Euro 2008 – Days 4 and 5 Review

Spain 4-1 Russia:

Tournament favourites Spain showed everyone why they are just that. A superb David Villa hat-trick and a late goal from substitute Cesc Fabregas demolished the unlucky Russians, who grabbed a consolation goal via the impressive Pavlyuchenko’s headed goal.

The match started off in a frenzy, with both sides attacking at quick pace. It was Spain who broke the shackles after a superb pass from Capdevila put through Fernando Torres – the LFC forward was absolutely playing with the Russian defence – who handed a dummy before slipping the ball across for strike partner Villa to coolly slot into the net. Almost immediately, Zyranov hit the post for the Russians after the ball rolled across the box, with the Spanish defenders and Russian attackers all unsure of who should go for the ball.

Russia’s most impressive performance came from left back Zhirkov who many a time made Sergio Ramos look like an under-12 player. His crosses were a constant threat to Iker Casillas’ goal.

However, Spain grabbed a deserved second after a sensational team move saw a superb David Villa finish  from an Andres Iniesta pass. Spain created 3 chances before the second goal but were thwarted by some spectacular goalkeeping from Igor Akinfeev, a man rumoured to be heading a number of major European clubs after the summer.

The second half started off the same way as the first half ended, with Spain bullying Russia’s defence beforelosing the ball and inviting Russia onto them. Russia’s counterattacking threat was diminished by the fact that they didnt get forward quickly enough and even when they did, it was usually only one or two players. David Villa completed his hat-trick after holding off Shirokov to steer the ball into the net.

Russia grabbed a consolation as Pavlyuchenko, their most impressive player after Zhirkov, scored a headed goal from a corner. Cesc Fabregas scord his first international goal from a late diving header after a Xavi volley and the final nail in the coffin was nailed for the Russians.

Spain will probably top the group, but their defence needs working on. Ramos was unimpressive, with Puyol often having to cover for him. Fernando Torres looked disappointed to be substituted so Aragones will have to convince his star striker that it was for the best, although I myself was shocked when EL Nino was taken off.

Sweden 2-0 Greece:

I didn’t bother to watch this match as any football match involving Greece was bound to be sopofiric.

Turns out it was just that, with Sweden edging home courtesy a scorcher of a goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic – his first goa for Sweden in 2.5 years – and a scrambled goal from Peter Hansson.

Notable was the assist from the evergreen Henrik Larsson for the Zlatan goal.

Review from the official site:

Holders Greece already have a fight on their hands to maintain their grip on the trophy they won so memorably four years ago after second-half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimović and Petter Hansson gave Sweden all three points in their opening Group D match in Salzburg.

On the back foot
Otto Rehhagel’s side were always on the back foot as they relied on the tactics that had served them so well in Portugal, defending deeply and looking for opportunities to threaten on the counterattack. For all their territorial dominance, however, Sweden were unable to pick a way through a characteristically disciplined Greece defence, until a moment of inspiration from Ibrahimović who – with his first international goal since October 2005 – broke the deadlock in the 67th minute. Hansson added a second five minutes later to leave Greece with plenty to ponder before Saturday’s meeting with Russia.

Set-pieces
Sweden coach Lars Lagerbäck had warned repeatedly in the build-up of the danger posed by Greece from set-pieces, yet within three minutes his own team had proved they were not to be underestimated in that department either – Hansson heading across goal from a right-wing corner. Ibrahimović and Fredrik Ljungberg, back after knee and rib injuries respectively, then nearly combined to good effect before Anders Svensson thumped a first-time left-foot volley just past the post from 25 metres.

Larsson involved
Having again reversed his decision to retire from national-team football for this tournament, Henrik Larsson produced an unusually quiet opening half-hour, but burst into life by unselfishly passing up two shooting opportunities by trying to find Ibrahimović. On each occasion the menace was snuffed out, although the FC Internazionale Milano forward then landed an improvised header on the roof of Antonis Nikopolidis’s net. Greece had barely threatened their opponents’ goal with the notable exception of a fine early run past three defenders from the 2004 final match-winner, Angelos Charisteas. His burst ended disappointingly with a low shot straight at Andreas Isaksson, who then reacted smartly to keep out an Angelos Basinas effort from distance on the stroke of half-time.

