Germany 0-1 Spain
Iberian skies clear for first time in 44 years
And that was that. Spain reined in some of their semi-final brilliance, concentrating on effective organisation, while chaotic defending proved to be Germany’s downfall. Even if a fitter Ballack had ensured an equaliser, Spain always seemed to have more to offer.
SEMI-FINALS…
Germany 3-2 Turkey
Storms, real and metaphorical
A seriously short-staffed Turkey played out of their skins, but the fairytale had to end. Typical German ability to win ugly when they really didn’t deserve it; to be fair, though, they were denied a penalty on 50 mins.
Russia 0-3 Spain
Scorchio!
Another fairytale comes to an end. Have the Russians been found out, or were Spain truly exceptional? Is this finally a consistent Spanish team? Or have they just happened to turn it on in a crucial game? Don’t ask me. Funny game, innit?
Russia 3-1 Netherlands
Icy blasts thawing rapidly
There are times when teams should take a lesson from Italy. It seemingly never occurred to the Dutch that their strikers might have an off-day, so there was no solid, defensive Plan B. Exhilarating attacking by the Russians, who deserve the victory.
Italy 0-0 Spain (Spain win 4-2 on penalties)
Leaden skies, clearing slightly by midnight
… and there are times when the Italians should just stop being so Italian! Hoofing long balls at Luca Toni has barely worked over the last three games, so why persist against an unusually organised Spanish defence? Part of the answer was Del Piero, but ideally *before* the 108th minute.
Portugal 2-3 Germany
Vinds of change!
Cracking match, and the Germans deserved it. Eusebio is right… Portugal are going nowhere without a decent centre forward. Good to see the back of cynical Scolari, though. Can we have the naive, charming, chaotic old Portugal back now?
Turkey 1-1 Croatia (Turkey win 3-1 on penalties)
There is no hurricane on the way…
Having subjected us all to 80 minutes of abject hopelessness against the Czechs, only to produce a classic final 10 minutes, the Turks have now extended their Period Of Ineptitude to 110 minutes, making the 121st minute equaliser and steely penalty shoot-out victory even more exhilarating. Surely they can’t beat the Germans?
Russia 2-0 Sweden
Arctic temperatures moving westward
I’m still not convinced by all the “exciting new force in European football” talk. What Russia do have is enthusiasm and confidence. Oh, and the fact that Sweden were dreadful.
Greece 1-2 Spain
Bright sunshine over half of the Mediterranean
And again… is this really the YEAR WHEN SPAIN FINALLY DO IT, or were they just lucky to end up in a group with two teams of sluggish has-beens and one with a very naive defence?
France 0-2 Italy
Forlorn drizzle
A fair result. France were unlucky, but would probably have struggled even with all 11 men. Italy get out of jail again (and jail is where Lubos Michel should be… UEFA’s most overrated referee?)
Netherlands 2-0 Romania
Wall-to-wall (orange) sunshine
Shame to see plucky Romania go out to a Dutch reserve team (admittedly featuring Van Persie and Robben). Then again, how bad must Italy and France have been to make such a meal of their games against Romania?
Austria 0-1 Germany
Cloudy, mild.
More effort and spirit from Austria, still hampered by the lack of a decent final ball. Not a great advert for the current German team, despite the scorcher from Ballack.
Poland 0-1 Croatia
Temperatures continue to soar over the Adriatic
Are Croatia the new Germany? Despite varying quality, they’ve carved out three victories. Poland had a few chances, but ultimately didn’t even deserve the single point from the Austria match.
Czech Republic 2-3 Turkey
Tempestuous
Best 10 minutes of the tournament (unless you’re Czech). Turkey showed the sort of spirit (and chaos) that got them to a World Cup semi-final six years ago, while the Czechs still seem to be missing Nedved’s creativity.
Switzerland 2-0 Portugal
Rainy day ending with glorious sunset
Didn’t bother watching much of this (simultaneous broadcasts for the final matches in each group) but good to see the Swiss get a win.
Sweden 1-2 Spain
Cool, turning bleak with Arctic winds
Yes, it’s a cruel game. After 90 minutes, 1-1 was a fair representation of how Sweden’s workmanlike efficiency had tempered Spain’s rather over-casual passing finesse. But it only takes one injury-time goal to change all that.
Greece 0-1 Russia
Mild with brief but inconsequential storms
Weak Greeks, Russians not much better, but shading it on attacking flair. The tournament is probably better without either team.
Italy 1-1 Romania
Worst weather since records began!
Well, maybe not that bad, but Italy are barely clinging on. Only Cassano seems to be offering any creativity in attack (until his next bipolar attack kicks in) and the defence is weak without Nesta or Cannavaro. A win for France might do Italy a few favours…
Netherlands 4-1 France
Warm days and glorious orange sunsets.
I really thought Holland were going to do their usual trick of playing one great game before finally stumbling out amid internal strife and self-doubt, but they’ve now played two absolute belters on the trot. Things are looking bleak for France and Italy.
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