Notes and books

At some time in Writing Degree Zero Roland Barthes poses the idea of the object as an extension of some kind of physical self: something that stays with you as an extension, or lets say, as a member that carries certain function. In this case, a pair of shoes, a book or even an I Pod work as a conglomerate which by extension acquire certain value due to the uses they've paid.





In my special case, this object is a little Mead Magic Explosion Insects Version 150-paged ruled notebook. With this notebook I make annotations for what would later become the football match reviews, here at the blog. In this case, this loyal ruled friend accompanied me first when the EURO 2008 was beginning, particularly in the match between Switzerland and Portugal, and the heart-breaking Turkey v. Czech Republic nearly two years ago. The second match, as you could see, ended with an outstanding 3-2 on favour of the Turks. Obviously the state of the posts has improved tremendously (or at least that's what I think, or pretend to think).





One can see the actual end of something that is purely physical as a notebook and when one looks on the pages written ages ago, emotive times pass as a recreation of a memory. I went on an extensive search after that kind of notebooks, but the outcome was far from being prosperous. In any case, it was substituted, just as a player on the pitch.





The experience of writing in Spanish has been quite an adventure for me, even when it is my mother tongue. In Mexico there's not an actual government programme for the care of writing from very early stages of school development, despite all the prizes and awards made by public and private institutions. Nevertheless, my awful composition seems to be improving. I do it slowly, and strangely, one can end up with a four-year degree in English literature without having the least sense of a proper writing in an Spanish-speaking country. The odd thing would be that I care less than a rat's ass, but that's not the case.

In other news we have some music from Das Racist via Stereogum. The mixtape is right here. You can have a funny week if you listen to this New York Hip-Hop. It's amusing enough not to fall over your books when reading... ehrm...

EURO 2008 Awards

Another awards ceremony is provided by your dear blogger. Another list is here. Enjoy!

Best Young Player

1-Luka Modric (Croatia)
2-Francesc Fábregas (Spain)
3-Arda Turan (Turkey)

Worst Young Player

1-Bafetimbi Gomis (France)
2-Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
3-Johan Vonhlanten (Switzerland

Best Goal
1-Holland 4-1 France by Wesley Sneijder
2-Spain 1-0 Germany by Fernando Torres
3-Turkey 3-2 Czech Republic by Nihat

Best Match
1-Turkey 3-2 Czech Republic
2-Holland 3-0 Italy
3-Italy 0-0 Spain

Worst Match
I had the dishonor of watching the replay later on of the Swedish team. After the French game I actually did enjoy the EURO and I think we watched excellent matches, thus the French side earned the most boring performance.
1-Romania 1-1 France
2-Greece 0-2 Sweeden
3-Greece 0-1 Russia

Best Revelation

1-Andrei Arshavin (Russia)
2-Colin Kazim Richards (Turkey)
3-Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia)

Best Player

1-David Villa (Spain)

2-Andrei Arshavin (Russia)

3-Wesley Sneider (Holland)

Worst Player

1-Angelos Basinas (Greece)
2-William Gallas (France)
3-Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Best Goalkeeper

Iker Casillas (Spain)
Iker rose above his best quality and lifting the final trophy at Wien. He had the help of a good and solid defense block but his prowness and security gave him the post.

Best Defender

Servet Cetin (Turkey)
Servet showed the pure force of the Turkish side, with movility and strenght even playing with an injury!

Best Midfielder

Wesley Sneijder (Holland)
The organizer of the New Holland style finally capitalized his good season.

Best Striker


Actually the division in these award was for David Villa (4 goals), but last goal from Fernando Torres and three game thriller Arshavin stunned the Spaniard. I will give this awards to these three players.

Tournament's starting XI
Goalkeeper- Iker Casillas (Spain)
Defenders- Sergio Ramos (Spain), Phillip Lahm (Germany), Carlos Marchena (Spain), Servet Cetin (Turkey)
Midfielders- Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Wesley Sneijder (Holland), David Silva (Spain), *Lukas Podolski (Germany).
Strikers- David Villa (Spain), Andrei Arshavin (Russia).
Bench- Jens Lehmann, Robert Kovac, Luka Modric, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Roman Pavlyuchenko.

