Jonny
07-06-08, 14:53 PM
This is the discussion thread for Euro 2008.
The tournament starts today with Switzerland Vs Czech Republic which could be a good opener.
I will edit this post with daily updates for the competition.
08 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic
Portugal 2-0 Turkey
Intresting Fact
Romania actually went through from a death group in 2000 (England and Germany were knocked out). Can they do it again with Holland, France and Italy in their group?
Review of Yesterday
More Ronaldo rumours passed around but the main focus was the results. Czech dissapointed me as they got dominated by the hosts and had an awfully lucky goal. Later in the day, Portugal came out with real style (as usual) and controlled the game from start to finish. Two great goals and all Turkey could do was dive. Woodwork was hit 3 times by the Portuguese.
Czech Key Men: Cech?
Switzerland Key Men: I was impressed with Magnin and Vonlanthen when he came on.
Portugal Key Men: Everyone? To single out the best probably Pepe, Moutinho and Ronaldo.
Today's Matches
Austria Vs Croatia (0-2)
Germany Vs Poland (2-0)
09 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Austria 0-1 Croatia
Germany 2-0 Poland
Intresting Fact
Since winning Euro 96, Germany had not managed to win one game or get one clean sheet until last night where they got both.
Review Of Yesterday
It seemed like the same day happened again. The hosts were beaten despite being the better team in a match with an apparent superior side also they conceded a lucky goal just as Switzerland did. Austria were very surprising though, 92nd in the world rankings but they dominated against the apparent far superior side Croatia (Ranked in the top 15).
Germany seemed to finally do well in Euro for the first time since '96. They didnt make Poland pay for three awful defensive mistakes in the first half though which could mean they werent all too great. They took the other chance though to make it 1-0 at the break. Poland seemed to fight back in the second half and looked like they were to score a couple of times but were unfortunate, they struck unfortunate again as Klose fluffed a chance from a defensive mistake only for Podolski to piledriver it home.
Austria Key Men: Proedl
Croatia Key Men: Modric
Germany Key Men: Lehmann, Podolski.
Poland Key Men: ???
Today's Matches
Romania Vs France (1-3)
Holland Vs Italy (2-1)
10 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Romania 0-0 France
Holland 3-0 Italy
Intresting Fact
Should a player come off the pitch with an injury without consulting he referee he is still 'Active' in the game and so counts as one man in the offside rule. This allows Van Nistelrooy's goal yesterday.
Review Of Yesterday
After two similar days, Euro 2008 burst to life with some unpredictable results. The Romania V France game seemed to be a small taster with a few good chances but it bored me to death. It was nothing in comparison to what would happen later.
Holland clearly came out with some confidence and despite many people going for the world champions, they came out and won. It seems unlikely that anyone would have predicted the margin though. Italy, in truth, didnt do much wrong and may have been punished unfairly against the Dutch. Some genius from Van Bronckhorst was key.
Romania Key Men: ???
France Key Men: ???
Holland Key Men: Van Bronckhorst, Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder.
Italy Key Men: Zambrotta, Toni.
Today's Matches
Spain Vs Russia (1-1)
Greece Vs Sweden (0-1)
11 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Spain 4-1 Russia
Greece 0-2 Sweden
Intresting Fact
....uhh....uhh....*cough*....World Class striker Miroslav Klose only managed 5 goals in qualifying.
Review Of Yesterday
EURO 2008 IS HERE!!! The thrilling 3-0 victory for Holland over Italy seems to have sparked a proper start to the competition. Spain came out to utterly thrash the Russians while Sweden ran rampage against the current Euro champions.
Spain did what I didnt expect them to do, they broke down Russia's defence very early. Scoring the first goal seemed to finish the game already, you had to feel Russia werent going to hold out now... and they didnt. Half-Time, 2-0. Spain came out for the second looking for even more and they got it, Villa secured is hattrick skillfully before Russia's consolation and hen Cesc Fabregas closed the show with a diving header.
