UEFA Euro 2008

Russia vs Spain

2008-06-29T06:18:00.001-07:00

The second semi final saw a repeat of the Group D opener. Spain, very much the form team this tournament, taking on a Russia side, who after their opening game thrashing, have been a force to reckon with specially with playmaker Andrei Arshavin back in the side.

Luis Arrogones`s team was surely favourties to win this one on paper, but the form guide showed that this was anybody`s game.

It was the one time european champion that started the game better, and in the first 5 minutes Sergio Ramos could have headed his side ahead. The Real Madrid defender likes to run forward and almost scored when he was on the receiving end of a Xavi cross but just could not dive in time to meet the cross.

David Villa then playing a telling ball into the area which was received by Fernando Torres. The Liverpool striker, maked by 2 defenders, spun around before shooting but it was stopped on the near post by Akinfeev.

Russia first real chance came in the 16th minute when they won a free kick almost 35 yards from goal. Roman Pavlyuchenko took it and went for goal, but the ball was just over the bar.

Andres Inesta had a good chance when the ball was played in to the Barcelona midfielder with his back to goal, and a good touch first touch that sets him up for the turn and the shot but Iniesta slightly misjudges the effort and takes a swipe at thin air.

Arshavin, who has had a explosive tournament but a quite game so far, played a great bal into Pavlyuchenko which left Poyul dumbfounded. The Spartak Moscow stirker took a good shot but it curled just above the far post. The refree gave a goal kick but he russians were appealing for a conner and replays showed that Casillias got a fingertip to it which stretching to stop the ball from going into goal.

A major problem for Arrogones, who will take over at Fenerbarce after the tournament, when top scorer David villa had to be taken off. Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas came on in his place.

A goal less first half with lots of chances. The rain slowing down both sides.

The second half started with Spain going in front just 5 minutes after kick off. Some great work from Great work from Iniesta as he cuts inside in the box and curls in a ball for Xavi to get a touch on the half volley to send his side into the lead.

Spain had been playing some really good football and almost got their reward when David Silva`s run and cross from the left flank found Fernando Torres but the former Atletico Madrid man`s shot went wide of the post.

Cesc Fabregas played another wonderful ball for his premier league rival but Spain`s lone striker took to long to make up his mind on weather to head or kick and lost the ball in the process.

But it was only a matter of time before their lead was doubled. A long ball from Sergio Ramos fell onto Fabregas just outside the area and a cheeky flick found Daniel Guiza. The Real Mallorca man slotted home a clean finish, just like he did 27 times for his club in the Spanish La Liga.

It looked like Spain would reach their first final in 24 years by then and Guus Hiddenk`s young team had their heads down.

And 10 minutes later it was the icing on the cake for the Spanish. Fabregas, who had a brilliant match after coming on in the first half, playing a beautiful ball into the box for Silva. The Valencia winger had enough time to do what he wanted and he powerfully shot it into the bottom conner. Silva has been one of the outstanding players of this tournament and with his club side needing funds, major European teams will surely be in for a big money move for this young midfielder.

And Spain finally broke the jinx and made a final of a major tournament for the first time since they lost 2-0 to France in 1984. As for Russia a brilliant tournament came to an end but they have certainly caught the eyes of many scouts across Europe and will be a strong contended for the World Cup in 2 years time.

Germany vs Turkey

2008-06-26T07:40:00.001-07:00

The third last match of the UEFA Euro 2008 saw Germany take on Turkey in the first semi final. The former haven`t made this stage since they went all the way in 1996 while for the later, it is their first appearance in a semi final at a euro.

Faith Terim`s sdie were almost cursed if you may. They had only 13 players available for selection. The rest were out through suspension or injury.

For Jorgen Low, who was back on the touchline after serving his ban, had a full squad, though Frings was a doubt because of a cracked rib.

Turkey started the game brighter and could have gone in front in the 13th minute. Ayhan Akman played the ball back for Kazim Kazim and the London born turk`s powerful shot hit the underside of the crossbar after beating the keeper. German hearts would have surely skipped a beat there.

The Fenerbarce striker was unlucky again as he hit the woodwork another time. A cross from the right flank was hit by Kazim Kazim towords the far side of the goal and it rebounded off the bar. But this time his team were lucky as the ball fell to Ugur and he scored placing the ball between the feet of Jens Leahmann. The first goal in regulation time for over a 185 minutes.

Turkey have not held a lead for longer than 9 minutes in this tournament and this one lasted only 4. A run down the left flank from Lukas Podolski was followed by a cross from. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who made another late run into the area, finished it easily from the edge of the second six yard area. 1-1.

Podolski had a chance of his own when he ran down the left on a counter attack for almost half the pitch, but his shot went just over the bar.

Altintop's in swinging free kick from a long way out was meant to be death with ease from Germany`s former Arsenal keeper but he fumbled and only managed a finger tip save to send it over the crossbar.

Altintop looked to latch onto a pass into the German area but right back Friedrich intervenes just in time. And then Sabri Sarioglu cracks a right-footer just over the crossbar from the edge of the box.

One goal a piece at half time. Turkey were certainly the better side and it was all to play for in the second half and possibly extra time, for the fourth game in a row.

The second half started with Germany having a penalty shout within the first 5 minutes. Lahm, who scored the first goal of the world cup 2 years ago, got into the box under pressure from 2 defenders and went down from what looked like a challenge from Sabri. The refree waved play on but replays showed that it was a foul, but just outside the area. Poor decision from the man in the center.

Thomas Hitzlsperger could have sent his side into the lead but his right footed shot went just over the bar.

With 11 minutes of normal time remaining, a long diagonal cross from Lahm was headed in by Miroslav Klose as the keeper Rustu tried to come out and get it. The Bayren striker`s first goal in a european championship and Germany go 2-1 up.

Turkey have being the kings of late comebacks and have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in their last 3 matches. But this time nobody gave them a chance.

And how wrong they were. A low cross from sabri from the edge of the area was played to Semih who put the ball into the net from the little space between the keeper and post. Lehmaann stood waiting for the ball to come to him but Semih had other plans. Poor goal keeping and the score tied up all over again. 2-2.

Faith Terim`s men can surely take the lead, but they do not know how to hold onto it. And that was prouved one more time.

Phillip Lahm ran down the left channel and passed the ball before making a run into the area. He got a brilliant pass in and put the return ball into the top conner on the near post beyond the reach of the advancing Rustu. A wonderful goal in the last minute of regulation time.

Germany would have to be alert for the remaining 4 minutes of stopage time and they did. They finally won a exciting and epic semi final 3-2 in a game that no one would dare to predict. Germany into the final, and they await the winners of Russia

and Spain. As for Turkey, they can go home with their heads held high after an outstanding tournament.

Spain vs Italy

2008-06-23T07:46:00.004-07:00

Onto the last quarter final of the UEFA Euro 2008 and this one has Group D winners, Spain, who won all 3 of their matches. Their opponents are world champions Italy. They left qualification late until a 2-0 win over France in their final game.

Roberto Donadoni was missing influencial midfielders Grande Gutusso and Andres Pirlo as they both recieved their second booking of the tournament vs the team they defeated in the World Cup final. Luis Aragonés on the other hand goes back to his original line up after playing the reserves in their dead rubber game vs Greece, which they won thanks to goals from Ruben de la Red and Daniel Guiza.

AT the 10 minute mark, Spain had a shocking 72% to ITaly`s 28% possession. BUt despite having so much more of the ball, they had not done much with it.

And it was the team who have had less of the ball who got the opening effort of the game. Perrotta suddenly got the ball and lost his marker, Carlos Poyul, headed it goal words but Casillias managed to save it. Slight scare though.

Spain had their first shot on target in the 25th minute when tournament top scorer David Villa struck a low free kick very well from 25 meters out. Despite the shot being clean and with lots of power, Gigi Buffon did very well to get down and catch it. Good free kick.

Villa club mate and namesake at Valencia, David Silva, had a similar chance. His low effort from the left, after getting past 2 defenders, had the same result has the Juventus man pulled off a decent save.

Antonio Cassano had a wonderful cross to beat the entire defense and find Luca Toni, who has had a poor tournament and is still looking for his first goal, headed it but it was put out for a conner by Marchena.

David Silva, who was having a great game, drifted in from the left before releasing his shot towords the far post. A great shot while under pressure from the defenders went just wide of the upright.

The winger then had a penalty shout when he was caught on his ankle by Fabio Grosso. The refree who was close to the incident waved it off for a dive but replays show that there was contact and that was certainly a foul, though just outside the area.

A first half that Spain completely dominated. Italy had their chances as well but it was Aragonés`s men who were the better side. A third goal less opening 45 in the quarters. The world champions certainly missing Gatusso and Pirlo.

Mario Camoranesi was the first man to come on replacing former Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano. Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla were brought on for Barcelona pair Xavi and Inesta. Coach Luis Aragones being frustrated and trying to change things to help his cause.

AT around the hour mark in the match, Luca Toni got a great ball and he tried to shoot it above the keeper but Casillias got a hand to it. The ball fell to second half sub Camoranesi whos shot was saved superbly by the spanish captain.

The top scorer of the Bundasliga had another opportunity to score when he got a good ball from Zambrotta but he headed it wide of the goal, just like he has throughout the tournament.

On the counter attack, David VIlla had the ball in the area with 3 defenders around his. He went down and was booked by the official for a dive, despite him protesting that he was brought down. Replays showed that the refree got the decision spot on and it was simulation more than contact.

Marcos Senna, who is still looking for his first goal for Spain, tested Buffon from way out. His shot was saved at the first instance for the stand in Italy skipper, but the ball spun out of his hands before hiting the frame of goal. So close to being an embarrassing moment for the Italian keeper who survived by the skin of his teeth.