EURO 2008 Final Day 19 29/Jun/08

Germany v. Spain 0-1
Finally, after 44 years the Spanish side can make happy the world football, winning with personality and good game the EURO 2008. Nostalgia would invade us with such a fine tournament that gave us one of the greatest comeback ever, tremendous goals and good gamestyle. Some teams became lapidated by age while some youngsters rose to become true figures. Renovation is the key to a good starting XI while good football prevailed the horrid and disgusting defensive style. Finally Spain chased their ghosts and without Raúl the demythification of the players finally capitalized. It would be a long wait for the next EURO, which eventuallly will not be played in Ukraine-Poland, but we will have the WC in two years (other event that will not take place in the African country, according to my predictions).
The game thrilled all the world, with the worst version of the German football reaching a Final with a deteriorated team. On the other side the Iberic team reached the final with the best of styles, and my favorite: Good technical pass football with accuracy and definition. And this was the struggle, if the good football will prevail over the diminished strenght of the Germans. One point I want to enhalt is Torsten Frings. From the last match his willingnes and combativeness remained untouched and he is worth the praise. While some of his partners (i.e. Ballack) are reluctant to actively left everything on the pitch he does it with a strenght unbelievably considerable. He is the truly heir of the German school: "the team mate is over me". He played injured like "Der Kaiser". And that is enough to me to see his willingness to win.
In the starting XI of the Spanish side the first impression was the amount of people in the midfield, and of course the naming of Skipper Cesc. This 5-men midfield was the speciality of the house, used throughout the tournament and the so famous troubled Spanish midfield became the controlling machine that earned the winner spot. The first interesting movements in the match took place within the left side of the pitch. Although it seemed that Spanish ball control (70%) was exceeding the Germans, it was through Phillip Lahm that the German side attempted most of the times in the first 15 minutes. Sergio Ramos known pull gave the Bayern player a good option from that side even ending in a wide Hitzlsperger shot at 9'. The difference between a Right Back (in spanish DEI) and Right lateral (LAD) concern also with Dissapearing in the Pitch. The German side remained confident, touching the ball with several walls and overlapings until the Spanish Midfield began to take control of the match at 14'. At 15' a chance produced in a deflection by Metzelder which Lehmann saved miracously. But near the 25' Torres, the perfect '9' became present with two headers, one in the woodwork. And it was through "El Niño" that the lead came. At 33' Torres gained the back of Lahm by a Cesc pass which defined tremendously. The goal was certainly a masterpiece. After the stunning goal from the "visiting side" came the German team demoralization opened clearly.

It all began with the unfit captain Michael Ballack. He always injures in the key moments, and does not want to carry the weight of the team in his shoulders. Certainly, unlike Frings, he is unfit to be captain such as William Gallas. In the final part of the first half the German side began to pull rather with obligation than with will. A melee attempted by Ballack resulted in the booking of Casillas.

The second half was the capitalization of several decades of wait for the Spanish people. First Loew went crazy substituting Phillip Lahm, by far the best German defender, with an undecisive Jansen. At the time of the reactions the Spanish side began pressuring in the wide open spaces at 56'. Ballack took a wide shot after a Jansen cross in 60'. The German pull was more strenght than talent. The offside trap on Torres was one of the few things that Germany could save from this match. When the match seemed to level Xabi Alonso came of the bench for Cesc to add equillibrium in the midfield. Things warmed up after a 'Materazzi' attempt of headbutt by Silva on a good match Poldi. Thus Cazorla replaced Silva at 65'. Reaching the 69' pain was closer on opening the lead than the leveler of Germany. Ballack dissapeared completely and Germany reluctantly forwarded. Xavi was elected the tournament's best player but I do not agree. He does not know the value of the through-pass, so much valued in the English football. The final minutes saw the German side succumb against the perfect football, the last gasp was on Gomez sub. Another melee was staged by Marchena and Ballack, in the agonizing stages of the match. And with the touching of the ball by Spain at 92' the match ended with the new European Champions Spain.

And thus was the end of the EURO 2008 that left us with the truth vindication of the Arsenal FC football style.
Finally I have to say that my predictions were 50/50. I did not listen to the advices of my brother regarding the Russian power. Usually, you dear reader, know that I do not tend to 'show off', but my football predictions are famous among my family and friends, thus earning a couple bucks in the usual bets and so. Even though my predictions were that either Portugal or Germany will show in the Final match, while the Dutch and Spanish sides will show a far decourous style in the persecution of the title. France will be a disaster as Italy, the Czechs and Greeks. I thought Croatia and Turkey will end up in a very bad situation against the potent headliners. Russia was more of an invitation instead of the England team. And now that I am reflectioning about England, staying out of the past tournament will be even more helpful in order to recheck the current situation of English football. I also thought that Switzerland will show even more. But who knows?

EURO2008 Semifinal Round 2 Day 18 26/Jun/08

Russia v. Spain 0-3
The Russian dream ended this thuesday when Andrei Arshavin failed to consagrate when his team most needed. Spain displayed the same dose of good football against an attemptive Russian side, who failed to impress the football world. The scope of the youngster Spanish side was to be proven.
As early as the 7' Torres provided Sapin the first chance, also Xavi with a wide defelected shot early on 6'.The first minutes were calmed even with a mediocre start from the Spanish side, especially the midfield. Iniesta is a good example, he has no idea of the overlaping concept. Even Xavi so famous for his "passing" cannot give Torres a wide open space pass, the usual he encounters in Liverpool. At 16' Roman Pavlyuchenko shot wide from a free kick, followeda at 61' from another wide kick. Spain was calmed and focused, while producing several chances which did not end as they would like, touching and creating while Russia speculated and waited.

