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| Euro 2008- Group D (R); GRE, SWE, ESP, RUS | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 22 2008, 10:55 AM (988 Views) | |
| Simon | Jun 10 2008, 02:55 PM Post #16 |
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I didn't see Spain as their game clashed with my Tuesday 5-a-side, but it sounds like they made a great start and were fairly untroubled by Russia. I think Russia are the weakest team in the group but as the old saying goes 'you can only beat the opposition that's in front of you'. This win should build up confidence and momentum and that could be important. I don't think Spain were ever going to find this group difficult but I did also tip Greece to go through, not because they are champions but because they have some decent players, were the first team to qualify and got more points than anyone else in qualifying. I thought that type of level would be enough against a Sweden team of whom little was expected, and a distinctly-average Russian team, but that prediction looks way off now. Greece were really poor. It was unfortunately yet another dull game, but at least it was enlivened by a fine strike from Ibrahimovic. Big Zlatan blows hot and cold but if he blows hot for the next month he'll be well worth watching! I agree with gaviota that Sweden, even after the first game, look to be in a good position to join Spain in the quarters. |
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| Pepe | Jun 10 2008, 05:53 PM Post #17 |
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These are my thoughts on the game too. Just a great match from Villa but I really enjoyed how he and Torres played together and the pressure they put on Russia's defense. Xavi ran the midfield while Marcos Senna gobbled most everything up defensively. An excellent way to start Euro 2008. Greece just came to defend and it took Sweden some time to score but when they did it was a nice shot and all around play by Ibrahimovic. the 2nd goal was just sloppy work by Greece and determination by Sweden. The Swedes look like an uncomfortable team to play and right now they and Spain look like good best to advanc eout of this sector. |
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| historyman | Jun 10 2008, 11:10 PM Post #18 |
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An excellent performance from Spain, who were a joy to watch in comparison to some of the teams that we've seen. What a front duo they have in Villa and Torres, and congrats to Villa for getting his hat-trick. A word of caution though: remember that Spain started very impressively in the last WC when they also scored four goals, against Ukraine, before running out of steam. Let's hope that the same thing doesn't happen this time. I was ecstatic that Greece lost 2-0 to Sweden. I despise their particular brand of 'anti-football' and I'm still trying to come to terms with them knocking out that wonderful Czech Republic team four years ago. I realise that I defended Rangers from charges of 'anti-football' a few weeks ago on the UEFA Cup thread, but in my opinion the Euros should be a three week fiesta, a rare opportunity for the continent to unite and enjoy a festival of football. Greece bring nothing to the party and seem to be there to spoil it for everybody else. I thought it was interesting that itv's co-commentator, Jim Beglin, made a couple of references to the Greek's attitude. He said, "I've got nothing against Greece, but...", and then he went on to criticise their ultra-defensive game plan. He's right, because other teams can play defensively yet still break quickly on the counter-attack, and you can then appreciate and admire their skill and cunning in doing so. Otto Rehhagel's tactics stifled the Greeks from doing anything similar. Of all people to score Sweden's first goal it had to be Ibrahimovic! Wonderful strike and let's hope that he can show some more consistency in the rest of the competition. |
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| hobbes | Jun 10 2008, 11:54 PM Post #19 |
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Thanks to everyone for the comments. I haven't missed a game, but I've been too busy to post on here (I'm blogging about the tournament for work, but it's probably too basic and obvious to be of any interest to y'all). Tonight TSN (our national sports network same as ESPN basically) showed a clip of Greece playing the ball around the back pointlessly and them playing that long ball straight out of bounds (almost like a rugby clearance). I've never seen a team get "called out" like that in a highlights package. I hope some of these teams don't run out of steam because we're finally getting to see some teams play a little bit. I hope that inspires others to attack a little. cheers, hobbes |
| Saskatchewan for the CPL: multis e gentibus vires | |
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| Winslow | Jun 11 2008, 03:25 AM Post #20 |
