Holland are now second favourites to win Euro 2008, behind the Germans, but must get past the Russians tonight in order to progress to the semi-finals. Personally, I feel this will be their greatest test to date!
Guus Hiddink’s side 'turned it on' in their final group game against Sweden and looked a class act. In fact, if Pavluychenko had been able to finish then it could well have been five or six. The Zenit playmaker Andrei Arshavin also looked like a truly world class player, scoring and making chances at will. Should these two perform tonight, I don’t know if the Dutch defence will be able to deal with them.
So far, Holland have played both France and Italy, and destroyed them both. Sure, a team of trained chimps could have beaten France, and Italy were far from their best but they still scored 9 goals in the group stages. Defensively they have looked comfortable to date but the Russian's roaming full backs and clever front men could carve them apart.
So tonight, I expect lots of goals, lots of excitement and plenty of fast, flowing and entertaining football. The Dutch have looked strong but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Russians cause an upset!
Showing posts with label European Championships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Championships. Show all posts
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Monday, 9 June 2008
EURO 2008 COMES ALIVE...AT LAST
We have waited - i would like to say patiently bit I can't - for the 2008 European Championships to put on a show. After the drip and drab affair of Romania v France it was the turn of the other two big guns in Group C.
Holland v Italy. It sounds appetising doesn't it. It was everything you could hope for...and more!
The early signs were good as the workmanlike Dutch midfield pairing of Orlando Engelaar and Nigel De Jong secured possession for the men in orange, but despite their pressure the Italians were dangerous on the break with Antonio Di Natale flashing a couple of half volleys just over Edwin van der Sar's cross bar.
However, concerns were mounting that the game needed a goal while both teams were going for it.
A quick browse through the two sides and the most obvious man to break the deaadlock was the arch-poacher himself - Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Real Madrid striker is famous for scoring inside the six yard box and he was on hand to do just that tonight.
The World Cup winners failed to clear a corner from the right hand side and Wesley Sneijder struck a low left foot shot goalwards and van Nistelrooy was in the right place at the right time to tuck it home. The Italians were angry as he was miles offside but the assistant kept his flag down - somehow.
Just minutes later Italy looked to be level but Giovanni van Bronckhorst hooked a Luca Toni header off the line. What the Italians did not see coming was the blistering counter from the men in orange.
The impressive Rafael van der Vaart fed a buccaneering van Bronckhorst down the left and, with the Italians more than a little lost, the former Arsenal man searched out Dirk Kuyt on the right side. The Liverpool man cooly nodded down to the oncoming Sneijder and the Real Madrid midfielder finished delicately round Gianluigi Buffon.
With Italy shellshocked van Nistelrooy had a glorious chance to put the game beyond doubt after a superb through ball from van der Vaart but fired straight at the legs of Buffon.
Roberto Donadoni threw Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano on in an attempt to create something and the latter forged a wonderful opening for Toni but the Bayern Munich man panicked and lobbed over.
The Dutch then rounded off proceedings with another deadly counter attack.
Andrea Pirlo looked to have got one back for the Italians but his free-kick was brilliantly palmed out by van der Sar. Within a matter of seconds that man van Bronckhorst was heading Kuyt's cross into Buffon's net.
Substitute Ibrahim Afellay was given a chance to show what he can do and he almost scored a contender for goal of the tournament after bemusing Fabio Grosso before unleashing a rasping effort that beat Buffon but not the bar.
Everybody had been waiting for this tournament to come alive and tonight - at long, long last - it did. No doubt everyone will be writing off the Italians and hailing the Dutch as runaway champions but as long as the remaining games follow on in this pattern I, for one, will be happy.
Holland v Italy. It sounds appetising doesn't it. It was everything you could hope for...and more!
The early signs were good as the workmanlike Dutch midfield pairing of Orlando Engelaar and Nigel De Jong secured possession for the men in orange, but despite their pressure the Italians were dangerous on the break with Antonio Di Natale flashing a couple of half volleys just over Edwin van der Sar's cross bar.
However, concerns were mounting that the game needed a goal while both teams were going for it.
A quick browse through the two sides and the most obvious man to break the deaadlock was the arch-poacher himself - Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Real Madrid striker is famous for scoring inside the six yard box and he was on hand to do just that tonight.
