EURO 2004

World Cup message from President Bush!

2006-06-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

I finally got a copy of the President's assessment of the United States World Cup soccer team. He seems to know a lot about soccer...

Hungary still mourns 1954 World Cup loss

2004-07-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Quote of the Day - Despair

2004-06-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Quarterfinal - Holland 0-0 Sweden

2004-06-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

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

Saez Falls On His Sword!

2004-06-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

I wonder if it was made in Toledo?

Quarterfinal - France 0-1 Greece

2004-06-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Quarterfinal - England 2-2 Portugal

2004-06-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

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)!

GROUP D Matches - June 23, 2004

2004-06-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

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 C Matches - June 22, 2004

2004-06-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

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 B Matches - June 21, 2004

2004-06-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

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 Matches - June 21, 2004

2004-06-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

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...

The Dutch aren't going to like this!

2004-06-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

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.

ITALY - Vieri Takes a Shot at the Press...How About a Shot at the Goal?

2004-06-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

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

You Thought Scolari Was Hated? The Dutch Fans Don't Like Advocaat!

2004-06-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

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."

GROUP A Matches - June 20, 2004

2004-06-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Why is Morientes Being Replaced?

2004-06-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Morientes is God

This is madness! Saez has gone mad. How the hell do you leave Morientes out of the lineup and play a kid who's only scored one goal for Spain (Fernando Torres)? It's a poor choice and I think Spain will pay the price. If anything Raul Gonzales should be out of the lineup. I just don't understand how Morientes gets the blame. Morientes scored last week. When did Raul score last? I don't even like Spain but I hate seeing a better player get the blame when the weakness lies with Raul and an unproductive midfield. Spain play Portugal tomorrow. Don't be surprised if Portugal win the match and eliminate the Spaniards.

I like Torres and I'm not putting him down, but if anyone should make way for him it should be Raul not Morientes. Combined the two friends (Morientes and Raul) have scored 59 goals for Spain. Torres has scored one goal. Are you sure it's a good time to start him Saez? I guess we'll see tomorrow. End of rant.

LISBON (Reuters) - Spain will pin their Euro 2004 hopes on 20-year-old striker Fernando Torres when they meet hosts Portugal in a fratricidal Group A clash today.

Spain and Portugal went into the tournament as strong favourites to reach the quarter-finals but Sunday's game is likely to end with one of the Iberian neighbours eliminated.

Portugal, who have not beaten Spain in five previous competitive internationals, need to win to make it through after losing to Greece and beating Russia.

A point would be enough for the Spaniards and they could also go through with a defeat if Greece lose to Russia in the other game.

They will not rely on a Russian side already eliminated to do them a favour, however, and with their own nerves likely to be frayed by a partisan local crowd at the Jose Alvalade Stadium they are not about to play for a goalless draw.

With Raul and Fernando Morientes both out of touch, coach Inaki Saez announced on the eve of the game that Torres, who has scored just one goal for Spain in eight appearances, would lead the line alongside team captain Raul.

"We're optimistic," Raul said. "Personally, I feel confident that everything is going to work out. It will be an open game this time, with plenty of chances, and if we can take the ones that come our way we'll go through."

Spain, who lost fullback Michel Salgado to injury before the tournament, will be without suspended centre-back Carlos Marchena but Raul Bravo was passed fit.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari hopes Pauleta finally finds him form in the tournament to take advantage of any uncertainty in the Spanish backline.

Like Raul, Pauleta has looked out of touch so far but he is a certain choice for Sunday.

"I'm confident in Pauleta and the qualities he will bring to the game," Scolari said. "I'm definitely starting with him."

Scolari is likely to stick with Deco in place of Rui Costa in midfield after the introduction of the Brazilian-born playmaker sparked a big improvement in their morale-boosting 2-0 win over Russia.