In the second half things openedfor the "visiting" side. The lead came in the 50' through Iniseat which assisted Xavi on a fine cross inbox. At 53' a wide shot from Torres came from a Cesc asisst. The Spanish side showed several attempts to extend the lead which capitalized in the 75' when Dani Güiza defined marvelously after a chip pass by Cesc. This was an excellent play which delivered us with the perfect technique execution of Cesc and the clean finishing of Güiza. Spain at that moment was showing to be a good contender in the last match. At that moment of the game I was wondering all the fuzz that the media made around Arshavin. Was he really playing? Because if he was the I did not notice it, and my brother and cousin neither noticed so? The point is that he dissapeared completely from the pitch, he was nulified by Ramos, Marchena and Puyol. I remebered that joke Fernando Palomo from ESPN quote from an English peper about The Prince Harry and Dirk Kuyt. In the final stages of the match Cec again found an open space in the left and assisted youngster Silva, who controlled and defined in the close post. In that way Spain earned their way through the Final match. With style and good game play.

EURO 2008 Semifinal Round 1 Day 17 25/Jun/08

Germany v. Turkey 3-2
Today's match ended the constant struggle of the Turkish combative personality. Germany was far from the level developed in the past WC but with the few glimpses of talent proved by the most regular of her players throughout the tournament, Phillip Lahm, qualified to the next stage. The TV program was a mess. As you could also have experienced it the signal failed due to the electrical storm in Basel, thus causing three major transmission shotdown. Most of the second half was a picture of the beautiful German followers. Thus the review will only talk about the phases of the game in which the signal was available.
The first minutes of the match saw levelled, paired sides, both managing the pace nervously through touching. But passing the 15' mark a tempestuous Turkish side wanted the lead due to the facilities the German side provided. Colin Kazim Richards shot at woodwork was one proof of the lead of that came at 17'. After a woodwork shot the rebound was taken by Boral who strangely shot against a struggling Lehmann. After that the relaxation of the presurre did not end thus leading in a simple counter attack by Germany to equalize through Schweinsteiger "crack" definition, at 26'. Podolski's attempts levelled the game, leaving us with a fine game. Poldi wide shot at 35' was a proof of the German hidden potential, which was shown during the counters.

The second half came with the substitution of Rolfes, a very helping situation for the German side. At 50' a clear Penalty kick was not marked by Busaca. Germany tried to "repair" their mess by aggresively attacking at 57' but later the Turkish side rushed.
Then SIGNAL FAILURE from 60' to 65'.
When the signal returned the balance have swayed on the Turks.
Then SIGNAL FAILURE from 77' to 85'.
But meanwhile we saw again and again the picture of different fans in the stands, according to Mexican AM radio transmission at 79' a goal by Klose lead the germans. The cross was from Lahm with a finie header finish by the Bayern player. and when the match was at his highest peak Semi Senturk came to equalize miraculously, as the Turks play, by a Sabris corss. Lehmann disattention to the play caused Semi to finish strangely rare. The turkish side comeback was Epic in all the extense of the word. But the game was finished by the pure and sole will of Phillip Lahm. The wall came with Hitzlsperger and finished tremendously, evading Rustu to give Germany their undeserved pass to the Semifinals.

Quarter Final Round 4 Day 16 22/Jun/08

Spain v. Italy 0-0 (4-2)
The last Quarterfinal saw the current World Championsmiss the spot in the Semifinal, justly of course, against a perfect Spanish side that rely in their Penalty kick ability in one of the best match so far of the tournament. The match gave us a true Final environment.
The match began with a dynamic play by both sides, especially on the Midfield qith Italy turning to an "aggresive" Catenaccio. A very impressive feature was at the stands. One can ussualy watch several personalities from Rod Stewart to Liam Gallagher or to Alessandra Ambrossio, Tony Parker and Eva Longoria, Tom Cruise etc. But to watch football legends talking calmed and friendly talk is priceless. Zinedine Zidane was showing something to Arsene Wenger. I hope that he showed him to keep his players and make better bids. I also hope Zizou told Wenger if he had some space in his team. Right from the 16' The Italian defensice block settled,. performing a fierce defensive strucutre. The only way Spain could crete chances was on the sides of the talented midfield. Aquilano and Grosso performed acceptably while Silva shot went wide at 24' and 32'. The danger approached Italy when they were defending in the box with ten men. Toni headed after a Cassano cross without perocupation at 38'. Silva had a very good first half when he exchanged sided with Iniesta.

Certainly Italy missed the advices of his Skipper.
In the early 49' Silva had a chance, when the open spaces began to be created. Cesc and Güiza came of the bech to freshen the side. Casillas performed a terrific save at 60'. The Spanish side was thinking to much the movements Italy did not make (strange, I know) but the Italian team certainly playerd with experience. It began to appear the narrow game; the close range passes were not as accurate as they should be, mistakes were made etc. At 80' Senna made a shot that hit the woodwork. As the end of the regular time was approaching the Spanish side pressed against a well defended Italian side.
Silva had a shot in the 93' as well as Marchena deviated a Toni cross. Casillas saved tremedously a Di Natale header at 95'. The goal was approaching by both sides. The pull of Spain was corageous, it ended with a wide shot by Güiza at 104'.
Del Piero entrance at 107' was to late for an Italian side who fought fierce against an Spanish opposition that forced them to play the Catenaccio in the most primaeval of ways. The Spanish will to overcome at 115' was remarkable, but the Hiatory was weighing. In the final instants the Italian side was completely forwarded. the final whistle determined the Penalty shootout.