The World Cup winners failed to clear a corner from the right hand side and Wesley Sneijder struck a low left foot shot goalwards and van Nistelrooy was in the right place at the right time to tuck it home. The Italians were angry as he was miles offside but the assistant kept his flag down - somehow.
Just minutes later Italy looked to be level but Giovanni van Bronckhorst hooked a Luca Toni header off the line. What the Italians did not see coming was the blistering counter from the men in orange.
The impressive Rafael van der Vaart fed a buccaneering van Bronckhorst down the left and, with the Italians more than a little lost, the former Arsenal man searched out Dirk Kuyt on the right side. The Liverpool man cooly nodded down to the oncoming Sneijder and the Real Madrid midfielder finished delicately round Gianluigi Buffon.
With Italy shellshocked van Nistelrooy had a glorious chance to put the game beyond doubt after a superb through ball from van der Vaart but fired straight at the legs of Buffon.
Roberto Donadoni threw Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano on in an attempt to create something and the latter forged a wonderful opening for Toni but the Bayern Munich man panicked and lobbed over.
The Dutch then rounded off proceedings with another deadly counter attack.
Andrea Pirlo looked to have got one back for the Italians but his free-kick was brilliantly palmed out by van der Sar. Within a matter of seconds that man van Bronckhorst was heading Kuyt's cross into Buffon's net.
Substitute Ibrahim Afellay was given a chance to show what he can do and he almost scored a contender for goal of the tournament after bemusing Fabio Grosso before unleashing a rasping effort that beat Buffon but not the bar.
Everybody had been waiting for this tournament to come alive and tonight - at long, long last - it did. No doubt everyone will be writing off the Italians and hailing the Dutch as runaway champions but as long as the remaining games follow on in this pattern I, for one, will be happy.
WANTED: DYNAMISM, PACE AND INVENTION!
Come on it's okay to admit it, you put a few quid on France winning the European Championships...well perhaps you should just throw that slip away now!
Romania are not as bad as they have been made out to be but the fact of the matter is that Raymond Domenech's side never really looked like breaching their defence. The men from Eastern Europe set out to be defensive and try to use the pace of Adrian Mutu on the break. The second part of that plan did not work as hoped, but the first part was executed to perfection.
The selection of the clumsy Eric Abidal at left back ahead of the marauding and purposeful Patrice Evra is as close to insane as you get...only higher on that list is the decision to select the Barcelona man in the squad at all given the form of Arsenal's Gael Clichy!
How can Raymond Domenech justify selecting the abject Florent Malouda next time out? Did he do anything of note? Apart from bottling a 50-50 with the keeper of course. Jeremy Toulalan and Claude Makelele may work well together when you are trying to defend a lead and close out a quarter final, but they are not a goal threat.
Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema were the subject of much furore is the build up but both failed to impose themselves at any stage and as for Nicolas Anelka...don't even get me started!
Seemingly Arsenal-bound Samir Nasri arrived and looked busy but did not see enough of the ball in dangerous positions to create a meaningful opening.
Surely Domenech will change things ahead of the game with the Dutch!
His first decision should be to give Evra the left-back berth. Patrick Vieira will take over from Toulalan should he regain full fitness in time, but I would be tempted to include Lassana Diarra either in his place or in place of Makelele to add some much needed running and urgency to the midfield.
On the wings Domenech must find room for the inventive Nasri - with Malouda dropping out - with Ribery on the other side. In attack, Benzema must be given another chance but perhaps Anelka has played his way out of the side and it would not be a surprise if Thierry Henry returned in the front line against the Dutch.
All this may seem a little drastic but sometimes it is required and the performance of the French today needs addressing. However, Domenech has shown his fear of upsetting players in the past and don't be surprised if Abidal, Makelele, Anelka and Malouda all continue with Vieira and Henry returning to keep Toulalan, Evra, Nasri, Benzema and Diarra out.
A French revolution is needed...but don't hold or your breath, or your betting slip.
Romania are not as bad as they have been made out to be but the fact of the matter is that Raymond Domenech's side never really looked like breaching their defence. The men from Eastern Europe set out to be defensive and try to use the pace of Adrian Mutu on the break. The second part of that plan did not work as hoped, but the first part was executed to perfection.
The selection of the clumsy Eric Abidal at left back ahead of the marauding and purposeful Patrice Evra is as close to insane as you get...only higher on that list is the decision to select the Barcelona man in the squad at all given the form of Arsenal's Gael Clichy!