Really the Greece-Sweden game didnt get started until the second half but from then on it was a real stunner. Greece started the half well getting a few decent chances and I was a bit shocked to see the Swedes not having a force to attack Greece. It came later on, after the hour mark it looked Sweden's game. After a few attacks, they finally scored with an amazing goal from Ibrahimovic and then soon after added to their lead with an awfully lucky goal with took about 5 deflections before going in.
Spain Key Men: Villa, Torres, Iniesta, Fabregas.
Russia Key Men: ???
Greece Key Men: Karagounis.
Sweden Key Men: Ibrahimovic, Isaksson.
Today's Matches
Portugal Vs Czech Republic (2-0)
Switzerland Vs Turkey (2-1)
12 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic
Switzerland 1-2 Turkey
Intresting Fact
Felipe Scolari (Future Chelsea Boss and Current Portugal Boss) was manager of the team that knocked England out of a major competition three times in a row. Brazil '02, Portugal '04, Portugal '06. All in the quarter final. Scolari clearly wont be able to achieve a fourth as England havent even made it to the competiton.
Review Of Yesterday
Two teams that could both go all the way in this competition separated by two goals while the underdogs of Group A fought it out in what can only be classed as a carnage match in torrential downpour.
First, Portugal Vs Czech Republic, this game started in Portugal's complete control. Deco scored early after a brave attempt of a save from Cech to possibly put Czech out of the match before the first ten minutes but it wasnt to be that way. Czech scored from a routine corner and started to have a few chances leading up to half time. The second half could of went either way but I was glad to see it go Portugal's way. Ronaldo drived in a great goal before setting up a simple tap-in for Quaresma.
Well later in the day it was absolutely crazy, Switzerland vs Turkey, the first twenty minutes were perfectly normal and Turkey seemed to have a clear advantage and then the rain came down. It only took a few minutes for a flood on the pitch but the game wasnt cancelled. Switzerland started to play better through the rain and they put in a cross which (helped by the rain) got them a simple goal. The pitch was dried and the rain stopped at half-time. Turkey came right back at Switzerland and scored a great header but they still took until the closing moments to bag their winner but what a winner, an amazing strike from Arda, possibly lucky after coming off the defender's heel but good nontheless. Switzerland out of the competition.
Portugal Key Men: Ronaldo, Deco, Ricardo.
Czech Key Men: Sionko.
Switzerland Key Men: Behrami.
Turkey Key Men: Semih, Volkan.
Today's Matches
Croatia Vs Germany (1-1)
Austria Vs Poland (0-1)
13 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Croatia 2-1 Germany
Austria 1-1 Poland
Intresting Fact
Cristiano Ronaldo would prefer the number "28" despite playing as 7 for both club and country.
Review Of Yesterday
This tournament gets better and better every day, Croatia surprise most (not me though) by beating the favourites while Austria clinch a point and could still get through. Portugal vs Austria sounds nice. :D
Well first, Germany Vs Croatia, this match could have easily been a Germany win, a draw or a huge Croatia win with chances missed left, right and centre. Both teams were fairly similar but both wasted chances.
Croatia were the better side in the first half and could have easily been 5-0 at the break with the chances they had, but only one was finished. Croatia were bright in the second half too and scored early into it with lucky goal which Lehmann shouldnt have created. Germany started to improve as the game went on and bagged a consolation goal but that was it.
Austria vs Poland. And odd draw really, somehow you felt the co-hosts deserved it but they didnt actually do much in the match. Not really much to say about this match as it was quite boring. A controversial goal and a controversial penalty.
Germany Key Men: Podolski.
Croatia Key Men : Olic.
Austria Key men: ???
Poland Key men: ???
Today's Matches
Romania Vs Italy (0-0)
France Vs Holland (0-2)
14th July 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Romania 1-1 Italy
France 1-4 Holland
Intresting Fact
The tournament has now been on for a week and this thread hasnt had one reply.