Italy had the last chance of the 90 when a fabulus ball found Groso on the far post, but mis communication or mis understanding or whatever you want to call it between him and Toni and before the Lyon man could shoot his own team mate got in the way and the spanish defense scrambled the ball away.

Into extra time for the third game in a row.

Just at the start of the first period of extra time David Silva got the ball on the edge of the area after a loose clearance from Giorgio Chiellini. But the winger`s powerful shot from between Chiellni and de Rossi, who were very close to him, went just wide of the post in another wonderful chance for him and his team.

Just a few miniutes later a Di Natalie header was perfectly placed by Iker Casillias got a stupendous finger tipe save to send the ball over the crossbar. The skipper to the rescue agian.

Just in the dying minutes, 119th to be precise, the same time when Croatia scored day before yesterday, second half sub Santi Cazorla could have won it for his sdie. The Villareal winger ran into the box and shot across the face of goal. He should have crossed it in for his team mate who was waiting at the far post to tap it in.

But that was that and it was now time for penalties. Italy frustrated Spain for 2 hours and now took it to a stage where its just anybody`s game. The curse of Vienna still lasts and into the second shoot out at this stadium. Argubially two of the finest keepers in the world, Buffon vs Casillias.

It was Spain and David Villa who took the first spot kick. Buffon dived to the right as the Valencia man sent the ball to the left. 1-0.

Fabio Grosso, the man who scored the winning penalty for Italy in the final of the world cup in Berlin 2 years ago, was going to take this one. Despite Casillias going on the same side as the ball, Grosso`s curling effort was a bit to strong and high for the keeper to get upto. 1-1.

Santi Cazorla could have won the match in extra time but he was now going to put that behind him and help his side attempt to still book a place in the semi final. An almost identical penalty from his side`s first spot kick and it was 2-1.

Daniel di Rossi up next. He shot his kick on the left and the Real Madrid keeper pulled up a wonderful save. The first non converted penalty of the shoot out and it was advantage spain. The score still 2-1, with 2 penalties taken each.

Marcos Senna has never scored for his adopted country and he was going to take the third. He sent the ball onto the roof of the net and made it 3-1.

Camoranesi up next and he took one of the coolest penalties you will ever see at this stage. His powerful shot went to the top right conner, giving the keeper no chance. 3-2.

La Liga`s top scorer Daniel Guiza up next. His penalty went low on the right hand side but so did Buffon and a wonderful save to keep the score still at 3-2.

Spain`s advantage was gone if di Natalie scored but the Udanise man had an almost identical peanlty to that of Guiza and San Iker, as the spanish call him, pulled off yet another incredible save.

Arsenal`s Cesc Fabregas, whos had a small part of play this tournament could send his side through if he conveted. And he did just that. After a long run up from outside the area he tucked it into the bottom right conner as Buffon went the other way.

Spain, deserved winners of this, will go onto play Russia in the semi finals, a team they beat 4-1 at the group stage. As for Italy, their plan of frustrating their rivals and taking it to penalties worked, but they did not think things through after the 120 minute mark.

Croatia vs Turkey

2008-06-21T04:59:00.003-07:00

Onto the second quarter final now and comeback kings Turkey took in the surprise package of this tournament, Croatia. The turks had won their last two games by scoring late goals in the dying minutes of the matches and were up against a side that has a 100% record so far beating Germany, Poland and Austria on the way.

Faith Terim had a lot of pre match crises as he had only 15 players to choose from and another 8 on a yellow card for this one. Former Barcelona goalkeeper Rustu was back in the side for this one. Silvan Bilic on the other hand got his main players back after resting almost all of them in the last group game.

Turkey had the first shot of the match when a lot of good passing finally found Hamit Altintop whos shot from distance was wide of the posts.

Turkey had a free kick from a good range when Nihat was fouled Nico Kovac. Hamit took the set piece and shot it hard but the man who gave away the free kick blocked it.

The best chance of the half, and probably the match came in the 18th minute and fell to Croatia. Semic passed it to Mordic and the number 14 used his pace to get ahead of 3 defenders on the right before playing a square ball in. Olic was on the receiving end of that pass and just needed a tap to score hit the underside of the woodwork. But the team got a second bite of the cherry when it rebounded to Kranjcar who needed to head it straight for a goal but sent the ball wide. What an amazing chance as well as probably the miss of the tournament.

Seems like this end of the ground had a "hoodoo" as a few days ago Germany`s Mario Gomez also missed at this end from 2 yards out.

They had another chance to take the lead this time Kranjcar`s cross found Olic alone in the box but Rustu, who finally made a comeback into the Turkey team due to injury to the first choice keeper, Volkan Demirel, got the ball before the Hambueg striker could get upto it.

In the 34th minute, Hamit took advantage of a lapse in the defense and ran past them with Nihat waiting for a cross. But the Bayren Munich defender slipped and the defense managed to clear.

Few minutes from the break Mehmet Topal took a shot from very very far out. He teed up himself for a shot from almost 33-35 yards out and hammered one straight in. The shot beat the keeper but did not stay on target and curved just outside the frame of goal. It did not miss by much and would have been one of the best, if not the best, goal of the tournament if it went in.

Luca Mordic was having a bright game and he slipped one in for Srna but before the Shakhtar Donetsk man could control it Tuncay Sanil got it clear.

Goal less at the break and plenty to play for in the second half. Criatia certainly looked like the better side but Turkey, who came in with the repatriation of being the "spoilers" also had their chances.

The most bizarre moment of the euro happened at the start of the second half. A very long clarence was mis headed by Gökhan Zan and instead of clearing he hit it back to Olic, who was one on one with the keeper should have headed it past him. But he did not get the power he would like on the header and it was saved by Rustu. But the 28 year old got it once more and he headed it across the face of goal from the left before it was cleared by Hakan Balta. Very strange chance but another great miss.

Bilic`s men came forward very well and Mordic played a delightful ball to his to be premier league rival, Niko Kranjcar, but the FA Cup winner shot straight at the keeper.

More great play from Croatia, Pranjic inside to Rakitic with a one-two with Olic and Rakitic is clean through and shoots well over. Its almost like a turkish ghost is keeping them from scoring. Nobody can believe their bad luck.

And just a minute later Rakitic`s cross found the head of Olic but the former CSKA Moscow man heads it just wide.

Bilic`s side had a free kick from a good position when second half sub Mladen Petrić was fouled. So far in the 4 matches in Vienna, only one goal has been scored in open play. The 2 of the other 3 have been penalties and the third a wonderful free kick by Michael Ballack to send Germany to the quarter finals.

And what a free kick that was. Srna fired that with all his power and it was going for the top conner but the man of the moment, Rustu, pulled the best save of the match. What a chance and one can only wonder what more do they need to take the lead.

We were set for extra time for the first time in the UEFA Euro 2008. Both coaches inspired their players and the two teams were set to kick off the first period of extra time.

Arda does well to create space and gives it to Semith on the conner of the box with the shot but is spins over.

The best chance of the extra time came in the 102nd minute Tuncay Sanil had a drive from 25 yards out and the keeper was beaten on the near post but the shot went just wide of the far post. The Croatian fans certainly skipped a heart beat.

Into the second 15 and everybody was mentally preparing themselves for penalties after a match, that some would argue, was a boring 2 hours of football.

But that all chanced in the 119th minute. Croatia took advantage of the space on the right but Mordic got tackled and lost the ball. Rustu should have caught the ball but it looked like it was going out for a goal kick so he left it. But the man who signs for Tottenham got up quickly and reached the ball before crossing it in and Ivan Klasnić headed it into an empty net. 1-0 and finally a goal.

It looked all over as the only time left was the one minute of stopage time. But Turkey are the kings of coming back late and they did it yet again. Rustu took a free kick from an offside from far up and played the ball into the box. It fell to Semih Şentürk who unlike the Croatian defense, kept his concentration and finished it for a very very dramatic end of the match.

Both goals were scored by players who came on in the extra time period.

Penalties it was and everybody was rubbing their eyes to make sure they weren`t dreaming. They could have thought they fell asleep due to the boring match and dreamt all of this.

Silvan Bilic was furious as he wanted to make a substitution when Rustu took that free kick but was not allowed to.

It was going to be Croatia who took the first penalty and Luca Mordic stepped up. But he shot wide of the right post though the keeper also dived on the same side.

Arda Turan took Turkey`s first and scored in the center before the keeper could get down. 1-0 Turkey.

Srna took the second one for his side and shot straight in the middle after Rustu went onto the left.

Semih, who scored that late dramatic equiliser sent the keeper on the right while he shot on the left. 2-1 Turkey.

Next up was Ivan Rakitić. He went onto the left side but went well wide of the post, further wide than what Mordic`s penalty was.

Hamit Altıntop was given the responsibility of the third and he slotted it in cooly on the bottom right conner. 3 in 3 for his side.

20 year old Mladen Petric had to score to give his side any hopes of staying in the competition. He shot on the right and it was wonderfully saved by Rustu. 3-1 on penalties and Turkey win.

They earned the right to play Germany in their first ever Euro semi final thanks to some awful penalties from Crotaita, who really dominated the game. Heart break for them but who said football is a fair game!

Portugal vs Germany

2008-06-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

The knockout round had started and first up was the quarter final clash between Portugal and Germany. The former being the inform team of the tournament despite loosing their last group game to co-hosts Switzerland but coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is set to take over at Chelsea after the Euros, had rested all his key players in that game. The later on the other hand left it last till a 1-0 victory over the other co hosts, Austria, in their last group game after an embarrassing 2-0 loss by the hands of Croatia.

Manager Jorgen Low was suspended for this one after he received an additional one match ban after being sent to the stands in the last match. Bastian Schweinsteiger was back after serving his suspension following the red card he received during the 2-0 defeat to Croatia.

Jose Bosingwa`s cross in the opening minutes found the head of skipper Nuno Gomes but the 31 year old headed it across the face of goal instead of inside it.

