Monday, June 05, 2006
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Hungary still mourns 1954 World Cup loss
BUDAPEST, July 2 (Reuters) - The Euro 2004 final will be the main focus for soccer fans worldwide on Sunday, but for Hungarian football July 4 means only one thing: the day 50 years ago when its "Golden Team" lost the World Cup final 3-2 to West Germany.
The nation of 10 million people still dwells on memories of Ferenc Puskas, Nandor Hidegkuti, Gyula Grosics, Sandor Kocsis and Jeno Buzanszky, who formed the heart of one of the greatest national teams the world has seen.
Just three of those players are still alive -- Puskas, who is ill, Grosics and Buzanszky.
Hungarian football is unrecognisable from the glory years when the national team scored 220 goals in 51 matches between June 1950 and November 1955, bewitching England 6-3 at Wembley and thumping them 7-1 in Budapest.
Now managed by Germany's most-capped player, Lothar Matthaeus, Hungary languish in 74th place in the world rankings, behind Burkina Faso and Bosnia.
State television will run a two-and-a-half hour documentary on Friday with 40 minutes of play from the 1954 final, in which a disallowed goal from Puskas in the dying minutes of the game ended an unbeaten run of 33 games over three-and-a-half years.
Grosics, the outspoken, anti-communist goalkeeper of the celebrated team, believes the final had major effects on Hungarian soccer and on the dark days of the 1956 uprising.
"I am going to watch the programme on Friday but I already know it will hurt. I will never forget that sad day and I will think about that till the day of my death," he told Reuters.
ECONOMIC REVIVAL
For Germany as well as Hungary, the 1954 game in Switzerland lies at the heart of the national consciousness.
The 3-2 victory for a workman-like West German team is widely regarded as helping the country to re-emerge on the international stage after World War Two and is even credited by some with helping to start the country's economic revival.
In 2003, Germany celebrated the game with a film called the "The Miracle of Berne", which Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said made him cry.
In Hungary, the defeat was greeted by riots and the team, fearful they would be punished by the communist government, had to be talked into returning home.
"That game was the biggest disaster of the entire Hungarian soccer history. Personally I could never put the failure behind (me)," said Grosics, who lost out on a series of international caps because of his political beliefs.
"The English referee made two horrible mistakes. First, he allowed Helmut Rahn's goal although I was held up by Hans Schafer as he grabbed me before they scored," he said.
"The second error came when he disallowed Puskas's equaliser, which was the perfect goal as everyone could see when a few years later the media played new footage of the match."
BERNABEU ANGEL
Two years later the dream was over and the team broke up after the brutal Soviet suppression of the 1956 uprising.
Hungary tasted some success in the 1960s, but it is more than 30 years since they last qualified for the final stages of Europe's biggest competition and the team have not reached the last four World Cups.
Matthaeus's team most recently managed a 2-0 victory in a friendly over the German team who made an early exit from Euro 2004, but defeats by Wales and Estonia and a 4-1 thrashing by Brazil at home have thrown the hazy, black-and-white footage from 1954 into sharp relief.
Puskas, along with many others, stayed in the west after the uprising. The "Galloping Major" won fame as one of the "Angels of Bernabeu" alongside Alfredo di Stefano and Francisco Gento at Real Madrid.
He even played four times for Spain after switching federations.
Puskas still holds the record for the most goals scored for a national team, a staggering 83 goals in 84 matches for Hungary.
But many Hungarians would argue that his record should stand at 84 goals in 84 games, plus of course a World Cup winner's medal.
The nation of 10 million people still dwells on memories of Ferenc Puskas, Nandor Hidegkuti, Gyula Grosics, Sandor Kocsis and Jeno Buzanszky, who formed the heart of one of the greatest national teams the world has seen.
Just three of those players are still alive -- Puskas, who is ill, Grosics and Buzanszky.
Hungarian football is unrecognisable from the glory years when the national team scored 220 goals in 51 matches between June 1950 and November 1955, bewitching England 6-3 at Wembley and thumping them 7-1 in Budapest.
Now managed by Germany's most-capped player, Lothar Matthaeus, Hungary languish in 74th place in the world rankings, behind Burkina Faso and Bosnia.
State television will run a two-and-a-half hour documentary on Friday with 40 minutes of play from the 1954 final, in which a disallowed goal from Puskas in the dying minutes of the game ended an unbeaten run of 33 games over three-and-a-half years.
Grosics, the outspoken, anti-communist goalkeeper of the celebrated team, believes the final had major effects on Hungarian soccer and on the dark days of the 1956 uprising.
"I am going to watch the programme on Friday but I already know it will hurt. I will never forget that sad day and I will think about that till the day of my death," he told Reuters.
ECONOMIC REVIVAL
For Germany as well as Hungary, the 1954 game in Switzerland lies at the heart of the national consciousness.
The 3-2 victory for a workman-like West German team is widely regarded as helping the country to re-emerge on the international stage after World War Two and is even credited by some with helping to start the country's economic revival.
In 2003, Germany celebrated the game with a film called the "The Miracle of Berne", which Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said made him cry.
In Hungary, the defeat was greeted by riots and the team, fearful they would be punished by the communist government, had to be talked into returning home.
"That game was the biggest disaster of the entire Hungarian soccer history. Personally I could never put the failure behind (me)," said Grosics, who lost out on a series of international caps because of his political beliefs.
"The English referee made two horrible mistakes. First, he allowed Helmut Rahn's goal although I was held up by Hans Schafer as he grabbed me before they scored," he said.
"The second error came when he disallowed Puskas's equaliser, which was the perfect goal as everyone could see when a few years later the media played new footage of the match."
BERNABEU ANGEL
Two years later the dream was over and the team broke up after the brutal Soviet suppression of the 1956 uprising.
Hungary tasted some success in the 1960s, but it is more than 30 years since they last qualified for the final stages of Europe's biggest competition and the team have not reached the last four World Cups.
Matthaeus's team most recently managed a 2-0 victory in a friendly over the German team who made an early exit from Euro 2004, but defeats by Wales and Estonia and a 4-1 thrashing by Brazil at home have thrown the hazy, black-and-white footage from 1954 into sharp relief.
Puskas, along with many others, stayed in the west after the uprising. The "Galloping Major" won fame as one of the "Angels of Bernabeu" alongside Alfredo di Stefano and Francisco Gento at Real Madrid.
He even played four times for Spain after switching federations.
Puskas still holds the record for the most goals scored for a national team, a staggering 83 goals in 84 matches for Hungary.
But many Hungarians would argue that his record should stand at 84 goals in 84 games, plus of course a World Cup winner's medal.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Quote of the Day - Despair
When Robben converted his, and it was all over, I immediately left the pitch, my spirit completely broken. My mind was numb, I wasn't capable of thinking anything,"
Sweden captain Olof Mellberg describing his penalty miss that led to the Netherlands winning the shoot-out 5-4.
Sweden captain Olof Mellberg describing his penalty miss that led to the Netherlands winning the shoot-out 5-4.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Quarterfinal - Holland 0-0 Sweden
June 26, 2004
Quarterfinals 2:45 PM Sweden 0-0 Netherlands
Holland won on penalties today and they deserved to. Although Holland was the better team their lack of organization nearly cost them dear. Sweden looked dangerous on several occasions via Larsson, Ibrahimovic and Ljungberg but the Dutch controlled the pace of the match. Slow Dutch buildups from the back were routed to Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf who did well getting the ball out to the wings and finding the ever=present Robben.
Van Nistelrooy had a handful of opportunities but they were all thrilling. Although it wasn't van Nistelrooy's best match he used his body as a battering ram to create space in the middle. Mellberg, the Swedish captain, marshalled the defense but by the late second half the match really opened up. Both sides attacked with vigor but into the last few minutes the match calmed down and drifted into extra time. Although there were opportunities at either end, Sweden had the best chances of the extra time and should've earned a late winner.
Penalties loomed, and the whistle blew. Both managers worked out there penalty takers. Ibrahimovic (Sweden) was the first to miss, later Cocu (Holland) missed and hit the post, Ljungberg (Sweden) was incredibly lucky. His penalty hit the crossbar, bounced onto the goal line hitting Dutch keeper van der Sar, and went in. In went into sudden death kicks and Swedish captain Olaf Mellberg reluctantly walked to the spot. He hit his penalty firmly but van der Sar read it and saved it. 20 year old Robben (Holland) had the chance to win it for Holland. He stepped up and scored! Holland wins 5-4 on penalties.
Olaf Mellberg and Ruud van Nistelrooy tangle
Quarterfinals 2:45 PM Sweden 0-0 Netherlands
Holland won on penalties today and they deserved to. Although Holland was the better team their lack of organization nearly cost them dear. Sweden looked dangerous on several occasions via Larsson, Ibrahimovic and Ljungberg but the Dutch controlled the pace of the match. Slow Dutch buildups from the back were routed to Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf who did well getting the ball out to the wings and finding the ever=present Robben.
