It was a semifinal for both the romantics and the realist. Powerhouses Germany and Spain are both there along with the surprise packages of the tournament, Turkey and Russia respectively. While the Turks have been more than lucky still to be in the hunt, the same cannot be said of the Russians who took over the ownership of total football from its previous master, Holland.
Having seen the German teams disintegrate in the continental cup competitions, few would put their house on seeing the German advancing far in the Euro2008. Yet, once again their mental strength has prevailed. A mediocre team bar Ballack and maybe Lehman, the team spirit and superior tactics have lifted the team to this stage. On the basis of Turkey’s difficulty to even name a team for this match without trying to include some of their technical staff on the substitute bench; this should be a stroller for the Germans. The onus was on Germany to knock the second team of Turkey out of the competition. Yet the match itself threw the formbook right out of the window. The understrength Turks actually took the lead on the base of several enterprising forays into the German penalty box and kept Lehman busy throughout. Their ability to come back and equalized after the German took the lead was even more impressive. Alas it was not meant to be. They were sucker-punched at the end with a well-taken winner from Phillip Lahm. Brave till the end, Turkey deserved every applause that is thrown their way.
Hamit Altintop was a thorn for the Germans. Providing extra protection to his back four and dangerous when going forward as well. He packs a punch with his long-range shots from outside the box but just did not get it right in this match. He will be the man that Turkeys looks to build a new around, for World Cup qualification.
After the heroics against the mighty Dutch, Russia fell flat against a fascinating Spanish side. One would think that 20 or 30 odd minutes into the semifinal of a European Championship and the tournament’s top scorer and star striker, David Villa, limping off injured; this is surely Hiddink’s best chance to claim a final spot. No such problem for Spain. On came Cesc Fabregas, and the Russian defenders just could not cope. Playing with 5 across the midfield, 3 players were suddenly granted the license to roam and support Torres. In the end, Russia had no answer to the cleverness of Silva, Iniesta and Fabregas. Further prove to show that Xavi and Fabregas can indeed play in the same team, in part due to the latter’s versatility to adjust to an unaccustomed role of a roaming attacking midfielder.
For all the excitement produce during the 2 weeks of this championship, the finale itself was less than spectacular. Both sides virtually cancelling out each other in the midfield area, though it serve to highlight the wonderful efforts of Senna and Frings in the defensive part of the game. On the rare occasion of the miscommunication between Lahm and an advancing Lehman, Torres capitalized to nick in what was the only goal of the game. Lahm may be a foraging wing-back, but his general defensive awareness left much to be desired. Perhaps this is a reason why he is not coveted by top European sides other than those within the Bundesliga ranks. The German captain, Michael Ballack deserves special mention. This is a man unlucky enough to finish as bridesmaid in the World Cup, Champions League (twice) and now the European Championships. Tried as he might, his determination failed to filter through to the rest of his teammates. His pre-match injury might have hampered his movements but he did more than most to get something out of the match.
In the end, Spain broke their mould and emerged as champions of Europe. Finally a trophy to savour for the long-suffering Spanish fans. In a complete turnaround from the previous victors, this tournament and Spain in particular showed that playing an attractive brand of football is still the way to victory.
Friday, 25 July 2008
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Euro 2008 Review Part III
The quarterfinals served up a few intriguing encounters. First up is the steel of the Germans against the flair of Scolari’s Portugal. With the German defense as vulnerable as it is, Ronaldo was looked upon to provide to finishing gloss to take Portugal into the semis. However, once again so-called best player in the world disintegrated when faced upon bigger opposition. With him frozen up, Deco had to take up the mantle and he also failed. Yet again, Germany showed the mettle and fortitude in big tournaments. They were tactically sound, cutting off the supply from the wings and taking advantage of Portugal’s soft spot in the middle of defense. For men of their size, Carvalho and Pepe failed to properly deal with crosses into the box and was left exposed with two superb headers off freekicks from outside the box.
Croatia versus Turkey was a tactical battle from the word go. Neither side manufactured enough chances to grab the lead. It was a case of Tuncay and Altintop nullifying the threat of Modric and Srna from midfield. With the supply cut, Nihat and Olic were running themselves to the ground trying to create openings on their own. Neither man completed the entire game. Neither man came off unscathed. The final 5 minutes provided the most entertainment. Turkey equalized from virtually the last kick of the game to send the matchup into a penalty shootout. One can already sensed the disappointing from the Croatian camp in the run-up to the penalties. It was no wonder that Turkey triumph in the end although at a price of missing several key players for the semis due to suspension and injuries.
