Monday, June 30, 2008

The Reign of Spain

Congratulations to Spain!

Espana ended their 44 year interational drought by knocking off perennial finalists and juggernaut Germany, 1-0 in Vienna in front of record television audiences around the world. Fernando Torres scored the game's only goal in the 33rd minute in spectacular fashion, and Spain built from there and pressed the Germans for the remainder of the time. Germany were never in it, and Spain should really have had two or three goals, their best chance coming when Marcos Senna failed to touch in a beautiful headed cross into an open net inthe 80th.

Spain are deserving champions, and deserve to finally eliminate their reputations as international underachievers. The Spanish have long been among the more individually talented sides in the world, and it was more a matter of time than a matter of underachievement that explained their lack of big tournament results in the past four and a half decades.

Luis Aragones, often maligned and sometimes deservedly so, particularly for his racial epithets flung at the likes of Thierry Henry and others, retires from international duty in perfect fashion, earning his figurative ride off into the sunset by adeptly preparing and adroitly managing the most impressive team at the Euros.

One of the best effects this title will have on the nation of Spain will be its uniting force. Spain has long been a fractious country, whose footballing loyalties have been divided among regions at the expense of national unity and pride. No more. Everyone from Madrid to Granada, Salamanca to Sevilla, Valencia to Barcelona will revel equally in this joyous feat for Spain. One of the truly beautiful aspects of international football is its ability to glavanize entire populations, and to captivate national audiences as their own countries pursue global glory. It is a rare and difficult accomplishment, but when it happens, there is nothing better for the people.

The Beautiful Game is also the People's Game, for that reason.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Euro Semifinals Preview

We've arrived at the semifinals of Euro '08, and four nations cling to the hope of glory and continental superiority for the next two years.

The mighty Germans, perennial semifinal participants in major international tournaments, succeeded once again in playing efficient and strong football good enough to see them through to the last four. Turkey awaits, the "cinderella" of Euro '08, bruised and battered and with barely eleven players to field for the match. So, Turkey will likely employ the Italian strategy of sitting back and defending in numbers for 90 minutes, hoping to force Germany to strain themselves in the attack and leave themselves vulnerable to the counter as a result. Look for the Germans to keep the bulk of possession and to have some gild-edge chances, one or two of which will find its way through in route to a 2-0 Germany win. Turkey would have to have its unit at full strength to haror hopes of advancing to its first international final, and it's a shame they don't, because they have been without a doubt the story of the tournament. Who knows, maybe they'll defy logic one more time and score on a counter early and force the Germans into a panic....

Our second semifinal carries a higher level of intrigue, in part because it is a rematch of a game already played earlier in the group stage. Spain trounced Russia 4-1 in their opening match of Euro 2008, stamping themselves early on as an in-form team and a team with real aspirations for this tournament. However, closer examination of that game reveals a tighter affair than the 4-1 score would suggest. Russia had some golden opportunites to level the scoring at 1-1 and to cut te 2-0 deficit in half later on. Had those chances been taken, the game would have adopted a different identity, and the Russians could have given a better account of themselves. As it turns out, that first game beatdown was merely a mirage for the Russians, who went on to prove that they are a quality side with lots of potent weapons in attack. Convincing victories over Greece, Sweden, and the Netherlands have propelled the Russians into the semifinal, where, unlike Turkey, they have a healthy arsenal of talent ready to give the Spanish everything they want. Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko have been particularly illuminating in this tournament, and there is lots of talk about Arshavin moving from UEFA Cup champs Zenit St. Petersburg to the English Premier League this summer. The Russians will enter the game extremely confident, while Spain will enter with more of an air of relief, as they must feel exalted and exhausted for finally beating Italy and reaching the semis of a major competition. Spain are technically superior to Russia, but Russia showed against the Netherlands that they are capable of standing up to any established opposition. Russia wins 2-1.

Germany v. Russia in the final...

Friday, June 20, 2008

Turkey is Amazing!

Without a doubt, the Turks are the team of the tournament.

Impossible comebacks are becoming almost second-nature to this insanely resilient side who just never quit until the final whistle.

First, they came back against Switzerland in a driving rainstorm and won 2-1 after going a goal down.

