retired_deljo

Favourites through - but not in style

As expected, Group Four favourites England and Germany have qualified for the Quarter Finals, but not in the style everyone might have expected. Germany were forced to dig deep and fight out a goalless draw with Ireland, and only a late goal for England made sure of the win for the defending champions. Ireland in particular can consider themselves unlucky not to be continuing their stay in Scandinavia, but Germany just about shaded their match.

England were very much in control against Bulgaria. With the returning John Terry resuming his partnership alongside Rio Ferdinand, Steve McLaren's men were defensively secure, and although they struggled at times to break down Bulgaria, they showed enough glimpses of quality to suggest they can improve as the month reaches a climax. Both Michael Owen and Owen Hargreaves had early attempts at goal, both dealt with well by Kamburov. Marcus Bent, who had won his starting berth at the expense of Cherno Samba, had a good header well kept out halfway through the first period. With Hargreaves and Perry running the match, the chances kept on coming.

Owen had another try - this time a header - again saved by Kamburov. Bulgaria finally posed an attacking threat after the half hour as two of the three Petrov's combined to test Fuller. Martin's knockdown was good for Stilian, but the shot was straight at the goalkeeper. Berbatov's header caused more worry but Fuller was equal to the task once more, proving that Kamburov was not the only talented 'keeper on show. With half time drawing in some over-extravagance on the part of Joe Cole cost his side a lead, preferring to find Owen than slide an easy chance home.

The start of the second half saw a more adventurous Bulgaria and a more patient England, a reflection of the needs of each side. In a typical Michael Owen move, he was sent in along the right channel, beating the defence with his pace, before clipping a neat shot at goal. His shot clipped the crossbar. Kamburov made his best save yet in the next attack, parrying a powerful shot from Perry. Bulgaria were then given a boost as England were reduced to ten men with only the second red card of the tournament so far. Jason Patterson fouled Dimitrov in the middle of the park, and with it earned a second yellow card and an early bath. Terry and Martin Petrov both picked up bookings in the following minutes as the game became more of a fight with time running out on Bulgaria.

As hard as Bulgaria tried, Terry and Ferdinand proved yet again what a wonderful tandem they make. Martin Petrov cried out in agony as he wasted his side's best chance thirteen minutes from time, dragging a free effort wide of the post. It was that sort of afternoon for them. With seven minutes shown remaining on the stadium scoreboard, England put the result beyond doubt. Perry's free kick was delivered with pace and curl, and was finished by Simon Lake, scoring his first England goal, and first of any kind in three seasons. With the result and qualification secured, Bulgaria gave up and played out time, allowing the holders through to the win. Coach Krassimir Balakov looked genuinely distraught at full time, his dream in tatters. England, through, can get better and better.

Germany, in a very 'usual' showing, ground out a battling 0-0 draw with Ireland to guarantee themselves a route through. A rather flimsy one at that, as any Irish goal would have turned the Group on its head. McCarthy's team showed their intent early, giving as much ball as possible to Damien Duff. His crossing benefited Clinton Morrison early, and a good save was needed from Marco Wrzesczinski. Kai Brand, with all eyes on him, continued a disappointing summer with another below par performance. His eleventh minute header was wildly over the goal. Despite that, the Nationalmannchaft should have been awarded a nineteenth minute penalty when Jermaine Jones was tripped by goalkeeper Saul Deeney. Referee Sinisa Zrnic refused to award the spot kick though, claiming there was no contact. McDonagh went into the back of Jones from the next attack, but this was never going to draw the attentions of Zrnic considering the first one didn't.

Deeney redeemed himself with a rather good save from a rather good free kick from Becker. An all action first half continued with a rampaging run from Steven Reid which so nearly culminated in a goal, but found the side netting, confusing some fans with bad viewpoints. Clemens Fritz used his aerial prowess to power a try at goal, but Deeney did well once again. It was level at half time, with Germany very much of the opinion that they were halfway there. Ireland considered the game very much still alive and there for the taking, and with the start of the second half came out all guns blazing. Closing down, tackling hard, injecting pace - McCarthy was trying everything in desperate search of a lead.

