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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…

England v Ukraine 2-1

Sweden v France 0-1

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

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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.

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EURO 2012, Matchday 1 conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 9, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

The first day of EURO 2012 has come and gone. The actual results, in Group A, are:

Poland 1-1 Greece

Russsia 4-1 Czech Republic

Russia trashed Czech Republic and showed everyone who is the favorite of the group. With the result in the other game, Russia took control of the group, for now.

Greece was able to stage a comeback and save a draw. But it looks as it’s only a question of who will join Russia.

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