Switzerland v. Czech Republic 0-1
Finally, the tournament we have all been waiting has arrived. UEFA Nations Championship. Many things have been says about the tournament, which are generalizing and even fearful for the history of football. Suddenly "experts" and "analyzers" arise from The Waste Land to give a "close insight" of the teams and players as well as the history of the tournament. Many people also, make judgments invariably their knowledge on football, especially Italian. Anyway the tournament started with a beautiful opening organizing. The motives for the show were the Alps and the snowish ambient of the Central European countries.
The build up for the match had been full of expectancy. What was supposed to do Switzerland with such an array of young promises (Vonhalanten, Senseros, Djourou) and an experience bacc up (Frei, Magnin, Zuberbhueler)? After the tragic missing of the Bench-Friend Rosicky the Czech side was relying on the few experienced players like Baros, Ujfalusi, Grygera and Koller. The match proved to be more heart than mind.
As early as 3' the home side had a chance conduct of Alexander Frei. The match began rapidly with a strong sense of play within the reach of the talented players. The home side earned several chances with the crossing to the box mainly finished by skipper Frei. It was actually a good game, with the Switzerland players pushing up the midfield, crating chances. The pace of the match was almost clean with the perfect eye of Rossetti ubicously in every clash. The unthinkable happened just at 45'. Alexander Frei suffered an injury after a clash with Grygera. My earliest prediction was an ACL damage with an extension of the Lateral Colateral left ligament of the left knee. Later reports indicated that it was just the previous one. He will miss the remaining part of the tournament, being a tough trouble to the home side. A thought for him, I understand you Alexander.
Ten minute after the break the Czechs surprised the audience scoring a goal through Sverkos at 56'. The game went on through a couple of shots by the visiting side. Then the match turned rather disdainfully. Switzerland's push was enough to earn a leveler, though the lucky Chelsea keeper remained in his already known form, avoiding any danger. Vonlanthen had several chances in front of goal, all missed, one which hit the woodwork.
The match finalized with the overestimated Czech side struggling against an opposition who were fierce in all ways. It can be said that the home side is eliminated. It will be tough for them to recover, although they have all the heart but the mind.
Regarding the coverage of the EURO, ESPN's Latin American signal rose above the high level they had. Every HD repetition was commented and the several analysis programs overwhelmed the choose of viewer, remaining this only.
Portugal v. Turkey 2-0
The next match in the first day of activities was the one commanded by CR7. I mean Portugal of course, but in the recent days the speculation of his departure from the Machester side has been so tremendously overwhelming that now two Portuguese sides are playing; Portugal and CR7. The remaining players to watch were Joao Moutinho, Volkan Demirel and Arda Turan, who did not play. The stadium was pletoric, worthy of an European Championship. Asides the perfect crowd and organization the Portuguese scheme was strangely offensive, relying on two common midfielders who actually are not defensive players. And again a very good effort by the Best player in the world went wide at 7'. The absence of a Portuguese left back was present throughout the match. The Turkish defense did a solid performance. This was a constant clash of styles, with a Turkish counterattack in every moment. Simao free kick went wide at 29' meanwhile a glimpse of a nervous Ronaldo came at 30'. The Portugal side rose in game while the Turkish remained uncertain and defending with an invisible Altintop on the right back. Interesting things happened towards the end of the first half (38'): a free kick by Ronaldo hit the woodwork on a fine save by Demirel. Again Cristiano at 40' shot wide while the pace of Deco contrasted enormously with Petit's.
Right from the beginning of the second period, Portugal pushed up in an effort to gain the lead. As early at 50' the woodwork trembled after a shot from Nuno Gomes. Joao Moutinho took a chance at 5´' when the Portuguese pushed incessantly against a well organized Turkish side. This pressure was not holded by the Turks when the goal arrived at 61' product of an incursion by Pepe in the opposition box. A fine wall next to a deflected shot were the result for a good goal, that break the game. Portuguese pressure did not give for a moment when at 63' Nuno Gomes hit the woodwork after another Cristiano cross. The Turkish side gained possession in the natural dynamics of a game and missed a chance at 89', that could end the aspirations of Portugal at once. the second goal was a beautiful piece of play, followed by a Moutinhos perfect control and passing towards Meireles who came out of the bech to dilapidate Turkish hopes. It seem rather difficult for the Turkish side to face a clearer chance of stepping towards the next round while Switerland in my opinion, will not recover from the blow of loosing their captain.
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