Greeks sit back
The pattern remained much the same in the second period, with Greece largely content to sit back and soak up pressure. That plan might have come undone within three minutes of the restart, Niclas Alexandersson lifting a pass over the defence for Christian Wilhelmsson on the right after Greece had half-cleared a corner. The midfielder beat Nikopolidis to the ball but his shot was too high. While happy to let their opponents make the running, the set-piece delivery of Greece’s Giorgos Karagounis prompted several uncomfortable moments and the midfielder wasted a presentable opening himself just past the hour, twice firing straight at defenders with Sweden exposed.

Ibrahimović inspiration
There was soon more discomfort for the Scandinavians as Hansson inadvertently headed a Traianos Dellas cross just past his own post – yet within seconds Sweden were ahead. Ibrahimović, without a goal for his country in his 13 previous games, exchanged passes with Larsson and thumped an unstoppable drive beyond Nikopolidis from the edge of the box. That was the first time Greece’s defence had been breached in 425 minutes of EURO finals action but they soon conceded a messy second. Nikopolidis saved from Ljungberg but the ball looped into the air for Hansson to scramble it in at the far post. Sweden were always in control thereafter, although the night ended on a note of concern as Wilhelmsson limped off with a heavily strapped left thigh.

 

Czech Rep 1-3 Portugal:

 Cristiano Ronaldo turned it on as Portugal topped Group A after a smashing win over thwe Czechs. Ronaldo scored one and set up two as the Czech defence was left gasping in the Man Utd forward’s trail.

The czechs did not look particularly impressive in the match, with even Libor Sionko looking jaded.

Portugal took an early lead after Ronaldo beat his man and was put through by NUno Gomes from a one-two but Petr Cech saved superbly, only for the ball to fall for Deco to slot home. The Czechs quickly equalised courtesy a powerful header from Sionko, before fadin out of the game.

Nuno Gomes, absent in the first half but with renewed vigour in the 2nd – like in their first match – had two shots on goal in quick time.

Deco put through Ronaldo to finish past Cech and then Ronaldo opened up the defence for Quaresma to score, after the Czechs were left stranded outside their half.

The Czechs will now have to fight for 2nd spot with Turkey, who registered a win against co-hosts Switzerland – thus knocking them out – thanks to a late Turan Arda goal.

Euro 2008 – Day 3 – Review

Romania 0-0 France

The only game so far not to produce a result, I fell asleep watching it – while I was eating spicy mango pickle and shredded cabbage. The match reduced the phrase ‘Group of Death’ to a joke.

The France side looked OLD. Makelele was chosen man of the match (or old man of the match).

Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda missed decent chances to score while at the other end, Greogry Coupet could have gone back to France, brought his needle and wool and knitted a neat sweater for his grandchild.

Franck Ribery was ineffective for large parts of the game and Les Bleus quite possibly missed Thierry Henry.

The fact that Bogdan Lobont was probably half-asleep in goal, going by his performance(or rather, the lack of it), clearly puts the pace of the match into perspective.

Thank god I set my alarm for midnight just in case.

Netherlands 3-0 Italy

Why do such insanely gifted footballers fight so much among themselves and usually suc as a team, I cannot understand, but if the Dutch can carry this form through the tournament, they will emerge serious contenders. A typically contentious poached goal by van Nistelrooy, a van Basten-esque finish from Wesley Sneijder and a late header from van Bronckhorst buried the world champions and left them in a huge mess.

The Dutch were absolutely, and I mean ABSOLUTELY, terrific on the break and Italy were clearly missing the presence and calm of Fabio Cannavaro as Marco Materazzi seemed to panic at the slightest hint of a Dutch attack while Andrea Barzagli looked like the senior partner.

Sneijder, van der Vaart and Kuyt played behin van Nistelrooy, with van Bronckhorst venturing forward as much as possible, causing great distress in the opposition defence.

It seemed like the Azzurris’ greatest weapon became their greatest weakness as Luca Toni was left completely isolated and the long balls simply did not work. It was only after golden boy Alex del Piero was introduced that the Italians looked a little dangerous.

