Euro 2008: Switzerland 1-2 Turkey (Match Report and Video)

Both teams went into this game needing a win, or they were out the tournament. Switzerland were wearing all reds, and were favorites. Turkey, who had lost two nil to Portugal were wearing white tops, with blue shorts and socks.

The game started off slow, and had all the ingredients to make it a recipe for a boring game. The passing was slow, and neither team were making many opportunities, with only an occasional glimpse of goal for either team.

Then, after twenty minutes or so, the rain started pouring down, and before long the pitch was water logged and it was like playing football in a pond. Switzerland changed to suit the conditions, playing long balls for their quick center forwards to run on to, whereas Turkey were still trying to play small passes.

It was inevitable that Switzerland would score, and they did. Senderos playing a long ball forward to the Swiss attacker, who took the ball round the goal keeper and passed it in to the middle of the goal, where the ball stopped dead in the puddle of the goal mouth. Hakan Yakin was the first to react to this situation, slotting the ball home.

It looked like the game would have to stop, with sliding tackles getting dangerous, and players generally unable to cope. They couldn’t even make a run with the ball as it would just stop dead under their feet. It was a relief for everyone when the half time whistle blew and the rain stopped pouring.

Out for the second half, and the pitch had dried off a bit over the extended half time period. Turkey responded well, finally adapting to the conditions, playing long balls, but to no avail. As the game went on, both teams were attacking, but it was Turkey who got the next goal, a header from a cross that the goal keeper really should have saved, getting both hands to it, but failing to keep it out.

The intensity of the game rose as the final whistle drew closer, and it was Turkey player Arda Turan who broke Swiss hearts in extra time, his deflected shot looping over the goal keepers head, leaving him with no chance at all.

Unfortunately for Switzerland, they couldn’t make an impression after the goal, and are the first team to be out of Euro 2008. Turkey are delighted though, and whoever wins the Czech Republic v Turkey game will be through to the next round.

Final Score:
Switzerland 1 – 2 Turkey

Watch the GOALS:

Add comment June 12th, 2008

Euro 2008: Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal (Match Report and Video)

This game was expected to be a thrilling one, with both teams winning their first matches. Confusingly, the Czech Republic players were wearing all red, where as the Portuguese played in all white.

The game got off to a flying start, with both teams trying to take the initiative. It didn’t take long for Portugal to get a grip of the game, and it was after just eight minutes that Portugal scored their first goal. After Ronaldo had been blocked by Petr Cech, the ball rolled to Deco, who was also blocked by Cech, but the Chelsea goal keeper couldn’t keep out the third shot, which again fell to Deco, who just about got it through the defender’s legs and into the Czech goal.

Just nine minutes later, Czech Republic got a corner, and a superb cross, sloppy defending and a great header allowed Libor Sionko to equalize for the Czech team, pulling away from his marker and heading beyond Portugal goal keeper Ricardo.

After that, Czech Republic pretty much dominated the first half, with Portugal getting an occasional break, but Czech Republic seemed well in control, passing around fluently and creating one or two opportunities. Just before half time, though, Ronaldo got a free kick thirty three meters from the goal, and everyone’s heads were turned. The ball swerved violently through the air, but the strong hands of Petr Cech kept the ball out.

As Czech Republic kicked off for the second half, it was soon apparent Portugal were going to get the third goal of the game, playing fluent football and creating some good opportunities. Then, inevitably, on the sixty third minute Deco played ‘that man’ Cristiano Ronaldo in to smash the ball under a helpless Petr Cech from just outside the penalty area.

Portugal knew they were not safe yet though, and kept on playing brilliant football. Czech Republic looked increasingly beaten as the game progressed, and then in stoppage time for the end of the game a counter attack and a long ball led to Ronaldo selfishly passing to Quaresma who passed the ball calmly into open goal.

Overall a good performance from Portugal, who are almost definitely through to the knock out stage, all they have to do is get a point against Switzerland and they are guaranteed a place in the last eight.

Final Score:
Czech Republic 1 – 3 Portugal

Watch the GOALS:

Add comment June 12th, 2008