Then, with quarterfinal qualification at stake, they shocked the Czech Republic by storming back from a 2-0 deficit through 74 minutes and scoring three goals in 15 minutes to win in unbelievably heroic fashion, 3-2.

Tonight, in Vienna, an entertaining and even match with Croatia suddenly became an instant classic when, after 119 minutes of scoreless football, it appeared the Croats had finally broken Turkish hearts by scoring a header off a somewhat broken play caused by keeper error. With only seconds remaining and Croatia surely through to the semis, Rustu, the second string goalie playing in Demirol's absence and attempting to make up for his gaffe, bombed a desperation free kick the length of the pitch, perfectly placing it just outside the six yard box where a lucky bounce was possible. And a lucky bounce is what they got as it fell to Semih who volleyed it perfectly and with power through a crease of Croatian defenders and the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Turkey is amazing, and their miracle run continues on to the semifinal; their first such appearance in Euro Championship history. With injuries, fatigue and suspensions (Arda Turan, Tuncay, Demirol, and Emre will all miss the semifinal) apparently plaguing their chances against the mighty Germans, it would seem time to finally bet against the Turks in their next game. But would you do it? I wouldn't...

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Euro 2008 Quarterfinals Preview

Today the last eight of Euro '08 kicks off with the first of four crucial games over the next four days set to determine the semifinal matchups. One of the best aspects of major tournaments like the Euro championships and the World Cup is the constant action. There are virtually no breaks or days off between matches, and the ability to go from a group stage game one day to a knockout stage game the next is a luxury that affords diehard football fans no let-up in excitement. These next four days ought to lift the excitement level exponentially from what we had in the group stage (which itself was very compelling and fun to watch), with four games between eight European powerhouses who each can make a persuasive claim it can win it all.

The Quarterfinals:

Portugal (1A) v. Germany (2B)

Croatia (1B) v. Turkey (2A)

Netherlands (1C) v. Russia (2D)

Spain (1D) v. Italy (2C)


A knee-jerk response to a quick glance at the quarterfinalists would say that either Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, or Italy will win the title, as they are the biggest names. And one of them probably will win it. My pre-tournament pick Spain is looking good, but I may have to adjust my pick and say that the Netherlands will win Euro '08 after the performances they turned in in the group stage. However, as strong as the perennial powers are, any of the other three "lesser" names in the knockout round - Croatia, Turkey, or Russia - could definitely win the whole thing, especially considering that Greece won it four years ago and you'd be hard pressed to convince anyone that Greece is better than either Croatia, Turkey, or Russia.

The Croats quietly rang up 9 points in the group stage, while Turkey possessed the magic and the merit of being the only team to win a match after falling behind - and they did so twice. Russia, meanwhile, after a first match thumping at the hands of Spain, rebounded to win their next two games in incredibly convincing fashion, exhibiting an attacking flair that has heads turning towards the Russians as a possible sleeper pick in the next round.

Every game looks appetizing and nearly impossible to predict. So difficult to pick in fact, that I will refrain from issuing score guesses and will instead only guess the winners.

(winners in bold)

Portugal v. Germany

Croatia v. Turkey

Netherlands v. Russia

Spain v. Italy

Match reviews and analysis coming at the weekend...

Enjoy the games.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Euro '08 Best Major Tournament in 22 Years?

....so says Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/grant_wahl/06/17/euros/index.html

I tend to agree, though I would argue the '98 and '06 World Cups carried as much intrigue and excitement as this Euro 2008, with perhaps not as much attacking flair. Wahl (a great U.S. soccer writer) argues that tis '08 tournament brings a refreshing return to attacking football and dramatic endings that are so often absent from widely-viewed (and thus widely scrutinized) major soccer events. With every match being televised on cable in the U.S. for the first time ever during the European Championships, scores of curious and skeptical American soccer viewers are being treated to some legitimately compelling sports spectacle, something that will only help grow the game's popularity in America.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Euro '08 Intrigue

Portugal progressed through to the quarterfinals with a convincing 3-1 win over Czech Republic on Monday, while Turkey broke the hearts of the Swiss with two second half goals to eclipse Switzerland 2-1 and eliminate the co-hosts after just two games in the group stage. Portugal clinches top spot in Group A. Czech Republic and Turkey will meet on Sunday with a spot in the quarterfinals up for grabs.