Dirk Kuyt had 2 assists and his replacement Ibrahim Afellay almost added a late 4th – only the crossbar denying him.

It was a very happy birthday indeed for ‘bad boy’ Wesley Sneijder, who (i have to say t again) made it possible for van Basten to see himself 20 years ago in Euro 1988 – that volley.

EURO 2008 – Day 2 Review – from the official site

Well, I’m back at work so my own reviews will be scarce now. Only for the big games 😉

Here’s the review from the official site euro2008.uefa.com:

Podolski double gets Germany going

by John Mathews from Wörthersee Stadion

An emotional Lukas Podolski struck in either half to give Germany an ideal start to their UEFA EURO 2008™ Group B campaign with victory against debutants Poland in Klagenfurt.

Star turn
The Polish-born FC Bayern München forward produced a vintage display as the three-time European champions recorded a solid win, putting Germany in front with a simple finish midway through the first half. Poland, in their first EURO finals match, pressed for a way back into the game but struggled to unpick Germany’s defence and Podolski finally ended their hopes with an emphatic volley.

Krzynówek chance
With national pride and neighbourly rivalry adding an extra frisson and both sides keen to make a positive start there was plenty at stake, and it was Poland who began the brighter as they went in search of a first victory against Germany. Leo Beenhakker’s team came close in the opening minute when Jens Lehmann got tangled up with Per Mertesacker while trying to deal with a high cross and the ball fell invitingly to Jacek Krzynówek, but the VfL Wolfsburg midfielder blazed over.

Gómez goes close
Germany responded in kind to signal their own intent, and should have opened the scoring after Michael Ballack sprang the Poland offside trap to release Miroslav Klose into an ocean of space down the left. The Mannschaft’s other Polish-born striker bore down on Artur Boruc’s goal but elected to pass and Mario Gómez was unable to make a proper connection at full stretch with the goalkeeper stranded, the ball slipping narrowly the wrong side of the post.

Podolski opener
Germany looked the stronger team as the first half unfolded and duly went ahead in the 20th minute after again catching their opponents flat-footed at the back. Gómez sent Klose clear on the right and this time the square pass was perfectly delivered, leaving Podolski to tuck the ball neatly past Boruc. Head bowed and unsmiling, the scorer denied himself a true celebration out of respect for his heritage. Maciej Żurawski might have levelled while Gómez could have increased the German advantage with a clever flick, yet half-time came with no change to the scoreline.

Poland rally
Ballack could have strengthened Germany’s position two minutes into the second period but his attempt skewed awkwardly off his thigh. Poland were far from out of it, however, maintaining a healthy share of possession without making significant inroads, while their supporters behind the goal provided plenty of encouragement. Those fans were further heartened as substitute Roger Guerreiro made some surging runs down the left, then Euzebiusz Smolarek had an effort ruled out for offside.

Clinching second
The alert Boruc tipped over Ballack’s well-struck attempt but was powerless to prevent Podoski sealing the points in the 72nd minute – few goalkeepers would have kept it out. A swift passing move was cut off by Paweł Golański yet substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger dispossessed the defender and, although Klose missed his kick, Podolski showed how it should be done with a sweet left-foot volley. This time he allowed himself a satisfied smile and he was fully entitled to it having given Germany their first finals win since the Czech Republic were defeated in the EURO ’96™ showpiece. Poland’s long wait to overcome Germany continues but they next face co-hosts Austria on Thursday, when Germany play today’s other winners Croatia.

 

 

Modrić penalty undoes gutsy Austria

by Trevor Haylett from Ernst-Happel-Stadion

Austria went the same way as co-hosts Switzerland, opening their UEFA EURO 2008™ challenge with a narrow defeat as Luka Modrić’s early penalty gave Croatia victory in Vienna.

Fastest penalty
The midfielder scored the only goal of the first Group B game in the fourth minute, firing in after Ivica Olić had been brought down by René Aufhauser – the fastest penalty converted in the history of the finals. The home side took time to find their feet after that setback, but mounted a stirring late charge with substitute Roman Kienast heading centimetres past the post seconds before the whistle. 

