retired_embartl

England, Scotland and Ireland all in with a reasonable shot it seems. Come one Auld Rivalry final, even though that would mean Scotland boring the frigging hell out of all the fans :/

retired_deljo

SWEDEN

Midfield maestros
But will the rest of the side perform?

Sweden will look to make a major impact in the first Scandinavian-hosted international tournament since they hosted these very same European Championships back in 1992. Fellow Scandinavian country Denmark triumphed then, and now Sweden aim to do the same in Norway. After struggling to compete in the first decade of the century, a return to good times in the Brazil World Cup presents good signs for them.

In the past, Uno Andersson's sides have been criticised for a lack of style and being too predicable. With good justification. Swedish performances were bland and uninventive, and there was no catalyst for a match winning change. It's totally different nowadays. Sweden possess a midfield with at least six quality match winners, which is exactly what they have missed in the past. The goalscorers were always there - Dahlin, Kennet Andersson, Ibrahimovic - but the service from the midfield became poorer and poorer after Brohlin, Schwarz, and Ingesson disappeared. The current crop are at their career peak, and will not only create goals, but score them too.

Manager Andersson spoke of his talents at the press conference where he announced the party to travel to Norway: "The midfielders we have of use are very good indeed. Many of them have progressed through the age groups together, and by knowing each other they can play effectively. We have wide players, central players, attacking players - but each individual is not limited to one role. For example, Alex Farnerud can play anywhere across the midfield, behind the strikers, or in attack. Very few countries have that versatility amongst their ranks."

Andersson is talking of the likes of Labinot Harbuzi, Farnerud, Bojan Djordjic, and team captain Kim Kallström. All four could well start in Drammen against Scotland, which would strike fear into any opponent. The Swedes will also be without Kennedy Bakircioglu due to a thigh injury he has been unable to recover from in time for selection. The sheer might they possess in this department is frightening, and could push them close to success.

But many Swedes watched on with concern as they crashed to a pre-tournament defeat in Romania by a 3-0 scoreline. On that night, the defensive problems known for a while by many came to light in a very public fashion, and veteran keeper Rami Shaaban was exposed badly. Any opposition for Sweden can look upon the situation with glee. Whilst the midfield and attack are coming to fruition, the defence tends to look frail and old. Add to that the fact that goalscoring machine Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also unavailable with a damaged shoulder, and Sweden could be in a spot of bother.

If Sweden are to do anything this summer, they simply must rectify the problems opened up by Romania - whom they face in Group Two alongside the Scots and Italy. And how they know it.

How they line up
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Shaaban Eriksson Johansson Mellberg DorsinLjungberg Harbuzi Kallström Djordjic Farnerud Hjelm</pre>

Despite injury problems threatening to tear up his best laid plans, Uno Andersson still has the strength in depth to maintain a 4-4-2 system based on a mixture of direct and incisive passing, and a zonal marking system which sometimes works against them.

Rami Shaaban must be close to retirement, but will start this tournament. Whether the 36 year old of 86 caps finishes it is another question. His handling is good, and he is the only capped keeper in the squad. But Japanese born stopper Toshiyasu Takahara is showing good signs and might make a breakthrough. At right back, Jacob Eriksson will play despite preferring a central role, as his average pace shows. That said, he has done well when asked of him, and tackles well. Much the same can be said of the left sided equivalent, Mikael Dorsin. Richard Henriksson offers competition in both cases. Centrally, Nils-Eric Johansson is the more capable defender. He is aerially commanding and always knows what he is doing, which is more than can be said for the ageing Olof Mellberg. Frederik Risp is waiting in the wings.

The midfield is the strong point. Despite losing Kennedy Bakircioglu to injury, they are still awesomely strong. Kim Kallström captains the side, and scored and creates a surprisingly high number of goals considering he is used in a defensive role. This allows Feyenoord's Labinot Harbuzi to push on. He is an expert finisher and dazzling dribbler who could prove vital to Swedish success. Bojan Djordjic has electric pace and crossing, but perhaps more importantly has become a regular at club side Manchester United. Stefan Ishizaki and Fredrik Ljungberg contest the right wing spots. Whoever starts is expected to make attacking contributions.