Van Nistelrooy had a handful of opportunities but they were all thrilling. Although it wasn't van Nistelrooy's best match he used his body as a battering ram to create space in the middle. Mellberg, the Swedish captain, marshalled the defense but by the late second half the match really opened up. Both sides attacked with vigor but into the last few minutes the match calmed down and drifted into extra time. Although there were opportunities at either end, Sweden had the best chances of the extra time and should've earned a late winner.
Penalties loomed, and the whistle blew. Both managers worked out there penalty takers. Ibrahimovic (Sweden) was the first to miss, later Cocu (Holland) missed and hit the post, Ljungberg (Sweden) was incredibly lucky. His penalty hit the crossbar, bounced onto the goal line hitting Dutch keeper van der Sar, and went in. In went into sudden death kicks and Swedish captain Olaf Mellberg reluctantly walked to the spot. He hit his penalty firmly but van der Sar read it and saved it. 20 year old Robben (Holland) had the chance to win it for Holland. He stepped up and scored! Holland wins 5-4 on penalties.
Olaf Mellberg and Ruud van Nistelrooy tangle
Quarterfinal - France 0-1 Greece
June 25, 2004
Quarterfinals 2:45 PM France 0-1 Greece
How did this happen? How did favorites France get knocked out of the quarterfinals by Greece? Greece played with more heart. The French always looked threatening, especially Henry and Pires, but ultimately they didn’t put away their many chances and Greece did. France controlled the match but looked listless and directionless.
Greece played their football full of confidence and belief. As a result, they sent attacks forward and, when given half a chance, Angelo Charisteas rocketed a header past Barthez to put Greece up 1-0!
France tried to strike back but Henry wasn’t finding the net and Trezeguet wasn’t involved at all. Bixente Lizarazu almost made it 1-1 but it wasn’t to be. Maybe, like England the prior evening, France weren’t going to get any luck. The great Greek goalkeeper, Nikopolidis, stood like a sentinel and policed his net vigorously. The final whistle blew on the Bleus and France was eliminated from EURO 2004.
Quarterfinals 2:45 PM France 0-1 Greece
How did this happen? How did favorites France get knocked out of the quarterfinals by Greece? Greece played with more heart. The French always looked threatening, especially Henry and Pires, but ultimately they didn’t put away their many chances and Greece did. France controlled the match but looked listless and directionless.
Greece played their football full of confidence and belief. As a result, they sent attacks forward and, when given half a chance, Angelo Charisteas rocketed a header past Barthez to put Greece up 1-0!
France tried to strike back but Henry wasn’t finding the net and Trezeguet wasn’t involved at all. Bixente Lizarazu almost made it 1-1 but it wasn’t to be. Maybe, like England the prior evening, France weren’t going to get any luck. The great Greek goalkeeper, Nikopolidis, stood like a sentinel and policed his net vigorously. The final whistle blew on the Bleus and France was eliminated from EURO 2004.
Quarterfinal - England 2-2 Portugal
June 24, 2004
Quarterfinals 2:45 PM Portugal 2-2 England
England started the match positively enough and were dominating possession from the kickoff. In the span of three minutes Michael Owen slid onto a missed header by the Portuguese centre half and took the ball over his shoulder and volleyed it past a helpless Ricardo. 1-0 England. Within three minutes! England were passing well and brimming with confidence. You could actually see the confidence oozing in their intricate and speedy passing. England was dominating the match and even up 1-0 we pressed forward and threatened the Portuguese.
Owen looked particularly dangerous darting around the pitch and after a cheeky chip from Beckham Owen almost chipped Ricardo, but the ball landed on top of the net. Owen was working hard in midfield too. No one was backing down. England were firing on all cylinders and the threat of Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes was visibly concerned the Portuguese defenders.
Suddenly, in the 27th minute, England’s morale dropped. Wayne Rooney had, we later found out, broken a bone in his foot. Rooney, the 18 year old boy wonder, who was the leading scorer in the tournament, had to be substituted. Eriksson preferring the pace of Darius Vassell over the presence of Heskey. Rooney had been playing so well and some of the fight left England at that moment. It appeared like we lost belief…and ultimately the match.
England tried to make do and pressed on but the stoppage had allowed Portugal to rethink their tactics and now we were chasing the Portuguese around. They clung onto the ball well and despite some poor long range efforts they started putting shots on goal.
Neville was playing well, overlapping down the wing, and Ashley Cole was manhandling Cristiano Ronaldo and putting some great crosses in. Portugal weren’t backing down and Nuno Gomes (who has scored against England before) was looking dangerous. His hovering presence around the England goal was forcing the defenders to play deeper than they would’ve liked. Beckham wasn’t the domineering presence in this match but he was doing his part in midfield. Gerrard was giving up possession too easily, Lampard was running his legs off and Scholes actually pulled off a fine tackle!
In the mid second half Portugal were starting to pen England in. When England did get possession they relied too much on the long balls to Owen and Vassell. England were defending gallantly; everyone wondered if we could just hang on a little longer!
Disaster struck in the 83rd minute. An innocuous cross was made spectacular when Helder Postiga, a Premier League flop, ghosted in past Terry and headed in a goal for Portugal. Somehow I knew it was coming. Maybe I’m a pessimistic Englishman but somehow I could feel it in my bones. Now could we hang on to extra time?
The Portuguese goal picked up a deflated England and we brazenly passed and crossed the ball around in the Portuguese area eventually earning a free kick. Beckham stepped up…it was the perfect time. With almost no time left in the match, Beckham struck, the ball hit the crossbar, Sol Campbell jumped…and headed the ball into the net! 2-1 England! No, no, the referee’s taken it away. Not only that, the Portuguese are running downfield attacking England and the England players haven’t realized! 1-1 was about to become 2-1 Portugal. England ran like terriers to capture the ball back but the ref blew his whistle, the England players surrounded him bitterly and we went to extra time.
Prior to the extra time kickoff both teams drank plenty of fluids, it was still hot, and others stretched to stave off cramp. The match back under and both teams went back and forth at each other. Portugal looking the more aggressive of the two teams.
The first period of extra time ended and the Portuguese were coming closer and closer to scoring. They were keeping David James busy but we weren’t getting near their keeper. A cross outside the box found an unmarked Rui Costa who blasted the ball into England’s net in the 110th minute, 2-1 Portugal. England set about scoring another and they had ten minutes to do it. In the 115th minute Frank Lampard, who had worked so hard on the night, tucked a ball tidily into the Portuguese net. 2-2!
The game finished 2-2 and now both teams were headed for the dreaded penalty kick shootout. England, who has never done well at penalties, faced a nation that had never been in this situation before. Beckham took the first penalty and sliced it over the bar. Rui Costa missed for Portugal. Ultimately it was the Portuguese keeper Ricardo, who had played poorly in the match, that tucked away the winning penalty and England were bounced out of EURO 2004.
There’s a lot of ways to spin this but it’s been four days and the simple fact is: we lost. England played their hearts out and although the best strategy after a one goal lead would be to press on and score another, we defended and eventually gave up the tying goal. Blame could be placed on Terry’s poor marking or underestimating Postiga, but the fact is that we defended most of the second half and Portugal fought to the end. I underestimated Portugal. I’m sorry for that now. Sol Campbell’s goal aside, we lost. It’s over, let’s pick our heads up like true Britons, and march on to World Cup 2006.
Sol's Goal (that never was)!
Quarterfinals 2:45 PM Portugal 2-2 England
England started the match positively enough and were dominating possession from the kickoff. In the span of three minutes Michael Owen slid onto a missed header by the Portuguese centre half and took the ball over his shoulder and volleyed it past a helpless Ricardo. 1-0 England. Within three minutes! England were passing well and brimming with confidence. You could actually see the confidence oozing in their intricate and speedy passing. England was dominating the match and even up 1-0 we pressed forward and threatened the Portuguese.
Owen looked particularly dangerous darting around the pitch and after a cheeky chip from Beckham Owen almost chipped Ricardo, but the ball landed on top of the net. Owen was working hard in midfield too. No one was backing down. England were firing on all cylinders and the threat of Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes was visibly concerned the Portuguese defenders.
Suddenly, in the 27th minute, England’s morale dropped. Wayne Rooney had, we later found out, broken a bone in his foot. Rooney, the 18 year old boy wonder, who was the leading scorer in the tournament, had to be substituted. Eriksson preferring the pace of Darius Vassell over the presence of Heskey. Rooney had been playing so well and some of the fight left England at that moment. It appeared like we lost belief…and ultimately the match.
England tried to make do and pressed on but the stoppage had allowed Portugal to rethink their tactics and now we were chasing the Portuguese around. They clung onto the ball well and despite some poor long range efforts they started putting shots on goal.
