Euro 2012 Day 8 - The Second Set of Games

Group A:

After Russia opening game win, I had expected them to also coast past Poland, but the hosts had enough support from the home crowd to escape with a draw. Poland started off strong but it was Russia who took the lead, thanks to Dzagoev’s header from Arshavin’s set-piece. These two men have definitely been the leading lights for Russia as they look to book their place in the final 8. But Poland equaliser came via a brutal finish from their captain Blaszcykowski that almost ripped the net apart. From there on, both teams had good chances to win the game but the winner never came and ended 1-1. In the other game between the Czechs and Greece, Czech Republic won 2-1. The Czechs went off to a flyer by taking a 2-0 lead early on in the first half and then Greece pulled one back thanks the Petr Cech blunder but the equaliser from them never came.

Group B:

First off, was the game between Denmark and Portugal, this game turned out to be a very entertaining game. As Portugal got off to a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Pepe and Helder Postiga. But the Danes pulled one back before half time and near the end of the game (around the 80^th min) equalised, all thanks to a brace from their most renowned striker Bendtner. But Portugal managed to come away with the much needed win after substitute Varela scored late. They could have won a lot easier, but again their Mega-Star Cristiano Ronaldo did not have his scoring boots from Real. He like Messi has not given their best performances for their country when called upon. Portugal will be hoping that Ronaldo does show his true class in their final crunch game against the Dutch to help them progress.

dThe most anticipated game of the whole group stages of this competition, between Germany and Netherlands turne out to be a nervy game in the end. There doubts at the start of the game whether Gomez will be picked to start ahead of the veteran Klose as Klose has always his credentials in a German shirt. But Mario Gomez on the back of his winner against Portugal, he was eventually picked and he repaid the manager’s faith in style. He had confidence flowing out of him as he struck a brilliant first half brace, thanks to the genius passing of Schweinsteiger and Ozil was brilliant in the game as he was influential in most of his side’s attacks. The Dutch also had a hard decision to make on which striker to start, Van Versie or Klaus-Jan Huntelaar, but they opted to stick with Van Persie. It was Van Persie who clawed a goal back for the Dutch with 17 minutes to go, but that was after wasting a few more chances. The Germans hung on to a 2-1 victory as the Dutch dominated the final period in search of an equaliser.

It looks like Germany will undeniably top this group as expected, but the race for second place in on in the final day for the rest of the teams.

Group C:

Italy vs Croatia, I thought at the start of this game it would turn out to be a close fought victory for Italy. It was definitely looking that way at half time with Italy taking the lead through the curling free kick by the rejuvenated Pirlo. Pirlo has really stepped it up this tournament in controlling the games for Italy, as he did against Spain in their opener. Croatia didn’t realy look like they would score in the first half, but when they came out for the second half, Croatia looked a different team with Modric being a lot more influential. This pressure resulted in them equalising on the counter, and to no surprise it ended a draw, as the game didn’t really producing enough clear-cut chances.

Ireland vs Spain is the David vs Goliath battle of this group, with the powerhouse of Spain expected to completely dominate the game, especially in midfield where they were expected to play with the ‘false nine’ again. But the Spaniards, opted to play Fernando Torres instead of Fabregas. They were rewarded instantly with a powerful finish into the top of the net three minutes into the game by the misfiring striker.  Then after the break David Silva showed some mesmerising skills to make it 2-0 and then Torres again found the back of the net. Torres was later substituted for Fabregas and again Fabregas showed his attacking threat by blasting home a fourth goal to add to Ireland’s misery.

Spain should finish on top of this group and depending on the Croatia vs Spain game, either Croatia or Italy will be the second team to qualify, assuming Italy dismantle Ireland.

Group D:

Ukraine and France’s game was delayed an hour due to fierce thunderstorms but when they came back out, France controlled the game completely. It was only until in the 53^rd minute that France took the lead thanks to Menez, who had earlier missed some good opportunities to score. Less than four minutes France were in again through Cabaye from a Benzema pass. The star of this game had to be Benzema for leading the line well and contributing to two assists. France are starting to click with all their attacking threats and it will spell danger for the rest of the competition.

In the other game it was a do or die game for Sweden, while England didn’t necessarily have to win but would be in trouble if they didn’t. The first half was quite drab, but the opportunity that ENgalnd had craved for so long finally arrived and again it was provided by captain fantastic Steven Gerrard. From literally the same position he created Lescott’s goal, the skipper put in another inviting cross and this time it was his Liverpool teammate who took advantage. Andy Carroll got between the defenders and rose majestically to power his header into the bottom comer. What way to reward Roy for putting faith in him and starting him, after a lot criticism from the English fans and media on the inclusion of Carroll in the squad. But soon after the second half the Lions lost their lead through some bad defensive if work and worse was to come as more poor defending cost them dearly as Sweden took the lead. As soon as England were losing Hodgson threw Walcott for Milner and it turned out to be a master-stroke. Because three minutes later, Walcott fired home from the edge of the box after a poor clearance from a Gerrard corner. And soon enough England took the lead again as they countered with Walcott going by the by-line, he pulled a cross back to the near post where amazingly enough Welbeck back-heeled it in.

With that, Sweden crash out of the tournament, and England and France on top of their group. England look like they may answer their critics wrong for the first time in a major trophy, but they will have to get both aspects of their game(attack and defence) correct to do that. But they are surely heading down the right track.