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Euro 2008- Group A (R); SUI, CZE, POR, TUR
Topic Started: May 22 2008, 10:36 AM (658 Views)
Merengue
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A place to discuss the matches from Group A involving Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Turkey. Reuters provided some squad previews for these teams:

Turkey:

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-...uters&type=lgns

Portugal:

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-...uters&type=lgns

Switzerland:

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-...uters&type=lgns

Czech Republic:

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-...uters&type=lgns
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Merengue
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In addition to the squad previews, here are the final rosters for each team in this group,

SWITZERLAND

Goalkeepers: 1-Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), 18-Pascal Zuberbuehler (Neuchatel Xamax), 21-Eldin Jakupovic (Grasshoppers Zurich).

Defenders: 3-Ludovic Magnin (Stuttgart), 17-Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt), 4-Philippe Senderos (Arsenal), 20-Patrick Mueller (Olympique Lyon), 2-Johan Djourou (Arsenal), 13-Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), 23-Philipp Degen (Borussia Dortmund), 5-Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lille).

Midfielders: 19-Valon Behrami (Lazio), 8-Gokhan Inler (Udinese), 15-Gelson Fernandes (Manchester City), 6-Benjamin Huggel (Basel), 16-Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), 10-Hakan Yakin (Young Boys Berne), 7-Ricardo Cabanas (Grasshoppers Zurich), 22-Johan Vonlanthen (Salzburg), 14-Daniel Gygax (Metz).

Forwards: 9-Alex Frei (Borussia Dortmund), 11-Marco Streller (Basel), 12-Eren Derdiyok (Basel).

TURKEY

Goalkeepers: 23-Volkan Demirel (Fenerbahce), 1-Rustu Recber (Besiktas), 12-Tolga Zengin (Trabzonspor).

Defenders: 20-Sabri Sarioglu (Galatasaray), 4-Gokhan Zan (Besiktas), 15-Emre Asik (Galatasaray), 2-Servet Cetin (Galatasaray), 3-Hakan Kadir Balta (Galatasaray), 16-Ugur Boral (Fenerbahce), 13-Emre Gungor (Galatasaray).

Midfielders: 7-Mehmet Aurelio (Fenerbahce), 6-Mehmet Topal (Galatasaray), 5-Emre Belozoglu (Newcastle United), 11-Tumer Metin (Larissa), 22-Hamit Altintop (Bayern Munich), 19-Ayhan Akman (Galatasaray), 14-Arda Turan (Galatasaray), 17-Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough), 18-Kazim Kazim (Fenerbahce), 10-Gokdeniz Karadeniz (FC Rubin Kazan).

Forwards: 8-Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal), 9-Semih Senturk (Fenerbahce), 21-Mevlut Erding (FC Sochaux).

PORTUGAL

Goalkeepers: 1-Ricardo Pereira (Real Betis), 12-Quim Silva (Benfica), 21-Rui Patricio (Sporting).

Defenders: 13-Miguel Monteiro (Valencia), 4-Jose Bosingwa (Porto), 2-Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), 16-Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), 5-Fernando Meira (VfB Stuttgart), 3-Bruno Alves (Porto), 15-Pepe (Real Madrid), 14-Jorge Ribeiro (Boavista).

Midfielders: 6-Raul Meireles (Porto), 10-Joao Moutinho (Sporting), 20-Deco (Barcelona), 8-Armando Petit (Benfica), 18-Miguel Veloso (Sporting).

Forwards: 7-Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), 11-Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), 17-Ricardo Quaresma (Porto), 21-Nuno Gomes (Benfica), 9-Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), 19-Nani (Manchester United), 23-Helder Postiga (Panathinaikos).

CZECH REPUBLIC

Goalkeepers: 16-Jaromir Blazek (Nuremberg), 1-Petr Cech (Chelsea), 23-Daniel Zitka (Anderlecht).

Defenders: 2-Zdenek Grygera (Juventus), 6-Marek Jankulovski (AC Milan), 13-Michal Kadlec (Sparta Prague), 18-Tomas Sivok (Sparta Prague), 5-Radoslav Kovac (Spartak Moscow), 12-Zdenek Pospech (FC Copenhagen), 22-David Rozehnal (Lazio), 21-Tomas Ujfalusi (Fiorentina).

