viernes, 6 de julio de 2012
miércoles, 27 de junio de 2012
Match Review
Spain - France 2:0
Both teams came out on the field with ‘cautious’ squads: French, for
instance, left Samir Nasri on the bench, and Spaniards… decided to do
without forwards at all. Without nominal, of course. Cesc Fàbregas had
to play on attacking position, but during the game we could see that
three-four midfielders stood in line on Spaniards’ front line, and there
was no one on the edge…
Anticipating things, we shall say that this cautiousness turned to be justified: neither team ‘hang’ on other team’s goal until the match passed to dramatic phase (‘either we score, or we’re knocked out from Euro- 2012’). From the very starting whistle, Spain, according to its status (or maybe out of habit?), occupied French side of the field, but it wasn’t easy to approach Lloris’s goal – defenders thoughtfully covered all zones. French, on the other hand, lacked not attacking players, but rather attacking idea on the front edge. Therefore, the ‘three-colored’ sought their luck in free and far kicks.
But once, on the 19th minute, Spaniards managed to break through French defense. And, interestingly enough, French’s failure was complete. It was vividly justified by Xabi Alonso who lonely ran into penalty area. And one more vivid evidence was the goal scored by Xabi Alonso. Thus, Jordi Alba darted to the penalty area along the left flank, the French defender fell on the lawn, opening the ‘entrance’ to the area. Alba made a deep cross to the mentioned above lonely Xabi Alonso. And the latter was ready to receive the ball. There were plenty of variants to continue the attack: let the ball down and kick, kick the ball in flight… The Spaniard chose, however, the most unusual for him way. He boldly jumped to the ball and headed it to the far corner – against defender’s and Lloris’s motion, who intended to cover the near corner. Therefore, both lacked few centimeters to reach the ball, and the defender seemed to close the ball from keeper’s sight, at that. Spain took the lead. By the way, it was Alonso’s 100th appearance in national team.
The French had a chance to answer from the free kick on the 30th minute. The free kicks’ expert Cabaye didn’t let the team down this time. He kicked from around 28 meters accurately in the near upper corner. But, for each kicks’ expert there is a saves’ expert. Iker Casillas made a save and sent the ball to the corner. During the corner kick, the keeper had almost made his efforts null and void by letting the ball from his hands. However, he timely covered it on the ground.
On the 63d minute, when the French didn’t mind defense at all (2 minutes before Laurent Blanc let two forwards out), Spaniards created a perfect moment. Silva ‘cut through’ French defense with a cross and put Fàbregas one to one with keeper in the semi-circle by the penalty area. But, Lloris darted to the ball, courageously thrown himself to Spaniard’s feet and sent the ball in field.
In remaining time, the teams exchanged several bright, but unproductive attacks. Spaniards continued to control the game, though.
And on the last minute, Spaniards received a right for penalty – Pedro, who overplayed ‘three-colored’ defense, was ready for a kick, but Anthony Réveillère ran into his leg. It’s definitely a penalty. Xavi Alonso, who had already scored in this match, approached the penalty spot. And he slammed into the left corner, burying France’s hopes to come from behind on the last seconds. Spain is heading for the semi-final with Portugal, France packs its stuff. It’s all we can say.
Anticipating things, we shall say that this cautiousness turned to be justified: neither team ‘hang’ on other team’s goal until the match passed to dramatic phase (‘either we score, or we’re knocked out from Euro- 2012’). From the very starting whistle, Spain, according to its status (or maybe out of habit?), occupied French side of the field, but it wasn’t easy to approach Lloris’s goal – defenders thoughtfully covered all zones. French, on the other hand, lacked not attacking players, but rather attacking idea on the front edge. Therefore, the ‘three-colored’ sought their luck in free and far kicks.
But once, on the 19th minute, Spaniards managed to break through French defense. And, interestingly enough, French’s failure was complete. It was vividly justified by Xabi Alonso who lonely ran into penalty area. And one more vivid evidence was the goal scored by Xabi Alonso. Thus, Jordi Alba darted to the penalty area along the left flank, the French defender fell on the lawn, opening the ‘entrance’ to the area. Alba made a deep cross to the mentioned above lonely Xabi Alonso. And the latter was ready to receive the ball. There were plenty of variants to continue the attack: let the ball down and kick, kick the ball in flight… The Spaniard chose, however, the most unusual for him way. He boldly jumped to the ball and headed it to the far corner – against defender’s and Lloris’s motion, who intended to cover the near corner. Therefore, both lacked few centimeters to reach the ball, and the defender seemed to close the ball from keeper’s sight, at that. Spain took the lead. By the way, it was Alonso’s 100th appearance in national team.
