Euro 2008 Match Reports

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Group Stages

Switzerland 0 - 1 Czech Republic

(Sverkos 70)

The Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland went down fighting in the opening match of the tournament, losing by a solitary goal to the 2004 semi-finalists Czech Republic in the Group A game at St Jakob Park in Basel on Saturday afternoon.
Substitute Vaclav Sverkos’ late goal proved to be the winner for the Czechs who, were second-best during the game compared to the spirited hosts.
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech made some important saves to carry his side to a perfect start, as he repeatedly foiled all attempts by the Swiss, who lost their best player of the first half - Alexander Frei - just before half-time to a serious knee injury.
The Czech team managed to muster another a clear chance which went begging for Karel Bruckner’s side when giant striker Jan Koller failed to get his head onto a cross from Jaroslav Plasil from the left flank.
Kuhn in an effort to induce more cutting edge an attack into the side, sent on Johan Vonlanthen in the 75th minute taking off defender Stephan Lichtsteiner and going with just 3 men in defence.
The hosts were unlucky not to have equalised in the 80th minute when a fierce low shot by Tranquillo Barnetta was parried only as far as Vonlanthen, who then struck the frame of the goal with the rebound. In a frantic finale, Switzerland nearly snatched a late equaliser when Derdiyok sent a header just over the cross bar, and to make matter worse for the host nation referee Roberto Rosetti disregarded protests from Swiss team over a handball in the closing seconds.
All in all Switzerland had the chances to get something from this game but failed to do so and let an average Czech performance beat them in the opening game in front of thousands of eager fans. The one thing they can take from the game is that they never gave up and in doing so showed real resilience in game that really in all honesty could have gone either way.

Portugal 2 - 0 Turkey

(Pepe 61, Meireles 90)

Turkey were taught a lesson in how to play flowing attack minded football in what turned out to be a game which could have easily have ended with Turkey losing to at least a 4 goal deficit with the 2004’s semi finalist striking the woodwork on a number of occasions and having a goal disallowed.

Portugal were firing on all cylinders with the Turks struggling to cope with the fast paced technical football played by the Portugal players. The first goal was scored by Pepe albeit with a touch of luck as his shot clipped the leg of a Turkish defender which made the ball chip nicely over the helpless Turkish goal keep Volkan.

The game carried on As It has started with the Portuguese dominating possession and creating chances with the Turks on the other hand not putting a lot of pressure on the opposing defence and it was only a matter of time before Portugal scored another.
The second goal came at a time when the game was already decided in the dieing seconds of injury to give the tie a suitable score line when considering the way in which the Portuguese dominated the play throughout with Meireles scoring off a rebound following a Portuguese counter-attack that caught the Turks flat-footed.

Turkey were outclassed on the night from an impressive Portuguese side that in my eyes could go all the way this time with such a talented youthful squad. Turkey on the other hand need to rebuild and recuperate after a poor first match and they need a victory to have any chance of qualification over host Switzerland in their next game.

Austria 0 - 1 Croatia

(Modric 4(pen))

This game began with a penalty awarded to Croatia within the first 3 minutes which prompted thoughts of a cricket score line but to the contrary Austria show real resilience in trying to come back from a game that was thought by many as out of their reach.

Austria made a game of it and didn’t allow Croatia to play their game and although not creating too much in terms of goal threat managed to contain the Croats who most bizarrely deteriorated as the game progressed.

The game wasn’t one for the neutral to enjoy as their wasn’t too much action and flair through out the game but the one thing the Austrians can take form the game is that they didn’t give up and in actual fact played well even though they faced a Croatia side who are a lot more gifted in comparison and are seen by many as dark horses to win the tournament.

Germany 2 - 0 Poland

(Podolski 20, 72)

This game was marred by controversy as a Polish national newspaper had doctored pictures printed within in it showing Polish head coach Leo Beenhakker holding the severed heads of German Coach Joachim Lowe and Captain Michael Ballack.

The game stared with a buzz and both teams were trying their upmost to create chances but the first fell to Lukasz Podolski who took it with ease to take the Germans into a slender lead.

The polish fought back, but the Class of the German midfield pair Ballack and Frings really took a hold of the game and made sure Germany didn’t let things slip and in the 72nd minute Germany doubled their lead with another goal from the Polish born Podolski which he again didn’t celebrate.

After that there was only one outcome and that was Germany winning the game comfortably which they duly went on to do with Podolski picking up the man of the match award for his 2 goal display against his country of birth.

Romania 0 - 0 France

Before the game I could only really see one outcome and that was France winning comfortably but the Romanians proved my wrong a ground out a goalless draw with the world cup finalists of 2006.