Thomas Hitzlsperger had a good shot from very wide on the right. A short throw in found the VfB Stuttgart man and he shot instantly only for it to hit the side netting. Good shot none the less, lots of power on it.

After running a good 30-40 meters Deco played a brilliant through ball to Simao on the right who beat the offside trap. But the Atletico Madrid man went for goal and allowed the german keeper to pull off an easy save. There were 2 other Portugese players waiting in the area for him to square the ball to them.

Bosingwa, who will follow Scolari to Chelsea this summer, was having a wonderful game going forward. He picked out another beautiful cross, this time for Joao Moutinho. The Sporting Lisbon midfilder was in two minds weather to head it or kick it 6 years away from goal. Just when it looked like he was going to use his head, he changed his mind and the ball hit his knee before going above the bar. A brilliant chance missed.

And their opponents were going to make them pay for the missed chance just two minutes later. Podolski made a wonderful run down the left getting the better of Bosingwa, before playing a neat grounded cross in this time beating Pepe. Schweinsteiger, who had made an amazing run from the half line, slid to put this one at the back of the net and score a beautiful goal for Germany.

And just 4 minutes later the scoreline read Germany 2-0 Portugal. Schweinsteiger`s free kick into the box was headed in by Klose who ran past all the others to make contact. Trouble for Scolari, Joy for the suspended Low.

Cristiano Ronaldo plays a little one two with Simao before trying to find Gomes but the final ball is off the mark and cleared away for a conner by Mertesacker. Everything seemes to be going right for the Germans, from defense to attack.

But Portugal finally pulled a goal back just before the break. Ronaldo ran down the left flank before shooting straight at Lehmann. The former Arsenal man could not hold onto it and Nuno Gomes went in the opposite direction to collect the ball and slot it home.

That goal set the match for a great second half. Definatly the most entertaining first 45 so far in the tournament, and it is the only time when we have seen 3 goals in it. With the score at 2-1, it was anybody`s game in the second period of the match.

Hitzlsperger showed some lovely control to bring down Klose's pass from the left on the edge of the Portugal box, before curling a left footed effort well over the bar. This really was a very high tempo match.

In the 55th minute Portugal had an amazing chance. A conner from Simao Sabrosa was going for a goal kick near the far post but headed back by Deco straight to Pepe but the Real Madrid center half sent the ball over the bar.

And just when you think Portugal are getting closer and closer to scoring, Germany make them pay for it. Schweinsteiger`s free kick into the box from the far left hand side, was headed in by Michael Ballack for his second of the tournament. The captain leapt above club mate Paulo Ferriera and almost certainly headed Germany into the semis. Seems like de ja vu?? Well that is beacuase this was almost a carbon copy of the second goal of the match which was scored by Klose.

Deco played a square ball to Petit who shot from almost 28-30 yards and got the ball on target. But jens Lehmann did well to get down at catch the shot. Luiz Felipe Scolari and his men were certainly in no mood to give up just as yet.

Podolski could have made it 4-1 when a conner was cleared and it fell to his feet and his shot form long distance did not miss by much.

With 3 minutes to go the chasers were throwing everything forward and the leaders everything back. And their efforts were rewarded when a stunning inch perfect cross from Nani on the left, who came on for Nuno Gomes, was headed in from close range by Helder Postiga, who was also a second half substitute replacing Petit.

3-2 with 5 minutes to go and the game for set for an end that everybody (excpet for maybe Portugal fans) really hoped for. The clocked had never ticked slower for the Germans and had never moved faster for the Portugese.

But despite a wonderful end, there were no more goals. Germany, who have not made it past the group stage since they won it in 1996 have made the semis, and Portugal, who were one of the brightest teams in the Euro were out. Luiz Felipe Scolari`s 5 and a half year reign was over and now the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Ricardo Queresma could look forward to solving the mystery of their club futures.

Russia vs Sweden

2008-06-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

The final group game of the UEFA Euro 2008 was upon us and it was winner takes all as Russia faced Sweden in Tivoli, Austria. Spain already qualified when they beat the Swedes thanks to a last minute goal from David Villa, the same man who got a hat ric against the Russians in a 4-1 win. The 2 teams today both beat defending champions Greece and are locked on 3 point. So the winner finishes second in the group and plays the Netherlands in the quarter finals.

Lars Lagerback named an unchanged line up from their heart breaking 2-1 defeat to Spain. Guud Hiddenk on the ohter hand had Zenit St Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin, who scored in the UEFA Cup final, back from suspension. Dmitri Torbinsky was sacrificed.

And the Arshavin got the first scoring opportunity of the match when he headed a Anyukov cross over the bar.

Pavlyuchenko got in a brilliant low cross from the right but striker Diniyar Bilyaletdinov could not get to it in time.

Arshavin did not let his team down as he had a brilliant goal bound cross-shot sent over the posts by the fingertips of Igor Akinfeev. A wonderful ball but an even better save.

It was them who finally broke the dead lock in the 24th minute. A bit of great football was given its just reward as Semshov played a square ball for Anyukov and the 25 year old unselfishly played it in for Pavlyuchenko who shot into an open goal from 12 yards. Beautiful football and a beautiful goal with it.

Bilyaletdinov then shot just wide of the target from the egde of the area. It was all Russia at that moment.

Sweden had their first chance fall to Henrick Larsson. A wonderful cross was headed by the former Barcelona man as it went above the Russian keeper Akinfeev before hitting the crossbar. So nearly the priceless equalizing goal. Lagerback`s men just need a draw to secure a place in the next round as they have a stronger goal difference than their opponents.

Isaksson was kept busy first from Zyrianov header which he clawed away and then beating a long range shot from the same man.

1-0 Russia at the break in a match completely dominated by them. They had 13 shots to Sweden`s 3 at the break and Guud Hiddenk is looking strong to face his own country, the Netherlands, on Saturday.

At Russia continued from where they left off. 5 minutes into the second 45, they doubled their lead. Zhirkov charged down the left flank on a counter attack and passed it to Arshavin who shot cleanly into the bottom conner from 10 yards out. Fantastic goal and just as well constructed as the first.

Yuri Zhirkov could have made it 3-0 at the 70th minute but his curling free kick went just above the bar.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has 2 goals in 2 matches, messed up a great cross from Larsson. The Inter Milan striker headed down instead of heading straight and the keeper managed to save it.

But it was Hiddenk`s men who were doing the business and they hit the post again. Zyrianov came in from the left hand side but his right footed shot was rebounded off the woodwork.

Ibrahimovic had a free kick from a good range but ruined a fabulous chance as he shot well over the goal and wasted a chance to get his side back into the game. That really summed up Sweden`s afternoon.

Goal scorer Pavlyuchenko received almost an inch perfect cross from the right hand side but shot straight into the gloves of Sweden`s Manchester City keeper.

The same man missed again just moments later as he did well to get a lot of space in the box but fired Saenko`s cross wide of the goal. Chance after chance went begging for Russia, and even though at 2-0 they were safe, the game could really have been a high scoring one.

And in the end fortune favors the brave and Russia, who really took the game to Sweden, will go through into the knock out rounds for the first time ever since the Solvet Union split up. Guud Hiddenk`s men are playing beautiful football and with the return of Andrei Arshavin, who had a man of the match performance today, write them off at your own risk. We`ll see them in action next on Saturday as they take on the mighty dutch in what will probably be the most entertaining of the 4 quarter finals.

France vs Italy

2008-06-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Group C was called the group of death being the hardest of all 4. And they could not have called it better. World cup finalists from 2006, France and Italy, were drawn together along with Romania and the Netherlands. Marco van Basten`s dutch side had impressive victories over both these sides playing today and Romania managed to pull out a surprizer draw with both of them as well.

So with both teams locked on 1 point in the last game, the best 2 teams in the world were in a do or die situation on the final match day of group c. But even if one team win, they need the Netherlands to get a draw or a win, for them to qualify.

Both managers under severe pressure from the fans and the media, just like Joegem Low was yesterday, they made several changes. Raymond Domenech was missing Lilian Thuram through injury and Patrick Vieria was still not fit. Eric Abidal was playing in the center of defense and Karim Benzema came in for Florent Malouda. Roberto Donadoni`s big story on the other hand was leaving out Alexandro del Piero and allowing the bad boy of Italian football, Antonio Cassano in the starting line up.

So a high pressure replay of the FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000 final was on the way with the big man, Luca Toni having the first chance of the match. He did very well to get into the box but misfired misribially wide of the post.

Problems seemed to have just started for the Euro 2000 winners when their star man, Frank Ribery was taken off on a stretcher after just 10th minutes due to what seems like a fracture in the leg. He was replaced by 20 year old former club team mate Samir Narsi.

Managers now like to be brave and put just one man on the post instead of two, and Claude Makelele demonstrated why infact both posts need to be covered. Panucci, Italy`s only goal scorer so far, headed a conner goal bound but was cleared off the line by the Chelsea midfielder.

But the final break through was finally made in the 24th minute. Luca Toni was one on one with the keeper but Eric Abidal, who looked uncomfortably out of position so far, tripped the Bayren striker from the back. Penalty for Italy, red for Abidal, horror for France.

Andres Pirlo, who took one of the winning penalties in Germany in 2006, stepped up for this one and made no mistake in firing into the top conner. A much deserved lead for Italy was finally theirs.

Center Back Boumsong was brought on for substitute Samir Narsi as France`s youngest squad member lasted just 15 minutes on the pitch.

But that did not help Domenech`s poor defense. Luca Toni had 3 clear cut chances in succession.

The first of whcih came just a few moments after the goal. He somehow managed to get Perrotta's cross near the goal and did not miss by much. Fabulous effort.

Not much later the 6 foot 5 inch striker was wide of the target again when the Bundasliga`s top scorer attempted to volley Pirlo`s cross.

