Spain To Lay Claim On European Championships
Spain emerged victors in the semi-final clash with Russia and many were surprised that a 3-goal deficit still separates both teams. After a baptism of fire in the group stages and a comprehensive 3-1 victory against Netherlands, the Russians had established their title credentials convincingly.
Arshavin, who burst onto the international scene after sitting out a two-match ban impressed all and sundry with his effervescent skills. Whenever he ran with the ball, he was virtually untouchable, much to the chagrin of the highly acclaimed Oranje players.
However, Arshavin was quiet as a mouse against Spain. It could be due to the torrential rain, little support from a disjointed team and a technically superior Spain who got their tactics right.
Despite this defeat, Russia can leave Euro 2008 with their heads held high. Hardly impressive in the qualifying rounds, they scraped through, after rebounding from a lackluster defeat in Israel, to eke a victory in Andorra, and received a helping hand from Croatia at the expense of England.
Fortunately, Guus Hiddink built his reputation as a world-class coach on solid grounds; several nations, including Netherlands, Korea and Australia had benefited from his football philosophy and training. The Russian football federation are rightly impressed to offer him a contract extension regardless of the outcome in Euro 2008.
Hiddink’s insistence on a high-tempo passing game makes for great entertainment and raised expectations that miracles can be created out of a squad lacking in depth and quality. Russian fans can cheer their team for bringing home the bronze medal. Hiddink’s job of elevating Russia from a footballing minnow is far from finished and though his curse of never getting past semi-finals continue, due respect has to be given to a better prepared Russia in World Cup 2010.
Apparently, Spain had done their homework to dismiss the Russian threat. They were determined not to follow the footsteps of the shadow-chasing Netherlands whose impressive, fluid attacking style gave them a 100% record in the “Group of Death” but yet they lost steam at the critical stage.
Luis Aragonés predicted before Euro 2008 that Spain lacked two things to become champions – a good manager and an elusive stroke of luck. Spain already possess the first ingredient as Aragones is tactically astute and adjusts his game plan as the circumstances dictate.
He understands the strength of his squad and when to use the right players. Neither is he afraid of incurring the wrath of his superstars - Torres had a face like thunder when he was substituted and Sergio Ramos was roundly criticized for indiscipline but still the team spirit is intact and players remain motivated, a tribute to his man-management skills.
As for luck, Spain are blessed with plenty of it in Euro 2008. They were battered by Russia before prevailing 4-1 with David Villa scoring a hat-trick. Against a stubborn Sweden, Torres scored from a simple free-kick and Villa plundered in the dying seconds. Aragones fielded second-stringers against Greece but still cantered to a 2-1 comeback win. The quarter-final against Italy was goalless and Casillas saved the day in the penalty shoot-out.
Spain’s new-found killer instinct in scoring late goals and confidence to control games could be the final pieces of the jigsaw to end their 44-year wait for a major trophy. Aragones strengthened their self-belief when he said: “You mustn’t play better than a team and then lose to them. If you can’t win a match, at least don’t lose it. If you’ve got a goalkeeper like Iker Casillas, then you’ve always got a chance.”
Indeed, Spain are awakening tactically. They learned to adopt a calm and patient game of possession while waiting for their opponents to tire out and then capitalize on their mistakes. Their seven goals out of eleven scored in the second half bears testimony to this change in strategy. If the match goes to penalty shoot-outs, they have absolute faith in the safe hands of Casillas. Displaying steely nerves will be instrumental against the cold and efficient German machine.
In the 34th minute, Spain’s hopes were cast in doubt when leading scorer David Villa sustained an injury but it was a blessing in disguise as Cesc Fabregas replaced him. Russia were beginning to wrest the upper hand and finding an answer to the twin terrors of Villa and Torres. However, Fabregas’s arrival threw Hiddink’s plan into disarray.
The midfield talisman who had contributed three assists, one goal and a penalty shoot-out winner, provided the extra spark in midfield. Surging ahead (as he had done so often for Arsenal), he forced Russia on the back foot and created wide spaces for his team-mates to run into.
Since Fabregas was involved in almost all of Spain’s attacks, owing to his ability to split
defenses with precision, the Russians were forced to put extra men on him and that was the beginning of their downfall. Xavi and Andreas Iniesta were unshackled and interchanged their positions freely. The increased mobility in Spain’s forward play overwhelmed Russia and it was only a matter of time before the castle fell.
In the 50th minute, Iniesta brought the ball into the box and released a cracker. Xavi arrived unmarked to guide the ball past the keeper. Fabregas could have got on the score sheet as he fired a 35-yard blitzer, forcing Akinfeev to tip the ball over for a corner. In the 73rd minute, Fabregas set up Daniel Guiza with an excellent pass and nine minutes later, he showed great vision to find David Silva in the box who then rifled a shot into the left corner.