The Dutch faced the Dutch, well almost anyway. Hiddink’s Russia taking on Holland was an encounter to savour. Both sides played with attacking flair and controlled football. Crisp one touch football dominated this tie. In the end, wily Hiddink won this battle and had to reserve most of his gratitude to Arshavin. Even though most of the Russian played extremely well and should be commended for their effort, their number 10 stood out like a beacon. Tireless with his running, his forays left, right and center of the Dutch defense ran them ragged. They had no answer to his wonderful performance. It was also a case of Holland never showing up. Sneijder tried to hard to justify his stake on the world player of the year award. Attempting to shoot from all angles and all areas of the pitch showed his lack of trust to his fellow teammates. Van Basten’s tactic to stick Robin Van Persie out on the right flank was debatable. Van Persie’s contribution from that part of the field left much to be desired.
If ever Spain had any chance of overcoming their psychological barrier on getting knockout in the quarterfinals, then it is now, for they were up against a weary looking Italian side. Shorn of the talismanic Cannavaro and having entrusted the inexperience Donadoni as head coach, Italy never looked like the side that lifted the World Cup in Germany. Suspension to Pirlo mainly highlighted the fact that there is a lack of depth in the Italy squad. Tried as Aquilani did, he did not have the touch or class of Pirlo. Spain was relentless in their attacks and were really unlucky not to win in normal time. With Senna manning the defense, Xavi and Fabregas orchestrated play from deep. And if the two of them are marked out, Spain still had two other playmakers who can create havoc in Silva and Iniesta. Italy simply had no answer to the movement of the Spanish armada. Though the match lasted till the penalty kicks, there was ever only going to be one winner. Cassilas might be the hero of the hour but the match was well won by the midfield maetros.
Croatia versus Turkey was a tactical battle from the word go. Neither side manufactured enough chances to grab the lead. It was a case of Tuncay and Altintop nullifying the threat of Modric and Srna from midfield. With the supply cut, Nihat and Olic were running themselves to the ground trying to create openings on their own. Neither man completed the entire game. Neither man came off unscathed. The final 5 minutes provided the most entertainment. Turkey equalized from virtually the last kick of the game to send the matchup into a penalty shootout. One can already sensed the disappointing from the Croatian camp in the run-up to the penalties. It was no wonder that Turkey triumph in the end although at a price of missing several key players for the semis due to suspension and injuries.
The Dutch faced the Dutch, well almost anyway. Hiddink’s Russia taking on Holland was an encounter to savour. Both sides played with attacking flair and controlled football. Crisp one touch football dominated this tie. In the end, wily Hiddink won this battle and had to reserve most of his gratitude to Arshavin. Even though most of the Russian played extremely well and should be commended for their effort, their number 10 stood out like a beacon. Tireless with his running, his forays left, right and center of the Dutch defense ran them ragged. They had no answer to his wonderful performance. It was also a case of Holland never showing up. Sneijder tried to hard to justify his stake on the world player of the year award. Attempting to shoot from all angles and all areas of the pitch showed his lack of trust to his fellow teammates. Van Basten’s tactic to stick Robin Van Persie out on the right flank was debatable. Van Persie’s contribution from that part of the field left much to be desired.
If ever Spain had any chance of overcoming their psychological barrier on getting knockout in the quarterfinals, then it is now, for they were up against a weary looking Italian side. Shorn of the talismanic Cannavaro and having entrusted the inexperience Donadoni as head coach, Italy never looked like the side that lifted the World Cup in Germany. Suspension to Pirlo mainly highlighted the fact that there is a lack of depth in the Italy squad. Tried as Aquilani did, he did not have the touch or class of Pirlo. Spain was relentless in their attacks and were really unlucky not to win in normal time. With Senna manning the defense, Xavi and Fabregas orchestrated play from deep. And if the two of them are marked out, Spain still had two other playmakers who can create havoc in Silva and Iniesta. Italy simply had no answer to the movement of the Spanish armada. Though the match lasted till the penalty kicks, there was ever only going to be one winner. Cassilas might be the hero of the hour but the match was well won by the midfield maetros.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Euro 2008 Review Part II
Turkey, Croatia and Russia led a trio of nations embracing the beautiful game with positive plays. Each team had a star player who controlled and orchestrates the play. Arda Turan who plays his club football for Galatasary showed immense promise with skilful forays down the Turkish flanks. Nihat reaped benefit from his industrious display to cap a few goals for himself. Luca Modric who recently signed for the wrong side of North London showed glimpses of talent without actually taking the tournament by storm. Always articulate with the ball, he showed no fear to take on defenders. The absence of Eduardo hindered the wonderful passing game that Slaven Bilic had introduced.