In the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexander Farnerud is expected to figure largely. He is truly capable of turning a game with his goals. Another Zlatan born of Bosnian origin is Zlatan Muslimovic, but he might fall behind Frederik Hjelm. Bologna's bullish striker has a good international record. Outsider Ola Abrahamsson has plundered thirty goals for Helsingborg this past season, and might yet make a play for the starting role.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">============================================= =========================== Squad============================================= ===========================No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abrahamsson, Ola S C SWE 1.8.85 26 - - - Andersson, Christoffer D/DM/F RL SWE 22.10.78 33 44 -- Antonsson, Mikael D C SWE 31.5.81 31 3 - - Djordjic, Bojan AM LC SWE 6.2.82 30 35 3 - Dorsin, Mikael D/DM LC SWE 10.6.81 30 49 - - Eriksson, Jacob SW/D RC SWE 13.3.84 28 27 - - Farnerud, Alexander AM/F RLC SWE 1.5.84 28 72 22 - Harbuzi, Labinot AM C SWE 4.4.86 26 16 2 - Henriksson, Richard D RLC SWE 10.5.82 30 27 - - Hjelm, Fredrik S C SWE 22.5.91 21 5 3 - Ishizaki, Stefan AM RC SWE 15.5.82 30 32 4 - Johansson, Nils-Eric D C SWE 13.1.80 32 80 - - Källström, Kim DM C SWE 24.8.82 29 74 13 - Ljungberg, Fredrik AM RLC SWE 16.4.77 35 90 15 - Mellberg, Olof SW/D C SWE 3.9.77 34 81 1 - Muslimovic, Zlatan S C SWE 6.3.81 31 4 - - Pettersson, Patrik GK SWE 17.12.83 28 - - - Risp, Fredrik D C SWE 15.12.80 31 11 1 - Sandkvist, Jonas GK SWE 6.5.81 31 - - - Shaaban, Rami GK SWE 30.6.75 36 86 - - Sörensson, Måns S C SWE 20.5.86 26 4 1- Takahara, Toshiyasu GK JPN 18.10.80 31 - - - Westerberg, Erland F RLC SWE 26.1.84 28 2 - </pre>

retired_deljo

TURKEY

How times change
Turkey follow traditional rise and fall style

Not much may be seen of June 29th 2002. Turkey were eliminated from the World Cup by joint hosts South Korea. It was their last game at a major international tournament (excluding the Confederations Cup[/b]. The qualification draw for 2012 was generally kind in performance, after looking tricky on paper. As a result, Turkey make their first appearance in the European Championships since Euro 1996, a fact which takes some time to believe.

In many ways though is it perfectly explainable. Turkey seem to follow a 'rise and fall' style approach. Rising throughout the late 1990's and early 2000's to prominence, the generation who succeeded then needed replacing. The time it took saw a dip in Turkish football. Now, Mehmet Özturk, having been given a second opportunity to succeed, might have found the formula. A consistent goalscorer has been found at last in the form of Akin Serhat, but his traditional partner in crime, Akin Ibrahim, is not travelling to Norway through a combination of injury and suspension. It is a massive blow for a tandem who were on each others wavelength so well.

Legendary Turkish forward and top all time goalscorer Hakan Sukur, now a football pundit, offered his views on the strikeforce: "Serhat is a wonderful forward. He is technically superb, which is a must for modern forwards, and has a lethal finish. His partnership with Ibrahim flourished in recent times, and it will be very interesting as to how Özturk approaches the situation concerning his replacement."

The Turks travel to Norway in far from the best of spirits. Without a win since last September, rumours of a training ground bust up between defenders Engin Suat and Bayram Zeki are rife. Apparently stemming from a rough tackle by the former, a massive fight broke out in their Istanbul training camp before they set off. With the squad divided, preparation could have been a lot smoother. In a tough (but winable) group alongside France, Croatia, and Ukraine, Turkey have to be at the top of their game should they make an impression in Norway.

They have the squad to do well enough. The defence is secure, the midfield creative, and the strikeforce has been discussed. A problem is clearly the lack of strength in depth and not enough world class winners. The party of twenty three are not the most experienced of players, but can surprise their opponent on the day with an apparent defensive mentality, but a hidden attacking agenda. That will be the key - how Turkey can perform on the day.