The critical aspect for Spain’s success is possession. With the ball at your feet, you are less tired while your opponent runs themselves into the ground trying to win the ball back. Of course, hoarding the ball is meaningless if you do not have players who can control the game’s tempo, pass the ball well and get into the right positions. The Spanish had experience and class in all respects.
Goals from Xavi and Daniel Guiza were about immaculate positioning as Fabregas can weaves his magic all day but somebody has to be at the other end to latch on to his passes. Germany had to watch out for Spain’s ability to transform possession into goals.
On the other hand, without seeing much of the ball, the mercurial Arshavin was totally subduded. Arshavin had little freedom of expression as the Spanish breathed down his neck whenever he had possession. He is restricted to making harried passes and with access to the front line of Roman Pavlyuchenko cordoned off, Russia became a sitting duck.
Aragones refused to give Fabregas all the credit because there are other worthy individuals in his team. Guiza who is fielded mostly as a substitute already had two goals to his name and players like Xabi Alonso, Santi Cazorla, Andreas Iniesta are versatile and reliable when called upon to perform.
Other unsung heroes included Carlos Puyol (Barcelona’s captain) who was the destroyer of the Russian playmaker, Arshavin. Marcos Senna was also a stabilizing force in front of the back-four and equally adept in making passes to the front line.
As for Germany, I am concerned about their championship form, the smooth, reliable German car which we are familiar with, had instead jump-started its way into the finals. They won the first group match against Poland (no great shakes) but humiliated by Croatia and resulted in a confidence crisis. A do-or-die derby battle against host Austria was then settled by Ballack’s free kick.
Germany eliminated Portugal 3-2 in the quarter-finals and survived a ferocious Turkey onslaught in the last four. Though both matches end with the same score line, the victory was much more comfortable against Portugal. It was a different story against Turkey, full credit to the inspirational Fatih Terim for making the best out of an impossible situation.
Ravaged by injuries and suspension, Turkey defied all odds to produce an exceptional performance full of grit, desire and quality. In fact, they should have established a strong advantage by half-time. Germany struggled to stay in the game and barely deserved to win but once again, they reached a major final as if it is their destiny.
In the 12th minute, Colin Kazim-Richards held his head in anguish when he rattled the bar with a powerful shot that left German keeper Jens Lehmann well beaten. He was denied by the woodwork again 10 minutes later - but this time, a lurking Ugur managed to squeeze the rebound through the legs of Lehmann.
Stunned by Turkey’s desire to dominate proceedings, Germany responded quickly when 
Lukas Podolski crossed from the left flank and Bastian Schweinsteiger toe-poked the square pass at close range. Turkey counter-attacked furiously and Lehmann was left flustered again when he misjudged Altintop’s free-kick and had to scramble back to turn the ball over the bar.
Turkey continued to gain ground in midfield and Ugur tested Lehmann’s reflexes again, after a scintillating run. The Turk’s indomitable spirit means they are at their most dangerous when the chips are down. Indeed, we nearly saw another repeat of their incredible comebacks as they equalized soon after Germany restored the lead.
Miroslav Klose headed Germany in front after 79 minutes, but with four minutes left. Semih Senturk levelled for Turkey. Phillip Lahm, who was accountable for Turkey’s two goals, turned hero with his last-minute winner as he stole in on Hitzlsperger’s pass to beat keeper Recber. Turkey could only look on in disbelief as they were given a taste of their own medicine while Germany progressed into the Euro 2008 final.
It is difficult to destroy Germany, not least because of their collective strength. They depend less on individual talents, but more on a healthy team spirit, industry and resilience under pressure. Nobody is deemed as the super star, so the whole team wins and loses together.
Michael Ballack has already been jinxed for four major tournaments and he will surely have something to say about clinching the title this time round. He has class and determination and he revels in the responsibilities and expectations of such occasions. I know he will be there to drive the team forward by setting the right examples. But to thrust a nation’s hopes on one man is unfair.
Fact is, Spanish defense looks more solid than Germany. The two goals which Germany conceded against Turkey resulted from embarrassing lapses. Mertesacker and Metzelder lacked rapport and Philip Lahm did not discharge his defensive duties well. He was more interested in joining the attacks and fortunately, he made amends by scoring the winner during his late foray.