The game wasn’t one for the neutral as there were very few clear cut opportunities for either team except for a first half header that went over the bar from Anelka who is not known for his heading ability.

The game did start to pick up in the second half but again there were no real chances mustered by either team and with half an hour still left to go it seemed the game was inevitably going to finish as a nil-nil draw.

From a Romanian perspective they set out to exactly what happened and that was to frustrate France and keep 11 men behind the ball as much as possible. France were poor all game and never looked like they were going to penetrate the well drilled Romanian defence who to be honest never looked a threat going forward either.

All in all the game was dire and certainly not a game to remember so I think im going to leave it at that.

Netherlands 3 - 0 Italy

(Van Nistelrooy 26, Sneijder 31, Van Bronckhorst 79)

This game was expected to be the best out of all the games that have taken place this tournament and it didn’t disappoint as within minutes the game was being played at a blistering pace with Holland looking the stronger more fluid team this eventually paid off in the 26th minute when thanks to a slightly dodgy offside decision Van Nistelrooy beat the offside trap to tap home a goal that should never have stood.

Holland never looked back after that as they upped the tempo once more causing the Aging Italian team to look shaky without their talisman Cannavaro holding the team together. The next goal was to be one of the best team goals I have seen at a European championship, it started with a Pirlo corner which was cleared off the line by Van Bronckhorst who then played it out to Sniejder who looked up to see van Bronckhorst making a 80 yard dash toward the opposing goal, Sneijder duly played a perfectly weighted ball into Van Bronckhorst who in turn played a brilliant cross field pass to Kuyt who headed it back across goal which was met by a sublime finish from Sniejder looped it over the outstretched Buffon into the top right hand corner. The goal completely knocked the stuffing out of Italy who after that new their chances of coming back were slim.

Italy did make a surge toward the end but with the Italians pouring forward it was inevitable that they were going to leave gaps at the back which the Dutch could take advantage of and in the 80th minute Van Bronckhorst did just that capitalising on the Italians lack defensive cover after a brilliant save from Van Der Sar he then played it out to Van Persie who played in Kuyt who’s first effort rebounded off a defender but he then had the ability to head it back across to Van Bronkhorst who slotted home the winner.
The game was a brilliant spectacle and a reminder to us all that not all international football is cagey and negative as proved by the marauding Dutch team who in actual fact made a mockery out of the reigning world champions.

Spain 4 - 1 Russia

(Villa 20, 44, 75, Fabregas 90) (Pavlyuchenko 86)

The game started at a blistering pace with Russia and Spain both going for it, but in the first 10-15 minutes it was Russia who was putting the most amount of pressure on the Spanish defence but shortly after a nice bit of interplay between the front two resulted in a goal for the Spaniards scored by David Villa.

The next attack came from the Russians and within minutes after Spain’s they hit the frame of Casillas’s goal at the other end. The game continued as it had started, at a blistering pace and on the stroke of half time Spain’s little hitman struck a again with a goal of real quality as he timed his run perfectly latching on to a flawlessly weighted pass from Iniesta to slot home between the legs of an outstretched Akinfeev.

The third came in the 75th minute and was the third goal on the night scored by an outstanding David Villa and he took it superbly well again coolly slotting the ball past the Russian keeper after evading the challenge of the oncoming Russian defender. After this goal the game was dead and buried in terms of the Russians getting back into but there was still more action as in the 86TH Pavluchenko scored a conciliation goal but to make matters worse Spain finished off the drubbing with a fourth from their substitute Cesc Fabregas in the 90th minute with a diving header.

This game will really send shivers down the spine of Spain’s next opponents Greece who were beaten easily by an average Sweden team and to be honest I think Sweden will be looking forward to playing the Russians after their performance last night.

Greece 0 - 2 Sweden

(Ibrahimovic 67, Hansson 73)

The game started well enough with Sweden having the greater possession, but as the game progressed Greece’s tactics allowed the game to slow down and become dare I say it, boring. But then in the 67th minute a piece of individual brilliance lit up the whole stadium as Zlatan Ibrahimovic let rip from outside the area with the ball nearly bursting the net, leaving Greece’s highly experienced goal keeper Nikopolidis with no chance.

The game carried on in as it had began, a sorry spectacle for the football purist but to add a bit of humour to the game the Greeks hap hazard defending landed them in hot water when Sweden’s Hansson bundled the ball between Nikopolidis’s legs after the Greek defence were in all kinds of trouble trying to clear the ball from inside their own penalty area.

