retired_deljo

France convincing if not wonderful

Tournament favourites France kicked off their European Championships with a comfortable 1-0 victory over former world champions Croatia in the Olympic Stadion of Bislett, Oslo. However, despite the win, Paul Le Guen's side were not overly convincing, and could have made the winning margin larger. Not doing so may come back to haunt them later in the tournament, as goals will most certainly prove a crucial factor. Les Bleus had the chances, but for one reason or another they were not taken.

France lined up with the more experienced duo of Thierry Henry and Sidney Govou up front, with the younger but arguably more dangerous talents of Jéremie Aliardiere and Anthony Le Tallec on the bench. The decision appeared to have been wise early on, as the duo linked together well. Yet it was Croatia who had the first opportunity. The highly under-rated and much rubbished side, managed by Zoran Maric, worried France when Mirko Babic's was met by Mato Neretljak, and his header tested Frey. After twenty minutes France were let off the hook again as referee Valentin Eltermanis turned down a loud and quite fair penalty appeal from the Croatians. After some fine approach play from Klasnic and Mijatovic, Dario Simic played a neat one-two with Sokota, and was felled by Jean-Alain Boumsong. But the officials felt the Liverpool man won the ball fairly.

It served as a wake-up call for the French. In the wake of the Croatian threat, Le Guen's men realised the need for a goal, and their game started to reflect it, becoming far sharper and with a lot more zip. They were rewarded eight minutes from half time with the sought after lead. Camel Meriem trapped the loose ball on the half way line and set off down the right. He delivered a sharp cross along the ground into the area, and on the end of it was Jerome Rothen, arriving in perfect time to stroke the ball in on the run. Henry might have doubled the lead before the break, taking Jean-Christophe Ahmetovic's pass and driving powerfully at goal, forcing Pletikosa into a strong save. Despite their bright start to the match, Croatia were behind at half time.

France started the second half in clear search of a second goal and a cushion. Ahmetovic's free kick caused problems but no striker could get on the end of it. Much of the best French play was coming through the Newcastle youngster. His fifty-eighth minute cross was met by substitute François Vincent, but his header flew over. The game began to open up as the substitutions came in their droves, but it was the duo who started up front, Henry and Govou, who came closest to doubling the tally. A brilliant interchange of play finished with Henry's drive worrying Pletikosa, but falling wide of the post. The Barcelona veteran was seemingly intent on finding the net, trying a free kick which only hit the wall.

Govou was coming closer. He rose above Mijatovic with a quarter of the game remaining, but Pletikosa maintained his reputation as a world class shot stopper with a fine replex tip away. Henry had a final attempt in injury time but once again Pletikosa could be found equal to the ask. France will be satisfied with the result, but for Croatia, serious questions must now be asked. Zoran Maric's side managed not one single shot at goal, and that will provide much food for thought, and a situation which must be rectified by the time they meet the Ukraine one week from today.


Bislett Stadion, 10th June 2012

France 1 (Rothen 37)
Croatia 0
Attendance - 19,975
Referee - Valentin Eltermanis (Greece)

France - Frey, Sagnol, Silvestre, Boumsong, Mexes(c) (Laurenti 58), Dalmat (Vincent 52), Meriem, Ahmetovic, Henry, Govou, Rothen

Croatia - Pletikosa, Tudor, Mijatovic, Neretljak, Simic, Biscan, Babic, Vranjes(c), Klasnic (Zahora 66), Sokota (Bilic 58), Sabolcki

Man of the Match: Thierry Henry (France)

retired_deljo

Apologies for the lack of progress, but my home PC is buggered right now so I can't get to post it.

retired_deljo

Well, managed to retrieve it from backup, so all is not lost \o/

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Guidolin upbeat
After his Italian side put in a wonderful performance to thrash Romania 5-2 in the most impressive Italian outing in recent times, manager Francesco Guidolin refused to be draw into discussion over Italian hopes, but remained upbeat nonetheless. "It was a great win, yes, but it is the first match, and we have to remember that we were playing a Romanian side without their crucial man Chivu for a lot of the game. Saying that, I feel we deserved the win, and it puts us in good shape. I have things to think of, and we thrive on success. As for how far we can go - I ask you. Do you know?"

It was also confirmed that Cristian Chivu's leg injury will sideline him for between two and three weeks, which will almost certainly mean the end of his tournament.