Review Of Yesterday
Just another day of shocks for many while the scores again dont shock me much. Romania hold out for a draw (and almost a win) while Holland demolish France to the samba tune.
Romania Vs Italy. Well I predicted Romania to hold for a draw but I didnt see a goal for them and I didntsee them throwing away that goal staright away neither did I see them winning a penalty. But it happened. Romania were much more attacking than in the France game and it almost payed off for them when they won the late penalty but it was saved by Buffon. They'll be happy with a point and they can still go through if they do better than lose 3-0 in their next game.
France V Holland. I dont know what people see in France, an awful team IMO. I've thought since 2004 so this result didnt surprise me. Holland are clearly one of the favourites for the competition now having thrashed other favourites and breezed through the group of death. Holland were the better side from start to finish and they really limited France's chances, Holland scored within the first ten and dazzled France in the first half. They did the same in the second, Van Persie scoring ten minutes into the second half. France did pull one back and it could of been the turning point but then Holland scored straight from the kickoff to make it 3-1. A late goal put the icing on the cake, what a match for Holland.
Italy Key Men: Buffon
Romania Key Men: Mutu
France Key Men: I never thougt I'd say this, Henry.
Holland Key Men: Generally everyone on the pitch for them. VDS, Robben and Kuyt were mainly impressive though.
Today's Matches
Sweden Vs Spain (2-2)
Greece Vs Russia (0-1)
15 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Sweden 1-2 Spain
Greece 0-1 Russia
No Intresting Facts Today.
Review of Yesterday
The group that created the best football from the first set of games was back, not so entertaining this time but two good matches were still played as Spain went through and Greece were knocked out.
Sweden Vs Spain. Spain clearly started the better side and a decent cross was converted into a goal by Torres. Sweden tried to find a way back into the game though and Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic slotte home for the Swedes. Even at half time. Sweden did what no time should do against Spain in the second half, defend. Spain posed every problem possible and Sweden just sat back to take the hits when really they should have tried to win it. Their tactics might of changed because of Ibrahimovic not appearing in the second half posisibly due to injury.
It still took Spain until stoppage time to score when David Villa finished superbly to score a classic goal.
Greece Vs Russia. Just one match in and most of the UK's reaction was get Greece out, they were bored of the defensive tactics they play. The champions were knocked out and were slightly unlucky as for once they tried to pressure the opposing team and Charisteas missed two easy chances. A controversial goal chalked off for the Greeks put them out of the competition.
Spain Key Men: Villa, Torres, Fabregas.
Sweden Key Men: Ibrahimovic.
Greece Key Men: ???
Russia Key Men: He missed a few chances but, Pavlyuchenko.
Today's Matches
Czech Rep Vs Turkey (1-1. Turkey to win on penalties.)
Portugal Vs Switzerland (2-0)
16th June 2008 - Matches moved to 7:30 GMT. Some days from now on might have only 1 match reviewed due to this.
Yesterday's Matches
Portugal 0-2 Swizterland
Turkey 3-2 Czech Rep.
Bold markes progression to Quarter Finals.
Intresting Fact.
The reason why matches are moved to 7:30, at the same time.
FOUND ON BBC.
After the 1978 'Miracle of Cordoba' (see 1836) came the 1982 World Cup shenanigans, a match I am also far too young to remember. Luckily, I know some old people, one of whom sent me this: "Both countries knew a 1-0 win for the Germans would be enough for both nations to advance to the next round at the expense of surprise package Algeria, who had played earlier in the day. Germany went up 1-0 after 10 minutes and from that point on neither team bothered to shoot and played the rest of the game in and around the centre-spot. The game in Spain was so controversial that since then, final group matches are now played at the same time to avoid future accusations."
Review Of Yesterday
Well both matches seemed to leave everything late and really both were drab and boring before the climax.
