EURO 2012, Day 9 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 17, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

We watched two really tight games, with all four teams keeping chances to go through ahead of the first whistle.

Greece - Russia Highlights @ uefa.com

Watch EURO 2012 Greece – Russia Highlights @ uefa.com

Greece 1-0 Russia, The spirit of Marathon

Greece – what a fighting spirit! Like at the Battle of Marathon, only 25 centuries later, against all odds, they defied the “new Persians”, aka the Russians, and went through.

Be fair – you ruled Greece out!, ahead of this last game. So did I! Although I saw them through before the tournament began, here, I stopped beveling they would go out of the group after their first two games. Greece proved all of us again that it’s not about being the best…it’s about scoring! Outplayed, but not beaten. With all the domination from Russia, I would say that the biggest chances still came from Greece, not Russia, hitting the post and having a penalty not given. A stark reminder of recent games played by Inter Milan or Chelsea – you have to score when you have an opportunity.

Could they sneak to the title again? Never say never! I don’t think it will happen, but what an upset would it be if they did it again!

Russia – what a sad story! – a team that showed us a beautiful free flowing play, will go home. A brilliant start – that great win against Czech Republic – could not save the horrifying finish. They failed to create in front of very crowded and disciplined Greece, and when they did indeed create, they wasted their chances way too easily. Once more, in this competition you pay for misfiring!

Czech Republic 1-0 Poland, Relentless work pays off

Poland started the game on fire but died out way too quickly. After the first 25 minutes they looked like they run out of gas and let the Czechs take the initiative. I did see them from the beginning finishing bottom of the group, here: EURO 2012, Group A Forecast by the Soccer Crusader

The Czech Republic have not been my favorites to go out of the group, let alone winning it, especially after the trashing at the hands of the Russians. But they did it, working relentlessly, with a style reminding us of the German machine. Speaking of it, they may have the chance to meet the real “German Machine”, if they go one better.

And, with this, the Group A is completed.

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EURO 2012, Day 8 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 16, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Ukraine 0-2 France, A storm indeed

France was finally the team we expected. The storm that interrupted the game, threatening a complete postponement, didn’t stop the storm that was to be France. More confident, with a smooth flowing of play, France took the game to Ukraine, and it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. Ukraine showed their limitations, with only two attempts on target, and all their hopes are now hanging on the last game.

Sweden 2-3 England, Heart and Passion

What a crazy game! A roller coaster for the fans, going from agony to ecstasy, and the way back, this was the ultimate game to watch. Both teams were pretty equal, reminding us so much of an EPL game. There was desire, there was commitment, falling behind and amazing comebacks.

Sweden - England highlights @ uefa.com

Watch EURO 2012 Sweden – England highlights @ uefa.com

England was a different story from the first match against France, much improved, still not convincing in the first half. The second half showed us a more determined Sweden, that was not happy only with equalizing, but went on with the momentum and took the lead. Not many of us believed that England would have the strength to come back. Shortly after, it was like watching Chelsea this season, with England fueling from an unshakable belief in victory, playing with a lot of heart and passion.

Best game so far, beating the other “thriller” Denmark 2-3 Portugal, for the top spot.

This group will be very interesting to watch. Be prepared, it will go to the last minute.

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EURO 2012, Day 6 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 14, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Denmark 2-3 Portugal, Playing to the last minute

What a match! Two up, then tied again, and a late winner, breaking Dane’s hearts. This was the best game to watch, so far. Portugal did it the hard way, and is back in business in group B. Denmark – too bad they were too early to think they completed the job.

Denmark - Portugal highlights EURO 2012

Watch EURO 2012 Denmark – Portugal highlights @ uefa.com

Netherlands 1-2 Germany, Free-scoring & simplicity vs too much thinking

Germany proved again that it can score goals out of the blue. Netherlands is persistent in showing us that a handful of stars don’t equal a TEAM. They are dangerously close to going home.

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