Match Previews - Monday
First up is the battle of two more Scandinavian countries, as Iceland meet Denmark in the wonderful city of Trondheim. Rosenborg's Lerkendal Stadium will be packed to the rafters with Danish fans intent on continuing supremacy in the country of their major enemies Norway, whilst Iceland will be looking to make progress from an encouraging qualification campaign and a surprise runners up spot four years ago. What can be guaranteed for the game is a highly charged encounter full of passion.

Iceland have a full squad of players to pick from, which will no doubt delight manager Atli Edvalðsson. Denmark have a slight doubt over Michael Silberbauer, but he should pull through and, if so, will be given a starting role by manager Torsten Durr. Rain is forecast for the match, which will add an extra element of drama to the game. The Lerkendal pitch is reknowned to handle water well, which will make things quicker, slicker, and more entertaining.

Group Two also continues on Monday as Sweden meet Scotland in Drammen. Both sides are rated somewhat as outsiders for the tournament, but many also believe they can cause a fair share of upsets. Sweden have some of the finest midfield talent in the world, and the decision to pick just four is one manager Uno Andersson relishes: "These selection problems are ones which managers love. I would rather prefer to leave out some talent than struggle to fine four men." Expected to get the nod across the middle will be the quartet of Djordjic, Kallström, Harbuzi, and Ishizaki, as Alex Farnerud is set to get the nod leading the attack.

Scotland have made real progress, and will surprise many a football follower this summer. Unlike previous Scottish sides of the last twenty years, David Körner has real strength in depth and a wide array of youth to call upon. Just one real decision is remaining for the Scottish line-up; whether Gary Twigg or Stephen McPhee start. Both men have been out of favour with their Italian clubs, but offer plenty to the cause.

retired_deljo

11th June 2012

Uninspiring Sweden matched by drab Scots

After much expectation was placed upon this match in Drammen being one of the most exciting of the opening round, everyone fluffed their lines as Sweden and Scotland shared an uninspiring goalless draw which does little to help either side. Sweden manager Uno Andersson sprung a surprise before kick off by naming Mans Sörensson of Ipswich in attack, partnering Fredrik Hjelm. However, it looked like being a long day from kick off when David Körner's side clearly lined up with defensive intentions. It was they though who had the first attempt on goal, when Shaun Maloney's fierce long range drive on fourteen minutes tested new goalkeeper Jonas Sandkvist, making his debut ahead of experienced stopper Rami Shaaban. Yet Maloney's attempt was a rareity in terms of first half goalmouth action.

What may be of more importance to Sweden is the injury blow they have suffered over Olof Mellberg, After thirty two minutes to Stuttgart centre back landed awkwardly after challenging aerially, and was forced off. A twisted knee was the eventual prognosis, which would all but guarantee his involvement in the competition over. On the stroke of half time Sweden came alive and nearly snatched a lead through Hjelm. Labinot Harbuzi did well in midfield before delivering a vicious cross. Bologna's Hjelm rose well but headed over, partially due to the pressure from Steve Caldwell. It wasn't to be, and so both sides went into the break with something to ponder.

The second half reflected the apparent team talks, in that goals were recognised as being desperately needed. Once again, Maloney was the chief architect in the Scottish ranks, rising well for a man of his size to head at goal, but it was an easy save for Sandkvist. For all their good build up, Scotland were failing at the last, as their delivery was not anywhere near up to scratch. The same could be said for Sweden. Alexander Farnerud sprinted the best part of seventy yards to the touchline before crossing disappointingly into the rather grateful arms of Kevin Young in the Scotland goal. He almost got it right four minutes before the hour, although preferring the direct route to goal. Christoffer Andersson delivered an exquisite pass over the top to the Arsenal hitman, but could only sky his attempt.

On the hour Kiegan Parker came closest to breaking the deadlock, striking the crossbar after a jinking run and a long range shot. It signalled a final burst from Scotland, personified by substitute Stephen McPhee, who volleyed dangerously wide. Sweden held on for the remaining ten minutes, and surprise starter Sörensson might have been the hero in injury time, but his header went the same way as so many other attempts. Overall, despite some bright spells, both sides will be desperately disappointed with the end product, and must improve if they harbour hopes of progression, especially since group leaders Italy appear to be in scintillating form.


