EURO 2008 Group C Day 3 8/Jun/08

Romania v. France 0-0
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.

EURO 2008 Group B Day 2 8/Jun/08

Austria v. Croatia 0-1
The Croatian side promised so much from the beginning of the tournament that the overall balance of the team as a team was neglected in favor of the little starlets such a as Modric. The game started with a penalty kick and right from the 4' Modric put the Croatians on top. It appeared a match to be won clearly by the Croatians but the home side loyally struggled the entire match, giving us the best game in moths, so far. The game leveled at 20' with the Austrians attempting to reach the box. The match swayed relentlessly from one end to the other. We found in one minute Austria in a full attacking capacity and in the next moment a home side defending by any means possible. At 33' it was clear that the Croatians still had the pace in their hands with the ability of fasten or slowed it at any moment. But the point was that none of the midfielders of Croatia made correct choices. This lack of game in the midfield gave the advantages that the hosts will have in the second period.

The equalizer seemed fair in a match that was far from grace even on both sides. As early as the 56' Austria tried to find the equalizer relentlessly. Several players like Niko Krankjar and Modric were completely lost. Luca is the engine of the team, and he proved his condition of Central midfielder in the sense of speeding the game. But if we remember, speeding a game is not a resource for loosing pressure, and that was the mistake by the Croatians. The visiting side recovered the ball in the 67' but this ease on pressure was regained and then was when all the attacks became predictable; vertical crosses or crosses from the sides. The push was so intense by the 75' that the equalizer was close. The drive by the home side was inevitable. The problem was the finish (i.e. Arsenal FC). The game was this; a promising start by the eastern side that diminished in time ending in a disappointing finish. The referee stand out due to his polemic decisions but it was the lack of final touch by the Austrians that ended abruptly their hopes for future knock-out stage contendants. The final free kick epitomized the match; pure effort but no talent.




Germany v. Poland 2-0
Of course that the match that raised expectation due to the media coverage was my first title-contender team Germany (second Portugal, Holland third and Spain performing a very decorous show). The starting XI by the Bavarians was clearly offensive but with one problem that I will comment later; Lukas Podolski. Of course it was not a problem in the end due to his two goals and leading scorer of the tournament but certainly out in trouble Marcel Jansen. I will paraphrase Eduardo Biscayart on this topic. He said that the German midfield was "fake". Fake in the sense of belonging positions, which again has to do with Dissapearing in the Pitch. However Clemens Fritz is not a truly Left midfielder and neither Ballack as a central role and even less Frings. This problem began taking shape before the goal. Lukas Podolski could not find his form in the left side, thus leading to Jansen in lateral role, laving spaces which the Polish attacks wasted, actually. The goal arrived at 20' from an onside pass from Klose. The defense played bad the offside trap leading to the eventual lead. Germany played calmly after the goal, even though the Polish side pushed strongly at 35'. By the time the half time whistle was blowing the efforts by Poland were enough to equalize with the already troubled German midfield merely holding.

In the second half the match was balanced, again with the Polish side through Guerreiro. Then it appeared that the Polish attack was reaching the leveler when the counters by Germany were at hand, hence for some minutes we had a match that swayed from side to side. Bennhacker was keen on the progression of the game through touch. Bu that was not even enough for them to level the game. Boruc at least performed three definitive saves. Then the final punch to the opposition came with the goal from "Prinz" Poldi. The swing by Klose provided Poldi a perfect opportunity to volley the number 5, which eventually happened. From the second goal towards the end the German superiority overwhelmed the Polish capacity, which ended far from being on goal. Schweinsteiger produced little change, but it was the whole team, the group effort, who proved why title-contenders epithet should be removed instead of title-owners, although it is too early to diagnose a winner at the end of the month.

EURO 2008 Group A Day 1 7/Jun/08

Group A Day 1 7/Jun/08
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.

"My Heart aches..."

For all the people who care and the ones who do not...
Today as I was getting up in the early morning, I thought everything would turn just fine, after a couple of lunatics played Star Fox in my wretched knee. Anyway, I got up to watch the EURO as every important match in the football calendar. But I could not stand. I was thinking about Cesc, his talent and age. About Agüero, his talent and age, and Ramsey (new Arsenal signing) his talent and his girlfriend. So I was thinking about the things I do now since I am turning twenty next month. I have done nothing. I could, in some ways, be a first team choice in the most corrupt team in Mexico. But I am lying in my PC watching a dull game of Russia, finishing Atonement (I will give it back mijo!), and in this times I really think of my future. The hope is that the Maya calendar says the world finishes at 2011. It is not a matter of believings and the fact that I am a religious (which obviously I am not), Bu sometimes you got to hold on to something, especially in this times when you need strength, even if it is the Fate.

The Best player I have ever seen

Tapes and historical data is invaluable to the progress of human civilization. But the fact that history is revived through documents is a very tricky concept. Lets take for a moment the Irish upheaval of 1916. There were several mistakes and stepping stones towards the study of this rebellion fifty years ago, mainly from political reasons. One can take for example a "real contemporary account" in order to go deep into this event. That could be for example, "Easter 1916" by William Butler Yeats. But when we face the current psychological situation of the author at that moment (he felt betrayed by the other Irish leaders concerning Maud Gonne)and his previous poetical work we can see that his vision of the rebellion was different from "what it was". And certainly that subjectivity of reality leads me to the the discussion now instructed. Are we supposed to rely on historical evidences to believe past events? The frenzy of Positivism and Empiricism that has prevailed since the establishment of the science as the whole truth led us to find unequivocal pieces of evidence in "truth". So Why should we care about past events if we can watch present events now?
It is matter of collective memory.
The continuous discussion between who is the best player in the world of all times lead me to archive in almost a decade, when my appetite for historical football sources was reaching its peak. I managed to acquire a good deal of tapes, ranging from Pelé's Santos and Maradona's Barsa through Cruyff's turn and Platini's revenge. This amount of heavenly material inspired at first to play football. But I felt somehow hollow. These tapes, as many historical speeches given in primary schools in Mexico about ancient heroes, were completely far from my understanding of "empirical reality". But hen the appeared.
It is true that many of the icons of Football, previously mentioned, are the best of the best among the best. But my generation (late 80's) really did not watched any football redentors. Cantona's age was over and the last time I saw him in TV was on a movie about Queen Elizabeth. Van Basten gave glimpses of his talent after a horror injury and Baggio seemed to far from this continent, even far in TV transmissions. And then he appeared.

The incursion of Zinedine Zidane to my footballistical knowledge came with the first Juventus scudetto. Then the Madrid years came after two wonderful championships with Les Bleus. The way he conducted himself in the pitch was marvelous. He did not seem far away from the Mechanic Orange days or the Napoli majestic deeds. He was in the present, in the instant, live and direct. I saw him throughout his career and I am proud and delighted to have seen a player of his character and technique at the time when he was GREAT.
I saw him as millions of people did. It was live and raw. I do not have to put the tape, or ask elder people about his play, and as with literature I see him now. I enjoyed his play, and this is a homage to the people who saw him, to the people who did not, and to the people that saw previous figures and feel the same towards them. Above all a homage to him that I could not wrote when the famous 'headbut' happened. I am really grateful to him, because he made me happy when I failed at a math test, or when my mom barked, as always. THANK YOU Zizou for those beautiful glimpses of magnificent technique. Thank you for that goal against Bayer Leverkusen.