Guus Hiddink must be leading a charmed life. There will be no country in the world that wouldn’t want him in their side. For the 3rd consecutive nation that he has led into a major tournament, he has managed to take them past the group stages. But with this Russian side, he not only took them further but also portrayed a brand of total football that is otherwise alien to Russia. In Arshavin, they have a genuine star who is comparable to Zidane in the way he practically drag them through the quarters.
This was to be the tournament that Portugal announced themselves to the footballing world. Ronaldo off the back of an unbelievable season was looking to add the European Championship to his metal tally for the year. Properly supported by Deco and Simao, Portugal ease through the group stage, qualifying with a game left to play. Germany and Italy did not have such luck but got through nonetheless. These two have the winning mentality that England will never have. They always triumph in adversity. With Ballack looking fit after only half a season out with injury, the Germans might not be solid at the back but the class that they have won them games.
Italians fared no better in their group. Missing the likes of Nesta and Cannavaro, the Italian defense lacked authority and stability at the back. As always, Pirlo looked like a touch of class. Every time he’s on the ball, the Italians looked dangerous. He sprays glorious passes all over the field with consummate ease. Luca Toni will look back on this tournament to reflect a very disappointing proceeding. Without a goal, he looked a shadow of his form in the Bundesliga.
Holland and Spain were by far the most impressive during the group stages and the only teams to have a 100% win record in the tournament. Their wins were typified by the quality of players that mind the engine room of both teams. The likes of Sneijder, Van Der Vaart, De Jong, Xavi, Silva and Iniesta are names that just roll off the tongue. The Dutch steamrolled over the much fancied France and Italy displaying total football albeit minus the wingers. And every time that the opposition thought they had enough to contend with on came substitutes with different threat. Robben and Van Persie both came off the bench with great effect. The same can be said of the Spanish with Fabregas and Corzola coming off the bench. The thing that strikes me is that these players can interchanged their roles and positions on the field which confused opposition. A midfield that is mobile and quick on the ball. That is the story of their success.
Guus Hiddink must be leading a charmed life. There will be no country in the world that wouldn’t want him in their side. For the 3rd consecutive nation that he has led into a major tournament, he has managed to take them past the group stages. But with this Russian side, he not only took them further but also portrayed a brand of total football that is otherwise alien to Russia. In Arshavin, they have a genuine star who is comparable to Zidane in the way he practically drag them through the quarters.
This was to be the tournament that Portugal announced themselves to the footballing world. Ronaldo off the back of an unbelievable season was looking to add the European Championship to his metal tally for the year. Properly supported by Deco and Simao, Portugal ease through the group stage, qualifying with a game left to play. Germany and Italy did not have such luck but got through nonetheless. These two have the winning mentality that England will never have. They always triumph in adversity. With Ballack looking fit after only half a season out with injury, the Germans might not be solid at the back but the class that they have won them games.
Italians fared no better in their group. Missing the likes of Nesta and Cannavaro, the Italian defense lacked authority and stability at the back. As always, Pirlo looked like a touch of class. Every time he’s on the ball, the Italians looked dangerous. He sprays glorious passes all over the field with consummate ease. Luca Toni will look back on this tournament to reflect a very disappointing proceeding. Without a goal, he looked a shadow of his form in the Bundesliga.
