After watching the opening rounds of the Euro's, we take a look back on who made the difference, and who will step up in the tournament.
By Andres Saldana
Andrei Arshavin (Russia) (MID) – Perhaps the most influential player for this Russian Squad, certainly a veteran, but he’s showing his great form that he brought back from Zenit. Linking up with his partner at Zenit, Dzagoev, Arshavin showed to be the heart of the team that day with achieving two assists. He had a hard fought game, didn’t score, but two assists that gained goals. Those extra two goals could be crucial for Russia in qualifying to the next round, because it could come down to goal differential. Russia showed us great football, but Arshavin showed us why he’s a player to watch out for.
Tyton Przemyslaw (Poland) (GK) – The Polish Keeper stood firmly between his goal posts and having his first touch be the most important for his nation. Saving a penalty kick against Greece saved Poland from a catastrophe on the opening of the Euro. Had Greece finished that penalty, it would have been game over for the Polska. Pryzemyslaw came on for Szcenzy after given a red card and causing a foul in the box. This block could have given Poland hope to advance to the next round and the Greek’s another horrific Euro tournament. There is no doubt that he was the hero of the day.
Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine) (FWD) – What an amazing start of the tournament for Ukraine. Having won over Sweden with 2-1 victory, Ukraine showed us another upset of the tournament. Shevchenko made history in netting two goals and being the oldest player of age to score two goals in one game of the Euro. Despite his age, he showed us that he still has it, and pulled off two great headers, which were not easy by the way. He was the big man on campus that day.
Andres Iniesta (Spain) (MID) – Perhaps known for his game winning World Cup goal and his success at Barcelona, Iniesta vs Italy was one of the most consistent players for Spain. Iniesta has a mind of his own; he has brilliant control and vision. At times Spain was looking very poor and having trouble getting up to the goal, but then came along Iniesta to push the team up. He had a few shots that caused some trouble for Italy, but notably he did not have the assist versus Italy but he did give it to Silva who gave the assist for Fabregas to execute. He is definitely a player who made an impact.
What/Who to look out for in the next round(s)
Group A
· Watch out for Russia. They have not tasted defeat in the past 15 games. Arshavin and youngster Dzagoev. They have something to prove and are ready to prove that they can go far in this tournament.
· The Polish have the support of the whole nation and being the host country brings them pressure to advance. This team has the potential to go far especially with players like Lewandowski, Piszczek, and Blaszczykowski whom all three play with the double winners, Borussia Dortmund.
Group B “The Group of Death”
· Watch out for Germany. Germany is a huge favorite in this tournament and has showed great form. They have players like Neuer, Hummels, Ozil, and Gomez who can lead the nation to Gold. Having many players from Bayern Munich in the squad, those players come motivated to win the Gold and want to get rid of the taste of defeat they had versus Chelsea in the Champions League Final.
· Key Matches that can determine who passes. With Denmark upsetting the Dutch right off the bat, could have cost Netherlands. The next games are crucial; the worst thing any team can do in this group is not win. Every point is needed.
· The Netherlands; you can never count them out. They will be looking to advance through results dependent on others and may come down to goal differential. Watch out for players like Van Persie, Snjeider and Robben.
Group C
· Spain perhaps favorite here, you cannot count the reigning champions out. They have a lot of pressure coming into the tournament.
· Italy is a threat. With players like Andreas Pirlo and Cassano. Things could be difficult for the teams, especially since Italy played good defense versus Spain. Croatia will be looking to take down Italy, especially since they have not lost to Italy after becoming a nation. (Correct me if I’m wrong)
Group D
· France, maybe another Dark Horse of the tournament. This squad is a much different squad from the one in the ’10 World Cup. They have a 22 game unbeaten streak which is a record. With a great attacking force and midfield, they can be deadly. Having made England play a subpar game, they have potential to go onto the next round and upset other nations. Watch out for Benzema and Ribery.
· Ukraine was a much inspired team playing against Sweden. Those three points we’re huge! Being a co-host is never easy, but winning their opening game can give a huge boost for them.
· Players to watch from this group: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Rooney (upon his return), Gerrard.
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