Midfielders: 4-Tomas Galasek (Nuremberg), 14-David Jarolim (Hamburg), 17-Marek Matejovsky (Reading), 20-Jaroslav Plasil (Osasuna), 3-Jan Polak (Anderlecht), 19-Rudolf Skacel (Hertha Berlin), 7-Libor Sionko (FC Copenhagen), 11-Stanislav Vlcek (Anderlecht).

Strikers: 15-Milan Baros (Portsmouth), 8-Martin Fenin (Eintracht Frankfurt), 9-Jan Koller (Nuremberg), 10-Vaclav Sverkos (Banik Ostrava).

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historyman
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So what did you all think of the opening games?

A lively start in both matches, although its quite clear that Portugal were the most impressive of the four teams in action today. Yet their lack of firepower upfront may count against them when they meet the stiffer tests ahead. Turkey were very poor opposition this evening.

I thought that Bosingwa and Pepe were outstanding for Portugal. Pepe's goal was superb and he appears to be a real livewire both in defence and attack. Ronaldo and Deco weren't bad either. :P

I wasn't impressed with either Switzerland or the Czech Republic. Too predictable and one dimensional, especially whilst Jan Koller was on the field. Two teams who are clearly not good enough to win the competition.
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Simon
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Neither game was what you'd exactly call a classic, though I thought the second game was better played than the first. Still some concerns over Portugal, and they're ones we've all mentioned on many occasions! As ever, they lack a striker. Nuno Gomes was pretty anonymous (although the two times he touched the ball he hit the woodwork!) and when Ronaldo was moved inside he kind of disappeared as well. The suspicion remains that Portugal are quite neat and tidy with the ball but lack cutting edge. The Turks were exactly the same which made this one rather frustrating to watch at times. The fussy referee didn't help either.

I also admired Pepe and Bosingwa and although Pepe's goal was pretty lucky as he scuffed his shot, it hit the defender's legs and bounced in, I think he made his own luck with his enterprising run forward. Still, for a back four featuring 3 Chelsea players, I thought Portugal looked a bit wobbly as a unit at times and also Ricardo, as ever, flapped at a couple of crosses. A better team than Turkey should have scored a couple of goals. Tuncay Sanli didn't cover himself in glory and I thought Turkey left Nihat on his own for too long. On the plus side, Portugal have many options in midfield, they keep possession as well as anyone and Ronaldo played well. This was likely their easiest game and when they win with a shot that looped in via a defender and an injury-time goal it must always leave some reservations, but all in all this was what we expected and the lack of a classic goalscorer needn't hurt them too badly providing everyone else can pitch in with the goals!

As historyman says, the first game seemed to feature two pretty limited teams. If anything, I thought Switzerland had slightly the better of it, but the Czechs scored with the one real chance they made. I haven't seen anything today to alter the perception that Portugal will win this group pretty easily, but some of their familiar weaknesses may bite them further down the line against stronger opposition e.g. Germany in the semi-finals.
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SuperEagle
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I am going to differ a bit with Simon in that I thought Portugal looked pretty good defensively and never really gave Turkey any good opportunities at goal. It is true Turkey left Nihat pretty isolated up front but when they did venture forward they ran into a defensive wall led by Pepe who for me was the best player on the pitch. His goal did take a slight deflection off a defender but it was a very nicely worked goal, notice how it started with him anticipating a play and recovering the ball, passing it off and then he moved forward and eventually got the ball back and worked a good wall pass with Nuno Gomes. The 2nd Portuguese goal in stoppage time by sub Raul meirelles was set up by that nice pivot by Joao Moutinho, another player who really played well I thought for Portugal. A solid enough win for Portugal to begin the tournament.