Marienlyst Stadion, 11th June 2012

Sweden 0
Scotland 0
Attendance - 12,179
Referee - Einar Örn Mazzone (Italy)

Sweden - Sandkvist, C.Andersson, Dorsin, Johansson, Mellberg (Antonsson 32), Kallström(c), Djordjic (Muslimovic 68), Harbuzi, Sörensson, Hjelm (Westerberg 68), Farnerud

Scotland - Young(c), Crainey, McCunnie, S.Caldwell, McCracken (McGuire 46), Maloney, M.Kerr, Wilkie, Parker (Burchill 68), Twigg (McPhee 55), Wilson

Man of the Match: Nils Eric Johansson (Sweden)


Late late show from Iceland crushes Denmark

A dramatic final ten minutes in this all Scandinavian clash in Trondheim saw three goals fly in, favouring Iceland in a 2-1 victory which gives last time's runners-up a great start this time around. Denmark will feel very harshly done as they deserved at least a point after dominating a majority of the match. They started lively, and after five minutes Michael Silberbauer, who passed a pre-match fitness test, headed at goal, only for the attempt to be blocked by Kristjan Ólafsson. The opening quarter of an hour set the pace for the remainder of the game, as the action swing end to end. Iceland might have taken the lead before the ten minute mark, but Magnús Birgisson's effort was wide.

Morten Skoubo's first sight of goal arrived soon after but a comfortable save followed for the goalkeeper, Magnús Hauksson. Icelandic winger Jakob Örn Guðlaugsson then had two shots which worried Thomas Sørensen, but the veteran Bolton stopper dealt sufficiently with what was thrown in his direction. On twenty six minutes Skoubo drove low and hard at goal, but once again Hauksson was equal to it. Barely sixty seconds later the Utrecht man headed woefully wide of the mark when he really should have done better. In first half stoppage time a theme of the tournament was continued as a player went down to injury. Emil Hallfreðsson twisted painfully and clearly damaged his foot. He appears to be joining Cristian Chivu, Christoph Metzelder, and Olof Mellberg on the sidelines for the remainder of the tournament.

Half time provided a welcome breather from the breakneck speed of the previous forty-five minutes, but the second half started in the same vein. Peter Løvenkrands was alive to some quick thinking on the part of Mads Jørgensen, but his header was again well saved by the Icelandic 'keeper. Hauksson was needed again minutes later, this time to claw away Christian Poulsen's header, followed by a strong arm to stop Kasper Kure Vidkjær's header. Iceland were doing well to hold on, but when the chance arose to attack the final pass was always a let down, personified best after an hour when Ólaffson advanced well but was left with little option but to surrender possession.

With the clock ticking ever closer to the ninety, both sides heaped the pressure on in hope of stealing a goal. Eidur Gudjohnsen, disappointingly subdued for most of the game, showed signs of life a quarter of an hour from time with a sharp effort which hit the side netting. Then, with eight minutes to go, the deadlock was broken. Morten Skoubo won a corner, taken by Jørgensen. His delivery was perfectly met by substitute Morten Rasmussen, who headed in his second international goal, and in doing so proved a point to manager Torsten Dürr that he can do a job. Denmark felt they had the game sewn up, and sat back. Iceland, having other ideas, pushed forwards in hope of saving the game.

In true dramatic style, they did. An enterprising run from captain Indridi Sigurdsson finished with a swinging cross met perfectly by Sævar Jónsson, who levelled the game with four minutes remaining. Holding the initiative, Iceland surged on, driven by their fanatical support. In the second minute of injury time, Eidur Gudjohnsen picked the ball up forty yards from goal and set off. Gliding forwards silkily, he beat Østergaard before clipping a delightful effort into the top corner from twenty yards to win the game. He could hardly have found a better time to score his fortieth goal for his nation. With the Lerkendal Stadium still reverberating, referee Reha Biçici blew for full time, and a dramatic Iceland win in one of the games of the tournament to date.