It was still Völler's side carving out the best chances. Brand volleyed over, and Bierofka snuck in a shot which he really shouldn't have, but it was too high. Michael Keane's creativity on the hour was greeted with applause arounf the stadium as he made himself a great chance but didn't finish it. Duff was still causing many a problem, but with nobody effective on the end of things he was fighting a losing battle. When he had the chance to take a shot himself, he worried Wrzesczinski but nothing more than that.

Morrison worried Germany far more with an effort that had every ounce of energy left behind it, but clipped the crossbar. Hanno Balitsch hit the crossbar with a misplaced cross that had threatened to sink Ireland in the cruellest manner possible. In the final event, the goalless draw was cruel enough. The scene of exhausted men in emerald green shirts was one which will remain in the memory long after the tournament. Ireland gave everything, but it was not enough, Germany held on to go through, but will need to make some improvement if they are to achieve their aim of winning the trophy.


Aråsen Stadion, 20th June 2012

Bulgaria 0
England 1 (Lake 84)
Attendance - 14,971
Referee - Frode Sirevåg Lindboe (Norway)

Bulgaria - Kamburov, Kunchev, D.Todorov, Stoyan Petrov, Dimitrov, Kirilov, Stilian Petrov (Mladenov 56), Zhelev, M.Petrov, Berbatov(c), Blagoev

England - Fuller, P.Neville (McCombe 52), Hargreaves (Lake 78), Ferdinand(c), Terry, J.Cole, Patterson, Thorpe, Owen (Samba 52), Bent, Perry

Man of the Match - John Terry (England)



Stavanger Stadion, 20th June 2012

Ireland 0
Germany 0
Attendance - 16,987
Referee - Sinisa Zrnic (Serbia & Montenegro)

Ireland - Deeney, McGovern, McDonagh, O'Shea, Rooney, Foley Sheridan (M.Keane 51), Partridge, Reid (R.Keane 51), Morrison, Doherty(c) (Sadlier 73), Duff

Germany - Wrzesczinski, Feulner, Berg, Ochs, Balitsch, Kehl(c), Fritz (Bierofka 51), Becker, Brand (Schuster 63), Jones, Rahn (Timm 51)

Man of the Match - John McDonagh (Ireland)

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France hit form, Croatia sneak through
The last of the Group games were completed on Wednesday night with the two sides sitting in pole position at the start of play holding on to progress to the last eight. France came through to win comfortably and maintain their perfect defensive record against a disappointing Ukraine, whilst a late goal for Croatia put them through ahead of Turkey by the sheer skin of their teeth.

France top the group after taking a comfortable three points off of the Ukraine in Oslo's Bislett Stadion. François Vincent, the left winger from Caen, was on wonderful form, worrying the opponents for the entire game. He created the opening chance after six minutes, giving Camel Meriem time and space to put Les Blues ahead, but Sergiy Zavgorodniy parried well. Vincent's creativity went to waste then, but after nineteen minutes Paul Le Guen's side went ahead, with the main protagonist being the Caen man. He terrorised Valyaev, and although his cross was partially cleared, Willy Sagnol struck the ball from twenty-five yards with such venom that Zavgorodniy was rooted to the spot, only able to watch the ball fly into the back of the net. Sagnol, a free agent, did his chances of finding a club no harm whatsoever.

Thierry Henry, quieter than usual, woke up with a free kick which was deflected wide after twenty minutes. Mexes' follow up was blocked well. Ukraine found their attacking shoes, and it was Valyaev, on a rare break from defensive duties against Vincent, who struck a long range shot trying to catch Frey off guard. He may well have done, if the shot was on target. Henry would have been disappointed that his header ten minutes before half time went the wrong side of the goalpost, as it was the kind of chance he would once have taken.