Neville was playing well, overlapping down the wing, and Ashley Cole was manhandling Cristiano Ronaldo and putting some great crosses in. Portugal weren’t backing down and Nuno Gomes (who has scored against England before) was looking dangerous. His hovering presence around the England goal was forcing the defenders to play deeper than they would’ve liked. Beckham wasn’t the domineering presence in this match but he was doing his part in midfield. Gerrard was giving up possession too easily, Lampard was running his legs off and Scholes actually pulled off a fine tackle!
In the mid second half Portugal were starting to pen England in. When England did get possession they relied too much on the long balls to Owen and Vassell. England were defending gallantly; everyone wondered if we could just hang on a little longer!
Disaster struck in the 83rd minute. An innocuous cross was made spectacular when Helder Postiga, a Premier League flop, ghosted in past Terry and headed in a goal for Portugal. Somehow I knew it was coming. Maybe I’m a pessimistic Englishman but somehow I could feel it in my bones. Now could we hang on to extra time?
The Portuguese goal picked up a deflated England and we brazenly passed and crossed the ball around in the Portuguese area eventually earning a free kick. Beckham stepped up…it was the perfect time. With almost no time left in the match, Beckham struck, the ball hit the crossbar, Sol Campbell jumped…and headed the ball into the net! 2-1 England! No, no, the referee’s taken it away. Not only that, the Portuguese are running downfield attacking England and the England players haven’t realized! 1-1 was about to become 2-1 Portugal. England ran like terriers to capture the ball back but the ref blew his whistle, the England players surrounded him bitterly and we went to extra time.
Prior to the extra time kickoff both teams drank plenty of fluids, it was still hot, and others stretched to stave off cramp. The match back under and both teams went back and forth at each other. Portugal looking the more aggressive of the two teams.
The first period of extra time ended and the Portuguese were coming closer and closer to scoring. They were keeping David James busy but we weren’t getting near their keeper. A cross outside the box found an unmarked Rui Costa who blasted the ball into England’s net in the 110th minute, 2-1 Portugal. England set about scoring another and they had ten minutes to do it. In the 115th minute Frank Lampard, who had worked so hard on the night, tucked a ball tidily into the Portuguese net. 2-2!
The game finished 2-2 and now both teams were headed for the dreaded penalty kick shootout. England, who has never done well at penalties, faced a nation that had never been in this situation before. Beckham took the first penalty and sliced it over the bar. Rui Costa missed for Portugal. Ultimately it was the Portuguese keeper Ricardo, who had played poorly in the match, that tucked away the winning penalty and England were bounced out of EURO 2004.
There’s a lot of ways to spin this but it’s been four days and the simple fact is: we lost. England played their hearts out and although the best strategy after a one goal lead would be to press on and score another, we defended and eventually gave up the tying goal. Blame could be placed on Terry’s poor marking or underestimating Postiga, but the fact is that we defended most of the second half and Portugal fought to the end. I underestimated Portugal. I’m sorry for that now. Sol Campbell’s goal aside, we lost. It’s over, let’s pick our heads up like true Britons, and march on to World Cup 2006.
Sol's Goal (that never was)!
GROUP D Matches - June 23, 2004
June 23, 2004
Group D 2:45 PM Germany 1-2 Czech Republic
The Czechs had already qualified for the next round so manager Bruckner decided to rest some of his stars. The Dutch weren’t impressed. They needed the Czechs to beat the Germans so they could make it into the quarterfinals. The Czech’s rested Cech, Nedved, Poborsky, Rosicky, Smicer, Baros, and Koller. You’d expect that by resting seven full internationals you’d run into some problems. Not with this Czech team. With a second string lineup the Czechs were able to deal a deathblow to the German cause.
The Germans looked the more dangerous of the two sides in the first half but the Czechs always looked dangerous on the counter attacks. In the middle of the first half the Germans struck! Some tentative passing stopped at the feet of Michael Ballack who shot from 25 yards out into the Czech net. It was one of the best goals of the tournament. Ballack is by far the best German player and it must be difficult to not have a decent supporting cast. The only hope for the future looks to be mullet-headed Bastian Schweinsteiger.
It took a matter of minutes for the Czechs to strike back. Marek Heinz blasting one of his 57 varieties past a gymnastic Kahn. The half ended with both teams getting the ball up and down the field although genuine scoring opportunities eluded both teams.
The second half presented some dull football but spiced up in the last twenty minutes. Bruckner made two crucial substitutions that would win the match for the Czechs and eliminate the Germans. The skill, pace and flair of striker Milan Baros coupled with the creativity of midfielder Karel Poborsky put the Czechs into the drivers seat. The addition of these two players ultimately laid waste to the German dream of the quarterfinals. Milan Baros could not be effectively contained and in the 77th minute the Liverpool player tore down the middle of the field and scored an excellent goal that would eliminate Germany from EURO 2004. Despite Dutch fears, the Czech B team was enough to overwhelm a poor German A team.
June 23, 2004
Group D 2:45 PM Netherlands 3-0 Latvia
Little Latvia looked good early in the tournament despite not playing Marian Pahars. Pahars didn’t feature in this match either, which is a shame because they could’ve used him. Holland, needing a win to progress, destroyed Latvia. You could say the first goal was dubious but there was nothing but class in the final two goals.
Seedorf and Van Nistelrooy were both in fine form with Edgar Davids close behind. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen adjudicated that Davids was fouled in the penalty box and awarded a penalty. He should’ve given Davids a yellow for simulation. Nielsen is a poor referee. There a few of them left out there, Urs Meier included. Van Nistelrooy, who earlier missed a sitter, scored from the spot. 1-0 Holland.
Seedorf looked as sharp as I’ve seen him in years. The Barcelona midfielder was a commanding presence in the Orange midfield and it was his shots that kept the Dutch spirits high. Holland went up 2-0 again from Van Nistelrooy, after the striker latched onto a marvelous touch from Cocu. Cocu had been the goat in the Czech match so it was only fitting that he redeemed himself. Latvia was finished off when substitute Makaay (Bayern Munich) burst past two defenders and rocketed his shot into the net. 3-0 Holland.
The Dutch celebrated the win, albeit tentatively. The celebrations were in full swing when it was announced that the Czechs had beaten the Germans.
Group D 2:45 PM Germany 1-2 Czech Republic
The Czechs had already qualified for the next round so manager Bruckner decided to rest some of his stars. The Dutch weren’t impressed. They needed the Czechs to beat the Germans so they could make it into the quarterfinals. The Czech’s rested Cech, Nedved, Poborsky, Rosicky, Smicer, Baros, and Koller. You’d expect that by resting seven full internationals you’d run into some problems. Not with this Czech team. With a second string lineup the Czechs were able to deal a deathblow to the German cause.
The Germans looked the more dangerous of the two sides in the first half but the Czechs always looked dangerous on the counter attacks. In the middle of the first half the Germans struck! Some tentative passing stopped at the feet of Michael Ballack who shot from 25 yards out into the Czech net. It was one of the best goals of the tournament. Ballack is by far the best German player and it must be difficult to not have a decent supporting cast. The only hope for the future looks to be mullet-headed Bastian Schweinsteiger.
It took a matter of minutes for the Czechs to strike back. Marek Heinz blasting one of his 57 varieties past a gymnastic Kahn. The half ended with both teams getting the ball up and down the field although genuine scoring opportunities eluded both teams.
The second half presented some dull football but spiced up in the last twenty minutes. Bruckner made two crucial substitutions that would win the match for the Czechs and eliminate the Germans. The skill, pace and flair of striker Milan Baros coupled with the creativity of midfielder Karel Poborsky put the Czechs into the drivers seat. The addition of these two players ultimately laid waste to the German dream of the quarterfinals. Milan Baros could not be effectively contained and in the 77th minute the Liverpool player tore down the middle of the field and scored an excellent goal that would eliminate Germany from EURO 2004. Despite Dutch fears, the Czech B team was enough to overwhelm a poor German A team.
June 23, 2004
Group D 2:45 PM Netherlands 3-0 Latvia
Little Latvia looked good early in the tournament despite not playing Marian Pahars. Pahars didn’t feature in this match either, which is a shame because they could’ve used him. Holland, needing a win to progress, destroyed Latvia. You could say the first goal was dubious but there was nothing but class in the final two goals.
Seedorf and Van Nistelrooy were both in fine form with Edgar Davids close behind. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen adjudicated that Davids was fouled in the penalty box and awarded a penalty. He should’ve given Davids a yellow for simulation. Nielsen is a poor referee. There a few of them left out there, Urs Meier included. Van Nistelrooy, who earlier missed a sitter, scored from the spot. 1-0 Holland.
