Germany vs. Greece
4-2
For the first time this tournament Lukas Podolski did not play for Germany, and, once again, neither did Per Mertesacker. Germany took the lead in the first half, and even though the Greeks managed to pull one back the game ended very much to the liking of the Germans. At 1-1 they started to take off and soon enough the scoreline had changed to 4-1 for Germany. Greece pulled one back in the final minutes from the penalty spot, but it was not enough and the result means that Germany will face either England or Italy in the semi-final.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
UEFA European Championship - Update 9
Czech Republic vs. Portugal
0-1
Due to former injury problems, Tomas Rosicky did not feature for the Czechs as their stay in the tournament came to an end at the hands of the Portuguese. The game was rather dismal, both teams had a rather careful approach, and in the second half Ronaldo scored to get Portugal through to the semi-finals.
0-1
Due to former injury problems, Tomas Rosicky did not feature for the Czechs as their stay in the tournament came to an end at the hands of the Portuguese. The game was rather dismal, both teams had a rather careful approach, and in the second half Ronaldo scored to get Portugal through to the semi-finals.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
UEFA European Championship - Update 8
Sweden vs. France
2-0
Once again, Laurent Koscielny was left on the bench as France went through to the quarters, finishing second in group D. On a more positive note, Mexes is suspended for the quarter final that France will play against Spain, so there is a great chance of Laurent getting to play then!
Ukraine vs. England
0-1
Neither Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain nor (remarkably) Theo Walcott got to start in the final group game for England. However, Theo came on with about twenty minutes to go (could be that he was on the bench because of the slight injury problem he picked up against Sweden) and Alex came on for the final minutes. Even though neither of them managed to score or assist any goal for England this time around they put in two good performances (for however brief a moment) and are looking good for the quarter final where England will face Italy, having finished top of the group.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
UEFA European Championship - Update 7
Denmark vs. Germany
1-2
Nicklas Bendtner and Lukas Podolski both started this game for their respective teams, with Mertesacker once again restricted to the bench. Both players proved vital for their team, but I would like to start with Bendtner. Because, even though this result means that Denmark's time in the tournament is over, he's been absolutely brilliant for the Danes. He has led the line for all three games superbly and won pretty much all aerial challenges (not to mention scoring twice against Portugal). I, for one, would fancy seeing him up front just in front of van Persie this autumn.
Back to this game, Germany dominated throughout the entire game and took the lead after nineteen minutes. And guess who scored on his 100th game for the national team...? Who else but Lukas Podolski himself! He fired a sizzling shot past Andersen which meant that Germany definitely was through for the quarter-finals (remarkably, winning the two former games might not have been enough for the Germans).
Denmark came up with a quick response though, and it was created (as so often for the Danes) through the head of Nicklas Bendtner. This time he turned provider and headed a corner straight to the goalscorer from the game against the Netherlands, Krohn-Dehli.
The game got slower after that, and Bendtner should have gotten a penalty near the end when Badstuber tugged harshly at the Danish striker's shirt. Yet, the Germans had the last say in the game when Lars Bender scored late on to seal the qualification for Germany.
This result means that we will see no more of Nicklas Bendtner in this tournament as his Denmark has been knocked out, ending at a third place.
Portugal vs. Netherlands
2-1
Robin van Persie did not manage to provide the magic we've seen all season for Arsenal for the Netherlands in this tournament. Disappointingly, the Netherlands have ended up on zero points from three games and have only managed to score twice in these European games.
Hopefully, this means that Robin will stay with us for more seasons and return for pre-season training earlier (and through that, not miss the start of the season).
I did not see this game, as the only game showed on the telly was Denmark-Germany, so I did not get to see van Persie's last game in the tournament. But from what I've heard, he was put on the right-hand side of the midfield and did not get many chances to score in throughout the game.
Germany finished top of the group, with Portugal as runners-up. This means that Podolski and Mertesacker will face Greece in the quarter-finals, and Rosicky (if fit) will face Portugal in the quarters.
1-2
Nicklas Bendtner and Lukas Podolski both started this game for their respective teams, with Mertesacker once again restricted to the bench. Both players proved vital for their team, but I would like to start with Bendtner. Because, even though this result means that Denmark's time in the tournament is over, he's been absolutely brilliant for the Danes. He has led the line for all three games superbly and won pretty much all aerial challenges (not to mention scoring twice against Portugal). I, for one, would fancy seeing him up front just in front of van Persie this autumn.
Back to this game, Germany dominated throughout the entire game and took the lead after nineteen minutes. And guess who scored on his 100th game for the national team...? Who else but Lukas Podolski himself! He fired a sizzling shot past Andersen which meant that Germany definitely was through for the quarter-finals (remarkably, winning the two former games might not have been enough for the Germans).
Denmark came up with a quick response though, and it was created (as so often for the Danes) through the head of Nicklas Bendtner. This time he turned provider and headed a corner straight to the goalscorer from the game against the Netherlands, Krohn-Dehli.