All in all this was certainly not a game for the neutral with the only highlight being Ibrahimovic’s wonder strike. Sweden will be very happy with the result, on the other hand I think the reigning champions should be omitted from the tournament for such boring, negative and uninspiring football that was so bad I could barely watch.

Czech Republic 1 - 3 Portugal

(Sionko 17) (Deco 8, Ronaldo 63, Quaresma 90)

The game started at a blistering pace with it taking just 8 minutes for Cristiano Ronaldo to open up the Czech defence by playing a one two with Gomes and shooting, Cech was able to save the effort but it rebounded to Deco who slotted home at the second attempt. It took just 10 minutes for the Czechs to get themselves back into the game as winger Sionko exposed Portugal’s inability to deal with high balls into the box by scoring with his head from a corner.

For a while after that it looked as though the game had turned into a duel between Ronaldo and Cech as the Portuguese winger was shooting from all angles with Cech being equal to each effort.

Into the second half and Portugal were lucky to escape when Ujfalusi just missed with a header grazing the post ad then as so often happens Portugal went up the other end and made it 2-1 with Ronaldo this time placing the ball past Cech just inside the penalty area. After that the Czechs once again had a chance to go level but again they came up short with Baros going agonisingly close with a headed effort. The game then drifted into added time without too much happening when Portugal received a free kick which deco took quickly a passed to Ronaldo who unselfishly laid it off to Quaresma who rolled the ball into the back of the net, and that was the end of the game for The Czechs with Portugal booking their place in the next round.

Switzerland 1 - 2 Turkey

(Yakin 32) (Senturk 57, Turan 90+2)

The game kicked off with rain hammering down onto the pitch which within roughly 10 minutes looked like the game was looking as though it should be called off with players running with the ball and the ball just stopping, and passes not travelling along the pitch but the match continued but as a result the football was not flowing to say the least.

Half an hour had past in the match when the Swiss fashioned a chance with Derdiyok making it past his man and laying a ball off into the area toward Hakan Yakin who thanks to the terrible pitch managed to slot it home past Demirel who had no chance as the ball stopped to halt perfectly in front of the Swiss midfielder.

Until half time play continued but very little happened in terms of opportunities as the pitch was so water logged the ball barely travelled.

After half time the rain died down plus the pitch had been treated by the groundsman which helped considerable as the Turks got into their stride and took on the Swiss after Terim switched the tactics round and came out with a more attack minded formation which paid dividends in the 57th minutes as Senturk pulled one back for the Turks which sent the Turkish fans into raptures which then transcended down to the team who carried on pushing the Swiss up until the last minute where they pulled off a great escape and saved their European campaign by scoring in stoppage time with a deflected shot from midfielder Arda Turan which sent the hosts crashing out of the tournament.

Croatia 2 - 1 Germany

(Srna 24, Olic 62) (Podolski 78)

This was to be the decider as to whom would win group B and it was the Croats who came out on top with a memorable 2-1 win in Klagenfurt. It was to be a game in which the tournament favourites were outclassed by a Croatia team led by the creativity of Luka Modric. The game started well enough for the Germans with them having a decent amount off possession but it was Croatia stunned the Germans by fashioning the first chance on goal which Srna slid in to score. The Croats then dominated for a period in which Kranjcar had to great chances to double their lead but he missed both. Ballack did test the Croatian goal with a 30 yard blast of the ball but Pletikosa was equal to it.

Croatia went into half time with a deserved half time lead, and started the second half in the same vain as the first putting pressure on the German defence and it was not long till they struck a second albeit with a slice of luck as a long range effort form Rakitic took a slight deflection which caught Lehman off guard and all he could do to stop it was parry it onto the post were it rebounded off straight into the path of Olic who calmly placed the ball into the unguarded net.

The Germans then went on the offensive themselves managing a few half chances then Podolski pounced on Ballacks knock down to smash his low effort past Pletikosa. The Germans tried their hardest to pull another on back but in trying to do so, lost their discipline as Bastien Schweinsteiger received a red card for pushing Leko over who made a real meal of the incident. After that the game was won by an impervious Croatia side that look to by dark horses for winning the championship.

Austria 1 - 1 Poland

(Vastic 90+2(pen)) (Guerreiro 30)

This was never going to be an epic battle of flair and beautiful football but what it did conjure up was a lot of controversy. The first half hour was all Austria as they went all out trying to prove to their supporters that they deserve their place in the tournament which is what many a Austrian fan doest believe they had a few good chances to get into the lead but were not decisive enough in front of goal to make them count.