Croatia stunned Germany by going up 2-0 on the tournament favorites, and held on after a Lukas Podolski goal 10 minutes from time halved the deficit. With the win, Croatia wins Group B and will await the runner-up from Group A. Austria earned a last second penalty to shock Poland with a miracle 1-1 draw, giving the co-hosts hope of progressing when they meet Germany next Monday. Poland too has an outside shot of qualifying if they beat Croatia and get some help from a Germany-Austria draw.

Holland continued their impressive run through the Group of Death by dismantling France 4-1, while Italy stayed alive by drawing with Romania, who now find themselves in great shape of advancing if they win against a Dutch 'B' team or draw and see the Italians and French draw too. The Italy-France game Tuesday carries a ton of intrigue, as the two finalists from the '06 World Cup meet in the group stage with the knowledge that one or both will not be playing on in the knockout rounds of a major tournament. You couldn't pay me to predict the game between two underachieving powers at Euro 2008. But I'll go with France anyway, since they seem more poised to explode with two or three goals than do the Italians.

Spain is in control of Group D, and has qualified for the quarterfinals, if not yet clinched the group outright. Russia's victory over Greece set up an enticing game with Sweden, where similar to the Czech-Turkey contest, winner advances, loser goes home. Conventional wisdom suggests Sweden have the upper hand, but that same wisdom also urges to never count out a Guus Hiddink-led side. The Russians looked innovative and assured going forward against Greece, who just don't have the same magic in '08 that they had in '04. The Greeks still look like a capable side defensively, but just lack the imagination necessary to produce goals in this major tournament. I expect Russia to play Sweden to the wire and ultimately join Spain in the next round.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Euro 2008 Match 1 Reviews

Let's examine the first four days of UEFA Euro 2008 and discuss each team's performance after their first matches...

Group A

To no one's surprise, Portugal and Czech Republic won their opening matches versus Turkey and Switzerland, respectively, however both had considerable difficulty breaking down the defenses of the lesser sides. The Czechs, particularly, had trouble with co-host Switzerland and have to be considered fortunate to garner three points with their 1-0 win. Portugal were able to wear down Turkey in the 2nd half, and scored an injury time goal at the death to pad their performance and take a comfortable 2-0 victory. Wednesday's matches between the pairs of winners and losers figure to determine Group A's fate. A victory for either Czech Republic or Portugal virtually ensures progression through to the knockout stages. Likewise, a loss for either Turkey or Switzerland means no hope of continuing on beyond the group stage. Much is at stake in both Group A matches tomorrow. Look for Portugal and Czech Republic to play to a 1-1 draw, keeping the group suspenseful, while Turkey kills the dream for the hosts, defeating Switzerland 2-0, who will be sorely missing Alexander Frei.

Group B

Germany thoroughly dismantled Poland, leaving the Poles still without a win ever over their rivals to the west. The 2-0 score could have been 5-0, and as a result Germany look like clear favorites to sail through to the quarterfinals. Croatia scored an early penalty against co-hosts Austria and had to play the final 86 minutes on the back foot in holding on for a tight 1-0 win. Austria deserved an equalizer, and it was encouraging to see the team picked by most as the worst participant at Euro 2008 play with such purpose and imagination in attack. The Austrians pushed forward the entire game, and even had some great chances in the final third that they were just unable (and unlucky not) to convert. Now Austria and Poland play in a game with similar meaning as the Switzerand-Turkey game, with the loser being done and the winner holding a slim, albeit unlikely hope for going through. Germany figures to handle Croatia with ease, as their superior height and technical prowess should prove decisive. I forecast a 1-0 win for Austria and a 3-1 win for Germany. However, Croatia will handle Poland in the third match and finish second in the group.

