Euro 08 (Matchday 1)

Matchday One

Group A

Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic

A match the Swiss surprisingly could have drawn, or even won with some luck. The Czechs were strangely subdued, and only managed to break the deadlock late into the second half. Switzerland had their chances, but were dealt a body blow when Frei left the field injured. Behrami and Barnetta created several good opportunities, but the Czechs held on to open their Euro 08 accounts.

Portugal 2-0 Turkey

How Turkey must have been wishing they had started the match with more positivity. Throughout the first half, the Turks seemed more intent on stopping Portugal play rather than winning the match. The much-hyped Ronaldo had a so-so game, spurning two good chances, including a well-taken freekick which missed the target. But once Pepe put the Portuguese ahead in the second half, the Turks launched into attack, though things always pointed out to Portugal scoring on the break, which they did through Meireles.

Standings:
Portugal P-1 Pts 3
Czech Rep. P-1 Pts 3
Switzerland P-1 Pts 3
Turkey P-1 Pts 3

Group B

Austria 0-1 Croatia

I expected a Croatian goal fest, and was understandably disappointed after the match. The Croats hardly impressed in this game, requiring a Modric 4th minute penalty to settle the match, the penalty being highly dubious. The Austrians made a game of it, and can count themselves unlucky for not having secured a point. Croatia will need to raise its performance against Germany, though Bilic has been quick to point out that they won despite not playing at their usual best.

Germany 2-0 Poland

Germany secured their first Euro win since 1996, and it was thoroughly deserved. Special mention has to be made about Poland, who put up a strong fight against a German team that displayed plenty of attacking capabilities, but were at times suspect in defence and ball possession. Podolski's double was a class act, and he's bound to increase his goal tally as the tournament progresses. Klose deserves special praise, as do Frings, Ballack and Schweinsteiger. Next up, Croatia.

Standings:
Germany P-1 Pts 3
Croatia P-1 Pts 3
Austria P-1 Pts 3
Poland P-1 Pts 3

Group C

Romania 0-0 France

A boring, drab affair. France was insipid, while Romania obviously did not want to start their Euro campaign with a defeat. The French seemed to sorely miss Henry, though his temperament and form in this tournament might be dodgy. As expected, all French attacks funneled through Ribery, which made it easy for the Chivu-led Romanian defence to break up. I predicted the Romanians going through to the QFs, and by the looks of it, they seem to think so too.

Netherlands 3-0 Italy

As far as I recall, the last time Italy suffered a defeat as heavy as this was in the 1970 World Cup final. The Dutch were sublime, and their pacy attack ensured they claimed their first victory over the Azzurri. Despite the scoreline, the Italians were far from outplayed, and much of the blame should be shouldered by Donadoni. A suspect squad selection, and a lack of tactical acumen when Italy most needed it played a major role in consigning the southern Europeans to this crushing loss and handing the initiative in the group to the Oranje.

Standings:
Netherlands P-1 Pts 3
France P-1 Pts 1
Romania P-1 Pts 1
Italy P-1 Pts 0

Group D

Spain 4-1 Russia

A Villa hattrick sent the Spanish Armada cruising past the Russians as Spain lived up to their reputation of being always quickest off the blocks. Whether they finish the race in front remains to be seen. But what a display of swift, incisive attacking football. Russia was naive in defence, often sending the ball out of defence right into the Spanish wave. Spain dominated possession, though it must be noted that the Russians hit the post after being 1-0 down. To be honest, I don't see them recovering from this drubbing, while Spain will need to maintain their performance against the Swedes and Greeks to convince doubters that they're coming good this time around.

Greece 0-2 Sweden

Well, the Spartans finally fell, to the Vikings. One thing was made clear last night, total defence works fine only once. The Greeks were impregnable in 2004; they aren't anymore. Ibrahimovic finally scored after what seemed an eternity of a goal drought; more importantly Sweden showed that it could break down a resolute defence with patience and will, and this will serve them well against the Spaniards next. For Greece, the Russia game is a must win, which would set up their final fixture against Spain very nicely indeed.

Standings:
Spain P-1 Pts 3
Sweden P-1 Pts 3
Greece P-1 Pts 0
Russia P-1 Pts 0