Portugal went into a match not needing anything to qualify, they were already through and had top of the group certified too. Switzerland didnt need anything either as they were already knocked out. So as you might think it wasnt either team's first side and it was awfully boring but then Portugal struck the post but there wasnt much else to see until late on when Yakin got the chance and took it well, Yakin then got to take the penalty that sealed the unneeded victory for them.
Another boring match until late was in the group, Cezch were 2 up thanks to Koller and Plasil but it was still boring. Turkey looked down and out and missed a header from two yards. The last fifteen showed promise though, Arda saved their butts again and Turkey had a great chance to stay in the competition again, a mistake from 'world class' keeper Petr Cech let Nihat in for an open goal before Nihat's extraordinary effort put the Turks into the next round. The drama continued after that as Turkish keeper Volkan was sent off for a push on big man Jan Koller and Turkey had used all of their subs, Tuncay Sanli was put in goal but luckily Czech got no more shots.
Switzerland Key Men: Yakin.
Portugal Key Men: Nani.
Turkey Key Men: Arda, Nihat.
Czech Key Men: Koller.
Today's Matches
Austria Vs Germany (2-1)
Croatia Vs Poland (1-0)
17 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Austria 0-1 Germany
Croatia 1-0 Poland
Bold marks progression to quarter finals.
Intresting Fact
Martin Skeleburg, the Dutch back-up keeper is deaf in one ear.
Review Of Yesterday
I didnt catch any of the Croatia game. So we dive into Austria Vs Germany.
Well not much of a surprise here then, Austria gave it a real good go and were evens with Germany at the opening moments but were pushed aside by Germany in the end. A decent free kick from Micheal Ballack dispatched the co-hosts out of the competition, both hosts out.
Germany Key Men: Ballack.
Austria Key Men: ???
Today's Matches
Holland Vs Romania (1-1)
Italy Vs France (0-0)
18 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Holland 2-0 Romania
Italy 2-0 France
Bold Marks progression to the quarter finals.
Intresting Fact
Cristiano Ronaldo is named after ex- US President Ronald Reagen. Ronaldo's full name is Cristiano Ronaldo Santos Aviero.
Review Of Yesterday
I watched the Holland-Romania game.
I will give a summary of the other game though but only based off highlights.
Holland Vs Romania, slighty boring to begin with but then Holland's second string turned on the class, fighting for a place in the team and some people warranted them. Romania never looked like a bother and off this match alone deserved to be knocked out. Van Persie (when he was brought on) and Huntelaar ripped the defence open and grabbed a goal each. Back up keeper Skelenburg who featured in yesterday's intresting fact made a few good decisions in goal.
France Vs Italy, Italy were very poor in my opinion but France were worse so Italy won. Neither deserved to go through and Romania probably should over them. Italy scored a penalty, the chance tahtw on it probably wont have been scored either judging on Toni's awful form, three must-score chances missed in this game. De Rossi rounded it off and Thierry 'Overrated' Henry missed a chance horrificly for France.
Holland Key Men: Huntelaar, Van Persie, maybe Skelenburg at a stretch.
Romania Key Men: ???
Italy Key Men: Pirlo.
France Key Men: WHAT!?
Today's Matches
Spain Vs Greece (2-0)
Sweden Vs Russia (2-1)
19 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Spain 2-1 Greece
Sweden 0-2 Russia
Bold markes progression to the quarter finals.
Intresting Fact
Crazy French manager Raymond Domenech is very intrested in astronomy and doesnt like players with the Scorpio star sign.
Review of Yesterday
I dont have a clue about the Spain match.
So here is the Russia Vs Sweden review, Sweden werent there were they?
They were hardly noticeable all match and Russia took great advantage.
Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko linked up fantasticly in attack and both grabbed a goal. Henrik Larsson should have stayed in retirement, he has cost Sweden.
Russia Key Men: Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko, Zyrianov.
Sweden Key Men: ???
Today's Match
Quarter Final : Portugal Vs Germany (2-0)
Predictions in brackets.
