Euro 2008: Final - (29/06/2008)Germany 0-1 Spain

Golden Boy does it for Spain

The Finals- held in Vienna, was in an amazing atmosphere. German and Spanish fans together, singing in the spirit of the game. Spanish sensation Enrique Iglesias sang before the match to general applause. The teams came out with Germany the home team.

David Villa, the top scorer missed out due to a muscular injury. Michael Ballack, though recovered from a mystery illness and captained the side to the finals. The referee was Italian Rosetti, who had previously refereed the Croatia and Turkey match.

Germany had a better start, from a Ramos giveaway to Klose, but Klose could not capitalise. Spain, in contrast, looked very nervous. But they broke away in the 14’, as they forced a Medzelder error to give away nearly an own goal. But Lehmann, the oldest person to play the finals at 38, showed no sign of age as he leapt to Germany’s rescue.

Fabregas got the start from Aragones, who favoured the 4-5-1 formation rather than giving Guiza the nod as the second striker to assist Torres.

But Spain came back into control, gaining their rhythm. A 22’ attempt made sure of this. Sergio Ramos, who had taken the role of sprinting down the right wing, crossed to Torres in the centre of the box through the dreaming German defenders, but Torres’s header, though it beat Lehmann, hit the inside of the post to ricochet back, and Xavi could not back the shot up.

Germany tried their luck too, with a 25’ chance for Ballack, But Ramos deflected it away. The German fans will be grumbling that they didn’t get a penalty for a Capdevila hand touch in the box, but the referee felt that it wasn’t deliberate as play resumed.

Spain took the lead when a sudden Xavi pass forward saw Torres edge Lahm out and nudge the ball over a diving Lehmann to the left side of the goal. Spain, spurred by this goal, started passing the ball well and a 34’ chance, Iniesta passed to Silva who completely miscued the shot.

A touch of worry for the German fans when they saw Ballack limping off with a bleeding eye but later came on again. But Ballack kept on fouling the Spanish, which was not good on his part.

Such a foul resulted in an exchange between Ballack and Puyol. Casillas intervened and the referee gave Ballack a yellow and stupidly gave Casillas one too.

The 1st half ending, the coaches had some thinking to do. Low brought in Jansen for Lahm in a surprise move. But Spain kept on making chances. Germany had their chace when Podolski snatched the ball from Puyol and crossed, but Ballack nudged the ball wide.

Low was getting increasingly frustrated and brought in a second striker Kuranyi. This sub brought in a change in the forces as Germany started making the chances, and pushed Spain to the back foot. Aragones then removed Fabregas for Alonso and Torres for Guiza. Another scuffle between Podolski and Silva saw Silva ram his head. The german players danced around the pitch, asking the referee to send him off, but they got a freekick which they wasted.

A freekick saw Ramos head the ball but Lehmann punched it away, some time later Iniesta tried but Frings cleared the ball from the line. Iniesta again tried but Lehmann stopped it again.

Both Germany and Spain made chances. But Germany kept one defender to Spain’s one striker as they went on an all out attack. But Spain was not to be denied as they won their first title in 40 years.

Commentator Steve Mcmahon though took a dig at the Arsenal team by saying that Spain over elaborated in front of goal like Arsenal.

Anyway Spain won!!! Congrats!!!!!!!!

Highlights compiled by blizzard!!!

Torres, 33rd minute, 0-1 + Match Highllights

EURO 2008:(26/6/08) SPAIN VS RUSSIA (3-0)

Gunner Fires Spain to Final!!!

Man, this was one heck of a match!!! Both teams squaring off at Vienna, the site of the final, with great teams and players, this was electric!!!

Spain did not have history on their side. After 24 years they had made a semi final and they hadn’t won the Euro for 40 years!! The underachieving team had to bring out something good today as they were under a lot of pressure to reach the final.

On the other hand, Russia seemed relaxed. No one had expected them to reach so far. They had seen the likes of France, Portugal, Holland and Italy crumble before them. Their young squad were on fire at the moment, and their coach was a brilliant thinker and had completely reformed the team.

Both teams started well, passing and strolling. But the pitch was in a bad shape as at the same time there was a cloud burst and the players were playing amid thunder and lightning. Despite that, Spain had the first chance when Villa passed to Torres, who had his back turned to the goal, and through excellent footwork had his shot, but it was stopped by Akintaen.

The referee was cool and calm, and taking the conditions to consideration, kept the cards in his pocket. Both teams played well, creating chances, one after the other. A Villa free kick saw a stop by the GK and he stubbed his toe on the pitch.
In 30’, a beautiful curling kick by Pavlyuchenko saw it hit the post after a crucial touch by Casillas. In 33’, Villa limped off, injuring his foot, and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas came in. In this half we could see Sergio Ramos dancing in and out of the right wing, making crucial passes and at the same time, defending amazingly, taking the ball away from the Russians.

Thus the match reached half time. We had to see whether the break would do the players good or bad. The rain was receding and the pitch was drying up. That meant that the ball would not skid as it had done in the 1st half.