Spain	Villa, On	Cazorla, On	Güiza, Miss	Cesc, On
Italy	Grosso, On	De Rossi, Miss	Camoranesi, On	Di Natale, Miss

EURO 2008 Quarter Final Round 3 Day 15 21/Jun/08

Holland v. Russia 1-3
The real question at the beggining of the match was how could Russia cope with such game play the Dutch side has performed? But it was the Russian side who gave a class of how-to-beat-a-avantgarde-team-in-ten-minutes. Certainly the 4-5-1 was ounumbered in any sense of the word, since Hiddink did his homework in the video tapes.
The match was quite dull at the beggining, but the Dutch side was contemplative and lazy while the Russians seeked opportunities with Pavlyuchenko's 7' wide header. By the 20' Wesley Sneijder, the so-called motor of the new Oranje, was nearley invisible as well as playmaker Van der Vaart. The game was passive and declared as "táctico" [tactical]by Javier Aguirre, whatever he meant to say. Russian attempts were saved by veteran Man Utd keeper Van der Saar, mostly from Kolodin and Arshavin. The Dutch struggle to win possesion ended the first half.

The lead came after a fine Pavlyuchenko definition on an excellent Arshavin request, in 46'. The Oranje found a strong opposition and by 67' the Dutch side was desperate, reconvining to their natural 4-3-3 formation. The Russian pressure kept the Dutch squad tight ending in some feeble shot by Sneijder in 80'. The consolation prize was through Ruud van Nistelrooy in 87' when a good cross from Wesly found the head of the madrid striker to finish in the net.

The final grasp from the Dutch extended the game to over-time, where the Russian finally capitalized their win. The minutes after the second Russian goal saw some woodwork hits as well as the Dutch tempestive and unideal attempt. Arshavin finished things with a cross after a goos pllay on Torbinski who, as Cuahtemoc Blanco in 1998 WC finished with the external part of te boot, rejoining many Mexican memories. At 110' a perfect Arshavin ended the already end match with fine finish between the legs of the keeper, due to a center-back error.

EURO 2008 Quarterfinal Round 2 Day 14 20/Jun/08

Croatia v. Turkey 1-1 (1-3)
Nerve-breaking games seem to be the leitmotiv of the matches played by the Turkish side. This time was against group winners Croatia, who displayed a perfect record in group stage. The match began with the overwhelming pressure of the "home side". In 19' Modric crossed the ball towards a forward who hit the woodwork, the bounce came to Krancjar who could no capitalize the chance. The match went on as the Croatian side pulled and pulled towards the goal, with some shots wide by the Croatians. Before the ending of the full ninety minutes, Srna's strike was saved providentially by Rustu

The second phase of the game, the next thirty minutes, were dominated mostly by the Croatian pull. It was not until the mere end of the match, at 119', that the brilliant Modric struggled to cross the ball after a clumsy exit of Rustu which was capitalized by Klasnic. Immediately after the goal, a long ball from the keeper went on the box, did not got cleared anf found its way in to the back of the net by a crushing strike by Senturk. Bilic boiled from the bench due to the extention of the time; the goal was scored in injury time. It is quite stupiduos that the referees add injury time in the extra-time because it is over-over-over injury time.

The penalty shoot-out came after the dramatic ending, as a perfect summarized style of the Turkish. The nerves finally came over the Croatians who missed three out of four. Both Rakitic and Modric awnted to put the ball in the corner, a rookie mistake. Finally the Turkish side is on the semifinal, with at least ten men down, either on suspension or injured. We will see how can turks can cope with the diminished side. Here the list of shooters.

Croatia	Modric, Miss	Srna, On	Rakitic, Miss	Petric, Miss
Turkey	Turan, On	Senturk, On	Altintop, On

EURO 2008 Group D Day 11 18/Jun/08

Russia v. Sweden 2-0
The match that gave the Russian their qualifier saw the resurging of the ex-captain Arshavin shine far above the level. The Zenit forward was certainly one of the players to watch but his temptestive actions in the last Russian friendly before the EURO gave him a two- match ban.
The match was quite amusing. In the first minutes the Russian side was performing several attacking opportunities among Zhirkov's side sentries. The game performed by the Russians was merely touching. And in this way Pavlyuchenko lead the russians through a good definition after an Anyukov service. Pavlyuchenko has really impresed me so far; in this EURO he has played the role of a perfect supportive striker, the one that drags the defenders and that appears in the space. By the 38' the Spartak player hit the woodwork twice, while the alarming statisctic proved the abuse of possesion by the former Soviet side. The dynamic first half saw the Swedish keeper Isaksson very busy.

