack of defensive pressure and slow tempo allowed Leitgeb to rush forward but he failed to control the cross as it ran away from him. Immediately the dominant Poles were shocked as Roger Guerreiro, who scored his first goal for his adopted country after a smart ball to the back post was controlled by Saganowski, who then cut inside and shot but goalkeeper Jurgen Macho’s touch moved the ball away from the goal and unfortunately the last defender as the Brazilian-pole tapped in the rebound. There were claims of offside despite the keeper and the last defender getting a touch before it reached Roger.
The dominant Austrians regressed as the momentum swung and Poland began to see more of the ball with Krzynowek taking a shot from distance, which the ex-Sunderland man Macho saving to his left with ease. The first half ended as Austria saw another sight of goal with Stranzl at the far post stretching for Leitgeb’s over-hit free-kick. In a bid to improve on their lead, Leo Beenhakker swapped the suicidal defensive capabilities (or lack of) for Golanski, who struggled against Germany’s Fritz in their opening game, a player who was anonymous in today’s earlier kick-off. The substitute brought down Ivanschitz causing penalty claims which Howard Webb rejected.
A fine pass from Guerreiro released Ebi Smolarek, whose shot was spilled by Macho but cleared on the second attempt. Jurgen Macho saved from close range after Bak volleyed from a Guerreiro cross, and he added to this one with a punch from Lewandowski’s follow up. As Poland pressed, it was Macho that was busy once more, having to tip over Krzynowek’s long range free-kick. Austria had six minutes left to salvage a draw as Proedl headed wide from a corner. Fatigue set in as their play was never as aggressive or high-paced as their opening 30 minutes. Yet in the dying minutes of injury time, Howard Webb gave the host nation a penalty, after pushing and shoving in the box, and the veteran Ivica Vastic, Austrian player of the year, smashed home the penalty to equalize. Apparently the lucky chap will receive a lifetime supply of beer just for scoring. Yet Hickersberger and his side will rue their missed opportunities in the opening half, hich could have given them a priceless win.
The host nation will play Germany in a local derby in their final group match with need of a win to have any chance of qualifying but have defender Proedl suspended. An exciting finale aided the Austrians and added further excitement to a tournament that has burst into life. Imagine the scenes if they qualify for the next round. Just imagine.
Austria 1 – 1 Poland FT
Euro 2008: Matchday Five Round Up
After opening day victories over Switzerland and Turkey, Czech Republic and Portugal came head to head in the second match day of Group A. The collective play of Scolari’s side meets a Czech side that hasn’t reached its peak with a lack of direction in attack, shown by using the selfless running of Milan Baros preferred to the static Jan Koller as the neat passing of Karel Buckner’s side looked to secure a quarter final spot.
The eastern Europeans started the brighter with Libor Sionko’s shot being blocked as he dribbled into towards the box from the right flank. Yet Portugal cut open the Czech defence as Ronaldo ran into the box after a deft touch from Nuno Gomes. Ronaldo appeared to round Cech but the brilliant Chelsea keeper denied him, and blocked Deco’s follow up, but the out of favour Barcelona man shot on the third opportunity his side were presented and the ball crept in after deflecting in off a Czech defender. The Portuguese played a patient build up as space opened up for Armando Petit to rush forward and shoot from distance, but Cech gathered well
Yet the Czechs rushed forward as Baros headed over, and Sionko dribbled to the byline getting the better of Pepe, but his cut back was met by none of his team mates but Petit anxiously cleared for a Czech corner. The former Rangers’ man, his country’s best performer in the last match, timed his run perfectly to beat Petit to the ball from Plasil and headed past Ricardo into the net to level the score. As the Czechs began to influence proceedings more with a higher tempo and the earlier ball to lone frontman Milan Baros, Polak was booked as he overran the ball and lunged in a 50-50 with Real’s Pepe. Yet Portugal showed why they are considered one of the favourites as Deco strode forward and aimed for the top right hand corner but fired over while countryman Ronaldo shot through a crowd of players in a bid to surprise Cech, who once more was unfazed.
The Portuguese struggled with set pieces as Plasil whipped in a ball from the left to the far post, which was knocked back into the danger area. As Portugal slowed the game down, Chelsea’s new signing Boswinga showed fine strength to win the ball back having lost it, but lacked the composure to lay the ball off. This was evident as his over exuberance in the tackle earned him a yellow card having once more lost the ball. The ‘Republic of Czechoslovakia’, according to David Pleat, began to break frequently as another early tackle, this time by Simao prevented this forays into their half. Yet a fine dribble by Baros, having not scored once in 16 appearances for Portsmouth on loan, allowed him to trick his way down the right wing beating several Portuguese players, but his final pass was lacking as he aimed a cross for team mates gathering at the far post.
Then Ronaldo hit another, left footed this time, powerful shot at Cech, who palmed the ball away at full stretch. Then bursting forward towards the Czech defence, he fell dramatically, as the fans glimpsed the unsavoury side of the Real Madrid target and stayed down clutching his face. Immediately, as the play resumed to normal after Paulo Ferreira received a nasty cut by his eye, Ronaldo fired a dipping free-kick, which Cech was once more equal to. The game was typical of a recent upturn in the quality of the games with chances at both ends and a fascinating contest between two contrasting styles: neat possession and the swift counter attack.
Pepe, having tackled Baros, strode forward with ease to the opposition box and crossed to win a corner. Yet the Czechs continued their improvement as the very lively Sionko dribbled to the byline, from a brilliant pass from Matejovsky, once more and cut back, with Baros not reading the direction of the cross as it trickled across the goalmouth before being cleared. The slow build up of Portugal almost broke through the wall of red that is the Czech defence, as a pass from Simao luckily found Nuno Gomes, who improved well by turning well from three defenders before firing on target but at Cech. The Benfica striker stole the ball from Lazio defender Rozenhal but his shot was blocked as the former Newcastle man recovered well.
Deco drove forward and poked a pass through to Simao, whose shot was blocked by Cech while Grygera blocked Ronaldo’s follow up. The Atletico Madrid winger then ran forward in another attack but his pull-back was too close to Cech. While Scolari altered his tactics when defending set pieces, reducing the chance to counter attack by bringing back more players, still Ujfalusi’s flick on attracted two players who couldn’t connect in a very good chance highlighting a fragility in this aspect of his side’s play.
Yet it didn’t matter as Ronaldo hit a low, early shot from Deco’s square pass and it passed through the legs of Grygera, to disguise it from Cech until late on when he was helpless, allowing Portugal to take the lead. The Czech Republic brought on Jan Koller alongside Milan Baros to provide an aerial threat, as Ricardo flapped at another dangerous free-kick. Soon after, Bruckner’s side threatened once more as an early cross from Baros was touched on by Koller, but the finish was lacking from Sionko, who played in an advanced role late in the game. The set-pieces of Plasil always disturbed Portugal, but it was their quick thinking that allowed a quick free kick to be played on towards Ronaldo, who ran free and faced Cech but squared to Porto’s Quaresma, who slotted home to confirm their place in the quarter finals.
The fine combination play of Portugal allowed them to overcome an improved Czech side but the sycophantic and hyperbolic presentation of Ronaldo did once more overshadow the ITV coverage, mentioning him once in every minute of playing time (93) and 27 times during the half time break. They must really find another angle to their coverage of Portugal to appeal to all aspects of their varied audience.
Czech Republic 1 – 3 Portugal FT
When Turkey and Switzerland last met, the game ended on a sour note in a 2006 World Cup play-off as television showed images of fighting in the tunnel as Switzerland qualified through the away goals rule despite losing 4-2 on the night. No doubt the game would have had revenge and a shot at qualification high on the list of priorities. The hosts had already lost captain and star striker Alexander Frei and Kobi Kuhn was under pressure to restore pride lost in the opening day defeat to the Czech Republic. Erin Derdiyok, of whom commentators will be so swift as to remind us of his debut goal against England, replaced the Dortmund man.
Arda Turan, chased by Newcastle among others, showed a flash of skill as he did the roulette, moving away from two Swiss players in the opening stages. Decent possession football by Turkey pressured the Swiss into deeper areas with the four attacking players involved heavily. The Swiss looked to up the tempo by taking the quick throw or the early forward pass to throw Fatih Terrim’s side from their stride.
As the rain poured down in Basel, Inler decided to use the pitch to fire a low shot that could have troubled Volkan, who gathered. Arsenal’s Senderos made a perfectly timed sliding tackle on Tuncay after Arda Turan had mad headway through the Swiss defence. The young defender had a lapse in concentration having gathered he ball in the left back area, he blindly passed down the line to a white shirt, sparking goalmouth scramble. Inler found Hakan Yakin wide on the left and he drove forward and hit a stinging drive which was palmed away by Volkan, who bettered himself with a diving save from a Yakin free-kick once more.
Turkey increased their pressure following a Swiss spell of possession, as Tuncay turned well on the edge of the box but was fouled to win a free-kick, from which Nihat crossed only for Benaglio to clear onto the head of Galatasaray youngster Turan who hit the post. Senderos played a long ball to Derdiyok, who ran past the keeper and cut back accurately for Hakan Yakin to tap in as the ball was held up in one of the many puddles on the pitch. Yet the same man became the villain in the following minute as Behrami crossed for Yakin, who was in an identical position to his goal but hit his shot wide, as the Swiss frequently played the ball in the air to progress without the disadvantage of the pitch, which hindered the more cultured style of the Turks. This tactic brought out the best in the more physical Swiss with Erin Derdiyok pressing well from the front.
Turkey seemed to have adapted to the wet pitch after half time but their improvement was dampened by Hakan Balta’s blatant handball and he was rightly booked. Barnetta countered as the Swiss looked to extend their fragile lead but his shot never looked like troubling Volkan as he sliced it wide. Lazio’s Behrami stole the ball deep in the Turkish half and drove to the byline where he did well to cross albeit to no-one. Yet Turkey equalized from a simple cross as Senturk headed straight at the keeper Benaglio, who was at fault by slapping the ball into the net, rather than lifting it over his goal. The centre backs were also poor in holding the line throughout the game.
Nihat then shot from the edge of the area; he tried to claim a penalty for handball from Senderos, whose hands were firmly behind his back. With their hopes predominantly resting on this game, Turkey almost went ahead, as a fine Turan pass reached Tuncay, whose cross evaded his strike partner as he stretched for it. As the game came into the final ten minutes, Aurelio found an opportunity as the ball broke in the area but his shot was valiantly blocked. Turkey piled forward for a free-kick but Nihat’s dead ball was cleared by the first man and Switzerland broke with three attackers against one as Derdiyok slid the ball through, and it was knocked it back to Vonlanthen, whose shot was saved while Volkan bravely grabbed the loose ball as well before Yakin could follow up.