Seedorf looked as sharp as I’ve seen him in years. The Barcelona midfielder was a commanding presence in the Orange midfield and it was his shots that kept the Dutch spirits high. Holland went up 2-0 again from Van Nistelrooy, after the striker latched onto a marvelous touch from Cocu. Cocu had been the goat in the Czech match so it was only fitting that he redeemed himself. Latvia was finished off when substitute Makaay (Bayern Munich) burst past two defenders and rocketed his shot into the net. 3-0 Holland.
The Dutch celebrated the win, albeit tentatively. The celebrations were in full swing when it was announced that the Czechs had beaten the Germans.
GROUP C Matches - June 22, 2004
June 22, 2004
Group C 2:45 PM Denmark 2-2 Sweden
Before the match it was announced that if the final result of the match were 2-2, then both Denmark and Sweden would qualify for the quarterfinals, eliminating the Italians. The Italian press worried that the Scandinavian teams would collude to draw 2-2 and the Italians would be left out in the cold. Somehow before kickoff, one sensed this thing would end 2-2 and the Italian conspiracy theories would be born. How the hell could you orchestrate a 2-2 draw? This match was a cracker and one thing’s for sure: both teams were trying to beat each other.
Sweden is probably the better team in terms of individuals but the spirit and teamwork the Danes have shown proves that they can play and beat some of the best clubs in the world. Denmark started an in form Jesper Gronkjaer to provide width in place of an injured Rommerdahl. The Swedes were more or less at full strength, with a healthy strikeforce of Larsson and Ibrahimovic.
Ljungberg threatened early but the Danes remained calm and responded with some fabulous chances courtesy of Tomasson and Gronkjaer. With a half hour Denmark went up 1-0. Some crafty passing in midfield found Jon Dahl Tomasson who made a cut and struck a venomous shot into the top left corner. A super strike from a striker of the highest class.
Sweden tied the match after a dubious penalty decision, Larsson making no mistake from the spot. Tomasson scored again and Denmark looked to defend their lead to the end. It wasn’t to be. With moments left in the match there was a goalmouth scramble and Jonson for Sweden tapped in a ball that had ricocheted around the penalty area into the goal. For the last few minutes the Swedes passed the ball around in their backfield, assuring themselves first place in the group, with Denmark finishing a close second. The Italians would be outraged…
June 22, 2004
Group C 2:45 PM Italy 2-1 Bulgaria
To qualify for the quarterfinals, the Italians had to beat Bulgaria and hope the Denmark-Sweden match didn’t finish 2-2. With one minute to spare the Italians did beat Bulgaria but their celebrations ended when they heard the final result from the Scandinavian derby (2-2). Italy is a much better side than Bulgaria on paper but with some suspensions the Italians weren’t able to field their strongest lineup. Matterazzi replaced Cannavaro, Fiore replaced Gattuso and Corradi replaced Totti. The Squadra Azzurri lacks depth and Cannavaro, Gattuso and arguably Totti would be sorely missed.
The Azzurri took control of the match from the start setting the pace and controlling the development of the match. Although the Italians spent plenty of time in the Bulgarian half they failed to get off any meaningful shots at goal. Cassano getting the only real chance of the first half. A once formidable partnership of Totti and Vieri had given way to the lackluster trio of Cassano, Corradi and aging relic Del Piero. Cassano is still quite young and shows great promise but without the support from midfield he was relatively quiet. Surprisingly, without the injured Vieri and the suspended Totti, Trappatoni felt more comfortable with a 4-3-3. The Bulgarian center-halves had a few panicked moments with Cassano, but very few problems containing Corradi and Del Piero. Trappatoni has always been a fan of Del Piero’s but after this match I think he’ll have realized that Del Piero’s international future is over.
In the final moments of the first half the referee awarded the Bulgarians a penalty. Petrov stepped up and fulfilled his obligation. 1-0 Bulgaria! Half time. Trappatoni must have given a fiery speech at half time because the Italians started the second half aggressively. Shots sailed in from all angles and it wasn’t long (three minutes into the second half) when the Italians got some payback. The Bulgarian keeper Zdravkov spilled the ball and an awaiting Cassano pounced! Cassano’s shot hit the crossbar and Englishman Simone Perotta fed on the scraps to make it 1-1.
Italy could have had more goals but an inept Del Piero couldn’t hit a cow’s arse with a banjo so the Italians put on Vieri. Vieri hobbled about the pitch and should’ve put the Azzurri up 2-1 had his header from Pirlo’s cross not been off target. That header summed up Italy’s day. Good, but not good enough. Cassano, the boy wonder, proved his worth in the 90th minute scoring with a close range piledriver into the Bulgarian net. 2-1 Italy. The referee blew the whistle, Trappatoni looked at the scoreboard, the Swedes and the Danes had tied 2-2…Italy was out of EURO 2004.
The Italians Won't Like This!
Group C 2:45 PM Denmark 2-2 Sweden
Before the match it was announced that if the final result of the match were 2-2, then both Denmark and Sweden would qualify for the quarterfinals, eliminating the Italians. The Italian press worried that the Scandinavian teams would collude to draw 2-2 and the Italians would be left out in the cold. Somehow before kickoff, one sensed this thing would end 2-2 and the Italian conspiracy theories would be born. How the hell could you orchestrate a 2-2 draw? This match was a cracker and one thing’s for sure: both teams were trying to beat each other.
Sweden is probably the better team in terms of individuals but the spirit and teamwork the Danes have shown proves that they can play and beat some of the best clubs in the world. Denmark started an in form Jesper Gronkjaer to provide width in place of an injured Rommerdahl. The Swedes were more or less at full strength, with a healthy strikeforce of Larsson and Ibrahimovic.
Ljungberg threatened early but the Danes remained calm and responded with some fabulous chances courtesy of Tomasson and Gronkjaer. With a half hour Denmark went up 1-0. Some crafty passing in midfield found Jon Dahl Tomasson who made a cut and struck a venomous shot into the top left corner. A super strike from a striker of the highest class.
Sweden tied the match after a dubious penalty decision, Larsson making no mistake from the spot. Tomasson scored again and Denmark looked to defend their lead to the end. It wasn’t to be. With moments left in the match there was a goalmouth scramble and Jonson for Sweden tapped in a ball that had ricocheted around the penalty area into the goal. For the last few minutes the Swedes passed the ball around in their backfield, assuring themselves first place in the group, with Denmark finishing a close second. The Italians would be outraged…
June 22, 2004
Group C 2:45 PM Italy 2-1 Bulgaria
To qualify for the quarterfinals, the Italians had to beat Bulgaria and hope the Denmark-Sweden match didn’t finish 2-2. With one minute to spare the Italians did beat Bulgaria but their celebrations ended when they heard the final result from the Scandinavian derby (2-2). Italy is a much better side than Bulgaria on paper but with some suspensions the Italians weren’t able to field their strongest lineup. Matterazzi replaced Cannavaro, Fiore replaced Gattuso and Corradi replaced Totti. The Squadra Azzurri lacks depth and Cannavaro, Gattuso and arguably Totti would be sorely missed.
The Azzurri took control of the match from the start setting the pace and controlling the development of the match. Although the Italians spent plenty of time in the Bulgarian half they failed to get off any meaningful shots at goal. Cassano getting the only real chance of the first half. A once formidable partnership of Totti and Vieri had given way to the lackluster trio of Cassano, Corradi and aging relic Del Piero. Cassano is still quite young and shows great promise but without the support from midfield he was relatively quiet. Surprisingly, without the injured Vieri and the suspended Totti, Trappatoni felt more comfortable with a 4-3-3. The Bulgarian center-halves had a few panicked moments with Cassano, but very few problems containing Corradi and Del Piero. Trappatoni has always been a fan of Del Piero’s but after this match I think he’ll have realized that Del Piero’s international future is over.
In the final moments of the first half the referee awarded the Bulgarians a penalty. Petrov stepped up and fulfilled his obligation. 1-0 Bulgaria! Half time. Trappatoni must have given a fiery speech at half time because the Italians started the second half aggressively. Shots sailed in from all angles and it wasn’t long (three minutes into the second half) when the Italians got some payback. The Bulgarian keeper Zdravkov spilled the ball and an awaiting Cassano pounced! Cassano’s shot hit the crossbar and Englishman Simone Perotta fed on the scraps to make it 1-1.
Italy could have had more goals but an inept Del Piero couldn’t hit a cow’s arse with a banjo so the Italians put on Vieri. Vieri hobbled about the pitch and should’ve put the Azzurri up 2-1 had his header from Pirlo’s cross not been off target. That header summed up Italy’s day. Good, but not good enough. Cassano, the boy wonder, proved his worth in the 90th minute scoring with a close range piledriver into the Bulgarian net. 2-1 Italy. The referee blew the whistle, Trappatoni looked at the scoreboard, the Swedes and the Danes had tied 2-2…Italy was out of EURO 2004.