And we were right; the second half was very interesting. Spain started attacking. Fabregas passed to Iniesta who ran into the box and then out of it to find some room and kicked towards the goal hard, only for Xavi to leap out and the ball to hit his leg to go under the goalkeeper to give Spain the lead.

After this, Spain started attacking incessantly, gaining confidence all the time. Ramos and Puyol were the backbones of the defence, along with Marchena, as they stole the ball again and again from the Russians. They marked Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin, and these two ace players became as tame as cats.

Shortly, Aragones made a double switch Guiza for Torres, and Xabi Alonso for Xavi. Alonso had an immediate impact on the game, kicking a long ball but it found Akintaen’s hands.

The Spanish kept on moving forward, and Fabregas played a huge role in this, spurring them to greater heights. The Russians lost the ball again and again, but they were giving in without a fight.

Only then came a moment of brilliance. David Silva was strolling on the right wing. Looking for space across the Russian wall, and passed to Fabregas. The Arsenal Midfielder showed his talent by delicately touching the ball over the entire wall to an unmarked Guiza, who beat the offside trap, just to nudge the ball in the opposite direction of a diving Akintaen. This second goal was in the 73rd minute.

Spain, having defeated Russia in a huge manner, were doing it again. They passed beautifully, defeating the defence. The Russians incompetence was showing, as huge gaps started appearing in the mid field, and Spain made it look as though they were strolling in the garden.

But Spain was not finished. In the 82’, a triangle of Iniesta, Senna and Capdevila passed to each other in their own half to dispatch Zhirkov, and Iniesta chipped to a sprinting Fabregas in front of him, who ran all the way to the goal. The talented midfielder showed his team spirit and commitment by not taking the shot for himself, but by passing to unmarked Silva off the left wing. Silva, an amazing left footer, then made a clinical finish to increase the lead to 3-0.

In the 88’, a free kick from Zhirkov to Sychev who headed it towards goal and it seemed that Russia would net a consolation, but Casillas leaped to make an amazing save. That was the last chance as Spain beat Russia 3-0.

Russia looked defeated and tired but WE APPLAUD THEIR SPIRIT AND CONGRATULE THEM FOR REACHING THE SEMIS!!!

A worrying news though, for Spanish fans. David Villa, who had injured his foot, may not be able to play for Sunday’s final, as the reports say. HOPE NOT!!!

Congrats Spain!!!!!!!!!!

Highlights!! Compiled by blizzard!!

Xavi, 50th minute, 0-1
Guiza, 73rd minute, 0-2
Silva, 82nd minute, 0-3 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Semifinals - (25/06/2008)Germany 3-2 Turkey

Germany “Lahm” their way through

This Euro 2008 has been a tournament of surprises. The giants have been vanquished. The strongest teams have been dismantled. The smaller teams have shown their talent. And the first semi final was a testimony to that.

Turkey already had a depleted squad with 9 players out due to injury or suspension. Tuncay, Emre and Volkan, all out. But that did not stop them from trying to reach their first final.

Germany had a full strength squad with fully fit substitutes. Their players were in form. Many predicted a one sided game on their part. How very wrong they were.

Turkey started the game well, making a lot of chances, snatching the ball away from the Germans. They passed well, crossed beautifully and intercepted the German passes. In the 15’, they nearly took the lead when a pass to Kazim Kazim in the penalty box saw him hit the woodwork, though he thoroughly beat Lehmann. But the Turks were not to be denied. A throw in near the penalty box in the 22’ was passed to Kazim who did an awkward Bicycle kick which hit the woodwork again. But Ugur Boral followed it up, nudging the ball under Lehmann to give Turkey the lead.

But Germany had woken up, at long last. They started creating chances and passing well. Turkey had not held the lead in any Euro match for more than 9 minutes. This was true here.

In the 26’, a cross to sprinting Podolski in the left wing saw him evade a defender and pass the ball to no anyone in particular in the box, but Schweinsteiger pushed past a defender to nudge the ball past Rustu for an equaliser.

In the 38’, Rolfes and Hamit Altintop collided, and both players required stitches, Hamit on the head, and Rolfes on the brow. Both teams did not do any better till the 1st half end.
After the break, Loew took a huge gamble. He substituted Rolfes for injured Frings, who had injured his ribs in the match against Austria. Frings had been able to train, and had an extra covering which included carbon fibres to keep him going.

Both teams started attacking incessantly, but Germany was back on their feet. They got the lead through Klose in the 79th minute. But Turkey was not done yet. A lapse in concentration off the right wing where Sabri, who nearly gave Germany a penalty with a challenge on Lahm, dodged a defender and passed to Semih Senturk, who touched the ball and surprisingly, it went through Lehmann’s legs for a second goal.

Lehmann seemed to be dreaming that the ball would come to him, saw the ball going past him as the stadium erupted once again.

Just when the match was poised to go to extra time, a touch of brilliance was seen. Hitzelsperger had squandered many chances, hitting either over or on the wrong side of the crossbar. When Lahm tricked past the left wing defence, he passed to Hitzelsperger who passed past three defenders to Lahm into the penalty box. He beat the offside trap to take Turkey by surprise and smashed the ball over Rustu to give Germany the winner.