The last of them was at the half hour mark as he turned really well but did not force a save from Coupet. Very encouraging signs for the 4 time world champions.

The last real chance of the half fell to Fabio Grosso whos free kick from just outside the area required a stunning fingertip save from his Lyon team mate Coupet to deny the man who scored the winning penalty against the same side at the 2006 Fifa World Cup.

A brilliant half from Italy`s point of view, but France have a lot of work to do in the second half if they are to have any chance of progressing to the quarter finals for a meeting with Spain. Romania on the other hand, are holding the Netherlands goal less at the break so if things stay this way, Donadoni`s men will be through.

France had the first chance of the second half as a brilliant ball from Toulalan was struck over the bar by Karim Benzema from just outside the area.

Thierry Henry also had his chance to get the equalizer. He turned and shot very well, in his trademark style, but was saved well by Mr. Reliable, Gigi Buffon.

The Barcelona striker called the Juventus keeper back into action just 2 minutes later but it had the same result.

There was a huge roar from the Italian supporters as the news was that the Netherlands had taken the lead against Romania thanks to a Huntalaar goal. If the result of the other game stays the same, even a draw would be enough for the Azzuri.

But a draw is not what they wanted. Daniel di Rossi took a free kick from about 30 yards out and shot to his left. Goalkeeper Coupet also dived the same side, but the ball struck the leg of Thierry Henry who was in the wall and was deflected straight into the goal. Very poor luck for Domenech but his counterpart could not care less.

15 minutes from time, Karim Benzema had a beautiful opportunity to pull one back. He curled the ball with his right foot from outside the area but Buffon made a magnificent save to deny the Lyon youngster. By far his side`s best chance of the match.

France`s chance did look slim but Italy`s looked stronger than ever as Netherlands scored another one. This time Robin van Persie getting on the end of it to match the score from Zurich.

Luca Toni had the chance to make it 3 in stoppage time when he got the ball from Cassano and shot just over the goal from long range. Did not miss by far.

In the end it was 2-0 for the Italians who began his career as manager of the national team with a 3-1 defeat to France in a Euro 2008 qualifier. 4 days ago they faced the prospect of an embarrassing early exit, but now have booked the right to play Spain in the quarter final in a few days time. But they will be without influential midfielders Pirlo and Gatusso, who both picked up their second yellow card of the tournament tonight. As for the French a frustrating and unfortunate day comes to and end, and so could the careers of their coach and many senior players like Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele.

Austria vs Germany

2008-06-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

It was do or die as Germany took on co-hosts Austria in Vienna in this final group game for both sides. The visitors looked like firm favorites after their opening day win but a shock 2-0 loss to Croatia they need all 3 points today to secure their place in the quarters to play Turkey. The hosts also had a shot at the opportunity to play Faith Terim`s men if they can beat the Euro 1996 winners by more goals than if Poland beat Croatia.

In the opening 5 minutes, striker Mario Gomez had the miss of the tournament. Klose`s low pass found the stuggard man 2 yards in front of goal but the ball struck his foot and went high instead of straight. As it came down defender Gyorgy Garics headed it clear before the number 9 could have a second bite at the cherry.

Austria the had a shout for a penalty. It looked like Christoph Metzelder had brought down Erwin Hoffer but replays showed that it was the Austrian striker who ran into the Real Madrid center half.

The Rapid Vienna striker had another chance to put his side in front. He ran dangerously into the box but lost control of the ball and Jens Lehmann quickly saved it.

René Aufhauser took a crack from 30 yards out but the German keeper did well to dive and get his hands to it to turn it away for a conner. Though the shot looked like it was going to miss the target.

Both keepers had a lot to do during this game and Jugan Marco was called upon in the 25th minute as Podolski shot from well out.

But a bizarre incident just before half time saw both coaches,Joachim Löw and Josef Hickersberger sent off from their dug outs into the stands. It seemed like Low was arguing with the fourth official about something, likely to be the fact that Podolski was slapped by Aufhauser with the officials taking no action. Hickersberger joined the argument and then referee Manuel Gonzalez had enough and gave both managers their marching orders.

The first incident of the second half prouved to be the only goal of the match as Michael Ballack, who hasent scored in a major tournament since the 2-1 loss to Czech Republic at the Euro 2004, scored from a stunning 30 yard free kick. The ball took no deflection or touches and as went into the top conner. Probably the best free kick of the tournament so far.

Phillipe Lahm, who scored the 2006 World Cup`s first goal, had the chance to double their lead as he drove into an attacking position but mis fired a shot and it went well wide.

Marco was called upon a few more times forcing saves from Podolski`s 25 yeard effort and Frings`s conner.

Austria also had the chance to get back into the game but Hoffer`s chance went wide of the post.

Austria`s former Sunderland and Chelsea keeper was certainly a busy man Klose was the last man to force him to make a save in the dying minutes of the game.

So the hosts leave the tournament with just 1 point and 1 goal, courtesy a controversial penalty against Poland converted by Ivica Vastic. As for Germany, well they make it past the group stage for the first time since 1996 where they went all the way. A long 12 year wait finally ends tonight.

Switzerland vs Portugal

2008-06-15T15:22:00.001-07:00

Into the last round of group matches, which would all be played simultaneously. Hosts Switzerland took on Portugal in a game that was dead rubber. The home side was already out having lost both their games to Turkey and Czech Republic while Luiz Felipe Scolari`s team were confirmed as group winners after defeating the same opponents in their opening matches.

Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was announced as Chelsea`s new manager earlier this week, rested all his stars and only goalkeeper Ricardo and full back Paulo Ferriera retained their place in the side.

It was his side who were denied a penalty in the opening minutes of the match. Nani was brought down in the box by Stephan Lichtsteiner but the refree did not blow. Though it looked like a controversial decision, as the defender got the player and none of the ball.

That was followed by another good opportunity this time the woodwork saving the home team. Nani took a low free kick and Pepe kicked it but it rebounded off the post. So near yet so far for the Real Madrid defender.

Inler then in the 23rd minute took a wonderful shot on the left hand side for well out but was well saved by one hand of the ever reliable Ricardo.

The Real Betis keeper was called upon again a little after the half hour mark as Eren Derdiyok header from a conner required a two hand save to prevent his side from going down.

Defense turned into attack as Meira slips a great ball through and Postiga put it at the back of the net. But the goal was rulded offside. Replays showed that the striker was actually on side and it was another controversial decision. The refree was certainly taking more lime light than required.

Luis Nani could have scored the opener but was unlucky once more. A miscleared ball found the Manchester United winger on the left side who ran into a one on one situation but hit the post after sending the keeper the wrong way. The old lady was certainly not singing for Portugal tonight.

Ricardo Quaresma, who has claimed that he has agreed to join a "big club" after the euro had a shot from distance wonderfully saved by Pascal Zuberbuhler.

Gokhan Inler did well to get rid of Miguel and pass the ball in but was put out for a conner by Pepe before it could be shot in from very close range.

Just like Luiz Felipe Scolari, even Köbi Kuhn will leave this side after the Euro hence this being his last match incharge. And he was given a wonderful farewell present in the 71st minute. Hatim Yakim recieved a Erin Derdiyok's flic very well and kept his cool to finish calmy between the feet of Ricardo. 1-0 Switzerland.

Just 10 minutes later the co-hosts had a penalty. Fernando Meria tripped second half substitute Barnetta inside the area. The Turkish born who was scored both the swiss goals in tournament got his third when he shot hard into the top left conner giving the keeper no chance.

So Switzerland go out with some pride winning a match in front of their home crowd. A good way to say goodbye for Köbi Kuhn who probably dint except anything more than this from the Euros. As for Portugal, they will face either Germany or Poland in the next round, depending on the results tomorrow.

Netherlands vs France

2008-06-13T15:13:00.003-07:00

If you thought you had seen it all at the UEFA Euro 2008, i cannot tell you how wrong you were. After Spain beat Russia 4-1, people said they were favorites. When Portugal cruised to their second win, everybody deemed as the team that would go all the way. But tonight, Netherlands showed every football fan in the world, that it is infact them who are the best team in Europe, if not the world, right now.

Marco van Basten`s side had already thrashed world champions Italy 3-0 on Monday, and today they faced the men who lost in that world cup final. France on the other hand had a poor start to their campaign, being held in a score less draw against the dark horses Romania.

Van basten stuck with the same 11 that gave Italy their worst defeat in 25 years while Raymond Domenech made 3 changes with Patrice Evra, Sidney Govou and injured Thierry Henry returning in place of Eric Abidal, Karim Benzema and Nicolas Anelka.

The first real chance of the game was also the opening goal. Van der Vaart`s conner finds the head of Dirk Kyut and the Liverpool man leaps ahead of Florent Malouda to head in from 6 yards. Netherlands 1-0 France, 9 minutes gone.

It is the leaders who are pressing for the next goal and Sneijder comes close when his shot from distance goes over the bar.

The goal scorer also has another opportunity as he is on the revieving end of Giovanni van Bronckhorst's long pass but the shot goes over the bar once more.

France looking on the back foot in a match that their rivals have started so well, had the best chance so far in the 22nd minute. Willy Sagnol`s pass into the box was collected by Govou who took a few touches on the ball before releasing an angled shot only to be saved by Edvin van der Sar.

Raymond Domenech`s men are enjoying their best spell in the match calling the dutch keeper twice in one minute. First a low shot from Malouda is given straight into the hands of the dutch skipper after beating the entire defense from 30 yards out and then his club team mate Evra sets up Govou on the edge of the area, but his powerful shot finds the same result.

Frank Ribery then make his way into the area and gets between Ooijer and Mathijsen and shoots towords the far post but the Manchester United keeper pounces on it to deny the French yet again.