Probable teams:

Portugal (4-4-2): 1-Ricardo; 13-Miguel, 4-Jorge Andrade, 16-Ricardo Carvalho, 14-Nuno Valente: 8-Maniche, 6-Costinha, 7-Luis Figo, 20-Deco; 11-Simao Sabrosa, 9-Pauleta

Spain (4-4-2): 23-Iker Casillas; 5-Carles Puyol, 22-Juanito, 6-Ivan Helguera, 15-Raul Bravo; 19-Joaquin, 4-David Albelda, 16-Xabi Alonso, 14-Vicente; 7-Raul, 9-Fernando Torres

Referee - Anders Frisk (Sweden)

Linesmen - Kenneth Petersson (Sweden), Peter Ekstrom

GROUP D Matches - June 19, 2004

2004-06-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Vladimir Smicer (No. 7) celebrates the winning goal with Poborsky (No. 8) and Baros (No. 15)

June 19, 2004

Group D 2:45 PM Netherlands 2-3 Czech Republic

The match of the tournament so far. Although the England France match was excellent, the Holland Czech Republic match was full of wide open attacking football by both sides and featured five spectacular goals. There were a total of 35 shots in the match and both the Czechs and the Dutch hit the woodwork repeatedly. Words can't adequately summarize the quality of the football both sides played. Both teams wanted to win and both took risks defensively to push men forward.

For the Dutch it was a dream start. A whipped in cross was finished off by Wilfred Bouma, who'd left his defensive duties for a chance at a goal. In the 4th minute the Dutch were leading 1-0. The second goal was controversial but presumably legal under FIFA's new fangled interpretation of the offside rule. Ruud van Nistelrooy (who has mastered a way to manipulate the offside rule) was about fifteen feet offside when the ball was played down the wing, however as he wasn't technically involved in the pass he was 'passively offside' which is now acceptable (but ridiculous). By the time the cross came in van Nistelrooy was back onside and tapped in a goal from six yards out. The Chelsea-bound Czech keeper, Peter Cech (which means Czech in Czech) was perhaps at fault for the first goal for not coming off his line, but he had no chance with the second. Edgar Davids nicknamed 'The Pitbull' worked tirelessly in midfield and created the best Dutch chances. Davids played like a man possessed and was probably the Man of the Match.

The Czechs, after conceding two goals within the first twenty minutes, were surprisingly resilient. Both teams attacked and counter-attacked each toher at a prodigous rate. Within four minutes of van Nistelrooy's goal "The Ostravan Maradona" Milan Baros went on a buccaneering run from the Czech half, splitting the Dutch defense in half, beating his man, and strolling into the box. With the massive Dutch centre half Jaap Stam bearing down on him, the Liverpool striker slid a pass to the 6' 7" Jan Koller who shot the ball past Edwin van der Sar for the Czech Republic's first goal. It was a brilliant run by Baros, he created something out of nothing and gave the Czech's renewed confidence.

Both teams threatened throughout the second half. Clarence Seedorf came close to scoring two amazing goals from thirty yards out but it wasn't his night. The same can be said for European Footballer of the year, Pavel Nedved. Nedved and Davids put in two of the most amazing performances ever seen in the European Championships. Nedved struck shots from outside the box and he too rattled the woodwork. A goalmouth scramble in the Dutch box saw Milan Baros fire a rocket from outside the box into the Dutch net. 2-2. Baros celebrated with his Nedved, his Liverpool teammate Vladimir Smicer and Karel Poborsky. Poborsky has been inspirational in the first two matches. The Dutch had Johnny Heitinga red carded for his second bookable defense and now the Dutch had to finish the last fifteen minutes with ten men. Two minutes from the end of the match Smicer (Liverpool) broke into the box and scored! The Czechs had reversed the 2-0 goal deficit and now were on their way to a 3-2 win! An absolutely amazing match that I'll treasure for a long time.

You have to feel sorry for the Dutch in much the same way as the English didn't deserve to lose to France in the first match. The final whistle blew and the Dutch players looked shocked and dejected. They should keep their heads up, it was a heroic battle and they did their Oranje compatriots proud. Holland play Latvia next and I would expect the brave Latvians to get destroyed by the Clockwork Orange. The Czechs are the first team through to the quarterfinals. They next play the Germans, who would have to beat the Czechs to progress, and that is highly unlikely. Wonderful to see two Liverpool players (Baros & Smicer) score in such a big match! Benitez will be happy.

June 19, 2004

Group D 12:00 PM Latvia 0-0 Germany

A dull draw. It's not Latvia's fault, they worked tirelessly and almost broke down the German defense on several occasions. Perhaps the best chance Latvia had was the superb solo run from midfield by Maris Verpakovskis. After beating three Germans and outrunning the rest of the German defense he fired a weak shot into the welcoming arms of Oliver Kahn. I heard today that Kahn's a quarter Latvian, but he wasn't about to gift the game to the underdogs. English Mike Riley obviously needs to get his eyes checked because he failed to award Latvia a clear penalty. Probably Latvia's best chance at winning a match in EURO 2004 but they can still be proud of their performance. Latvian keeper Kolinko was outstanding once again, expect to see him at a bigger club next season.

