Football - Nguyen's Blog: 06/10/2012

Man of the Match: Theodor Gebre Selassie. The right-back was a bundle of energy for the Czechs, continuing to offer attacking support even in the second half when his country faded - indeed, he covered over 10km. He provided the assist for Vaclav Pilar as he got in behind the Greeks' defence before pulling back a cross that left goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias looking rather silly indeed.

Greece verdict: Twice now they have paid the price for starting matches slowly. Against Poland they were asleep for the first half, and this course of events repeated itself on Tuesday evening. In the second period, when the Czechs were not their bustling first-half selves, Greece upped the ante. And, again like Matchday One, a substitute proved effective as Theofanis Gekas popped up with a goal. Alas, they do not appear as if they have enough to make it to the knockout phase.

Czech Republic verdict: A response was required, and a response was witnessed. After a humiliating 4-1 loss against the Russians in their opening game, the Czechs played with the bit between their teeth, although they were aided by the aimless Greeks. Petr Jiracek epitomised a more gutsy display which puts them back in the Group A reckoning, yet an injury to Tomas Rosicky, who was replaced at half-time, is cause for concern.

Could do better: Petr Cech. Not a great match for goalkeepers as the injured Kostas Chalkias was replaced after 22 minutes having been at fault for both goals. Not to be outdone in the egg on face stakes, however, was Chelsea keeper Cech as he spilled the ball like a bar of soap to allow Gekas to pounce. Fortunately, it did not cost his side three points.

Stat attack: Only Peter Schmeichel (20) has ever conceded more goals at European Championship finals than Petr Cech.

The Czechs were 2-0 to the good inside just six minutes as midfielders Jiracek and Pilar made the most of some generous Greek defending. Substitute Fanis Gekas pulled a goal back after a terrible error by Petr Cech, but Fernando Santos' side lacked the guile to carve out an equaliser.

Poland 1 - 1 Russia ( euro 2012 )

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Nhãn: Euro 2012, Euro news, poland, Russia

Jakub Blaszczykowski's 58th-minute equaliser salvaged a crucial point for co-hosts Poland and scuppered Russia's hopes of becoming the first team to book their place in the Euro 2012 knockout stages as the match finish 1-1.

Ukraine 2 - 1 Sweden

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Nhãn: Euro 2012, Sweden, Ukraine

Ukraine veteran Andriy Shevchenko scored a brace to ensure the co-hosts fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 against Sweden, who had taken the lead through Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Andriy Shevchenko.The people's champion. His selection was considered by some to be one of nostalgia. Yet the 35-year-old striker proved his doubters wrong, in particular after a first half in which he looked well off the pace. Both his goals came via his head, following smart off-the-ball movement. His substitution on 82 minutes was met by heartening applause.

Ukraine verdict: Spurred on by their home fans, the co-hosts demonstrated admirable steel to turn matters around. Shevchenko will grab the headlines, but there were other positives to take, as Andriy Voronin put in an almighty shift and Yevhen Konoplyanka twinkled on the left flank. The city of Kiev will be one of much celebration on this Monday evening.

Sweden verdict: Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have convinced some more of his baffling doubters, as the AC Milan forward oozed class for much of the game. He opened the scoring via a deft finish and continued to create opportunities. Alas, the issue appears to be that Ibrahimovic is a cut above his team-mates, who failed to match their talisman's quality.

Could do better: Johan Elmander.Harsh, but fair. Thrown on in the 71st minute after just about recovering in time from a foot injury, Elmander was presented with a gilt-edged chance to clinch Sweden a draw in the dying moments following a gorgeous flick by Ibrahimovic. Yet the former Bolton striker blazed over.

Stat attack: Andriy Shevchenko's last brace in a competitive game for Ukraine came in November 2004 versus Turkey.

Sweden opened the scoring through Ibrahimovic in the 53rd minute, but their lead was short-lived as Shevchenko sprang into action. The Dynamo Kiev striker found the back of the net twice in seven minutes with headers to place the tournament debutants at the summit of Group D.

