The opening match for the so called "Group of Death" was boring. And boring in all the extension of the word. I thought France could surprise me (not Domenech) of course but they did not. First the sidelines through injuries, hit the French side with their two most prominent figure; the old "Paddy" Vieira, and the "Unnamable". This absences left no other choice to put another ex-Gunner Anelka with the first-choice striker Benzema. The first minutes of the match were a relishing one-way traffic by the French attack. The right side distinguished with Ribery swaying from the lateral towards the right midfield with the handicap of Willy Sagnol. The Romanian center back marked well with the aid of an unideal French attack close to the 11'. Both youngsters Benzema and Ribery were gravely misunderstood due to the bad functioning of the "visiting" side. The eastern team was profoundly patient throughout the match especially in the beginning of both parts of the game. The shy attempts by Niculae and Mutu were really the common place of a team who did not want to break through. All Romanian crosses were ended in attempts due to the lack of experience in Gallas, but hopefully for the French Thuram was there. The resume of this boring match was the struggling sides in possession and impression. The only thing savable from the Frech side were the attempts by Ribery and Sganol, an a couple of shy entrances by Benzema. Mutu shone in absence, as well as Chivu. The final 15 minutes of the first half were much of the same, poor chances deflected with little or none resilance. The only relevant thing in the Romanian side was the three bookies in 35 minutes!
The following half was a little more enjoying rather obnoxious. The French came out of the tunnel with the idea of touching the ball while the Romanians, guess what? Defended patiently! The game was turning so boring that even the commentators began to talk about Mexican football. Imagine how boring! Another thing that interested me, apart from the publicity was the intrusion of Gomis. The French forward stunned everyone with his inclusion in the squad, when everybody expected the talented Hatem Ben Harfa instead. Anyway the forward offered little until the good thing arrived.
Anyone who has read my blog knows my attraction for the gamestyle of Samir Nasri. I watched every game he played for Marseille this season, and I was expecting him spice things a little, which indeed he did. So hence forth in the EURO 08 I will inaugurate the NASRI WATCH. Obviously I will commend a part of the games that France plays to the development of the new reinforcement of the Arsenal FC this season. His entry in the game was in the context of a pulling but reluctant Romanian side, just after a qide shot from Chivu at 78'. Nasri performed the usual good moves as in Marseille; his statics, balls involved 12 and complete passes 11, crosses 2. He made some good walls and complemented the little midfield remaining in the French side. His distribution of the ball and vision was present but it was too little to late for him to show his talent, thus he did not contribute to the French cause. The conclusion should be, for France to get a new manager, forget about the EURO and find the next generation. For Romania would be to show a far enough decorous style against Italy especially to Mutu.
Holland v. Italy 3-0
The match that was expected throughout the world arrived after the dull game of France. Much had been said about the starting XI from the Dutch side; especially the transition of the legendary 4-3-3 to the 4-2-3-1. I will comment this later on and even a whole post to the subject, which is matter especially conducted in this "modern" football days. The game started with a liberal Catenaccio by the Italian side, with too much touching rather than holding. Far as 20' Italy slowed the pace and the glimpses of the Dutch midfield were beginning to appear. A couple of free kicks by both sides went wide at 25'. The Italian full-back was performing a good game until the Dutch goal arrived. This goal stunned everyone, from common people to referees, from commentators to the scorer himself. Everybody thought about the offside but then the player outside the field was in play, supposedly. This link should be clearing at least a little the confusion that Ruud intrude. Immediately after Sneijder scored a goal that was a true reminder of the power of the 'Oranje'. Rafael van der Vaart initiated a counter towards Ruud who crossed the ball towards Kuyt who lowered the ball with a nice header to find Sneijder with a stunning definition, that make everybody remember the Good Old days of the 70's Netherlands. In the remaining minutes of the half Italy was completely confused, at 38'. The Dutch side had the dominion in the entire sense of the world.
The ten minutes following the beginning of the remaining half were very passive of Italy, even with good wide attempts by Zambrotta. Solid defending was displayed by the Dutch. Sneijder was beginning to take an impressive part of the gameplay Holland was creating. Italy exchanged the control of the ball with Holland after a couple of wide chances by Del Piero at 66'. The fierce attacks of Italy at 70' contrasted with the solid defending of the Dutch side which, through Pirlo was achieving at least a chance to earn a goal. But the 'Oranje' was pure touch and nothing, even Catenaccio can beat the touch of the perfect technique of the few talented. After some woodwork and wide shots the Dutch side ended the match at 78' with a ruthless counterattack that ended van Bronkchorst with a beautiful header. At 81' Afellay made a tremendous play from the right that hit the woodwork barely. The final score epitomized the game, although the Italian side deserved the goal.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment