Maybe it was the Chelsea effect rubbing over but England didn’t show enough hunger to win the game. Their strategy seems to be score draws against stronger opponents and try to scrape through to the next level. But this may backfire in the long run. I couldn’t catch up this match on TV but anyways it would have been a waste of time.
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Samir Nasri (39')
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Joleon
Lescott (30')
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[Group4] [Ukraine vs. Sweden] [Anticipated Result – Ukraine wins 1-0]
But I did get a chance to catch up the Sweden-Ukraine match and what lively match it was. Ukraine dominated the proceedings for most of the first half but Sweden got its chances too including the Ibrahimovic header that hit the post. Really impressed with the way Ukraine have played - ballsy, aggressive football - one attack after the other. They are a young team and that shows on the field - it could be their boon or bane which happens to be seen as the tournament progresses. Their lack of experience is compensated by Shevchenko in the front and I hope he is able to keep this young energetic bunch together. Swedes on the other hand have Ibrahimovic in the front who just needs half a chance and a little luck to turn any game upside down.
What a nice start to the second half it was. Ibrahimovic lived up to his reputation and scored in the 50th minute. Then Shevchenko showed that why is considered such a great striker even at this age by scoring twice in the 56th and 61st minute. Ibrahimovic would consider himself extremely unlucky not to have scored off that bullet shot in the 76th minute. Ukraine rightfully slowed down the proceedings in the end to save the precious they had. Overall one of the best games of the tournament till now.
[Final Result – Ukraine won 2-1]
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Andriy Shevchenko (55')
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic (52')
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Andriy Shevchenko (62')
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[Group1] [Greece vs. Czech Republic] [Anticipated Result – Czech wins 1-0]
2 goals within the first six minutes and I had a big smile on my face. I had predicted that the Czechs would be a force to contend with but was saddened by their dismal performance against the Russians. But today was a different day and there was a different Czech team on the field. Another good thing was they didn’t stop attacking just because they had a 2 goal lead but kept applying the pressure. The Greeks did recover from the initial shock but not enough to score a goal.
The second half started on a better note for the Greeks and they were looking a better organized unit. The Czechs frittered away the advantage they had because of the goalkeeping gaffe by Petr Cech. They are a good team but tend to take things for granted and that is costing them dearly. I think they need to pull up their socks if they want to go to the next round.
[Final Result – Czech Republic won 2-1]
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Theofanis Gekas (53')
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Petr
Jiracek (3')
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Vaclav
Pilar (6')
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Couldn’t watch this one as well but heard it was a well fought one. Thought Poland would take this one – keeping the traditional rivalry in mind and the advantage of being the home team. Russia would be very happy with the result, another draw and they should be through.
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Jakub
Blaszczykowski (57')
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Alan
Dzagoev (37')
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