The Italians Won't Like This!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
GROUP B Matches - June 21, 2004
June 21, 2004
Group B 2:45 PM Switzerland 1-3 France
They didn’t impress doing it, but France qualified for the quarterfinals by beating a Swiss team that had more holes in it than a horse trader’s mule. France, coming off an unconvincing 2-2 draw with Croatia, controlled the match through steady build-ups and short passing down the flanks. Pires stretched the Swiss defense but he wasn’t aided by Trezeguet and Zidane, who managed to look like tourists on a day trip rather than vital components of the vaunted French team.
With nothing to lose the Swiss chased the French around the pitch, winning free kicks and earning several set pieces. Hakan Yakin looking dangerous on several occasions and forcing some remarkable saves from Barthez. As the match warmed up in the first half Trezeguet latched onto a Thierry Henry cross and managed to get off a shot that resulted in a corner. Henry was just getting started and minutes later he zoomed past Liverpool defender Stephan Henchoz (who looked like his boots had been nailed to the pitch). Henry was definitely looking sharper but not necessarily sharp. Trezeguet was looking decidedly blunt.
It took 20 minutes but finally the France scored. A corner kick found its way onto Zidane ever-receding hairline putting France up 1-1. Just when France looked to take control the game, the Swiss cuckoo clock struck. A sloppy pass from Silvestre (his second glaring mistake of the tournament) gifted an opportunity to the 18-year-old Swiss striker, Vonlanthen, who I’m sure the Swiss will soon make Count Von Lanthen. Vonlanthen stole Wayne Rooney’s record as the youngest ever goalscorer in the European Championships, Vonlanthen being three months younger than Rooney. Rooney instead will have to settle for being the top scorer of the tournament thus far with four goals.
With the game leveled at 1-1, the French looked for answers but found none. The class and style that had seen France win the previous European Championship wasn’t there. Instead it was the case of eleven frustrated Frenchmen hoping the Swiss would deflate like a flan in a cupboard. The Swiss fought gamely, but eventually succumbed in the 76th minute to a masterful flick from Louis Saha and a lovely piece of finishing from the French maestro Thierry Henry. The partnership of Henry and Trezeguet was highly touted prior to the tournament but apparently it’s quickly turning into “The Thierry Henry Show”, perhaps co-hosted by Louis Saha. Trezeguet has failed to impress and I would imagine there are concerns at Juventus. Henry’s goal left the aging Swiss keeper Thiel flummoxed and within minutes a red-hot Henry struck again. 3-1 France.
No one expected much from the Swiss but it should be said that they gave France a run for their money but were ultimately dispatched by the class of striking ace Thierry Henry.
Group B 2:45 PM Switzerland 1-3 France
They didn’t impress doing it, but France qualified for the quarterfinals by beating a Swiss team that had more holes in it than a horse trader’s mule. France, coming off an unconvincing 2-2 draw with Croatia, controlled the match through steady build-ups and short passing down the flanks. Pires stretched the Swiss defense but he wasn’t aided by Trezeguet and Zidane, who managed to look like tourists on a day trip rather than vital components of the vaunted French team.
With nothing to lose the Swiss chased the French around the pitch, winning free kicks and earning several set pieces. Hakan Yakin looking dangerous on several occasions and forcing some remarkable saves from Barthez. As the match warmed up in the first half Trezeguet latched onto a Thierry Henry cross and managed to get off a shot that resulted in a corner. Henry was just getting started and minutes later he zoomed past Liverpool defender Stephan Henchoz (who looked like his boots had been nailed to the pitch). Henry was definitely looking sharper but not necessarily sharp. Trezeguet was looking decidedly blunt.
It took 20 minutes but finally the France scored. A corner kick found its way onto Zidane ever-receding hairline putting France up 1-1. Just when France looked to take control the game, the Swiss cuckoo clock struck. A sloppy pass from Silvestre (his second glaring mistake of the tournament) gifted an opportunity to the 18-year-old Swiss striker, Vonlanthen, who I’m sure the Swiss will soon make Count Von Lanthen. Vonlanthen stole Wayne Rooney’s record as the youngest ever goalscorer in the European Championships, Vonlanthen being three months younger than Rooney. Rooney instead will have to settle for being the top scorer of the tournament thus far with four goals.
With the game leveled at 1-1, the French looked for answers but found none. The class and style that had seen France win the previous European Championship wasn’t there. Instead it was the case of eleven frustrated Frenchmen hoping the Swiss would deflate like a flan in a cupboard. The Swiss fought gamely, but eventually succumbed in the 76th minute to a masterful flick from Louis Saha and a lovely piece of finishing from the French maestro Thierry Henry. The partnership of Henry and Trezeguet was highly touted prior to the tournament but apparently it’s quickly turning into “The Thierry Henry Show”, perhaps co-hosted by Louis Saha. Trezeguet has failed to impress and I would imagine there are concerns at Juventus. Henry’s goal left the aging Swiss keeper Thiel flummoxed and within minutes a red-hot Henry struck again. 3-1 France.
No one expected much from the Swiss but it should be said that they gave France a run for their money but were ultimately dispatched by the class of striking ace Thierry Henry.
Monday, June 21, 2004
GROUP B Matches - June 21, 2004
June 21, 2004
Group B 2:45 PM Croatia 2-4 England
A magnificent day in the history of English football. Needing only a draw England did better than that! Displaying commitment and resolve The Three Lions fought bravely and earned a well-deserved victory over a tenacious Croatian team. Eriksoon fieldewd an unchanged English lineup of James, Cole, Neville, Terry, Campbell, Scholes, Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, Owen and Rooney. England were primed and ready for action and it showed early. Within seconds of the kick off an aggressive England team drove deep into Croat territory and threatened through superb movement and crisp passes to the back of the Croatian defense.
It was in the 5th minute, against the run of play, that the English defense again looked suspect. A Croatian free kick sent into the box alluded the English defenders and as the ball deflected and rattled inside the six yard line Niko Kovac pounced. Cole and a statuesque Terry failed to clear the danger and Kovac neatly tucked away a goal for the Croatians. A nightmare start for England who had, to their credit, looked the more dangerous of the two sides in the opening minutes. I was concerned that Terry would have problems with Prso but he seemed able to cope. I'd still feel more confident with King next to Campbell but one has to trust Sven Goran Eriksson's judgment.
Down 1-0, Eriksson's men picked themselves up and continued to display their midfiled dominance. In contrast with the England teams of Hoddle and Keegan, this England team remained positive and took their time creating goal scoring chances. Under Eriksson this England team has faced adversity and has kept its composure and quickly finds ways to take charge of midfield, thus controlling the match. The Croatian supporters were in fine voice and despite England's midfield control Croatia looked dangerous counter-attacking through Kovac and Prso.
Scholes came the closest to scoring early in the first half. His wicked shot was bravely saved by Butina and Scholes must've thought his three year goal drought would never come to an end. Owen too came close to scoring in the first half and how desperately he wanted a goal. To his credit, Owen kept his head down and has been an integral part of the England team, despite his lack of goals. It was his unselfish cross to Rooney in the Switzerland match that put England on their way to victory. Against Croatia, though he didn't score, he again turned provider by attacking a shakey Butina and creating the tying goal for England. Gerrard and Scholes switcdhed positions and this really caused the Croatians some problems. In the 40th minute a through ball found Owen who's shot deflected off goalkeeper Butina into the air. In an amazing feat of aerial acrobatics and unselfishness, top scorer Wayne Rooney headed the ball to a waiting unmarked Paul Scholes at the far post who buried it! 1-1! It was an unselfish team effort that created a lovely goal that Scholes will surely treasure.
It was on the stroke of half time when some crafty passing found an unmarked Wayne Rooney 25 yards outside of goal. Without a second thought Rooney thundered a shot into the Croatian goal. 2-1 England. Within seconds the half was over and an England team, renewed swith confidence, strolled proudly into the dressing room. The England fans responded with raucous applause and victorious chanting.
With the second half underway Croatian coach Baric made a change (Kovac for Portsmouth donkey Mornar). Mornar worked hard down the wing but was easily handled by Cole. Baric continued to change his team tactically and within ten minutes he had put on Olic (drug controversy) and Srna. Croatia worked hard and began taking the risks necessary to get something out of the game. As Croatia attacked they left two at the back leaving them widely exposed. It was in the 68th minute that they were summarily punsihed. A pass to Rooney saw the Everton striker run from half field and use his pace to out run the remaining Croatian defense. An indecisive Butina could do little to stop another thunderous Rooney strike putting England up 3-1 and sending the supporters into a frenzy. In the 72nd minute Eriksson took Rooney off the pitch to rest the lad, the fans chanted his name over and over, this is quickly becoming Rooney's tournament. Instead of taking Owen off and damaging his confidence Eriksson stuck with him and gave Rooney a well-deserved rest. Eriksson really is a class act.