Rafael "Guama" Puente, former Atlante goalkeeper, makes a wide array of interesting comments and the ones that he made about the Russian style as the anthitesis of Oranje's in the 70's were really interesting. But immediately the star that stole the show appeared from the dark; Andrei Arshavin scored a fine goal after a good play on a devastating counter-strike. The inertia of hte match forced the Swede team to had the possesion but it was regained by the Russians after a wide Zlatan shot at 77'. The game ended on the final childish Swede attempts to make a counte on a very impressive Russian defensive midfiel block.
In other accounts the Spanish National side became the third team to reach the 9 points in the qualification stage. The Spaniards came from behind and beat the unfashionable Greek side 2-1.

Quarter Finals
Holland v. Russia
Spain v. Italy

EURO 2008 Quarter final Round 1 Day 13 19/Jun/08

Portugal v. Germany 2-3
The Portuguese side saw its dreams shattered after the lost against the eventual runners-up Germany. Above all the level of both unfocus and untrust were the main factors towards the end of the Portuguese dream. CR7 failed to deliver the high quality show that has become standard in his games. Certainly for the Iberic side the match ended their aspirations while the mediocre Germany with the attitude that characterizes their game found little ot none opposition towards the goal.
The match began with usual cool movement of the ball by the German side. The Portuguese reluctantly fouhgt the opposition in several ways, all diminished in the search of possesion. At the beginning of the 20' minute a chance from the left was created, which eventually ended on goal. It was Poldi, again, who crossed the ball to find a man-marked Bastian. The ball entered in the near post. The eventual Portuguese declene began with the substitution of the knee-injured Moutinho, the 33'. By that time the second goal came from a Bastian set piece which Klose headed. Portuguese defenses struggled in all the set-pieces. The final part of the first half saw the tremendous pull of the Portuguese side which obviously ended in the net. At th end of the game it was obvious that the "home side" could equalize with some effort.

The match turned the same in the following forty-five minutes. The goal by Michael Ballacj was an insult fro the game. He clearly pushed his team-mate from Chelsea, Ferreira, to gain advantage to score. Of course in football all means necessary to win are valid bu this obne exceeded the record. Bastian Schweinsteiger seems to rose above level when facing Portugal. Two years ago, in the third-place match at the WC, he stunned the Iberic side with three thunderous strikes, one deflected but eventually in goal. Today, one goal and two assists made him earn the player of the match award.
Finally the German pull evidently turned against the will of the Portuguese who at the end of the match wasted at least seven chances, with Nani in the main spot. Tactical changes made the team switched to a 4-3-3, something that proved far from being good. Germany will be at the showdown against an either Croatian side which demolished thenm in the first stage, or the miracle-makers Turkey.

EURO 2008 Group C Day 11 17/Jun/08

France v. Italy 0-2
Justice finally arrived when the Italian side earned their place in the next face after beating a horrible, disgraced an unjoyful French side. It is for certain that Mr. Domenech does not have a clue about managment. The Zidane era has been gone long ago, and after such a failure the FFF should really reconsider keeping him on his post.
The match began with the terrible injury of Franck Ribery. The French winger strggled the ball with a fierce Zambrotta, and was kicked out immediately, diminishing his team with half chances. Samir Nasri came off to substitute him, but mainly the game lacked any relevant playsjust before the penalty kick at 25'. The struggle was clear, and Abidal was sent off due to a push on a free-inbox entry Toni. Pirlo capitalized in the spot and the advantage was more than clear to the Italians. Strangely and stupidly the decline of Domenech's judgment was shown when the recently sub Nasri came out, FOR A DEFENDER! The French side, still unclear about he team managment relied on slow wall advances. The confused French center back (Yes again Gallas) showed impotence against the aggressive shots by De Rossi and Toni. Benzema showed a good will with a couple of wide shots nearly in the final stage of the first half.

The second half remained with the uncertainty and lost cause of the French side. The second goal arrived delightfully for every Gooner who hates "The Unnamable". De Rossi's long-shot became deflect in the left ankle of the number '12'. Immediately all sighs from the Italian peninsula blown with relief. A very nice gesture of De Rossi was that he celebrated with the captain Cannavaro in the bench. Benzema shots were a real threat against Buffon's goal that produced several fine saves. The final punch came with a "slight" Catenaccio defending in the final minutes of the match. The Frenc football has reached a turning point in whic untalented and mediocre players such as Gallas, Boumsong, Abidal, Govou, Gomis and Clerc MUST be replaced with the fresh talented young blood with the likes of Clichy, Diaby, Traore, Benzema, Nasri, Ben Harfa and Mandanda.
The other group match saw the Dutch side earn the second perfect stage, after the Croatians, with a 2-0 victory against the Romanians.