Germany, though pathetic in the first half, came back in the second half and showed their winning and never say die mentality to reach their 5th final. Meanwhile Turkey can bow out in pride, that they played equal to Portugal is a testimony that there is really a change in the blowing of winds.

Germany will now face either Russia or Spain.

Today’s fixture: Spain versus Russia (0015 Indian Standard Time)

Highlights!! Compiled by blizzard!!

Ugur Boral, 22nd minute, 0-1
Bastian Schweinsteiger, 26th minute, 1-1
Klose, 79th minute, 2-1
Semih Sentürk, 86th minute, 2-2
Lahm, 90th minute, 3-2 + Match Highlights

SEMI SURPRISES

Germany vs Turkey

Germany: The Germans have had a good tournament so far, crushing their opposition, and playing their natural game. Their three pronged attack Klose, Podolski and Gomez has worked so far, with Schweinsteiger not far behind. Lahm too has been terrific. Meanwhile former Arsenal Gk Lehmann has guarded the goal precariously, but has given easy chances to the opposition.
But the one problem is when Klose or Podolski is marked; they buckle under the pressure as seen in the Croatia match. But they too have tricks under their sleeves such as Podolski’s speed, Ballack’s free kicks and Klose’s deadly headers.

This team is deadly and can crush the opposition if allowed too much room.

Turkey : One of the dark horses of the tournament, Turkey has proved that it has the talent and the grit to topple mountains. This team literally kicked out Czech republic in the last 15 minutes of their game and sealed Croatia’s doom in the last minute. But this team has been hit hard with yellow cards and suspensions with star Tuncay along with a few other players unable to play the semis clash. So will this team topple the giants Germany?? Only time will tell.


Spain vs Russia:

Russia: This team has travelled far after being drubbed in their first game with Spain 1-4. This team defeated former cup holders Greece and Sweden to reach the quarters where they threw away Holland to set up a semis clash with Spain. They have no pressure on them and they play free flowing football. Their main players Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko, Zhirkov and Bilyadetinov are more than capable to defeat Spain. Coach Guus Hiddink has achieved the semis and wants nothing more, but would not leave a finals spot too easily.

Spain: The Spaniards have weathered some of the most difficult teams to reach the semis. They have also broken the 22nd June curse. They have taught the opposition a lesson not to mess with them by winning every match till now. Their young squad includes Fabregas, Xavi, Torres, Ramos, Puyol, Villa all of whom are in the best of form. Coach Aragones too is no pushover and is determined to see Spain clinch the title before he retires, thus seeing the Iberians on a high.

Will the Giant Killers crush Spain or will the Group Match Be Replayed???

Euro 2008: Quarterfinals - (22/06/2008)Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 on penalties)

Francesc “Fabre”cates Spanish win

This match was the last of the Euro quarter finals, the clash of two of the biggest football giants, the clash of two destinies. Till this moment, in all the quarters, the underdogs had been winning (Germany 3-2 Portugal, Turkey 4-1 Croatia (penalties), and Holland 1-3 Russia). But Italy and Spain were evenly matched opponents.

Italian veterans Andrea Pirlo and Gattuso were siiting this match out as they had received yellows in their last two games. Materazzi too wasn’t playing. Donadoni instead brought in Ambrosini, Aquilani and Chellini. Luis Aragones brought in Senna.

At the start of the match, we could see respective colours were equal. The notable names attending this crucial match were Spanish royalty, but also Arsene Wenger sitting alongside French legend Zinedine Zidane.

The Stadium had not seen many goals and the anticipation was to see a change in that. The evening was really very hot and the first twenty minutes was not very interesting as the Spanish pinged 140 passes within such a short while. Italy was really too defensive for anyone‘s liking, since only Luca Toni was forward and 10 players were in their own half. The Spanish were patient and contended by passing the ball around the stadium, looking for chances. The referee was Fandel, a respected and experienced person.

The Spanish were notably very short and all the Italians were above the 6 foot mark. People called this match a David versus Goliath match. And it was so. The Spaniards could just not bridge their physical height gap as the Italians headed the ball away again and again.

In the 36’ , Cassano crossed beautifully to an open Luca Toni who thought he got some space to head the ball to goal but instead found the back of Marchena’s head. Minutes later, Silva was sprinting near the right side of the penalty box and was fouled clearly by Aquilani but the penalty was not given.

Spain had a few proper chances, and one of theirs was not properly exploited by Torres, who had a clear chance to pass to Villa, but was blocked by Chellini. But the best chance of the game went the Italians way, as De Rossi chipped the ball over Puyol and Marchena to Camoranesi, who head passed to Toni, but the kick was blocked by Casillas, and the ball went upwards and headed behind by Puyol, but Camoranesi, ran backwards and tried to replay the Nuno Gomes goal, only to find Casillas’ feet.

Fabregas was then brought in with Carzola in place of Xavi. Cesc Fabregas played beautifully, chipping, passing and kicking to his element. He created a lot of chances, especially a chance which was spurned when Guiza handled the ball.
The match moved into extra time, when Di Natale was brought in after which Del Piero was brought in. A Di Natale header shaved the top of the post, and a Carzola pass could not find Villa, but nothing else happened in extra time.