There was blood and panic as Turkey rushed to bring Emre Asik back on the pitch, who suffered a deep cut and the Swiss drove forward to find a winner but Asik was waved back on and the Turks broke and the brilliant Arda Turan, whose suggested £13 million transfer value has surely risen, ran down the left and cut in and scored the winner with the aid of a deflection. The improvement in conditions surely aided the Turks and sadly the co-hosts are knocked out just five days into the tournament despite their spirited performance. Now what is sure is the winner between an interesting game between the Czech Republic and Turkey will join Portugal in the quarter final.
Switzerland 1 – 2 Turkey FT
The eastern Europeans started the brighter with Libor Sionko’s shot being blocked as he dribbled into towards the box from the right flank. Yet Portugal cut open the Czech defence as Ronaldo ran into the box after a deft touch from Nuno Gomes. Ronaldo appeared to round Cech but the brilliant Chelsea keeper denied him, and blocked Deco’s follow up, but the out of favour Barcelona man shot on the third opportunity his side were presented and the ball crept in after deflecting in off a Czech defender. The Portuguese played a patient build up as space opened up for Armando Petit to rush forward and shoot from distance, but Cech gathered well
Yet the Czechs rushed forward as Baros headed over, and Sionko dribbled to the byline getting the better of Pepe, but his cut back was met by none of his team mates but Petit anxiously cleared for a Czech corner. The former Rangers’ man, his country’s best performer in the last match, timed his run perfectly to beat Petit to the ball from Plasil and headed past Ricardo into the net to level the score. As the Czechs began to influence proceedings more with a higher tempo and the earlier ball to lone frontman Milan Baros, Polak was booked as he overran the ball and lunged in a 50-50 with Real’s Pepe. Yet Portugal showed why they are considered one of the favourites as Deco strode forward and aimed for the top right hand corner but fired over while countryman Ronaldo shot through a crowd of players in a bid to surprise Cech, who once more was unfazed.
The Portuguese struggled with set pieces as Plasil whipped in a ball from the left to the far post, which was knocked back into the danger area. As Portugal slowed the game down, Chelsea’s new signing Boswinga showed fine strength to win the ball back having lost it, but lacked the composure to lay the ball off. This was evident as his over exuberance in the tackle earned him a yellow card having once more lost the ball. The ‘Republic of Czechoslovakia’, according to David Pleat, began to break frequently as another early tackle, this time by Simao prevented this forays into their half. Yet a fine dribble by Baros, having not scored once in 16 appearances for Portsmouth on loan, allowed him to trick his way down the right wing beating several Portuguese players, but his final pass was lacking as he aimed a cross for team mates gathering at the far post.
Then Ronaldo hit another, left footed this time, powerful shot at Cech, who palmed the ball away at full stretch. Then bursting forward towards the Czech defence, he fell dramatically, as the fans glimpsed the unsavoury side of the Real Madrid target and stayed down clutching his face. Immediately, as the play resumed to normal after Paulo Ferreira received a nasty cut by his eye, Ronaldo fired a dipping free-kick, which Cech was once more equal to. The game was typical of a recent upturn in the quality of the games with chances at both ends and a fascinating contest between two contrasting styles: neat possession and the swift counter attack.
Pepe, having tackled Baros, strode forward with ease to the opposition box and crossed to win a corner. Yet the Czechs continued their improvement as the very lively Sionko dribbled to the byline, from a brilliant pass from Matejovsky, once more and cut back, with Baros not reading the direction of the cross as it trickled across the goalmouth before being cleared. The slow build up of Portugal almost broke through the wall of red that is the Czech defence, as a pass from Simao luckily found Nuno Gomes, who improved well by turning well from three defenders before firing on target but at Cech. The Benfica striker stole the ball from Lazio defender Rozenhal but his shot was blocked as the former Newcastle man recovered well.
Deco drove forward and poked a pass through to Simao, whose shot was blocked by Cech while Grygera blocked Ronaldo’s follow up. The Atletico Madrid winger then ran forward in another attack but his pull-back was too close to Cech. While Scolari altered his tactics when defending set pieces, reducing the chance to counter attack by bringing back more players, still Ujfalusi’s flick on attracted two players who couldn’t connect in a very good chance highlighting a fragility in this aspect of his side’s play.
Yet it didn’t matter as Ronaldo hit a low, early shot from Deco’s square pass and it passed through the legs of Grygera, to disguise it from Cech until late on when he was helpless, allowing Portugal to take the lead. The Czech Republic brought on Jan Koller alongside Milan Baros to provide an aerial threat, as Ricardo flapped at another dangerous free-kick. Soon after, Bruckner’s side threatened once more as an early cross from Baros was touched on by Koller, but the finish was lacking from Sionko, who played in an advanced role late in the game. The set-pieces of Plasil always disturbed Portugal, but it was their quick thinking that allowed a quick free kick to be played on towards Ronaldo, who ran free and faced Cech but squared to Porto’s Quaresma, who slotted home to confirm their place in the quarter finals.
The fine combination play of Portugal allowed them to overcome an improved Czech side but the sycophantic and hyperbolic presentation of Ronaldo did once more overshadow the ITV coverage, mentioning him once in every minute of playing time (93) and 27 times during the half time break. They must really find another angle to their coverage of Portugal to appeal to all aspects of their varied audience.
Czech Republic 1 – 3 Portugal FT
When Turkey and Switzerland last met, the game ended on a sour note in a 2006 World Cup play-off as television showed images of fighting in the tunnel as Switzerland qualified through the away goals rule despite losing 4-2 on the night. No doubt the game would have had revenge and a shot at qualification high on the list of priorities. The hosts had already lost captain and star striker Alexander Frei and Kobi Kuhn was under pressure to restore pride lost in the opening day defeat to the Czech Republic. Erin Derdiyok, of whom commentators will be so swift as to remind us of his debut goal against England, replaced the Dortmund man.
Arda Turan, chased by Newcastle among others, showed a flash of skill as he did the roulette, moving away from two Swiss players in the opening stages. Decent possession football by Turkey pressured the Swiss into deeper areas with the four attacking players involved heavily. The Swiss looked to up the tempo by taking the quick throw or the early forward pass to throw Fatih Terrim’s side from their stride.
As the rain poured down in Basel, Inler decided to use the pitch to fire a low shot that could have troubled Volkan, who gathered. Arsenal’s Senderos made a perfectly timed sliding tackle on Tuncay after Arda Turan had mad headway through the Swiss defence. The young defender had a lapse in concentration having gathered he ball in the left back area, he blindly passed down the line to a white shirt, sparking goalmouth scramble. Inler found Hakan Yakin wide on the left and he drove forward and hit a stinging drive which was palmed away by Volkan, who bettered himself with a diving save from a Yakin free-kick once more.
Turkey increased their pressure following a Swiss spell of possession, as Tuncay turned well on the edge of the box but was fouled to win a free-kick, from which Nihat crossed only for Benaglio to clear onto the head of Galatasaray youngster Turan who hit the post. Senderos played a long ball to Derdiyok, who ran past the keeper and cut back accurately for Hakan Yakin to tap in as the ball was held up in one of the many puddles on the pitch. Yet the same man became the villain in the following minute as Behrami crossed for Yakin, who was in an identical position to his goal but hit his shot wide, as the Swiss frequently played the ball in the air to progress without the disadvantage of the pitch, which hindered the more cultured style of the Turks. This tactic brought out the best in the more physical Swiss with Erin Derdiyok pressing well from the front.
Turkey seemed to have adapted to the wet pitch after half time but their improvement was dampened by Hakan Balta’s blatant handball and he was rightly booked. Barnetta countered as the Swiss looked to extend their fragile lead but his shot never looked like troubling Volkan as he sliced it wide. Lazio’s Behrami stole the ball deep in the Turkish half and drove to the byline where he did well to cross albeit to no-one. Yet Turkey equalized from a simple cross as Senturk headed straight at the keeper Benaglio, who was at fault by slapping the ball into the net, rather than lifting it over his goal. The centre backs were also poor in holding the line throughout the game.
Nihat then shot from the edge of the area; he tried to claim a penalty for handball from Senderos, whose hands were firmly behind his back. With their hopes predominantly resting on this game, Turkey almost went ahead, as a fine Turan pass reached Tuncay, whose cross evaded his strike partner as he stretched for it. As the game came into the final ten minutes, Aurelio found an opportunity as the ball broke in the area but his shot was valiantly blocked. Turkey piled forward for a free-kick but Nihat’s dead ball was cleared by the first man and Switzerland broke with three attackers against one as Derdiyok slid the ball through, and it was knocked it back to Vonlanthen, whose shot was saved while Volkan bravely grabbed the loose ball as well before Yakin could follow up.
There was blood and panic as Turkey rushed to bring Emre Asik back on the pitch, who suffered a deep cut and the Swiss drove forward to find a winner but Asik was waved back on and the Turks broke and the brilliant Arda Turan, whose suggested £13 million transfer value has surely risen, ran down the left and cut in and scored the winner with the aid of a deflection. The improvement in conditions surely aided the Turks and sadly the co-hosts are knocked out just five days into the tournament despite their spirited performance. Now what is sure is the winner between an interesting game between the Czech Republic and Turkey will join Portugal in the quarter final.
Switzerland 1 – 2 Turkey FT
Euro 2008: Matchday Four Round Up
Perennial underachievers Spain took on Russia as they finally look to add to the 1964 European Championship success inspired by Luis Suarez. As they attempt to find the correct balance to win the tournament, Arsenal’s Fabregas started from the bench as Xavi started as playmaker with Villarreal’s Marcos Senna supporting him in the holding role. Against them Gus Hiddink leads a Russia side shorn of star striker Pavel Pogrebnyak and playmaker Andrei Arshavin in hope of upsetting one of the tournament favourites as Romania did so to France yesterday. A national hero in South Korea and having also led Australia to the World Cup, his international achievements cannot be questioned.
Despite being unbeaten for 18 months with victories over Italy and France, Spain played with Villa up alone being supported with a creative midfield. The inclusion of Torres may have affected the style of play according to some (having only scored twice in 18 months for his country), despite his qualities as they strained to wins in their build up to the Euro. The Liverpool hit man cut in from the left flank but hit his shot weakly. Soon after Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos played a lofted pass to Villa, looking to find a new club, who shot over under pressure from the Russian defenders. As the Russians looked to break up the Spanish monopoly of the possession with a few hard tackles, which Referee Konrad Plautz allowed, Russia almost stole the advantage with a fine spell of passing in the channels behind the full-backs and cutting the ball back across goal as Semshov nearly swept in, if not for the Spanish defence who closed in swiftly.