Ukraine abandoned their defensive tactics at the start of the second half, knowing two goals would put them through. In theory it was a good idea, but with Vincent causing endless problems, it was a task in itself getting possession. Geoffrey Doumeng was another to benefit from the pace and skill of Vincent, but wasted his chance. Henry finally found the target - ironically with a header - but Zavgorodniy made a wonderful save. With just under twenty-five minutes to go France doubled the lead through the one man on the pitch who truly deserved a goal.

Sidney Govou did well with his back to goal, turning and crossing. Arriving at the far post was Vincent, stooping to conquer with a header into the net for 2-0. It was all too easy for the French. Baltacha powered a drive at goal in desperation, but they were always second best in Oslo. Koszakow headed over when he really should have buried the ball. Nesmachny's wayward header was the last action of another disappointment for Ukraine. Viktor Leonenko might be a very astute young tactician, but his side have really been poor in this Norwegian summer. France, whilst not quite hitting their straps, are looking good, and with such strength in depth in their squad, they are rightly favourites to win come the end of the month.

Croatia can consider themselves quite fortunate to be joining them there, as they toiled to win a fortunate point against Turkey which they hardly deserved, and the draw was very harsh on Turkey, who were minutes from a quarter final berth, only to have it snatched away from them. Expectedly, the game itself was a poor spectacle for a major championships, but with both sides needing something there was always going to be a fight involved.

Unlike many games this summer, the first twenty minutes were drab and dull, with no goalmouth action to speak of. Both sides tried to get into a stride, but managed to fail. It took until the twenty-fifth minute for a goalkeeper to be worked, and how Pletikosa did well to stop Fatih's volley. The chances were few and far between, but when they came it was to the Turks, and meant Pletikosa was kept busy. Another good stop was required from Akin Serhat's try. Nihat Kahveci felt he was tripped in the penalty area in first half stoppage time, but Dario Simic's connection was rather due to a crossing of legs, and referee Ilmar Nool did well to wave play on.

Five minutes into the second half people seemed to be awake, and some more than others as Turkey took a lead they were good value for. Igor Tudor hammered into the back of Furkan, and was booked for his troubles. As Croatia protested, Fatih Sonkaya took the free kick quickly, freeing Furkan to score his first international goal just minutes after coming on as a substitute. With the lead Turkey were sitting in pole position to qualify, and kepy possession well to neutralise the Croatian 'threat', which in truth failed to materialise. Akin Serhat came desperately close to doubling the lead with a header from close range, but saw it hit the crossbar. Amazingly, it took until the seventy-second minute for Croatia to have a shot of note, but when it came, Jurica Vranjes put it over the goal.

Then, with less than ten minutes to go, Croatia managed to score, to the surprise of all in the Kristiansand Stadion. Igor Biscan showed fine touch in the middle of the field, and came forwards unchallenged. Finding himself in the penalty area, he somehow beat Fevzi with a low drive to gift his side the point they needed to go through at the expense of their opponents. Once again, Zoran Maric's side took something from a match that they really didn't deserve, and not for the first time this year. They'll tell you it doesn't matter, and it really doesn't. They're one of eight sides who will contest the Quarter Finals, and Turkey are, unfortunately, not.


Bislett Sation, 20th June 2012

France 2 (Sagnol 19, Vincent 66)
Ukraine 0
Attendance - 19,967
Referee - Valentin Eltermanis (Greece)

France - Frey, Sagnol(c), Silvestre (Escudé 65), Boumsong, Mexes, Dalmat, Meriem (Doumeng 54), Ahmetovic, Henry, Govou, Vincent

Ukraine - Zavgorodniy, Yaxmanitskiy, Levchenko, Tymoschuk(c), Taran, Nesmachny, Smalko, Baltacha, Koszakow, Belik (Kovalenko 65), Valyaev (Shyschenko 51)

Man of the Match - François Vincent



Kristiansand Stadion, 20th June 2012

Croatia 1 (Biscan 81)
Turkey 1 (Furkan 51)
Attendance - 14,954
Referee - Ilmar Nool (Romania)

Croatia - Pletikosa, Tudor (Leko 65), Mijatovic, Neretljak (Ostopanj 65), Simic, Biscan, Zahora, Vranjes(c), Balaban, Sokota, Sabolcki (da Silva 65)