Lerkendal Stadion, 11th June 2012

Iceland 2 (Jónsson 86, Gudjohnsen 90)
Denmark 1 (Rasmussen 82)
Attendance - 20,962
Referee - Reah Biçici (Turkey)

Iceland - Hauksson, Ólafsson, Sigurdsson(c), Björnsson, Bjarnason, Guðmundsson (Þorvalddson 27), Halfreðsson (Einarsson 45), Birgisson, Jónsson, Gudjohnsen, Guðlaugsson

Denmark - T.Sørensen, Kure Vidkjær, Bøgelund, Østergaard, Frederiksen, Jørgensen, Poulsen(c), M.Laursen, Løvenkrands (Rasmussen 74), Skoubo (Rommedahl 82), Silberbauer

Man of the Match - Magnús Hauksson (Iceland)

retired_deljo

Match Previews - Tuesday
Tuesday sees the remaining four sides make their Norwegian bows in the final round of opening games. Ukraine meet Turkey in Kristiansand in what is bound to be a full blooded encounter, with historical interest, and no lack of technical ability on show. Ukraine will be weakened for the omission of legendary Andriy Shevchenko, but in Olexiy Belik they have one of Europe's most complete and prolific goalscorers, and the Bayern Munich man is one Turkey will have to watch. Turkey are also at full strength for the opener, and in Akin Serhat have their own dangerous goalscoring threat. However, for all the focus on these two, the result may well be decided by the defensive strength (or therein lack of) shown by both on the day.

Lillestrøm plays host to a meeting of two of the most under-rated teams around. Bulgaria and Republic of Ireland are each capable of throwing the cat amongst the pigeons this summer, and could go far, luck depending. Tomorrow's meeting presents a wonderful opportunity for the winner, as fellow Group Four rivals England and Germany could only draw. With both sides awaiting these two, three points now are vital. Bulgaria have yellow card worries over key men Stilian Petrov and Dimitar Berbatov, and may consider resting them in order to maintain their places for future games. Ireland are in a similar position, but look upon the game as a must-win.

retired_deljo

12th June 2012

Ukraine sneak tight victory

To the surprise of quite a few watchers, Ukraine managed to overcome a strong Turkish side and win by a single goal in warm and sunny Kristiansand. The match, as was widely expected, was a tight affair, dominated in the main by Viktor Leonenko's side. Turkey looked strangely out of sorts, which will be an undoubted worry for manager Mehmet Özturk. Their passing was poor, and the Turkish attack was almost non-existent at times.

Ukraine started very brightly, and found an early reward. Sergei Baltacha took control of possession in midfield, and surveyed the situation around him. He delivered a perfect pass through the static Turkish back line to the Andriy Smalko, advancing from left back. He kept composed to score the opening goal after only six minutes, one which would turn out to be the winner. Stunned, Turkey looked to make inroads into the Ukrainian defence in hope of levelling the scores. They had a good shout for a penalty turned down after a quarter of an hour when Stephan Fink was tripped inside the area by Tymoschuk. Referee Vasilis Argyropoulos deemed the tackle fair and legal, and so play continued with Sergiy Valyaev striking a free kick wide of the goal.

The rest of the first half was a tedious midfield battle which saw no attacking play whatsoever. The near capacity crowd were starting to become restless and voiced their opinion over the quality of football on show. Close to the break, Akin Serhat broke the lull with a powerful header which went slightly over the crossbar, and at the other end Eugene Kotov's header was blocked on the line by Bayram Zeki. Baltacha had one final chance before the whistle blew to end the first half, but Ukraine went in with a tight advantage.

The second half started as brightly as the first had, and once again Smalko was in the thick of the action, coming close to doubling his tally. When faced with a shooting opportunity, the Saarbrucken defender chose to attempt a cross towards Belik rather than strike at goal. Shortly after the hour the Turkish task became harder when defensive lynchpin Fatih Sonkaya became the first player to be sent off in the 2012 Championships, picking up a second yellow card for a rough tackle on Melaschenko. Valyaev had another attempt from the resulting free kick which was ably dealt with by Tuncay Fevzi. However, it was to be the last meaningful action of the game, as Turkey struggled to overcome their one man deficit, and Ukraine closed the game down.

Many will view this as the worst of the matches so far, and one of the poorest games in recent memory. However, it will matter little to Ukraine and Viktor Leonenko, who join France atop of Group Three on three points, and with it a stronger chance of making further progress in the competition. Turkey have a lot of hard work ahead of them if they intend on turning the situation around to give them the best possible chance of success.