Then on the half hour marked Poland’s Brazil Born playmaker Guerrero rained down a hammer blow on the Austrian team by scoring a goal that should clearly have been disallowed as Guerrero was in an offside position when the first shot was struck.

The game didn’t offer little more for the fans as it looked like one goal lead was going to be defended by the Polish but then in the last minute English referee Howard Webb gave a penalty when Lewandowski tugged Sebastian Prodl’s shirt in the penalty area. 38 year old Austrian veteran striker Vastic lashed the ball into the net making him the oldest ever goal scorer in the tournaments history by a staggering 4 years and also claimed a valuable point for the hosts and gave the country of Austria finally something to cheer about.

Italy 1 - 1 Romania

(Panucci 56) (Mutu 55)

The game was, to be fair to both teams probably the worst game of the tournament as the Romanians set up to frustrate the French with a defensive 4-5-1 formation which didn’t help the flow of the game and what also didn’t help the French was their lack of confidence going into this tournament which was clear for all to see as their was little creative spark within the team which although was full of stars couldn’t break down the stubborn Romanian back line.

The best chance of the half fell to Anelka who headed over form six yards which is understandable as he has never been known for his heading ability. Both teams went in at half time needing to come out with different tactics and ideas if either team wanted to win the game. The second half wasn’t any better than the first with both teams again not creating much in terms of clear cut chances and carried on in that vein with the game ending nil nil as neither team wanted to go that extra length to win the game.

Netherlands 4 - 1 France

(Kuyt 9, Van Persie 59, Robben 72, Sneijder 90+2) (Henry 30)

Marco Van Basten's faith in his country's footballing traditions brought reward. The Dutch took the tournament by storm with this performance scoring 4 past a fancied French team and only letting in 1 solitary goal.

The first goal was scored by Liverpool front man Dirk Kuyt, the second, Arsenal's Robin Van Persie with his first touch off the bench, and the third was scored by former Chelsea flier Arjen Robben. His magnificent Real Madrid team-mate Wesley Sneijder illuminated an evening of captivating football by capping off a brilliant display with the fourth goal which he took very well.Not bad for Holland’s first group game. Frances conciliation goal was scored by the out of sorts Thierry Henry who has not been in great form this season for Barcelona and has carried it on during this tournament.

Greece 0 - 1 Russia

(Zyryanov 34)

The game was never going to one to remember with neither side having any flair players included within their line ups although the Russians would have if Arshavin wasn’t suspended for the game. The game started off well enough even though Otto Rehaggel again went with his favoured yet ultra defensive 4-5-1 formation but neither team looked like scoring until the 34th minute when a mistake from the experienced Nikopolidis gave Sergei Semak a chance after he has inexplicably charged off his line to pass it to Zyryanov who calmly placed the ball into the open net. The Greeks did try and pull one back but their lack of fire power up front was clear for all to see as they couldn’t even muster a chance in the last hour giving Russian the win even though neither team in my eye had done enough to deserve the win.

Sweden 1 - 2 Spain

(Ibrahimovic 34) (Torres 15, Villa 90)

Spain had lit up the tournament with their first game and were looking to do the same again, but as in every major tournament they failed to deliver a performance like they did against the Russians. They did however go one nil up early on via a goal from the ever talented Torres but 20 minutes later conceded a goal to the mercurial Ibrahimovic who was having quite a good game.  Ibrahimovic then limped off afterward which was in my view, game over for Sweden who although hung on till the dieing minutes fell to a poacher’s goal from the undisputed star of the tournament so far David Villa. That was nearly the last kick of the game leaving Sweden no time to try and get an equaliser.

Switzerland 2 - 0 Portugal

(Yakin 71, 83(pen))

The game had no real meaning to it following the Swiss exit and Portugal qualifying as group winners which was a huge factor in Portugal’s team selection changing 9 players from the team that had previously beaten the Czech Republic. The Swiss on the other hand went out with a lot to prove to their adoring fans as they have not won a game this tournament and as hosts that isn’t good enough. The game wasn’t excellent but did provide a few highlights notably the performance of Quaresma who is one of the players really pushing for a place in the starting line up against Germany in the Quarter final.

Apart from Quaresma and Nani the Portuguese team never really got going and were to pay for that by going one nil down after 71 minutes after a neat flick from Eren Derdiyok to Yakin who fired a shot underneath Ricardo. The second goal came again from Yakin after he put away a penalty in the 83rd minute to give Kobi Kuhn a win in his final game in charge of the Swiss national team to give him a dignified send off for a coach who in the eyes of the Swiss fans thoroughly deserved it.