Turkey - Fevzi, Adem, Sonkaya(c), Zeki, Fatih, Basturk, Yilmaz, K.Izzet (Dogan 51), Nihat (Furkan 45), Serhat (Gökhan 91), Fink

Man of the Match - Bastan Furkan (Turkey)

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<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">********************************************* ************************************************** * European Football Championship - Wednesday 20th June 2012********************************************** ************************************************** ================================================== ============================================== 2012 Tables============================================ ================================================== ==Group 1Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Q Portugal 3 0 2 0 5 5 1 0 0 2 0 5 2nd Q Norway 3 1 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 1 1 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Iceland 3 1 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 4 4th Denmark 3 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 4 5 2 Group 2Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Q Italy 3 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 6 4 6 2nd Q Romania 3 0 0 1 2 5 2 0 0 6 3 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Scotland 3 1 0 1 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 4 4th Sweden 3 0 1 1 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 Group 3Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Q France 3 2 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 2nd Q Croatia 3 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Ukraine 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 3 4th Turkey 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 Group 4Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1st Q England 3 0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 0 7 2nd Q Germany 3 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 1 5 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Ireland 3 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 4th Bulgaria 3 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 </pre>

So, after twenty-four matches, we are down to a final eight sides, paired off into four matches known as the Quarter Finals:

Saturday 23rd June
France (Winners, Group 3) vs Germany (Runners Up, Group 4) - Ulleval, Oslo
Italy (Winners, Group 2) vs Norway (Runners Up, Group 1) - Brann Stadion, Bergen

Sunday 24th June
England (Winners, Group 4) vs Croatia (Runners Up, Group 3) - Bislett Stadion, Oslo
Portugal (Winners, Group 1) vs Romania (Runners Up, Group 2) - Lerkendal, Trondheim

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Phillip Neville ran unchallenged for a fair distance before being allowed time and space to cross perfectly for Bent to score"


Never ever thought I'd see that written about those two in an England side

Right, after Bulgaria, Croatia should be a close game. Nice to see they eliminated the Turks.:cool:

France v Germany, now there's an interesting match to follow.


Still, superbly fun to read, Juni :thup:

retired_deljo

Cheers :thup:

I keep forgetting about this - I'll update later

retired_deljo

As promised....

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22nd June 2012

Match Previews - Saturday
The quarter finals present knockout football and drama at it's highest. France and Germany meet in a battle of the big guns in Oslo. France are the tournament favourites, but Germany are in traditional mode, frustrating the opponent and stealing a goal to see them through on the bare minimum. Now, however, might be the time for everyone to see what Rudi Völler describes as the 'true Germany'. "We are labelled as a boring side with defensive views. For some of the time it can be true, but now we've made sure of our place in the elite and thus will need to play good football to progress, we should be able to play quality football. We have the players to do so."

Indeed they do. Christoph Metzelder is still out through injury, but in Kai Brand, Dennis Becker, Markus Feulner and Sebastian Kehl they have four of the top players in the world. Yet opponents France are just as strong, and justifiably are favourites to triumph overall. Paul Le Guen's side haven't hit true form yet, but with strength in depth and wonderfully technically gifted players they can go as far as they want. Les Bleus hold the recent advantage, with ten wins in their last fourteen meetings, and the last German win coming seven years ago in a 1-0 win with a Torsten Frings goal. This clash of the titans should be an unmissable affair.

Italy are also looking good for the final, proving one of the most exciting and watchable sides to date. Some of the younger talent on show has breathed fresh air into European football, and Group Two was dominated by the likes of Andrea Todisco, Alessio Falanga, and Mattia Rossini. Captain Gianluigi Buffon serves a one match suspension after being dismissed against Scotland, but in Ivan Pelizzoli they show their strength in cover. Opponents Norway have done well, if fortunately, to join them in the last eight. As hosts they have had to put up with expectancy from the masses, but have used the support to their benefit. Eirik Bakke joins Robert Evensen on the list marked 'unavailable', but Rune Larsen should fill the defensive midfield void in Brann.