The tournament starts today with Switzerland Vs Czech Republic which could be a good opener.
I will edit this post with daily updates for the competition.
08 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic
Portugal 2-0 Turkey
Intresting Fact
Romania actually went through from a death group in 2000 (England and Germany were knocked out). Can they do it again with Holland, France and Italy in their group?
Review of Yesterday
More Ronaldo rumours passed around but the main focus was the results. Czech dissapointed me as they got dominated by the hosts and had an awfully lucky goal. Later in the day, Portugal came out with real style (as usual) and controlled the game from start to finish. Two great goals and all Turkey could do was dive. Woodwork was hit 3 times by the Portuguese.
Czech Key Men: Cech?
Switzerland Key Men: I was impressed with Magnin and Vonlanthen when he came on.
Portugal Key Men: Everyone? To single out the best probably Pepe, Moutinho and Ronaldo.
Today's Matches
Austria Vs Croatia (0-2)
Germany Vs Poland (2-0)
09 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Austria 0-1 Croatia
Germany 2-0 Poland
Intresting Fact
Since winning Euro 96, Germany had not managed to win one game or get one clean sheet until last night where they got both.
Review Of Yesterday
It seemed like the same day happened again. The hosts were beaten despite being the better team in a match with an apparent superior side also they conceded a lucky goal just as Switzerland did. Austria were very surprising though, 92nd in the world rankings but they dominated against the apparent far superior side Croatia (Ranked in the top 15).
Germany seemed to finally do well in Euro for the first time since '96. They didnt make Poland pay for three awful defensive mistakes in the first half though which could mean they werent all too great. They took the other chance though to make it 1-0 at the break. Poland seemed to fight back in the second half and looked like they were to score a couple of times but were unfortunate, they struck unfortunate again as Klose fluffed a chance from a defensive mistake only for Podolski to piledriver it home.
Austria Key Men: Proedl
Croatia Key Men: Modric
Germany Key Men: Lehmann, Podolski.
Poland Key Men: ???
Today's Matches
Romania Vs France (1-3)
Holland Vs Italy (2-1)
10 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Romania 0-0 France
Holland 3-0 Italy
Intresting Fact
Should a player come off the pitch with an injury without consulting he referee he is still 'Active' in the game and so counts as one man in the offside rule. This allows Van Nistelrooy's goal yesterday.
Review Of Yesterday
After two similar days, Euro 2008 burst to life with some unpredictable results. The Romania V France game seemed to be a small taster with a few good chances but it bored me to death. It was nothing in comparison to what would happen later.
Holland clearly came out with some confidence and despite many people going for the world champions, they came out and won. It seems unlikely that anyone would have predicted the margin though. Italy, in truth, didnt do much wrong and may have been punished unfairly against the Dutch. Some genius from Van Bronckhorst was key.
Romania Key Men: ???
France Key Men: ???
Holland Key Men: Van Bronckhorst, Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder.
Italy Key Men: Zambrotta, Toni.
Today's Matches
Spain Vs Russia (1-1)
Greece Vs Sweden (0-1)
11 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Spain 4-1 Russia
Greece 0-2 Sweden
Intresting Fact
....uhh....uhh....*cough*....World Class striker Miroslav Klose only managed 5 goals in qualifying.
Review Of Yesterday
EURO 2008 IS HERE!!! The thrilling 3-0 victory for Holland over Italy seems to have sparked a proper start to the competition. Spain came out to utterly thrash the Russians while Sweden ran rampage against the current Euro champions.
Spain did what I didnt expect them to do, they broke down Russia's defence very early. Scoring the first goal seemed to finish the game already, you had to feel Russia werent going to hold out now... and they didnt. Half-Time, 2-0. Spain came out for the second looking for even more and they got it, Villa secured is hattrick skillfully before Russia's consolation and hen Cesc Fabregas closed the show with a diving header.