Both teams prepared for penalties. Italy fancied their chances as they had won the World Cup through penalties. They had confidence in Buffon’s abilities. But the Spaniards had not had a penalty shootout in a long time and the people were sure that they would see an Italian victory. How very wrong they were.

David Villa clinically finished his chance to give Spain the lead.
Grosso too put the ball past Casillas to equalise.
Carzola tricked Buffon to give a Spanish lead again.
De Rossi kicked to his left but the ball was stopped by a diving Casillas.
Senna kicked the ball above Buffon towards the left to give a 3-1 lead.
Camoranesi took a cool penalty and put the ball into the net to make it 3-2.
Guiza flicked it towards his right but the ball was not put past Buffon.
Di Natale kicked the same way as Giuza and with the same result. Spain again in the lead with 3-2.
Arsenal inspiration Cesc Fabregas sent Buffon the wrong way and touched the ball towards the right side of the right post to register a Spanish victory.

The Italians played too defensively but marked Torres and Villa well. But one commentator said that he was happy the “embarrassing and negative “Italians were kicked out. He felt that they did not justify their position as world champions.

Anyways Spain next play Russia in the semis.

Next fixture: Germany versus Turkey ( 25/6/08)

Good Luck Spain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Highlights!! Compiled by blizzard!!

Penalty shootout + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Quarterfinals - (21/06/2008)Netherlands 1-3 Russia

Ruthless Russians Drub Rusty Dutch

Goals from Torbinski and Arshevin powered Russia to a shock 3-1 victory over the Netherlands. Hiddink's men looked very strong right from the start as the Dutch paid the price for a sloppy defence.

The match started with an upbeat tempo, with Russia seizing control of possession straight away.
There was a freekick as early as the 5th minute, which was beautifully taken by Zhirkov, forcing a great save from Van Der Sar, which set the tone for the match as Russia took the Netherlands to the sword. Another chance was created in the 7th minute, when Pavlyuchenko received a good cross from the right side into the penalty box. He was unmarked, and should have scored, but he put his header above the post, with the goal right in front of him.

The Dutch were simply not in this game, the passing skills which helped them tear apart Italy and France were missing. Nistelrooy took a corner in the 25th minute, which was headed by a Dutch player, then a Russian player, and then went straight to Engelaar, who whacked the shot wide of the post. The Dutch were never given space to make combinations, and to put their plans in place. The Dutch came even closer to scoring in the 28th minute, when Van Der Vaart whipped in a freekick, which was just inches away first from De Jong's head, and then Van Nistelrooy's foot.

At the other end, Russia began to turn on the heat. In the 30th minute, Arshevin just ran into the box, turned away from a defender, and then tried to curl in a shot, which forced Van Der Sar to tip the ball outside for a corner. In the 31st minute, Kolodin fired a marvelous shot from far, which was again blocked by Van Der Sar.

Just before halftime, an error by Kolodin almost gifted Netherlands a goal, but a Van Der Vaart shot was well blocked by the calm Russian goalkeeper.

Van Basten was very unimpressed with his side's display and replaced Kuyt with Arsenal's Van Persie. The substitution almost got them a goal when the Arsenal striker volleyed his shot just wide of the post.

In the 48th minute, a Van Der Vaart freekick was not converted by De Jong, who missed the ball completely. Russia came close to scoring in the 54th minute, when Ashravin fired his freekick just past the post. A minute later, Russia went up 1-0, courtesy of a Pavlyuchenko goal. Semak ran in from the left side and made an excellent cross in, which was pounced onto by Pavlyuchenko and shot right into the goal.

The Dutch were totally out of sorts. Van Der Vaart kept setting up chances, and Sneijder was the only one who looked most likely to score, but his shots failed to trouble the Russian goalkeeper Akinfeyev. Russia were looking even more dangerous than before, threatening to take the game away from the Netherlands, but neither Pavlyuchenko nor Arshevin could convert their chances. Van Der Sar produced his best goalkeeping to deny the Russians any more goals.

The Netherlands defence looked bleak, with plenty of gaps in the left side. They finally levelled the game five minutes from time when a brilliant swinging freekick from Sneijder was headed into the goal by Nistelrooy.

Heading into extra time, the Dutch looked weak. The Russians were physically more fit, and this worked to their advantage as they looked ferocious in extra time. The Russian strikers kept troubling Van Der Sar, as a tired Dutch side were being outplayed. The Russians were rewarded for their constant efforts in the 111th minute, when Arshevin produced some great work on the left side and then crossed the ball, with Torbinski pouncing on it to give Russia the lead. Russia finished the Dutch hopes of a semifinal berth in the 116th minute, via an Arshevin goal. There was a throw-in from the right side, which was taken by Arshevin. He just ran into the penalty box from the right side, and fired it through Van Der Sar's legs to give the Russians a huge win.

A weak defence was all that separated the Dutch and the Russians, and the Dutch will now go home, with their heads low, as they know, they actually had topped the Group of Death before reaching the quarters. Arshevin produced a Man of the Match display, and he would love to take his men to the next level: The Final. Potential opponents for Russia in the Semis would be either Spain or Italy.

Today's fixture: Italy vs Spain

Here are the highlights!!!