As inconsistent as ever, Turkey can win 5-0 or lose by the same scoreline. If they can patch over the cracks forming, then they stand a far better chance than many have stated. An evident over-riding and burning ambition amongst the squad cannot be underestimated, and could be the trump card.

How they line up
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> FevziAdem Sonkaya U.Dogan D.DoganFink Basturk K.Izzet Yilmaz Serhat Baris</pre>

Özturk preferrs to use a defensive 4-4-2 formation which can surprise the opponent by drawing them in and then pouncing on the counter attack. It requires pace on the flanks and quick thinking (and feet) in the hub of the side. If everyone stays fit, Turkey have that.

Featuring in goal is Tuncay Fevzi, just ahead of Taylan Aydogan, most likely because of his greater all round package. In defence, the two main men will be in the middle. Fatih Sonkaya has absolutely everything - pace, strength, guile, and experience. Quite why Roda and Samsunspor are the only clubs to pick him up is baffling. Alongside him is Umut Dogan, a slightly inferior clone of Fatih. Older brother Demiz Dogan is a quality left back, but is slightly over aggressive at times. Right back Adnan Adem completes a quartet who are all brilliant jumpers. Engin Suat and Bayram Zeki - the duo at the heart of the squad split - are both good players and could ironically end up alongside each other at one time or another.

Yildiray Basturk is key to the side. The aforementioned quick thinker at the heart of the team, his experience and creativity is required beyond all comprehension. No-one in the squad possesses the abilities the 1860 Munich man does, and should be be ruled out then the side are in trouble. Emre Belozoglu is suspended so Kemi Izzet gets the big break older brother Muzzy once did, and looks to be more adaptable than the former Chelsea and Leicester man. Looking wide, Mahmut Yilmaz is tricky and quick but lazy at times, and on the right German-born Stephan Fink offers far more. Watch out for his set piece mastery. Karadeniz Gökdeniz is badly under-used and must feature at some point. He has more determination alone than the rest of the side. It could rub off on others if used well.

Akin Serhat is a dangerous striker in every sense of the word. His goals will be important to his country. Long shots are a speciality of the Galatasaray man. Partnered by any one of three, Sari Baris is most likely to get the nod as he fills Akin Ibrahim's role better than Nihat Kahveci or Bastan Furkan.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">============================================= =========================== Squad============================================= ===========================No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adem, Adnan D/DM RC TUR 15.9.87 24 8 - - Aydogan, Taylan GK TUR 27.5.83 29 2 - - Baris, Sari S C TUR 14.2.90 22 3 - - Bastürk, Yildiray AM C TUR 24.12.78 33 81 13 - Dogan, Deniz D/DM L TUR 20.10.79 32 17 - - Dogan, Umut D C TUR 31.5.82 30 21 1 - Fatih, Koyun D RC TUR 13.4.81 31 10 - - Fevzi, Tuncay GK TUR 14.9.77 34 11 - - Fink, Stephan AM RLC TUR 8.8.85 26 10 1 - Furkan, Bastan F C TUR 14.9.82 29 7 - - Gökdeniz, Karadeniz M RLC TUR 11.1.80 32 6 - - Gökhan, Göktan AM/F L TUR 24.1.82 30 5 - - Gökhan, Tokgöz GK TUR 22.4.79 33 - - - Hüseyin, Özdemir SW/D/DM C TUR 4.4.82 30 1 - - Izzet, Kemi M C TUR 29.9.80 31 9 2 - Kerem, Inan GK TUR 25.3.80 32 - - - Nihat F RC TUR 23.11.79 32 44 7 - Serhat, Akin S C TUR 5.6.81 30 52 21 - Sonkaya, Fatih D LC TUR 1.7.81 30 64 - - Suat, Engin D C TUR 10.6.83 28 8 - - Vedat, Kurt M C TUR 3.11.86 25 - - - Yilmaz, Mahmut AM/F RL TUR 6.10.79 32 11 1 - Zeki, Bayram D C TUR 3.9.82 29 6 - </pre>

retired_deljo

UKRAINE

Good signs
Leonenko's Ukraine could surprise

Victor Leonenko is one of the brightest managerial talents about. The 42 year old former international striker will lead the Ukraine side he took over at the start of qualification into only their second European Championship Finals. Unlike in 2004, this time they actually stand a very competent chance of at least progressing from the Group Phase. Finishing top of a qualifying group ahead of Scotland and Spain is no mean feat, and such is the class at Leonenko's disposal he felt it possible to leave out the country's greatest ever player, Andriy Shevchenko.