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Starting with a loss instead of win is going to make a big difference this time for the Greeks. Still, I can't say they don't have a chance to advance, given the overall makeup of this group. The Zlatan-Larsson give-and-go was sweet, and it looked as if the speed of the move and the quickness of the shot surprised keeper Nikopolidis. Also, it's beyond me how a keeper and two defenders couldn't clear one high ball against only one opponent. And Spain started with a bang (can't beat that first goal as a lesson in how to punish a mistake), but the central D needs to be sorted out. On the play just after the first goal (the one where Russia hit the post), three Russian attackers were lined up to shoot--and the first two decided not to! Very strange. |
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| badgerboy | Jun 11 2008, 05:05 AM Post #21 |
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I've rarely been happier to be wrong - after expecting Greece & Sweden to be a 0-0. I now pray that there are no "upsets" in the second set of games & wins for Russia & Spain leave a straight fight between Sweden & Russia (Arshavin will be back!) for the final qualification spot. Greece - please pack your bags & go home! You dull, awful apology for a football team. Were they really that bad four years ago (in terms of negativity) and I didn't notice because they were a "novelty"? Like Historyman I do remember being gutted (and only some of the reasons were financial) when the dullards beat the Czech Republic's fantastic attacking play in the semi-finals. I wouldn't discount the Russians yet either - although Sweden look likely to be more dangerous than I originally anticipated. Ukraine were even more comprehensively beaten by Spain in their opening World Cup game & still reached the quarter-finals. And that was despite being another of those awful "Greece clones". When I'm thinking of "worst games I've ever seen" Ukraine v Switzerland in the World Cup has to be very close to No. 1. Russia's football - if it lacks the quality - is - at it's best - closer to that of the Czechs than the "cartel of negativity" so I hope they get a decent reward for it. |
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| Manzanares | Jun 11 2008, 06:53 AM Post #22 |
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Historyman, we Spain fans know all too well the history of Spain in international competitions so there isn't any euphoria because of the 4-1 win. What there is, is hope especially with the way Torres and Villa ran the Russian defense ragged. Spain are known for it's possession game but Luis Aragones coached teams have always been known for their counter attacking abilities and this team played it's best yesterday when they were hitting the Russians on the break. That is encouraging when Spain will be playing better teams down the road here who will be sending people forward looking for a win, they will then be vulnerable to a quick Spanish counter. Winslow is correct howeevr that Spain's central defense still needs some work but that gives them something to fix for their future games. It is good to know yesterday's performance can be improved upon! Bad news for Sweden as Wilhemsson, their winger, tore a leg muscle and will be out for the remainder of the tournament. |
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| Merengue | Jun 11 2008, 07:23 AM Post #23 |
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I knew Greece weren't playing well and were sitting back but I never got the impression that they were so overtly bad that they'd be universally condemned for their negativity yesterday. I mean to me they didn't look any worse than did Romania or France. Too bad about Wilhemsson's injury. Sweden certainly were the better team and Larsson and Ibrahimovic linked up well on the goal but I wonder how long a veteran like Larsson can last in a tournament like this which does require so much energy? I suppose in his favor is that the Swedish league season began this spring so unlike those players in the vast majority of European leagues, Swedish domestic players like Henrik Larsson shouldn't be as fatigued coming into Euro 2008. As for Spain, well I was very pleased with their start. As others mentioned, they not only passed the ball well but showed great speed and mobility and also the ability to attack quickly. Russia looked better attacking than defeding and their #17, Zhyriakov impressed me. But I was surprised how much quicker and yes even stronger physically Spain looked than the Russians. Guus Hiddink has his work cut out for him if he's to get yet another team into the second round of a major competition. |
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| siralfred | Jun 11 2008, 07:24 AM Post #24 |
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Forza Zlatan!