Kristiansand Stadion, 12th June 2012

Ukraine 1 (Smalko 6)
Turkey 0
Attendance - 14,969
Referee - Vasilis Argyropoulos (Greece)

Ukraine - Kozachenko, Valyaev, Smalko, Baltacha, Kotov, Yaxmanitskiy, Tymoschuk(c), Shyschenko (Koszakow 62), Belik, Melaschenko, Lisitskiy

Turkey - Fevzi, Adem, Fatih Sonkaya(c), Zeki, Fatih, Basturk, Yilmaz (Gökdeniz 62), K.Izzet (Dogan 63), Serhat (Nihat 49), Baris, Fink

Man of the Match: Andriy Smalko (Ukraine)

retired_deljo

Honours even as Bulgaria and Ireland excite

Tuesday evening's Group Four clash between Bulgaria and Ireland - both viewed somewhat as also-rans in a group also containing England and Germany - was perhaps one of the most entertaining matches seen in Norway yet. The only disappointment watching fans will have had would be the final scoreline of just one goal apiece. Ireland started the match in predictably rapid fashion, with Damien Duff proving the main protagonist. His gliding run and cross after just two minutes found Gary Doherty, but his header under pressure only found the stands. He found his accuracy five minutes later, which required a stunning save from Vasil Kamburov to keep Bulgaria in the game at such an early stage.

Doherty, the captain, was certainly leading by example. By just the twelfth minute he was forcing Kamburov into yet another save to keep him out and Bulgaria level. Fortunately for all involved with the Eastern European side, they weathered the storm and started to play some enterprising football. However, for all their nice work, it was still Mick McCarthy's Ireland who were forcing the issue, as Richie Partridge came closer to opening the scoring ten minutes before half time. With a minute remaining of normal time in the first period Robbie Keane, making his 100th appearance for his country, failed with an extravagant overhead kick, but in stoppage time the Irish pressure came to fruition. Michael Foley-Sheridan showed a clean pair of heels to Aleksandar Tunchev before crossing for Doherty to drill in a wonderful finish, which predictably sent the large Irish contingent wild as they went in a goal ahead at the break.

Bulgaria looked to respond in the opening exchanges of the second half. McCarthy attempted to counter Bulgarian advances by making two defensive substitutions - the introductions of Brian Rooney and Michael Keane clearly aimed at this. Dian Kirilov had some luck minutes after the hour when his long range effort tested Joe Brady in the Ireland goal, but it was proving fruitless for Bulgaria, who knew they simply had to get something out of the match. Ireland's tactics were spot on though, which made any hope of an equaliser all the harder. Anatali Todorov II came on with the aim of scoring an equaliser, but the threat was instantly countered by Graham Killoughery's arrival in place of Duff. With the tactical battle heating up, just ten minutes remained for something to happen.

In injury time Bulgaria gave it one last hurrah, earning a corner from Stilian Petrov's textbook volley. The pressure increased as corner after corner followed, but seemingly without reward. Finally, with seconds remaining, Martin Petrov was allowed a second too much time and space to crack a shot through the crowded penalty area and past the stranded Brady to save the Bulgarians and crush the Irish. With the last touch of the game Martin Petrov ensured Group Four stays absolutely level and as entertaining as ever, after an enthralling battle in Lillestrøm.


Aråsen Stadion, 12th June 2012

Bulgaria 1 (M.Petrov 90)
Ireland 1 (Doherty 45)
Attendance - 14,990
Referee - Hovane Assadourian (Armenia)

Bulgaria - Kamburov, Stoyan Petrov (D.Todorov 82), Tunchev, Zhelev, Joao Carlos, Kirilov, Mladenov (Anatoli Todorov II 61), Stilian Petrov, Berbatov(c), M.Petrov, Blagoev (Trifonov 55)

Ireland - Brady, McDonagh, Harte, O'Shea, O'Brien (Rooney 55), Foley Sheridan, Partridge, Heffernan (M.Keane 55), R.Keane, Doherty(c), Duff (Killoughery 76)

Man of the Match - Aleksandar Tunchev (Bulgaria)


Match Previews - Wednesday
Just the one match takes place on Wednesday, but what a match it is. Historically Denmark and Norway have been bitter rivals, and the added spice of competition, and on Norwegian soil in the Ulleval, will make this match one not to miss. Ten meetings in the last ten years have seen an even record - each side have three wins with four draws, and twenty nine goals in the process. Norway hold an unbeaten record on home soil in the Ulleval over their Scandinavian foes, and will use that, and the vociferous home support, as an advantage to play upon.

