Russia v Greece
Limericks are usually rubbish. The
rhyming pattern means the lyrics are almost always convoluted and
ridiculous. The rhymes themselves often don’t work and the attempts
are comedy are lame at best. But, I’m willing to give most things
a try, so here is my report of the Russia v Greece game in the form
of a limerick.
“Advocaat was the old Russian boss
His team had just suffered a lose
They just needed a draw
But just couldn’t score
No wonder he ended up cross!”
Wonderful stuff, I think you’ll agree
that poet laureate will be looking over his shoulder nervously from
now on!
Poland v Czech Republic
Tournament Pet Hate Number One – The
final matches being played at the same time! I know why they do it,
and it makes perfect sense, but it means that you can’t watch every
game live. You can go for the laptop/TV combo but it’s hard work
and you don’t get the same viewing experience. Of course, the
“duel game” option isn’t available if you’re watching the
game in a bar, so on Saturday evening I saw almost nothing of the
host’s game with the Czechs. There was the goal update and a cut
to some celebrating victors at the end but that was it as far as
“live” coverage went.
Obviously this makes it somewhat
difficult to form a decent report of the game. My subsequent
knowledge is from a couple of minutes of studio chat and a few
newspaper reports but here goes anyway…
Poland crashed out of Eruo2012 after a
1-0 defeat to the Czech Rep on Saturday night. Czech midfielder Petr
Jiracek scored the only goal after running into the box and side
footing past Tyton in the Polish goal. Poland wasted a number of
chances, with star striker Robert Lewandowski being particularly
profligate.
As far as I could make out, it sounded
pretty similar to the opening game against Greece – but without the
goal. Once again, the Poles faded after a good start. Whether it’s
fitness, pressure, or the heat, the Poles are clearly a bit lacking.
Personally, I think there’s a gap in quality between their best
players (The 3 Dortmund players and Obraniak) and the rest of the
team. This leaves them with too many holes and they are getting
picked apart as the games wear on. They’ve been stronger hosts
than Austria 4 years ago, but a lot of people were expecting them to
reach the ¼ Finals, so gaining only 2 points has to be regarded as a
failure.
As for the Czechs? After the 4-1
hammering by the Russians on Day 1, you’d have got a great price on
them topping the Group. As with the Greeks, they don’t have any
real star names, but they have a great team spirit and a few tidy
players in midfield. Pilar and Plasil have both looked impressive,
whilst right back Gabre Salaisse looks to have a bright future. I’m
not convinced they can get passed Portugal in the Quarter Finals, but
regardless of that, the Czechs will be delighted with their
performance at this tournament.
I really didn’t like missing this
game as there was a lot riding on it. It doesn’t sound like a
classic, but the tension of the last round of fixtures more than
makes up for a lack of quality. I’m disappointed that Poland and
Russia are out as they have been the 2 most entertaining teams in the
Group.
Overall, Group A was far more interesting than expected and a great example of how fascinating this tournament has been.
Coming next is a look at Italy-Ireland, as I try to find some positives for the Irish plus, a look at the highlights of Spain - Croatia.
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