In the 74th minute, Croatia earned a dubious free kick from an innocuous Ashley Cole challenge on the right side of the England goal. Again England looked vunerable on set pieces and some shabby defending allowed Croatian giant Igor Tudor to home the ball. 3-2 England. James wasn't at fault for either goal and came off his line appropriately on each Croatian goal but England have to address the defensive disorder on set pieces if they want to progress further. James' opposite number was having a harder time at the other end.
In the 79th minute some creative passing found Frank Lampard near the top off the Croatian box. Lamps did his patented side step move, shook his man, and in typical chelsea fashion blasted another goal past the hapless Butina. To give Lampard that much space at the top of the box is criminal and the Croats were duly punished. Ledley King came on to give England some defensive coverage in midfield and press as they might Croatia were finished. Collina refereed another fantastic match....full credit to him. He commands respect from the players and is fairly forgiving when it comes to cards. He kept the game flowing which both sides needed to play their style of football. He is without a doubt the finest referee in the world and perhaps the finest ever. It was a professional display all around, from the players, the officiating crew and the supporters. Rooney is now the top scorer in EURO 2004 and England is the highest scoring team in the tournament with 8 goals. Both sides should be proud of their achievements as England advance to meet a classy Portuguese side in Lisbon Thursday. France will meet Greece on Friday.
June 21, 2004
Group B 2:45 PM Switzerland 1-3 France
Report to follow shortly...
Group B 2:45 PM Croatia 2-4 England
A magnificent day in the history of English football. Needing only a draw England did better than that! Displaying commitment and resolve The Three Lions fought bravely and earned a well-deserved victory over a tenacious Croatian team. Eriksoon fieldewd an unchanged English lineup of James, Cole, Neville, Terry, Campbell, Scholes, Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, Owen and Rooney. England were primed and ready for action and it showed early. Within seconds of the kick off an aggressive England team drove deep into Croat territory and threatened through superb movement and crisp passes to the back of the Croatian defense.
It was in the 5th minute, against the run of play, that the English defense again looked suspect. A Croatian free kick sent into the box alluded the English defenders and as the ball deflected and rattled inside the six yard line Niko Kovac pounced. Cole and a statuesque Terry failed to clear the danger and Kovac neatly tucked away a goal for the Croatians. A nightmare start for England who had, to their credit, looked the more dangerous of the two sides in the opening minutes. I was concerned that Terry would have problems with Prso but he seemed able to cope. I'd still feel more confident with King next to Campbell but one has to trust Sven Goran Eriksson's judgment.
Down 1-0, Eriksson's men picked themselves up and continued to display their midfiled dominance. In contrast with the England teams of Hoddle and Keegan, this England team remained positive and took their time creating goal scoring chances. Under Eriksson this England team has faced adversity and has kept its composure and quickly finds ways to take charge of midfield, thus controlling the match. The Croatian supporters were in fine voice and despite England's midfield control Croatia looked dangerous counter-attacking through Kovac and Prso.
Scholes came the closest to scoring early in the first half. His wicked shot was bravely saved by Butina and Scholes must've thought his three year goal drought would never come to an end. Owen too came close to scoring in the first half and how desperately he wanted a goal. To his credit, Owen kept his head down and has been an integral part of the England team, despite his lack of goals. It was his unselfish cross to Rooney in the Switzerland match that put England on their way to victory. Against Croatia, though he didn't score, he again turned provider by attacking a shakey Butina and creating the tying goal for England. Gerrard and Scholes switcdhed positions and this really caused the Croatians some problems. In the 40th minute a through ball found Owen who's shot deflected off goalkeeper Butina into the air. In an amazing feat of aerial acrobatics and unselfishness, top scorer Wayne Rooney headed the ball to a waiting unmarked Paul Scholes at the far post who buried it! 1-1! It was an unselfish team effort that created a lovely goal that Scholes will surely treasure.
It was on the stroke of half time when some crafty passing found an unmarked Wayne Rooney 25 yards outside of goal. Without a second thought Rooney thundered a shot into the Croatian goal. 2-1 England. Within seconds the half was over and an England team, renewed swith confidence, strolled proudly into the dressing room. The England fans responded with raucous applause and victorious chanting.
With the second half underway Croatian coach Baric made a change (Kovac for Portsmouth donkey Mornar). Mornar worked hard down the wing but was easily handled by Cole. Baric continued to change his team tactically and within ten minutes he had put on Olic (drug controversy) and Srna. Croatia worked hard and began taking the risks necessary to get something out of the game. As Croatia attacked they left two at the back leaving them widely exposed. It was in the 68th minute that they were summarily punsihed. A pass to Rooney saw the Everton striker run from half field and use his pace to out run the remaining Croatian defense. An indecisive Butina could do little to stop another thunderous Rooney strike putting England up 3-1 and sending the supporters into a frenzy. In the 72nd minute Eriksson took Rooney off the pitch to rest the lad, the fans chanted his name over and over, this is quickly becoming Rooney's tournament. Instead of taking Owen off and damaging his confidence Eriksson stuck with him and gave Rooney a well-deserved rest. Eriksson really is a class act.
In the 74th minute, Croatia earned a dubious free kick from an innocuous Ashley Cole challenge on the right side of the England goal. Again England looked vunerable on set pieces and some shabby defending allowed Croatian giant Igor Tudor to home the ball. 3-2 England. James wasn't at fault for either goal and came off his line appropriately on each Croatian goal but England have to address the defensive disorder on set pieces if they want to progress further. James' opposite number was having a harder time at the other end.
In the 79th minute some creative passing found Frank Lampard near the top off the Croatian box. Lamps did his patented side step move, shook his man, and in typical chelsea fashion blasted another goal past the hapless Butina. To give Lampard that much space at the top of the box is criminal and the Croats were duly punished. Ledley King came on to give England some defensive coverage in midfield and press as they might Croatia were finished. Collina refereed another fantastic match....full credit to him. He commands respect from the players and is fairly forgiving when it comes to cards. He kept the game flowing which both sides needed to play their style of football. He is without a doubt the finest referee in the world and perhaps the finest ever. It was a professional display all around, from the players, the officiating crew and the supporters. Rooney is now the top scorer in EURO 2004 and England is the highest scoring team in the tournament with 8 goals. Both sides should be proud of their achievements as England advance to meet a classy Portuguese side in Lisbon Thursday. France will meet Greece on Friday.
June 21, 2004
Group B 2:45 PM Switzerland 1-3 France
Report to follow shortly...
Sunday, June 20, 2004
The Dutch aren't going to like this!
SINTRA, Portugal, June 20 (Reuters) - Czech Republic coach Karel Brueckner will rest players, including Pavel Nedved, against Germany in their final Group D match, he said on Sunday.
Speaking a day after his team clinched a quarter-final spot with a magnificent 3-2 victory over the Netherlands Bruckener said playmaker Nedved definitely will not start.
'I will rest Nedved, and some other players,' Brueckner said. 'We have plenty of good players in the squad.'
Germany need to win their final group game on Wednesday to be sure of reaching the last eight.
Brueckner's decision will not go down well with the Dutch, who need to beat Latvia and hope Germany do not win against the Czechs who have already won the group.
'I'm sure the Czechs will do their duty and play the way they can (against Germany),' Dutch coach Dick Advocaat said after their defeat to the Czechs in Aveiro on Saturday.
Speaking a day after his team clinched a quarter-final spot with a magnificent 3-2 victory over the Netherlands Bruckener said playmaker Nedved definitely will not start.
'I will rest Nedved, and some other players,' Brueckner said. 'We have plenty of good players in the squad.'
Germany need to win their final group game on Wednesday to be sure of reaching the last eight.
Brueckner's decision will not go down well with the Dutch, who need to beat Latvia and hope Germany do not win against the Czechs who have already won the group.
'I'm sure the Czechs will do their duty and play the way they can (against Germany),' Dutch coach Dick Advocaat said after their defeat to the Czechs in Aveiro on Saturday.
ITALY - Vieri Takes a Shot at the Press...How About a Shot at the Goal?
In a vivid demonstration of the tension in the Italian camp, striker Christian Vieri marched out of a news conference vowing not to speak to the Italian press again.
Italian newspapers reported on Sunday that Vieri, criticised for his disappointing displays, had argued with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon after Friday's 1-1 draw with Sweden.
"This is the last day that I speak to you," Vieri said. "You can say what you want about me as a player but when you offend me as a person, well ... I am more of a man than all of you put together." Italy play Bulgaria in Group C on Tuesday.