Dreadful start
Coach Josef Hickersberger ended the goalkeeper conundrum by selecting Jürgen Macho ahead of Alex Manninger but, with three minutes and 35 seconds on the clock, the Austria No21 was forced to pick the ball out of the net following the worst of starts. Modrić showed outstanding control to keep an attack alive down the left and found Olić, who was blocked by Aufhauser as he attempted to go outside the midfielder. Modrić slotted in the spot-kick with aplomb, driving down the centre of goal with Macho diving to his right.

Set-piece threat
With an entire nation having worked themselves into a fever of anticipation, it was a blow that could have shattered Austrian morale. For Slaven Bilić’s men, meanwhile, the immediate breakthrough settled Croatian nerves and there was an assured control about their football. The home team looked vulnerable every time Croatia forced a set-piece, Darijo Srna’s delivery proving impeccable. It left Martin Stranzl and company overworked and little was happening at the other end to lift local spirits, although Sebastian Prödl shot wide from distance with Stipe Pletikosa watching it all the way. The Austria defender then rose highest to meet a corner but his effort flew beyond the far upright.

Austria regroup
After Mladen Petrić had rushed a volley, sending the ball off target, Austria finally began to assert themselves and proved they could get behind the Croatia back line. Martin Harnik gathered a ball played incisively inside the full-back and his cut-back prompted some hurried defensive measures from Josip Šimunić before a long diagonal pass found Joachim Standfest, who could not place his header on target.

Harnik outlet
Austria kicked off the second half where they had left off with Harnik, a focal point for their progress down the right, bursting beyond his marker and it was unfortunate Aufhauser could not connect with the hard-driven centre. From a similar position moments later, Harnik put too much power into his cross and the chance went begging. Perhaps inspired, Modrić went on a right-sided excursion of his own, and Stranzl had to call on all his experience to avert the danger. Austria then brought on the championship’s oldest player, the 38-year-old Ivica Vastic, in a bid to rescue the situation.

Late flurry
With another substitute, Ümit Korkmaz, adding a vital spark, Austria threw everything at Croatia in a rousing finale, Harnik shooting too high when well-placed and Pletikosa almost fumbling a Vastic header. The Croatia goalkeeper then had to push aside Korkmaz’s fierce drive but he was a spectator in added time as Kienast met a left-wing free-kick with a header that flew just wide as Austria’s last chance went begging. Croatia continue their campaign against Germany in Klagenfurt on Thursday, when Austria will hope for better fortune against Poland in this stadium.

Juno – Intro

I watched JUNO yesterday and thought it was pretty good. I didn’t feel bored watching it, but maybe that was down to the fact that I had little else to do. I really liked the intro though :

“If you were a wink, I’d be a nod”

Anyone Else But You

Aaaaaaaaaaaargh! I just can’t get this song out of my head. It’s stuck. From the movie Juno(original composers The Moldy Peaches):

You’re a part time lover and a full time friend

The monkey on you’re back is the latest trend
I don’t see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

Here is the church and here is the steeple
We sure are cute for two ugly people
I don’t see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

We both have shiny happy fits of rage
I want more fans, You want more stage
I don’t see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

You are always trying to keep it real
I’m in love with how you feel
I don’t see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

I kiss you on the brain in the shadow of a train
I kiss you all starry eyed, my body’s swinging from side to side
I don’t see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

The pebbles forgive me, the trees forgive me
So why can’t, you forgive me?
I don’t see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

Du du du du du du dudu
Du du du du du du dudu
I don’t see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

Euro 2008 Day 1 Review – 2

Portugal 2-0 Turkey (goals: Pepe, Raul Meireles)

It could well have been a 4-0 or 5-0 mauling, but for the woodwork twice denying captain Nuno Gomes and Bosingwa once.

Tuesday’s match between Switzerland and Turkey will prove to be important – one of the two will be eliminated.

Cristiano Ronaldo found himself battling a sea of white shirts early on as he was heavily marked. He had an early shot on goal but was blocked by Servet. A 17th minute header into goal from pepe was ruled offside.

The real madrid defender, however, got his goal after some terrific link up play and a cool finish.

The turks barely had a decent shot on goal, with only Nihat going considerably close from a free kick.

Raul Meireles scored his first international goal in 2nd half injury time after some terrific dribbling from Ronaldo down the left put through Joao Moutinho, who got away from his marker to feed the charging Meireles who coolly took the ball and slotted it into goal.

