Euro 2012 - Match Reviews
Can you imagine yourself taking a one month sabbatical to be at Polkraine - I mean, Poland and the Ukraine to be at European soccer's pinnacle? Europe is in recession but look at the crowd at the stadiums. In a tournament like this, all you need is to peak at the right time for six matches and you can be crowned champions!
Even if you have the money you may not have the time or vice versa. Ah! If only West and East can have a bit of each other.
The tournament for Euro 2012 has kicked off with little surprises. What was it like for the first matches for every team? How may they proceed from here?
Group A - Poland v Greece (1-1) My Prediction: 1-0.
We were expecting Greece to be ultra defensive but the Greeks were not and took the game to the host Poland. There was plenty of drama in this opener as Greece's Sokratis was unfortunate to be sent off for two yellows then Poland had their goalie sent off but the resultant penalty was saved by the replacement goalie. 1-1 was a fair result.
Group A - Russia v Czech (4-1) My Prediction: 2-1.
The Russians are the dark horse in this tournament as they tore apart the Czech Republic. 21 year old Russian Alan Dzagoev could be a star in the making. Some big clubs may be ready with their cheque books. They could go all the way.
Group B - Holland v Denmark (0-1) My Prediction: 2-1.
The Dutch came with big reputation having scored 37 goals in qualifications but their waves of attack came to nought against the competent Danes who created the first big upset leaving Oranje to mull over their wasted chances and a difficult journey ahead.
Group B - Germany v Portugal (1-0) My Prediction: 2-1.
It was typical for Germany to start off slowly. Even as the Germans dominated, Portugal was dangerous whenever they could attack. German goalie Neuer made a few important saves and Mario Gomez made the only difference with a great headed goal.
Group C - Spain v Italy (1-1) My Prediction: 1-0.
Everybody knew how Spain would play but the Italians were tight. The surprising things were Spain played without a striker and it was the Italians who drew first blood and it took Cesc Fabregas to score. When Torres came on late, he was probing and asking questions. Spain will need to do more if they were to defend their crown.
Group C - Ireland v Croatia (1-3) My Prediction: 1-1.
If the Russians were impressive, the Croatians were a close second. They were fast and skillful. Ireland had no answer to them. Croatia could be another surprise package.
Group D - France v England (1-1) My Prediction: 1-1.
Without many of their experienced and important players, a new manager appointed late in Roy Hodgson playing a settled French side unbeaten in 21 games, many expected the worse. A few things were learned about Hodgson and this England team - 18 year old Alex Oxlande Chamberlain started the game meaning Hodgson dare to make decisions. You could see the the English were well drilled and without the attacking option of Rooney against French possession, they displayed a defensive master-class and also took the lead. It may look ugly but they got the point.
Group D - Ukraine v Sweden (2-1) My Prediction 1-1.
The host Ukraine boosted by the home crowd attacked from the whistle. Old man Shevchenko who once starred for Milan but flopped at Chelsea got two well taken goals and Ukraine played above themselves for an important win. Not only do the Dutch and French have in fighting, it seems Ibramovic has problems with his team mates.
Group A - Greece v Czech (1-2) My Prediction: 1-1.
The Czechs got a lifeline and somewhat recovered with this win. They were two up with a very short time and nearly allowed the Greeks a comeback. Greece need to beat Russia in their next match to have any chance.
Group A - Poland v Russia (1-1) My Prediction: 1-2.
The old enemies cancelled each other out. Host Poland remained undefeated but winless. Russia need a win to ensure progress a the top team but a draw may be enough while the rest in the group have to win and Poland can't afford another draw and their last match against the Czechs is win or bust.
Group B - Denmark v Portugal (2-3) My Prediction: 2-2.
It was a surprisingly good game and all credit to Denmark coming back from 0-2 down back to 2-2 before unfortunately conceding a good goal by Varela who first mistimed his shot and hit a deadly one. The same cannot be said about goal machine and Europe's best footballer Ronaldo who has been misfiring. He does not seemed to bring his Real Madrid form to the international side.
Group B - Holland v Germany (1-2) My Prediction: 2-2.