The French had a chance to answer from the free kick on the 30th minute. The free kicks’ expert Cabaye didn’t let the team down this time. He kicked from around 28 meters accurately in the near upper corner. But, for each kicks’ expert there is a saves’ expert. Iker Casillas made a save and sent the ball to the corner. During the corner kick, the keeper had almost made his efforts null and void by letting the ball from his hands. However, he timely covered it on the ground.
On the 63d minute, when the French didn’t mind defense at all (2 minutes before Laurent Blanc let two forwards out), Spaniards created a perfect moment. Silva ‘cut through’ French defense with a cross and put Fàbregas one to one with keeper in the semi-circle by the penalty area. But, Lloris darted to the ball, courageously thrown himself to Spaniard’s feet and sent the ball in field.
In remaining time, the teams exchanged several bright, but unproductive attacks. Spaniards continued to control the game, though.
And on the last minute, Spaniards received a right for penalty – Pedro, who overplayed ‘three-colored’ defense, was ready for a kick, but Anthony Réveillère ran into his leg. It’s definitely a penalty. Xavi Alonso, who had already scored in this match, approached the penalty spot. And he slammed into the left corner, burying France’s hopes to come from behind on the last seconds. Spain is heading for the semi-final with Portugal, France packs its stuff. It’s all we can say.
Cristiano Ronaldo Not Feel Depressed had to Facing with Spain
Though doubtful, Ronaldo managed to prove his ability
in the European Cup stage where nicks are three goals to bring Seleccao
advanced to the round four. He will face a number of colleagues at Real
Madrid as well as some of his opponents in the Champions league that appears to strengthen Spain.However, Ronaldo did not rate this game different than the other important game ever dilakoninya, both with club and national team.
“There is no particular pressure because I am against Spain. I’ve been playing at the highest level for 10 years, both at club and international competitions, “he told the official UEFA website.
“Yes, I feel a responsibility, but instead of feeling depressed. I’m used to games like this. ”
Even so, the former Manchester United anyway judging game contra La Roja will run a lot, considering Spain is one of the favorites Team in Poland and Ukraine.
“Spain are a great team and this will be an interesting duel Iberia, a match that I hope we can win.”
“But this will be a tough fight.”
Mesut Ozil Confident Germany will beat Italy
German playmaker Mesut Ozil is confident his side can beat Italy in the party’s Euro 2012 semi-final later. Real Madrid player said his team has improved a lot after the defeat of the Azzurri in the World Cup semi-final of 2006.“Italy is a very good team, but we can beat them. We came here to win a European title. I am confident we will succeed,” said Ozil as reported by Football Italia.
The last time Germany met with Italy is the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup. When the Germans who acted as the host humiliated Italy 2-0 and have to settle for a third title.
“The past is not our concern. Difference from 2006 is now much more consistent and we can beat any team stronger. Since 2010 we also continued to grow and become much better,” said Ozil.
martes, 26 de junio de 2012
England - Italy 2:4
As bookmakers' candidate № 4 (and after Netherlands' kick out № 3!) to
win the championship, Italy started the match on strong position. On the
4th minute already, De Rossi could have scored for Italy - after his
powerful kick, the ball has almost met upper corner, but hit the post.
The Englishmen answered in a minute with a mind-boggling moment at
Buffon's goal - Johnson seemed to make a sure kick (just from several
meters!), but the keeper didn't let down! On the 14th minute, Johnson
assisted Rooney with a wonderful high cross, but Wayne didn't manage to
head a goal.
By this time it was already clear, what game each team is going to play. Italians strived to win territorial advantage and they did it by the middle of the first half - the ball remained on the English half of the field, being passed between players in blue. English defenders rarely managed to cut short the so called last passes - the ball reached forwards. However, Englishmen bravely threw themselves under goal attempts, stood by each other in case of breaches, and finally, Hart played reliably on defense's last edge. Thus, on the 25th minute, John Terry covered the goal with torso from Mario Balotelli's kick, and on the 31st minute, Joe Hart made a save against another Balotelli's point-blank hit.
English players, on the other hand, sought their luck in counterattacks, using sparsity of competitor's defense and halfbacks. And here is something to note: Italians looked more confident in their attacks, but moments created by Englishmen were pretty good, too. And you will agree that a goal scored in a 'crazy' counterattack is not worse than the one prepared during halftime.