Torres ran down the channel from a wonderful Capdevila pass and lost his defender with a lucky break but had brilliant composure to find Villa, who slotted home into the empty net with the keeper already committed. Any criticisms of their partnership appeared to disappear, yet as Spain were celebrating, Russia caught Spain asleep as the cut-back evaded all of the Spanish defence and fell to Zyryanov, who sidefooted his shot against the post. Immediately Spain countered and Torres was found one on one against Akinfeev but the angles were against him. Villa was found by an Iniesta through ball and shot at the Russian keeper despite an acute angle, drawing a corner.
Iniesta was beginning to find room to run into and their ‘tika-taka’ passing patterns created openings for ‘La Furia Roja’ but Torres shot weakly at Akinfeev. Spain patiently passed at the back for an opening until Xavi played Torres in down the flank and he turned his man with ease and passed to David Silva whose shot was blocked for a corner. Pavluchenko first hit a free kick into the wall then fired the ball against the bar, which didn’t count as he fouled his marker. Yet from another poor Russia dead ball, Spain broke with wonderful agility as Capdevila gathered the ball and laid off the ball to Iniesta, who dropped his shoulder one way than the other, confusing his marker as he slipped a perfectly timed pass into Villa, who slotted home a second time, through the keeper’s legs.
As these Group D sides threatened to match yesterday’s fine performance between the Dutch and the Italians, with the Russians playing their part with adventurous forward play, the tournament has shown signs of bursting into life. The Russians started with a high tempo and plenty of possession as Bystrov headed softly into the arms of Casillas. As Spain’s influence in midfield waned, Aragones brought on Arsenal’s Fabregas for Torres, who did not appear satisfied at all, concerning the early timing of the substitution. The young Spaniard made a fine run to open up space for Villa to run into as he shot into the grateful arms of Akinfeev. Yet Russia’s increasing influence allowed Bilyaletdinov to shoot, albeit wide of Casillas’ goal. David Silva almost added a third for Spain if not for a final, tackle to allow the ball to be gathered by the Russian keeper.
Iniesta made way for Santi Cazorla of Villarreal, as Aragones perhaps used the second half to find other styles of play to use later in the tournament. As Villa played in Fabregas, who made the run but showed his lack of pace as Akinfeev stole the ball before him. Later Ramos burst down the right flank and crossed for Villa, but Aniukov cut the ball out in an example of fine defending. Senna headed at Akinfeev from the resulting corner and had another attempt which the 22 year old Russian keeper caught with ease.
The Spanish queue for a shot, with Cazorla having the best opening but he delayed and eventually David Silva fired high over the bar. After their slow start, Spain came back into the game and ended it as Fabregas found Villa with a wonderfully weighted pass, and he turned his defender before slotting home at the near post fooling the keeper. As they dropped off the tempo with the game won, Russia grabbed a consolation goal with a well worked corner as Pavluchenko thumped in a header at the far post. The Spanish relaxed in defence as Semak controlled and tamely volleyed the ball straight at Casillas after the ball was pumped back in.
Then the man of the match David Villa broke and held the ball before lifting the ball over his defender to Xavi, a wonderfully weighted pass, with the Barcelona midfielder volleying at Akinfeev, and Fabregas headed into an empty net to round up a wonderful performance by the Spanish. Cesc’s passing and off the ball running created space for his team-mates before scoring in a fine 35 minutes of play. No doubt Villa raised his transfer value by £10 million or so, that is certain but, in looking at Spain, we have seen false horizons before, is this another?
Finally both sides scored in a Euro 2008 game, while this game was also the highest scoring game in the tournament so far, with plenty of entertainment. Hopefully it continues.
Spain 4 – 1 Russia FT
The holders Greece were written off once again despite improving since their triumph four years ago. Otto Rehhagel has a tough job to repeat his success in Portugal, yet a collection of tough defenders, a deep-lying midfielder in Basinas and a free-scoring forward in Fanis Gekas could spring another surprise. Yet an inconsistency in their performance has made Otto’s job more about striking a balance between Jekyll and Hyde. In contrast, Sweden relied on the evergreen Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who hasn’t scored for his country in his last 14 games, with injury-prone ex-Arsenal player Freddie Ljungberg captaining the side.
Charisteas, who scored the winner in 2004, was busy in the opening stages, as he was booked for an excited lunge on Hansson, while soon after he burst down the right side and cut into the box, but ended a fine run with a scuffed shot. The Swedes reacted with some patient possession football and a Svensson volley from a cleared corner. Another fine move was made by the recipient of the final ball was clearly offside. As the Swedes looked to create the openings in this clash of the counter-attacking sides, Ljungberg chipped the ball forward for Ibrahimovic to help on, but his flick fell just over the bar. After a very slow tempo opening in a match between two counter attacking sides, the Greeks went forward as Juventus-bound Mellberg was forced to head over his own bar.
Wilhelmsson back heeled to Larsson, who was unwilling to shoot and made one pass too many as another move broke down. As the Greeks were content at sitting deep and soaking up moderate Swedish pressure, with the crowd booing their cautious passing across the back four, it was up to their opponents to score to bring the defending champions more into the game. They countered as Charisteas ran down the right and shot high at the near post but Isaksson had it covered. To be honest the most interesting moment in the first half was a seemingly painful injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as Wilhelmsson’ cross from the left caused few problems to a side, which is in its element when defending.
Sweden finally got in behind the deep lying Greeks as Wilhelmsson ran in and lobbed the veteran Nikopolidis, but lacked the composure to finish accurately as the ball landed behind the goal. There wasn’t much action as almost every Swedish attack was ended by the wrong pass or movement as the Greeks looked to counter with Giorgios Samaras replacing Gekas at half time to provide a focal point with which to release any prolonged pressure on their defence. Sweden appeared to forget all defensive duties as Karagounis was allowed to shoot on two occasions but the defence recovered sufficiently to block both attempts and the ball to land in Isaksson’s arms on the latter occasion.
Yet as all were about to fall into a boredom induced coma, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored with a stunning strike after a one-two with Larsson, to score his first international goal since October 2005. So disappointing against English opposition, perhaps British viewers could see ho highly rated the Inter attacker is on mainland Europe. Rehhagel threw on another striker to regain the lead but Sweden attacked once more and Ljungberg should have made it two but his shot was saved and Elmander attempted to lob the (for once) disorganised Greek defence and the panic which this induced allowed Hanssen to score in the scrappiest goal this tournament so far.
Four years ago, the Greeks were seen as the freshest side in Portugal, yet as Ansas fell victim to cramp on 82 minutes, one could see all the omens turning away from them. Torosidis almost brought a goal back as he burst into the area and shot from a narrow angle, when perhaps going down to gain a penalty would have been the better option. Zlatan’s goal was naturally the high point of a woeful game.
While we may despair of Greece’s tactics, these were similar to what won them the tournament in Lisbon and they still have an outside chance of reaching the quarter finals. The two winners on the opening match day of Group D will meet on Saturday in an intriguing prospect.
Greece 0 – 2 Sweden FT
Despite being unbeaten for 18 months with victories over Italy and France, Spain played with Villa up alone being supported with a creative midfield. The inclusion of Torres may have affected the style of play according to some (having only scored twice in 18 months for his country), despite his qualities as they strained to wins in their build up to the Euro. The Liverpool hit man cut in from the left flank but hit his shot weakly. Soon after Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos played a lofted pass to Villa, looking to find a new club, who shot over under pressure from the Russian defenders. As the Russians looked to break up the Spanish monopoly of the possession with a few hard tackles, which Referee Konrad Plautz allowed, Russia almost stole the advantage with a fine spell of passing in the channels behind the full-backs and cutting the ball back across goal as Semshov nearly swept in, if not for the Spanish defence who closed in swiftly.
Torres ran down the channel from a wonderful Capdevila pass and lost his defender with a lucky break but had brilliant composure to find Villa, who slotted home into the empty net with the keeper already committed. Any criticisms of their partnership appeared to disappear, yet as Spain were celebrating, Russia caught Spain asleep as the cut-back evaded all of the Spanish defence and fell to Zyryanov, who sidefooted his shot against the post. Immediately Spain countered and Torres was found one on one against Akinfeev but the angles were against him. Villa was found by an Iniesta through ball and shot at the Russian keeper despite an acute angle, drawing a corner.
Iniesta was beginning to find room to run into and their ‘tika-taka’ passing patterns created openings for ‘La Furia Roja’ but Torres shot weakly at Akinfeev. Spain patiently passed at the back for an opening until Xavi played Torres in down the flank and he turned his man with ease and passed to David Silva whose shot was blocked for a corner. Pavluchenko first hit a free kick into the wall then fired the ball against the bar, which didn’t count as he fouled his marker. Yet from another poor Russia dead ball, Spain broke with wonderful agility as Capdevila gathered the ball and laid off the ball to Iniesta, who dropped his shoulder one way than the other, confusing his marker as he slipped a perfectly timed pass into Villa, who slotted home a second time, through the keeper’s legs.
As these Group D sides threatened to match yesterday’s fine performance between the Dutch and the Italians, with the Russians playing their part with adventurous forward play, the tournament has shown signs of bursting into life. The Russians started with a high tempo and plenty of possession as Bystrov headed softly into the arms of Casillas. As Spain’s influence in midfield waned, Aragones brought on Arsenal’s Fabregas for Torres, who did not appear satisfied at all, concerning the early timing of the substitution. The young Spaniard made a fine run to open up space for Villa to run into as he shot into the grateful arms of Akinfeev. Yet Russia’s increasing influence allowed Bilyaletdinov to shoot, albeit wide of Casillas’ goal. David Silva almost added a third for Spain if not for a final, tackle to allow the ball to be gathered by the Russian keeper.
Iniesta made way for Santi Cazorla of Villarreal, as Aragones perhaps used the second half to find other styles of play to use later in the tournament. As Villa played in Fabregas, who made the run but showed his lack of pace as Akinfeev stole the ball before him. Later Ramos burst down the right flank and crossed for Villa, but Aniukov cut the ball out in an example of fine defending. Senna headed at Akinfeev from the resulting corner and had another attempt which the 22 year old Russian keeper caught with ease.