The Germans never looked that dangerous. A few long range efforts, with Ballack leading the way, resulting in nothing. Cards were flashed freely so the match stopped and started a lot. One of the few positives for Germany was the second appearance of Schweinsteiger. He's young, pacey and works like a terrier in midfield. He looks to be a future first team regular in an otherwise lackluster German team.

Barring a miracle, Latvia is out of the tournament. Although you can never count out the Germans I think they'll be catching the next flight out of Portugal. Germany has to beat an awesome attacking Czech team that came from two goals down to beat Holland 3-2!

GROUP C Matches - June 18, 2004

2004-06-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

June 18, 2004

Group C 12:00 PM Bulgaria 0-2 Denmark

Why did Bulgaria bother turning up? Maybe they just like getting yellow cards for silly reasons. Maybe they like to get red cards for arguing with referees. Whatever the reason, the state of Bulgarian football isn't good. And they did so well in qualifying for EURO 2004. Is anyone else confused? Both the Petrov Boys got yellow cards within a minute of each other, then Stilian outdid his brother Martin by actually getting sent off trying to argue that Martin didn't deserve a yellow. Stick to writing music boys. Oh the game! It almost slipped my mind because it was dull. At least Denmark looked good. Not great but adequate. There's going to be a real battle between Denmark, Sweden and Italy to get to the next round. My money's on Sweden and Italy. Gravesen aka "The Bald Headed Freak" created the first goal which was well finished by Tomasson but the last goal in the 90 minute was special. Jesper Gronkjaer, who's mother died last week, scored a terrific goal to win the match 2-0. Gronkjaer wasn't sure if he was even coming to the tournament.

June 18, 2004

Group C 2:45 PM Italy 1-1 Sweden

What the hell is wrong with the Italians? Why do they struggle with Scandanavian teams? Is it the helmets with the horns on? Is it the off-center crosses on their flags? Who knows, but the fact remains that just when you think the Italians look good (the football not the blokes) they cock it up and let the nine foot tall Ibrahimovic score with the strangest of lobs. What a waste! The Italians were leading 1-0 through a beautiful glancing header from Italian boy wonder Antonio Cassano. And what a pedigree Cassano has! He was born on July 12, 1982...the day Italy won the World Cup! I don't know how Totti scores so many goals at Roma but I suspect Cassano is doing the leg work. By the way, Totti missed the match...he's been suspended by UEFA for three matches for spitting at a Danish defender. Probably a good thing (the suspension, not the spitting). Everytime I watch Totti he never performs. Same thing with Vieri. Vieri, he's so famous Bobby Robson keeps calling him Viera. Viera plays for Arsenal Bobby...go and lay down. Italy's problems certainly don't lay at the back. Buffon is the best keeper the Italians have, Panucci and Zambrotta are probably the best full backs in the world and Nesta and Cannavaro are quick enough and strong enough to put most strikers off their game. The midfield is somewhat suspect. I'd go with Gattuso (the hardest worker in the team), Pirlo, Perrota, and Fiore. The Italian midfield hasn't impressed me, but there is talent in it. The forwards are a nightmare. I haven't seen Totti and Vieri enough to give them a hard time, but when I have seen them it's not been good. Still, I'd rather play these two up top than Del Piero. I've watched him for years and he's still shit. When will Trappatoni figure it out? I hate to say it but I'd play Vieri with Inzaghi. No, I take that back...

GROUP B Matches - June 17, 2004

2004-06-19T02:23:00.000-07:00

June 17, 2004

Group B 12:00 PM England 3-0 Switzerland

The match that made Wayne Rooney into a superstar. Rooney, aged 18 and 237 days became the youngest man to score in the European Championships. An excellent goal too. Michael Owen won possession in the box and unselfishly put the ball on Rooney's head and Rooney buried it in the Swiss net. It was perhaps against the run of play, the Swiss had been working hard and creating chances for themselves. Disaster struck the Swiss in the 60th minute when Haas was sent off for his second bookable offense. England dominated the ten man Swiss and Rooney cracked a fierce shot from outisde the box that beat the Swiss keeper on the near post. The ball bounced off his head to add insult to injury. With minutes left in the match and already up 2-0, Becks laid off a beautifully weighted pass to the overlapping Gary Neville who in turn crossed it to a rampaging Steven Gerrard who blasted it home. 3-0 England. Three vital points for the Three Lions.

