Group A
After copping a three goal defeat on the opening day of the tournament, who would have though the Czech Republic would end up topping Group A? They ground out a result against Greece on Match Day 2, and did likewise against Poland in the final group game. They're by no means flashy, but their work ethic is inspiring.
Another side who looked dead and buried, but Greece somehow managed to summon the spirit of '04 to make the next phase of qualifying. A 1-0 win over Russia, which has been criticised for being too boring once they took the lead, has seen them jump from last to second in the group. Progressing further will be tough, but if their defence can hold up, you never know.
They looked convincing early, but Russia were the surprise losers in Group A. After a crushing 4-1 win on the opening day, they really should have pressed on. They were held well by Poland, and then couldn't get it together against Greece on Match Day 3.
The co-hosts Poland were solid throughout their group games, but in the end a loss on Match Day 3 cost them. They can look back on their time at Euro 2012 with fond memories, in particular the fantastic result against Russia on Match Day 2, however their inability to press on against both Greece and Russia has come back to haunt them.
Group B
A 100% record out of the supposed 'Group of Death' has Germany in the box seat to go all the way at Euro 2012. Nothing surprised me about the German's throughout the group stages. They hardly impressed, but they got the job done. Their best football is still ahead of them, and that's a worrying sign for all contenders at this tournament.
A convincing win on Match Day 3 helped Portugal secure a spot in the Quarter Final's. A do-or-die fixture with Holland proved Cristiano Ronaldo's platform to emerge at this tournament, and his sublime double put his nation into a position where they could go far in this Championship.
For me, Denmark proved the surprise of the tournament, and were probably the most unlucky not to go through to the Quarter Final's. They were given no chance in the 'Group of Death', yet somehow managed a win over Holland, and two very good performances against Portugal and Germany. They held Portugal until the 87th minute, and Germany until the 80th. Had they have just held on, it could have been a different story.
By far the biggest disappointment at Euro 2012, the Netherlands crashed out of the tournament without a single point on the board. Their lack of effort against Portugal reflected the disaster of this Championship, and to be honest they didn't really deserve a point. They were horrible, and duly went out in a shameful manner.
Group C
The reigning champions Spain cruised through the group, doing all they needed to make it to the Quarter Final's. They weren't great in their final game against Croatia, and took advantage of their opponent's pushing forward late. Much like Germany, their best is still ahead of them.
A workman-like display from Italy helped them into the Quarter Final's. Draws against Spain and Croatia had them in a precarious position, but a comfortable win over Ireland on Match Day 3 was enough to seal their spot.
I feel for Croatia, because had the rules of qualifying been different, they could have been heading to the Quarter Final's. For the first time in a long time, goal difference wasn't counted ahead of head-to-head results if two sides were equal on points, meaning Croatia had to get a win over Spain to qualify. If it was goal difference, the 0-0 draw would have been enough, but instead they had to force men forward, and even copped a late goal because of it.
There was no luck for Ireland as they crashed out of Euro 2012 without a point. Their loss to Italy reflected their campaign, with Keith Andrews sent off and showing his frustration whilst leaving the pitch. It was a disappointing tournament, but a worthwhile experience.
Group D
The big winner's from Match Day 3 were undoubtedly England, as they somehow managed to qualify top of their group. Despite hardly being convincing against Ukraine, the French losing allowed them to jump to the top of Group D, meaning they avoided Spain in the next phase.
Relinquishing top spot in Group D, France would be kicking themselves. A lacklustre performance against the already eliminated Sweden means they'll now play Spain in the Quarter Final's. They're a good side, but they'll have to lift in order to go all the way.
Another side I feel sorry for at this tournament is Ukraine. I thought they played some wonderful football, and they showcased that against England on Match Day 3. An incorrect goal line decision, plus some squandered opportunities, ended up costing them dearly, however they can go out of Euro 2012 with their heads held high.
Despite already being dumped out of Euro 2012, Sweden can also leave with their dignity in tact. They took the lead in every one of their games, which perhaps showed a bit about their mentality, however a final day win over France allows them to retain their pride.
Golden Boot
Mario Gomez - Germany - 3
Alan Dzagoev - Russia - 3
Mario Mandzukic - Croatia - 3
No comments:
Post a Comment