The 35 year old has more caps than any other from his nation (110) and more goals (67). Off the back of a fine season with Marseille, he looked forward to a last chance at International glory, stating back in April: "This summer gives me one last opportunity to make it on the only real stage I haven't been successful. At club level I have done it all, but there is one gap - winning something with my country." That last chance has been taken away, much to the surprise of everyone in the Ukraine, and many around Europe. Giving fair credit to Leonenko, he has been quick to explain the choice:

"I feel we do not need (Shevchenko). Olexiy Belik will lead the forward line, and has the credentials to be superb for us. Then, any one of the other four strikers I have here can partner him. This tournament is about team success, not individual success. If we were to win, Shevchenko would most likely claim a lot of the glory. Whilst that is not the reason for his omission, I do believe we can succeed without him. Remember, he is old, and could be unreliable."

Even though much of what Leonenko has said is true, Ukraine could still have benefitted from having Shevchenko in the party, if only to offer his undoubted experience and talents if needed. Leaving him out is a bold step towards the future, one the Ukraine have needed to take for a long time. The current crop of performers are mature, and either at their peak or older, which suggests they have enough knowledge of what it will take to win.

Coming away with the trophy is perhaps too ambitious. For all their strengths, they are at times too defence minded, and do lack the world class performers other countries have. They stand a fair chance of progressing out of their group ahead of France, Croatia, and Turkey, but from there on in it will be a struggle to achieve glory - something which Shevchenko could have provided.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ZavgorodniyTymoschuk Kotov Yaxmanitskiy Baltacha NesmachnySmalko Lisitskiy Koszakow Kovalenko Belik</pre>

Ukraine are one of only two sides to play the 5-3-1-1 formation (Romania being the other), Leonenko prefers it as it allows his defensive format to work well, and allow the strong attacking bias in his players to be expressed economically.

Sergiy Zavgorodniy will take the goalkeeper's jersey after making a late break for the position ahead of Dmytro Kozachenko, who is more experienced but has not been in the best of form. Zavgorodniy offers capable handling and efficient distribution. Anatoliy Tymoschuk is one of the stars of the side at right back. The Bordeaux man has incredible workrate and decision making in a side which can sometimes lose its shape. On the left is Andriy Nesmachny, in a similar vein to Tymoschuk. There will usually be three centre backs, big Eugene Kotov, Sergei Baltacha, and Volodymyr Yaxmanitskiy. All three are decent if not brilliant, but offer more solidity than backups Olexiy Levchenko and Olexandr Taran.

A three man midfield is biased to the right to allow Nesmachny to attack down the right. Andriy Smalko, a left footer, is deployed on the right to cut inside and allow similar advances from Tymoschuk. Vitaliy Lisitksiy is quite under-rated in the centre of midfield, and but for Bogdan Shersun's injury might not have even played at all. Yuriy Koszakow completes the triad of battlers in the middle. Sergiy Valyaev offers creativity if required, as does Sergiy Startsev.