Pavlyuchenko, 55th minute, 0-1
Nistelrooy, 85th minute, 1-1
Torbinski, 111th minute, 1-2
Arshevin, 116th minute, 1-3 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Quarterfinals - (20/06/08)Croatia 1-1 Turkey ( 1-3 on penalties)

Croats are “Rustu d” by the Turks

Surprises never cease to exist, do they? First underdogs Germany gave Portugal a run for their money and now this. It seems the whole Europe has turned on its head. No wonder the fans are going crazier by the minute. No team is a minnow or a major team any more. Anyone can win!!

Anyway the Turk coach said that his team had not reached the quarters by fluke whereas Croat coach Bilic felt his team had the nerve to defy the dark horses. How very wrong he was.

The Turks entered the match without first GK Volkan as he had a red card in their last match, and with 8 players already received a yellow in their last match. Thus they were endangering a one match ban if they saw yellow again. The Croats though had no such inhibitions, and were playing their strongest team possible, though they were less formidable without Arsenal's Eduardo.

Both teams played well for a few minutes creating chances, but the match slipped into a monotonous passing, kicking and always missing technique by both teams. But the match blasted into wake when a beautiful Modric pass was popped onto the top post by Olic, even though his target was open goal!!

The match became boring by the minute, and there was desperation in the kicks by both teams as they could not come closer to the semis than when they had started. The coaches and fans became restless and small scuffles broke out between fans, and sometimes between players. The Croats had a chance to finish things off when they received a free kick outside the penalty box which was taken by Modric. The beautiful curling kick was stopped short of its target by a dive by Rustu. It seemed that the Croats only had Rustu between them and the semis berth.

The match eased on into extra time. The first half went on without any incident. As the match was drawing closer to a penalty shootout, the drama and action began. In the 119’, a right wing cross to substitute Klasnic saw Rustu being beaten at last as Croatia took the lead. Coach Bilic ran the length of the pitch with joy. But he wanted to make a substitution. An off side freekick was given to the Turks near the centre which was taken by Rustu and he shot to the Croat goal, only for another substitute Semih to pop the ball along the right corner amid confusion to equalise and bring the match to a penalty shootout.

Coach Bilic ran and started arguing that he had wanted to make a substitution but in vain. The match had reached its climax- the penalties.

Modoric took the first penalty but splayed the ball past the left post. Arda converted to give Turkey the lead. Srna kept Croatia in the hunt by coolly converting his chance. But Semih scored too. 20 year old Ivan Raketic then kicked wide of the right post. Turkey sensing victory in the vicinity, Hamit scored. Then Petric’s left corner bound ball was easily stopped by Rustu, giving Turkey the miraculous win.

Croatia’s inability to convert their chances and their bad penalty shootout led to their demise. But they were blameless, they did play their best.

LET US APPLAUD TO THE COURAGE OF THE CROATS!!

CONGRATS TO TURKEY!!!!

Today’s fixture: Holland versus Russsia

Highlights compiled by blizzard!!

Ivan Klasnic, 119th minute, 1-0
Semih, 120th minute, 1-1

Penalty shootout:

L. Modric---[0-1]----A. Turan
D.Srna------[1-2]----S.Senturk
I.Rakitic----[1-3]----H.Altintop
M.Petric----[1-3]

+ Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Quarterfinals - (19/06/08)Portugal 2-3 Germany

S-C-H-W-I-E-Ning all the way!!!

The quarter finals of Portugal versus have lived up to its hype. I mean what a cool match!! The match had everyone biting their nails to the finish. But in the end, the more talented team won.

The match between the titans was on a patched up pitch which had been ruined by rain in the earlier group match of Turkey and Czech. But the Germans weren’t complaining, and the Portuguese didn’t want to look like cry babies. So they played on the less than standard pitch. The Match though was better than the pitch.

The German coach Loew was suspended and could not manage the team due to a clash with Austrian coach in a group match. In this case, it seemed that the Portuguese would win as they had ‘Big Phil’ with them, and the Germans had to settle with their coach.

Both teams chose their strongest squads for the knockout match. The match started dot on 0015 IST(Indian Standard Time) and the Germans kicked off to general applause. At the start, the match was boring and both teams did not gain any advantage. But a Simao right side cross to Bosingwa which struck him on the thigh to fly just above the bar awoke the fans and the players.

Then Polish born Podolski put up a burst of speed on the left wing after a one –two with Lahm which stunned the Portuguese defence and ground crossed to the centre of the penalty box. Schweinsteiger did just enough to evade Pepe and slip forward to pop the ball into the goal, just past alert Ricardo to give Germany the lead in the 22nd minute.

That awoke Scholari and the Portuguese who started attacking incessantly. But they suffered a blow as playmaker Joao Moutinho received a knock on the ankles and had to be replaced by untried Mereiles. That started the decline as hero Schweinsteiger took a freekick and chipped the ball over the wall easily. Miroslav Klose, who was lurking near the GK’s left post leapt to head the ball past Ricardo though the Real Betis Gk got a hand onto it. This gave the Germans the confidence and many predicted the game was lost. But it was far from over. It was just the start.

