England v/s France : July 11,2012
Spain v/s Italy : July 10, 2012
Germany v/s Portugal : July 09, 2012
I had huge expectations from this one but the over defensive performance from both sides ruined it for me. It was surprising to see the English shut down shop after just one goal. I was afraid this would happen after Roy Hodgson was appointed as he is primarily, a defense-minded person. The French too were no better, except the last 10' when they increased the pressure on England.
The first 15' min of the game were real shocking for me, it seemed that both sides did not want to progress at all. The ball kept dwindling near the center. Both the goals were individual masterpieces (Steven Gerrard freekick :D). But even then, someone needs to tell the players that these games are not friendlies.
One thing I liked about the English side (besides inclusion of Liverpool players) was that unlike the Dutch, they didn't rely on the star players and played as a team for most of the time. Special mention for the Ox, great competitive debut. The French too have picked up their game (after the 2010 World Cup) and I feel they too are cup-challengers this year.
Expecting better from both teams and hoping both qualify .....
The first 15' min of the game were real shocking for me, it seemed that both sides did not want to progress at all. The ball kept dwindling near the center. Both the goals were individual masterpieces (Steven Gerrard freekick :D). But even then, someone needs to tell the players that these games are not friendlies.
One thing I liked about the English side (besides inclusion of Liverpool players) was that unlike the Dutch, they didn't rely on the star players and played as a team for most of the time. Special mention for the Ox, great competitive debut. The French too have picked up their game (after the 2010 World Cup) and I feel they too are cup-challengers this year.
Expecting better from both teams and hoping both qualify .....
Spain v/s Italy : July 10, 2012
This is the game which marked the beginning of EURO for me. It was super exciting and thrilling as both the teams were at each other's throats from point one.
Due to their performances post the 2006 World Cup, I had started considering Italy as a down trodden team. However, I was more than happy to see them play with vigour and competitiveness. All credits to the new manager for infusing fresh spirit into the Azzurri.
Throughout the game (except the last 15') both teams were equal in possession and equal in attacks. Counter Attacking was common and a pleasure to watch. Both the managers took great risk by using uncommon formations which made it fun to watch the gameplay unfold. Coming to the Spanish armada, I felt they really missed a striker .... you may have fantastic attacking midfielders (Fabregas) but at the end of the day they are not really forward players. This is the real reason why the spanish team couldn't convert their chances into goals. Fernando Torres is still not ready and still reeling under confidence.
The best game in the tournament till now ...... But it ain't over yet.
Due to their performances post the 2006 World Cup, I had started considering Italy as a down trodden team. However, I was more than happy to see them play with vigour and competitiveness. All credits to the new manager for infusing fresh spirit into the Azzurri.
Throughout the game (except the last 15') both teams were equal in possession and equal in attacks. Counter Attacking was common and a pleasure to watch. Both the managers took great risk by using uncommon formations which made it fun to watch the gameplay unfold. Coming to the Spanish armada, I felt they really missed a striker .... you may have fantastic attacking midfielders (Fabregas) but at the end of the day they are not really forward players. This is the real reason why the spanish team couldn't convert their chances into goals. Fernando Torres is still not ready and still reeling under confidence.
The best game in the tournament till now ...... But it ain't over yet.
Germany v/s Portugal : July 09, 2012
I had huge expectations from the group of death games, but like the Netherlands v/s Denmark game, this game also turned out to be a dull one. Before I proceed, lemme tell you that I am a German fan, so all my reviews may be a little biased and over-critical.
Germany were the highest scoring team in both the Qualifiers and the 2010 World Cup but sorry to say, I did not feel that the same team was playing this game. The players looked fatigued and under motivated. However, one thing is commendable ..... the German defense. It was strict and the back-four maintained their line throughout the match. The Germans need to take forward their formula of cautious+critical and use it to score more goals.
The problem with Portugal is ...umm .... Christiano Ronaldo. The whole team seems to be built around him and he himself seems helpless and frustrated. Special mention to Coentrao though, he was great.
Overall, an average game with a result I cherish.
Netherlands v/s Denmark : July 09, 2012
The game reminded me of the champions league semi final between Barcelona and Chelsea. Similar to that game, Netherlands did all the hard work while Denmark took the result away. However one big difference between the Dutch and Barcelona was the lack of teamwork. While Barcelona excites and entertains us with their passing, Netherlands just failed when the ball reached the final third. Everyone in the Dutch team was seeking personal glory and that is what the Danish took advantage of. All the strikers (and attacking midfielders) in the Dutch team, simply played solo.
I am not taking away any credits from Denmark, cause they were good too. In the last 15', they understood that scoring again would be difficult and so they focused on defense. After this match, I think it would be very difficult for the Dutch as this match was the easiest of the lot. However, anything can happen .... lets keep enjoying :D
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