Puyol and Marchena are the stronger pairing and in terms of goalkeeping abilities, I would rate Casillas above Jens Lehmann. Yes, Lemann is the weakest link and I just don’t know when he will commit a gaffe and drop the ball in front of a Spanish player. Germany can only hope that the midfield dominates and the front line gets an early goal to relieve pressure at the back.
Spain have already fulfilled my earlier hopes of seeing them in the finals and I believe this represents their best chance to lay claim on the European Championships. Though Germany have a near perfect scoring record in penalty shoot-outs, they will be eager to settle the match by normal time as Lehmann doesn’t inspire confidence between the posts.
Morale is high in the Spanish camp after clearing the Italian hurdle, whom they had not beaten in a competitive match in 88 years. It is even more amazing that they did it in the pressure cauldron of a shoot-out which has never been their forte. Breaking the mental block, they are more than ready to dispel the German myth too.
For fans who love the beautiful game, they can expect to feast on this spectacle of attacking football as both teams adopt a no-holds barred approach. Spain to win, anyone?
When In Doubt, Go For Germany
The quarter-finals of Euro 2008 came to an end and several favorites were slain in the process. Portugal exited the tournament with their tail tucked behind their legs after being overpowered in a 2-3 defeat by Germany. Some tears were shed as Portugal were among the most exciting entertainers. However, the mesmerizing wizardry of Cristiano Ronaldo and subtle touches of Deco count for nothing against the efficient Germans.
I wouldn’t say the writing was on the wall for Portugal’s demise but seeds of doubts were sown when they offered little resistance in the defeat to Switzerland. In fact, chinks were already exposed in their second match against the Czech Republic. Scolari’s men struggled with the opposition’s physical approach and dead-ball prowess, a scenario which was further exploited by Germany.
While I respect Germany’s quality and traditional history in major competitions, it wasn’t so much their devastating forward play which took Portugal apart. After doing their homework on Portugal’s weaknesses, Germany simply implemented their game plan effectively.
I cannot fault Scolari for being ignorant as he was aware of the key threats - aerial superiority of the Germans owing to their height while his team comprises “midgets,” lack of concentration in dead ball situations, hatchet-men Mirolsav Klose and captain Michael Ballack. He was correct on all four counts but unable to address these problems on the pitch.
Portugal never get into their stride in this nervy encounter but they were full of fighting spirit, twice reducing a two-goal deficit, through Nuno Gomes and then, in the dying minutes, Helder Postiga. They could have exacted revenge on Germany for ending their 2006 World Cup adventure but the front line sputtered and Ronaldo proved once again, his limitations in big matches.
It wasn’t a perfect farewell party for Scolari. Portugal finished as semi-finalists in Euro 2000, and when he took over, their world ranking progressed steadily upwards after getting into the Euro 2004 finals, and the semi-final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Lifting the European Championships trophy here seems like the most natural thing to do but Germany had other ideas.
Don’t feel sad for Scolari as he ends his five year reign with an emphasis on youth development vindicated and he is on his way to becoming the richest manager in the world at Chelsea. Neither should Portugal wallow in self-pity. They are reaping rewards from Scolari’s coaching and timely retirements of Rui Costa, Fernando Couto, Luís Figo and Pauleta has allowed a generation of youngsters to blossom.
With just four players aged over 30, Portugal are now bustling with exciting talents like Moutinho, Nani, Veloso and Rui Patrício. By the next World Cup in 2010, battle-hardened seniors such as Deco, Pepe, Simao and Ronaldo will form the core and provide experience and stability.
In the next match, we saw the comeuppance of Croatia’s coach, Slaven Bilic. He is being “haunted for the rest of his life” after Turkey made a dramatic comeback in the dying seconds. Croatia were nearly assured of a European Championship semi-final appearance but had victory snatched from right under their nose.
Both sides possess tactical discipline and kept it tight at the back. It is no surprise to see Bilic gushing with joy when Ivan Klasnic finally broke the duck in the 119th minute. Minutes later, his mood darkened when supersub Semih (national hero against Switzerland), blasted an opportunistic shot into the net, to force a penalty shoot-out.
The shocking turn of event gifted Turkey a vital psychological advantage as Croatia went on to miss three of four spot kicks, ending hopes of a second encounter with Germany in this competition.
It will be folly to think that luck alone helped Turkey progress into their first European Championship semi-final. The Turks have an unshakable belief that they can beat anybody and their fighting spirit is commendable. After Croatia scored, most teams will be either too disheartened or exhausted to pick themselves up from the pitch but Turkey did that and more.
Germany must not underestimate Turkey as this is already the third successive match where they came back from the dead. The Germans can take heart that Turkey are now down to their bare bones. Keeper Volkan Demirel was suspended along with Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik. Nihat (Petr Cech’s nemesis) is still a 50-50 case to start. Another positive factor for Germany is an extra rest day while the Turks had their bodies pushed to the limits in extra time and penalties after consecutive comebacks.