England, who drew 1-1 with France earlier will have taken comfort from Sweden's unconvincing display ahead of their meeting on Friday. There was little on show to concern Roy Hodgson's side, who will also have been encouraged by the vulnerability of the Ukrainians.

The first moment of real danger arrived in the 17th minute when Ibrahimovic floated in a superb cross that prompted the swift intervention of keeper Andriy Pyatov.

In the 23rd minute it was Sweden's turn to panic when Andriy Yarmolenko sent Shevchenko racing in on goal. Even though he was shooting from a tight angle, Shevchenko should have done better with the chance but failed to connect cleanly with a shot that bobbled across the face of goal.

GettyImages

Andriy Shevchenko scores the second

Andriy Voronin almost made contact with a long ball into the box as the Ukrainians, whose squad was struck by a bug last week, continued to press.

Sweden forced a save from Pyatov following Markus Rosenberg's turn and shot and a mazy run from Ibrahimovic ended when he was dispossessed by Oleg Gusev.

Keeper Andreas Isaksson kept out Andriy Yarmolenko as Ukraine went on the offensive, but moments later Sweden should have taken the lead.

Sebastian Larsson teed up Ibrahimovic with a wonderful cross but the unmarked AC Milan striker headed a glorious opportunity against the right post.

Ibrahimovic would not be denied in the 53rd minute, however, when he became the beneficiary of some poor defending from the hosts. Kim Kallstrom nudged another fine cross from Larsson into the path of Ibrahimovic and the towering marksman made no mistake with the simple tap-in.

But three minutes later Ukraine were level, a fine diving header bringing Shevchenko his 47th international goal after Yarmolenko had made the initial inroads. And in the 62nd minute Ukraine took the lead, with Shevchenko on target once more.

Gusev whipped in a corner to the near post that was met by the veteran former Chelsea striker, who took advantage of a static Ibrahimovic to nod home. Pyatov looked far from convincing as he floundered to keep out a volley and follow-up header from Ibrahimovic.

Sweden substitute Johan Elmander should have rescued a late point but he blazed a one-on-one with the keeper over the crossbar and moments later defender Olof Mellberg, thrown forward in desperation, followed suit.

@ESPN

Monday, 11 June 2012

France 1 - 1 England ( Euro 2012)

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Nhãn: England, Euro 2012, Fixtures EURO, France

England's opening game in Group D ended in a 1-1 draw against France as Samir Nasri cancelled out Joleon Lescott's opener.

Man of the Match: Mathieu Debuchy.Playing in the injured Bacary Sagna's absence, the Lille right back added to his valuation, amid reported interest in his signature, with an imposing display. The 26-year-old demonstrated lung-busting energy down the right flank, with his impetus causing the usually unnerved Ashley Cole with much to consider. One to watch throughout the tournament.

Live streams: Ukraine v Sweden ( Live football euro 2012 )

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Nhãn: Euro 2012, live football, Sweden, Ukraine

Live streams: Ukraine v Sweden ( Live football euro 2012 )

Group D

18:45 +00:00, June 11, 2012

Kiev Olympic Stadium, Ukraine

Live streams: Veetle , sopcast , myP2P+ Link sopcast

Live streams: France v England ( Live football euro 2012 )

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Nhãn: England, Euro 2012, Eva, France, live football, Rooney

Live streams: France v England ( Live football euro 2012 )

Group D

16:00 +00:00, June 11, 2012

Donbass Arena, Ukraine

Live streams: Veetle , sopcast , myP2P
+ Link sopcast

Ireland 1 - 3 Croatia ( euro 2012)

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Nhãn: Croatia, Euro 2012, Euro news, Ireland

Nikica Jelavic scores as Ireland appeal for offside

Man of the Match: Mario Mandzukic.Decisive contributions at the beginning of each half from the Wolfsburg frontman were responsible for Croatia's victory. Tucked in on the right of Nikica Jelavic, Mandzukic's link-up play provided a constant threat and he showed his eye for a goal by heading Croatia in front early on, before his header hit the post and deflected off Shay Given for Croatia's third.

