Euro 2008: Portugal 0-2 Switzerland (Full Match Report and Video)

Tournament hosts Switzerland went in to this game knowing nothing they could do would qualify for the quarter final stages, so were playing for pride, while Portugal were also playing for pride, knowing that they were definitely through to the knock out stages, and unless there was a massive shock, they were going to win the group.

Portugal took control in the first half, playing good football as we expect from them, but, surprisingly, Switzerland are still going for it and creating some good opportunities, and the fans are loving their night out.

Nani and Quaresma were causing havoc, playing lots of balls in to the box and generally running riot, putting the Swiss goal keeper under immense pressure. Pepe had shot saved, while Manchester United winger Nani so nearly scored twice, with a long distance free kick being flicked over the cross bar and a different shot hitting the post.

It was in the second half when the game came alive, especially the Swiss. But Nani yet again hit the wood work, when he really should have scored after a Swiss error. Postiga had a good shot saved, as well.

Then, with twenty minutes to go, Switzerland started pressurizing immensely, and it wasn’t long before Hakan Yakin smashed a volley in to the goal between Portuguese goal keeper Ricardo’s legs.

And then a late strike from the first goal scorer, Yakin, scored his second of the game from the penalty spot, smashing the ball in to the top corner, giving penalty specialist Ricardo no chance of saving it.

Tonight’s results mean that Portugal top the group with six points, along side Turkey who finish below them on goal difference. Czech Republic and Switzerland fail to qualify, but the Swiss fans will be happy they went out on a high.

Final Score:
Portugal 0 – 2 Switzerland

Watch both GOALS:

Comments June 16th, 2008

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:

Comments June 12th, 2008