Group B Day 10 16/Jun/08

Austria v. Germany 0-1
A disenchanted Germany earned their way through the knock-out stage after today's match against the home side Austria. The game was far from being illustrious, as other matches in the current tournament. The German side was obliged to win, and Austria dreamt win the their first appearance in the Finals.
The game started with an early chance at 5' by Gomez who proved his lack of finishing. The first fifteen minutes showed a clearly forwarded German side especially with incurssion from the right side with Friederich and a helping Klose. The game swayed in both ends with a participative Austrian side, pure effort. Also by the right, came the first approaches by Austria, a reminiscense of the previously mentioned Poldi effort in the left side. The Polish striker wide shot at 23' was a reminder of the power of his left foot. The sides switched the balance of the game with attacks on both ends but the evident force of Germany lead to half time whistle with no lead. An strange event took place at 42' when both coaches were sacked. Mejuto González, loyal to his style, did not hesitate on sending both coaches to the stands. Especially Joachim Löw found consolation with Mrs. Merker, Oliver Bierhoff and Bastian on his side.

The lead came nearly in the beginning of the second half, at 46'. An impressive free-kick taken by Ballack gave the Germans the vistors needed for the next encounter against Portugal. The shot was widening towards the far post adding the keeper's bad positioning. It was a good goal. And that goal remained the game quite dull and even with some attempts by the home side opposition the Germans managed to enter quarter finals. The German team was precautious from the goal, and the goal certainly ended the aspirations of the home side with a record to forgive.
The other result was 1-0 to the Croatians, giving them the lead in the first group.

Quarter Finals
Portugal v. Germany
Croatia v. Turkey

Group A Day 9 15/Jun/08

Czech Republic v. Turkey 2-3
Today's match was one of the biggest comebacks I have ever seen. It was a thrilling match that had everything I wanted; nerve-breaking ending, red cards, good football, great definition, fight in midfield, wide open spaces and above all mistakes. The Turkish side earned their qualifier in the most decorous of games, sacking the Czechs. Due to my previous experience, which I hope you have read, with several matches at a time, I preferred to watch the game now reviewed which proved to be the best choice. The environment was crushing; the penalty kicks were supposed to take place after the draw.
The match began with the Czech pull, organized and calmed. It developed substantially, as the whole EURO for the Czechs, on the talented winger Libor Sionko. It was until the 20' that the turks leveled the opposition regarding possesion and ball control. It was Sionko whose shots and especially crosses became dangerous at 25'. The game was one-way traffic to the Czechs, which eventually capitalized in the goal by Koller after a Grygera set up. The feeling of the game after the first forty-five minutes was that the Turkish side preferred the third place in the group rather than a confrontation against Croatia

The game increased in the volume of plays due to the extended open spaces. Plasil scored the second at 62'. The ramble began immediately after the game was reengaged. The Turkish side seem to need an opposing force with the weight on their shoulders to come back. The Turks were on offensive completely and the strenght of the attack was kept in a very thin line. The Czech defending block, composed by the eleven players, held very tight the line but eventually broke with the first goal by Arda at 75'. Three minutes before the finisshing Nihat equalized the match after a mistake in the overwhelmed Czech defense. The game turned completely heart-breaking, cardiac and nerve-breaking. The Turkish momentum of coming from bhind with such strenght was now reaching the turning point. Nihat scored a tremendous third goal that gace his side the next round qualifier. This impressive turnback was accom´plpished with one of the best finishes of the EURO. Nihat volleyed the ball hishg above near the far post corner of the goal. This comeback saw Volkan sent off due to a fight with a Czech forward. The price paid by the Turkish side was the suspention of their first-choice keeper.
The home side showed another decorous match responding against a fully substituted Portuguese side. The match ended 2-0.

Group D Day 8 14/Jun/08

Sweden v. Spain 1-2
The game that saw Spain gain the lead in their group was nerve-breaking. Villa equalized in the final gasp of the encounter after a tough struggle. Certainly the Swedish side will have to go against an improving Russian side.
The game was even in the opening stages of the match until the goal arrived at 15'. Torres extended his foot in a display of ability ater an inbox-cross by Silva. After the goal the Swedish morale seemed untouchedwith several attempts going over the bar. The pressure went finallly down for the Spanish side with the equalizer. Zlatan performed a good definition after a bad marking by Ramos. The Swedes became aware of their moment in the match and tried to net the second.

In the second half the Spanish side regained the possesion and David Silva became the best player in the midfield, despite the unjustified attempts of having Xavi as the best. Cesc entered at 59'. The game became open and by the 64' several shots shaked the Swedish goal. The game, still domminated by Spain at 71', did not developed clearly with a solid Swedish centerback repelling all advancing efforts. The desperate Spanish side saw the lead with a late goal scored by Villa. The defense wreck that involved the superior central defenders was crushed by a run and a first- class definition. Certainly Villa will spent his last moments in a struggling Valencian side as Siva.

Cesc Watch:
-Passes completed: 22
-Balls involved (defensively and marking): 23
-Shots: 1
-Crosses: 5

I did not watch the following group stage match due to my vow against Greece, so as the game against Sweden the review will provided. The match end 1-0 on the Russians.