Croatia verdict: Possessing a lively front pair, Slaven Bilic's side offered plenty of excitement in attack, with Luka Modric pulling the strings in midfield. Goalkeeper Stipe

Spain 1 - 1 Italy ( Euro 2012 )

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Nhãn: Euro 2012, Euro news, Italy, Spain

PA Photos

Francesc Fabregas celebrates his equaliser

Spain and Italy shared the spoils in their Group C encounter in Gdansk after Cesc Fabregas equalised Antonio Di Natale's opener.

Di Natale put the Azzurri ahead minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute for an out-of-sorts Mario Balotelli, but reigning European champions Spain picked themselves up immediately - Barcelona's Fabregas pouncing on a through-ball from David Silva to bring them level just two-and-a-half minutes later.

Ireland v Croatia Live streams

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Nhãn: Croatia, Euro 2012, Euro news, Ireland, live football

Live streams: Veetle , sopcast , myP2P

+ Link sopcast

PA Photos

Giovanni Trapattoni has led Ireland to an impressive unbeaten run ahead of the tournament

Group C

14:45 EDT, June 10, 2012

Stadion Miejski (Poznan)

Video: Netherlands 0 - 1 Denmark

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Nhãn: Denmark, Euro 2012, Euro news, Netherlands, Video scores

1st

Live streams: Spain v Italy ( live football euro 2012)

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Nhãn: Euro 2012, Italy, live football, Spain, Xavi

Live streams: Spain v Italy ( live football euro 2012)

Euro 2012

Group C

16:00 +00:00, June 10, 2012

PGE Arena

Live streams: Veetle , sopcast , myP2P

+ Link sopcast

Germany 1 - 0 Portugal ( euro 2012 )

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Nhãn: CR7, Euro 2012, Germany, Nani, Portugal

After watching Denmark shock Netherlands in Group B, Germany beat Portugal 1-0 thaks to a headed goal from Mario Gomez.

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Mesut Ozil. Not the best of games to pick a player out of, but Ozil's touch and vision put him head and shoulders above his team-mates. His eye for a pass and confidence on the ball meant that he was a thorn in the Portugal defence all evening long.

Germany verdict: All the cliches can come out: efficient, consistent, etc. We were hoping to see a creative display from Germany but instead it was one that made sure they went away with the win. Attacking instincts were well curbed after the Gomez goal, but it would be a push to say that they deserved to win the game.

Portugal verdict: Too often they looked to Ronaldo to do something special, but it never came. They hit the bar twice, first through Pepe and then from a cross-cum-shot from Nani, but Manuel Neuer was only really ever tested from Silvestre Varela's late shot. Portugal have scored just once in four games since beating Bosnia & Herzegovina 6-2 in the play-offs. Not good enough.

Could do better: Lukas Podolski. A bad day for Arsenal strikers as Robin van Persie proved earlier. Poldi wasn't at the races against Portugal and failed to make much of an impact; skying high over the bar when presented with one good chance.

Stat attack: Mario Gomez had just eight touches in the first half, but scored with one that mattered in the second.

Portugal's defensive obduracy had frustrated Germany for 72 minutes and Gomez was about to be substituted when he planted Sami Khedira's cross past goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Suddenly faced with chasing the game, instead of settling for the bore draw, Portugal brought Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani into the game and laid siege on the German goal.

In a barnstorming finish, German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer brilliantly denied Silvestre Varela to seal the victory as Joachim Low's men made a successful start to their quest for a first European crown since 1996.

Germany featured seven Bayern Munich players, all of whom will have felt a daunting sense of deja vu in the first half as Portugal set themselves to soak up the pressure.