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23rd June 2012

Italy end home dreams
Francesco Guidolin and Italy take a step closer to glory by securing a semi-final berth in the European Championships, eliminating host nation Norway and in the process destroying the wildest dreams of a country. Despite being massive underdogs, Norwegians everywhere felt the added catalyst of home support could drive them to unlikely glory, but another fine performance from the Italians made sure that everything was put in perspective and the right result was found.

In a jam-packed Brann Stadion (by no coincidence the largest stadium in the country) Norway started well, with big John Carew stinging the hands of Ivan Pelizzoli, making his first appearance of the championships, covering the suspended Gianluigi Buffon. Italy did well to nullify early Norwegian advances, a tactic used by coach Nils Johan Semb to shock the opponent and force them backwards. Guidolin had it well scouted and slowly Italy came out of their shell and into attacking positions. Denis Pavesi's attempt on twenty-one minutes was their first, followed by Gilardino's powerful drive well saved by Waters. Arguably Italy's most talented player, Mattia Rossini, dribbled expertly though the middle and curled a delightful shot at goal, once more saved by Waters.

Just before the half hour mark arrived Italy took the lead, and at the heart of the move was a man who is in with a massive chance of being named the Player of the Tournament. Samuele Dalla Bona is in irrepressible form right now, and his creativity just outside the area finished with a pinpoint cross to Rossini, who headed the Azzurri in front. Far from holding on in the face of an Italian onslaught, Norway almost returned the favour. Chelsea's Alexsander Midtsian went past Marchiooni but only fired into the stands. Eldar Hadzimehmedovic, making a long awaited and deserved start, was involved in the next attack, which saw Norway draw level against the run of play.

Gamst Pedersen beat Dalla Bona to the loose ball and but Bolseth in a good wide position. His cross was high, but the tallest man on the field arrived on cue to control the ball and rifle an equaliser. John Carew's finish was sharp and precise, and in the nick of time they were level. Seconds later, half time arrived with Norway far the happier. Which showed at the restart. Italy struggled to piece their game together, and Nils Johan Semb's side were content to allow their opponents possession in the middle of the pitch, cutting them off whenever danger was sensed.

Of course, when there is so much brilliance amongst the Azzurri ranks, occasionally it will show. Three-quarters of the way through the match Italy led again after Eugenio Corradi's pace beat Carew and Riise, and Marco Marchionni buried the opportunity which came his way. The hosts took a real blow from falling behind, as their confidence had taken a drop. Try as coach Semb might, Norway were a pale shadow of what they could be in the remaining minutes, as Italy grew in stature and once more looked the team they are supposed to be. Mattia Rossini hit the woodwork in the closing stages, and Vianello hit a strange curling effort which Waters did well to avoid embarrassment from.

Italy will be satisfied with their showing, which puts them in the final four of a tournament they have a great chance of winning. The summer dream, whilst being nice when it lasted, is over for host nation Norway. The general public will now have to find a new team to cheer on for two weeks, and on the showing of Saturday afternoon in Bergen, Italy might have won some new fans.


Brann Stadion, 23rd June 2012

Italy 2 (Rossini 29, Marchionni 64)
Norway 1 (Carew 45)
Attendance - 34,994
Referee - Martin Ingvarsson (Iceland)

Italy - Pelizzoli, Marchionni, Dalla Bona, Falanga, Cannavaro, Todisco (Vianello 62), Brighi (c), M.Rossini, Pavesi (Porro 80), Gilardino, Bellini (Corradi 51)

Norway - Waters, Wiik (Høiland 80), Steiro, Bø (Larsen 74), Karadas, Riise(c), Hadzimehmedovic, Bolseth, Gamst Pedersen (Hoseth 62), Carew, Midtsian

Man of the Match - Mattia Rossini (Italy)

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Favourites crash as Germany progress
The first major shock of the tournament took some time arriving, but in the French elimination the 2012 European Championships have lost their long-term favourites to a German side who finally found goals but were quite lucky to win through in the Ulleval Stadion.