Really the Greece-Sweden game didnt get started until the second half but from then on it was a real stunner. Greece started the half well getting a few decent chances and I was a bit shocked to see the Swedes not having a force to attack Greece. It came later on, after the hour mark it looked Sweden's game. After a few attacks, they finally scored with an amazing goal from Ibrahimovic and then soon after added to their lead with an awfully lucky goal with took about 5 deflections before going in.
Spain Key Men: Villa, Torres, Iniesta, Fabregas.
Russia Key Men: ???
Greece Key Men: Karagounis.
Sweden Key Men: Ibrahimovic, Isaksson.
Today's Matches
Portugal Vs Czech Republic (2-0)
Switzerland Vs Turkey (2-1)
12 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic
Switzerland 1-2 Turkey
Intresting Fact
Felipe Scolari (Future Chelsea Boss and Current Portugal Boss) was manager of the team that knocked England out of a major competition three times in a row. Brazil '02, Portugal '04, Portugal '06. All in the quarter final. Scolari clearly wont be able to achieve a fourth as England havent even made it to the competiton.
Review Of Yesterday
Two teams that could both go all the way in this competition separated by two goals while the underdogs of Group A fought it out in what can only be classed as a carnage match in torrential downpour.
First, Portugal Vs Czech Republic, this game started in Portugal's complete control. Deco scored early after a brave attempt of a save from Cech to possibly put Czech out of the match before the first ten minutes but it wasnt to be that way. Czech scored from a routine corner and started to have a few chances leading up to half time. The second half could of went either way but I was glad to see it go Portugal's way. Ronaldo drived in a great goal before setting up a simple tap-in for Quaresma.
Well later in the day it was absolutely crazy, Switzerland vs Turkey, the first twenty minutes were perfectly normal and Turkey seemed to have a clear advantage and then the rain came down. It only took a few minutes for a flood on the pitch but the game wasnt cancelled. Switzerland started to play better through the rain and they put in a cross which (helped by the rain) got them a simple goal. The pitch was dried and the rain stopped at half-time. Turkey came right back at Switzerland and scored a great header but they still took until the closing moments to bag their winner but what a winner, an amazing strike from Arda, possibly lucky after coming off the defender's heel but good nontheless. Switzerland out of the competition.
Portugal Key Men: Ronaldo, Deco, Ricardo.
Czech Key Men: Sionko.
Switzerland Key Men: Behrami.
Turkey Key Men: Semih, Volkan.
Today's Matches
Croatia Vs Germany (1-1)
Austria Vs Poland (0-1)
13 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Croatia 2-1 Germany
Austria 1-1 Poland
Intresting Fact
Cristiano Ronaldo would prefer the number "28" despite playing as 7 for both club and country.
Review Of Yesterday
This tournament gets better and better every day, Croatia surprise most (not me though) by beating the favourites while Austria clinch a point and could still get through. Portugal vs Austria sounds nice. :D
Well first, Germany Vs Croatia, this match could have easily been a Germany win, a draw or a huge Croatia win with chances missed left, right and centre. Both teams were fairly similar but both wasted chances.
Croatia were the better side in the first half and could have easily been 5-0 at the break with the chances they had, but only one was finished. Croatia were bright in the second half too and scored early into it with lucky goal which Lehmann shouldnt have created. Germany started to improve as the game went on and bagged a consolation goal but that was it.
Austria vs Poland. And odd draw really, somehow you felt the co-hosts deserved it but they didnt actually do much in the match. Not really much to say about this match as it was quite boring. A controversial goal and a controversial penalty.
Germany Key Men: Podolski.
Croatia Key Men : Olic.
Austria Key men: ???
Poland Key men: ???
Today's Matches
Romania Vs Italy (0-0)
France Vs Holland (0-2)
14th July 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Romania 1-1 Italy
France 1-4 Holland
Intresting Fact
The tournament has now been on for a week and this thread hasnt had one reply.