It was undeserving for Volkan to concede two goals after a fine show in goal, but the comedy of errors that is the turkish defence let him down and Turkey now face an uphill battle to qualify.

Euro 2008 Day 1 Review

Switzerland 0-1 Czech Rep (goal: Sverkos)

In what turned out to be a rather cagey affair, the Czechs managed to sneak past a stubborn Swiss side, who unfrotunately lost their talismanic striker Alexander Frei to injury.

Sverkos came on as a substitute and struck in the 71st minute after  coolly controlling Zdenek Grygrera’s header. It was enough to overcome a Swiss side bereft of Frei’s goal-threat. Johan Vonlanthen struck the bar later on and Hakan Yakin missed a free header and they proved costly misses in the end.

Libor Sionko was a constant threat to the Swiss defence with his pace and dribbling. On the opposite wing, Plasil was causing a few problems with his through balls and beautifully placed&paced passes.

The first half saw the tournament co-hosts start brightly, with all attackers causing problems for the Czech. Alex Frei was their best player of the half, forcing Petr Cech into 3 saves. Tranquillo Barnetta, back from injury, did well but failed to produce the goods often enough. Behrami was quick, but did little else except for a skeptical shot at goal from the edge of the area.

A minute before half-time, Alex Frei had to leave in tears as he tore knee ligaments. The injury rules him out of the Euros – a huge blow for the Swiss.

The post-break session saw a more assured display from the Czech and for the swiss, Frei’s replacement Hakan Yakin was doign a tidy job by troubling the opposition defence and creating a couple of chances.

The czechs will look to build on their 2nd half performance and take the confidence into the next game.

The swiss will be deeply affected by the loss of their captain but will belooking to bounce back and give their fans something to cheer about.

EURO 2008 – GROUP D

Oh crap, no time to do a detailed preview here. Got other stuff to do – play Medal of Honor.

Actually, I’m just bored doing group previews.

I’ll cut to the chase. I think Spain and Sweden will progress, with Russia delighting football fans and Greece playing their usual boring football and propping up the rest of the group from the bottom.

Men to Watch:

Spain: Fernando Torres, although he doesn’t fit into the system that well; and DavidSilva

Sweden: Henrik Larsson (Back again – is he the terminator in disguise)

Russia – Andrei Arshavin-expect to see him the EPL next season

Greece – THey’re too boring to have a man to watch out for. ANtonios Nikolpolidis, if you’re picky. Yeah, the goalie.

EURO 2008 – Grp C – THE (customary) GROUP OF DEATH

HOLLAND:

Manager: Marco Van Basten (appointed 2004) Previous Finals: 1976, 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 Best Tournament: Winners 1988 Qualified: Group G Runner Up

Euro 2008 Squad

Squad #	Player	Date of Birth	Caps	Goals	Position
1	Edwin Van Der Sar	29 Oct 1970	123	0	Goalkeeper
16	Maarten Stekelenburg	22 Sep 1982	11	0	Goalkeeper
13	Henk Timmer	3 Dec 1971	5	0	Goalkeeper
21	Khalid Boulahrouz	28 Dec 1981	22	0	Defender
14	Wilfred Bouma	15 Jun 1978	33	2	Defender
15	Tim de Cler	8 Nov 1978	13	0	Defender
3	John Heitinga	15 Nov 1983	34	5	Defender
4	Joris Mathijsen	5 Apr 1980	30	2	Defender
12	Mario Melchiot	4 Nov 1976	20	0	Defender
2	Andre Ooijer	11 Jul 1974	35	2	Defender
20	Ibrahim Afellay	2 Apr 1986	3	0	Midfielder
5	Giovanni Van Bronkhorst	5 Feb 1975	76	4	Midfielder
8	Orlando Engelaar	24 Aug 1979	4	0	Midfielder
17	Nigel de Jong	30 Nov 1984	22	0	Midfielder
11	Arjen Robben	23 Jan 1984	31	8	Midfielder
10	Wesley Sneijder	9 Jun 1984	43	8	Midfielder
23	Rafael van der Vaart	11 Feb 1983	53	12	Midfielder
6	Demy de Zeeuw	26 May 1983	13	0	Midfielder
19	Klaas-Jan Huntelaar	12 Aug 1983	12	7	Forward
18	Dirk Kuyt	22 Jul 1980	36	7	Forward
9	Ruud van Nistlerooy	1 Jul 1976	60	31	Forward
7	Robin van Persie	6 Aug 1983	24	7	Forward
22	Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink	7 Nov 1983	14	3	Forward

* Figures correct immediately prior to the Euro 2008 Finals.