Serhiy Kovalenko will most likely fill in the spot vacated by Shevchenko. He isn't in the same class, but does a good job, especially off the ball. Alongside him is Olexiy Belik, a real striker. Ferocious finishing, powerful play, he has every attribute required for a goalscorer.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">============================================= =========================== Squad============================================= ===========================No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balabanov, Kostyantyn S C UKR 13.8.82 29 10 - - Baltacha, Sergei D/DM LC UKR 28.7.79 32 39 4 - Belik, Olexiy S C UKR 15.2.81 31 39 21 - Koszakow, Yuriy DM C UKR 11.1.86 26 3 - - Kotov, Eugene D C UKR 10.8.78 33 38 - - Kovalenko, Serhiy S C UKR 10.5.84 28 35 10 - Kozachenko, Dmytro GK UKR 11.1.82 30 19 - - Levchenko, Olexiy D/DM LC UKR 4.3.87 25 2 - - Lisitskiy, Vitaliy DM C UKR 16.4.82 30 13 1 - Melaschenko, Olexandr S C UKR 13.12.78 33 29 3 - Nesmachny, Andriy D L UKR 28.2.79 33 70 1 - Petrenko, Maxym F RLC UKR 25.1.86 26 6 2 - Shyschenko, Sergiy AM/F LC UKR 13.1.76 36 60 9- Smalko, Andriy DM L UKR 22.1.81 31 69 6 - Startsev, Sergiy AM C UKR 21.8.87 24 - - - Sviderskiy, Vyacheslav D RL UKR 1.1.79 33 25 1 - Taran, Olexandr D C UKR 20.11.81 30 8 - - Tymoschuk, Anatoliy D/DM RLC UKR 30.3.79 33 76 10 - Valyaev, Sergiy AM RLC UKR 16.9.78 33 49 4 - Yaxmanitskiy, Volodymyr SW/D C UKR 4.2.77 35 75 2 - Zavgorodniy, Sergiy GK UKR 10.8.84 27 1 - </pre>

retired_deljo

Stadia

Ulleval Stadion, Oslo - Capacity: 30,000

Brann Stadion, Bergen - Capacity: 35,000

Bislett Stadion, Oslo - Capacity: 19,000

Stavanger Stadion, Stavanger - Capacity: 17,000

Lerkendal Stadion, Trondheim - Capacity: 21,000

Marienlyst Stadion, Drammen - Capacity: 12,200

Kristiansand Stadion, Kristiansand - Capacity: 15,000

Åråsen Stadion, Lillestrøm - Capacity: 15,000

Schedule

June 9th - June 20th: Group Stages
June 23/24: Quarter Finals
June 27th: Semi Finals
July 1st: Final

8th June 2012

Norway prepares

Final preparations are in effect for the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Europan Championships. The 45 minute spectacular will depict the theme of this year's tournament - progression - through traditional Norwegian elements such as fire, Vikings, fishing (the major trade of the country), travel, Christmas, and the Norwegian colours red and blue. The Ulleval Stadion in Oslo is expected to be full, awaiting the opening game of the tournament, hosts Norway versus Portugal. Over 5,000 volunteers, actors, children, artists, and locals will participate in the event, at a cost of over £1m.

On the footballing front, Norway and Portugal will meet in the late afternoon in what should be an open affair. Portugal like to attack, which will suit the Norwegian approach of defence and counter attacking. Both squads are at full strength, which is a benefit to everyone. At the pre-match press conference, both managers once again re-iterated their hopes for the tournament, and the match on Saturday evening.

Coach of the host nation, Nils Johan Semb: "We can go far considering we are hosts. Not everything will be easy, but we can use what we can to our advantage. To our detractors, I say that we have the talent to at least uphold the pride of the nation.

Alain Giresse, of Portugal: "People can dismiss Portugal in the same way they always have: that we are not in the right mindset for a major finals. But we can do the unexpected. There are very few reasons why we cannot make at least the Semi Finals. However, the opening game is a must-win, not only for the points which are on offer, but also to show those who do not believe in us that we are a force to be reckoned with."

retired_Kemp

Excellent stuff :thup:

Come on Denmark :cool:

retired_deljo

Apologies for the massive inactivity. I've been really busy, but now I can get this going again.

-----------------

9th June 2012

Portugal ruin Norwegian party

In the much anticipated and long awaited opening match of the 2012 European Championships, Portugal sent the partisan home crowd away disappointed by defeating the hosts 2-0 in an entertaining match which will hopefully set the trend for the rest of the month. The game was played in good spirit, and the football flowed from end to end.

Portugal could hardly have made a better start to the game. From the kickoff, Norway attacked but lost possession. Right back Fernando Augusto searched out captain Felipe Oliviera along the right side of the field, and the Besiktas man controlled the pass before setting off on advance towards the Norway goal. A near post cross was read by Hélder Postiga, and the Portuguese dangerman headed in at the near post. The game became even more interesting minutes later, as a fine Norway move culminated in Eirik Bakke's cross being headed home by John Carew. Unfortunately for everyone Norwegian, the Valencia striker was adjudged offside by the English officials. Despite 'Alieu's' protests, the decision stood - and was well justified as well.