France produced a surprise before the game as they left out star man so far Thierry Henry in favour of Anthony Le Tallec, and benched hero of the last game, François Vincent. The Man Utd forward is a fantastic talent, but with Henry in such prodigious form it was a brave decision taken by Paul Le Guen. The game, for the opening stages, was tight, as any game between two giants would be. Le Tallec had a sniff of goal but before he could pull the trigger Hanno Balitsch was in with a stern challenge which left nobody in any doubt about who was going to win the ball. Nearly halfway through the first half Geoffrey Doumeng had the first goal attempt, volleying from space over the crossbar.

German stopper Marco Wrzesczinski was forced into action seconds later as France warmed up, and Govou's header needed stopping. His follow up shot didn't as it flew a long way wide. Nine minutes before the break saw Germany take a 1-0 lead and a sight all Germans have been longing for all summer - Kai Brand wheeling away in his traditional 'aeroplane' celebration. Clemens Fritz took on Stéphane Dalmat and beat him with some wizardry. He floated a cross which proved too long for Mexes to defend well, and on the run Brand headed in his first goal of the championships. The Union Berlin man returning to form is something which will strike fear into the hearts and souls of the remaining sides. On his day he is unstoppable. As simple as that.

Behind at the change-around, France were in a state of shock. This wasn't scripted. Furthermore, Germany dominated after the restart, and might have been ahead if Frank Walz's deft free kick had landed inside the goal instead of striking the crossbar. Sebastien Frey was the busier of the two goalkeepers, stopping Bierofka and Jones just after the hour. Then, with the game entering the final twenty minutes, Germany scored a second goal in a game for only the second time in nine games, much to the chagrin of all associated with Les Bleus. Christian Timm was allowed to run unchallenged, and was invited to shoot. He did, and took his chance with aplomb, sealing France's unbelievable fate.

The French fans were in too much shock to show their disgust. How had Germany done this to them, against the odds? Anthony Le Tallec wasn't concerned with answers, rather responses. A header had Wrzesczinski at work again, but unfortunately substitute Henry wasn't as accurate with his aerial exploits. Late in the game Le Tallec set up a grandstand finish after losing his man and cracking in a shot which was almost perfectly executed. It wasn't enough. Despite generally dominating the game, and being one of the most impressive sides so far in Norway, France are out. Germany, having been their usual frustrating selves, look to be hitting good form at the right time, and after this they can consider themselves real contenders.


Ulleval Stadion, 23rd June 2012

France 1 (Le Tallec 89)
Germany 2 (Brand 37, Timm 71)
Attendance - 29,958
Referee - Line (Portugal)

France - Frey, Sagnol, Silvestre, Boumsong (Laurenti 58), Mexes, Dalmat (Henry 52), Meriem, Doumeng (Vincent 42), Le Tallec, Govou, Rothen

Germany - Wrzesczinski, Feulner, Kling, Ochs, Balitsch, Kehl(c) (Krause 60), Fritz, Walz, Brand, Jones (Timm 54), Rahn (Bierofka 54)

Man of the Match - Willy Sagnol (France)


Match Previews - Sunday

The second set of quarter finals are completed on Sunday with two more big matches. England, holders, and complete with new favourites tag with the elimination of France, will be expecting to beat a Croatian side who have gotten very far on little, but a lot of luck. How they are here is quite a mystery. Seconds away from not even qualifying for the finals themselves, Igor Biscan's goal against Turkey on Wednesday guaranteed a quarter final spot. England are certainly wary, according to Owen Hargreaves: "We don't really know what to expect from Croatia, which makes preparations a little harder. They have done really well to get here, and we've had some battles with them in the past, so who knows what could happen?"

Midfielder Jason Patterson is suspended following his red card against Bulgaria, so Matty Piper should come in on the right wing. Croatia are still missing Ivan Klasnic, but also now Igor Tudor. He is a big miss, but Jerko Leko should fit in well.