Review Of Yesterday
Just another day of shocks for many while the scores again dont shock me much. Romania hold out for a draw (and almost a win) while Holland demolish France to the samba tune.
Romania Vs Italy. Well I predicted Romania to hold for a draw but I didnt see a goal for them and I didntsee them throwing away that goal staright away neither did I see them winning a penalty. But it happened. Romania were much more attacking than in the France game and it almost payed off for them when they won the late penalty but it was saved by Buffon. They'll be happy with a point and they can still go through if they do better than lose 3-0 in their next game.
France V Holland. I dont know what people see in France, an awful team IMO. I've thought since 2004 so this result didnt surprise me. Holland are clearly one of the favourites for the competition now having thrashed other favourites and breezed through the group of death. Holland were the better side from start to finish and they really limited France's chances, Holland scored within the first ten and dazzled France in the first half. They did the same in the second, Van Persie scoring ten minutes into the second half. France did pull one back and it could of been the turning point but then Holland scored straight from the kickoff to make it 3-1. A late goal put the icing on the cake, what a match for Holland.
Italy Key Men: Buffon
Romania Key Men: Mutu
France Key Men: I never thougt I'd say this, Henry.
Holland Key Men: Generally everyone on the pitch for them. VDS, Robben and Kuyt were mainly impressive though.
Today's Matches
Sweden Vs Spain (2-2)
Greece Vs Russia (0-1)
15 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Sweden 1-2 Spain
Greece 0-1 Russia
No Intresting Facts Today.
Review of Yesterday
The group that created the best football from the first set of games was back, not so entertaining this time but two good matches were still played as Spain went through and Greece were knocked out.
Sweden Vs Spain. Spain clearly started the better side and a decent cross was converted into a goal by Torres. Sweden tried to find a way back into the game though and Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic slotte home for the Swedes. Even at half time. Sweden did what no time should do against Spain in the second half, defend. Spain posed every problem possible and Sweden just sat back to take the hits when really they should have tried to win it. Their tactics might of changed because of Ibrahimovic not appearing in the second half posisibly due to injury.
It still took Spain until stoppage time to score when David Villa finished superbly to score a classic goal.
Greece Vs Russia. Just one match in and most of the UK's reaction was get Greece out, they were bored of the defensive tactics they play. The champions were knocked out and were slightly unlucky as for once they tried to pressure the opposing team and Charisteas missed two easy chances. A controversial goal chalked off for the Greeks put them out of the competition.
Spain Key Men: Villa, Torres, Fabregas.
Sweden Key Men: Ibrahimovic.
Greece Key Men: ???
Russia Key Men: He missed a few chances but, Pavlyuchenko.
Today's Matches
Czech Rep Vs Turkey (1-1. Turkey to win on penalties.)
Portugal Vs Switzerland (2-0)
16th June 2008 - Matches moved to 7:30 GMT. Some days from now on might have only 1 match reviewed due to this.
Yesterday's Matches
Portugal 0-2 Swizterland
Turkey 3-2 Czech Rep.
Bold markes progression to Quarter Finals.
Intresting Fact.
The reason why matches are moved to 7:30, at the same time.
FOUND ON BBC.
After the 1978 'Miracle of Cordoba' (see 1836) came the 1982 World Cup shenanigans, a match I am also far too young to remember. Luckily, I know some old people, one of whom sent me this: "Both countries knew a 1-0 win for the Germans would be enough for both nations to advance to the next round at the expense of surprise package Algeria, who had played earlier in the day. Germany went up 1-0 after 10 minutes and from that point on neither team bothered to shoot and played the rest of the game in and around the centre-spot. The game in Spain was so controversial that since then, final group matches are now played at the same time to avoid future accusations."
Review Of Yesterday
Well both matches seemed to leave everything late and really both were drab and boring before the climax.