Cristiano Ronaldo received a cross from Deco off the right wing and the winger sprinted across the left and tried to put it past Lehmann but he pushed it away. But veteran and skipper Nuno Gomes doubled down and kicked the ball into open goal, though a defender got a leg to it. Thus Gomes brought Portugal back in the game in the 40’.

But the drama was far from over. The best was yet to come. Both teams tried to gain advantage over the other, but to no avail.

In 61’ , an identical freekick was presented to Germany and Schweinsteiger again took the freekick. A carbon copy of the second German goal, Michael Ballack after shoving Chelsea team mate Paolo Fereirra headed the ball again into the goal for Germany to take the lead 3-1.

Gomes was removed and Nani was brought in in a surprise move in the 67’. Postiga too was brought in. From that time onwards, desperate shots from no where by the Portuguese Deco, Ronaldo, Petit, Postiga, Bosingwa and Simao were uncommon.

But resurgence in Portuguese hopes took place in the 88’. Nani tricked three defenders by doubling down the left wing and desperately crossed looking for Ronaldo, but instead found Postiga who clinically put it past Lehmann for a 2nd Portuguese goal. But they could not capitalise on that opening as a deserving Germany booked their place in the semis. The Portuguese paid their tributes to Phil Scholari, who was leaving to manage Chelsea.

Ronaldo’s future was undecided after he played selfishly. Opting to try on goal, rather than pass the ball to his team mates. Though, all EPL fans want him to go to Real Madrid (including us).

Congrats Germany!!

Next fixture: Croatia versus Turkey

Highlights compiled by blizzard!!

Bastian Schweinsteiger, 22nd minute, 0-1



Miroslav Klose, 26th minute, 0-2



Nuno Gomes, 40th minute, 1-2



Michael Ballack, 62nd minute, 1-3

]

Helder Postiga, 87th minute, 2-3

The Quarters are here!!

At last!! The group stages are over and the final eight of Europe have been chosen. And what a competition it has been!! As the tournament has been nicknamed, it is the platform OF THE GIANT KILLERS!! The star teams have exited, leaving the less known teams to battle it out for the gold!

England lost a chance to participate in the EURO 08 when they lost the qualifiers itself. While English fans will insist that it has resulted for the betterment of the team, they still lost a chance to win a major title.

Group A: The comeback of the dark horses.

With Portugal and Czech Republic the major teams, fans expected a jolly ride for both teams to the quarters. But it was not to be. Though Portugal convincingly beat Czech and Turkey, they were given the wake up call with a 2-0 loss to Switzerland. Czech meanwhile surprisingly lost to dark horses Turkey as Turkey made it to the quarters.

Group B- The spiceless group

This group was less complicated than expected. Germany and Croatia, as expected reached the quarters quite easily except that Germany hiccupped through a match with Croatia.

Group C- The Group of Death

When this group was announced by the Euro Chairman, it was expected that fireworks would take place, and my oh my, it surely it happen.

Holland, the underrated team, blasted their way past all the teams which included France, world champions Italy and surprise package Romania, with convincing win, thus paving their way into fans hearts. They are now one of the favourites for the title.

Italy and France, meanwhile, had a miserable tournament, drawing with Romania and losing to Holland with a goal margin of 3 each. Now the fight came down to the wire as Italy faced off against France but they won thanks to stupid playing by the French. That booked their place in the quarters.

Group D- V-i-l-l-(a)ing all the way

While the other groups had their points, this group was no pushover. Spain, the highly underrated team, also defeated all in their path for their second title. But the lat time gold winners Greece were defeated by surprise package Russia, who fended off competition from Sweden to reach the quarters.



So these are the fixtures for the quarters

1) Portugal Versus Germany
2) Croatia Versus Turkey
3) Netherlands Versus Russia
4) Spain Versus Italy

Best of Luck to all teams!!!!!!!!

Euro 2008: Group D - (18/06/2008)Greece 1-2 Spain, Russia 2-0 Sweden

Highlights!!!

Spain won in style!!! They now lead the group with 9 points.
They pulled back from a goal down to win 2-1.

They now face Italy in the quarter finals clash!!!!!

GREECE vs. SPAIN

Charisteas, 42nd minute, 1-0
De La Red, 61st minute, 1-1
Guiza, 88th minute, 1-2 + Match Highlights



RUSSIA vs. SWEDEN

Pavlyuchenko, 24th minute, 1-0
Arshavin, 50th minute, 2-0 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Group C - (17/06/2008)France 0-2 Italy

Man, we were ready for one heck of a ride at the start of this one. The clash of the titans and a replay of the World Cup finals was in the making. Domenech and Donadoni were ready to play all their best players for a place in the quarters.

Both teams fielded their best squads with Henry vs Toni, Ribery vs De Rossi, Gallas vs Grosso and Buffon vs Coupet. The match was watched by nearly 100 million fans all over the world, including Asia even though the match was at an obscene hour at 0015 IST (Indian Standard Time).

Italy started attacking from the word go as they battered past the French defence at once only for Toni to miss the left post. But France did not make any progress toward the Italian goal as they lost the ball again and again.