The Swiss Cheese Defense

June 17, 2004

Group B 2:45 PM Croatia 2-2 France

Perhaps the French were tired after the England match? Personally, I think the absence of Robert Pires (isn't he Portugese?) hurt the French. Croatia created their own luck and at one point actually led the match 2-1. Desailly gifted the second goal to ex-Monaco star Dado Prso. The French looked like a deer in the headlights. That's when Zidane huddled his weary troops together for a quick pep talk. It worked. After some near misses, Juventus striker David Trezeguet scored to make it 2-2. The match ended but it was quite a scare for a supposedly invincible French team.

GROUP A Matches - June 16, 2004

2004-06-19T02:01:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2004

Group A 12:00 PM Greece 1-1 Spain

Another disappointing performance from the Spaniards. No Salgado at right back. But why is Casillas preferred in goal rather than Canizares? Spain seem so loaded with talented players but it's hard to get a decent performance out of them. Etxeberria has looked strong in midfield for two matches now and Baraja is decent too, but I'm not convinced Albeda can get it done. It sounds like the Spanish newspapers are on Raul's back again...and he's the captain! I'm not a big Raul fan either but it was his backheel to his best friend Morientes that put Spain up 1-0. Morientes made an excellent cut and drilled the ball past a very good Greek keeper, Nikopolidis. Fernando Torres came on and was explosive, the Spanish Rooney. He may very well be Spain's next superstar! I think Spain expected the Greeks to be in awe of them but it didn't happen. Morientes flubbed a few good opportunities but by the second half the Greeks looked more relaxed and put one past Casillas (Canizares would've saved it). Nikopolidis impressed again in the greek net by saving a vicious point blank header from Baraja. Nikopolidis should be playing for a bigger club after the tournament.

Touch of Morientes Magic

June 16, 2004

Group A 2:45 PM Russia 0-2 Portugal

Russia don't seem to interested in being in this tournament, which is a shame because they have some talented players. The Russians played dull football and when they lost possession they didn't work too hard to get the ball back. In the 7th minute Maniche scored a great goal which bailed out the manager. Scolari had been criticised for adding Maniche to the squad. In the 45th minute the Russian keeper was sent off for handling outside of the box and it was curtains for the Russians. A late goal for aqn aging Rui Costa sealed the win. 2-0.

About Time

GROUP D Matches - June 15, 2004

2004-06-19T01:36:00.000-07:00

June 15, 2004

Group D 12:00 PM Czech Republic 2-1 Latvia

A slow starting match with the Czechs probing the Latvian defense for weaknesses. The czechs ooze talent (Smicer, Baros, Koller, Nedved) but couldn't provide the final ball. Although the Czechs were in command in the first half Latvia did look dangerous counter attacking. Then a lot of Czechs went into shock. On the stroke of half time the Czechs failed to clear and Maris Verpakovskis cracked a shot into the Czech net. The
Latvians went mad. They were beating the much vaunted Czechs 1-0 at half time! However the second half started with ferocious attacking play orchestrated by Nedved. Finally, Milan Baros the Liverpool player nicknamed "The Ostravan Maradona" put the ball past Kolinko to make it 1-1. There was a collective sigh of relief from the massive Czech crowd. To their joy Heinz bundled home a second goal and the Czech Republic beat little Latvia 2-1. Not a convincing performance from a pre-tournament favorite.

Milan Baros ~ Things Would Get Better...