The game got slower after that, and Bendtner should have gotten a penalty near the end when Badstuber tugged harshly at the Danish striker's shirt. Yet, the Germans had the last say in the game when Lars Bender scored late on to seal the qualification for Germany.
This result means that we will see no more of Nicklas Bendtner in this tournament as his Denmark has been knocked out, ending at a third place.
Portugal vs. Netherlands
2-1
Robin van Persie did not manage to provide the magic we've seen all season for Arsenal for the Netherlands in this tournament. Disappointingly, the Netherlands have ended up on zero points from three games and have only managed to score twice in these European games.
Hopefully, this means that Robin will stay with us for more seasons and return for pre-season training earlier (and through that, not miss the start of the season).
I did not see this game, as the only game showed on the telly was Denmark-Germany, so I did not get to see van Persie's last game in the tournament. But from what I've heard, he was put on the right-hand side of the midfield and did not get many chances to score in throughout the game.
Germany finished top of the group, with Portugal as runners-up. This means that Podolski and Mertesacker will face Greece in the quarter-finals, and Rosicky (if fit) will face Portugal in the quarters.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
UEFA European Championship - Update 6
Poland vs. Czech Republic
0-1
Tomas Rosicky was not fit enough to feature for the Czechs in this game, having picked up a slight injury. Hopefully he'll be back for the quarter-final that the Czech Republic will be playing. Wojciech Szczesny missed out on this last game for Poland, having picked up a red card in the first game he was not to make it back into the starting eleven.
Greece vs. Russia
1-0
Andrey Arshavin played the full ninety minutes but could not save Russia from elimination. This shocking result means that Greece will go through to the quarters instead of Russia.
0-1
Tomas Rosicky was not fit enough to feature for the Czechs in this game, having picked up a slight injury. Hopefully he'll be back for the quarter-final that the Czech Republic will be playing. Wojciech Szczesny missed out on this last game for Poland, having picked up a red card in the first game he was not to make it back into the starting eleven.
Greece vs. Russia
1-0
Andrey Arshavin played the full ninety minutes but could not save Russia from elimination. This shocking result means that Greece will go through to the quarters instead of Russia.
Friday, June 15, 2012
UEFA European Championship - Update 5
Ukraine vs. France
0-2
Laurent Koscielny was an unused substitute for France in their two-nil victory against Ukraine.
Sweden vs. England
2-3
Both Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came on as second half substitutes for England against Sweden, and the former in particular proved why he should have been in the starting line-up.
England started the game by taking the lead through a header from Carroll, and kept it into half-time. However, as soon as the game kicked off again Olof Mellberg equalised for the Swedes and within ten minutes the same player (a centre-half, that is) gave them the lead.
Then (finally) Hodgson decided it was time for Theo to make his mark on this tournament. The winger came on in the 61st minute and immediately changed the course of the game. England won a corner that was headed clear from goal, straight into the path of Mr Walcott who fired instantly, curving the ball beautifully above Isaksson in the Swedish goal. His celebration included a casual shrug, which was pretty much spot on, as I think pretty much everyone expected that one to be cleared by Isaksson. However, it was a well struck goal from Theo, and very much deserved since he brought endless of pace and energy to England in this game. Not long after his goal he set up the winner for Welbeck. Using his pace at its best capacity, he squeezed between two defenders and placed the ball backwards, straight to Welbeck who, cheekily, heeled the ball into the back of the net. When the last minutes were approaching Oxlade-Chamberlain was introduced, and came close to scoring from a Walcott cross. Sadly, Gerrard got in the way of the young Englishman, and the chance was wasted.
This result means that Sweden has no chance whatsoever of qualifying, whereas England find themselves second to France (on goal difference) in group D.
0-2
Laurent Koscielny was an unused substitute for France in their two-nil victory against Ukraine.
Sweden vs. England
2-3
Both Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came on as second half substitutes for England against Sweden, and the former in particular proved why he should have been in the starting line-up.
England started the game by taking the lead through a header from Carroll, and kept it into half-time. However, as soon as the game kicked off again Olof Mellberg equalised for the Swedes and within ten minutes the same player (a centre-half, that is) gave them the lead.
Then (finally) Hodgson decided it was time for Theo to make his mark on this tournament. The winger came on in the 61st minute and immediately changed the course of the game. England won a corner that was headed clear from goal, straight into the path of Mr Walcott who fired instantly, curving the ball beautifully above Isaksson in the Swedish goal. His celebration included a casual shrug, which was pretty much spot on, as I think pretty much everyone expected that one to be cleared by Isaksson. However, it was a well struck goal from Theo, and very much deserved since he brought endless of pace and energy to England in this game. Not long after his goal he set up the winner for Welbeck. Using his pace at its best capacity, he squeezed between two defenders and placed the ball backwards, straight to Welbeck who, cheekily, heeled the ball into the back of the net. When the last minutes were approaching Oxlade-Chamberlain was introduced, and came close to scoring from a Walcott cross. Sadly, Gerrard got in the way of the young Englishman, and the chance was wasted.