They say you cannot create something out of nothing. Well Thierry Henry almost did. A long pass from Claude Makelele, and the Barcelona striker, whos back was towards the goal, received turned and shot in a matter of seconds, but unfortunately for him the ball dint find the target.

A very evenly balanced first half, but it was only a rehearsal for what was to come in the next 45 minutes.

The Euro 2000 winners almost had a penalty just at the start of the second period when Henry, and his French international team mates, claimed that his shot hit the shoulder of Ooijer but the refree could not care less about their claims.

A fabulous movement from France almost resulted in their tournament opener. Govou gave it to Malouda under pressure, and the Chelsea winger`s bicycle kick was taken by Henry ahead of the Dutch defense and one on one with the keeper but the former Arsenal man lobbed it over the bar. So near yet so far.

The Netherlands were not really in a forgiving mood and would make their challenger pay for their misses.

It all started when Arjen Robben, who came on for Engelaar at half time to make his first appearance in Switzerland, crossed from the left but Wesley Sneijder headed it into the safe hands of Edvin van der Sar.

Just a minute later we saw one of the goals of the tournament. A 360 degree turn and flic by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was surrounded by 2 defenders, found Robben and the Real Madrid winger ran half the field before putting in an inch perfect cross. Robin van Persie made no mistake with his shot and despite Coupet geting a hand to it, the ball went across the line.

Robben continued to traumatize the slow and aging French defense moving in from the right before shooting straight at the keeper.

Willy Sagnol ran down the right flank and played a great ball into Thierry Henry, who got the faintest of touches from the little toe of his left foot but it was enough to bring Les Blues back into the game. 2-1 game on.

Or so we thought. A minute later, Wesley Sneijder fed his team mate from club and country with a beautiful pass and the former Chelsea man did superbly to hold the ball between both central defenders and shot from one of the tightest angle`s on the left to score an outrageous goal. He was almost in line with the goal when he let the ball go and the quality of goals just get better with this Netherlands side.

Ruud van Nistelrooy almost made it 4-1. A great 40 yard ball from Sneijder is headed by the Real Madrid striker but Coupet does brilliantly to run back and get a hand to it before it lands up at the back of his net.

Just before time, Robben left footed effort from just outside the area went inches wide from the near post. It was almost as France did not do anything wrong, just that Netherlands did everything right.

And they continued doing everything right when once again, WEsley Sneijder, who is a real contender for player of the tournament, turns and shoots a cracker from 25 yards out and sends it straight into the top left conner. No keeper in the world could save that.

A sell out of 37,000 people saw a total demolition of a France side that did have their chances. They face a re match from the 2006 world cup in 4 days against Italy and even a win for them might not be able to seal qualification. For Netherlands on the other hand, the best team in the world couldn`t stop them, and nor could the second best. Can anybody in Europe stop Marco van Basten, Wesley Sneijder, Ruud van Nistelrooy and co?

Italy vs Romania

2008-06-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Group C guaranteed excitement from the day it was taken out of the hat. And it has not failed us today.

Italy, who lost their first match 3-0 to the Dutch, were in danger of facing an early exit from the tournament if they lost today. Romania on the other hand held France to the only goal less draw so far.

Roberto Donadoni made 5 changes to his team, the most important one being Serie A`s top scorer,Alessandro del Piero coming into the side and wearing the captain`s arm band in the absence of Fabio Cannavaro.

The skipper for the day could have opened the scoring on as early as the 9th minute when his header went just wide of the near post. The Juventus man really continuing from where he left off in the last match.

Luca Toni also had his chances and it all started when he just couldnt connect to Mauro Camoranesi`s gorgeous cross from the left.

But it wasent just the world champions doing the attacking. Romania, were were the dark horses of the group of death, wanted to show their rather glamorous opponents, that despite not having the same amount of quality, they are no push overs. Both teams were yet to get a goal in this UEFA Euro 2008.

That was clearly displayed by Adrian Mutu, who co-incidencially plays his club football in Italy, ran down the leaf flank getting ahead of the defense but his shot saved by his former Juventus team mate Gianluigi Buffon.

Fabio Grosso picked up the big Luca Toni, who ended the German Bundasliga as the top scorer last season, but the Bayren man headed over the goal instead of inside it.

It was really end to end stuff from both sides and that was clearly shown when Victor Piturca`s side had another wonderful chance. A free kick, deflected off by Christian Panucci, hit the post before finally being cleared away. But in trying to win the ball back Rat and Mirel clashed heads leading to both of them bleeding. The former was able to continue but the later had to be taken off and was replaced by attacking midfielder Dica.

Back at the other end balls are being headed wide of the post. First del Piero`s heads Grosso`s cross wide and then Toni puts Camoranesi`s ball off target.

Razvan Rat, who had a big bandage on his head following his clash with Mirel, was inches from scoring the first goal for his side. He kept his 30 yard screamer low and it was just off the mark.

Toni has had a wonderful last 2 years, first ending as top scorer of the Italian Serie A, then winning the world cup and now leading the charts in Germany as well. But he has been off the mark at this championship, but he had 2 great openings in the 39th minute.

The 31 year old is a very tall man and easy to spot. Most set pieces are aimed at his head and it was no surprise when Del Piero`s conner found him. The former Florentina striker got this one on target but Romania keeper Bogdan Lobont made a stunning one hand save to deny Italy their first of the Euros. Seconds later the same man nodded down Zambrotta`s cross and it was in the path of Giorgio Chiellini but the keeper pounced on it to clear it away from danger.

One of the best halves of the tournament could have seen the only thing it was missing, a goal, in the dying moments. Camoranesi played a short conner to his former Juventus team mate Zambrotta and his cross to Toni was finally headed in but flagged offside by the refree. But replays showed that the number 9 was infact on side and that goal should have stood.

Both teams had their chances in the second period of the contest and we finally had the first goal. Former Barcelona full back Gianluca Zambrotta headed the ball into Adrian Mutu`s path, and the man who has played for 5 different Italian teams, made no mistake in putting the ball beautifully past Buffon.

They say the you are most venerable just after you have scored and that was demonstrated just then as Donadani`s men pulled back the equalizer. Chiellini headed a conner towards the goal and it was AS Roma defender Christian Panucci who slotted home from very close range.

It was all square at the Letzigrund Stadium and both teams were back to business as usual. Del Piero`s cross was just one bit too far for Toni to get upto as another opportunity for the Munich man goes begging.

Second half sub Niculae did well to get into Italy`s box but Fabio Grosso did wonderfully to clear it off the feet of the Steaua Bucharest man.

Daniel di Rossi, who was banned for almost the entire world cup for breaking Brain McBride`s nose, has his header from close range stunningly saved by the keeper.

10 before time, Romania were given a penalty. Nicuale was brought down by the goal scorer Panucci as he tried to get onto the end of a Mutu cross.

Adrian Mutu had the chance to send the reigning world champions out of the Euro if he could convert this one. The striker hasent had the best run up to the tournament, as he recieved the news of his grand mother`s death just 28 hours before the his first game. The man who got the opener of the match went right and so did the Juventus keeper who saved it with his top hand.

A hugely entertaining and open match was ended by both teams sharing the points and that was probably the fair result. Both teams with a shout in it for making it to the knock out phase in the final and very important last matchday of this Group C.

Croatia vs Germany

2008-06-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

The first real upset and the maiden sending off of the UEFA Euro 2008 were handed out today, as Croatia and Germany met each other in Austria.

Just like yesterday`s game, the winner of this match would almost certainly book their place in the quarter final stage of the compititon. Germany obviously started as favourites, and they re instated their position as that after their brilliant performence on Sunday against Poland. Croatia were not going to be push overs either, but definatly started as the under dogs.

The first real chance of the game came when Luca Mordric played into Ivica Olic but Christoph Metzelder did superbly to clear the ball away for a conner and not let the Hamburg forward to convert.

Manager Slaven Bilic probably told his team to go out there and have fun without the fear off loosing. And they were certainly doing just that. After adding a lot of pressure, it was them who got the first goal of the game.

Danijel Pranjic `s cross was volleyed in brilliantly by Darijo Srna leaving his marker Marcell Jansen totally clueless. Huge celebrations by the entire team and their bench, in what could be a huge win for the team.

Bilic isnt a stranger to beating big teams, he did the home and away double against England, including a famous 3-2 win at Wembley which ended Steve McLaren`s side`s chances for this compatition.

Jansen then tried to make up for not being able to clear the ball, when his cross found Mario Gomez but the Stuggard striker`s header went over the bar from 8 yards out.

Niko Kranjcar should have probably made it 2-0 when shot over the bar at the half hour mark. The Portsmouth should have really hit the target and if so it would have surely been a goal.

Michael Ballack could have brought his side level but his right footed effort was punched away by Stipe Pletikosa.

It wasent just the Croatia man making the brilliant saves, even Jens Lehmann was showing off his skills. Corluka's cross found

Kranjcar and his volley from close range was punched away by the reflexes of the former Arsenal man.

Real Madrid`s Christoph Metzelder also had the chance but his header went over the post from Torsten Frings`s conner.

Germany tralling 1-0 at the break and they would really have to improve their game if they want to have any chance of winning this.

Mordic, who moves to Tottenahm Hotspurs after the Euro 2008, had a long range effort saved by the German number 1 and it was still his team that were adding the pressure.

And tempo was converted to goals as Croatia got their second. Leahmann was really unlucky as Srna`s cross was deflected off Podolski and it rebounded off the post only for Olic to tap it into an open net. 2-0 and Ballack and co. under some serious tention.

Croatia last beat Germany 10 years ago in 1998. A 3-0 win for them in the World Cup in France where they finished third overall was one of the high points of this national team.

Midfilder Bastian Schweinsteiger was brought on to help them out, and was the second substitute for the germans after Real Betis`s pacy winger Odonkor came on at half time.