How can Raymond Domenech justify selecting the abject Florent Malouda next time out? Did he do anything of note? Apart from bottling a 50-50 with the keeper of course. Jeremy Toulalan and Claude Makelele may work well together when you are trying to defend a lead and close out a quarter final, but they are not a goal threat.
Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema were the subject of much furore is the build up but both failed to impose themselves at any stage and as for Nicolas Anelka...don't even get me started!
Seemingly Arsenal-bound Samir Nasri arrived and looked busy but did not see enough of the ball in dangerous positions to create a meaningful opening.
Surely Domenech will change things ahead of the game with the Dutch!
His first decision should be to give Evra the left-back berth. Patrick Vieira will take over from Toulalan should he regain full fitness in time, but I would be tempted to include Lassana Diarra either in his place or in place of Makelele to add some much needed running and urgency to the midfield.
On the wings Domenech must find room for the inventive Nasri - with Malouda dropping out - with Ribery on the other side. In attack, Benzema must be given another chance but perhaps Anelka has played his way out of the side and it would not be a surprise if Thierry Henry returned in the front line against the Dutch.
All this may seem a little drastic but sometimes it is required and the performance of the French today needs addressing. However, Domenech has shown his fear of upsetting players in the past and don't be surprised if Abidal, Makelele, Anelka and Malouda all continue with Vieira and Henry returning to keep Toulalan, Evra, Nasri, Benzema and Diarra out.
A French revolution is needed...but don't hold or your breath, or your betting slip.
Sunday, 8 June 2008
THE GROUP OF DEATH!
by guest blogger Callum Sparrowhawk of footymad.net
The European Championships of 2008 kicked off yesterday with Group A but no doubt that the keen eye will be on Group C, the group of death. This tough draw sees three European giants; Italy, France and Holland face each other in the opening round with minnows Romania making up the numbers.
The world champions must surely be favourites to make the quarter-finals and with good reason after topping France in the qualifying stages. With a new look 4-3-3 formation - as opposed to a 4-4-2 system traditionally favoured by Italian Coaches down the years - the World Cup Winners have found a more attacking mentality. The Italians will be able to draw on the experience of Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattusso and Gianluigi Buffon with Luca Toni leading the line.
The talismanic Francesco Totti will be a creative force for the Italians after another fine season at AS Roma, however the loss of Fabio Cannavaro to injury is a major blow – but not a fatal one. The players know how to win but does manager Roberto Donadoni? Marcello Lippi’s successor lacks experience in high pressure situations and could be exposed when the going gets tough.
Italy meet France on the final day of a potentially tight group stage, with Raymond Domenech’s side eyeing up a third European Championship. The French squad is showing plenty of promise but, in my opinion, their hopes depend on Domenech’s selections in attack. Lyon striker Karim Benzema enjoyed a fabulous season in Ligue 1 and it would seem foolish to leave him out – especially given the form of the rest of the strikers in the squad.
However, is Domenech brave enough to see superstars Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka grumbling and sulking on the bench? If he is, France could go all the way with the likes of Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri wreaking havoc on the flanks, but if he isn’t then a resilient defence could stifle the French attack.
The third giant of the group is Holland, a side famous for their brand of ‘total football’ displaying the finest technique and tempo in the world. At the helm is Marco Van Basten - one of the finest forwards to grace football’s illustrious history – however, he has set his team in a system of function over style. Up top, Ruud Van Nistelrooy is a famed goal threat around the box but his lack of movement nowadays causes problems for the wide players who find themselves sprinting beyond the Real Madrid man with ease.
The Dutch managed only 15 goals in 12 qualifiers so perhaps Ajax’s much touted hitman Klass-Jan Huntelaar should be considered instead. Holland’s hopes depend on whether the midfield can conjure up enough goals to see them through… I just don’t see it happening.
A slip up from either of the giants against minnows Romania will have a massive impact on who progresses, and the Romanians will be looking to Fiorentina’s Adrian Mutu to snatch them a result. However, the former Chelsea star is faced with a €12 million compensation claim from his former employers as a result of a positive drugs test during his spell at Stamford Bridge.
It would be great to see the underdogs earn a few points in this tough group, however unlikely it is, but as we all know, anything can happen in football. The French will have to beware on the opening day as they face the Romanians…remember Senegal at the World Cup anyone?!