	Date & Time	Round	Opponents	Score	Venue
6	9 June 2008 20:45	Group C	Italy	–	Berne
14	13 June 2008 20:45	Group C	France	–	Berne
21	17 June 2008 20:45	Group C	Romania	–	Berne

Probably the team loaded with most number of creative and attacking players, Holland are everybody’s favourite dark horses. Getting out of the group of death will not be easy, but they are seen as favourites to come 2nd in the group, ahead of either France or Italy.

With goalkeeper van der Sar coming off an incredible season with Man Utd, the Dutch’s relatively big name-less defence will have one less worry. Their defence is their weakes link, highlighted by the fact that Mario Melchiot, Boulahrouz and Andre Ooijer are in the final 23.

Midfield is where the Dutch look strongest among the competition, with Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Ibrahim Afellay, Orlando Engelaar, van der Vaart and Nigel de Jong all in top form after having ridiculously good seasons with their clubs. Clarence Seedorf and Mark van Bommel may have opted to drop put after disagreements with the coach but they are still incredibly well stocked in midfield, with Wesley Sneijder in especially good form.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has patched up with van Basten to come back into the squad. He will be fresh after an injury lay-off and end-of-season goals doing him plenty of good. Klaas Jan Huntelaar will be aiming to show the world why he is on practically every club’s radar for the new season. Robin van Persie is still a doubt for the first match but he is a sensational player and can play up front as he does for Arsenal or on the wing, as he has done so often for the Oranje. Dirk Kuyt is not expected to start but he has finished the domestic season with Liverpool in top form after a horrid first half of the season and has pushed himself into the final squad after being dropped and told “he’s not good enough” not very long ago by van Basten. Jan Vennegoor will be seen as the target man to come off the bench and provide.

Holland will face a stern test in Group C but I can see them progressing.

Men to Watch: Huntelaar, Sneijder.

ITALY:

Manager: Roberto Donandoni (appointed 2006) Previous Finals: 1968, 1980, 1988, 1996, 2000, 2004 Best Tournament: Winners 1968 Qualified: Group B Winners

Euro 2008 Squad

Squad #	Player	Dob	Caps	Goals	Position
1	Gianluigi Buffon	28 Jan 1978	82	0	Goalkeeper
14	Marco Amelia	2 Apr 1982	6	0	Goalkeeper
17	Morgan De Sanctis	26 Mar 1977	2	0	Goalkeeper
6	Andrea Barzagli	8 May 1981	22	0	Defender
5* INJ	Fabio Cannavaro	13 Sep 1973	116	2	Defender
4	Giorgio Chiellini	14 Aug 1984	10	1	Defender
3	Fabio Grosso	28 Nov 1977	31	3	Defender
23	Marco Materazzi	19 Aug 1973	40	2	Defender
2	Christian Panucci	12 Apr 1973	53	3	Defender
19	Gianluca Zambrotta	19 Feb 1977	71	2	Defender
22	Alberto Aquilani	7 Jul 1984	5	0	Midfielder
10	Daniele De Rossi	24 Jul 1983	33	4	Midfielder
20	Simone Perrotta	17 Sep 1977	41	2	Midfielder
13	Massimo Ambrosini	29 May 1977	31	0	Midfielder
8	Gennaro Gattuso	9 Jan 1978	58	1	Midfielder
21	Andrea Pirlo	19 May 1979	46	6	Midfielder
16	Mauro Camoranesi	4 Oct 1976	35	4	Midfielder
12	Marco Borriello	18 Jun 1982	3	0	Midfielder
18	Antonio Cassano	12 Jul 1982	11	3	Forward
7	Alessandro Del Piero	9 Nov 1974	86	27	Forward
11	Antonio Di Natale	13 Oct 1977	18	7	Forward
15	Fabio Quagliarella	31 Jan 1983	8	3	Forward
9	Luca Toni	26 May 1977	34	15	Forward

* Figures correct immediately prior to the Euro 2008 Finals. World Ranking on xx May 2008 according to FIFA.