**Italy have to beat Bulgaria on tuesday. Someone HAS to score for Italy...I had a look at the odds at Ladbrokes
1st Goalscorer Odds ~ Italy vs. Bulgaria
Christian Vieri 11/4
Antonio Cassano 4/1
Marco Di Vaio 5/1
Alessandro Del Piero 5/1
Bernardo Corradi 6/1
Zdravdko Lazarov 12/1
Dimitar Berbatov 12/1
Andrea Pirlo 12/1
Stefano Fiore 12/1
Georgi Chilikov 14/1
Velizar Dimitrov 14/1
Valeri Bojinov 14/1
Vladimir Manchev 14/1
Zoran Jankovic 16/1
Gianluca Zambrotta 20/1
Simone Perrotta 20/1
Cristiano Zanetti 20/1
Mauro Camoranesi 20/1
Milen Petkov 25/1
Marco Materazzi 25/1
Martin Petrov 25/1
Christian Panucci 33/1
Massimo Oddo 33/1
Daniel Borimirov 33/1
Georgi Peev 40/1
Giuseppe Favalli 40/1
Marian Hristov 40/1
Matteo Ferrari 40/1
Predrag Pazin 50/1
Zlatomir Zagorcic 50/1
Alessandro Nesta 50/1
Ilian Stoianov 50/1
Kiril Kotev 50/1
Fabio Cannavaro 50/1
Vladimir Ivanov 66/1
No Goalscorer 9/1
Italian newspapers reported on Sunday that Vieri, criticised for his disappointing displays, had argued with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon after Friday's 1-1 draw with Sweden.
"This is the last day that I speak to you," Vieri said. "You can say what you want about me as a player but when you offend me as a person, well ... I am more of a man than all of you put together." Italy play Bulgaria in Group C on Tuesday.
**Italy have to beat Bulgaria on tuesday. Someone HAS to score for Italy...I had a look at the odds at Ladbrokes
1st Goalscorer Odds ~ Italy vs. Bulgaria
Christian Vieri 11/4
Antonio Cassano 4/1
Marco Di Vaio 5/1
Alessandro Del Piero 5/1
Bernardo Corradi 6/1
Zdravdko Lazarov 12/1
Dimitar Berbatov 12/1
Andrea Pirlo 12/1
Stefano Fiore 12/1
Georgi Chilikov 14/1
Velizar Dimitrov 14/1
Valeri Bojinov 14/1
Vladimir Manchev 14/1
Zoran Jankovic 16/1
Gianluca Zambrotta 20/1
Simone Perrotta 20/1
Cristiano Zanetti 20/1
Mauro Camoranesi 20/1
Milen Petkov 25/1
Marco Materazzi 25/1
Martin Petrov 25/1
Christian Panucci 33/1
Massimo Oddo 33/1
Daniel Borimirov 33/1
Georgi Peev 40/1
Giuseppe Favalli 40/1
Marian Hristov 40/1
Matteo Ferrari 40/1
Predrag Pazin 50/1
Zlatomir Zagorcic 50/1
Alessandro Nesta 50/1
Ilian Stoianov 50/1
Kiril Kotev 50/1
Fabio Cannavaro 50/1
Vladimir Ivanov 66/1
No Goalscorer 9/1
You Thought Scolari Was Hated? The Dutch Fans Don't Like Advocaat!
Dutch fans buy plane ticket for soccer coach
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch fans at Euro 2004 have clubbed together to buy a plane ticket out of Portugal for coach Dick Advocaat following the 3-2 defeat by the Czech Republic.
Advocaat was blamed for making a substitution in the second half which allowed the Czechs to come back from 2-1 down.
"We collected the money in just three minutes," said Johan de Laat who organised the initiative on a camp site in Portugal, news agency ANP reported.
Advocaat's ticket was booked for Tuesday's Virgin Express flight from Faro to Brussels, a flight that cost 163 euros (106 pounds), according to the airline's website.
The Dutch play their last Group D game on Wednesday, needing to win to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
"We will give him the ticket through room service at his hotel. All he needs is his passport," De Laat said.
"He doesn't have to come back to the Netherlands."
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch fans at Euro 2004 have clubbed together to buy a plane ticket out of Portugal for coach Dick Advocaat following the 3-2 defeat by the Czech Republic.
Advocaat was blamed for making a substitution in the second half which allowed the Czechs to come back from 2-1 down.
"We collected the money in just three minutes," said Johan de Laat who organised the initiative on a camp site in Portugal, news agency ANP reported.
Advocaat's ticket was booked for Tuesday's Virgin Express flight from Faro to Brussels, a flight that cost 163 euros (106 pounds), according to the airline's website.
The Dutch play their last Group D game on Wednesday, needing to win to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
"We will give him the ticket through room service at his hotel. All he needs is his passport," De Laat said.
"He doesn't have to come back to the Netherlands."
GROUP A Matches - June 20, 2004
June 20, 2004
Group A 2:45 PM Spain 0-1 Portugal
The BBC pundits didn't care for this match but I thought it was riveting. With so much on the line how can it not be exciting? Portugal HAD to win this game if they wanted to reach the quarterfinals and they thoroughly deserved a 1-0 win over a dazed Spanish side. Spain rarely ventured forward but did have a few threatening moments. However, it was a creative Portuguese side that pressed the attack. Portugal worked like terriers to win the ball in midfield and created the best opportunities of the match.
Spain lost the plot before the match even started. Spanish coach Inaki Saez made some inexplicable changes for which Spain would be later punished. I'd said last night that leaving Morientes out of the starting attack was suicide and it rang true. Saez elected to go with a talented but inexperienced Fernando Torres up top. I can't possibly see the rationale behind leaving Morientes out and playing Torres in his place. I bet if you'd asked Torres the same question he would've thought Morientes should've played in his place. Torres, although touted as a future superstar by the Spanish press, failed to live up to the hype. He had a handful of chances but never really looked like putting them away. Raul played adequately but if Saez wanted to make an appropriate change he should've left Raul out of the side. Morientes must've done something that invoked Saez's wrath because as the subs came on, Luque got on at striker before Morientes did! I said it was suicide yesterday and I think I was proven right.
Spain just could not cope by the pressing and attacking Portuguese. Spain probably would've won more balls in midfield had Saez started with Etxeberria, Baraja and Valeron, but instead he went with what I would term a Spanish B team midfield of Albeda, Alonso, Sanchez and Vicente Rodriguez. Madness. As a result Spain lost control in midfield and spent most of the match chasing Christiano Ronaldo, Figo, and Deco around the pitch.
Defensively Spain again looked shakey; Saez opting to play Bravo, Helguera, Juanito and Puyol. Raul Bravo had a nightmarish performance and simply could not deal with the pace and flair of Ronaldo. Bravo played so poorly that Mark Lawrenson actually referred to him as Juliet Bravo! Helguera played well but he wasn't getting the help required at this level. Apparently the Beatles wrote a song about Juanito...it was called Nowhere Man. Puyol fulfilled his role but for a lad who's supposed to be the "heart of soul of the Barcelona defense" he failed to impress. I wish I could see more Barcelona matches because I'm sure he's a better player at club level than what we saw him do for Spain. Spain clearly missed the organization and leadership of Salgado but at this stage it's not fair to blame results on injuries.
With so many changes in the Spanish side, I think Saez was playing for a 0-0 and by the time Spain went down 1-0 it was too late for Torres, Luque and Morientes to produce. It should be said that Casillas had a good game although he's constantly out of position and as such has to perform some rather theatrical saves. He strikes me as a bit of a drama queen. Honestly, I feel Canizares would have been a wiser choice but it's doubtful we'll see much of him now.
Portugal looked the better side for the first 20 minutes. They drove into Spanish territory in wave after wave but were never able to supply the final ball. Throughout the tournament I have been highly disappointed by the performances of Figo and Pauleta. It's rare that I get to see these much-touted players play on the highest level and I'm sorry to say I think they were flops. Figo is a shadow of his former self although he does occasionally show flashes of his former brilliance. Pauleta never drops back to help in midfield and although his service has been poor, the opportunities he has had have resulted in nothing. Pauleta, nicknamed the Hurricane of the Azores, seems to have dissipated into a light rain. Very disappointing.
Christiano Ronaldo has been the star of the show thus far. Although he's been given a hard time for his incessant use of step over fakes, the kid is world class. He seems as much at home in the Portuguese side as he does in the Manchester United side. There's a certain buzz of expectation when he gets the ball...the crowd get louder, there's a buzz of anticipation, the supporters expect something thrilling. That said he could work more on his crosses from the wing and has to develop his defensive skills. If Ronaldo can develop leadership skills in his career I think he'll be the best Portuguese player since Figo.
I'd be worried if I was a Chelsea fan about the money they spent on Ferreira who can't justify a place in the team, although Chelsea must be very keen on Deco, who I think has had a solid tournament so far. Defensively for Portugal I've been most impressed with Jorge Andrade and I've seen strong performances from Miguel and Carvalho. In the end it was a fine shot from substitute Nuno Gomes (who always plays well in the big matches) that sealed a quarterfinal berth for Portugal at Spain's expense. Spain didn't deserve to go further.
