Euro 2012 - Group Stage, Last Matches


Group A - Greece v Russia (1-0)

The Great Greek Bailout! If only they could do the same for their economy. They came as minnows but they edged out favourites Russia in an amazing show of defiance. Russia will be leaving  disappointed for they have shown great hope. The Russians are now left with rebuilding for the World Cup. The Greeks showed us that life's battles and victories do not always go the strong and swift. They were tough as nails and they scored! Now Germany awaits them. Interesting to see if the Germans could break them down. 

Group A - Poland v Czech (0-1)

Who would have expected the Czechs to bounce back the way they did after that crushing 1-4 defeat by Russia? Poland did everything and threw their all to try to wrestle a win over the Czechs but to no avail. The Czechs topped their group and will now face Portugal in the quarters.

Group B - Denmark v Germany (1-2) 

Germany has not defeated Denmark for 16 years and has rewritten a new record. Their 100% through qualification is now extended as they won all their games in group B. An improbable upset by Greece awaits. They are looking like Champions! Only maybe Spain could stand in the way?

Group B - Holland v Portugal (1-2)

The Dutch swept aside all opponents during qualification scoring 37 goals. Here they only scored 2 in 3 matches and conceded 5! Before the tourney, I have mentioned that their weakness was in defence and the other was in-fighting. It proved to be true. Coach van Marwijk was an attacking winger during his playing days but his approach for the Oranje was a defensive one with two holding midfielders to kill the opposition. The switch to an attacking one came too late. When Rafael van Der Vaart scored a beauty early on, it looked like they could win by 2 goals especially when Germany led Denmark 1-0.

But to chase for a 2 goal win against a quality team like Portugal is a tall order for any team even with Huntellar and van Persie together. Then Denmark equalised and Portugal too. Ronaldo put the final nail in the coffin when he added a second winning goal such that the German victory has no bearing for the Dutch. What now the Netherlands? Theirs was the greatest disaster among all teams as they came as one of the favourites! 

Group C - Spain v Croatia - My Prediction: 1-1.

Croatia spanked Ireland 3-1 in swashbuckling style then came back to hold Italy. Spain were held by the Italians and whipped Ireland 4-0. This will be both Spain's and Croatia's stiffest test yet. Sparks may fly from the aristocrats of soccer. It may be a close 1-0 win by Spain or a 1-1 draw.

Group C -  Italy v Ireland - My Prediction: 2-0.

Irish eyes are smiling that is because they are the Paris Hilton of the Euro 2012, they are there for the party! They must be the worst performing team saving Holland the blushes unless they spring a surprise over the Italians.

Group D - Ukraine v England - My Prediction: 0-2.
What a thriller versus Sweden. That made in Liverpool goal was something to gloat about. Gerrard's wicked cross saw Andy Carroll leaping like a salmon and pounding the unstoppable bullet header into goal. A glorious start and England controlled the proceedings but conceding two easy goals saw England on the back foot till Hodgson made that master class substitution for Theo Walcott who equalised with a long shot before making a darting run past eh Swedish defence before a low cross which saw Welbeck improvised with a turning back heel for the winner.
Before you England fans got carried away, this was only Sweden but credit to Roy Hodgson for some gutsy decisions and gelling an organised team who played for one another in a very short time. With Rooney back from suspension what should England do? Both Carroll and Welbeck scored and Carroll was a constant thorn to the Swedes. Welbeck wasn't outstanding except for that goal. Walcott gave them pace and created space but may be hamstrung. The one who didn't do as well was Ashley Young. Should Rooney come in and break up that successful partnership or left to rue his mistake of his suspension? I say do not change a winning team. Let Rooney replace Young on the left, a role he performed well for Sir Alex and Man Utd. If Walcott is not available put Young on the right to whip in those crosses that Carroll thrive on. Walcott makes for more of an impact player as a substitute when the opponents are tired.
The Ukraine will need to win this one and have to attack which may leave gaps for quick counters. This is why England will catch them.

Group D - France v Sweden - My Prediction: 1-1.


For all the attacking abilities the French possess, they lack the finishing. Karim Benzema to score now? The Swedes will be playing for pride. Whoever (France or England) tops the group will meet Italy or Croatia and avoids Spain in the semis but will run smack into Germany. 


It is getting more interesting now but we are the land of the walking dead - zombies! We ought to be watching from 3pm not 3am. 

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