A classic encounter and a great match. My original prediction was a 2-1 win for Germany but like everyone else, we knew the Dutch to be a hugely talented side. Having talents and stars are one thing but the more important one is teamwork and spirit. This is not golf or tennis, this is soccer. This is tragedy and disaster for the Oranje. They have to now beat Portugal by 2 goals in the last match and hope for the Germans to beat Denmark, a very tall order even for the best team. What shocked me was when Arje Robben, probably Europe's most selfish player when substituted walked out to the opposite of the pitch from where his bench was. I don't think anyone should be mistaken that he wanted to quicken up the substitute onto the pitch as if he were to do that, he could simply have ran off to make that traditional exchange with a touch of hands. That was insolence. Obnoxious. All the same, the Germans should confidently go on to the Final.
Group C - Italy v Croatia (1-1) My Prediction: 1-1.
I told you that the Italians are a team of pedigree. They looked stout in throughout and took the lead with an excellent free-kick goal goal from veteran midfielder Andreas Pirlo. The quality of that goal will take on an even greater significance if you understood that Croatia has the tallest squad in Euro 2012 with an average height of 6ft 1 ins. Credit to Croatia for the fight back. Mario Mandzukic scored again. Are EPL teams taking note?
Group C - Spain v Ireland (4-0) My Prediction: 2-0.
Yet again, the Irish conceded an early goal. They were then left chasing shadows the whole night. Torres is back with two clinically taken goals. Spain had 62% possession, taken 26 shots with 20 on target. That was occupational hazard for Irish keeper Shay Given. The Irish will be playing only for pride in their last match versus Italy. Meanwhile, Italy will be hoping for either a Spanish or Croatian win for them to qualify but they have to beat Ireland for if both drew they have superior goal difference. Italy is in the same situation as Poland - unbeaten but winless. Watching the 4-0 Spanish demolition job strongly suggested that it will take some team of greater power and ability to dislodge them.
Group D - Ukraine v France ( ) My Prediction: 1-2.
I saw Ukraine overcoming Sweden and they won't be easy meat for France and England. Ukraine can make things very interesting if they cause an upset or even with a draw.
Group D - Sweden v England ( ) My Prediction: 1-1.
England has not been the most impressive but if you look carefully they have been getting favourable results. Sweden's opening match loss actually favoured the English as they can't play for another draw but to go out to win. It is possible that England may win this one as Alex Oxlande Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young didn't looked too bad and can get better.
Even if you have the money you may not have the time or vice versa. Ah! If only West and East can have a bit of each other.
The tournament for Euro 2012 has kicked off with little surprises. What was it like for the first matches for every team? How may they proceed from here?
Group A - Poland v Greece (1-1) My Prediction: 1-0.
We were expecting Greece to be ultra defensive but the Greeks were not and took the game to the host Poland. There was plenty of drama in this opener as Greece's Sokratis was unfortunate to be sent off for two yellows then Poland had their goalie sent off but the resultant penalty was saved by the replacement goalie. 1-1 was a fair result.
Group A - Russia v Czech (4-1) My Prediction: 2-1.
The Russians are the dark horse in this tournament as they tore apart the Czech Republic. 21 year old Russian Alan Dzagoev could be a star in the making. Some big clubs may be ready with their cheque books. They could go all the way.
Group B - Holland v Denmark (0-1) My Prediction: 2-1.
The Dutch came with big reputation having scored 37 goals in qualifications but their waves of attack came to nought against the competent Danes who created the first big upset leaving Oranje to mull over their wasted chances and a difficult journey ahead.
Group B - Germany v Portugal (1-0) My Prediction: 2-1.
It was typical for Germany to start off slowly. Even as the Germans dominated, Portugal was dangerous whenever they could attack. German goalie Neuer made a few important saves and Mario Gomez made the only difference with a great headed goal.
Group C - Spain v Italy (1-1) My Prediction: 1-0.
Everybody knew how Spain would play but the Italians were tight. The surprising things were Spain played without a striker and it was the Italians who drew first blood and it took Cesc Fabregas to score. When Torres came on late, he was probing and asking questions. Spain will need to do more if they were to defend their crown.
Group C - Ireland v Croatia (1-3) My Prediction: 1-1.
If the Russians were impressive, the Croatians were a close second. They were fast and skillful. Ireland had no answer to them. Croatia could be another surprise package.
Group D - France v England (1-1) My Prediction: 1-1.