I felt bad for the Swiss, and especially for Alexandre Frei who went off with that knee injury. His tournament looks over and after losing both he and the game, it looks bleak for the Swiss now too. They deserved more against an ordinary looking Czech team but were beaten by one ball over the top of the defense and a nice finish by the Czech forward.
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Merengue
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While not classics I thought both games, especially the 2nd were pretty good matches to start a tournament. Like SuperEagle, I felt bad for Frei who was expected to carry the offensive load for the Swiss. Looks like his tournament is over already. Switzerland usually are tough to score upon, remember they went out of Germany 2006 without conceeding a single goal but offensively they do struggle. I have to say I expected more from the Czechs, even a Nedved and Rosicky less Czechs. But with Peter Cech in goal, they too will be hard to score upon in this tournament which will keep them in games where they can repeat tonight's performance and get an opportunistic goal.

Again I will agree with Supereagle as I too thought Portugal played pretty well defensively and Pepe, my man from Madrid :D really looked good. If Portugal needs a center forward, maybe they should put Pepe in there! Great move on his goal, he definitely didn't look like a defender there.

I was thinking Portugal might play Hugo Almeida at center forward but not only did Nuno Gomes start, but he also was captain! Won't then be easy to get him out of the lineup. Goals will always be Portugal's problem but with their approach work they'll create enough chances where some will go in. Plus with players like Ronaldo and Simao, the latter of which had a disappointing game I thought, on the field, Portugal will still be an offensive threat. And there's also Ricardo Quaresma who didn't even see action today. Not to mention their new offensive threat Pepe, who put the ball in the net twice (although one called back for offside.)
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Mr. Pither
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The Swiss did everything but score a goal and with Frei now out that will become increasingly difficult for them. The Czechs defended well but not much else they did, other than the goal which caught the Swiss by surprise when Ujfalusi headed that clearance forward, went well for them. On the bright side this is the reverse of how they started the last World Cup so maybe it is a good sign for the czechs? Slowly improving as the tournament progresses.

I thought Portugal looked good, not overwhelming but for a first match, a very solid start. Ronaldo almost scored on that tight angled free kick but Volkan Demirel the Turkish goalie must have gotten his fingertips on it to tip it on to the post. A pair of nicely worked goals and Portugal left the impression with me, they can do much more in this competition. Nice game from Joao Moutinho, a relatively unknown player on their squad.
P-I-T-H-E-R ...as in Brotherhood, but with PI instead of the BRO and no HOOD
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Real Ray
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I only watched the the second match and it confirmed what I thought going: Turkey is a pesky side and will be a tough out. It's a tough formula-they need to keep it tight and take their chances. No real game breaker. But I think they can win against the rest of the group.

Ricardo looked a bit shaky for my money-something tells me he's got howler in him that Portugal may have to suffer with.

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Simon
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Real Ray,Jun 8 2008
04:12 AM
Ricardo looked a bit shaky for my money-something tells me he's got howler in him that Portugal may have to suffer with.

Yeah, but he's always got away with it in the past! I think his judgement is pretty shaky as you say, and he doesn't enjoy coming for crosses, but he's a good shot stopper with quick reflexes.

Turkey didn't look great coming forward so I suppose impressions of Portugals's defence aren't based on a lot, but I saw a couple of dodgy moments. In the first half Bosingwa allowed Altintop's cross to roll over his foot to Tuncay who turned him, but Tuncay seemed more intent on flopping unconvincingly to the ground than going for the loose ball. In the second half Carvalho and Pepe seemed to leave a Nihat cross to each other and Ricardo had to come a long way to rescue the ball off Tuncay's head, and there was also the nice Semih Senturk nod down that Tuncay could have volleyed in, but he took a total fresh air shot. And in the last 10 minutes with the score still at 1-0, Emre Asik was left totally unmarked at a corner but headed a great chance well wide. There wasn't too much to get Portugal sweating but I suspect with the chances I've mentioned if you substituted the name 'Tuncay' for someone like 'Luca Toni', 'Fernando Torres' or 'Miroslav Klose' Portugal may have conceded a couple of goals.

Anyway, this contention isn't going to be put to the test any time soon, as I very much doubt Switzerland or the Czech Republic will put up much of an attacking threat, and providing Germany win Group B I would think Portugal can make it to the semi-finals without needing to get out of 2nd gear.
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enganche
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I agree with Simon, Ricardo isn't the greatest at crosses but at shot stopping he is pretty good. And this side of the draw does look pretty comfortable for both Portugal and Germany until the semifinals right now. Portugal moves the ball well and I think defensively they will be hard to score upon. Regarding the popular belief of goal scoring being a problem for Portugal I think they'll create enough chances with their build up play where they'll be able to get enough opportunities to trouble any team in this tournament.

