EURO 2012, Day 10 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 18, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Another group where all teams were still alive and hopeful for advancement.

Denmark 1-2 Germany, A well oiled machine

Germany took no risks and won the match. But, it was a tricky game though. Denmark, with a style somewhat similar to Germany, based on physical strength and hard work, could have posed a real threat. They were not afraid of Germany and played for their chance the entire game.

Portugal 2-1 Netherlands, Plenty of resources…not enough results…

Portugal - Netherlands highlights @ uefa.com

Watch EURO 2012 Portugal – Netherlands highlights @ uefa.com

Netherlands – what a disappointment! After failing to perform in the first two games, they went into the last game with paper thin chances of qualification. Starting brilliantly and scoring a beautiful goal was all that was to be. For a short period we did think that Netherlands woke up and decided to live up to its potential. Germany was also leading in the other game of the group. Everything was going their way. However, they suddenly stopped functioning, probably on the news that Denmark equalized. From that moment on, they looked like they gave up.

What happened? Who knows? A bunch of stars doesn’t necessarily form a team. Did they lack commitment or ability? A far cry from the team that reached the World Cup final two years ago, Netherlands will finish their group at the wrong end of the standings and will go home pointless.

And when you think…they came in declaring loud and clear they can win it all…

The general feeling is that most Netherlands players were not in the best form. They seemed rather tired, exhausted. There was no fire in the entire team. On top of that, they got easily demoralized, and could not recover when falling behind.

Portugal reconfirmed they are in great shape and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go all the way.

And, with this, the Group B, the “group of death”, is completed. Germany is heading into a titanic clash with Greece and Portugal is going to meet Czech Republic. Both of these games promise to be some really interesting encounters. Be prepared, don’t miss them!

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Is it harder to win the EURO than the World CUP? PART 2

Posted on June 15, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

What if we only looked at the last 13 editions of FIFA World Cup to be on level playing field with EURO? Would it still be harder to win the EURO?

EURO vs. FIFA World Cup, the last 13 editions each

EURO vs. FIFA World Cup, the last 13 editions each

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EURO 2012, Day 7 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 15, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Italy 1-1 Croatia, The unpredictable Italy

Pirlo proved he still has the magic and pulled a work of art, with the first goal from a free kick at this tournament. Beautiful! It was an entertaining first half, with Italy at the lead. But, they pulled back too early, though. They invited Croatia to come out and got a great response. Again, don’t take anything for granted! And play to the last minute.

Italy - Croatia highlights

Watch EURO 2012 Italy – Croatia highlights @ uefa.com

Spain 4-1 Republic of Ireland, One sided game

Spain offered us an impressive performance against Ireland.  It was a game without a real history, Ireland was never a threat. Torres got his first start up and confirmed the confidence he received. One note – hats off to the Irish fans.  Too bad for them – Ireland, the darlings of ESPN’s commentators, could not put up a fight and will go home.

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Is it harder to win the EURO than the World CUP?

Posted on June 15, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Which one is more difficult to win – the EURO or the World Cup?

In 19 World Cup editions so far we’ve had 8 winning teams. By comparison, in only 13 editions of EURO we’ve already had 9 different winning teams. Both competitions have final tournaments held every 4 years.

EURO vs. FIFA World Cup

EURO vs. FIFA World Cup
© The Soccer Crusader

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EURO 2012, Day 5 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 13, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Greece 1-2 Czech Republic, , Unfulfilled Promises

Czech Republic knew it needs points to stay in contention. And they outplayed Greece for the first half, but found themselves under pressure for most of the second half. They showed potential, changing things from the previous game with Russia, but also showed a lot of weaknesses. On the other side, Greece let everyone with the feeling that they could do more, and, although were the better side in the second half, they never came through.

Poland 1- 1 Russia, A pact with the Devil

For all the rivalry between them it’s amazing that their game ended in a draw. The game itself could have gone both ways. With one point each, everyone may be happy. Russia still commends the group, Poland still keeps chances.

Both games were entertaining – they get better and better as we get closer to the end of the groups stage.

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EURO 2012, Day 4 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 12, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

France 1-1 England, A brotherly peace

Predictable game, predictable result.  Both teams, playing first to avoid defeat, rather than winning. Yes, France did have an edge over England, but that was not enough.

Ukraine 2-1 Sweden, “Soccer Gratia Soccer”

We finally got our first real soccer game, the most entertaining one so far. Ukraine was a nice surprise indeed. And seeing Shevchenko scoring two goals at 35 it’s a delight. His second goal really takes skill & experience. Sweden, somewhat unlucky, should have done better.

This group has the potential to become the craziest of them all.

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EURO 2012, Matchday 3 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 11, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Spain 1-1 Italy, One point each

It is a draw! Italy played better than most of us expected and got a well-deserved point. They did give Spain a real test. Don’t write them off too early – they might not be so much fallen idols. Teeth less Spain, a bit frustrated, failed to create, and when created – failed to finish.

Ireland 1-3 Croatia, An outrageous offside not called

Croatia was convincingly the better team, firmly in control, but…we don’t like to see obvious penalties not given, or off-sides not called.  An offsite should have been called at Croatia’s second goal – when the ball was shot…the play should have not even continued…after the blocking…poor referees…That’s why we need technology. We are only humans, and can (and usually do) make mistakes…FIFA and UEFA need to wake up.

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EURO 2012, Matchday 2 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 10, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

After the fireworks of day 1, we got our first shocker, in Netherlands losing 0-1 to Denmark. This is the so called “Group of Death”. Whose death is it going to be?  They just made the group even more interesting to watch! Will we a see a different Netherlands in the next game?

Germany was not Germany, it was a little bit shaky, but still managed to win. They beat Portugal 1-0 , leaving their opponents regreting not shifting into a higher gear earlier.

All teams keep chances to advance. And now it’s not so hard to believe Denmark can be that “Dark Horse”.

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EURO 2012, Group D Forecast by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 10, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Group D is the group of the England-France rivalry. Who will win? The Soccer Crusader believes that both will go beyond the group stage. Here is how…

France v England                                    1-2

Ukraine v Sweden                                   1-2

Ukraine v France                                     1-3

Sweden v England                                  1-3

England v Ukraine                                   2-1

Sweden v France                                     0-1

England will win the group. No home advantage for Ukraine.

Forecast for Group D

© The Soccer Crusader

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EURO 2012, Group C Forecast by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 10, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

This is the group of  the defending Champion and FIFA World Cup Winner, Spain. High pressures and great expectations for Spain and an opportunity to write history. Here are the group  predictions from the Soccer Crusader:

Spain v Italy                                                    4-2

Republic of Ireland v Croatia                   2-2

Italy v Croatia                                                 2-0

Spain v Republic of Ireland                       1-0

Italy v Republic of Ireland                        1-1

Croatia v Spain                                                0-2

Spain will confirm and win the group. But a surprising Ireland, a more Italian team than Italy, will fight to the last minute, almost making it through.

Forecast for Group C

© The Soccer Crusader

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