EURO 2008 Group C Day 7 12/Jun/08

Italy v. Romania 1-1
The forced Italian side had the luck to watch hero/villain Adrian Mutu fail the decisive penalty kick that would have erased them from the European championship. Disgracefully this did not happen, and gave the possibility to the second round to the poor and mediocre 2006 WC finalists. Certainly the Italian side was hurried, while changing their formation and name, facing a contemplative Romanian side. With the inclussion of De Rossi the midfield strength rose but he Italian side was again to prove the contrary.
The first minutes became a passive waiting, the Italian side looked quite calmed with several chances, one hitting the woodwork. Several Toni aerial attempts were made from the crosses, but the Romanian defense did their jobs. Grosso overlaps found a one-way traffic burst on that side. But many of the attempts by the Italians ended in the clearance and controlled back in the "away" boots. The attempts by Italy were enough to lead but the keeper became a hero with at least five saves.

Initiating the second half the Romanian side gained the lead by a Mutu goal. The bad synchro between Buffon an Zambrotta lead Mutu an open space in which he defined superb. Immediately the equalizer came through Panucci, when Chiellini headed a good corner by Del Piero. After both goals both teams attempted to lead but the expectancy reached the turning point at 73'. The penalty kick came at 80'. Adrian Mutu was pulled by Chirstian Panucci. The expectancy for the Romanian win ended when Gianluigi Buffon saved the shot. Mutu, suffering clearly and inconsolable,, was substituted. Mutu had the chance to eliminate the current WC holders but the nervous definition lead him blank, along with the hopes of an entire country.


Holland v. France 4-1
The build-up for this match was; In what way the French side could manage the new Dutch style? I would not say that France could win but it was how many goals can France give away?
The match started, in my case, with the Televisa transmission. Paco Villa narrated the match. He is one of the few Mexican football commentators worth hearing. With a very easy to follow hearing among with cultural dates and European football knowledge, Villa's style is a few inheritants of the tradition of Don Ángel Fernández. Villa mentioned the obliged France crosses. Certainty many of the attitudes in the beginning of the match were forced, due to the urgency of results for the squad of Domenech. The attempting French side could not control the ball, thus leaving it dangerously to the "home side". The lead came at16' by a Kuyt header. The midfield by the Dutch side began to work perfectly, thus leaving the question of the 4-3-3 set up. This has enraged "Joppie" for some time but that will be an issue for another post. The touching quality of the Dutch side resembled the one displayed by the team at The Grove. The only good defender in the entire tournament for France has been the veteran Sagnol. Gallas proved his inability for lead on pitch and also his quality has been compromised due to his lack of talent. Samir Nasri was on the side pitch warming up. The French side remained calmed and for moments trying to regain control. The pace was slowed by the Dutch side at 29'. The fact that a talented midfield can control the pace of a match whenever they want is a matter of pure talent and training. The attempts by the Frech side came through the left band.

The second half saw the introduction of Arjen Robben, which changed the tactical disposition of the team. Before the second goal the French side attempted violently, mostly to Bayern player Frank Ribery. The following goal has been praised throughoutly in several places. Of course with all the reason. A half 'Zizou 360' roulette by Van Nistelrooy opened the space for Robben who after a magnificent run crossed on a free Van Persie who finished more with pull than with talent. Several approaches were made by the Frenchs and the counters were on Robben. The futile approaches by the French side came on with the own goal by Oijer from a Sagnol cross. Immediately a thunderous strike by a lone player by Arjen finished the hopes of the French with more anger and despair than rage for talent. This lead me to the conclusion of Domenech. Raymond Domenech really has no idea of the managing, thus the end of an era is inherent. Certainly leaving him in his current post will do more harm to the French football than good. The final punch to the French squad came with one of the best goals of the tournament by one of the best players in it. At 92' Wesley Sneijder half-turn ended in a thunderous strike that Coupet did not even saw. The crack definition ended all the hopes of the ancient French side.

EURO 2008Group A Day 6 12/Jun/08

Croatia v. Germany 2-1

The game was a complete incoherence by the German side who has displayed far from the reality that this team has used to. Certainly Loew did not help a struggling team that was completely overwhelmed by the leitmotiv of the EURO 2008: the touching game. The German urgency to reach the box was really bad, with mediocre attempts by Odonkor. The second goal came through Olic by a good Srna cross. The disenchanted style by the German side was enhaced by wide chances from Bayern players Poldi and Schweinsteiger. At 78' the price came through Poldi, after a fine volley. The Croatian midfield worked like a machine; the irruption of Krancjar in the first team alongside with Modric's reminded us the potential of that 3-0 victory at Wembley.The German decline was evident with the red card of Bastian in the final part of the match.


Austria v. Poland 1-1

The home side was robbed by Howard Webb, and took the chance to finally demonstrate the European football community the football, especially in this game. The Austrians showed by far a better display with enormous goal opportunities just sacked by the English who did hesitate in the shoot-out.
The game was even, leveled with both teams knowing their limitations and executions. Several attempts were made by the home side at 20'. At 30' Brazilian-born Guerreiro finished after good team work. The second half saw the Austrian side having most of the chances. The drive of the home side was evident, bu it was stopped by a very talented Boruc. At 80' the nowhere-land point had reached its toll, following the tiredness of both sides. Then the previously mentioned disaster happened. It is a pity that a good and promising Austria did not capitalize the difference in the pitch due to a mistake by the ref.