Turkey 3 - 2 Czech Republic

(Turan 75, Nihat 87, 89) (Koller 34, Plasil 62)

This was one of those games that will go down in European history for the way that the Turkish team came back from a two nil deficit with only 15 minutes remaining to knock the Czechs out of the tournament. The Czechs dominated the first half scoring the opener from a cross from the flank which was met by a thundering header from Jan Koller.

The second half came with the Czechs leading one nil and they carried on in the same vein as in the first half by threatening the Turkish back line. They scored a second from a well struck shot from Plasil and with only 15 minutes to go the Turks must of thought the game was over but then from a slick Turkish counter attack a brilliant low range effort from Arda Turan beat Cech at his near post to pull one back. The Czechs tried to hide it but it was clear for all to see that nerves were setting in and the Turks took advantage of it by keeping the play deep in the Czech half and it was to pay off with less than 5 minutes left on the clock as a cross came in from the right which was caught by Cech who then made an uncharacteristic error and dropped the ball on to the trailing leg of Nihat who watched the ball trickle into the back of the net. 2-2, and game on!

The game kicked off again with the ball being hoofed up the field but was intercepted by one of the Turkish defence who replied by doing the same out to Kazim on the wing who played the ball into Nihats feet just outside the area and with 2 Czech defenders charging towards him and Cech coming out to tighten the angle for him to score with he opened up his body a struck an extraordinary effort which hit the angle and thumped into the back of the net in the 92nd minute!

The Turks were ecstatic and looked like to be heading into the last eight but the game didn’t finish their as there was a chance for an equaliser in the dying moments which the Czech missed but then all hell broke lose with the Turkish Goal keeper Demirel being sent off for pushing Koller who made a meal out of it and with Turkey already making 3 substitutes Tuncay had to go in goal for the last couple of minutes but he wasn’t troubled and it was over a brilliant game and a hard earned victory for the Turks who deserved it for their attacking prowess and their never say die attitude.

Poland 0 - 1 Croatia

(Klasnic 52)

Croatia were already through and for them this game was only a formality leaving out 9 of their first 11 out of the team but it was quite the opposite for the poles who claim to have been cheated by English referee Howard Webb, in their one all draw with hosts Austria and need a win from this game to have a chance of qualification. Which is why it came as a shock that Leo Beenhakker chose to omit Euzebiusz Smolarek, whose goals played a massive part in securing qualification to Euro 2008 as group winners ahead of Portugal.

The game wasn’t one to remember with the tempo being slow and neither team fashioning many clear cut chances. It took up until the second half for the Croats to break the deadlock with a goal from Ivan Klasnic to end another defiant show from polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc and further boost Croatia's confidence before they tackle Turkey in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Austria 0 - 1 Germany

(Ballack 49)

The Germans had it all to play for losing their second game to the impressive Croats and so did the Austrians who were still in with a chance to qualify albeit a slim one. The Germans were the better team in the first half although the Austrians were trying with all their might to stop them. The Austrians did have quite a bit of possession but never really looked like scoring.

Then came the second half and with it came the moment the whole of Germany were waiting for as within 5 minutes they had earned them selves a free kick which was being lined up by Ballack who with one almighty strike nearly tore through the net making it one nil to the Krauts.

The game never really picked up and toward the end the most exciting moment was both coaches being sent to the stands for arguing with each other and then the ref. Ballacks goal was enough to see them through to the quarter finals with a date with Portugal on Thursday to look forward to.

Netherlands 2 - 0 Romania

(Huntelaar 54, Van Persie 87)

The match was of little significance to the Dutch however on the other hand it meant the difference between going home and qualification for the Romanians who need results elsewhere to go their way as well as a win here to book their place in the last eight.

The game started brightly with both teams going for it, but Victor Piţurcă's side were always on the back foot as the rampant second string Dutch side were gaining in confidence an were creating decent chances for Robben and Huntelaar but both went just wide. At half time the score was level at 0-0.

The second half started off how the first had finished with the Dutch side passing fluently around the pitch with Engelaar controlling the middle of the park. The Netherlands were not held entirely in check, as Van Persie headed wide from an Engelaar cross.

Romania then threatened for the first time, with Adrian Mutu collecting a throw-in and twisting and turning to work space only to pull his shot across the face of goal. Then the Dutch went up a gear a showed why they are now tournament favourites with Huntelaar not needing another chance to prove what a top marksmen he is finishing expertly from an Affelay cross. Robin Van Persie then put the game beyond the reach of the Romanians by putting away his second of the tournament and it was to be the goal that knocked the Romanians out of the tournament.