Portugal face Romania in a match between two sides who really mightn't have expected a semi finals spot, which awaits the winner. Portugal certainly think they can do it, but realistically they would have been content getting out of their group. Yet some of the most exciting football seen has come from Alain Giresse's side, and it would come as little surprise should they reach the final four or even beyond. Alexandre Mário is suspended for the match, but Lucas can come in and offer something different. Romania still miss Cristian Chivu and Gheorghe Serban, but will be looking to continue on their ever-improving form and cause an upset in becoming one of the final four.

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24th June 2012

Croatia do it yet again!
For many people it's becoming less and less of a joke, and more of an annoyance. Tournament favourites and current holders England, after dominating the entireity of the match in Oslo, were eliminated in the first penalty shootout of the summer, a traditional way for the English to crash. Quite how Zoran Maric's side have reached the semi-finals of a major European Championships confuses the masses, but it is easy to forget that many of the squad were part of the 2006 World Cup winning side.

Coach Steve McLaren had clearly studied the Croatian game plan, and so set about getting an early goal. Paul Ifill, making his first appearance in Norway, came close to achieving it, striking the ball from distance but Stipe Pletikosa stopped it well. Andrew Thorpe headed the resulting corner, but once more the 'keeper was in the right place. It really was one way traffic. Ifill followed up his bright start with a glancing header which hit the outside of the top of the goalpost after only eleven minutes. Much against the run of play Croatia had their first chance, Tomislav Sokota hitting a good shot which Fuller saved very awkwardly.

Then followed a real blow for England. Cherno Samba was kicked in the ankle, and was sufficiently injured to be replaced by Marcus Bent. From the free kick, they came so close to opening the scoring. Hargreaves found Ifill, but Pletikosa spilled the ball. Etherington had two options; to shoot or find Owen. He chose the latter, but Biscan recovered enough to stab the ball away. On the stroke of half time Owen had his first chance, a rising drive which Pletikosa let drift over. Being level at half time must have given McLaren and his staff reason to worry just a little, as Croatia appeared to be up to their old tricks again.

Matthew Piper started the second half well, after being anonymous for the first forty-five minutes. He accelerated away from Balaban and drew another good save from the ever-reliable Pletikosa. England were being limited to long range efforts for the early stages of the second half, reflected in Thorpe's shot which was good but nothing better. Eight minutes after the hour the Croatian goal was struck again, as Owen turned and hit the crossbar with a sweetly struck shot. Jurica Vranjes had apparently done just enough to keep Owen busy. Ifill followed this with a shocking attempt from twenty-five yards which nearly found the head of Owen instead of its original target - the goal.

Bosko Balaban then found a rare opening in the England defence, but failed to capitalise. It was the last chance of the game, as extra time loomed on the horizon. As usual when the game enters an extended period, especially under golden goals rules, both teams took up a more cagey approach. Marcus Bent had a half chance, lashing a volley wide just before the clock moved into three figures. Ifill once more tried a glorious shot from distance, but again, Pletikosa was unbeatable. So it was to be decided by penalties; the scourge of England for many a generation.

Michael Owen was first up, and he scored with ease. Jerko Leko retaliated by hammering his straight down the middle. Matt Piper slotted his away nicely, but so did Balaban with possibly the perfect penalty. It started to go pear-shaped for England as John Terry was the unfortunate figure, driving his effort over the crossbar. But Igor Biscan let them off the hook, doing the same thing. Andrew Thorpe got things rolling again with a well scored spot kick, but Zahora kept things tense, levelling. After Terry's miss, central defence partner and team captain Rio Ferdinand was the one left with heartache, having his rather tame shot saved by Pletikosa. Nikola Safaric, the debutant, strolled up to convert and send his country into the last four, leaving England fans bemused, but once again depressed at failing, and losing their crown as European Champions.