June 15, 2004

Group D 2:45 PM Germany 1-1 Netherlands

Everyone, including the Germans, expected the Dutch to win this game. I saw a poll in the German newspaper 'Bild' and the majority of Germans thought they'd lose this game to the Dutch. But there was controversy the day before the match. Ruud van Nistlerooy, the Manchester United goal poacher, made references to the Holland Germany match being payback for World War II. The Germans (who are obviously quite sensitive about this topic) berated Ruud as an idiot and apparently it fired the German team up. From the kickoff the Dutch were losing their shape and being forced to defend. The Germans having recently lost to Romania 5-1 and Hungary 2-0 were taking charge of the match and looking good doing it. It didn't take long for Torsten Frings to put one past the gangly Edwin van der Sar and Deutschland was leading 1-0! Cruyff was in the stands...he looked dejected. Next to him sat Beckenbauer...smiling. Ballack played on another level as usual and Kuranyi looked threatening at times. At the onset of the second half, a worn out Edgar Davids was replaced as was Zenden. Sneijder came on to link up with his Ajax teammate van der Vaart and the injection of van Hooijdonk added pace and space for van Nistelrooy. Late in the match, a brilliant cross into the box, found van Nistelrooy, who pivoted beautifully and struck home from six yards. A superb goal that very few strikers could've finished. 1-1. A fair result although the Dutch will think of it as two points lost rather than one point gained.

A Ruud Awakening!

GROUP C Matches - June 14, 2004

2004-06-19T01:12:00.000-07:00

June 14, 2004

Group C 12:00 PM Denmark 0-0 Italy

Didn't live up to my expectations. I thought we might see a clash of styles here and perhaps a few goals but it wasn't to be. With these types of matches you expect to see the cool, calm and composure of the Scandanavians versus the brash, fiery flare of the Italians. In an ideal world that's what we would've seen, but we didn't. Instead we got a hesitant Danish team (missing Jesper Gronkjaer) play silly buggers for 90 minutes while the Italians were like an old Ferarri with transmission problems. The ref didn't help matters. The game stopped and started and eventually sputtered to a halt. Sorensen was excellent in goal again but not too much from Rommerdahl and Tomasson which was a disappointment. The Italians look unorganized and lacked any real attacking spirit. I'm not convinced that Totti is the man to lead the attack and Del Piero is as useless as a tomato with wheels. Vieri, who I rarely get to see, is always a flop. I've heard so much good about him...I hope I get to see it someday. Positives for the Italians were the excellent fullbacks. Panucci is world class and Zambrotta is playing up to Maldini's standard! Nesta and Cannavaro are solid. I like Buffon. I think Trappatoni did the right thing going with Buffon rather than Toldo. Not so sure about Camoronesi (an Argentine!), Perrota (an Englishman!) and Zanetti. Totti squared off with Danish defender Poulsen and decided to spit in Poulsen's face. Bad move...he's been suspended for three matches. Twat. Now I'll never see how good he is!

BUSTED! Totti caught spitting at Poulsen

Now there's a video game called 'Spit with Totti'

June 14, 2004

Group C 2:45 PM Sweden 5-0 Bulgaria

Simply Amazing!

Sweden, a decent side even at the worst of times, looked to be in control of the match early on, but never seemed to get forward. The Bulgarians seemed content to defend and counter attack, doing more of the former and less of the latter. Then the goals flowed. Ljungberg scored in the first half and from that point on Sweden attacked as if they were reliving a beserker raid on the north coast of England one thousand years ago. With the second half underway, the Viking Army stormed into the Bulgarian ranks, causing widespread panic. Henrik Larsson scored (he really is a fantastic player), then scored again. 3-0 Sweden. Ibrahimovic (son of Yugoslav immigrants) scored from the spot (4-0) and Markus Allback (Aston Villa) finished off the Bulgarians in the 90th minute. The match ended 5-0. A real thrashing. Not a good day for the Petrov Boys. (Lineker for goodness sake stop it!)

Even More Amazing!

GROUP B Matches - June 13, 2004

2004-06-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

June 13, 2004

Group B 12:00 PM Switzerland 0-0 Croatia

Probably the most boring match of the tournament so far. Watching paint dry would've been more riveting than watching a listless Croatia side wander aimlessly against a boring five-across-the-back Swiss side. There were a few chances but neither team possessed the will or incentive to create more opportunities. Dado Prso (Rangers) was the best Croatian player. Jorg Stiel, the Swiss goalkeeper, was fun to watch (that's not a good thing).

June 13, 2004

Group B 2:45 PM France 2-1 England (Hell on Earth)

It's been so difficult to write about this one because it was heartbreaking. It was devastating. As David Brent would say "gutting". Absolute hell on Earth. I went through all the stages associated with losing...shock, denail, disbelief, anger, disappointment and a strong need for revenge.