In the time remaining until half-time, Balotelli managed to 'register' once more - he missed the target after Cassano's cross.
The second half passed on head-on courses, with footballers playing worse and worse - due to growing fatigue - but as vivid as before. In addition, load of responsibility hang over the teams and chased them ahead: "We don't score - we miss - we'll be knocked out." Gerrard and Rooney, along with Carroll and Walcott who came in an hour after the game's start, tried the hardest on English side. Balotelli and De Rossi continued to shine on Italians' side. Nocerino, who replaced De Rossi on the 80th minute, had almost become match's hero - his goal attempt on the last minutes of the regular time would definitely have been scoring, if it wasn't for Johnson who threw himself to his feet.
We put it as 'regular time' for a reason. It was the first play-off match on Euro-2012 that ended with a draw. And for the first time on Euro-2012 the teams had to play extra-time. The third half started, strangely enough, with dangerous attacks by Englishmen. But Italians managed to calm the game by the middle of the short time. Nocerino's scoring shot five minutes before the match end was probably overtime's main event. There was one nuance, though - judge at ringside had already flagged him for offside. Englishmen mopped the cold sweat from their brows in relief. And their playing sufferings were over... Penalty shoot-out was set to begin.
There is no point to describe it for a long time. It was very regular
penalty shoot-out. Therefore, here comes a list of shooters one after
another: Balotelli (goal), Gerrard (goal), Montolivo (miss)... and here
English tribunes roared expecting victory!.. Rooney (goal!)... Pirlo
(goal! Italian veteran exquisitely threw the ball over Hart who had
fallen), Young (crossbar!)... Nocerino (goal!), Ashley Cole (meets the
keeper!). Italy national team's destiny was in Italy national team's
hands. And Diamanti (what a last name? Diamond!) scored from the penalty
spot and brought his team in semi-final.
Many football experts' prediction came true: only representatives of the strongest Euro-2012 groups - B and C - will play in semi-finals. Well, it was hardly a prediction. Exactly such composition of semi-finalists was the most plausible upon the group tournament's end. The only question was whether you want to believe in football's predictability or not.
By this time it was already clear, what game each team is going to play. Italians strived to win territorial advantage and they did it by the middle of the first half - the ball remained on the English half of the field, being passed between players in blue. English defenders rarely managed to cut short the so called last passes - the ball reached forwards. However, Englishmen bravely threw themselves under goal attempts, stood by each other in case of breaches, and finally, Hart played reliably on defense's last edge. Thus, on the 25th minute, John Terry covered the goal with torso from Mario Balotelli's kick, and on the 31st minute, Joe Hart made a save against another Balotelli's point-blank hit.
English players, on the other hand, sought their luck in counterattacks, using sparsity of competitor's defense and halfbacks. And here is something to note: Italians looked more confident in their attacks, but moments created by Englishmen were pretty good, too. And you will agree that a goal scored in a 'crazy' counterattack is not worse than the one prepared during halftime.
In the time remaining until half-time, Balotelli managed to 'register' once more - he missed the target after Cassano's cross.
The second half passed on head-on courses, with footballers playing worse and worse - due to growing fatigue - but as vivid as before. In addition, load of responsibility hang over the teams and chased them ahead: "We don't score - we miss - we'll be knocked out." Gerrard and Rooney, along with Carroll and Walcott who came in an hour after the game's start, tried the hardest on English side. Balotelli and De Rossi continued to shine on Italians' side. Nocerino, who replaced De Rossi on the 80th minute, had almost become match's hero - his goal attempt on the last minutes of the regular time would definitely have been scoring, if it wasn't for Johnson who threw himself to his feet.
We put it as 'regular time' for a reason. It was the first play-off match on Euro-2012 that ended with a draw. And for the first time on Euro-2012 the teams had to play extra-time. The third half started, strangely enough, with dangerous attacks by Englishmen. But Italians managed to calm the game by the middle of the short time. Nocerino's scoring shot five minutes before the match end was probably overtime's main event. There was one nuance, though - judge at ringside had already flagged him for offside. Englishmen mopped the cold sweat from their brows in relief. And their playing sufferings were over... Penalty shoot-out was set to begin.
