PK ON BLOG!!!!!!
pkonblog.blogspot.com
pkonblog.blogspot.com
Since I had started all the trouble by writing the 1st post on EURO08, I have to continue and not to disappoint any loyal readers out there. (This would be the second last post on match analysis, I didn't really notice how much I have written.)
1st MATCH: Germany 3-2 Turkey
Unlucky Turks!
This may well be the main headlines for the back page of many newspapers. A last minute goal is always hard to accept and I sometimes find this more cruel than penalties to the losing side.
Turkey deserves all the praises. From their first match defeat to a last group match comeback win over Czech (and Cech) to another shocking win against the impressive Croatians and to semi final encounter with Germany, their whole journey has been a fairytale to the country.
Of course, the fans would love to see their team in the finals, but no one would expect them to progress so far. Standing from a neutral point of view, in terms of technique, the Turks were similar to the Germans. Turkish is one of Germany's main labor force and many Turkish in the team speak good German and live like German, eg Hamit Altintop. So, there are some similarities in their play, but the Turks have something extra, something hot and spicy---Passion and Determination and Courage. Their never say die attitude is scary, but no one would expect Phillip Lahm, the highly-rated full back to allow the Turkish to equalize on one end and score on the other end a few minutes later. Hearts broken, end of story.
Pls note that Germany were not particularly impressive in this game. They didn't control the whole match to their benefit, and they lost possession quite easily. They have to thank Rustu for allowing them to take the lead, as well as "Lady Luck".
1st MATCH: Germany 3-2 Turkey
Unlucky Turks!
This may well be the main headlines for the back page of many newspapers. A last minute goal is always hard to accept and I sometimes find this more cruel than penalties to the losing side.
Turkey deserves all the praises. From their first match defeat to a last group match comeback win over Czech (and Cech) to another shocking win against the impressive Croatians and to semi final encounter with Germany, their whole journey has been a fairytale to the country.
Of course, the fans would love to see their team in the finals, but no one would expect them to progress so far. Standing from a neutral point of view, in terms of technique, the Turks were similar to the Germans. Turkish is one of Germany's main labor force and many Turkish in the team speak good German and live like German, eg Hamit Altintop. So, there are some similarities in their play, but the Turks have something extra, something hot and spicy---Passion and Determination and Courage. Their never say die attitude is scary, but no one would expect Phillip Lahm, the highly-rated full back to allow the Turkish to equalize on one end and score on the other end a few minutes later. Hearts broken, end of story.
Pls note that Germany were not particularly impressive in this game. They didn't control the whole match to their benefit, and they lost possession quite easily. They have to thank Rustu for allowing them to take the lead, as well as "Lady Luck".
2nd MATCH: Spain 3-0 Russia
Another 3 goal margin win against the Russians, but with some different players on the pitch for both sides. The wonderful and magnificent Arshavin of Russia was highly praised and was chased by a few number of top clubs after his display against Holland. Many anticipated that his return to the team facing Spain will give them hope for a revenge. A 4-4-1-1 was indeed laid out by Hiddink this time round to try and give the Spaniards trouble.
Football sometimes can be funny and ironic. IF Villa was not injured, I think there might be another ending to this game. Arshavin is clever in finding spaces between the defense and midfield line. Spain's Marcos Senna is the one pulling the strings and providing protection to the back four. One of his main job is to make sure Arshavin is always within his sight. Marchena and Puyol might have some minor problems against the big Palyvuchenko, and Zhirkov is always marauding on the flank. Thus, it might not be the same Russian team they face in their first match.
I was just slightly disappointed that Torres didn't manage to get into the score sheet with a lot of misses. He seemed to play the "Dirk Kuyt role" for the team. Distracting defenders and allow spaces for midfielders to roam. His contribution to the team was immense other than goals.
Daniel Guiza again scored as a substitute and Silva scored his 1st in the tournament. I wished that Silva will don the Liverpool jersey next season. (No Downing pls!! We will go down the league table if we buy him!!)
Another 3 goal margin win against the Russians, but with some different players on the pitch for both sides. The wonderful and magnificent Arshavin of Russia was highly praised and was chased by a few number of top clubs after his display against Holland. Many anticipated that his return to the team facing Spain will give them hope for a revenge. A 4-4-1-1 was indeed laid out by Hiddink this time round to try and give the Spaniards trouble.
Football sometimes can be funny and ironic. IF Villa was not injured, I think there might be another ending to this game. Arshavin is clever in finding spaces between the defense and midfield line. Spain's Marcos Senna is the one pulling the strings and providing protection to the back four. One of his main job is to make sure Arshavin is always within his sight. Marchena and Puyol might have some minor problems against the big Palyvuchenko, and Zhirkov is always marauding on the flank. Thus, it might not be the same Russian team they face in their first match.
No.10 Fabregas in
No. 7 Villa out
I was happy Fabregas came in. EPL fans just know how good this young brother is. (Same age as my sister) He had a good influence on the team after his introduction. 4-5-1 formation indeed by the Spaniards. They really managed to disallow Arshavin from playing his football and the Russian's threat was neutralized to the minimum. If you watch the highlights, you will see how great Spain's midfield dominates the game. Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Silva, you would love any of them in your team.No. 7 Villa out
I was just slightly disappointed that Torres didn't manage to get into the score sheet with a lot of misses. He seemed to play the "Dirk Kuyt role" for the team. Distracting defenders and allow spaces for midfielders to roam. His contribution to the team was immense other than goals.
Daniel Guiza again scored as a substitute and Silva scored his 1st in the tournament. I wished that Silva will don the Liverpool jersey next season. (No Downing pls!! We will go down the league table if we buy him!!)
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A Germany vs Spain final is nice to watch though.
I'll be climbing down my bed, watching it in Liverpool jersey and shouting:
" Torres, what a HAT-TRICK!!!!!!!!!!!! "
~LOL~
A Germany vs Spain final is nice to watch though.
I'll be climbing down my bed, watching it in Liverpool jersey and shouting:
" Torres, what a HAT-TRICK!!!!!!!!!!!! "
~LOL~
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