Euro 08 (Matchday 2)

Matchday Two

Group A

Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal

The Czechs were never quite in the game, to be honest. Portugal dominated possession, passing and goalscoring opportunities. At 1-1, both teams appeared evenly matched, but the Czechs gradually faded as the second half wore on. Once again, the Portuguese midfield controlled the football game, and Simao, Moutinho and Ronaldo outshone the five man Czech midfield. The Czech cause wasn't helped by Baros' lack of sharpness in front of goal. The Portuguese qualified for the quarters with this win, and the Czechs must now face Turkey in a do-or-die winner-takes-all match.

Turkey 2-1 Switzerland

The priceless last gasp winner by Arda ensured the Turks enter matchday 3 with everything to play for, while consigned the Swiss to what is probably the earliest exit made by a host nation. On saying that, the Swiss were unlucky to have been knocked out, having dominated both their first two matches, only to end up empty handed. Small note of irony: Switzerland's scorer, Yakin, is of Turkish descent. The Alpiners would surely now be looking forward to the arrival of Ottmar Hitzfeld to help steer them to South Africa 2010.

Standings:
Portugal P-2 Pts 6
Turkey P-2 Pts 3
Czech. Rep. P-2 Pts 3
Switzerland P-2 Pts 0

Group B

Croatia 2-1 Germany

Without doubt, the first real upset of the tournament. However, if one were to look at Croatia's progress ever since breaking into the international scene back in 1992, this result does not really constitute a shock per se. I think what was actually shocking was Germany's lacklustre play, devoid of anything positive. The Croats played an intelligent game, and strikes from Srna and Olic have now taken them into the quarters with a game to spare. Germany, meanwhile, play Austria knowing a win is highly imperative. Things have not been made easier with Austria still hanging on to a quarterfinal slot, albeit needing other results to go their way.

Austria 1-1 Poland

A highly controversial Vastic penalty right at the death gave the Austrians a lifeline in this tournament, and they go into the decided against Germany knowing a win AND a Polish loss or draw would send them through. Highly unlikely as it is, this draw has given the team a world of encouragement, and left the Poles demoralised. Beenhakker's men went into this match knowing a victory would have set them up nicely for the final match against Croatia, but now they need to defeat Croatia by a high score and hope the Austria-Germany match ends in a draw.

Standings:
Croatia P-2 Pts 6
Germany P-2 Pts 3
Austria P-2 Pts 1
Poland P-2 Pts 1

Group C

Romania 1-1 Italy

Yet another controversial decision involving the Italians. Toni's goal at the death of the first half looked perfectly legitimate; inexplicably it was flagged offside. Replays clears show he was yards onside, which has further fuelled a multitude of conspiracy theories that suggest the powers-that-be are against the Italians. The match itself was entertaining, with the Azurri showing plenty of attacking, while the side from the Carpathians displayed a high degree of technical skills. If Italy do progress to the next round, they will surely be indebted to Buffon who made an excellent penalty save, thwarting Mutu's spot kick.

Netherlands 4-1 France

Yet another Dutch rout. Days after dismantling the world champions, the Dutch went one better and crushed the former world and European champions. France were unable to keep up with the Oranje, though like in the Italy v Netherlands match, Les Bleus had several chances to score. Players like Sneider and Robben were unstoppable, whilst Henry blazed over the crossbar with what surely would have been an equaliser. The Dutch go into Matchday Three holding all the trump cards, the ace being their power to decide who follows them into the last eight.

Standings:
Netherlands P-2 Pts 6
Romania P-2 Pts 2
France P-2 Pts 1
Italy P-2 Pts 1

Group D

Spain 2-1 Sweden

Spain started quickly off the blocks, scored and then lost their direction. The Swedish were clearly intent on defending, relying mainly on set-pieces to create any sort of scoring opportunity. Villa was a shadow of the player who had scored a hattrick, but he came to life right at the end of the match, scoring the winner and ensuring the Spaniards avoid the Dutch in the quarters. The Swedes still hold their destiny in their own hands, with the final match against Russia akin to a winner-takes-all.

Greece 0-1 Russia

The Russians put an end to one of the most maligned teams in European history. The Greeks became highly unpopular after winning the Euro 2004 tournament using unabashedly defensive tactics. Envious rival fans were hoping for the Greeks to fall in this edition, and they promptly did, to a young Russian side missing their most influential player, Arshavin. What would be an even bigger blow to Rehhagel is Greece's failure to score in their first two matches. It was pretty ironic to watch Greece fail to score in the second half of the match despite playing their most attacking football in years, which just goes to show that they're more than capable of playing entertaining football. Russia go into their final match needing to beat the Swedes, and based on their performance, they just might steal the second spot.

Standings:
Spain P-2 Pts 6
Sweden P-2 Pts 3
Russia P-2 Pts 3
Greece P-2 Pts 0