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Well, we're off to good start, and Zlatan was certainly timely in re-starting his international scoring. The significance of that goal is much greater than just taking the lead in the opening match. I think it raised the hopes and confidence of both fans and players in this tournament. The preceding hour, though, was nerve-wracking. My family was somewhat alarmed by the frequent groans I let out as the Swedish wingers' attempts at serving up headers were repeatedly cleared by the Greeks. You'd think someone would've noticed by now, that tall as he is, Ibra hardly ever scores off his noggin. The age, fragility and lack of depth in our squad is still a big concern, even with a few good men on the bench. I really hope to see Källström against Spain on Saturday. Lagerbäck has explained before why the Lyon starter doesn't always get to play, but I respectfully disagree ;). Losing Wilhelmsson is a bad blow. Despite having a spotty professional career he always makes a solid contribution for the national team. The only upside would be that we may get to see Sebastian Larsson on the pitch. Even if I was neutral I couldn't feel sorry for the Greeks. Their defense proved to be no longer impenetrable and I predict even bigger losses to Russia and Spain. |
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| rosarino | Jun 11 2008, 10:34 AM Post #25 |
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The Russians did seem to tire but Merengue makes a good point about how fragile they looked physically, both Torres and Villa not only outquicked them (if there is such a word) but also outmuscled them. Maybe I watched too much of Ivan Drago in those horrible Rocky movies but I did not expect Russia to be outmuscled in this match. Add me to those who liked how Spain moved the ball and having those jugones that our Spanish posters so often discussed, on the field really gives their midfield a lot of flair. I was surprised to read how long it had been since Ibrahimovic ahd scored for Sweden but he looks liek eh ahs more goals in him in this competition. |
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| culespur | Jun 12 2008, 12:44 AM Post #26 |
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The thing that really impressed me about Spain was this sudden realisation that they needed to mix things up a bit. Sure, ninety minutes of tiki taka is great to watch - and there is no bigger fan than me of their pass move style - but it aint no good if the forwards are starved of service and the opposition can just form a nice solid back line and watch Spain pleasuring themselves. Against Russia, Spain discivered that less is, occasionally, more. Why make fifty passes when just one will do. And that was what made them sucha revelation for me. Suddenly seeing Capdevila hit a fifty yard forward pass to Torres that ahd the Russians scrambling to recover their lines. A bit of that thrown in with a large dollop of tiki taka and Spain can go a long way. |
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| gaviota | Jun 12 2008, 07:26 AM Post #27 |
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This is a very good point, Spain did show the ability to play the ball much quicker in this game than has been their norm. By doing that they were better able to take advantage of the speed and mobility of Torres and Villa. The Spanish press don't have anything better to talk about in these days between games so they are trying to play up that Torres wasn't happy about leaving the game as a sub the other day and didn't shake the coach's hand as he walked off the field. Of course Aragones threw a little more fuel on the fire by saying while he understood Torres' anger, he wouldn't let the incident pass! To me this is just a controversy fed by the press looking for soemthing to write about between games. Nice first post and welcome to the message board culespur, even if you apparently are a cule!
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| Merengue | Jun 12 2008, 07:47 AM Post #28 |
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Open mouth, insert foot, seems to be Aragones' typical way of doing things but I do agree wth you gaviota that this is a minor incident being blown out of proportion by the press. As a coach you want players who want to play and aren't happy about being taken out. I too will agree with culespur about adding more direct play to Spain's usual tiki taka play, as we call it in Spain. As gaviota wrote, mixing direct play in takes advantage of the speed and mobility of Villa and Torres. I really enjoyed again Russia how both would make such dangerous diagonal runs in the game. And let me add my welcome too for culespur. Welcome to the message board and we look forward to reading more of your contributions. And don't worry gaviota, we need to have a few more Barcelona fans in here so there we can see them suffer next season! |
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| Martin | Jun 12 2008, 06:06 PM Post #29 |
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Greece were defensive four years ago but they passed the ball better and with more purpose in 2004 than they did against Sweden the other day. Let's see what they do against Russia, a team who showed plenty of defensive fraility, before writing the defending champions off. Welcome culespur and you make a wonderful point about how Spain mixed up their traditional possession game with some quick strikes. As Manzanares, our resident Atletico Madrid fan commented, a trademark of Aragones coached club teams over the years has been their ability to strike quickly. With Spain they haven't always shown that ability but they did to great effect against Russia. Of course having dynamic attackers like Villa and Torres helps too! |
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| Hector | Jun 13 2008, 12:03 AM Post #30 |
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Both Ibrahimovic and Linderoth I read are not healthy and Sweden's manager Lagerback is weighing the decision of resting them against Spain, a game where he thinks Sweden are decisive underdogs, and saving them for the potentially decisive game against Russia. Not risking injured players so they can stay and fight another day may eb the wisest policy Lagerback can take. With Spain all is supposedly fine now between Torres and Aragones. I also feel it was something blown out of proportion by a media looking to create a story. Spain will stick with the same starting XI which beat Russia. So long as everyone is healthy, which they are, why break up a winning team? Bienvenidos culespur, I too look forward to reading more of your thoughts here. As others said a trademark of Aragones teams in the past has been the ability to quickly counter attack but that had been missing with the Aragones coached Spain. It was good to see that dimension back against Russia. |
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