Well the Czech Republic got off to the winning start that I thought they would but it was hardly a convincing display and not much of a match. Switzerland had the better of the chances and will feel hard done by to have conceded the only goal of the game.
Much better fare was served up in the evening when Portugal took on Turkey. The best player on earth looked every inch like a man from another world as he lead the Portugese attack from the flank. The Turks had trebled up on Ronaldo but he skated through and past them on numerous occasions and was shooting from any angle or distance. He struck the post from a tight angled free-kick and the replays showed that only a finger-tip touch by Demeril in the Turkish goal prevented it from going in. Pepe did head home powerfully for Portugal but that was correctly ruled out for a slight off-side infringement. Turkey held on during the first half and it was hard to avoid the feeling that they might spring a late second-half surprise if they could hang-on.
However, Portugal kept up the momentum and played some sparkling football. Deco was industrious in midfield and Nuno Gomez flashed two efforts against the bar. Pepe got the opportunity to atone for his first half misfortune and he took the chance with aplomb waltzing through the backline with a one-two before bundling the ball past the helpless Demeril.
Portugal looked very familar in defence with Carvalho and Ferreira but there was a third player defender with Chelsea connections who emerged as my man of the match - Jose Boswingwa who we should see playing for Chelsea next season. He gave as confident and commanding a right-back display as I can remember seeing.
Joint-hosts Austria kick-off their tournament against Croatia today and I am expecting Croatia to show some serious intent for the competition. This is a showcase for the likes of Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar, Dario Snar, Mladen Petric and Ivica Olic. Modric will be keen to show Spurs fans what he's about.
The other game today is the security nightmare for the authorities as Germany take on Poland. Germany will start as favourites but I expect a close game and think Poland could force something from this one.
Thought the Austrian game was fascinating. I expected them to get beaten handsomely. But they clawed their way back as the game progressed and I felt they were well worth a draw. Their two wide men (think they both came on as subs) were very exciting.
ReplyDeleteI know they will get bombed out in the group stage, but I've found my underdogs to cheer on.
Thought the Germans were like us as usual, but with one huge difference. They are awful to watch, but they always win!
Pembury Addick
I was thinking just the same re Austria, much better performance than 100-1 rank outsiders.
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