Group C

The Group of Death. Every major tournament has one. Euro 2008 is no exception, with Group C pitting France, Italy and the Netherlands all in the same group. And, not to be outdone, Romania played tenacious football in their opener and held France to a 0-0 draw, the only draw thus far in the tournament's first four days. Romania kept it tight and forced France to get ultra-creative in order to gain a breakthrough, and though the French created chances, they were unable to penetrate the yellow jerseys at the back and paid the price with a share of the spoils. Meanwhile, the eye-opener of the tournament so far came in the second game, where Holland trounced the world champions 3-0. Italy were never in the game against the flowing and confident Dutch, who played with verve and flair in running end to end and hitting the Italians on two beautiful counter attacks. Now the Italians must rebound against the pesky Romanians, while the confident Dutch meet the droopy but adept French. This group is still very much up for grabs, though it is not a stretch to say that the Netherlands look the most impressive of all the teams in Euro 2008 after one match. I see the French bouncing back and drawing with Holland, 1-1, while I see Italy rebounding with a tough 1-0 victory over Romania. This scenario would set up a riveting third match day with France and Italy meeting in a World Cup final rematch with nothing less than progression to the quarterfinal at stake. A juicy scenario that would be indeed....

Group D

If the Dutch look the most impressive after one match, the Spanish are not far behind. Spain opened their Euro '08 campaign with an authoritative stomping of Guus Hiddink-led Russia (never an easy feat), 4-1. Capped by a David Villa hat trick and constant pressure going forward, even in a driving Austrian rain, Spain exhibited the flair and form they are so capable of but so often lacking in major tournaments. The Russians are not hopeless of advancing to the quarters, but they must shore up their defense if they are to settle down in their remaining to matches. Sweden also looked confident and capable in downing the defening European champions 2-0. The Greeks, so known for their pesky defense, finally succumbed to persistent Swedish pressure in the 67th minute to a Zlatan Ibrahimovic strike that is certainly the goal of the tournament thus far. Linking up for a beautiful one-two with Henrik Larrson before lasering a strike home from 22 yards, Ibrahimovic in one moment lifted the Swedes and showcased his stellar ability that has become so popular at the San Siro for Inter Milan. Now the Swedes are in prime position to hold serve in two more matches and make it through to the knockout round. Spain-Sweden on Saturday will be a candidate for best match of the group stage, as two powerful and potent sides meet for an edge in Group D. The Greece-Russia match will once again present a situation where a loser looks done and a winner still has life, and that match is tough to predict. I see the Russians as barely having an edge, and see them gaining a crucial three points that cripples the Greeks and leaves their Euro title defense DOA in the group stage. Spain will defeat Sweden, but not in the same fashion as they did the Russians, and their 2-1 victory will ensure their passage into the quarters.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Euro 2008 Kickoff

Euro 2008 kicks of today with two intriguing matches: Czech Republic vs. co-host Switzerland followed by Portugal vs. Turkey. Certainly the Czechs and Portuguese both have high hopes for this tournament, although the absence of Tomas Rosicky will really hurt the Czech's overall chances. Portugal plan on redeeming their Euro '04 disappointment by returning to the Final, only this time winning it. They're not the hosts like i '04, but the Portuguese certainly have the weapons in attack and thecreativity to score a lot of goals and advance far in this tournament.

Switzerland will try to use the momentum of the home crowds to move through to the knockout stages and get to the semifinals, something a host country has done in theEuropean championships in every tournament since 1980. But getting through a tough group would be considered a winning achievement for the Swiss, who just don't have enough firepower to move deep into the latter weeks of the tournament. Finally, the Turks, world cup semifinalists in 2002, will try to surprise some of the bigger name European powers and advance out of their group. They are somewhat of an enigma, as they do not regularly rank high on the list of dominant European nations, but they undoubtedly possess enough talent and technical ability to make some noise in Austri-Switzerland '08.

Euro 2008 gets underway tonight, and the next three weeks promise to be very exciting and probably unpredictable. I look for the favorites to do well, starting with comfortable victories today for Czech Republic and Portugal.

My pick to win it all?

Portugal defeats Germany in the first semifinal.
Spain defeats Holland in the second semifinal.

Spain defeats Portugal in the all-Iberia peninsula final.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Jose Mourinho to Inter Milan

Jose Mourinho will take over at Inter Milan next season, in a move by the Nerazzuri ringing of desperation for European glory.  After three straight domestic titles without accompanying Champions League silverware, Roberto Mancini was shown the door in favor of "The Special One."