There is no point to describe it for a long time. It was very regular
penalty shoot-out. Therefore, here comes a list of shooters one after
another: Balotelli (goal), Gerrard (goal), Montolivo (miss)... and here
English tribunes roared expecting victory!.. Rooney (goal!)... Pirlo
(goal! Italian veteran exquisitely threw the ball over Hart who had
fallen), Young (crossbar!)... Nocerino (goal!), Ashley Cole (meets the
keeper!). Italy national team's destiny was in Italy national team's
hands. And Diamanti (what a last name? Diamond!) scored from the penalty
spot and brought his team in semi-final.Many football experts' prediction came true: only representatives of the strongest Euro-2012 groups - B and C - will play in semi-finals. Well, it was hardly a prediction. Exactly such composition of semi-finalists was the most plausible upon the group tournament's end. The only question was whether you want to believe in football's predictability or not.
domingo, 24 de junio de 2012
Match Review Spain - France 2:0
Both teams came out on the field with ‘cautious’ squads: French, for
instance, left Samir Nasri on the bench, and Spaniards… decided to do
without forwards at all. Without nominal, of course. Cesc Fàbregas had
to play on attacking position, but during the game we could see that
three-four midfielders stood in line on Spaniards’ front line, and there
was no one on the edge…
Anticipating things, we shall say that this cautiousness turned to be justified: neither team ‘hang’ on other team’s goal until the match passed to dramatic phase (‘either we score, or we’re knocked out from Euro- 2012’). From the very starting whistle, Spain, according to its status (or maybe out of habit?), occupied French side of the field, but it wasn’t easy to approach Lloris’s goal – defenders thoughtfully covered all zones. French, on the other hand, lacked not attacking players, but rather attacking idea on the front edge. Therefore, the ‘three-colored’ sought their luck in free and far kicks.
But once, on the 19th minute, Spaniards managed to break through French defense. And, interestingly enough, French’s failure was complete. It was vividly justified by Xabi Alonso who lonely ran into penalty area. And one more vivid evidence was the goal scored by Xabi Alonso. Thus, Jordi Alba darted to the penalty area along the left flank, the French defender fell on the lawn, opening the ‘entrance’ to the area. Alba made a deep cross to the mentioned above lonely Xabi Alonso. And the latter was ready to receive the ball. There were plenty of variants to continue the attack: let the ball down and kick, kick the ball in flight… The Spaniard chose, however, the most unusual for him way. He boldly jumped to the ball and headed it to the far corner – against defender’s and Lloris’s motion, who intended to cover the near corner. Therefore, both lacked few centimeters to reach the ball, and the defender seemed to close the ball from keeper’s sight, at that. Spain took the lead. By the way, it was Alonso’s 100th appearance in national team.
The French had a chance to answer from the free kick on the 30th minute. The free kicks’ expert Cabaye didn’t let the team down this time. He kicked from around 28 meters accurately in the near upper corner. But, for each kicks’ expert there is a saves’ expert. Iker Casillas made a save and sent the ball to the corner. During the corner kick, the keeper had almost made his efforts null and void by letting the ball from his hands. However, he timely covered it on the ground.
On the 63d minute, when the French didn’t mind defense at all (2
minutes before Laurent Blanc let two forwards out), Spaniards created a
perfect moment. Silva ‘cut through’ French defense with a cross and put
Fàbregas one to one with keeper in the semi-circle by the penalty area.
But, Lloris darted to the ball, courageously thrown himself to
Spaniard’s feet and sent the ball in field.
In remaining time, the teams exchanged several bright, but unproductive attacks. Spaniards continued to control the game, though.
And on the last minute, Spaniards received a right for penalty – Pedro, who overplayed ‘three-colored’ defense, was ready for a kick, but Anthony Réveillère ran into his leg. It’s definitely a penalty. Xavi Alonso, who had already scored in this match, approached the penalty spot. And he slammed into the left corner, burying France’s hopes to come from behind on the last seconds. Spain is heading for the semi-final with Portugal, France packs its stuff. It’s all we can say.
Anticipating things, we shall say that this cautiousness turned to be justified: neither team ‘hang’ on other team’s goal until the match passed to dramatic phase (‘either we score, or we’re knocked out from Euro- 2012’). From the very starting whistle, Spain, according to its status (or maybe out of habit?), occupied French side of the field, but it wasn’t easy to approach Lloris’s goal – defenders thoughtfully covered all zones. French, on the other hand, lacked not attacking players, but rather attacking idea on the front edge. Therefore, the ‘three-colored’ sought their luck in free and far kicks.