Without many of their experienced and important players, a new manager appointed late in Roy Hodgson playing a settled French side unbeaten in 21 games, many expected the worse. A few things were learned about Hodgson and this England team - 18 year old Alex Oxlande Chamberlain started the game meaning Hodgson dare to make decisions. You could see the the English were well drilled and without the attacking option of Rooney against French possession, they displayed a defensive master-class and also took the lead. It may look ugly but they got the point.
Group D - Ukraine v Sweden (2-1) My Prediction 1-1.
The host Ukraine boosted by the home crowd attacked from the whistle. Old man Shevchenko who once starred for Milan but flopped at Chelsea got two well taken goals and Ukraine played above themselves for an important win. Not only do the Dutch and French have in fighting, it seems Ibramovic has problems with his team mates.
Group A - Greece v Czech (1-2) My Prediction: 1-1.
The Czechs got a lifeline and somewhat recovered with this win. They were two up with a very short time and nearly allowed the Greeks a comeback. Greece need to beat Russia in their next match to have any chance.
Group A - Poland v Russia (1-1) My Prediction: 1-2.
The old enemies cancelled each other out. Host Poland remained undefeated but winless. Russia need a win to ensure progress a the top team but a draw may be enough while the rest in the group have to win and Poland can't afford another draw and their last match against the Czechs is win or bust.
Group B - Denmark v Portugal (2-3) My Prediction: 2-2.
It was a surprisingly good game and all credit to Denmark coming back from 0-2 down back to 2-2 before unfortunately conceding a good goal by Varela who first mistimed his shot and hit a deadly one. The same cannot be said about goal machine and Europe's best footballer Ronaldo who has been misfiring. He does not seemed to bring his Real Madrid form to the international side.
Group B - Holland v Germany (1-2) My Prediction: 2-2.
A classic encounter and a great match. My original prediction was a 2-1 win for Germany but like everyone else, we knew the Dutch to be a hugely talented side. Having talents and stars are one thing but the more important one is teamwork and spirit. This is not golf or tennis, this is soccer. This is tragedy and disaster for the Oranje. They have to now beat Portugal by 2 goals in the last match and hope for the Germans to beat Denmark, a very tall order even for the best team. What shocked me was when Arje Robben, probably Europe's most selfish player when substituted walked out to the opposite of the pitch from where his bench was. I don't think anyone should be mistaken that he wanted to quicken up the substitute onto the pitch as if he were to do that, he could simply have ran off to make that traditional exchange with a touch of hands. That was insolence. Obnoxious. All the same, the Germans should confidently go on to the Final.
Group C - Italy v Croatia (1-1) My Prediction: 1-1.
I told you that the Italians are a team of pedigree. They looked stout in throughout and took the lead with an excellent free-kick goal goal from veteran midfielder Andreas Pirlo. The quality of that goal will take on an even greater significance if you understood that Croatia has the tallest squad in Euro 2012 with an average height of 6ft 1 ins. Credit to Croatia for the fight back. Mario Mandzukic scored again. Are EPL teams taking note?
Group C - Spain v Ireland (4-0) My Prediction: 2-0.
Yet again, the Irish conceded an early goal. They were then left chasing shadows the whole night. Torres is back with two clinically taken goals. Spain had 62% possession, taken 26 shots with 20 on target. That was occupational hazard for Irish keeper Shay Given. The Irish will be playing only for pride in their last match versus Italy. Meanwhile, Italy will be hoping for either a Spanish or Croatian win for them to qualify but they have to beat Ireland for if both drew they have superior goal difference. Italy is in the same situation as Poland - unbeaten but winless. Watching the 4-0 Spanish demolition job strongly suggested that it will take some team of greater power and ability to dislodge them.
Group D - Ukraine v France ( ) My Prediction: 1-2.
I saw Ukraine overcoming Sweden and they won't be easy meat for France and England. Ukraine can make things very interesting if they cause an upset or even with a draw.
Group D - Sweden v England ( ) My Prediction: 1-1.
England has not been the most impressive but if you look carefully they have been getting favourable results. Sweden's opening match loss actually favoured the English as they can't play for another draw but to go out to win. It is possible that England may win this one as Alex Oxlande Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young didn't looked too bad and can get better.
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