The Spanish queue for a shot, with Cazorla having the best opening but he delayed and eventually David Silva fired high over the bar. After their slow start, Spain came back into the game and ended it as Fabregas found Villa with a wonderfully weighted pass, and he turned his defender before slotting home at the near post fooling the keeper. As they dropped off the tempo with the game won, Russia grabbed a consolation goal with a well worked corner as Pavluchenko thumped in a header at the far post. The Spanish relaxed in defence as Semak controlled and tamely volleyed the ball straight at Casillas after the ball was pumped back in.
Then the man of the match David Villa broke and held the ball before lifting the ball over his defender to Xavi, a wonderfully weighted pass, with the Barcelona midfielder volleying at Akinfeev, and Fabregas headed into an empty net to round up a wonderful performance by the Spanish. Cesc’s passing and off the ball running created space for his team-mates before scoring in a fine 35 minutes of play. No doubt Villa raised his transfer value by £10 million or so, that is certain but, in looking at Spain, we have seen false horizons before, is this another?
Finally both sides scored in a Euro 2008 game, while this game was also the highest scoring game in the tournament so far, with plenty of entertainment. Hopefully it continues.
Spain 4 – 1 Russia FT
The holders Greece were written off once again despite improving since their triumph four years ago. Otto Rehhagel has a tough job to repeat his success in Portugal, yet a collection of tough defenders, a deep-lying midfielder in Basinas and a free-scoring forward in Fanis Gekas could spring another surprise. Yet an inconsistency in their performance has made Otto’s job more about striking a balance between Jekyll and Hyde. In contrast, Sweden relied on the evergreen Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who hasn’t scored for his country in his last 14 games, with injury-prone ex-Arsenal player Freddie Ljungberg captaining the side.
Charisteas, who scored the winner in 2004, was busy in the opening stages, as he was booked for an excited lunge on Hansson, while soon after he burst down the right side and cut into the box, but ended a fine run with a scuffed shot. The Swedes reacted with some patient possession football and a Svensson volley from a cleared corner. Another fine move was made by the recipient of the final ball was clearly offside. As the Swedes looked to create the openings in this clash of the counter-attacking sides, Ljungberg chipped the ball forward for Ibrahimovic to help on, but his flick fell just over the bar. After a very slow tempo opening in a match between two counter attacking sides, the Greeks went forward as Juventus-bound Mellberg was forced to head over his own bar.
Wilhelmsson back heeled to Larsson, who was unwilling to shoot and made one pass too many as another move broke down. As the Greeks were content at sitting deep and soaking up moderate Swedish pressure, with the crowd booing their cautious passing across the back four, it was up to their opponents to score to bring the defending champions more into the game. They countered as Charisteas ran down the right and shot high at the near post but Isaksson had it covered. To be honest the most interesting moment in the first half was a seemingly painful injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as Wilhelmsson’ cross from the left caused few problems to a side, which is in its element when defending.
Sweden finally got in behind the deep lying Greeks as Wilhelmsson ran in and lobbed the veteran Nikopolidis, but lacked the composure to finish accurately as the ball landed behind the goal. There wasn’t much action as almost every Swedish attack was ended by the wrong pass or movement as the Greeks looked to counter with Giorgios Samaras replacing Gekas at half time to provide a focal point with which to release any prolonged pressure on their defence. Sweden appeared to forget all defensive duties as Karagounis was allowed to shoot on two occasions but the defence recovered sufficiently to block both attempts and the ball to land in Isaksson’s arms on the latter occasion.
Yet as all were about to fall into a boredom induced coma, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored with a stunning strike after a one-two with Larsson, to score his first international goal since October 2005. So disappointing against English opposition, perhaps British viewers could see ho highly rated the Inter attacker is on mainland Europe. Rehhagel threw on another striker to regain the lead but Sweden attacked once more and Ljungberg should have made it two but his shot was saved and Elmander attempted to lob the (for once) disorganised Greek defence and the panic which this induced allowed Hanssen to score in the scrappiest goal this tournament so far.
Four years ago, the Greeks were seen as the freshest side in Portugal, yet as Ansas fell victim to cramp on 82 minutes, one could see all the omens turning away from them. Torosidis almost brought a goal back as he burst into the area and shot from a narrow angle, when perhaps going down to gain a penalty would have been the better option. Zlatan’s goal was naturally the high point of a woeful game.
While we may despair of Greece’s tactics, these were similar to what won them the tournament in Lisbon and they still have an outside chance of reaching the quarter finals. The two winners on the opening match day of Group D will meet on Saturday in an intriguing prospect.
Greece 0 – 2 Sweden FT
Euro 2008: Matchday Three Round Up
When the Groups were announced, one caught the eye. Immediately Romania was ruled out with any chance of qualifying, despite finishing above Holland in qualifying and beating them as well. There is always a ‘Group of Death’ and Raymond Domenech had to call upon a younger group of players in its opening match as the veterans were ruled out by injury and fitness concerns with Henry and Vieira replaced by Benzema and Toulalan respectively. In the crowd Arsene Wenger looked on at his country men and any potential signings with Samir Nasri on the bench.
From the outset France were afforded possession in areas away from the Romanian net, but were closed down in numbers when they moved into advanced positions on the pitch as the Romanians played a counter-attacking game. Ex-Real Madrid president Florentino Perez claimed Makelele couldn’t pass more than three metres, and he certainly proved the Galactico loving Spaniard wrong with a lovely pass that split the Romanian defence to find Malouda, who was blocked by the keeper. Yet perhaps it wasn’t what they needed with the defensive midfielder creating their sporadic chances; the creative Ribery having little influence on the match. Nicolas Anelka tried to keep that attack going but couldn’t provide the cross required for another chance to be fashioned.
Any criticism of a lack of attacking creativity from the central areas of the French side, where two defensive midfielders provided a shield for the defence, was firmly shunned. As France continued to search for an opening, Anelka headed over from a corner mid way through the first half in what was their best chance, although the ball came to him quickly. The Chelsea striker then worked some space on the right flank and decided to shoot from an acute angle rather than cross to Benzema in the box. A fine delivery from the left flank sparked anxiety in the French defence, with two corners creating problems.
This style caused the French forwards to roam and search for the ball in frustration when attacking. Their defensive play lacked any aggression with none of the front six pressing the Romanian defence, who were allowed to play the ball out from the back without any pressure. This complacency added signs of Romania scoring from a set-piece or a swift counter-attack. Malouda was criticised for his efforts (or lack of) in the first half, but showed glimpses of his old Lyon self by twice beating his man and firing over, when the cross was perhaps the better option. At least there was urgency in the French attack. At the other end, Sagnol was booked for hauling down Mutu, who attacked him in a similar fashion.
A decent break occurred for the French as Ribery finally ran in behind the opposition defence and cut back to Benzema as Anelka ran forward to leave some space for his strike partner, whose shot was straight at Lobont. The young attacker, who has attracted the interest of most of Europe’s big guns, did well to run and create some space in from of the goal, but once more his accuracy was far off as he dragged his shot wide. The same pattern of play occurred for the French as they allowed Romania the ball in defence and failed to press them, a major issue in their lack of creativity, thus meaning Bafe Gomis, the ‘new Drogba’, came on for Anelka, reflecting on his explosive style of play.
Yet his inexperience did not help the French attack as he lost the ball in areas where another man would make the right pass or shot. Samir Nasri came on and always wanted the ball and was involved frequently in the closing stages, but none of the attacking players could break through the yellow wall of Romania. The slow tempo had to be raised and the French could not do so as Romania broke and held the ball in the corner winning a free-kick. The free-kick virtually destroyed any hopes of a French win. The Romanians have an organised style which the Dutch and the Italians will also struggle to break down.
Domenech will look to the stars as he attempts to steer his side away from the humiliation that they suffered in the 2002 World Cup, while a 0-0 draw adds to an already low goals to games ratio in a tournament where one would have been forgiven for predicting open matches with bland sides such as England not qualifying.
Romania 0 – 0 France FT
There is always tension in the Dutch camp, with several past confrontations coming in the days before a major tournament. Clarence Seedorf rejected a call-up on the basis that he wouldn’t feature regularly, while Mark Van Bommel refuses to feature under the stewardship of Van Basten. And a training ground incident invited the media to bring up whispers of a rift between Arsenal’s Van Persie and Real Madrid’s Sneidjer, although it was played down by the latter.
It is fitting that Holland’s camp is united with a game against World Cup winners Italy the ultimate test of character. Their previous forays in International tournaments have handed them the toughest group stage draws such in Euro 2004 (Germany, Czech Republic and Latvia) or the 2006 World Cup (Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro). They must be cursing their luck this time around as well.
While France’s utilisation of two defensive midfielders was not necessary, Holland’s vulnerable defence means this two-man shield of De Jong and the giant Engelaar is important and fits into their style well where three attacking midfielders support Ruud van Nistlerooy. The use of this new formation has meant they have come in from criticism, most notably from Oranje legend Johan Cruyff, who claims they are abandoning their total football heritage.
A high tempo start from Holland allowed Sneidjer to exhibit some fine touches and a neat turn, but Italy showed their efficiency with Di Natale getting on the end of a long pass but his cross was too pacy for Luca Toni to connect with. Real Madrid’s Dutch maestro nutmegged the Italian defender and fed Van Nistlerooy whose shot was blocked. Van Der Vaart broke soon after a Sneidjer free-kick was locked and shot low at Buffon, who comfortably saved. Yet the assured passing of Pirlo allowed Italy to gain a footing in the game as Toni headed wide, as Di Natale ran on in hope of connecting to the 39 goal Bayern attacker’s header.
Holland cut open Italy’s defence as Van Nistlerooy ran past Buffon but stumbled and the angle closed to shoot as Donadoni’s side were given another warning. Sneidjer whipped in a dangerous free-kick, which Materazzi just about cleared with Van Nistlerooy lurking. As Van Der Vaart whipped in another ball, Buffon punched and Sneidjer lashed the ball back into the box and Van Nistlerooy tapped it in. Hesitant in his celebration, Van Nistlerooy perhaps knew his offside position but the very contentious goal (a horrendous decision by the linesman) stood as the Italians protested with Luca Toni being booked.
Ex-Arsenal defender Van Bronckhorst cleared off his own line from a Pirlo corner and set up a wonderful counter attack as he ran deep into the Italy half and crossed to the far post where Dirk Kuyt headed back across and the wonderful Sneidjer cleverly hooked the ball over Buffon to double the lead of the Dutch. Di Natale then volleyed from a cross through the legs of Boulahrouz, which goalkeeper Van Der Sar saw late but managed to save at the second attempt having originally fumbled as the Italians gave a reminder of their quality. But their defence shorn of Cannavaro was shaky as Barzagli and Materazzi failed to clear allowing the Dutch to have another attempt on goal.