I can certainly see the World champions Italy winning the group and I would fancy the French to follow them in second. However, the Dutch are unlikely to concede many goals and if the Romanians can stun somebody, I would put money on it being France and if they do then surely Holland would sneak in to the quarter finals.
The European Championships of 2008 kicked off yesterday with Group A but no doubt that the keen eye will be on Group C, the group of death. This tough draw sees three European giants; Italy, France and Holland face each other in the opening round with minnows Romania making up the numbers.
The world champions must surely be favourites to make the quarter-finals and with good reason after topping France in the qualifying stages. With a new look 4-3-3 formation - as opposed to a 4-4-2 system traditionally favoured by Italian Coaches down the years - the World Cup Winners have found a more attacking mentality. The Italians will be able to draw on the experience of Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattusso and Gianluigi Buffon with Luca Toni leading the line.
The talismanic Francesco Totti will be a creative force for the Italians after another fine season at AS Roma, however the loss of Fabio Cannavaro to injury is a major blow – but not a fatal one. The players know how to win but does manager Roberto Donadoni? Marcello Lippi’s successor lacks experience in high pressure situations and could be exposed when the going gets tough.
Italy meet France on the final day of a potentially tight group stage, with Raymond Domenech’s side eyeing up a third European Championship. The French squad is showing plenty of promise but, in my opinion, their hopes depend on Domenech’s selections in attack. Lyon striker Karim Benzema enjoyed a fabulous season in Ligue 1 and it would seem foolish to leave him out – especially given the form of the rest of the strikers in the squad.
However, is Domenech brave enough to see superstars Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka grumbling and sulking on the bench? If he is, France could go all the way with the likes of Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri wreaking havoc on the flanks, but if he isn’t then a resilient defence could stifle the French attack.
The third giant of the group is Holland, a side famous for their brand of ‘total football’ displaying the finest technique and tempo in the world. At the helm is Marco Van Basten - one of the finest forwards to grace football’s illustrious history – however, he has set his team in a system of function over style. Up top, Ruud Van Nistelrooy is a famed goal threat around the box but his lack of movement nowadays causes problems for the wide players who find themselves sprinting beyond the Real Madrid man with ease.
The Dutch managed only 15 goals in 12 qualifiers so perhaps Ajax’s much touted hitman Klass-Jan Huntelaar should be considered instead. Holland’s hopes depend on whether the midfield can conjure up enough goals to see them through… I just don’t see it happening.
A slip up from either of the giants against minnows Romania will have a massive impact on who progresses, and the Romanians will be looking to Fiorentina’s Adrian Mutu to snatch them a result. However, the former Chelsea star is faced with a €12 million compensation claim from his former employers as a result of a positive drugs test during his spell at Stamford Bridge.
It would be great to see the underdogs earn a few points in this tough group, however unlikely it is, but as we all know, anything can happen in football. The French will have to beware on the opening day as they face the Romanians…remember Senegal at the World Cup anyone?!
I can certainly see the World champions Italy winning the group and I would fancy the French to follow them in second. However, the Dutch are unlikely to concede many goals and if the Romanians can stun somebody, I would put money on it being France and if they do then surely Holland would sneak in to the quarter finals.
Thursday, 5 June 2008
THE RONALDO DEBATE RUMBLES ON...
It's time to be honest, I am starting to think that perhaps, just perhaps, Ronaldo does really want to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid. The worst nightmare of United fans everywhere could become a horrible reality.
At this point I also venture to suggest that the quotes released today that have been attributed to the 23-year-old Portuguese seem a little far-fetched and as cruel as it may sound - I believe them to be - controversially - a fixture of Jose Gomes' imagination. Sky Sports News have interviewed Gomes and fellow journalists - who claim they have not seen the Brazilian journalist at Portugal's training camp in Switzerland - and the Portuguese national side's Press Officer claims Ronaldo has not conducted any interviews at all. Meanwhile, in Gomes' interview with presenter Sam Matterface he was pressed on why he failed to ask Ronaldo why he wished to leave and what reasons he had for wanting to join Real Madrid and on each occasion the Terra Newspaper reporter basically pleaded the 'fifth ammendment'.
On such quotations my personal jury is not even out - they have already delivered a unanimous verdict. However, they say there is no smoke without fire - and the fire is that Ronaldo himself has not quashed the rumours as he could have done.