But once, on the 19th minute, Spaniards managed to break through French defense. And, interestingly enough, French’s failure was complete. It was vividly justified by Xabi Alonso who lonely ran into penalty area. And one more vivid evidence was the goal scored by Xabi Alonso. Thus, Jordi Alba darted to the penalty area along the left flank, the French defender fell on the lawn, opening the ‘entrance’ to the area. Alba made a deep cross to the mentioned above lonely Xabi Alonso. And the latter was ready to receive the ball. There were plenty of variants to continue the attack: let the ball down and kick, kick the ball in flight… The Spaniard chose, however, the most unusual for him way. He boldly jumped to the ball and headed it to the far corner – against defender’s and Lloris’s motion, who intended to cover the near corner. Therefore, both lacked few centimeters to reach the ball, and the defender seemed to close the ball from keeper’s sight, at that. Spain took the lead. By the way, it was Alonso’s 100th appearance in national team.
The French had a chance to answer from the free kick on the 30th minute. The free kicks’ expert Cabaye didn’t let the team down this time. He kicked from around 28 meters accurately in the near upper corner. But, for each kicks’ expert there is a saves’ expert. Iker Casillas made a save and sent the ball to the corner. During the corner kick, the keeper had almost made his efforts null and void by letting the ball from his hands. However, he timely covered it on the ground.
In remaining time, the teams exchanged several bright, but unproductive attacks. Spaniards continued to control the game, though.
And on the last minute, Spaniards received a right for penalty – Pedro, who overplayed ‘three-colored’ defense, was ready for a kick, but Anthony Réveillère ran into his leg. It’s definitely a penalty. Xavi Alonso, who had already scored in this match, approached the penalty spot. And he slammed into the left corner, burying France’s hopes to come from behind on the last seconds. Spain is heading for the semi-final with Portugal, France packs its stuff. It’s all we can say.
sábado, 23 de junio de 2012
Paper Round: England's disappearing jackpot
It's hard to fill a newspaper when there is no real news, and it's 36 hours until England play their Euro 2012 quarter-final against Italy.
Thus The Sun's carries a dreadfully thin back-page lead
proclaiming that England will scoop a '£20 MILLION JACKPOT' should they
defy all logic and win the tournament.Qualified: £6.7m
Win group: £2.2m
Win QF: £1.7m
Win SF: £2.5m
Win final: £6.2m
Total: £19.3m
So, it's not £20m to start with. And England have already 'won' £8.9m of it - over the rest of the tournament, they are playing for £10.4m.
And that's not all. If England win the tournament, their players would be due bonuses worth around £4m, significantly reducing the FA's windfall. And The Sun also admits a longer stay means more flight and accommodation costs.
By the end of the piece, even The Sun's Shaun Custis has dropped the
pretence, and the £20m jackpot has instead become a "healthy profit".And in any case, the article's only quotes come from Roy Hodgson, saying he does not know or care how much money an England victory would be worth.
The Sun also has a two-page exclusive interview with Rio Ferdinand! Well, this should be exciting - the full story of his omission from the England squad, and his true feelings about John Terry.
Erm... not quite. There is not a single mention of Terry, or of "footballing reasons", or really anything you might want to read. Instead there's just some fairly obvious stuff about the importance of avoiding cliques.
Clearly it was a pre-condition of Ferdinand agreeing to do the interview, but you can't help but feel those two pages would have been better served with some fictitious story about Mario Balotelli going on Polish TV to present the weather in his undercrackers.
If there's one word likely to get Fleet Street hacks going while England are at a major tournament, it's 'Bulldog'.Thus Ashley Cole has the tabloids swelling with patriotic pride with his description of England's team spirit at Euro 2012.
The Mirror goes big on Cole quotes: "We're like 11 bulldogs who will never give up, who will always work for each other and basically die on the pitch for each other."
Yikes - sounds more scary than inspiring. Thankfully, Cole did not extend the simile and promise to maul the faces off Italy on Sunday.
There is also 'news' of a cheeky exchange in Italy's press conference, in which goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon suggested he would watch a dirty movie rather than a DVD of England's penalty takers. Wouldn't we all?
The Italian papers are similarly stuck for genuine content - the normally excellent Gazzetta dello Sport has been reduced to a weak Photoshop effort of Daniele De Rossi as James Bond alongside the headline: "Operazione Gerrard".
Gerrard may have a reputation for going to ground easily, but the England skipper will be forgiven for taking a tumble if De Rossi unloads that pistol on him.
Back in Blighty, several papers go for the obvious "Greece out of Euro" joke - and why not?
The Guardian goes even further with a desperately contrived: "German efficiency rules the Euro zone."
In general, though, there is plenty of praise for a Germany side that brushed past the desperately negative Greeks last night.
There will be plenty of time for insults should England defeat Italy on Sunday - Germany would be their semi-final opponents.
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