Van Der Vaart split the Italian defence with a wonderful pass through to Van Nistlerooy, who was brilliantly denied by Buffon, who once again displayed his agility of body and mind. In what was becoming the game of the tournament so far, Italy attempted to hit back as Udinese’s Di Natale fired narrowly over. Yet the striker was lacking any central support from the Milan trio in midfield, who lack the legs to consistently make runs forward unlike possible replacements Roma’s De Rossi and Aquilani.
By bringing on Grosso and Del Piero, Italy attempted to add fresh attacking impetus to their side, with the latter firing in a snap-shot when surrounded by Orange shirts, which was saved comfortably by Dutch Captain Van Der Sar. As Holland looked to defend and play on the break, they brought off Van Nistlerooy for Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie, who was supposed to be a doubt for their opener. Engelaar played a fine pass through to Van Persie, who was onside, but had the ball dummied to him by Van Der Vaart, who was in an offside position.
At the other end Toni broke clear but lifted it high over the goal without his typical composure in a one on one situation. Soon after Grosso broke free and Van Der Sar parried as he did with stunning agility to keep out a brilliant dead ball effort from Pirlo. Immediately, the Dutch broke with typical fluidity and Feyenoord’s Van Bronckhorst cut back to Kuyt whose chip failed but the tireless Liverpool man regained his composure and crossed for the left back to head the ball in amid the despairing lunge of the last defender to kill the game off.
Then the substitute Ibrahim Afellay, a wonderful young prospect who played a large part in PSV Eindhoven’s defeat of Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Cup, tricked his man with a stepover and shot against the top of the bar in what would have rounded a wonderful night for Dutch football. Van Persie reminded fans why he is so highly rated by Wenger and Van Basten by squeezing away from three Italian defenders and hitting a fierce shot wide. Yet the Italians had a final chance as Cassano crossed to Toni, who laid the ball off to Ambrosini whose shot deflected agonizingly wide.
A stunning performance by the Dutch defeated the World Cup Winners, yet the created hype may yet work against them. The wonderful attacking duo of Van Der Vaart and Sneidjer created the majority of their chances and were very well complemented by the lively Kuyt and the very hard-working Engelaar and De Jong. Donadoni’s attacking tactics did not give the result the Azzurri were expecting but providing some sumptuous attacking football, with the margins of victory and defeat so slim: an offside decision and two counter-attacks, before which Italy were very close to scoring. The brilliant Van Bronckhorst showed that age is not a limiting factor as he stormed up and down the line constantly.
We have another favourite added to a small group of teams fancying their chances and for Dutch football, I hope they do not falter at any hurdle as they have done so often in the past. Perhaps it is fitting that twenty years ago Marco Van Basten scored a stunning volley against the USSR and won Euro 88 as a player. Maybe now his time has come again.
Holland 3 – 0 Italy FT
From the outset France were afforded possession in areas away from the Romanian net, but were closed down in numbers when they moved into advanced positions on the pitch as the Romanians played a counter-attacking game. Ex-Real Madrid president Florentino Perez claimed Makelele couldn’t pass more than three metres, and he certainly proved the Galactico loving Spaniard wrong with a lovely pass that split the Romanian defence to find Malouda, who was blocked by the keeper. Yet perhaps it wasn’t what they needed with the defensive midfielder creating their sporadic chances; the creative Ribery having little influence on the match. Nicolas Anelka tried to keep that attack going but couldn’t provide the cross required for another chance to be fashioned.
Any criticism of a lack of attacking creativity from the central areas of the French side, where two defensive midfielders provided a shield for the defence, was firmly shunned. As France continued to search for an opening, Anelka headed over from a corner mid way through the first half in what was their best chance, although the ball came to him quickly. The Chelsea striker then worked some space on the right flank and decided to shoot from an acute angle rather than cross to Benzema in the box. A fine delivery from the left flank sparked anxiety in the French defence, with two corners creating problems.
This style caused the French forwards to roam and search for the ball in frustration when attacking. Their defensive play lacked any aggression with none of the front six pressing the Romanian defence, who were allowed to play the ball out from the back without any pressure. This complacency added signs of Romania scoring from a set-piece or a swift counter-attack. Malouda was criticised for his efforts (or lack of) in the first half, but showed glimpses of his old Lyon self by twice beating his man and firing over, when the cross was perhaps the better option. At least there was urgency in the French attack. At the other end, Sagnol was booked for hauling down Mutu, who attacked him in a similar fashion.
A decent break occurred for the French as Ribery finally ran in behind the opposition defence and cut back to Benzema as Anelka ran forward to leave some space for his strike partner, whose shot was straight at Lobont. The young attacker, who has attracted the interest of most of Europe’s big guns, did well to run and create some space in from of the goal, but once more his accuracy was far off as he dragged his shot wide. The same pattern of play occurred for the French as they allowed Romania the ball in defence and failed to press them, a major issue in their lack of creativity, thus meaning Bafe Gomis, the ‘new Drogba’, came on for Anelka, reflecting on his explosive style of play.
Yet his inexperience did not help the French attack as he lost the ball in areas where another man would make the right pass or shot. Samir Nasri came on and always wanted the ball and was involved frequently in the closing stages, but none of the attacking players could break through the yellow wall of Romania. The slow tempo had to be raised and the French could not do so as Romania broke and held the ball in the corner winning a free-kick. The free-kick virtually destroyed any hopes of a French win. The Romanians have an organised style which the Dutch and the Italians will also struggle to break down.
Domenech will look to the stars as he attempts to steer his side away from the humiliation that they suffered in the 2002 World Cup, while a 0-0 draw adds to an already low goals to games ratio in a tournament where one would have been forgiven for predicting open matches with bland sides such as England not qualifying.
Romania 0 – 0 France FT
There is always tension in the Dutch camp, with several past confrontations coming in the days before a major tournament. Clarence Seedorf rejected a call-up on the basis that he wouldn’t feature regularly, while Mark Van Bommel refuses to feature under the stewardship of Van Basten. And a training ground incident invited the media to bring up whispers of a rift between Arsenal’s Van Persie and Real Madrid’s Sneidjer, although it was played down by the latter.
It is fitting that Holland’s camp is united with a game against World Cup winners Italy the ultimate test of character. Their previous forays in International tournaments have handed them the toughest group stage draws such in Euro 2004 (Germany, Czech Republic and Latvia) or the 2006 World Cup (Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro). They must be cursing their luck this time around as well.
While France’s utilisation of two defensive midfielders was not necessary, Holland’s vulnerable defence means this two-man shield of De Jong and the giant Engelaar is important and fits into their style well where three attacking midfielders support Ruud van Nistlerooy. The use of this new formation has meant they have come in from criticism, most notably from Oranje legend Johan Cruyff, who claims they are abandoning their total football heritage.
A high tempo start from Holland allowed Sneidjer to exhibit some fine touches and a neat turn, but Italy showed their efficiency with Di Natale getting on the end of a long pass but his cross was too pacy for Luca Toni to connect with. Real Madrid’s Dutch maestro nutmegged the Italian defender and fed Van Nistlerooy whose shot was blocked. Van Der Vaart broke soon after a Sneidjer free-kick was locked and shot low at Buffon, who comfortably saved. Yet the assured passing of Pirlo allowed Italy to gain a footing in the game as Toni headed wide, as Di Natale ran on in hope of connecting to the 39 goal Bayern attacker’s header.
Holland cut open Italy’s defence as Van Nistlerooy ran past Buffon but stumbled and the angle closed to shoot as Donadoni’s side were given another warning. Sneidjer whipped in a dangerous free-kick, which Materazzi just about cleared with Van Nistlerooy lurking. As Van Der Vaart whipped in another ball, Buffon punched and Sneidjer lashed the ball back into the box and Van Nistlerooy tapped it in. Hesitant in his celebration, Van Nistlerooy perhaps knew his offside position but the very contentious goal (a horrendous decision by the linesman) stood as the Italians protested with Luca Toni being booked.
Ex-Arsenal defender Van Bronckhorst cleared off his own line from a Pirlo corner and set up a wonderful counter attack as he ran deep into the Italy half and crossed to the far post where Dirk Kuyt headed back across and the wonderful Sneidjer cleverly hooked the ball over Buffon to double the lead of the Dutch. Di Natale then volleyed from a cross through the legs of Boulahrouz, which goalkeeper Van Der Sar saw late but managed to save at the second attempt having originally fumbled as the Italians gave a reminder of their quality. But their defence shorn of Cannavaro was shaky as Barzagli and Materazzi failed to clear allowing the Dutch to have another attempt on goal.
Van Der Vaart split the Italian defence with a wonderful pass through to Van Nistlerooy, who was brilliantly denied by Buffon, who once again displayed his agility of body and mind. In what was becoming the game of the tournament so far, Italy attempted to hit back as Udinese’s Di Natale fired narrowly over. Yet the striker was lacking any central support from the Milan trio in midfield, who lack the legs to consistently make runs forward unlike possible replacements Roma’s De Rossi and Aquilani.
By bringing on Grosso and Del Piero, Italy attempted to add fresh attacking impetus to their side, with the latter firing in a snap-shot when surrounded by Orange shirts, which was saved comfortably by Dutch Captain Van Der Sar. As Holland looked to defend and play on the break, they brought off Van Nistlerooy for Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie, who was supposed to be a doubt for their opener. Engelaar played a fine pass through to Van Persie, who was onside, but had the ball dummied to him by Van Der Vaart, who was in an offside position.
At the other end Toni broke clear but lifted it high over the goal without his typical composure in a one on one situation. Soon after Grosso broke free and Van Der Sar parried as he did with stunning agility to keep out a brilliant dead ball effort from Pirlo. Immediately, the Dutch broke with typical fluidity and Feyenoord’s Van Bronckhorst cut back to Kuyt whose chip failed but the tireless Liverpool man regained his composure and crossed for the left back to head the ball in amid the despairing lunge of the last defender to kill the game off.
Then the substitute Ibrahim Afellay, a wonderful young prospect who played a large part in PSV Eindhoven’s defeat of Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Cup, tricked his man with a stepover and shot against the top of the bar in what would have rounded a wonderful night for Dutch football. Van Persie reminded fans why he is so highly rated by Wenger and Van Basten by squeezing away from three Italian defenders and hitting a fierce shot wide. Yet the Italians had a final chance as Cassano crossed to Toni, who laid the ball off to Ambrosini whose shot deflected agonizingly wide.