France 0 - 2 Italy

(Pirlo 25(pen), De Rossi 62)

Football is still, by and large, an honest game and last night, as Raymond Domenech began walking the international plank and Thierry Henry's terrible year plummeted to a new low, Italy came back from the brink of elimination to inflict the same thing on their opponents France.

The gods were looking down on Italy as in the first 10 minutes Frances most influential player Franck Ribery had to be taken off then 10 minutes after Barcelona defender Eric Abidal fouled Toni in the box and gave away a penalty but to make matters worse he was also deemed to have been the last man and was subsequently sent off leaving France with 10 men and their star player injured.

Andrea Pirlo lashed the penalty kick into the top corner with Coupet having no chance and if the French thought things couldn’t get any worse, they did as a Daniele De Rossi free-kick was deflected into his own net by Henry, coupled with Romania's defeat at the hands of Holland's second string, meant that the French were Knocked out in the group stages and consequently humiliated.

Greece 1 - 2 Spain

(Charisteas 42) (De la Red 61, Guiza 88)

Spain were already through and Greece already out so this game was just a formality for either side but gave Aragones the chance to shuffle his team round and see what his second string team could do, which he duly did leaving out 9 of his starting 11 that played against Sweden in the previous game. Greece on the other hand were playing for pride after losing both their first games and in doing so not retaining the European cup that they won 4 years ago in a miraculous fashion.

Spain started like they did against Russia and were threatening the Greek back line within minutes. Alonso let rip with an audacious 50 yard effort which just went over but had Nikopolidis beaten. A surprise came in the 42nd minute when Greece took the lead with a header from a Charisteas who capitalised on some lapse defending by Spain from a set piece to take the current European champions into a one nil lead at half time.

The Spaniards came out all guns blazing and it took them under 15 minutes to level with great header form De la Red. Spain carried on battering the Greeks and eventually found their winner with Guiza firing in a thunderous shot from just inside the area easily beating Nikopolidis who was to retire on the back of this game. After that the game was only going to finish one way and that was with a Spanish victory which is exactly what happened.

Russia 2 - 0 Sweden

(Pavlyuchenko 24, Arshavin 50)

This game was the decider in group D and the game didn’t disappoint with the Russians in a mood which saw them play relentless attacking football with Arshavin being the catalyst for all of it. It took the Russian just 24 minutes to carve open the Swedish defence who at times looked static and Pavlyuchenko provided a smart finish.

The rampant Russians carried on there assault outplaying the Swedes in nearly every area of the pitch making themselves a few more chances before halftime but couldn’t convert. In the second half it only took 5 minutes for Arshavin to double their lead with a well taken sliding effort after team mate Zhirkov laid the ball off.

The Russians came close a number of times afterward but didn’t make their chances pay and it ended 2-0, it could have been a lot more.

Quarter Finals

Portugal 2 - 3 Germany

(Nuno Gomes 40, Postiga 87) (Schweinsteiger 22, Klose 26, Ballack 61)

The game began with pace and flair as both teams looked like they both wanted something from the game and the first chance came in the 19th minute when Joao Moutinho had an effort just go over the bar, and as so often in football the Germans went up the other end of the pitch with a sweeping counter attack with Podolski beating his man and swinging in a cross which was finished by Schweinsteiger who had basically run the length of the pitch to be on the end of it. This was never going to be a night for Portuguese flamboyance and it showed as the Germans looked superior keeping it simple and they grabbed another goal when Klose heading in a close range effort to beat Ricardo. Portugal then went up a gear and pulled one back through Nuno Gomes. Game on, or so they though as it didn’t take long for the Germans to regain their composure and put they game beyond doubt with another header which was controversial as when he jumped up for the header he clearly pushed Chelsea team mate Ferieira who strangely didn’t appeal to the ref. at 3-1 the game looked all over and the Germans started to become negative in their play which invited pressure on to them selves and it paid off for the Portuguese when in the 87th minute substitute Postiga headed in to send the last minutes of the game into a frenzy, Portugal sadly couldn’t capitalise and the game finished 3-2 to Germany.

Croatia 1 - 1(aet) Turkey

Turkey win 3 - 1 on pens

(Klasnic 119) (Senturk 120+2)

The game didn’t offer too much in terms of excitement in the first half with the best chance falling to Olic who hit the bar early on when trying to convert a cross from their dynamic midfielder Modric. Apart from that the had few chances as Fatih Terim had set his Turkish side up to Frustrate the Croats who although were trying with all their might had trouble breaking down the Turkish defence led by the excellent  Hamit Altintop.