Chelsea beat Bayern in the Champions League final a matter of weeks ago using exactly the same, backs-to-the-wall style that some would describe as anti-football.

Although Portugal started with Ronaldo, who has scored 112 goals in 101 appearances for Real Madrid, and Nani they set themselves up to nullify Germany and play for the draw.

Mesut Ozil was the Germany's main attacking threat and the three-times European champions came close to an early goal with a header from striker Mario Gomez.

Helder Postiga won a corner after a run from Fabio Coentrao but Portugal were sitting so deep they lacked any real fluidity in attack. Ronaldo was a spectator for most of the first half.

Thomas Mueller picked out Arsenal-bound Lucas Podolski, who tried a low first time shot with the outside of his right foot that was easily saved.

Pereira did well to close down Ozil, who had jinked his way into the Portugal box after being released by his Real Madrid team-mate.

Postiga became the first player booked after he chased an underhit back-pass from Mats Hummels and caught Neuer as he slid for the ball.

Neuer made an unsavoury meal of a fairly innocuous incident, simply to ensure the former Spurs striker was shown the yellow card.

When Ronaldo finally got a chance to run at Germany his trickery got the better of Jerome Boateng and his dangerous cross was stabbed behind for a corner.

When the cross came back in, Bruno Alves was unmarked in the box but he could not make contact with the ball and Germany escaped.

Khedira linked with Ozil to pick open the Portuguese defence with a neat one-two before he was fouled by Raul Meireles but the free-kick was drilled straight into the wall.

After 44 minutes of German dominance it was Portugal who created the best chance of the first half.

Defender Pepe made space in the box with a delightful first touch and then curled a delightful shot over Holger Badstuber and on to the underside of the bar.

GettyImages

Mario Gomez heads home the winner

The ball crashed down onto the line and away. It was a close escape for Germany.

Meireles made two important blocks after the restart but Portugal did offer more in attack in the second half, with Nani beating Philipp Lahm before whipping in a cross.

The ball fell to Ronaldo in the box after a driving run from Coentrao but he was denied by Boateng's perfectly-timed block.

With Germany unable to break the deadlock, Low was just about to take off Gomez when the Bayern Munich striker scored with a brilliant header.

Gomez rose to meet Khedira's cross from the right and directed his downward header back across goal and inside the far post.

Low reacted by instructing Miroslav Klose to sit back down and Gomez almost had a second as he galloped unmarked into the box but Mueller's cross was just ahead of him.

Portugal had to up their attacking game and threatened more in the final 10 minutes than they had in the previous 80.

Coentrao had an effort that was deflected just over the bar before Nani's cross dipped on to the bar and away.

Nelson Oliveira pulled the ball back for Varela inside the Germany box but Neuer was off his line in a flash and blocked the shot.

Ronaldo then picked out Nani but the Manchester United forward saw his shot deflect behind off Badstuber as Germany hung on.
@ ESPN

Football - Nguyen's Blog

Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Live streams: Netherlands v Germany Live football ( euro 2012 )

Live streams: Denmark v Portugal Live football ( euro 2012 )

Greece 1 - 2 Czech Republic ( euro 2012 )

MATCH SUMMARY

Poland 1 - 1 Russia ( euro 2012 )

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Ukraine 2 - 1 Sweden

MATCH SUMMARY

Monday, 11 June 2012

France 1 - 1 England ( Euro 2012)

Live streams: Ukraine v Sweden ( Live football euro 2012 )

Live streams: France v England ( Live football euro 2012 )

Ireland 1 - 3 Croatia ( euro 2012)

Sunday, 10 June 2012

Spain 1 - 1 Italy ( Euro 2012 )

Ireland v Croatia Live streams

Video: Netherlands 0 - 1 Denmark

Live streams: Spain v Italy ( live football euro 2012)

Germany 1 - 0 Portugal ( euro 2012 )

MATCH SUMMARY

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