Then came the defining moment of the game. In the 8’, Ribery, chasing a sprinting Zambrotta received a knock on his ankles, and did not get up again as he was carried off on a stretcher and was substituted by talented youngster Samir Nasri. France were demoralised by the loss of their in- form playmaker, and did not fare any better as the ball was continuously possessed by Italy.

The pressure showed as Toni was fouled by Abidal in the penalty box after he received a beautiful pass and was one on one with the goal keeper. Abidal was shown the red card by the ref, and France conceded a penalty. Pirlo converted the penalty kick with a finish above Coupet.

Domenech immediately removed Nasri and brought in an experienced Boumsong for the defence. But that did not make any difference as Italy kept on passing through the defence like ghosts but squandered their chances.

At half time, Italy led 1-0. But it wasn’t over. A freekick near the French box was taken by De Rossi and Coupet jumped the right way, but on its way to Coupet’s hands, the ball took a deflection off Henry's foot and it went the wrong way- into the net.

Italy, on the threshold of victory, missed a few more chances, but no more goals were to be scored as Italy won 2-0.

But it seems Italy do not know how to score in front of goal, rather they score through penalties and freekicks, which has been their saving grace this EURO 2008. This will cause them a lot of problems against in form Spain in the quarter finals as the Spanish have clinical finishers in Villa, Torres, Silva, Xavi and Fabregas.

ANYWAY, Go Spain !!!



Highlights compiled by blizzard!!

Pirlo, 25th minute, 0-1 + First Half Highlights



De Rossi, 62nd minute, 0-2 + Second Half Highlights

Euro 2008: Group C - (17/06/2008)Netherlands 2-0 Romania

The Group of Death is the most screwed up group in the EURO 2008. With France drawing against the dark horses Romania and the Arsenal like Netherlands crushing World Champs Italy, the group was turned on its heels. Then Holland again crushed France and Italy just drew with Romania.

Thus Romania took the second spot and needed a win against the Netherlands to secure a quarter final berth. The Netherlands, being group leaders took the game easy as Marco Van Basten rested Van Nistelrooy and Van Der Sar for the game and took Van Persie and Huntelaar instead.

The Netherlands, in the start looked unconvincing and uneasy as their trademark free flow football did not come to them so easily. They faltered at many places but Romania did not press their advantage. In the 1st half both teams had their chances but contended on a 0-0 at half time.

But in the 2nd half , they looked vindictive and pressurized their opponents. Romania could not take it any more. A right wing ground cross from veteran De Zeeuw to Englaar in the penalty was beautifully flicked to an excited Huntelaar who put it past the goal keeper to give Netherlands the lead.

But it wasn’t enough. As we have seen, the Netherlands love ending with fireworks, and that is what happened. In the 89’, De Zeeuw crossed to an unmarked Robin Van Persie who clinically put it past the goal keeper from the left as Holland won 2-0 and broke all Romanian hearts.

Now Holland may have to face either Sweden or Russia from Group D.

BEST OF LUCK NETHERLANDS!!!!!!!!

Here are the highlights, compiled by blizzard!!!

Huntelaar, 54th minute, 1-0
Van Persie, 89th minute, 2-0 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Group B - (16/06/2008)Austria 0-1 Germany, Poland 0-1 Croatia

Highlights courtesy TVGOLO!!

AUSTRIA vs. GERMANY

Michael Ballack, 49th minute, 0-1 + Match Highlights



POLAND vs. CROATIA

Ivan Klasnic, 52nd minute, 0-1 + Match Highlights



Croats Polsd - video powered by Metacafe

Euro 2008: Group A - (15/06/2008)Switzerland 2-0 Portugal, Turkey 3-2 Czech Republic

Highlights courtesy TVGOLO!!

SWITZERLAND vs. PORTUGAL

Hakan Yakin, 71st minute, 1-0




Hakan Yakin, 83rd minute, 2-0



TURKEY vs. CZECH REPUBLIC

Koller, 34th minute, 0-1
Plasil, 62nd minute, 0-2
Turan, 75th minute, 1-2
Kahveci, 87th minute, 2-2
Kahveci, 89th minute, 3-2 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Group D - (14/06/2008)Sweden 1-2 Spain, Greece 0-1 Russia

SWEDEN vs. SPAIN

A last gasp goal by David Villa shattered Sweden's hopes of qualification as a good performance by Spain led them into the quarterfinals. Sweden, looking for the first quarterfinal berth after their win against Greece, were put to the test in the 15th minute when Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres found the net after a cleverly worked out corner by the Spanish team. There was a short pass to Capdevilla from the left corner, who went ahead and gave a diagonal left foot cross to Torres, who found the Swedish goalkeeper on the opposite side of the net when he popped it into the left side. But the strong Sweden outfit didn't disappoint as they went for the kill, and were rewarded in the 34th minute via Ibrahamovic. There was a cross from the right side, which went straight to Ibrahamovic, who tricked a fallen Sergio Ramos and fired it in past Casillas, who got a hand onto it. The second half started at a brisk pace, with Spain literally controlling the match. Just when we thought that the match was heading for a draw, with a minute of added time left, David Villa fires in a goal. In the 92nd minute, Capdevilla fired a humongous shot from the left side to Torres, which missed him as he fell down. The ball then went straight to Villa, who latched onto to it, moved past a defender, and then slotted it into the bottom right corner. This result paves Spain's way into the quarterfinals, and the match between Russia and Sweden will decide who will go through to the next round to face the Dutch, after Russia beat the defending Champions Greece 1-0.