This result means that Sweden has no chance whatsoever of qualifying, whereas England find themselves second to France (on goal difference) in group D.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
UEFA European Championship - Update 4
Greece vs. Czech Republic
1-2
Tomas Rosicky played a huge part in the Czech Republic win against Greece. The captain was behind both goals (and pretty much everything the Czechs created) and led the team superbly with an excellent and tireless performance. The two goals for the Czechs came within the first five minutes, making the came rather comfortable for them until the Greeks pulled one back in the second half. However, The Czechs prevailed and recorded their first victory and their first three points in the tournament.
Poland vs. Russia
1-1
As you'd already know, Wojciech Szczesny was not allowed to play in this game due to his red card in the first game, but Andrey Arshavin once again captained the Russians. He has been brilliant so far in the tournament and put in yet another brilliant display against Poland.
Denmark vs. Portugal
2-3
Nicklas Bendtner was set to become the hero of the day for the Danes, when his brace equalled the scoreline against Portugal, however, a late goal from the Portuguese rendered his goals useless. Portugal started the game the best and found themselves two-nil up before long. Just before half-time the Danes pulled one, oh so important goal, back when Bendtner headed the ball into the back of the net from close range. Denmark then upped their game in the second half and Nicklas scored a powerful header, that bounced off both keeper and post before smashing into goal! However, it was not to be a lucky day for the Danes (like it was against the Netherlands) and in the final minutes they lost the game.
Netherlands vs. Germany
1-2
Things are not looking good for the Netherlands after this defeat, meaning that they have zero points ahead of the last game on Sunday. Robin van Persie and Lukas Podolski both played the entire game, whilst Per Mertesacker found himself on the bench once again. Germany were the better team throughout the entire game, van Persie got little if not no support up front. After the first half the Germans were two-nil up, but in the second half the Dutch upped their game slightly. However, it was a moment of brilliance from our skipper that granted the Netherlands a way back into this game. With seventeen minutes left the striker made his way towards the goal and fired away a sizzling shot! He had had several decent shots saved earlier in the game, but this one proved impossible for Neuer to grab and it meant that Robin opened his account in this tournament. Sadly, it will most likely be a short tournament for the Dutch. Since they failed to find the back of the net again they have zero points from the last two games, meaning that they have a very slight chance to go through. If Germany beats Denmark and the Netherlands beat Portugal by at least two goals, they will go through along with Germany. The group of Death proves deserving of its name.
1-2
Tomas Rosicky played a huge part in the Czech Republic win against Greece. The captain was behind both goals (and pretty much everything the Czechs created) and led the team superbly with an excellent and tireless performance. The two goals for the Czechs came within the first five minutes, making the came rather comfortable for them until the Greeks pulled one back in the second half. However, The Czechs prevailed and recorded their first victory and their first three points in the tournament.
Poland vs. Russia
1-1
As you'd already know, Wojciech Szczesny was not allowed to play in this game due to his red card in the first game, but Andrey Arshavin once again captained the Russians. He has been brilliant so far in the tournament and put in yet another brilliant display against Poland.
Denmark vs. Portugal
2-3
Nicklas Bendtner was set to become the hero of the day for the Danes, when his brace equalled the scoreline against Portugal, however, a late goal from the Portuguese rendered his goals useless. Portugal started the game the best and found themselves two-nil up before long. Just before half-time the Danes pulled one, oh so important goal, back when Bendtner headed the ball into the back of the net from close range. Denmark then upped their game in the second half and Nicklas scored a powerful header, that bounced off both keeper and post before smashing into goal! However, it was not to be a lucky day for the Danes (like it was against the Netherlands) and in the final minutes they lost the game.
Netherlands vs. Germany
1-2
Things are not looking good for the Netherlands after this defeat, meaning that they have zero points ahead of the last game on Sunday. Robin van Persie and Lukas Podolski both played the entire game, whilst Per Mertesacker found himself on the bench once again. Germany were the better team throughout the entire game, van Persie got little if not no support up front. After the first half the Germans were two-nil up, but in the second half the Dutch upped their game slightly. However, it was a moment of brilliance from our skipper that granted the Netherlands a way back into this game. With seventeen minutes left the striker made his way towards the goal and fired away a sizzling shot! He had had several decent shots saved earlier in the game, but this one proved impossible for Neuer to grab and it meant that Robin opened his account in this tournament. Sadly, it will most likely be a short tournament for the Dutch. Since they failed to find the back of the net again they have zero points from the last two games, meaning that they have a very slight chance to go through. If Germany beats Denmark and the Netherlands beat Portugal by at least two goals, they will go through along with Germany. The group of Death proves deserving of its name.
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