A stunning performance by the Dutch defeated the World Cup Winners, yet the created hype may yet work against them. The wonderful attacking duo of Van Der Vaart and Sneidjer created the majority of their chances and were very well complemented by the lively Kuyt and the very hard-working Engelaar and De Jong. Donadoni’s attacking tactics did not give the result the Azzurri were expecting but providing some sumptuous attacking football, with the margins of victory and defeat so slim: an offside decision and two counter-attacks, before which Italy were very close to scoring. The brilliant Van Bronckhorst showed that age is not a limiting factor as he stormed up and down the line constantly.
We have another favourite added to a small group of teams fancying their chances and for Dutch football, I hope they do not falter at any hurdle as they have done so often in the past. Perhaps it is fitting that twenty years ago Marco Van Basten scored a stunning volley against the USSR and won Euro 88 as a player. Maybe now his time has come again.
Holland 3 – 0 Italy FT
Euro 2008: Matchday Two Round Up
A side, whose own fans were against their participation in the Euros, despite co-hosting the tournament, Austria must have been bracing themselves for humiliation this summer. Playing a fine Croatia, whose play is predominantly dictated by the clever Modric and Kranjcar, in their first competitive game in two and half years would not have been high on their wish list, even if they were shorn of Arsenal striker Eduardo.
And two minutes in, their worst dreams were realised when they conceded a penalty after smart work by Modric in the corner to slip in Olic who was fouled by the experienced Rene Aufhauser, who set a new record time for a penalty being conceded. And the schemer of slight build confidently slotted the ball down the middle past ex-Sunderland keeper Jurgen Macho. The Croatians continued to dominate with intelligent movement and incisive passing patterns allowing them to work their way around Austria with ease. The co-hosts themselves were reduced to speculative shots from distance from the scraps of possession they were afforded in the opening match of Group B. Yet they missed good chance when Prodl headed wide from an Ivanschitz free-kick.
Fine work by Ivica Olic was rewarded by a free-kick after Pogatetz wrestled him to the ground, having already been booked for complained concerning the penalty decision, the big defender was on thin ice. The free-kick itself was unsuccessful. Corluka’s cross found its way to Petric, who sliced his shot, despite having time and space on his side, as Croatia searched for the killer goal. A swift counter attack almost brought a second after Pletikosa’s fine distribution, but the final through ball couldn’t find its way to the striker. At the other end Austria cut open the Croatia defence with a perfectly weighted ball from Ivanschitz but the cut-back from Harnik was cleared by Slaven Bilic’s side who gathered themselves in time. Their increasing use of width brought them back in the game as Croatia slowed the tempo as the first half grew to a close.
Austria were the better side in the opening minutes of the second half as Harnik twice cut back to dangerous areas, with the first dummied to no-one and the second read by none of his team mates as he opted for power. Yet their spell of possession could have been undone as Modric crossed and Olic almost stole in, resulting in corner. As Austria began to exert their influence on the game, Modric released some of their pressure by controlling, with allegedly a handball, and playing a fine ball out the left, which Olic controlled and took down the line, eventually drawing in a foul from Prodl who was booked.
But the co-hosts didn’t give up as Harnik whipped in a dangerous cross, which Pletikosa got a hand to and averted any danger. Then the substitute No.11 Korkmaz cut in past two Croatian players and won the free-kick. This was followed by a goal mouth scramble with a poor clearance resulting in Harnik firing over from distance. As time was running out, Vastic headed towards the goal, which was almost fumbled by Pletikosa, but luck was not on their side, as Ivanschitz shot, albeit straight at the keeper. Korkmaz then fired in a shot from distance, which swerved in from the left flank. Pletikosa did well to parry it away from the goal with players running in for any rebound.
While a spirited Austria side performed better than expected, similar to Switzerland yesterday, both sides did not win the points their efforts deserved, due to a lack of clinical finishing. The same could be said for Croatia, who did not finish the chances they created, as complacency appeared to creep into their game, allowing Austria back into the game.
In comparison to ITV’s sycophantic coverage of Ronaldo, the BBC was not as focussed on Croatia and their comprehensive defeat of England, mentioning it only 6 times, while a significant part of their analysis focussed on the lack of a clinical striker in the Croatian attack, i.e. Eduardo and the performance of Modric, naturally as both were of interest to Premiership fans.
Austria 0 – 1 Croatia FT
It was never mean to be a simple match between Germany and Poland without controversy. Naturally Polish newspaper Super Express decided to ask Leo Beenhakker to bring back the severed heads of Germany manager Joachim Low and Captain Michael Ballack, disgustingly invoking memories of WWII, while tensions continued to run high as seven German fans were arrested in Klagenfurt after minor clashes. Having never defeated Germany in football, Poland would have been forgiven for scarcely embracing controversy in what is their first appearance at the European Championships.
Błaszczykowski, a highly rated right winger was injured for the Euros, but the Polish still have some fine players, notably Smolarek, and even beat Portugal in qualifying. The Germans have clinical finishers, with Klose and the new star of the Bundesliga Mario Gomez, supported by Ballack and Frings. The defenses of both sides are their Achilles’ heel, with pace lacking in either centre-back pairing, but with Arsenal hero Jens Lehmann and Celtic’s Boruc in goal (Fabianski started from the bench) there are two assured presences in goal, both of which will be under scrutiny with shots from long-range using the new Europass ball.
In the first minute Poland worked a cross into the box, with Mertesacker clattering into Lehmann, who punched weakly but the rebound was blazed over the bar. Soon after, Ballack cut open the Polish defence and Klose who was free elected to pass to Gomez, who appeared to be in an off-side position, rather than shoot, with the result the ball rolling agonizingly past the post. Podolski then made a strong run and appeared to dive, while he later made incomplete contact with a Fritz cross and hit it into the ground.
As Germany eased into the game, Lahm drove forward twisting and turning his defender, he was judged to have been fouled to win a free-kick, which went out for a corner. The Polish born striker Podolski slotted home into an empty net from a slided pass across the goal from Klose who was cleverly played in by reported Arsenal target Mario Gomez. This time the team benefited from Klose’s unselfish play, who distanced himself from his reputation as a poacher through these patterns of play.
Lobodzinski then forced an opening through tricky dribbling and fired a low shot which Lehmann grabbed with ease. At the other end, Ballack reached a loose ball first and won a free-kick from a Krzynowek tackle. Poland started to exert their influence on the game with a number of blocked shots from distance, while a lucky bounce from a tackle allowed Poland to run down the right wing and cut back to Zurawski who fired wide. In a similar fashion Fritz cut back to Gomez who scuffed his shot wide as the defender committed himself in the tackle and slid.
The game became scrappier with number of lucky bounces allowing Germany to reduce the pressure on their defence, as Poland came more into the game. The high Polish line, given their lack of pace seemed a poor tactical decision, but with only a one goal deficit at half time, they were still in with a good chance to peg back Germany, who play a deep defensive line to protect the slow Mertesacker, having leaked goals consistently in the years before the 2006 World Cup.
Roger Guerreiro, a Brazilian only naturalised as a Pole in April, came on at half time and forced a corner running on from a through pass, from which Lehmann, who kept 16 clean sheets in his last 18 games, elected to punch. The substitute’s influence increased as he played a fine pass which forced a corner. The end product was still lacking from a Polish perspective.
As they appeared to be fading, the Germans reminded Europe why they were seen as favourites as Ballack shot after a brilliant passing move but Boruc was equally capable, tipping the ball over. Podolski, capped off a fine night in his new found ‘false’ left midfield role, by lashing in the ball past Boruc, after Klose miskicked and the ball jumped up favourably. Having effectively won the game, Hitzelsperger came on for Gomez to add further defensive solidity. Yet, Poland fashioned a rare chance and finally tested Lehmann, after Guerreiro flashed in a dangerous cross, headed at the near post by Saganowski, with the new Stuttgart signing saving sharply, albeit knocking the ball into the danger area, which was quickly cleared by the defence.
Frings and Lahm in particular were impressive, undertaking their roles as the holding midfielder and marauding full-back respectively in an impressive fashion. Their ability to fashion chances from most attacks makes them perhaps the most impressive team in the tournament, with a more varied style of play in comparison to Portugal’s wing based play on Saturday perhaps more suited to face any opposition. With only 6 goals in 4 games, this does look like becoming a defensive-based tournament, especially with the ‘Group of Death’ normally tight, entertainment may be scarce.
Germany 2 – 0 Poland FT
And two minutes in, their worst dreams were realised when they conceded a penalty after smart work by Modric in the corner to slip in Olic who was fouled by the experienced Rene Aufhauser, who set a new record time for a penalty being conceded. And the schemer of slight build confidently slotted the ball down the middle past ex-Sunderland keeper Jurgen Macho. The Croatians continued to dominate with intelligent movement and incisive passing patterns allowing them to work their way around Austria with ease. The co-hosts themselves were reduced to speculative shots from distance from the scraps of possession they were afforded in the opening match of Group B. Yet they missed good chance when Prodl headed wide from an Ivanschitz free-kick.
Fine work by Ivica Olic was rewarded by a free-kick after Pogatetz wrestled him to the ground, having already been booked for complained concerning the penalty decision, the big defender was on thin ice. The free-kick itself was unsuccessful. Corluka’s cross found its way to Petric, who sliced his shot, despite having time and space on his side, as Croatia searched for the killer goal. A swift counter attack almost brought a second after Pletikosa’s fine distribution, but the final through ball couldn’t find its way to the striker. At the other end Austria cut open the Croatia defence with a perfectly weighted ball from Ivanschitz but the cut-back from Harnik was cleared by Slaven Bilic’s side who gathered themselves in time. Their increasing use of width brought them back in the game as Croatia slowed the tempo as the first half grew to a close.
Austria were the better side in the opening minutes of the second half as Harnik twice cut back to dangerous areas, with the first dummied to no-one and the second read by none of his team mates as he opted for power. Yet their spell of possession could have been undone as Modric crossed and Olic almost stole in, resulting in corner. As Austria began to exert their influence on the game, Modric released some of their pressure by controlling, with allegedly a handball, and playing a fine ball out the left, which Olic controlled and took down the line, eventually drawing in a foul from Prodl who was booked.