EURO 2008 Group A Day 5 11/Jun/08

Czech Republic v. Portugal 1-3
The pressure of the group leader certainly took its toll today when Portugal won against a relaxed and unworried Czech side who is not finding any particular sign of improvements beyond Libor Sionko. A think to mention was the labor of Felipao on not touching the starting XI. The real question was, what can Cristiano do?
The game started with a good solid defending Czech side. But the goos start did not last long due to an early goal at 8'. The melee in the box, produced by a shot by CR7 finally went into the net after an agonizing shot by Deco. After a few attempts by the Czech side the goal came through Libor Sionko, by far the best Czech player in the tournament. The goal, at 17', was a release for the Czech side that used the open spaces created by the Portugal's contention. The remaining minutes of the match were a pure struggle of the Portuguese side to try to find an equalizer. It was really a struggle due to the Czech pull that provided the different strategies to do it. The only noticeable thing about CR7 was the 'Ronnie Rocket' (previously mentioned in the blog) at 46'.

The ordered Czech midfield prevailed, with several attempts on the box with pressure as main ingredient, before the second lead by the Iberic side came. At 62' Deco found CR7 in a fine cross just inside the box. The Man Utd player finished straight and at the bottom. Plasil advances along with Sionko's were stopped by Pepe. The game was in the brick of the equalizer when my personal request arrived: Ricardo Quaresma at 80'. To finish this player defined the game after a Cristiano play.

Switzerland v. Turkey 1-2
The previous fight in the WC qualifier reminded us of the tension between Turkey and 'Europe'. The match saw an obliged Turkey face a strong opposition. As early as 20' the game saw the intrusion the heavy storm, that affected the game seriously. The game was full of flaws on both sides due to the dirty pitch and thus dirty game. A FK was deviated by Demirel at 24', taken by Barnetta. The players that rose above in the home side were Senderos and Behrami. A wood work deflected at 29' was a remainder of the home strength. The struggle on both sides ended when the lead came through Yakin, with the help of the pitch. Yakin missed the second goal minutes after, at 35', with the goal opened after a Behrami cross. The Turkish center back provided several gaps.

In the 57' of the second half Senturk header leveled the score. "The rain performed its secret ministry" paraphrasing Coleridge, due to the awful state of the grass. The game went from one end to another counting on the fact that the defensive mistakes were enhanced by the heavy rain. The fresh player Colombian born Vonhlanten entered at 72'. The Turkish side pushed as far as the box in the 80' and the counter-attacks were in hand every time the home side gained possession. In the end it was Arda Turan who inaugured the Turkish tradition of nerve breaking endings. He shot after a cut in the left side leaving the opposition completely stunned. The finished hopes of the home side were evident from the departure of the star Frei to the Manager's wife illness. A real tragedy by the host.

EURO 2008 Group D Day 4 10/Jun/08

Spain v. Russia 4-1
Spain crushed Russia earlier today, with an overwhelming capability just paired with the Dutch. The environment could not be better as the Spanish side were beginning to put the promises into realities. The game began as expected, dynamic start with several counters by the "home" side. Both teams eager to make a positive impression. The midfield picked by Aragonés was in goof shape, applying the right amount of pressure at the right time. At 20' the lead came on a close Villa definition by a Torres assist. Certainly the Russian defense was playing the offside trap, bad choice against mobile strikers such as Spanish. At 23' the first glimpse of the Russian talent came on a woodwork shot. The intrusions of the Russian side faced a fierce opposition also with the lack of conviction. The Russian side touched the ball on a good solid defending block by Spain at 25'; the result was a strong Spanish defending side with lethal finishings reaching the opposite box. Near the end of the first period the second goal came on a Iniesta pass on a Villa perfect definition. It is certainly obvious that Villa made the movement to get the pass, not the passer that searched the space. This is a very common issue with highly talented strikers, they search the opportunities.

The second half saw the Russian side sank in their own game. Although the pressuring midfield of the Russian side kept several attempts and arrivals to the Spanish goal, the substitution of Cesc was a factor that contributed to the Spanish victory. Form 60' on the Spanish side relied in counter attacks due to the slow pace of the Russian defense. This caused the already-known wide open spaces that provided Bylia a shot opportunity at 61'. The hat-trick d on Villa was completed in the 75' on a Cesc pass. At 85' the honor goal by Pavlyuchenko came after a two-corner header. Then it seemed a fun practice game to the Spanish side, that ended the game with the first win. Cesc scored a goal offside in the dying stages of the match.

Cesc Watch:
-Passes completed: 22
-Balls involved (defensively and marking): 24
-Shots: 2
-Assistances: 1

I did not watch the game of Sweden against Greece, henceforth the review will not show. The score was 2-0 on the Swedes.

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.