EURO 2012, Day 11 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 19, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Italy 2-0 Republic of Ireland, Too little, too late

Ireland was surprisingly good! A much different style from their previous games – but too little, too late…Italy, put all their passion in it and squeezed through. They showed potential but they precipitate in the last moments of delivery. The really hard games are only to start. We need to watch them; they can improve and can do better.

 

Croatia 0-1 Spain, Brave, but not enough

A very courageous Croatia kept Spain at bay for almost the entire game. Spain just looked average – not anymore the team we expected. Struggling to create in front of a well-organized adversary, they showed fragility in defense too. It will take a great effort to really win it all. The usual checkerboard shirts Croatia, always a rather unique appearance on the field, will go home with their heads held high. Again, it’s the most efficient (clinical) teams that go through…take your chances, don’t let them go bye.

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EURo 2012 Lviv city guide – “The Little Paris”

Posted on June 18, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

If you couldn’t make it to the EURO 2012, here is what you may have missed

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EURO 2012 guide to Ukraine

Posted on June 18, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

If you couldn’t make it to the EURO 2012, here is what you may have missed

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EURO 2012 Warsaw City guide

Posted on June 18, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

If you couldn’t make it to the EURO 2012, here is what you may have missed

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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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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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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 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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