Gary Linker once commented that football is a silly game where 22 players chase a ball and at the end of 90 minutes, Germany always win. In this case, I am inclined to believe his “words of wisdom” that the German steamroller will prevail.
Holland 1-3 Russia: Upsets Continue
The following was guest blogged by Chris Rivers from Betting Fair.
After two nights of the under dogs coming out on top many predicted a return to regular services with the Netherlands overcoming Russia in the quarter finals. Once again though Euro 2008 has thrown up another shock and the side who blitzed their way through the ‘group of death’ now find themselves on the way home again. As for Russia since being exposed by Spain in the first game they have come on leaps and bounds with many predicting that they could well go all the way and win the tournament.
The Dutch have once again failed at a major tournament but last night it wasn’t because of squabbling in amongst themselves for once, this time they were beaten by the better side. After such a brilliant group stage many had tipped Holland to go all the way and who can blame them after destroying the last two World Cup finalists, Italy and France. Marco Van Basten seemed to have found a formula that worked after a meeting with his squad before the tournament to decide on how they should play.
Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart seemed capable of dominating any midfield whilst Edwin van der Sar was defying his age with some outstanding performances. It looked as though the Dutch had got it all together and 20 years on from their only major success many people believed their time had come again.
Unfortunately Russia and Guus Hiddink had other plans. No one can deny that the Russian’s were in scintillating form last night. If you look past their questionable marking from set pieces Russia were faultless in my eyes. They took the game to the Dutch and made sure they didn’t let the Dutch catch them on the counter attack where they had been at their most dangerous.
They exposed Holland at the back with their exceptional use of wing backs, Yuri Zhirkov and Aleksandr Anyukov have been excellent for Hiddink’s side, making the difference between success and failure. Especially Zhrikov, he looks like one to watch out for when the Champion Leagues starts up as Russia look to strengthen their club sides on the domestic front.
However the standout performance of the night has to go to Andrei Arshavin, the little forward has helped turn Russia into a free flowing force since he returned from suspension against Sweden. Before that you could see glimpses of Russia’s ability but he has been the link in the chain that has brought it all together. He tormented the Dutch defence all evening and capped it off with a wonderful goal, worthy of winning any game. To read more about Arshavin then here is the place to do it.
Right from the off you sensed that Holland weren’t quite at the races and it is funny that all the sides who changed their line-up for the final group game have been knocked out. Holland couldn’t get in behind Russia, who were content to sit back when they didn’t have the ball. There wasn’t the free flowing stuff we had come to expect from Holland in Euro 2008 and instead it was Russia who controlled the game and should have had it won before it even went to extra time.
Roman Pavlyuchenko had a golden opportunity to put Russia ahead in the first half but could only head it over. Pavlyuchenko has been another one who has benefited from the return of Arshavin with those two working well together. It was then Arsahvin’s turn to curse his luck when he tricked his way past Andre Ooijer before curling a shot towards the bottom corner only for Van der Sar to push it away with possibly the save of the tournament.
Russia then unleashed their secret weapon in the form of Dennis Kolodin who long range shooting was so nearly perfect with two efforts from over 35 yards causing concern to the Dutch goalkeeper. Holland looked dangerous from set pieces but the half belonged to Russia.
It just got worse for the Dutch after the break when 11 minutes in Pavlyuchenko gave Russia the lead after converting Sergi Semak’s cross with a clever side footed finish. Russia then began to display some of the counter attacking we had come to expect from Holland as they poured forward and should have put the game out of sight, Anuykov, Zhrikov and Saenko all having chances.
The Dutch didn’t give up and took the game to extra time when Ruud van Nistelrooy headed Sneijder’s freekick home as Russia were made to pay for their poor marking. Russia then got a stroke of luck of their own when Kolodin was handed a reprieve after picking up a second yellow card. The referee produced the red card but then changed his mind after being told by his assistant that the ball had gone out in the build up to the foul.
In extra time though Holland began to tire and Arshavin started to run the show. The Zenit St Petersburg man firstly weaved his magic on the left, producing a brilliant cross for Dmitri Torbinski to put Russia ahead from close range. Arshavin then got himself on the score sheet four minutes from the end when a quick throw-in allowed the 27-year-old to break into the penalty area before slipping the ball through Van der Sar’s legs in his last international game for Holland.
So Russia move on to the semi-finals and a meeting with either Spain or Italy. Whoever you fancy to go through head to Betfair.
