Groups A and B left fans of football with a bitter taste after a couple of dull matches. The excitement would not come until the group of death with the Italy vs. Holland match. Finally, the Euro had some entertaining football!
Both hosts countries Austria and Switzerland played well with a lot of heart, but in football it takes more than that. Austria suffers a great blow to their team as their captain will not be able to play the rest of the Euro. A shame because he was their best player. I find it hard for any of these two countries to advance to the next round. The Czech Republic and Croatia, teams with exceptional football did what they had to do win but did not shine as much as everyone would have liked. Maybe in the next matches we will be able to see more of a competitive edge from both these teams.
Portugal has played along with Holland the best football so far in the Euro. Portugal has proved that they are more than just Cristiano Ronaldo and 10 other players. If not look who scored their two goals. The second half was just an exhibition of their individual qualities but team strength as well. So you can put them as favorites to win. Turkey even though they managed to keep Ronaldo somewhat quiet through out the game showed many weaknesses in the back. This new generation has a lot of work to do.
Germany like always show why they are part of the football hegemony. Thier history and strenght were just too much for Poland. Germany did not play in a spectacular fashion but prove that in the attack they are always consistant. Podolski born in Poland, left Poland on thier knees as they saw one of their own, clock two in the back of their net. Germany like always are the favorites to win it. On the other hand, Poland has a lot to learn as the newbies in the Euro. Slim chances of advancing.
The Group of death has turned out to be just that and has given the biggest surprises so far in the Euro. France was a complete dud against a solid Romania in the defense. It is most likely that France underestimated this team but the poor display in the attack leaves much to be desired. The French through out the game must have been wishing that the magician Zizou where there to give them at least one brilliant play for goal. Still, despite the blank draw I would not count out France. Lets not forget what they did in the last world cup. Romania should not be over looked, it would be a mistake to do so. During the elimination they only lost one game, so they are a threat to the other teams as well.
The biggest shock would have to be that of the Azurri’s humiliating defeat. From start to finish it was a complete disaster for the Italians where the Dutch dominated and played that total football that they are famous for. What happened to the philosphy of the Italian defense? Who knows because in that match they broke just about every rule in the Italian defense doctrine. If the french were missing Zidane well the Italians were desperatley missing their captain. Cannavaro could only watch from the bench as Holland did whatever they wanted to the Italian back line. Donadoni really got it all wrong in this match, Del Piero should have started and Materazzi should have never played this game. Even though the ref was just as bad, he made the right call on Van Nistelrooy’s goal which was ligit even though it did look like an offside postition. Holland stayed true to thier philosophy and tradition and played just about the perfect match. Holland definetly is placed up there as the ones to beat. Italy can still pass to the next round, but it will be difficult.
Spain have started in the right path with a convincing victory against Russia. Villa with his three goals have given his country some hope that it is possible. However, this victory should not be overblown and praised. There are still many games to play and nothing has been secured. The match showed Spain’s weakness and strengths. Overall, the team did well in the attacking aspect but the defense still leaves many doubts. When Russia decided to go up and attack the defense left too many spaces, a greater rival would have punished them. Anyway, Spain is on the right foot and everything should be taken one step at a time. My advice, forget that the match ever happened and look forward. For Russia I expected much more. A very young team that Guus Hiddink is still figuring out. They have great potential but this will not be their year.
Greece the current champ has fallen. To think that Greece would be able to defend and re win their title is impossible. They were the Cinderalla team last Euro but they are no more of a surptise in this one. They did not play bad but they were in front of a great team that is made up of grand individual talent. One in particular was Ibrahimovic who brought some magic into the game with a stunning goal to shut down the Greek defense and strategy. The best goal so far, truly a work of art. Sweden deserved to win, they wanted it more and fought for those three points. Greece will have to fight harder if they want to advance and defend thier title.
So Far:
Best team: Holland
Best goal: Zlatan’s
Best player: David Villa ( 3 goals after all)
Just a couple of days ago I had praised Holland for their fantastic football but the Russians proved against Holland that they too play amazing football. Even so that they out played Holland with exquisite performances from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin. The two biggest revelations of this Euro and it is no surprise that some of the biggest European clubs are after these two. Yet, the team as a whole has been absolutely impressive. Against Holland, it was the Russians that looked more like the clock work orange than Holland itself. This is a far cry from the Russians side we encountered against Spain, where they lost 4-1.