Always a hard fought match, the predicted wet conditions will add an extra combative element, and with both sides still with a full compliment of twenty three to pick from, it ought to be a match for the ages. Both sides suffered opening game defeats, so a defeat here is out of the question. Do not miss this.

retired_brinker317

*searches for score reporting errors*

This is great :thup:

retired_deljo

Cheers

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13th June 2012

Draw good for neither Denmark or Norway

An entertaining and competitive Group One clash between long term Scandinavian rivals Denmark and Norway could only yield a 1-1 draw which does nothing to help either country's chances of qualifying for the knockout stages. The game had a lot of passion, which could only have been expected considering the previous battles between the two, but for all the attacking flair on show, a winner could not be found.

Norway, the home side, started the better, inspired by the home support. John Carew's neat turn and shot after beating Laursen was saved well by Thomas Sørensen in the Danish goal. Two yellow cards were brandished in the following minutes, setting the tone early, including a nasty lunge by Øystein Steiro on Kasper Bøgelund, for which he was lucky to only be cautioned. Halfway into the first period Peter Løvenkrands came desperately close to opening the scoring when his quick thinking out him in a great scoring position, only to see his attempt fly away off of the right hand post. They might have failed then, but ten minutes later Løvenkrands was involved in the opening goal.

Morten Skoubo attempted a very ambitious drive at goal from the best part of forty yards out. His shot hit Kim Bø, and fell to Mads Jørgensen. He waited and fed Skoubo in a better position to strike at goal. The Utrecht man played a swift one-two with Løvenkrands before heading the return into the back of the net, silencing a majority of the fans in attendance at the Ulleval. If Jørgensen had have found the target with a header minutes later following a wonderful team move and doubled the lead, Denmark might have held on and taken all three points. In the event, his header went wide, and Denmark went into half time with just a single goal lead, after dominating the first forty five minutes.

They started the second half much the same. Emil Waters was required to make a stop from another Skoubo effort to keep Norway in with a shout, and then the same man made a wonderful save from Løvenkrands' drive. Norway were holding on by the thinnest of threads, but were fortunate that Danish finishing was woeful at times. Clear of any defender, Skoubo wasted another opportunity before the hour. John Arne Riise came on for the hosts and immediately thumped a free kick at goal, but his accuracy was slightly off. It was the catalyst they needed. Less than sixty seconds later they were level. Aleksander Midtsian's header fell kindly for Carew, and he used his size and strength to power through and equalise. Three minutes later he created a carbon copy chance but could only put the chance wide.

The final ten minutes was end to end stuff, as Løvenkrands kept plugging away for his goal, which was never to arrive, thanks in no small part to Waters. The Bristol City man had the final chance of the game, a volley wide, but the game ended with a share of the spoils. Walking off looking utterly dejected, Norway coach Nils Johan Semb now knows he has the possibility of a nation rising against him, after his side once again failed to perform in front of their home crowd. Denmark will be equally as disappointed with a point, considering they dominated the game, and now have to hope against the odds for qualification in their last game against Portugal.


Ulleval Stadion, 13th June 2012

Denmark 1 (Skoubo 35)
Norway (Carew 63)
Attendance - 29,967
Referee - Konrad Plautz (Austria)

Denmark - Sørensen, Kure Vidkjær (Beierholm 83), Bøgelund, Østergaard, Frederiksen, Jørgensen, Poulsen(c), Laursen (Madsen 54), Løvenkrands, Skoubo, Silberbauer

Norway - Waters, Wiik, Steiro, Bø, Karadas, Bolseth, E.Bakke, Evensen(c) (Høiland 54), Gamst Pedersen (Riise 54), Carew, Midtsian

Man of the Match - Morten Skoubo (Denmark)


Match Previews - Thursday
The Ulleval Stadion will be used for the second time in as many days in Group One as Portugal and Iceland meet in a match between the two sides who opened the competition with wins. Portugal's impressive victory over Norway on the opening night made Europe stand up and watch, and now they truly feel they have the respect of those who matter. Defender Nuno Mata explained: "The first game was crucial in our plans. We heard those writing us off, but it didn't bother us. We knew what we were capable of, and we now intend to build upon that." Jorge Andrade misses out with injury, leaving Lino to fill his place amongst the substitutes, but otherwise Giresse has a full quota to pick from. Iceland hero Emil Hallfreðsson is missing with a foot injury, so Gunnar Heiðar Þorvalddson will deputise. The winner can secure their place in the final stages.