But the co-hosts didn’t give up as Harnik whipped in a dangerous cross, which Pletikosa got a hand to and averted any danger. Then the substitute No.11 Korkmaz cut in past two Croatian players and won the free-kick. This was followed by a goal mouth scramble with a poor clearance resulting in Harnik firing over from distance. As time was running out, Vastic headed towards the goal, which was almost fumbled by Pletikosa, but luck was not on their side, as Ivanschitz shot, albeit straight at the keeper. Korkmaz then fired in a shot from distance, which swerved in from the left flank. Pletikosa did well to parry it away from the goal with players running in for any rebound.
While a spirited Austria side performed better than expected, similar to Switzerland yesterday, both sides did not win the points their efforts deserved, due to a lack of clinical finishing. The same could be said for Croatia, who did not finish the chances they created, as complacency appeared to creep into their game, allowing Austria back into the game.
In comparison to ITV’s sycophantic coverage of Ronaldo, the BBC was not as focussed on Croatia and their comprehensive defeat of England, mentioning it only 6 times, while a significant part of their analysis focussed on the lack of a clinical striker in the Croatian attack, i.e. Eduardo and the performance of Modric, naturally as both were of interest to Premiership fans.
Austria 0 – 1 Croatia FT
It was never mean to be a simple match between Germany and Poland without controversy. Naturally Polish newspaper Super Express decided to ask Leo Beenhakker to bring back the severed heads of Germany manager Joachim Low and Captain Michael Ballack, disgustingly invoking memories of WWII, while tensions continued to run high as seven German fans were arrested in Klagenfurt after minor clashes. Having never defeated Germany in football, Poland would have been forgiven for scarcely embracing controversy in what is their first appearance at the European Championships.
Błaszczykowski, a highly rated right winger was injured for the Euros, but the Polish still have some fine players, notably Smolarek, and even beat Portugal in qualifying. The Germans have clinical finishers, with Klose and the new star of the Bundesliga Mario Gomez, supported by Ballack and Frings. The defenses of both sides are their Achilles’ heel, with pace lacking in either centre-back pairing, but with Arsenal hero Jens Lehmann and Celtic’s Boruc in goal (Fabianski started from the bench) there are two assured presences in goal, both of which will be under scrutiny with shots from long-range using the new Europass ball.
In the first minute Poland worked a cross into the box, with Mertesacker clattering into Lehmann, who punched weakly but the rebound was blazed over the bar. Soon after, Ballack cut open the Polish defence and Klose who was free elected to pass to Gomez, who appeared to be in an off-side position, rather than shoot, with the result the ball rolling agonizingly past the post. Podolski then made a strong run and appeared to dive, while he later made incomplete contact with a Fritz cross and hit it into the ground.
As Germany eased into the game, Lahm drove forward twisting and turning his defender, he was judged to have been fouled to win a free-kick, which went out for a corner. The Polish born striker Podolski slotted home into an empty net from a slided pass across the goal from Klose who was cleverly played in by reported Arsenal target Mario Gomez. This time the team benefited from Klose’s unselfish play, who distanced himself from his reputation as a poacher through these patterns of play.
Lobodzinski then forced an opening through tricky dribbling and fired a low shot which Lehmann grabbed with ease. At the other end, Ballack reached a loose ball first and won a free-kick from a Krzynowek tackle. Poland started to exert their influence on the game with a number of blocked shots from distance, while a lucky bounce from a tackle allowed Poland to run down the right wing and cut back to Zurawski who fired wide. In a similar fashion Fritz cut back to Gomez who scuffed his shot wide as the defender committed himself in the tackle and slid.
The game became scrappier with number of lucky bounces allowing Germany to reduce the pressure on their defence, as Poland came more into the game. The high Polish line, given their lack of pace seemed a poor tactical decision, but with only a one goal deficit at half time, they were still in with a good chance to peg back Germany, who play a deep defensive line to protect the slow Mertesacker, having leaked goals consistently in the years before the 2006 World Cup.
Roger Guerreiro, a Brazilian only naturalised as a Pole in April, came on at half time and forced a corner running on from a through pass, from which Lehmann, who kept 16 clean sheets in his last 18 games, elected to punch. The substitute’s influence increased as he played a fine pass which forced a corner. The end product was still lacking from a Polish perspective.
As they appeared to be fading, the Germans reminded Europe why they were seen as favourites as Ballack shot after a brilliant passing move but Boruc was equally capable, tipping the ball over. Podolski, capped off a fine night in his new found ‘false’ left midfield role, by lashing in the ball past Boruc, after Klose miskicked and the ball jumped up favourably. Having effectively won the game, Hitzelsperger came on for Gomez to add further defensive solidity. Yet, Poland fashioned a rare chance and finally tested Lehmann, after Guerreiro flashed in a dangerous cross, headed at the near post by Saganowski, with the new Stuttgart signing saving sharply, albeit knocking the ball into the danger area, which was quickly cleared by the defence.
Frings and Lahm in particular were impressive, undertaking their roles as the holding midfielder and marauding full-back respectively in an impressive fashion. Their ability to fashion chances from most attacks makes them perhaps the most impressive team in the tournament, with a more varied style of play in comparison to Portugal’s wing based play on Saturday perhaps more suited to face any opposition. With only 6 goals in 4 games, this does look like becoming a defensive-based tournament, especially with the ‘Group of Death’ normally tight, entertainment may be scarce.
Germany 2 – 0 Poland FT
Euro 2008: Matchday One Round Up
After another unnecessary opening ceremony, which this time took place at the 42000 seater St. Jakob Park stadium, the hosts Switzerland took on the Czech Republic in the opening game, with an early mistake by the Czech allowing Alexander Frei to fire wide in the opening shot of the game.
The high tempo from both sides caused a few fouls such as Jankulovski knocking down Behrami with some danger for both defences. The Lazio winger Behrami certainly seemed eager to add to his suitors, having recently threatened to invoke the ‘Webster clause’, with some tricky dribbling and dangerous delivery, including a shot straight down the throat of Cech. With the Czechs eager to counter-attack and exploit the height of the 6ft 7.5 inch Jan Koller, the contrasting styles set up an intriguing contest, with a win in the first game creating a psychological boost.
A back-heeled pass by Frei to Inler allowed the defensive midfielder to drive forward and shoot, albeit straight the giant Cech, who had to be equally sharp when Frei turned his marker and got the shot away after a long ball and knock on beat the centre-backs too easily (21). A poor clearance by Arsenal’s Senderos created panic in the Swiss box, with the experienced Muller covering for his error-prone partner, stealing the ball away from Koller. The smart interplay between the technical Czech midfielders created various angles to play the high ball into the box to Koller.
When this appeared to break down, the Swiss broke forward quickly, with a rasping drive from Frei swerving, forcing Cech to punch, no doubt proof of the criticisms from various keepers of its disadvantage from a defensive perspective. While this may be the case, surely in terms of goals and entertainment there are only positives. In comparison to the number of long range goals in Germany 2006, we should expect a similar number proportionately in the rest of the tournament.
Switzerland suffered a huge blow on the stroke of half time, when star striker Frei appeared to jar his knee, causing doubts about the rest of his involvement in this tournament. The distraught Frei limped off, with the experienced Hakan Yakin, top scorer with 24 in the Swiss league replacing him. Having missed out in Euro 2004, after spitting at Steven Gerrard, injury struck this time, lowering already modest Swiss hopes reliant on their captain and inspiration Frei. One positive of BBC coverage was the lack of an update from the England camp, which at past tournaments shifted the focus from the match at hand. A negative was their ability to do the impossible: pair John Motson with an even more annoying Mark, whose most insightful piece of analysis was to sheepishly laugh at ‘Motty’ noticing ‘Platini scratching his chin’.
The lack of pace in the Czech attack helped Switzerland soak up any sustained pressure, with the whole side pressing and defending in numbers allowing the Czechs to pass amongst themselves but not build any dangerous attacking play. His set up suited Arsenal’s Senderos, who was rarely exposed with the team suiting his style of play. The substitute Yakin slotted in without much trouble, causing problems through his early touches, firing a free-kick narrowly over. The lack of movement from the all Koller caused Karel Bruckner to substitute the 54 goal striker for the more mobile Sverkos, who is equally capable aerially.
Libor Sionko won a free-kick, which the left-footed Jankulovski whipped in, with a number of the Czech players waiting at the far post, including the tricky Sionko. Immediately, the Swiss responded with fine interplay between Behrami and Lichtensteiner, with the resulting cross blazed over by Barnetta, who was marked closely throughout. In frustration, he clumsily tackled Plasil resulting in a free-kick, which Jankulovski curled over. Kobi Kuhn, recently at the centre of Swiss news concerning his ill wife, held his hands up in frustration as Hakan Yakin wasted a free header.
Sionko probed for any openings causing Senderos to clear after the former Ranger’s player slipped in a pass to the striker. Eventually, a simple headed ball back into the box beat the whole Swiss back four and Sverkos finished with his shin, with the keeper stranded. The Swiss responded with a scramble in the box eventually causing Vonlanthen to hit the bar when all that was required was to keep the shot low from the rebound after Cech saved well from Barnetta. In the dying seconds there was a large claim for handball, with Ujfalusi the offender but referee Roberto Rosetti waived away any claims.
Thus Czech Republic took the initial advantage in Group A, with Switzerland coach Kuhn set to come under further pressure from the media, with already the perception that given his age, perhaps he doesn’t have the drive needed to manage the host nation widespread.
Switzerland 0 – 1 Czech Republic FT
Having scored 42 goals, he set himself into Manchester United history winning both the league and the European Cup, yet Ronaldo fuelled intense speculation in the media, when declaring his dream to join Real Madrid, deciding to dismiss the love and admiration given to him. Another tricky winger Ricardo Quaresma, eternally in Ronaldo’s shadow also wants to win a move from Porto started from the bench.
With all the focus on the Portuguese winger, he is yet to set the big stage alight, having been outshone by Lionel Messi in the Champions League semi-final and having missed key penalties in the same run, there hasn’t been one memorable performance by the widely acknowledged world’s best player that comes to mind. Perhaps the great interest in this ‘saga’ influenced the questionable decision to appoint Gary Neville as an ITV pundit.