	Date & Time	Round	Opponents	Score	Venue
6	9 June 2008 20:45	Group C	Holland	–	Berne
13	13 June 2008 18:00	Group C	Romania	–	Zurich
22	17 June 2008 20:45	Group C	France	–	Zurich

The Azzuri are pre-tournament favourites to take home the trophy, and the oldest squad in the competition will want to prove just that.

Their defence has been slightly weakened and their preparations hit a stumbling block after losing captain Fabio Cannavaro, dubbed “The Berlin Wall” after his performance in the 2006 WC.

Paolo Maldini is now retired and Alessandro Nesta has decided to call time on his international career along with golden boy Francesco Totti after winning the World Cup.

Andrea Barzagli has put in flawless displays in qualifying; Fabio Grosso, despite having a poor domestic season, has been superb for the national team; Marco ‘Matrix’ Materazzi is still a feared defender although he’s suspect temperamentally; Cristian Panucci is back after settling his differences with Donadoni and will add vauable experience in defence.

The sensational Andrea Pirlo and the tenacious Daniel de Rossi will be expected to hold fort and also provide the through balls while wide men Perrotta, Camoranesi, di Natale and possibly Borriello storm forward down the flanks.

Alex del Piero is back in the squad after proving allhis critics wrong and finishing join top scorer in the Serie-A. Mercurial forward Antonio Cassano has been seen as Donadoni’s wild-card and has already had his first bust-up in training. He will be a dangerous prospect for opposition defences as long he keeps his mind right. The man is sheer genius. Late bloomer Luca Toni will be expected to score the majority of goals after setting the Bundesliga alight.

Men to Watch: Antonio Cassano who should look at this as an opportunity to establish himself in the team.

FRANCE:

Manager: Raymond Domenech (appointed 2001) Previous Finals: 1960, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 Best Tournament: Winners 1984, 2000 Qualified: Group B Runners Up

Euro 2008 Squad

Squad #	Player	Date of Birth	Caps	Goals	Position
1	Steve Mandanda	28 Mar 1985	1	0	Goalkeeper
16	Sebastien Frey	18 Mar 1980	2	0	Goalkeeper
23	Gregory Coupet	31 Dec 1972	30	0	Goalkeeper
3	Eric Abidal	11 Jul 1979	34	0	Defender
2	Jean-Alain Boumsong	28 Dec 1979	23	1	Defender
14	Francois Clerc	18 Apr 1983	12	0	Defender
13	Patrice Evra	15 May 1981	12	0	Defender
5	William Gallas	17 Aug 1977	61	2	Defender
19	Wily Sagnol	18 Mar 1977	55	0	Defender
17	Sebastien Squillaci	11 Aug 1980	13	0	Defender
15	Lilian Thuram	1 Jan 1972	139	2	Defender
10	Sidney Govou	27 Jul 1979	32	7	Midfielder
21	Lassana Diarra	10 Mar 1985	12	0	Midfielder
6	Claude Makelele	18 Feb 1973	66	0	Midfielder
7	Florent Malouda	13 Jun 1980	37	3	Midfielder
11	Samir Nasri	20 Jun 1987	9	2	Midfielder
22	Franck Ribery	1 Apr 1983	26	3	Midfielder
20	Jeremy Toulalan	10 Sep 1983	12	0	Midfielder
4	Patrick Viera	23 Jun 1976	105	6	Midfielder
8	Nicholas Anelka	14 Mar 1979	47	11	Forward
9	Karim Benzema	19 Dec 1987	10	3	Forward
18	Bafetimbi Gomis	8 Jun 1985	2	2	Forward
12	Thierry Henry	17 Aug 1977	99	44	Forward

* Figures correct immediately prior to the Euro 2008 Finals.