Italy will be looking to progress from a wonderful opening 5-2 win over Romania by defeating Sweden and securing a spot in the latter stages. Francesco Guidolin has publicly stated his delight at the victory, but refuses to be drawn into discussion over chances. However, the strength of the side he will most likely play against Sweden makes them certain favourites for the meeting in Bergen on Thursday afternoon. Claudio Terzi is missing through injury, which could see young Andrea Todisco push to the front of the queue. Sweden are without Olof Mellberg, which is a massive blow to their defence, but Mikael Antonsson should offer decent cover.

retired_deljo

14th June 2012

Italy almost through after tough win

Francesco Guidolin's Italian side are almost certain to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2012 European Championships after a strong performance on Thursdat afternoon to defeat a strong willed Swedish side by a goal to nil in Brann's Bergen Stadion. The Azzurri have six points from six, and with Romania and Scotland meeting tomorrow, only one of those are likely to join them. Sweden can all but wave goodbye to their qualifying chances after a second game without a win, and now they must hope for results to work in their favour.

It took only twelve minutes for Italy to break down a Swedish defence weakened by the absence of Olof Mellberg. Marco Marchonni produced some nice work on the right wing, and his cross caught Sweden square. Samuele Dalla Bona met the ball on the run and drove sweetly past Sandkvist. The Lazio man has really excelled in recent months, and his form is coming to his nation's fruition. His first international strike was one he will treasure forever, and it was a very impressive strike from the ex-Chelsea man. Sweden looked to respond through Mads Sörensson, but his header was well stopped on the line by Alessio Falanga.

Labinot Harbuzi's half volley on the quarter hour forced Buffon into a very nice save, but the ease with which Sweden were cutting into an Italian defence featuring young Andrea Todisco, making his first start for his country, was worrying for Guidolin. A defensive reshuffle helped ease this halfway through the first half. Denis Pavesi had two chances to extend the lead, but Sandkvist was equal to both. Mikael Dorsin's close attention to Paolo Cannavaro was proven worthy when he forced the Parma man to head over when the chance was there for the taking. Minutes later Fredrik Hjelm was rueing a missed chance, a header he really should have done better with.

An all action first half ended with a rocket of a free kick courtesy of Kim Kallström's right foot, but Buffon was in fine form once again. The second half started with a less risky Italian side, and fresh legs introduced by Guidolin, looking to preserve what he had. The wet and blustery weather was causing many a problem, even for Buffon, who couldn't hold Hjelm's powerful effort ten minutes into the half, but Todisco was available to sweep up, becoming more assured as the game went on. As much as the talented Swedish midfield were over-running Italy's triad, it was the Azzurri who were creating the better goalscoring opportunities, as Rossini showed when he should have converted a header midway into the second half.

Sweden, try as they might, could not break down an increasingly stronger Italian defence. Italy looked more likely to add to their scoreline, but finishing from Rossini and Porro was far from accurate. Nevertheless, they held on relatively comfortably for a 1-0 victory and three crucial points on the road to the business end of things. Uno Andersson trudged off alongside his dejected players, who knew that they had blown a massive chance, and under-achieved massively. Guidolin, and Italy, will be far happier in the knowledge that they are almost secure in a place in the knockout phase.


Bergen Stadion, 14th June 2012

Italy 1 (Dalla Bona 12)
Sweden 0
Attendance - 34,981
Referee - David McGarvey (Scotland)

Italy - Buffon(c), Marchionni, Dalla Bona, Falanga, Cannavaro, Todisco (Vianello 58), Porro, M.Rossini, Pavesi (Brighi 53), Gilardino (Rabito 46), Bellini

Sweden - Sandkvist, C.Andersson, Dorsin, Johansson, Antonsson (Risp 71), Kallström(c), Djordjic, Harbuzi (Westerberg 84), Sörensson, Hjelm, A.Farnerud

Man of the Match: Samuele Dalla Bona (Italy)