A good match overall filled with creative attacking football from Portugal against a Spanish team that couldn't quite make up its mind whether it wanted to attack or defend. Big Phil Scolari has had to put up with a lot of stick from the press in recent days but I think he deserves full credit for playing Ronaldo, subbing Pauleta and putting on match winner Gomes. Watching Big Phil barking orders from the touchline and celebrate the goal with his coaching staff was sweet revenge...
June 20, 2004
Group A 2:45 PM Russia 2-1 Greece
Greece qualified for the quarter finals but it wasn't pretty. A Greek side that had looked so impressive against Portugal and Spain lost to a technically gifted (though passionless) Russian side. It's always the same with Russia, they play poorly in their first two competetive matches and then destroy teams like Cameroon 10-0! When the pressure's off the Russians fire on all cylinders but, unlike the former USSR teams, they lack that the discipline essential at this level. Within two minutes of kick off poor old Nikopolidis (who's having a fantastic tournament) was picking the ball out of his net. Gusev (which does actually mean Goose in Russian) flapped his way past a defender after a long goal kick and buried a volley into the Greek net. The Greeks showed heart in the match but the Russians really should've put five past them. Nikopolidis wasn't at fault for the second goal either. A free header, gifted to goal poacher Bulykin, was thundered past Nikopolidis, but one has to question the Greek marking. I think a lot of us were brought back down to Earth today by a less than impressive Greek performance. They are the Cinderella side of the Championship but if they don't learn to mark and pick up strikers in the box they won't go much further. Gusev looked dangerous all match and after scoring the first goal he turned creator for the second. It was his corner that was met neatly by Bulykin for Russia's second. Facing elimination form EURO 2004 the Greeks fought valiantly, conjuring up images of Spartan warriors, and we rewarded with their efforts by a great finish from Vryzas.
To be fair, Russia have not had a good tournament but it was good to finally see a talented Russian side exhibit some of their potential. I'm not sure that Wales would've done much better, but good to see Russia end on a high note and wonderful to see a Cinderella Greek side get to the ball.
Group A 2:45 PM Spain 0-1 Portugal
The BBC pundits didn't care for this match but I thought it was riveting. With so much on the line how can it not be exciting? Portugal HAD to win this game if they wanted to reach the quarterfinals and they thoroughly deserved a 1-0 win over a dazed Spanish side. Spain rarely ventured forward but did have a few threatening moments. However, it was a creative Portuguese side that pressed the attack. Portugal worked like terriers to win the ball in midfield and created the best opportunities of the match.
Spain lost the plot before the match even started. Spanish coach Inaki Saez made some inexplicable changes for which Spain would be later punished. I'd said last night that leaving Morientes out of the starting attack was suicide and it rang true. Saez elected to go with a talented but inexperienced Fernando Torres up top. I can't possibly see the rationale behind leaving Morientes out and playing Torres in his place. I bet if you'd asked Torres the same question he would've thought Morientes should've played in his place. Torres, although touted as a future superstar by the Spanish press, failed to live up to the hype. He had a handful of chances but never really looked like putting them away. Raul played adequately but if Saez wanted to make an appropriate change he should've left Raul out of the side. Morientes must've done something that invoked Saez's wrath because as the subs came on, Luque got on at striker before Morientes did! I said it was suicide yesterday and I think I was proven right.
Spain just could not cope by the pressing and attacking Portuguese. Spain probably would've won more balls in midfield had Saez started with Etxeberria, Baraja and Valeron, but instead he went with what I would term a Spanish B team midfield of Albeda, Alonso, Sanchez and Vicente Rodriguez. Madness. As a result Spain lost control in midfield and spent most of the match chasing Christiano Ronaldo, Figo, and Deco around the pitch.
Defensively Spain again looked shakey; Saez opting to play Bravo, Helguera, Juanito and Puyol. Raul Bravo had a nightmarish performance and simply could not deal with the pace and flair of Ronaldo. Bravo played so poorly that Mark Lawrenson actually referred to him as Juliet Bravo! Helguera played well but he wasn't getting the help required at this level. Apparently the Beatles wrote a song about Juanito...it was called Nowhere Man. Puyol fulfilled his role but for a lad who's supposed to be the "heart of soul of the Barcelona defense" he failed to impress. I wish I could see more Barcelona matches because I'm sure he's a better player at club level than what we saw him do for Spain. Spain clearly missed the organization and leadership of Salgado but at this stage it's not fair to blame results on injuries.
With so many changes in the Spanish side, I think Saez was playing for a 0-0 and by the time Spain went down 1-0 it was too late for Torres, Luque and Morientes to produce. It should be said that Casillas had a good game although he's constantly out of position and as such has to perform some rather theatrical saves. He strikes me as a bit of a drama queen. Honestly, I feel Canizares would have been a wiser choice but it's doubtful we'll see much of him now.
Portugal looked the better side for the first 20 minutes. They drove into Spanish territory in wave after wave but were never able to supply the final ball. Throughout the tournament I have been highly disappointed by the performances of Figo and Pauleta. It's rare that I get to see these much-touted players play on the highest level and I'm sorry to say I think they were flops. Figo is a shadow of his former self although he does occasionally show flashes of his former brilliance. Pauleta never drops back to help in midfield and although his service has been poor, the opportunities he has had have resulted in nothing. Pauleta, nicknamed the Hurricane of the Azores, seems to have dissipated into a light rain. Very disappointing.
Christiano Ronaldo has been the star of the show thus far. Although he's been given a hard time for his incessant use of step over fakes, the kid is world class. He seems as much at home in the Portuguese side as he does in the Manchester United side. There's a certain buzz of expectation when he gets the ball...the crowd get louder, there's a buzz of anticipation, the supporters expect something thrilling. That said he could work more on his crosses from the wing and has to develop his defensive skills. If Ronaldo can develop leadership skills in his career I think he'll be the best Portuguese player since Figo.
I'd be worried if I was a Chelsea fan about the money they spent on Ferreira who can't justify a place in the team, although Chelsea must be very keen on Deco, who I think has had a solid tournament so far. Defensively for Portugal I've been most impressed with Jorge Andrade and I've seen strong performances from Miguel and Carvalho. In the end it was a fine shot from substitute Nuno Gomes (who always plays well in the big matches) that sealed a quarterfinal berth for Portugal at Spain's expense. Spain didn't deserve to go further.
A good match overall filled with creative attacking football from Portugal against a Spanish team that couldn't quite make up its mind whether it wanted to attack or defend. Big Phil Scolari has had to put up with a lot of stick from the press in recent days but I think he deserves full credit for playing Ronaldo, subbing Pauleta and putting on match winner Gomes. Watching Big Phil barking orders from the touchline and celebrate the goal with his coaching staff was sweet revenge...
June 20, 2004
Group A 2:45 PM Russia 2-1 Greece
Greece qualified for the quarter finals but it wasn't pretty. A Greek side that had looked so impressive against Portugal and Spain lost to a technically gifted (though passionless) Russian side. It's always the same with Russia, they play poorly in their first two competetive matches and then destroy teams like Cameroon 10-0! When the pressure's off the Russians fire on all cylinders but, unlike the former USSR teams, they lack that the discipline essential at this level. Within two minutes of kick off poor old Nikopolidis (who's having a fantastic tournament) was picking the ball out of his net. Gusev (which does actually mean Goose in Russian) flapped his way past a defender after a long goal kick and buried a volley into the Greek net. The Greeks showed heart in the match but the Russians really should've put five past them. Nikopolidis wasn't at fault for the second goal either. A free header, gifted to goal poacher Bulykin, was thundered past Nikopolidis, but one has to question the Greek marking. I think a lot of us were brought back down to Earth today by a less than impressive Greek performance. They are the Cinderella side of the Championship but if they don't learn to mark and pick up strikers in the box they won't go much further. Gusev looked dangerous all match and after scoring the first goal he turned creator for the second. It was his corner that was met neatly by Bulykin for Russia's second. Facing elimination form EURO 2004 the Greeks fought valiantly, conjuring up images of Spartan warriors, and we rewarded with their efforts by a great finish from Vryzas.
To be fair, Russia have not had a good tournament but it was good to finally see a talented Russian side exhibit some of their potential. I'm not sure that Wales would've done much better, but good to see Russia end on a high note and wonderful to see a Cinderella Greek side get to the ball.
About Me
- Name: Editor
- Location: Santa Barbara, CA, United States
Santa Barbara Beacon
Previous Posts
- World Cup message from President Bush!
- Hungary still mourns 1954 World Cup loss
- Quote of the Day - Despair
- Quarterfinal - Holland 0-0 Sweden
- Saez Falls On His Sword!
- Quarterfinal - France 0-1 Greece
- Quarterfinal - England 2-2 Portugal
- GROUP D Matches - June 23, 2004
- GROUP C Matches - June 22, 2004
- GROUP B Matches - June 21, 2004
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