The Bayren Munich man was making an impact after being brought on and his run on the left wing almost ended up in glory when his shot went across the face of the goal and just went past the far post. So near yet so far for the 23 year old.

Germany`s top scorer set everybody up for a brilliant last 15 minutes of the match. Robert Kovac tried to head away Lahm`s cross but got only as far as Podolski who volleyed in his theird of the tournament to get him level with David Villa as the top scorer.

Drama in stopage time first as Mordic misses by inches. And then frustration shows on the 3 time world champions as second half sub Schweinsteiger pushes away Jerko Leko, who brought down the midfielder and also got booked for it. But the Munich man, was given a straight red, and became the first player to be suspended in the Euro 2008. Jens Lehmann and Luca Modric saw the yellow card in an incident packed 3 minutes.

At the full time wistel the Croatia team went crazy in celebrations and why shouldn`t they. Not only did they beat one of the favourites, but also almost certainly made it to the knock out round. A sweet night in the history of Croation football, while Germany have to win their next match to have any further participation in this compatition.

Czech Republic vs Portugal

2008-06-11T11:59:00.001-07:00

Every team had finished their first match last night and we were into the second round of the UEFA Euro 2008 with Portugal taking on Czech Republic in Geneva.

The 2004 hosts had fielded an unchanged line up while their opponents had last time`s top scorer, Milan Baros in their side for the first time this year.

The winner of this one would all but book their place in the quarter final since both teams had won their first match. And it was Portugal who struck first.

Cristiano Ronaldo went one on one with the keeper, Pter Cech, and tried to go around him. But the Chelsea shot stopper saved it with his feet and put it into the path of Deco who shot between the legs of to score his first goal of the tournament.

Armando Petit tried an ambitious shot from 35 yards out, but it was saved by the best goalkeeper in the Premiership if not the world.

But not much later Libor Sionko drew his side level when his brilliant low header found the net following a Jaroslav Plasil conner. It was the first time this summer that a side had equalized after going down.

Deco and Ronaldo, who were both by far the brightest two of the game, had chances to restore their team`s lead. The Barcelona man drifted into the center from the left and let in a 20 yard cracker which went just above the Czech goal.

And just a minute later the Real Madrid bound Manchester United winger shot from distance again and the ball went between 4 defenders before being caught by the man who saved his penalty in the UEFA Champions League final in Moscow just a few weeks ago.

The two seemed to wanna continue their rivalry with each other when the Premier League`s top scorer took another long range shot, this time from almost 30 yards out, but it was punched away by the busy keeper with the stylish helmet 3 minutes before the break.

Long range efforts from Cristiano Ronaldo being saved from Pter Cech was almost the order of the day and unsurprisingly the last effort of the half was just that. A free kick from the former Sporting Lisbon was scooped up from the ground by the man who had seen a lot of shots come his way from the land far far away.

In the second half Milan Baros was one tap in away from scoring his first of the tourney but the pass from Sionko had too much pace on it for the Portsmouth man to get upto in time.

Nuno Gomes could have opened his account as well when a cheeky ball from Simao was taken well by the skipper but shot straight into the hands of the Czech number one.

The Atletico Madrid man had an opportunity in the 58th minute but his shot was bravely saved by the keeper to deny Scolari`s men yet again.

But the 4th place team from the world cup could not be kept quite for too long and finally a great move turned into a great result from them. Deco, who had lots of space in the right played a square ball into the area and Ronaldo`s powerful striker was finally good enough to beat Pter cech and send his side 25 minutes away from a place in the knockout round.

Chances were few are far between, but none as good as this one to draw level for the second time in the match. The goal scorer received a wonderful cross from the right wing and his goal bound header was saved by the fingertips of Ricardo.

Defense turned to attack in the first of the 3 minutes of added time and a long clearance found Ronaldo alone in the penalty area and istead of trying to get past the charging keeper he played it left to second half substitute Ricardo Quaresma for the 3rd. 3-1 Game Over.

Spain vs Russia

2008-06-10T13:45:00.003-07:00

One of the tournament favorites, Spain, were up against the dark horses of this competition, Russia, in the last group of the UEFA Euro 2008. Spain have been known for playing attractive attacking football at the round robin stage but fade away in the knockout rounds.

It was Guud Hiddenk`s side who started off brighter, when Yuri Zhirkov`s left footed free kick went just wide of the Spanish goal.

Sergio Ramos gave his side a chance when he ran down the right flank and gave a brilliant diagonal ball to Valencia striker David Villa. But the former Zaragoza man could not control and shot above the post with his left foot.

It was the Russians who were adding the pressure and Aleksandr Anyukov`s cross was shot wide by Igor Semshov.

But just when the northern Europe side were settling in well, the Spanish unsettled them with a goal. Fernando Torres ran down the left on a counter attack and used his pace to get past Dynamo Moscow defender Denis Kolodin. The man who scored 30 goals in his debut season for Liverpool then played the ball back to David Villa who made no mistake in finishing it and giving his side the lead.

They say you are most venerable just after you have scored, and Russia almost took advantage of that. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov , under pressure from the defender, crossed the ball into the area just before it went out of play. It went past 2 white shirts before Konstantin Zyrianov`s right footed shot beat Iker Casillias but hit the post instead of finding the back of the net. So near yet so far for the team in white.

Spain were now finding form and Villa`s low shot had to be punched away by goalkeeper Akinfeev to prevent a second. Fernando Torres now, who traumatized the entire Russian defense with his pace this evening, went round Kolodin before feeding Villa but the Valencia man`s shot was diverted for a conner.

But a counter attack from Aragonés`s team just made matters worse. Andres Iniesta, marked tightly, gave a cheeky ball from the outside of his right foot for David Villa, and the scorer of the first did really well to beat the offside trap and put it between the keeper`s legs to double his team`s lead.

A lot for Hiddenk to think of at the break, but it was his team who started the second half just like they did in the first.

But Spain also continued from where they left off and David Villa did brilliantly to hold the ball away from the russian defenders but shot straight into the hands of Akinfeev from slightly outside the area.

Hiddenk`s team had another great opportunity as Bilyaletdinov`s 25 yard effort went just wide of Casillias`s left post and the Spanish fans could breathe again.

Shots from David Silva and second half substitute Cesc Fabregas were saved by Igor Akinfeev who was having one of the busiest nights of his life.

The man looking for his hat-ric also had the possibility of increasing the score line from ramos`s low cross, but the russian defense managed to clear.

But the former Zaragoza striker finally got his third, when a long pass from Fabregas found him in the penalty area with 3 defenders and a keeper but the hero on the night finished off sweetly in the near conner, a shot nobody could do anything about. He ran past all his team mates to hug his strike partner on the night, Fernando Torres, who was taken off in the second half to bring the Arsenal midfielder into the field of play.

Spain now taking things a bit easy as Russia got a conciliation goal as Pavlyuchenko headed in a conner from Zyrianov's right leg. It was the first time that both teams had scored in the Euro 2008.

And they almost made it 3-2 but Semak`s curling shot was saved by Iker Casillias. Would have been a great end to the game if that went in, but it wasent meant to be.

It was almost only a formality, Villa chipped the ball into Xavi`s pass but the Barcelona man`s volley was saved well by the CSKA Moscow keeper who had a very very long night. But it wasent cleared and Fabregas`s diving header was enough to give him his first international goal and Spain the 4th.

The highest scoring, and one of the highest entertaining match of the entire competition had ended. Spain are certainly going to be a force to reckon with and showed Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands that they too know how to play attacking football. At the end of this one, every football fan will be counting down the hours till the next time this Southern European side play again.

Netherlands vs Italy

2008-06-09T14:51:00.001-07:00

If you ever wanted to know what a counter attack was, watch this game as the dutch team demonstrate to perfection the meaning of a counter attack.

Marco van Basten was missing star winger Arjen Robben, while Italy were without their injured inspirational skipper and main defender, Fabio Cannavaro.

Both teams were lead by their goal keepers, with Netherlands captain Edvin van der Sar, playing in his 125th game, while Itlay`s stand in captain was keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who won the bronze ball in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

It was the world champions who made a brighter start with Udinese winger Antonio di Natalie making some good runs down the right flank.

And the first real chance was also from them. Gattuso`s cross found Luca Toni in the center, just a few yards from goal but the Bayren man headed it wide.

But then the Netherlands started to get back into the game and in the 18th minute they could have had a penalty. Kyut`s through ball found Ruud van Nistelrooy one on one with Buffon, and in trying to go round him, the Juventus keeper tried to stop the former Manchester United man. IF the 31 year old went down, the refree would have had no choice but to give a spot kick. Instead the Real Madrid striker tried to regain his footing and control the ball. A lot of sportsmen ship from the big dutchman.

They had another moment soon, when Wesley Sneijder`s free kick was almost headed into his own net by Marco Meterazzi. The man who was famously head-budded by Zinedine Zidane in the World cup final 2 years ago, just managed to head the ball wide of the post.

But 2 minutes later the dead lock was finally broken. Sneijder`s grounded ball was taped in by van Nistelrooy to give Holland the lead. The Italians protested claiming that the goal scorer was offside but the officials did not give in. Replays showed that the striker was indeed offside. Before celebrating his goal, the number 9 even looked at the linesmen to see if he was holding the flag but a controversial goal was given, much to the displeasure of all the ITalian officials and fans.

The goal seemed to tick off the Italians a bit, and that was shown as Marco van Basten`s side scored another. If there ever for a definition of a "perfect counter attack", this was it. Giovanni van Bronckhorst cleared a conner from Pirlo. Midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart ran with the ball before giving it back to the former Barcelona defender on the left hand side. van Bronckhorst then crossed the ball to the far post for Dirk Kyut who headed it back for Wesley Sneijder, who was celebrating his 24th birthday, and he was given a perfect birthday gift when he scored from a beautiful curling half volley. One of the best goals we have seen all tournament. A finish similar to his manager`s from 20 years ago when Netherlands won their only trophy.