Portugal were not affected by the swiftness of Norway's response, and instead carried on from where Postiga had taken them. A marauding run from Oliveira ended with him being forced wide and eventually delivering a poor cross, before Emil Waters made a good save to prevent Postiga doubling his headed tally. As the game reached the half hour mark Norway had their own spell of pressure, involving a positive but long winded attack which finally broke down into nothing as a result of indecision on the part of Morten Gamst Pedersen. It was to prove a fatal mishap. Portugal took possession and doubled the lead. Ricardo Quaresma, offering an overlap for Oliviera, delivered a sweeping cross behind the home defence perfect for Real Madrid veteran Edgar to tap in from six yards.

With the two goal cushion in place, Portugal started to sit back, content with their lot. However, it allowed Norway to attempt a response, which might have come to some fruition but for some wayward finishing from Carew. The second half started with Norway in control, with fresh legs in the form of Jon Inge Høiland. Alain Giresse was forced into rethinking his gameplan a little when Magne Hoseth hit the post with a free kick (also with his first touch), as the host nation were coming closer and closer to reducing the lead. Edgar wasted a chance to sew the game up with an unusually hurried effort wide of the goal twenty minutes from time. Waters made another stop from Postiga as Portugal kept control of the game in the crucial final stages; Lucas having the final chance in injury time, but the scoreline remained 2-0.

Portugal responded to their critics in the best style possible - by beating the host nation on the opening day of the European Championships. They have a good chance of progressing now, whilst Norway still have a tough task at hand. Before the game, the opening ceremony took place, with the usual display of colour, lights, and pyrotechnics. Unfortunately for the home crowd, Portugal provided the fireworks on the football field.


Ulleval Stadion, 9th June 2012

Norway 0
Portugal 2 (Hélder Postiga 2, Edgar 32)
Attendance - 29,988
Referee - S.Blacker (England)

Norway - Waters, Wiik, Steiro (Riise 65), Bø, Karadas, Ystaas (Høiland 45), Evensen(c), Gamst Pedersen, Carew, Midtsian (Hoseth 54)

Portugal - Pinheiro, Augusto (Fernando Meira 75), Carvalho, Felipe Armando (Jorge Andrade 65), Nuno Mata, Mario (Lucas 65), Ricardo Quaresma, Brasao, Hélder Postiga, Oliveira(c), Edgar

Man of the Match: Hélder Postiga (Portugal)

retired_deljo

Giresse delighted with start
Portuguese coach Alain Giresse is tonight quietly celebrating a victory over the critics after his side beat host nation Norway to upset the odds in the opening match of the 2012 Championships. In a post match interview, the former French international said "I feel positive and delighted at our achievements tonight. We worked as a unit and drew on our strengths, which is all I can ask. The win is great, but it is just the first step in a plan we have to do as well as we can."

Norwegian manager Nils Johan Semb was less satisfied: "In many ways we have let a country down. We fell down with the weight of expectation, and lost to a very good - but not unbeatable - Portugal side. We now must make every effort to win our remaining games.

Match Previews - Sunday
The tournament really kicks into action with three matches taking place on Sunday. First up is Romania vs Italy in Bergen, a repeat of their meeting at Euro 2000, where Italy triumphed by two goals to nil. That last meeting twelve years ago means little now, as both look to make impressions in different styles. Romania's experienced and ageing troops will be determined to prove that there is no subsitute for age against Italy's young guns. Both squads are fit and ready to start their tournament with a bang.

Then comes the big one. England vs Germany. The most anticipated clash of the year. Needless to say, the British media have gone into overdrive concerning the clash, with the tabloids especially leading mass public campaigns to 'be proud of their nation.' On the football field, England will be slight favourites, but in a clash with bitter and old rivals Germany nothing is straight forward. Fitness is not a worry for either side, and as a result both managers have a full compliment of players to choose from.