In the second half again there weren’t really too many chances to talk about and the game looked as though it was heading for extra time which duly happened.

Extra time was bit better than the actual game as both teams decided to have a go at it and both looked threatening but it was the Croats who took the lead deep into extra time with a header from Ivan Klasnic. The Croats thought they had won it but miraculously in the 121st minute Semih Senturk spanked home a deflected effort which saw the game go into penalties.

There was an air of controversy around the goal as it was scored a minute after the game should have finished but the Turks took advantage as it was clear the Croats were shell shocked by the Turkish comeback and it was clear for all to see that when Modric stepped up to take the first penalty he didn’t look confident which definitely played a part in him missing the goal completely. Up stepped Arda who shot low and straight down the middle. Pletikosa was way off his line, but the ball went under him and into the back of the net anyway. Srna then steps up and sent Rustu the wrong way pulling it back to 1-1. Semih Senturk then stepped up to the plate and sent Pletikosa the wrong way with a well taken penalty which really put pressure on Croatia’s next penalty taker Rakitic who put the ball wide of the goal for the second time in the shoot out which meant all Turkey had to do was score the next penalty and for Croatia to miss…They scored it and Klasnic’s effort was saved by Rustu which meant the Turks were going to their first ever European semi final on a night of real drama and heartbreak for the Croatians.

Netherlands 1 - 3(aet) Russia

(Van Nisterooy 86) (Pavlyuchenko 56, Torbinski 112, Arshavin 116)

The game was superb end to end stuff with both teams playing attacking positive football but it looked as though the Dutch were the superior team in the opening first half but they failed to convert any chances they made for themselves as for the Russians they too didn’t manage to finish off the chances they fashioned.

The second half was again played at a brilliant pace with the Russians this time looking the more dangerous and within 10 minutes took the lead through Pavlyuchenko after some brilliant work from Arshavin to set him up. The game was not finished there though as both teams looked to create other chances as the Dutch were trying with all their might to get one back while the Russian were looking to finish their counterparts off. The chance fell to whom the Russians would have least liked it to come to, the deadly van Nistelrooy who took it well enough which gave the Dutch the lifeline they needed to take the game into extra time.

The first half of extra time trundled by with both teams not creating a lot but once the second half had started both teams realised they didn’t want the game to be finished by penalties and it was the Russians who looked the more likely to score with the trickery of Arshavin in the team and this was the case as in the 112th minute Arshavin set up Torbinski to slide the ball home and dash the Dutch fans and players hopes of getting further than this game. That goal really took it out of the Dutch who fell to pieces afterwards and were made to pay as Arshavin put the game beyond any doubt by capping off his man of the match display with a well taken goal that really stuck the knife in and sent the Dutch packing.

Spain 0 - 0(aet) Italy

Spain win 4 - 2 on pens

With Spain playing the kind of football that makes fans mouths drool it was no surprise to see that the Italians opted for a more cautious approach to the game added to the fact that their best player Pirlo had to watch the game from the sidelines. Spain took the initiative early on by driving forward in numbers and attacking the shaky looking Italian defence.

The game then went on to become a bore encounter with the Italians defending as deep as possible inviting pressure but the Spanish never really took advantage as they too them selves didn’t have enough energy and were quite happy to play it between themselves at the back and in midfield.

Spain did have a few opportunities but the best were both penalties that should have been given but were both deemed to have been dives even on when looking at photo evidence both were certain penalties, Italy did have one chance which fell to Camoronesi but his shot was well saved by Casillas.

The game had 0-0 written all over it and that’s how it finished. Extra time didn’t serve up too much excitement except for a howler form Buffon who was saved by the post after letting a long range effort from Senna go through his legs.

Both teams looked happy enough to let penalties decide the game with neither team really going for it and playing it between themselves deep in each teams half and that’s what it came down to. The lottery that is penalties was won by Casillas with two great saves from De Rossi and Di Natale before Fabregas converted the decisive spot kick that sent the world champions crashing out of the tournament and back home with their tails between their legs.

Semi Finals

Germany vs Turkey

(Schweinsteiger 26, Klose 79, Lahm 90) (Boral 22, Senturk 86)

Before the game everyone thought in would be a walk over for the Germans but they were proved wrong by a Turkish side that never say die. Straight form the off the Turks were attacking the Germans who quite simply weren’t ready for the assault and it showed as within minutes of the kick off Turkey had them pinned back in their own defensive third and were putting pressure on their back line who in the early moments looked very shaky. In the first 20 minutes it was all Turkey and they came mightily close with an effort from Kazim-Kazim as his thunderous shot thumped the bar and rebounded back into play only for the second effort to go harmlessly wide. Then within 5 minutes Turkey were 1-0 up against all odds with Kazim-Kazim again causing all sorts of problems and after his second effort on goal rebounded back of the bar again only for Ugur Boral to finish albeit with a slice of luck after Lehman made a hash of the save and let the ball trickle behind the line.