Highlights, courtesy TVGOLO!!

Torres, 15th minute, 0-1
Ibrahamovic, 34th minute, 1-1
Villa, 90th minute, 1-2 + Match Highlights



GREECE vs. RUSSIA

Russia knocked out the title holders Greece in a thrilling match yesterday. The experienced Antonis Nikopolidis made a crazy error, which led to the goal in the 33rd minute. He was chasing a cross from the left by Dmitri Torbinski, but Sergei Semak got ahead of him. He then sort of bicycle kicked it, leaving Zyrianov with a simple finish.

Highlights courtesy TVGOLO!!

Zyrianov, 33rd minute, 0-1 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Group B - (12/06/2008)Croatia 2-1 Germany, Austria 1-1 Poland

Highlights courtesy TVGOLO!!

CROATIA vs. GERMANY

Darijo Srna, 24th minute, 1-0
Ivica Olic, 62nd minute, 2-0
Lucas Podolski, 79th minute, 2-1

+First Half Highlights



+Second Half Highlights



AUSTRIA vs. POLAND

Guerreiro, 30th minute, 0-1
Vastic, 90th minute, 1-1 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Group C - (13/06/2008)Netherlands 4-1 France

Hello again and let me just start by saying "le français a roué de coups" which states the thrashing of the French. A 4-1 rollover of the French completes the Dutch qualification and also gives them a new tag - Favourites. Goals from Kuyt, Persie, Sneijder and of course Robben have woken Romania up as they know that a victory against the Dutch will see them go from underdogs to title contenders. The match started off disastrously for France as an unfazed Kuyt fought off Malouda to head the ball straight in. Once again the French could not find their feet. In the second half Thierry Henry missed one, but compensated for that by scoring-only to watch the ball slamming into the net a minute later by Arjen Robben.The two became a four which brings to my attention the reason for this disaster. Why is Flamini not playing? Why is it that Nasri and Benzema had no part to play in the game? What is the reason for the exclusion of Arsenal's consistent defenders Clichy and Sagna? It is indeed about time Raymond Domenech started answering some questions as eyebrows will be raised over his future and whether he has what it takes to be the manager of The French national team. In the end, for France to qualify, they will have to demolish an Italian side similar in morale to themselves. Low in confidence and spirit, the test will be of sheer mentality, and only those who give it their all shall watch their side grab a place in the quarter finals.

Highlights compiled by Blizzard, courtesy TVGOLO!!

Dirk Kuyt, 9th minute, 1-0
Robin Van Persie, 59th minute, 2-0
Thierry Henry, 71st minute, 2-1
Arjen Robben, 72nd minute, 3-1
Wesley Sneijder, 90th minute, 4-1 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Group C - (13/06/2008)Italy 1-1 Romania

Italy came into this game knowing that they simply had to win or else they would be facing the real prospect of elimination from the group stages for a second successive European Championships. Romania had made it perfectly clear before the game that they would be happy with another draw, as it would mean a win in their last game against Holland would ensure qualification. A lot of chances was followed by a lot of saves and clearly the defences were getting restless. A disallowed goal was the highlight of the first half and the fury of the Italians could not be blamed as it was a clean goal. The start of the second half saw Italy make a massive defensive error which saw romania actually take the lead through Mutu. A minute later Italy were back on level terms. Chiellini headed a corner back across goal, and Christian Panucci was at the back post to turn the ball in from close range. On 80 minutes Italy were up in arms after the referee awarded a hugely controversial penalty for a supposed tug by Panucci. However Buffon saved the day with a world class stop from Mutu’s penalty. It was a save of simply indescribable proportions. From the following corner Goian headed over.Romania held out for a draw, and now know that a win in their last match against Holland will take them through. Italy meanwhile need to beat France and this could just be possible with the form France are currently going through.

Highlights, compiled by Blizzard, courtesy TVGOLO!!

Adrian Mutu, 55th minute, 0-1
Christian Panucci, 56th minute, 1-1 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Group A - (11/06/2008)Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal, Switzerland 1-2 Turkey

Highlights!! Courtesy TVGOLO!!

CZECH REPUBLIC vs. PORTUGAL

Deco, 8th minute, 0-1
Sionko, 17th minute, 1-1
Ronaldo, 63rd minute, 1-2
Quaresma, 90th minute, 1-3 + Match Highlights

>

SWITZERLAND 1-2 TURKEY

Yakin, 32nd minute, 1-0
Senturk, 57th minute, 1-1
Turan, 90th minute, 1-2 + Match Highlights

Euro 2008: Group D - (10/06/2008)Greece 0-2 Sweden

Here are the highlights, courtesy TVGOLO!!

Zlatan Ibrahamovic, 65th minute, 0-1



Hansson, 72nd minute, 0-2



Match Highlights


Schweden vs. Griechenland-EM 2008 - MyVideo