It almost finished so well too. England we're winning 1-0 into the 90th minute. How did it all go so wrong in three minutes? I've seen some football pundits blame David Beckham for missing a penalty that would've put us up 2-0. Others blame Emile Heskey for his foul at the top of the box in the 90th minute. Some blame Steven gerrard for his errant back pass. The bottom line is this...you can't give a fantastic French team an inch or you'll pay dearly for it. I don't blame anyone, it wouldn't do us any good anyway. The harsh reality is that we made three sill mistakes and lost the game.

In the 33rd minute England were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area. Beckham's free kick curled away from a helpless Barthez and Frank Lampard nailed his header into the top left corner of the goal. 1-0! Fucking amazing! We were beating the French and looking good doing it. England attacked effectively and did tremendously well keeping possession and holding the ball in midfield. It was another inspired England performance.

For England, Ashley Cole (left back) and Gary Neville (right back) came forward and caused the French real problems with their crosses. Ledley King (centre half) was playing in his first competetive match for England and it was a flawless performance. His partnership with Sol Campbell (centre half) was rock solid. They rendered Zidane, Henry and Trezeguet inneffective. England's midfield quartet of Becks on the right, Scholes on the left and Gerrard and Lamps in the middle was as good as the French midfield, which is quite a statement. Owen was largely ineffective, but Wayne Rooney was on fire. Thuram (who criticized Rooney before the match) seemed to have the most difficulty containing him. It was an amazing run from midfield by Rooney that led to a last ditch tackle by Silvestre in the box. The ref didn't hesitate to award a penalty. Silvestre was the last man and really should've been sent off but the German ref (Markus Merk) was pretty forgiving on the day and let a great match flow. Silvestre stayed on the pitch and Becks took the penalty. He struck the ball well but barthez pulled off a fantastic save keeping the match at 1-1.

For France, Barthez looked suspect in goal (as usual) but Gallas played a blinder. The Chelsea man was on top form, especially closing down Michael Owen for a sure goal. Defensively France looked solid. Their pace and height rank them with the best of defenses in the world. The French midfield retained possession better in the second half as they were chasing the game. It appeared frustration set in mid second half as Zidane and company resorted to long range shooting.

It was the last three minutes that changed the match. A silly foul from a lumbering Heskey gave away a free kick at the top of the box. As Zidane stepped up I knew we were fucked. Somehow I could just sense he was going to hit a rocket into the corner. Zizou hit the ball hard and in the net it went. 1-1. At the retstart England looked tenative. The English players looked stunned and couldn't quite figure out what to do. It was then that horror struck. Gerrard, normally so solid and reliable in midfield, sent a back pass to keeper David James. There wasn't enough pace on the pass so Thierry Henry, the glorious French striker, chased it down and James felled him in the box for a penalty. Zidane stepped up and buried it. 2-1 France. Within seconds it was all over. In the three minutes of injury time England had handed a win to France.

It was a fantastic match and although I think we were a little hard done by, the French pressed the game and were firing on all cylinders. It could've gone either way but as Zidane said after the match to Beckham "That's football!"

GROUP A Matches - June 12, 2004

2004-06-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

June 12, 2004

Group A 12:00 PM Portugal 1-2 Greece

First day of the tournament and the Greeks beat the hosts! Who would've thought? The Greeks look very good. Portugal seem to have no game plan and lack any form of leadership. Big Phil Scolari rules with an iron fist so I imagine morale is low. Figo looks a shadow of himself. Christiano Ronaldo (Man Utd) seems to be the only spark in the side. Greece beat Portugal and tied Spain. The Greeks look quarterfinal bound. They are well organized and can strike from midfield. Nikopolidis is a superb goalkeeper and the defense has proven to be well disciplined. Karagounis is the star in midfield. No wonder...he plays for Inter Milan.

Greek Tragedy for Portugal

June 12, 2004

Group A 2:45 PM Spain 1-0 Russia

Spain stole a late goal and beat a crap Russian side. Morientes and Raul aren't working together, which is a shame. I rate Morientes as the second best striker in the world right now (behind Thierry Henry). Saez keeps taking Morientes off the pitch. Why? Have you seen him play for Monaco? No wonder Real Madrid want him back! A sloppy match but Spain killed it off in the end thanks to Deportivo's Valeron. Russia's keeper is decent, but the players don't appear motivated. A far cry from the old USSR days...

EURO 2004 (Portugal)

2004-06-18T22:23:00.000-07:00