The 4 time world champions gave the leaders a scare when di Natalie`s shot went between the legs of Khalid Bhaularouz and rolled onto Edvin van der sar. But the Manchester United goal keeper pounced onto the ball to deny the Azzuri a passage back into the game.

The Euro 1988 winners could have sealed the game 2 minutes from the break when a stunning ball from Van der Vaart found Ruud van Nistelrooy, but the goal scoring machine shot straight onto the legs of the advancing keeper.

Roberto Donadoni`s team had one last chance to go into the break just one goal down when the Udinese forward`s shot from distance went just above the bar.

Luca Toni finally got a shot on target when he controlled Panucci's pass really well but shot straight at the keeper.

Donadoni had seen enough and brought on Serie A`s top scorer, Alessandro Del Piero for Antonio di Natale. The Juventus forward had a amazing impact on the game, bringing his team back to life. It all started when he curled a right-footer into Van der Sar's arms from just outside the Dutch penalty area.

Making more changes, Italy`s bad boy, Antonio Cassano was sent on to replace Mauro Camoranesi. And it was the Samprodia man`s long ball which found Toni alone with the keeper, 8 yards from goal, but the former Fiorentina striker lobbed it way too much and it went over the bar.

But the pressure wasent over as another second half sub, Fabio Grosso forced an amazing save from the Dutch skipper.

But just as Italy were uping the tempo, another great counter attack finished off the game. A Andres Pirlo free kick was fisted away by Edvin van der Sar and Sneijder broke and fed Van Bronckhorst who gave it to Kyut on his right. The Liverpool forward tried to chip it but was saved by Buffon. Kyut, who was in the team due to injuries to Robben and Babel, then crossed the ball and the Feyenoord defender made no mistake in heading in his team`s third and killing off the game.

It could have been 4 when PSV Eindhoven youngster Ibrahim Afellay, who came on in the 81st minute, shot from a tight angle on the right. His strike kissed the crossbar as it went just above goal.

That was about it for both sides. If the first match of the day was the most boring game so far, this was certainly the most exciting contest up till now. Netherlands go on top of the "group of death" but with 2 matches left, it is still anybody`s to win.

Romania vs France

2008-06-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

The first draw of the UEFA Euro 2008, saw France, from the group of death, get into huge trouble. Drawn with Italy, Netherlands and Romania, Les Blues had to win the first group game against Victor Piţurcă`s men as the next 2 would only get harder for them.

The French were without former Arsenal duo Patrick Vieira, who has been injured since the end of the Serie A season where he plays for Inter Milan, and Thierry Henry. The Barcelona striker sustaned a back injury a few days ago and was left out from the side. Lilian Thuram, who is the country`s most capped player, was given the Captain`s arm band for this one.

The Euro 2000 winners started the game brighter when Karim Benzema`s shot from distance curved over the bar.

The best chance of a dull first half came when a Frank Ribery`s cross bounced before it reached Nicolas Anelka. But the Chelsea man couldn`t control his header and the ball went over the bar.

The former Bolton Wanders forward has a chance to help his team score a few minutes later when he got the ball on the right hand side, but instead of feeding it to a team mate in the box, he went for it himself from an almost impossible angle and hit the side netting.

Last year`s world cup runner up hit the target for the first time when Ribery did wonderfully near the right post before feeding it into Benzema whos shot was saved by Bogdan Lobont

Raymond Domenech`s team looked nervous in the opening 45 and almost conceded when his defense scrambled Rat`s cross back for a conner.

Goal less after a very boring first 45, both teams still with a great chance of taking all 3 points from this one, but both teams would have to push forward if they want that.

Florent Malouda went past 3 Romanian`s in the area but chose to go for goal and shot over instead of playing a square ball into Anelka`s path.

There were not many chances in a very closed game, and Ribery`s ball to Benzema on the edge of the area was one of them. But the Lyon man shot straight and into the keeper`s hands to miss another chance for his side.

The last real chance of the match fell to the 19 year old once again. His right footed shot went across the face of the goal and wide of the far post.

This led to the first draw in the tournament, and many would agree for it to be probably the most boring match of the championship so far. Could be hard for both teams to make it out of the group now, as they have to play world champions Italy and European giants Netherlands in their other two group games. Both teams will have to improve on their finishing to play any further part in the tournament.

Germany vs Poland

2008-06-08T14:47:00.003-07:00

Germany, a power house of European football kicked off their tournament today against a Poland side who were making their first appearance in a European Championships.

Jogi Low going with a 4-3-3 formation, with Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski and Mario Gomez all managing a start. The first 2 strikers, were both born in Poland and were defiantly hoping to have a mark in today`s game, and they surely did.

It was Poland who had the first real chance of the game. Goal keeper Jens Lehmann colided with his own player after failing to deal with a cross and that gave Jacek Krzynowek a wonderful chance to open the scoring, but the midfielder could not control and shot well over.

And just a few minutes later, Klose had the chance to do what Krzynowek could not. An outstanding ball from Michael Ballack found the polish born striker who ran with it and chose to pass it to Gomez instead of going for goal himself. Gomez, who just needed to touch, stretched and missed in what was a sure goal for this German side.

Germany kept putting the pressure and finally found the back of the net when both their poles joint forces. A stunning ball from Gomez to Klose, as he beat the offside trap and ran down the right hand side before playing it square to his Bayren Munich team mate, and Lukas Podolski made no mistake in slotting home an open goal. As a great gesture to their birth place, both of them did not celebrate that goal, something that made both sets of fans chant their names.

Leo Beenhakker did not learn to give up while he was at Ajax, Real MAdrid or Holland and that showed when his team uped the tempo and started taking the game to their much more glamorous opponents. And they almost got their reward in the 35th minute. Mariusz Lewandowski gave in a low cross from the right hand side but Maciej Zurawski shot wide of the far post. SO near yet so far.

Just minutes later Low`s men had a mirror image of their opponent`s miss when a Fritz cross was dragged wide of the far post by Gomez.

A perfect first half from a neutral`s point of view, by far the best in the opening stages of the euro 2008.

Whatever Leo Beenhakker said at half time seemed to be working as Poland started the second half with a lot of energy.

Lewandowski`s shot from distance went just wide of the post. But the scare wasent over for Germany. Second half substitute Roger ran past the defense before forcing a conner off the former Arsenal keeper.

But quality cannot be denied and Low`s men got back into the game with chances of their own, none better than the one in the 70th minute when Lahm`s cross from the right found Michael Ballack and the german captain shot with all his power only to be denied by a stupendous finger tip save by Polish number 1 Artur Boruc.

But just a minute later, the german-polish due struck again. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who came on for Clemens Fritz, gave the ball to Klose, who completely mis-hit it, before his team mate from club and country, Lukas Podolski, hit the top conner with the volley. The 23 year old`s second strike made him the tournament`s top scorer but just like the first goal, he did not celebrate this one either.

Germany now took their foot off the gas and stayed alert at the back. Roger, who had caused most problems for the 3rd placed team from the world cup, crossed it from the right forcing a double save from Lehmann and Saganowski called him back to action with another shot, but the 39 year old deals well with it.

That ended up being the last real chance of the game and Germany claimed 3 precious points and sent a message out to all 15 other teams that they are here and they mean business. Poland on the other hand also showed that they are no push overs and Austria and Croatia would have to work their socks out if they want anything from Leo Beenhakker`s side.

Portugal vs Turkey

2008-06-08T02:23:00.000-07:00

The second game of the UEFA Euro 2008 was on the way and it was one of the favourites Portugal taking on a Turkey side which was built in a similar manner to Luiz Felipe Scolari's team.

Scolari had left midfielders Ricardo Quaresma and Miguel Veloso on the bench.

Portugal started the game better, having a lot of ball possession as well as trying to create chances. But it was Turkey who had the first penalty shout when Tuncay Sanli went down in the box by what looked a challenge from new Chelsea right back, Jose Bosingwa. But replays showed that there was no contact and the refree was spot on by not pointing to the spot.

But it was in the 17th minute when it seemed that the dead lock was finally broken. A Portugal conner, Simao with a one-two with Deco before finally crossing the ball in for center half Pepe. The Real Madrid man headed in from 5 yards only to see the assistant on the far side hold up the flag.

But Portugal would just build on from that. Near the half hour mark, Deco was fouled by Mehmet Aurelio 25 yards from goal. Simao Sabrosa took this one and the Atletico Madrid man shot just above the bar.

A minute later Cristiano Ronaldo went past 3 defenders from a central position and shot just wide of the post from outside the area.

The Manchester United man had another chance and this time from a set piece. It was in a similar place from where Simao had missed a few minutes ago and the number 7 man, now playing on the left wing, kept the ball low going across the face of goal. But Turkey goal keeper Volkan Demirel did exceptionally well to get his finger tips to it and the ball hit the post to deny POrtugal the opener.

The runners up from four years ago kept pressing and had another wonderful chance 5 minutes from time. A great pass from Deco found young Joao Moutinho in the middle of the area and just as the Sporting Lisbon midfielder shot, center back Gokhan Zan put his foot in the way and sent the ball over the woodwork to deny an almost certain goal.

Aurelio shot from distance but straight at goal keeper Ricardo in the final kick of a half, which was dominated by Portugal, but Faith Terim`s men defended really well to still keep themselves in the game.

Turkey looked like the brighter side in the opening 5 minutes of the second half which saw a ricardo troubled by a skillful cross from right winger Kazim Kazim and then Nihat claiming that Simao had brought him down in the area.

But that was all the luck that turkey were going to have as just then skipper Nuno Gomes hit the post. Simao stretched to touch a loose ball and get it to the 31 year old striker but was tripped badly by Gokhan. The captain then hit the post from the outside of his right foot.