With this in mind I will now look at what the potential repurcussions would be for United should Ronaldo make a potentially record-breaking move to Spain:
The biggest problem for United would be replacing the 42 goals the Portuguese scored this season - a mammouth task even for some of the world's finest strikers including the like of Fernando Torres or much linked Karim Benzema. Also let us not forget that Brazilian midfielder Anderson failed to score this season and with the ability he possesses it is hard to believe he will not become a regular contributor next season.
Of course there are obvious solutions to this problem in that Sir Alex Ferguson would have - potentially - upwards of £50million to spend in order to plug the gap. This money could be used to fund a mega-money move for the exciting Benzema - presumably with money to spare! Or perhaps Fergie will look at different options. With Ronaldo in Madrid there would be no place for Robinho. I am not suggesting Robinho is of the same quality of Ronaldo - because nobody is - however he has similar traits and talents, and a little under the radar he has started to develop into the player the world thought he would become.
With Robinho or Benzema in the side United would be able to operate the same fluid attacking system they have this season with Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez completing the trio.
However, the heir apparent to Ronaldo's throne at Old Trafford could already be there in Portguese compatriot Nani who has shown glimpses of frigthening quality - especially in the FA Cup win over Arsenal where he teased and tormented the Gunners.
In all honesty, there are any number of potential solutions to the problem of losing Ronaldo, all with different merits.
There is no doubt that Manchester United will be weaker should they lose Ronaldo, any team would be, however they have lost big players before and always seem to come back stronger.
I would urge the Old Trafford faithful to ignore the press reports and wait until they see Ronaldo officially discuss the matter after the European Championships before thinking about whether he will stay or go.
My money is on Ronaldo blessing the Theatre of Dreams with his skills and goals once more next term, for the time being at least...
At this point I also venture to suggest that the quotes released today that have been attributed to the 23-year-old Portuguese seem a little far-fetched and as cruel as it may sound - I believe them to be - controversially - a fixture of Jose Gomes' imagination. Sky Sports News have interviewed Gomes and fellow journalists - who claim they have not seen the Brazilian journalist at Portugal's training camp in Switzerland - and the Portuguese national side's Press Officer claims Ronaldo has not conducted any interviews at all. Meanwhile, in Gomes' interview with presenter Sam Matterface he was pressed on why he failed to ask Ronaldo why he wished to leave and what reasons he had for wanting to join Real Madrid and on each occasion the Terra Newspaper reporter basically pleaded the 'fifth ammendment'.
On such quotations my personal jury is not even out - they have already delivered a unanimous verdict. However, they say there is no smoke without fire - and the fire is that Ronaldo himself has not quashed the rumours as he could have done.
With this in mind I will now look at what the potential repurcussions would be for United should Ronaldo make a potentially record-breaking move to Spain:
The biggest problem for United would be replacing the 42 goals the Portuguese scored this season - a mammouth task even for some of the world's finest strikers including the like of Fernando Torres or much linked Karim Benzema. Also let us not forget that Brazilian midfielder Anderson failed to score this season and with the ability he possesses it is hard to believe he will not become a regular contributor next season.
Of course there are obvious solutions to this problem in that Sir Alex Ferguson would have - potentially - upwards of £50million to spend in order to plug the gap. This money could be used to fund a mega-money move for the exciting Benzema - presumably with money to spare! Or perhaps Fergie will look at different options. With Ronaldo in Madrid there would be no place for Robinho. I am not suggesting Robinho is of the same quality of Ronaldo - because nobody is - however he has similar traits and talents, and a little under the radar he has started to develop into the player the world thought he would become.
With Robinho or Benzema in the side United would be able to operate the same fluid attacking system they have this season with Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez completing the trio.
However, the heir apparent to Ronaldo's throne at Old Trafford could already be there in Portguese compatriot Nani who has shown glimpses of frigthening quality - especially in the FA Cup win over Arsenal where he teased and tormented the Gunners.
In all honesty, there are any number of potential solutions to the problem of losing Ronaldo, all with different merits.
There is no doubt that Manchester United will be weaker should they lose Ronaldo, any team would be, however they have lost big players before and always seem to come back stronger.
I would urge the Old Trafford faithful to ignore the press reports and wait until they see Ronaldo officially discuss the matter after the European Championships before thinking about whether he will stay or go.
My money is on Ronaldo blessing the Theatre of Dreams with his skills and goals once more next term, for the time being at least...
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