Holland and Spain were by far the most impressive during the group stages and the only teams to have a 100% win record in the tournament. Their wins were typified by the quality of players that mind the engine room of both teams. The likes of Sneijder, Van Der Vaart, De Jong, Xavi, Silva and Iniesta are names that just roll off the tongue. The Dutch steamrolled over the much fancied France and Italy displaying total football albeit minus the wingers. And every time that the opposition thought they had enough to contend with on came substitutes with different threat. Robben and Van Persie both came off the bench with great effect. The same can be said of the Spanish with Fabregas and Corzola coming off the bench. The thing that strikes me is that these players can interchanged their roles and positions on the field which confused opposition. A midfield that is mobile and quick on the ball. That is the story of their success.
Euro 2008 Review Part I
The recently concluded European Championship has been hailed a successful one due to the attacking stand that most teams seemed to adopt. Many teams employed good tactics with far more technical players than before. This will be a 4 part review of the tournament. First off, the group stages.
This could be the first championship that I can remember where none of the host nation got through the group stage. Switzerland performed poorly in all their matches and their quality was apparent when their star man, Alexander Frei had to hobble off within 20 minutes of the opening match with a hamstring injury. The defensive solidarity that the Swiss showed during Germany’06 was nowhere to be seen. Austria performed slightly better but eventually got knocked out as exuberance and panache means nothing in a sport where quality stands tall. The Germans and Croats can count themselves lucky that the Austrian lack a finisher of real quality.
As the reigning champion going into this tournament, Greece was by far the most defensive of teams. That they were never a force going forward is a fact that was never going to be doubted. Without a point and only a goal to show in the entire group stage was embarrassing. Romania held the much fancied Italians and French to stalemates but was not enough to advance to the quarterfinals. Their dependence on Mutu and Chivu was much too obvious. It was easy for opposing teams to crowd these two players and thus nullified any threat the Romanians thought they have. But time is on the Eastern European country as many of their players are relatively young and if kept together, they will surely pose a bigger threat in the coming tournaments.
Age was the dominating factor in the dismissal of France, Czech Republic and Sweden. With more than half of the team on the wrong side of 30, these three teams found the going tough as the matches comes thick and fast. Injuries to Vieira and Henry put paid to France’s demise. Yet these were calculated risk that Domenech took when he announced the squad. Flamini would have provided the impetus needed in the middle of the park. Movement from back to front was to slow and this helped the opposing to easily regroup whenever there is a counter attack. Czech’s failure also reads from the same problem although their ultimate failure stems from one of the younger and better players. Petr Cech already had a forgettable season culminating in another error that the Turks profited. At 35, Henrik Larsson would surely have played in his last tournament. The future does not look too bright for the Swedish team as Ibrahimovic looks to be the only world class player in their side.
continue in part II
This could be the first championship that I can remember where none of the host nation got through the group stage. Switzerland performed poorly in all their matches and their quality was apparent when their star man, Alexander Frei had to hobble off within 20 minutes of the opening match with a hamstring injury. The defensive solidarity that the Swiss showed during Germany’06 was nowhere to be seen. Austria performed slightly better but eventually got knocked out as exuberance and panache means nothing in a sport where quality stands tall. The Germans and Croats can count themselves lucky that the Austrian lack a finisher of real quality.
As the reigning champion going into this tournament, Greece was by far the most defensive of teams. That they were never a force going forward is a fact that was never going to be doubted. Without a point and only a goal to show in the entire group stage was embarrassing. Romania held the much fancied Italians and French to stalemates but was not enough to advance to the quarterfinals. Their dependence on Mutu and Chivu was much too obvious. It was easy for opposing teams to crowd these two players and thus nullified any threat the Romanians thought they have. But time is on the Eastern European country as many of their players are relatively young and if kept together, they will surely pose a bigger threat in the coming tournaments.
Age was the dominating factor in the dismissal of France, Czech Republic and Sweden. With more than half of the team on the wrong side of 30, these three teams found the going tough as the matches comes thick and fast. Injuries to Vieira and Henry put paid to France’s demise. Yet these were calculated risk that Domenech took when he announced the squad. Flamini would have provided the impetus needed in the middle of the park. Movement from back to front was to slow and this helped the opposing to easily regroup whenever there is a counter attack. Czech’s failure also reads from the same problem although their ultimate failure stems from one of the younger and better players. Petr Cech already had a forgettable season culminating in another error that the Turks profited. At 35, Henrik Larsson would surely have played in his last tournament. The future does not look too bright for the Swedish team as Ibrahimovic looks to be the only world class player in their side.
continue in part II
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