Welcome to the message board Real Ray, it is good to get more opinions here and I agree with you that Turkey still have a good chance to advance out of this group. Their next match versus the Swiss will be the key for them. Of course they'll also have to hope Portugal beats Czech Republic too.
Prefiero morir de pie que vivir arrodillado
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badgerboy
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Not much to add to what's already been said I suppose:

Switzerland were pretty unlucky without being great. With Frei missing it's pretty hard to see where a goal might come from. Strellar looked hapless. Maybe Derdiyok - who was about to come on before half-time but then got just 5 minutes at the end - might turn out to be better?

The Czechs - despite their win - looked about as impressive as I expected pre-tournament (not very). But they might improve if Bruckner is willing to drop Koller to the bench - & perhaps try Baros & Sverkos (who scored the goal) as a front two. It would be quite nice to see young Martin Fenin tried at some stage too.

Portugal were clearly the best team on show on Day 1. For them the big debate is probably - given their surplus of quality wingers - would starting with Ronaldo in the centre work? My first inclination is yes but then I think if they did that they would lack an "impact substitution" so maybe persevering with Nuno Gomes (or a similar player) for the first 45-60 minutes & then changing things if necessary...

Turkey I found the most frustrating team of all. I was actually pretty impressed with much of their build up play. But just when I was anticipating that quality "final ball" - whether it be a shot or a cross - instead the ball would go back towards the half way line or be lost entirely. Maybe this was mostly due to the strength of the Portuguese defending. I'm not sure - but I suppose the next games will tell us...
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Pepe
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I was pleased my namesake Pepe looked so good for Portugal but then those of us who watched him play for Real Madrid know his quality. We just didn't know he could be such a talented goalscorer!

Anybody know why Ricardo Quaresma didn't play? badgerboy, if Quaresma is available Portugal has both he and Nani as "impact" substitutes plus there also is Hugo Almeida, that sounds like they have options in attack.
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rosarino
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Looks like Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Switzerland! An enjoyable match between Portugal and Czech Republic. I thought Portugal were the better team but the Czechs had the chances too and played much better than in their debut. The doubts some raised about Ricardo dealing with crosses were confirmed again today but Portugal pass and move well enough that they will create their own goal opportunities against any team.

Pepe to answer your question, Felipao was saving both Quaresma and Almeida who both came on today as subs. Oh by the way, final score 3-1 Portugal but the final goal wasn't scored until added on time.
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dafyd
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Turkey vs Switzerland wasn't as good a game as the earlier match, but it certainly was exciting. Most of that, I think, was thanks to the rain... and the fact that the winning goal for the Turks came at the end of the game, 3rd minute of injury time.

So many near chances during this match, some helped, others hindered by a heavy rain that played havoc during the first half, and much of the second. It was ugly, miserable conditions to play, but a pleasure to watch.
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historyman
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So now we know the first of the quarter-finalists after Portugal's victory yesterday. Again the Portuguese looked impressive at times, but they were made to work hard for their victory by the Czechs, who played with far more purpose than they did on Saturday.

I was particularly impressed with the Czech winger Sionko. Great header to equalise, then he would have done so again had it not been for a wonderful fingertip save by Ricardo. Milan Baros was surprisingly effective at times too! :blink:

Ronaldo got his first goal of the tournament, and this is his opportunity to prove if he really can crank his game up to the very top level. One of the sights of this match was the flood of red shirts that surrounded him anytime he got the ball. In fact there was one attack near the Czech penalty area when there were six defenders surrounding him. It reminded me of one of football's most iconic photos - 'Maradona v Belgium' from the 1982 WC.

Posted Image


As for the Switzerland/Turkey match, I think that the torrential downpour made it a more exciting game than it would have been in 'normal' conditions. I wonder if Yakin had have taken his chance in front of an open goal to make it 2-0 would the Turks have come back?

As it turned out, full marks to Turkey for their drive and persistence in coming from behind to win the game and setting up a classic do or die encounter with the Czechs.
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