England boss Steve McLaren knows the importance of the game: "It's by far the biggest game I've been in charge of in my career. Not only is it the whole England versus Germany situation, the historical meaning and everything, but it is also the first game of a tournament we aim to win. As such, the three points must be taken." It is a point not lost on German boss Rudi Völler. "We try not to concern ourself with media tittle-tattle. There are points at stake, which are necessary for success. We are confident in our abilities."

Needless to say, come kickoff time in Stavanger, business will most certainly pick up.

France then meet Croatia in Oslo's Bislett Stadion in the evning at the most prestigious venue in the country. The 2006 World Champions will be underdogs against the 1998 winners, who are favourites to triumph this time around. France mananger Paul Le Guen is faced with a dilemma in attack - whether to go in with the experienced duo of Thierry Henry and Sidney Govou, or with the younger and brighter talents of Anthony Le Tallec and Jérémie Aliardiere. It is a problem many managers would love to have.

retired_deljo

10th June 2012

Italy trounce Romania
In what is set to be one of the most impressive results of the tournament, Italy opened Euro 2012 with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Romania, condemning their defeated foes to a tough few days. The game itself was pretty even in terms of possession and shots at goal, but the Azzurri were far more clinical in front of goal. Just four minutes had been played before they struck, through quite an unlikely source.

Building from the back, Marco Marchionni supplied Samuele Dalla Bona in an advanced position. The Lazio man curled a dangerous cross into the Romanian six yard box, where young Gaetano Porro met the ball to guide a header past Constantin Dumitru. The Bologna man wheeled away in celebration of his first international goal, barely minutes into his second cap. Marius Niculae might have equalised minutes later, but his header, created by Florin Cernat, was put over, thanks mainly to Alessio Falanga's pressure. Marius Luca drove slightly wide seconds later, before Romania were dealt a harsh blow with an injury to captain and centre back Cristian Chivu. Early indications suggest the Bayern Munich defender has suffered a groin strain, which would almost certainly keep him out of the remainder of the competition.

The setback appeared to disturb Romanian concentration, and they payed by falling further behind. Once again, Marchionni was involved. Good work on the right culminated in a deep cross towards Alberto Gilardino, who headed the ball into the path of Denis Pavesi, who was left with a simple finish to also find the international net for the first time. Italy threatened to turn it into a procession, as they added a third after thirty-two minutes. Porro and Dalla Bona tricked their way through the wafer-thin Romania midfield, before the latter released Pavesi. A delicate chip over Dumitru later, and Italy had the win completed.

Alberto Gilardino had a header deflected wide, and Florin Cernat drew a superb save from Gianluigi Buffon before half time arrived. Italy rested important legs in Marchionni and Cannavaro, safe in the knowledge the game was won. But ten minutes into the second half, Romania gave themselves a leg to stand on when Marius Niculae picked up on a hesitant clearance from Alessio Falanga to rifle home past Buffon. As much as Romania thought they were back in the match, Italy sunk their hopes ten minutes later. Alberto Gilardino had given fair warning with a drive which shaved the top of the goalframe, but Claudio Terzi was more accurate in becoming the third Italian player of the day to find the goal for the first time in the famous blue shirt.

Mattia Rossini took control of a loose ball from a partially cleared corner and crossed, catching Romania on the back foot. Substitute Terzi was unmarked to head in number four. Goals coming thick and fast, Romania again reduced the deficit to just two as yet another player opened his account on the international scene. Tiberiu Geoane dribbled past Denis Pavesi before keeping cool to slot past Buffon. Yet it was only right for Italy to have the final word. Some shocking defending allowed Matteo Brighi to advance unchallenged, and the captain, left on the bench due to pre-match injury worries, finished clinically. Paul Codrea had an entertaining run where no Italian player came near to dispossessing him, which entertained the fans, and Terzi went off with a nasty looking injury late on, but it was mere horror for Romania, who experienced their biggest defeat for a long while. Italian manager Francesco Guidolin punched the air with delight at full time, clearly pleased with his squads performance.