With the two sides meting in a more attractive encounter, there was one English presence in Colin Kazim-Richards obviously mentioned by ITV, with television outlets searching for any angle to attract larger audiences to their station. ‘It beats GCSE revision’ according to Clive Tyldsley, revealing their ‘chosen’ demographic, according to one forum member. With Turkey threatening on the counter, with a misunderstanding between Nihat and Tuncay broke down an attack, while Tuncay fell dramatically following another attack. Real Madrid defender Pepe headed the ball in the net from a corner but it was judged offside. Following this, a wonderful cross-field ball from Deco to Simao, who kept wide throughout, opened up the play, who delayed and a great block by Hamit Altintop stopped his cross. Simao then curled a deal ball over the bar, while his fellow wideman Ronaldo seemed sporadic in his involvement in influencing Portugal’s play, with his first dive 26 seconds in, followed by a misplaced pass, then he made a by fine dribble which then ended in a scuffed shot.
The end product of Portugal still appeared to be lacking as Ronaldo whipped in a brilliant free kick was stunningly saved by the Turkish keeper Demirel. Even Nuno Gomes’ predecessor Pauleta, their all-time top scorer, who surpassed the legendary Eusebio, never performed in the big tournaments, while the player himself seemed isolated from the midfield. Yet the poacher hit the post after the referee allowed the advantage with Simao feeling the full force of Besiktas’ Zan’s clumsy attempt at a clearance, who was rightly booked. Later Deco misjudged the weight of the pass needed for the final ball, after a fine Portugal attack, with the Euro 2004 finalists starting to turn the screw as Turkey were reduced to rare counter attacks.
A stunning goal from Pepe of Real Madrid stunned Turkey with fine interplay with Nuno Gomes and the Brazilian naturalised with the Euro 2004 hosts finished with aplomb. Once dismissed after a horrible debut for the Spanish champions in a 5-3 defeat to Sevilla, following an inflated €30 million transfer fee, Pepe grew into his role this year as Real retained the title. Gomes, anonymous in the first half, headed against the bar from a Ronaldo cross. While Portugal started to monopolise possession, Nihat still gave a reminder of his threat, intending to add to his successes with Villarreal this year, as he chased onto a ball from Altintop, but the powerful Pepe ran it out of play, while Ricardo snatched the high ball from Tuncay.
Asik headed wide late on, while Tuncay swung wildly at the ball in a great chance and missed his kick completely, adding to Turkey’s lack of attacking potency. As the game edged to a close, Nani was scythed down in a very poor challenge by Aurelio. Another beautiful goal killed off Turkey with a fine turn by Moutinho, once linked to Arsenal, and pass left a simple finish for Raul Meireles, who looked dangerous in his few minutes, although Ronaldo can be deemed lucky for not being penalised for a foul in the build up.
The only disappointment of the opening day was ITV’s obsession with Ronaldo, which bordered on the unhealthy, mentioning him so many times that an estimate of about 200 would not be exaggerating. It is clear to see that Portugal do not have the most potent attacking options in the tournament, despite what the excitable Clive Tyldesley may think. Their fine possession football may be aesthetically pleasing but their style doesn’t have the clinical finishing necessary to win the tournament, much like Arsenal in some aspects.
Portugal 2 – 0 Turkey FT
The high tempo from both sides caused a few fouls such as Jankulovski knocking down Behrami with some danger for both defences. The Lazio winger Behrami certainly seemed eager to add to his suitors, having recently threatened to invoke the ‘Webster clause’, with some tricky dribbling and dangerous delivery, including a shot straight down the throat of Cech. With the Czechs eager to counter-attack and exploit the height of the 6ft 7.5 inch Jan Koller, the contrasting styles set up an intriguing contest, with a win in the first game creating a psychological boost.
A back-heeled pass by Frei to Inler allowed the defensive midfielder to drive forward and shoot, albeit straight the giant Cech, who had to be equally sharp when Frei turned his marker and got the shot away after a long ball and knock on beat the centre-backs too easily (21). A poor clearance by Arsenal’s Senderos created panic in the Swiss box, with the experienced Muller covering for his error-prone partner, stealing the ball away from Koller. The smart interplay between the technical Czech midfielders created various angles to play the high ball into the box to Koller.
When this appeared to break down, the Swiss broke forward quickly, with a rasping drive from Frei swerving, forcing Cech to punch, no doubt proof of the criticisms from various keepers of its disadvantage from a defensive perspective. While this may be the case, surely in terms of goals and entertainment there are only positives. In comparison to the number of long range goals in Germany 2006, we should expect a similar number proportionately in the rest of the tournament.
Switzerland suffered a huge blow on the stroke of half time, when star striker Frei appeared to jar his knee, causing doubts about the rest of his involvement in this tournament. The distraught Frei limped off, with the experienced Hakan Yakin, top scorer with 24 in the Swiss league replacing him. Having missed out in Euro 2004, after spitting at Steven Gerrard, injury struck this time, lowering already modest Swiss hopes reliant on their captain and inspiration Frei. One positive of BBC coverage was the lack of an update from the England camp, which at past tournaments shifted the focus from the match at hand. A negative was their ability to do the impossible: pair John Motson with an even more annoying Mark, whose most insightful piece of analysis was to sheepishly laugh at ‘Motty’ noticing ‘Platini scratching his chin’.
The lack of pace in the Czech attack helped Switzerland soak up any sustained pressure, with the whole side pressing and defending in numbers allowing the Czechs to pass amongst themselves but not build any dangerous attacking play. His set up suited Arsenal’s Senderos, who was rarely exposed with the team suiting his style of play. The substitute Yakin slotted in without much trouble, causing problems through his early touches, firing a free-kick narrowly over. The lack of movement from the all Koller caused Karel Bruckner to substitute the 54 goal striker for the more mobile Sverkos, who is equally capable aerially.
Libor Sionko won a free-kick, which the left-footed Jankulovski whipped in, with a number of the Czech players waiting at the far post, including the tricky Sionko. Immediately, the Swiss responded with fine interplay between Behrami and Lichtensteiner, with the resulting cross blazed over by Barnetta, who was marked closely throughout. In frustration, he clumsily tackled Plasil resulting in a free-kick, which Jankulovski curled over. Kobi Kuhn, recently at the centre of Swiss news concerning his ill wife, held his hands up in frustration as Hakan Yakin wasted a free header.
Sionko probed for any openings causing Senderos to clear after the former Ranger’s player slipped in a pass to the striker. Eventually, a simple headed ball back into the box beat the whole Swiss back four and Sverkos finished with his shin, with the keeper stranded. The Swiss responded with a scramble in the box eventually causing Vonlanthen to hit the bar when all that was required was to keep the shot low from the rebound after Cech saved well from Barnetta. In the dying seconds there was a large claim for handball, with Ujfalusi the offender but referee Roberto Rosetti waived away any claims.
Thus Czech Republic took the initial advantage in Group A, with Switzerland coach Kuhn set to come under further pressure from the media, with already the perception that given his age, perhaps he doesn’t have the drive needed to manage the host nation widespread.
Switzerland 0 – 1 Czech Republic FT
Having scored 42 goals, he set himself into Manchester United history winning both the league and the European Cup, yet Ronaldo fuelled intense speculation in the media, when declaring his dream to join Real Madrid, deciding to dismiss the love and admiration given to him. Another tricky winger Ricardo Quaresma, eternally in Ronaldo’s shadow also wants to win a move from Porto started from the bench.
With all the focus on the Portuguese winger, he is yet to set the big stage alight, having been outshone by Lionel Messi in the Champions League semi-final and having missed key penalties in the same run, there hasn’t been one memorable performance by the widely acknowledged world’s best player that comes to mind. Perhaps the great interest in this ‘saga’ influenced the questionable decision to appoint Gary Neville as an ITV pundit.
With the two sides meting in a more attractive encounter, there was one English presence in Colin Kazim-Richards obviously mentioned by ITV, with television outlets searching for any angle to attract larger audiences to their station. ‘It beats GCSE revision’ according to Clive Tyldsley, revealing their ‘chosen’ demographic, according to one forum member. With Turkey threatening on the counter, with a misunderstanding between Nihat and Tuncay broke down an attack, while Tuncay fell dramatically following another attack. Real Madrid defender Pepe headed the ball in the net from a corner but it was judged offside. Following this, a wonderful cross-field ball from Deco to Simao, who kept wide throughout, opened up the play, who delayed and a great block by Hamit Altintop stopped his cross. Simao then curled a deal ball over the bar, while his fellow wideman Ronaldo seemed sporadic in his involvement in influencing Portugal’s play, with his first dive 26 seconds in, followed by a misplaced pass, then he made a by fine dribble which then ended in a scuffed shot.
The end product of Portugal still appeared to be lacking as Ronaldo whipped in a brilliant free kick was stunningly saved by the Turkish keeper Demirel. Even Nuno Gomes’ predecessor Pauleta, their all-time top scorer, who surpassed the legendary Eusebio, never performed in the big tournaments, while the player himself seemed isolated from the midfield. Yet the poacher hit the post after the referee allowed the advantage with Simao feeling the full force of Besiktas’ Zan’s clumsy attempt at a clearance, who was rightly booked. Later Deco misjudged the weight of the pass needed for the final ball, after a fine Portugal attack, with the Euro 2004 finalists starting to turn the screw as Turkey were reduced to rare counter attacks.
A stunning goal from Pepe of Real Madrid stunned Turkey with fine interplay with Nuno Gomes and the Brazilian naturalised with the Euro 2004 hosts finished with aplomb. Once dismissed after a horrible debut for the Spanish champions in a 5-3 defeat to Sevilla, following an inflated €30 million transfer fee, Pepe grew into his role this year as Real retained the title. Gomes, anonymous in the first half, headed against the bar from a Ronaldo cross. While Portugal started to monopolise possession, Nihat still gave a reminder of his threat, intending to add to his successes with Villarreal this year, as he chased onto a ball from Altintop, but the powerful Pepe ran it out of play, while Ricardo snatched the high ball from Tuncay.
Asik headed wide late on, while Tuncay swung wildly at the ball in a great chance and missed his kick completely, adding to Turkey’s lack of attacking potency. As the game edged to a close, Nani was scythed down in a very poor challenge by Aurelio. Another beautiful goal killed off Turkey with a fine turn by Moutinho, once linked to Arsenal, and pass left a simple finish for Raul Meireles, who looked dangerous in his few minutes, although Ronaldo can be deemed lucky for not being penalised for a foul in the build up.
The only disappointment of the opening day was ITV’s obsession with Ronaldo, which bordered on the unhealthy, mentioning him so many times that an estimate of about 200 would not be exaggerating. It is clear to see that Portugal do not have the most potent attacking options in the tournament, despite what the excitable Clive Tyldesley may think. Their fine possession football may be aesthetically pleasing but their style doesn’t have the clinical finishing necessary to win the tournament, much like Arsenal in some aspects.
Portugal 2 – 0 Turkey FT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