The same man was once again denied when he received a beautiful headed ball from Ronaldo but the defender cleared it before there was any trouble for his team.

The PFA Player of the Year then went past 2 men on the left hand side before shooting straight into the very safe hands of Volkan.

Mouritho then had a superb shot from 30 yards out going inches above the crossbar.

But the deadlock was finally broken. Pepe sprung forward and had a little exchange pass with Gomes before finally slotting it above the charging keeper to score his first goal for his new country.

And just after the goal, Scolari`s men could have doubled their lead but Turkey`s 12th man on the day, the woodwork, saved them again. A marvelous cross from Cristiano Ronaldo found the head of Gomes. The Benfica man beat the keeper, but only to find his shot rebound off the crossbar.

Portugal then dropped the tempo a bit in a game which had been very high paced for the opening 70 minutes or so.

Turkey then tried to get back into the game and Tuncay made Portuguese fans skip a heart beat when he took a brilliant free kick which Ricardo somehow managed to fist away. By far their best chance of the match.

Faith Terim was not going to give up and brought on striker Semih Senturk in place of defender Hamit Altintop.

Turkey had a couple of more chances from Asik`s header but it went wide.

Into stoppage time and second half sub Raul Meireles doubled his team`s lead when Moutinho spun to give the ball to the Porto man whos first touch took him past the keeper before slotting home 3 points for Portugal.

Switzerland vs Czech Republic

2008-06-07T11:54:00.001-07:00

The much anticipated opener of the UEFA Euro 2008 was finally on the way when hosts Switzerland took on a very injury hit Czech Republic side. The visitors were missing star midfielder Thomas Rosicky.

Czech were a team that really excited in the Euro 2004, making the semi finals and loosing out to eventual champions Greece by a single goal. Many then rated them as the next big thing in international football but after being drawn in the group of death at the World Cup 4 years ago, they were disappointing and crashed out as early as the group stage.

Despite toping the qualifying round, Karel Brueckner`s men were hardly impressive except for a 3-0 win over Germany in Munich. Expected by many not to go further than the quaters, Czech Republic wanted to start the tournament on a high with a win.

Switzerland started off much brighter, dominating the chances in the opening part of the match. Captain Alexander Frei shot from outside the area, just wide of Pter Cech`s post. That was the first of many from the hosts and the big Chelsea man saved another one with his feet from the same man a a little later.

The team captained by defender Tomas Ujfalusi also had their chances, but it was the team in red that was dominating play. Striker Jan Koller headed wide which could be called as the only real chance they had in the first 45.

But the most important part of the first half was the injury to the Frei. The all time highest Swiss scorer injured his knee and was in tears as he left the pitch. He was was back in the dug out late in the second half on crunches and looks to be out for the tournament.

The swiss fans would be praying their hearts out for their favorite son, but it doesnt look like he will entertain the fans anymore at the European Championships.

The second half saw Pter Cech be a very busy man, having to pull out 2-3 saves to keep his side in the match.

But in the 70th minute, completely against the run of play a 30 yard header from Tomas Galasek found second half substitute, Vaclav Sverkos who took a couple of touches before finishing it well to the far conner.

Coach Karel Brueckner then went all out defense to protect the undeserved lead that his team had.

But you knew it wasent Switzerland`s day when FC Salzburg forward Johan Vonlanthen hit the bar from just a few yards out.

1-0 Czech was the final score, in a match they would conceder lucky to win. With Turkey and Portugal coming up, the hosts face a very uphill task to make it out of the group stage for the first time in a major competition.

Young Players to Watch Out For

2008-06-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

SAMIR NASRI (France)

Rated as the "next Zinedine Zidane" by many, this 20 year old Marseille midfielder has already made over a 120 appearences for his club. Just like the man he is compared to, Nasri is also of Algerian origin.

The Attacking man won Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year in his native France for the 2006/2007 season. He also lifted the under 17 european championship with France in 2004. Despite not living upto the hype last season, he is still going to be a key player for his country.

The Arsenal bound midfielder will surely have a lot more top clubs chasing him once his talent is on show for at the big stage.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (Portugal)

After Having a dream season with Manchester United, winning the league and champions league double, as well as the golden shoe after scoring 42 goals in all competitions and PFA player of the year for the second time running, Cristiano Ronaldo could be the man to watch this tournament.

The dazzling winger can play on either side of the midfield, but coach Luiz Felipe Scolari likes to give him the free role to switch around in the middle of the park. A genuine goal scorer, could be a contender for top scorer, has a brilliant right foot and can shoot from long range and close. A set piece specialist, will take most of Portugal`s free kicks and penalties, despite missing his last 2 penalties for his club. Also a threat in the air and can take the ariel route to goal.

The on going transfer saga to Real Madrid could be playing on his mind, but would be a pretty safe bet to say, he is going to be one of the top players this summer.

WESLEY SNEIJDER (Netherlands)

The Holland number 10, a product from the Ajax youth academy, is a dutch version of David Beckham. Replacing the Englishman at Real Madrid, the 23 year old can play comfortably with both his feet. He can also play in a verity of positions, be it in the center of midfield, behind the front man or on the right hand side. Crosses the ball brilliantly and also a free kick taker, Sneijder will be a key man in Marco van Basten`s side.

Played in the 2006 World Cup as a defensive midfielder, this time round the could be the center of the team, playing right behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

KARIM BENZEMA (France)

The Striker that everybody wants. Top scorer in the French first devision, the Lyon man is a key figure for club and country at just the tender age of 19. His style of play is similar to Brazilian legend Ronaldo, Benzema has a lot of pace and loves running with the ball. A powerful shooter and a clinical finisher, the player was voted as the league`s best player last season.

Probably the most promising french talent since the great Zinedine Zidane, many teams would love to take him off Lyon`s hand. But he has signed a new contract with the 7 times French Champions and a good Euro 2008, could see a near world record fee coming in for Karim Benzema.

KLASS JAN HUNTELAAR (Netherlands)

Scoring 70 goals in a little over 80 appearances for Ajax, Klass Jan Huntelaar is rated as the next big thing in Dutch football. A lethal finisher, just like fellow countrymen Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marco van Basten, this product of the PSV Eindhoven academy broke onto the scene when he scored 17 goals in half a season for Heerenveen in 2005. Since then there has been no stopping him and goals have come from the right foot, left foot and his head.

Has been linked with a big money move all over Europe and this summer could be the time he leaves the league, where he has been top scorer twice and won the "talent of the year" award.

Despite having scored 7 times in 12 appearences for his country, Huntelaar is not sure of a starting spot for the Oranje. Coach Marco van Basten would only play one of Klass Jan Huntelaar and Ruud van Nistelrooy up front, and the later could get that spot due to his experience. But rest assured, goals are almost certain every time this young talent has the ball at his feet.

RICARDO QUARESMA (Portugal)

Ricardo Quaresma is probably an unpolished version of Cristiano Ronaldo. Both of them are very talented youngsters and have very similar styles of play. Lots of trickery from the wings, good crossers of the ball, and can score goals.

Quaresma started his playing career with Ronaldo at Sporting Lisbon. When the later moved to Manchester United, Ricardo joined FC Barcelona. But after a bad season in Spain, he was sent back to Portugal, where he signed for FC Porto in a swap deal involving Deco.

Now this winger has settled himself well in the Porto midfield and is one of the best players in the world. A very highly rated midfielder, has caught the eye of several big clubs across Europe, Quaresma will have lots of eyes on him during the Euro 2008.

MIGUEL VELOSO (Portugal)

While Cristiano Ronaldo, Ricardo Quaresma and Deco will be catching all the attention of the beautiful free flowing Portuguese side, it will be Miguel Veloso who will be the unsung hero of this team making sure they do not let in goals. Veloso is a defensive midfielder who is very mature and very tactical for his age. The 20 year old has also played at Center Back and Left Back for his club side, Sporting Lisbon and can be used as emergency cover for those positions.

Could be the key of Scolari`s team, Veloso will break down most of the plays in midfield with his strong tackles and ability to read the game well. If Portugal do go far, it will be a lot because of this power horse in midfield.

FERNANDO TORRES (Spain)

El Nino is no stranger to the Spanish national team with this being his second major tournament with the national side. Played his part in the FIFA World Cup, where he was second to David Villa, but Euro 2008 is a different story all together.

Fernando Torres is going to be Spain`s main striker this summer. Following his move from boyhood club Atleatico Madrid to Liverpool last summer, he has scored over 30 goals in his debut season with his new team. Very powerful and can hold the ball well, Torres can score from almost anywhere on the football ground.

Despite the fact that there will be no Steven Gerrard, who Torres has created a wonderful understanding with at Liverpool, you can still be sure to see goals from the number 9. Defenders will have sleepless nights before they come up against this big 24 year old.

MARIO GOMEZ (Germany)

Big, burly and extremely efficient; Mario Gomez is perhaps one of the finest and technically adept players to have graced the German league in recent years. Already carrying the mantle of Bundesliga Player of the Year with an amazing record of 28 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for VfB Stuttgart, he has established himself and the premier focal point of Joachim Low’s side.

Gomez has an incredible eye for which is displayed through the variety of options he has—being equally gifted with his foot as well as head. He is pure class when it comes to timing his runs to Porsche perfection and finishing with ease.

Will have a lot of scouts watching this man, with reported interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Inter Milan already being there and that list will just get bigger the more he plays.

UEFA Euro 2008 Austria & Switzerland

2008-06-06T03:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. My name is Utsav Srivastava and this blog will be all about the UEFA Euro 2008.

The European Championships takes place once every 4 years. This year the hosts will be Austria and Switzerland.

This blog will have everything to do with the tournament. From match reports, to goal videos, to players to watch to controversies (which we hope there arnt too many of) to everything about the tournament.

So we hope you enjoy it and please feel free to leave your valuable comments.