Brann Stadion, 10th June 2012

Romania 2 (M.Niculae 55, Geoane 73)
Italy 5 (Porro 4, Pavesi 27, 32, Terzi 64, Brighi 79)
Attendance - 34,965
Referee - Igor Sulek (Croatia)

Romania - Dumitru, Contra, Balan (Geoane 71), Chivu(c) (Serban 21), Radoi, Cernat, V.Munteanu, Codrea, Luca, M.Niculae, Rosu

Italy - Buffon(c), Marchionni (E.Corradi 45), Dalla Bona, Falanga, P.Cannavaro (Terzi 51), Vianello, Porro (Brighi 57), Rossini, Pavesi, Gilardino, Bellini

Man of the Match: Samuele Dalla Bona (Italy)

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Honours even in big clash

It really shouldn't come as much surprise to learn that the most anticipated clash of the opening round was to end even, as England and Germany shared a 1-1 draw in the port town of Stavanger. After much media hullaballoo, especially in England, the match itself was very even, as could have been predicted after the previous meetings between the sides in the past.

The opening to the game was extremely cagey, with England taking the first attempt on goal through superstar forward Cherno Samba. Gary Perry crossed, and the Chelsea hitman unleashed an overhead kick which went a long way wide. It wasn't long before the Scottish referee, David McGarvey, was dishing out the yellows in a predictably fierce match, with both Jermaine Jones and Christoph Metzelder both on the end of cautions. Michael Owen looked to jink past Markus Feulner, re-igniting images of a young Owen, but the youthful Bayern man came out on top on this particular exchange.

On the half hour Germany were given a blow when Christoph Metzelder limped off injured with what was diagnosed as a broken toe, which rules him out of any more games for the next two weeks, which could well mean the remainder of the tournament. The football itself was fast becoming tedious, as a midfield battle commenced, with neither coming out on top. Even when Germany threatened to make good of a set piece in first half injury time, Hanno Balitsch's shot ended up deflecting away off of Andrew Thorpe as the two sides went in level.

Frank Walz started the second half in very lively fashion, but he was nothing John Terry couldn't handle. His partner in central defence, Rio Ferdinand, was also doing a sterling job keeping Kai Brand quiet - arguably the hardest task in football. The Union Berlin striker broke away long enough to nod down a chance for Balitsch, but Phil Neville came in timely with a tackle. When Brand executed a header ten minutes into the second period, it caused problems for Tony Fuller in the England net, but the offside flag was already raised.

Feeling as if his role as number one striker on the pitch was under threat, Cherno Samba came alive again, beating two men before forcing Marco Wrzesczinski into a fine one handed save. Substitutions aplenty ensured the game would retain a healthy pace about it, and it was two of these replacements who combined to open the scoring nineteen minutes from time. Matthew Etherington received possession from Joe Cole, and delivered a trademark cross into the danger area. Marcus Bent battled against Patrick Ochs to get to the header, which he did, heading in his first international goal in the process. How ironic it should be Bent, off the back of a prolific season in Germany, who should threaten the chances of the country which has employed him.

England rather foolishly sat back, allowing Germany to pile forwards in search of an equaliser. Walz finally got a free kick right, which Fuller did very well to claw away. Ochs nearly equalised from a corner, but Ferdinand was expertly positioned to make the save on the line. Sebastian Kehl, Christian Timm, and Walz all combined for Jermaine Jones to have a chance, but he blazed it high into the afternoon Stavanger sky, threatening the water which runs alongside the stadium.

As the England fans celebrated, Germany crushed their hopes in traditional style - late. With just four minutes left on the clock, Holger Berg's free kick was headed in by substitute Ralf Schuster, with his first touch, to take a crucial point for Rudi Völler. Matt Piper almost restored the win for England with a header fantastically stopped by Wrzesczinski late on, but it was always to be a draw, leaving both in with a strong chance of still going through.


Stavanger Stadion, 10th June 2012

England 1 (Bent 71)
Germany 1 (Schuster 86)
Attendance - 16,953
Referee - David McGarvey (Scotland)

England - Fuller, P.Neville, Hargreaves, Ferdinand(c), Terry, J.Cole, Patterson (Piper 73), Thorpe, Samba (Bent 56), Owen, Perry (Etherington 62)

Germany - Wrzesczinski, Balitsch, Berg, Metzelder (Ochs 30), Krause, Kehl(c), Feulner, Walz, Brand, Jones (Schuster 84), Rahn (Timm 56)

Man of the Match: Markus Feulner (Germany)