As the quarter finals come to a close and the semi's are decided, viewers anxiously await the finals. Read on to see how each team got to where it is today.
By: Andres Saladana
Game One: Portugal versus Czech Republic
Perhaps not one of the more exciting games in this quarter finals, but it certainly meant the same as all the other matches. With a 1-0 Victory over the Czech, the Portuguese showed a powerful side throughout the match. Portugal wanted to win more while the Czech wanted to play defense. The Czech strategy worked throughout the game until Ronaldo struck late into the game. Ronaldo was the player to watch that game; he showed persistence, willingness and the right attitude of a winner. Being so influential to this Portuguese team brings up a good point. Is Portugal too dependent on Ronaldo? Having sent home the Dutch on a surprise exit in this Euro, Portugal showed us how to play against the best, but can one player really do all the work for the team? There is without a doubt that Ronaldo is one of the best in the world, but Portugal does have a national team with great stars. Besides, it’s not like in Portugal there’s a nation called Cristiano Ronaldo.
Game Two: Germany versus Greece
Greece was not doomed coming into the match. In fact, many had faith in Greece in pulling a huge upset; it was said they needed a minor miracle to win. I mean, if 300 Greeks were able to hold off 10,000 Persians at Thermopylae, than 11 Greeks certainly could have a chance against 11 Germans. But nonetheless with a score line of 4-2, the Germans dominated. Coming in with a perfect record to the Euro certainly gave them confidence, ending the group stages would also hype that. Now defeating the Greeks, they have the title in site. Being one of the favorites to win the Gold, Germany has been put to the test. This Greek squad made Germany work in the first half and in the early second. At half time the Greeks were only down one goal, which wasn’t bad considering Germany maybe should have been up at least two goals, but they were making Germany slightly nervous. Greece would need just one break way to tie it up, and that’s what happened; Greece had tied it. Unfortunately, that was all Greece could give, the German force proved to be fatal in the second half and just played good football. Germany deserved the win over a good Greek squad who had nothing to lose and that give it their all.
Game Three: Spain versus France
One for the record books, Spain had never beaten France in an official game. That all changed when Xabi Alonso smashed home the header against French Keeper Llorris. From beginning to end, Spain dominated against the French. Coming into the game with a defeat against Sweden, France seemed to bring in that form to the game. The Spanish showed us why they are the reigning Euro and World Champions. It almost seemed as if France didn’t try in the game. Xabi had a great play with Jordi Alba who perhaps may be making a move to the Catalan side this end of the summer, and Xabi netted the late penalty kick. With approximately 318 passes in this Euro and two goals to his name, all I can say is “Not to Xabi”. Aside all the critics France had gotten after this game, I believe France made a good run. This is not the squad who performed a catastrophe in the ’10 World Cup; this was a much more mature squad with good talent. After being sent home I give France their props. They played well this tournament and exemplified how much a team can change from two years.
Game Four: Italy versus England
Old war rivals and old football rivals, nothing does change in this beautiful game (besides the players), but this old game is a beautiful sport. Seeing two nations battle it out on the field is simply like tactic war, in a sense, but this was the most exciting game in terms of excitement. Ending the match in PK’s is always a fun thing to watch, but sometimes the team that may not deserve the win that day wins. That wasn’t the case in this game. This was the Italian’s game and they played it well. This side plays football very simple, nice, orderly and defensively. After grinding it out on the field versus the English side, the Italians dominated but were very unfortunate. Striking the post seemed to be a game changer, had the first shot in minute two gone in, we would have had a different game. But there is no had this or that in football. It either happened or it didn’t unless you’re England, either the refs work with you that game or they don’t, in making a reference to the two goals which involved the uprising demand for video replay. It was a hard match, both sides had chances, none were converted; the keepers did their part in the goal making crucial saves at crucial times. It was football at its finest. It all came down to the Penalty Shoot-out. One should be worried about Balotelli shooting the first PK, not because he is an unpredictable player but because he has never missed from the spot in an official match. After the first missed PK by the Italians, the English were halfway into the finals, but then Young missed. Italy was back in it; and then Buffon became the hero by saving Cole’s PK. Unmentioned in this brief description of the PK’s was Pirlo’s penalty, absolutely wonderful. Pirlo again proves to be the heart of this Italian squad. A simple chip down the middle of the goal beating Joe Hart was just magnificent. As stated in the previous three matches, I would like to say congrats to the English. They played very well this Euro, much wasn’t expected due to their recent internal problems, but they seemed to prove us wrong and giving this Euro a great run. My only question is, why would you let Ashley Cole take the final Penalty Kick? Seriously, just let Andy Carroll take it instead. And why is that Hart had more passes than any English player that night? (45)
Recap of the Quarter Finals
· Ronaldo wanted to win it more than anyone out on the pitch
o Is Portugal too dependent on Ronaldo?
· The Germans proved to be almighty even though 300 Greeks could destroy a Persian army of 10,000.
o FACT: Germany has sent out its youngest squad ever to the Euro. Germany has won the Euro with its youngest squads twice. Will history be made?
· Spain proved to continue its winning streak and made France turn a little le blue.
o FACT: Spain has never lost with their away blue jersey or when Torres has scored in the game.
· Pirlo proves to have better hair flow than Torres. And Buffon got Alzheimer’s and forgot how to lose.
o Rumor has it Young, Ramos, and Cole have called Pirlo for PK shooting lessons.
Predictions
· Spain will eke out a victory against the Portuguese. Perhaps a 2-1 W for the Spanish. Iniesta and Fabregas and Ronaldo scoring
· Germany will send the Italians home on their run for the Gold in OT with a goal from Gomez. 1-0.
· Final: Spain versus France. PK’s. Schweinsteiger keeping calm and scoring. Not hitting the post this time.
0 comments:
Post a Comment