Against the run of play Germany pulled one back within 5 minutes and it was literally their first attack of the game when Podolski beat his man and swung a low cross into the area for Schweinsteiger to chip the ball delightfully over the outstretched Rustu. Turkey carried on as they began an kept the Germans in their own half up until half time with the teams going in all square. The second half was one of the most exciting of the tournament which is what I have come to expect with Turkey playing, and they didn’t  disappoint as they attacked and hurried and immobile German back line who were having a hard time keeping the Turks at bay. They held out though, until the 79th minute when a German counter attack found Lahm who crossed the ball into the danger area for Klose to head home after a terrible error from Rustu who came out to punch a ball he had no right going for.

The game looked as good as over but as Turkey had done before in their previous three games they miraculously levelled in the with 3 minutes to go after a lapse of concentration from Mertesacker and Lehman to gift Semih his third goal of the campaign. The game looked as though it was heading into extra time when a brilliant piece of attacking play from the Germans gave Lahm the chance to make up for his earlier error and Spank home the winner from 6 yards out leaving poor Rustu with no chance. The Germans had done it again, even though they were the poorer side throughout the game and lacked any imagination and creativity. Turkey on the other hand had done themselves and their nation proud and their campaign will no doubt go down in the history books as one to remember form a team that never know when they are beaten.

Russia vs Spain

(Xavi Hernandez 50, Guiza 68, Silva 81)

Spain gave a master class in how to beat an opponent using slick passing, vision and creativity to tear apart a Russian team that looked more than formidable coming into this game. The 3-0 scored flattered the Russian’s who simply just didn’t turn up on the night and for a game of this magnitude and importance I was very surprised as they are coached by Guus Hiddink who knows better than most what is required in major tournaments. Right from the off Spain took control but didn’t threaten too much in the early stages, and were dealt a massive blow when their star striker.

Half time came with the Russians hanging on but still had a chance with the game being goalless. After the break Spain came out all guns blazing with the wizardry of Iniesta and Fabregas conjuring up some magical football between them. It took them just 5 minutes after halftime to break the deadlock as Iniesta curled the ball into the area for Xavi to finish in between a sleepy Russian defence. As Russian resistance failed to materialise, Spanish supremacy grew and there was no looking back as they threw men forward with substitute Daniel Guiza adding to the score line. By this time the Russian had all but given up and shortly after Guiza’s goal David Silva scored to make it 3-0 it could have been a lot more had Spain’s finishing been on par with their build up play.

This game could have been troublesome for Spain but for their holding midfield player Marcos Senna who had a brilliant game keeping Arshavin so quiet, he was so quiet in the game that I don’t even remember him holding on to the ball for a long enough period to make a chance for the Russians.  The game ended 3-0 and Spain were looking favourites going into the final against the Germans who only just beat the Turks and didn’t look to convincing.

Final

Germany 0 - 1 Spain

(Torres 33)

The game was always going to by a tight one and it proved to be quite the opposite as Spain once again took the game to their opponents who early on looked shaky. Torres hit the post with a header early on in the half, but it took the Spanish jus 30 minutes to carve open the German defence after a masterful pass from Iniesta to play in Torres in, who still had a lot to do, and by god didn’t he do it! Out pacing two defenders and chipping the ball nonchalantly over the advancing Lehman who was helpless as the ball bounced in the side netting.

The game was to continue as it had started with Spain dominating and playing the kind of attack branded football Spain have made their own during this tournament. Spain had a few other chances to increase their lead but failed to do so. I felt sorry for Ballack who tried his best to drive his team on but to no avail. It was to be Ballack who had Germany’s best chance of the game and it was a half chance at that, as he struck a volley with his shin with the ball bouncing harmlessly wide of the post. Apart from that, the Spanish kept them pinned back in their own half producing pass after pass of sheer quality. You could see the Spanish players just looking for that killer pass and on a few occasions nearly found it.

The game didn’t have to many other chances as Spain were perfectly happy to just knock it about them selves in the German half frustrating the hell out of their opponents. The game was to finish 1-0 but it was a deserved win by the Spanish who were the team of the tournament largely thanks to their midfield which was for lack of a better word perfect in every position.