Portugal went into a match not needing anything to qualify, they were already through and had top of the group certified too. Switzerland didnt need anything either as they were already knocked out. So as you might think it wasnt either team's first side and it was awfully boring but then Portugal struck the post but there wasnt much else to see until late on when Yakin got the chance and took it well, Yakin then got to take the penalty that sealed the unneeded victory for them.
Another boring match until late was in the group, Cezch were 2 up thanks to Koller and Plasil but it was still boring. Turkey looked down and out and missed a header from two yards. The last fifteen showed promise though, Arda saved their butts again and Turkey had a great chance to stay in the competition again, a mistake from 'world class' keeper Petr Cech let Nihat in for an open goal before Nihat's extraordinary effort put the Turks into the next round. The drama continued after that as Turkish keeper Volkan was sent off for a push on big man Jan Koller and Turkey had used all of their subs, Tuncay Sanli was put in goal but luckily Czech got no more shots.
Switzerland Key Men: Yakin.
Portugal Key Men: Nani.
Turkey Key Men: Arda, Nihat.
Czech Key Men: Koller.
Today's Matches
Austria Vs Germany (2-1)
Croatia Vs Poland (1-0)
17 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Austria 0-1 Germany
Croatia 1-0 Poland
Bold marks progression to quarter finals.
Intresting Fact
Martin Skeleburg, the Dutch back-up keeper is deaf in one ear.
Review Of Yesterday
I didnt catch any of the Croatia game. So we dive into Austria Vs Germany.
Well not much of a surprise here then, Austria gave it a real good go and were evens with Germany at the opening moments but were pushed aside by Germany in the end. A decent free kick from Micheal Ballack dispatched the co-hosts out of the competition, both hosts out.
Germany Key Men: Ballack.
Austria Key Men: ???
Today's Matches
Holland Vs Romania (1-1)
Italy Vs France (0-0)
18 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Holland 2-0 Romania
Italy 2-0 France
Bold Marks progression to the quarter finals.
Intresting Fact
Cristiano Ronaldo is named after ex- US President Ronald Reagen. Ronaldo's full name is Cristiano Ronaldo Santos Aviero.
Review Of Yesterday
I watched the Holland-Romania game.
I will give a summary of the other game though but only based off highlights.
Holland Vs Romania, slighty boring to begin with but then Holland's second string turned on the class, fighting for a place in the team and some people warranted them. Romania never looked like a bother and off this match alone deserved to be knocked out. Van Persie (when he was brought on) and Huntelaar ripped the defence open and grabbed a goal each. Back up keeper Skelenburg who featured in yesterday's intresting fact made a few good decisions in goal.
France Vs Italy, Italy were very poor in my opinion but France were worse so Italy won. Neither deserved to go through and Romania probably should over them. Italy scored a penalty, the chance tahtw on it probably wont have been scored either judging on Toni's awful form, three must-score chances missed in this game. De Rossi rounded it off and Thierry 'Overrated' Henry missed a chance horrificly for France.
Holland Key Men: Huntelaar, Van Persie, maybe Skelenburg at a stretch.
Romania Key Men: ???
Italy Key Men: Pirlo.
France Key Men: WHAT!?
Today's Matches
Spain Vs Greece (2-0)
Sweden Vs Russia (2-1)
19 June 2008
Yesterday's Matches
Spain 2-1 Greece
Sweden 0-2 Russia
Bold markes progression to the quarter finals.
Intresting Fact
Crazy French manager Raymond Domenech is very intrested in astronomy and doesnt like players with the Scorpio star sign.
Review of Yesterday
I dont have a clue about the Spain match.
So here is the Russia Vs Sweden review, Sweden werent there were they?
They were hardly noticeable all match and Russia took great advantage.
Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko linked up fantasticly in attack and both grabbed a goal. Henrik Larsson should have stayed in retirement, he has cost Sweden.
Russia Key Men: Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko, Zyrianov.
Sweden Key Men: ???
Today's Match
Quarter Final : Portugal Vs Germany (2-0)
Predictions in brackets.