	Date & Time	Round	Opponents	Score	Venue
1	9 June 2008 18:00	Group A	Romania	–	Basle
10	13 June 2008 20:45	Group A	Netherlands	–	Basle
17	17 June 2008 20:45	Group A	Italy	–	Basle

I must admit first up that I am not a fan of Les Blues.

France are among the favourites to take the trophy but paradoxically, are also tipped to be the big team that goes down in the league round. They have an aging squad and although Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri are expected to ‘rock the world’, I still think they’ll go out, unless one man rescues them. He’s had a poor season by his standards, being played out of position. Thierry Henry will be hoping to reclaim his status as one the Europe’s most feared forwards when the tournament gets under way.

Men to Watch: Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery

Romania:

Manager: Victor Piturca (appointed 2004) Previous Finals: 1984, 1996, 2000 Best Tournament: Quarter Finals 2000 Qualified: Group G Winners

Euro 2008 Squad

Squad #	Player	Date of Birth	Caps	Goals	Position
1	Bogdan Lobont	18 Jan 1978	63	0	Goalkeeper
23	Eduard Stancioiu	3 Mar 1981	1	0	Goalkeeper
12	Marius Popa	31 Jul 1978	2	0	Goalkeeper
13	Cristian Sapunaru	5 Apr 1984	1	0	Defender
2	Cosmin Contra	15 Dec 1975	63	7	Defender
15	Dorin Goian	12 Dec 1981	19	3	Defender
14	Sorin Ghionea	11 May 1979	10	2	Defender
17	Cosmin Moti	3 Dec 1984	2	0	Defender
4	Gabriel Tamas	9 Nov 1984	32	2	Defender
22	Stefan Radu	22 Oct 1986	8	0	Defender
3	Razvan Rat	26 May 1981	48	1	Defender
16	Banel Nicolita	7 Jan 1985	20	1	Midfielder
7	Florentin Petre	15 Jan 1976	50	5	Midfielder
8	Paul Codrea	4 Apr 1981	33	1	Midfielder
11	Razvan Cocis	19 Feb 1983	21	1	Midfielder
5	Cristian Chivu	26 Oct 1980	59	3	Midfielder
6	Mirel Radoi	22 Mar 1981	43	1	Midfielder
20	Nicolae Dica	9 May 1980	25	8	Midfielder
19	Adrian Cristea	30 Nov 1983	6	0	Midfielder
10	Adrian Mutu	8 Jan 1979	61	28	Forward
9	Ciprian Marica	2 Oct 1985	24	8	Forward
21	Daniel Niculae	6 Oct 1982	22	5	Forward
18	Marius Niculae	16 May 1981	30	13	Forward

* Figures correct immediately prior to the Euro 2008 Finals.

	Date & Time	Round	Opponents	Score	Venue
5	9 June 2008 18:00	Group C	France	–	Zurich
13	13 June 2008 18:00	Group C	Italy	–	Zurich
21	17 June 2008 20:45	Group C	Holland	–	Berne

Adrian Mutu and company will want the world to take serious notice of them in this competition and could well spring a surprise by qualifying from the GoD, albeit highly unlikely. Expect to see a few good moments from them.

Men to watch: Adrian Mutu, Ciprian Andrei Marica, Nicolae Dica. Make Gheorghe Hagi proud, boys!!

Contest – Answers updated.

UPDATE: After my mailbox’s been inundated with requests to “just freakin give us the answer, we all have jobs” (from imaginary people), I’ve decided to do just that.

Uday got the answer right – missing cap.

Why is the cap so important? Because I don’t remember anything that happened in Mumbai before I lost the cap. What? Why? How? When?

Stay tuned for updates on this suspense thriller. OR you could now connect the hints and the answer and figure out the circumstances?

P.S: t

UPDATE: After my mailbox’s been inundated with requests to “just freakin give us the answer, we all have jobs” (from imaginary people), I’ve decided to do just that.

Uday got the answer right – missing cap.

Why is the cap so important? Because I don’t remember anything that happened in Mumbai before I lost the cap. What? Why? How? When?

Stay tuned for updates on this suspense thriller. OR you could now connect the hints and th answer and figure put the circumstances?

P.S. – The winner can collect his prize/title in his mailbox. In case of non-receipt of award in mail, feel free to confer it upon yourself, jobless **** ! 🙂