Bislett Stadion, 24th June 2012

England 0
Croatia 0
Attendance - 19,979
Referee - Kirwin (Turkey)

After Extra Time, Croatia win 4-3 on penalties

England - Fuller, P.Neville, Hargreaves, Ferdinand, Terry, Thorpe, Piper, Ifill, Samba (Bent 28, J.Cole 102), Owen, Etherington

Croatia - Pletikosa, Leko, Mijatovic, Neretljak, Simic (Safaric 36), Biscan, Babic (Seric 78), Vranjes(c), Balaban, Sokota (Zahora 60), Sabolcki

Man of the Match - Stipe Pletikosa (Croatia)

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Romania complete quarter with Portuguese thrashing
Romania join Italy, Germany, and Croatia in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 after causing a massive upset in destroying Portugal 3-0 in Trondheim, and thoroughly deserving the win as well. Portugal offered much and contributed to an entertaining match, but Romania have suddenly found their killer instinct, and just in time.

In just the second minute Marius Lacatus' side showed their intent, when Marius Niculae headed over from close range. Florin Cernat then drove wide before Niculae found the target but also Pinheiro in the goal. Portugal's approach play was aesthetically pleasing, but it wasn't until the twenty-second minute that they put something on the end of it, but even then Edgar's half volley was wide. Another Romanian Marius, this time Luca, was the next man to try at goal, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Pinheiro. Hélder Postiga, going into the game as the top scorer with three goals, looked to add to the tally with a header which he powered well wide. Annoyed, he rather selfishly hammered a shot at goal with his next touch, and although it swerved, Dumitru coped comfortably. After a first half full of action, the score sheet was still blank.

Portugal looked to take the match to the Romanians, by any means possible, in an abandonment of their usual tactics. Fernando Meira was booked in their approach. It was also to their detriment, as Romania needed just ten minutes after the restart to take a lead. Niculae lifted the ball over the defence, encouraging Luca to chase. His amazing pace saw him arrive on the ball with time and space to spare, and slot away a lovely finish to open the scoring. Edgar tried an immediate response with a fierce shot which Dumitru stopped without knowing a whole lot about it.

Ricardo Quaresma struck a trademark free kick which Dumitru saved at full strength, his body entirely off the ground. The Leeds winger started to loosen up, and skipped along the wing before crossing for Oliviera, whose header was just off target. Every ounce of Portuguese sweat was being used to equalise and save their tournament status. Romania, having taken the lead, had used fresh legs straight away, and were almost comfortable in their lead. So comfortable in fact, they doubled it with ten minutes remaining.

Sânmãrtean kicked off a swift counter attack with a wide chip to Mitea, the hero of the quarter finals. He almost shot the ball across the area, never moving more than a foot off the floor. On the full, Niculae arrived and swept in a wonderful volley to give them the second goal which finished Portugal. To add further insult to injury, Niculae became the top scorer of the tournament with two minutes remaining, driving home from the edge of the box after Mitea once again created the chance. At 3-0 the Romanian following, seemingly ever increasing, were in party mode. Mitea could even have made it four late on, but shot over.

After a hard time of it over the last few years, Romania are in the final four of a competition for the first time since the USA 1994 World Cup, an amazing eighteen years ago. They deserve everything they have achieved, after taking such a battering physically and mentally from their 5-2 defeat to Italy at the start of the month. Portugal can be pleased at reaching this stage, but they will feel that they could have done far better, considering the competition remaining. Romanians everywhere, and many a neutral, can really see Marius Lacatus' side causing further upsets, just ninety minutes from a final.


Lerkendal Stadion, 24th June 2012

Portugal 0
Romania 3 (Luca 55, M.Niculae 80, 88)
Attendance - 20,966
Referee - Zelkjo Novosel (Serbia & Montenegro)

Portugal - Pinheiro, Augusto, Carvalho, Armando (Jorge Andrade 58), Nuno Mata, Aguiar, Ricardo Quaresma, Fernando Meira (Lucas 52), Hélder Postiga, Oliveira(c), Edgar

Romania - C.Dumitru, Geoane, Balan, Rosu, Radoi(c), Cernat (Mitea 55), Sânmãrtean, Codrea, Luca (Grigorie 55, F.Dumitru 81), M.Niculae, Munteanu

Man of the Match - Marius Nicuale (Romania)