Euro 2012 - Day 7!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 10:31 AM
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Contributors
Previous Posts
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- SPURS AXE 'ARRY!!!
- Euro 2012 - Day 6!
- CONCACAF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
- Euro 2012 - Day 5!
- Euro 2012 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update
- Panini goes to the dogs...
- Woy's Army!
- Euro 2012 - Day 4!
- Classic Shirt Competition
383 Comments:
Not surprisingly, both managers have announced unchanged sides:
Team news Both sides are unchanged.
Italy (3-5-2): Buffon; Bonucci, De Rossi, Chiellini; Maggio, Marchisio, Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Giaccherni; Balotelli, Cassano.
Subs: Sirigu, Ogbonna Obienza, Balzaretti, Abate, Barzagli, Montolivo,
Diamanti, Nocerino, Di Natale, Borini, Giovinco, De Sanctis.
Croatia (4-1-3-2): Pletikosa; Srna, Corluka, Schildenfeld, Strinic; Vukojevic; Rakitic, Modric, Perisic; Jelavic, Mandzukic.
Subs: Kelava, Simunic, Buljat, Vrsaljko, Vida, Pranjic, Badelj, Dujmovic, Kranjcar, Kalinic, Eduardo, Subasic.
Referee: Howard Webb (England)
Coverage has switched to ESPN2 today, with the US Open on the regular channel.
Teams out on the pitch for the anthems now.
Good morning BD. Back to a full house and dropped everyone off for a girls day out.I guess football would not be part of that. The pets and I are here for the boys day home.
Sounds and looks like lots of Italian support today.
I expect Balo to pick up his requisite yellow and be suspended for the match against the Irish
Webbie is in charge today.As with the Scottish officials, he should let the match flow.
Morning, MUR - a boys day in with the footer would be my choice too.
We're off from Poznan.
Italy kick off against a Croatia side that they've always struggled to beat.
One is out back barking and the other is napping.
Slaven left his hat in the hotel room today, I see.
Germany can still be eliminated from the Euros; if they lose by more than two to Denmark and Portugal defeats Holland.
OH! Just wide by Balo after a great Italian possession.
A naughty challenge by Mandzukic on Chiellini after calm and composed defending from the Italians
I see Slaven took my advice. If he read our blog he would not have appreciated my comments, but then he needs to handle the truth.
Great tackle by Corluka on Balo from the through ball from Thiago Motta.
Peresic sliced the cross from Cassano and it landed about a foot above the goal.
Pirlo fails to beat the first man from the corner.
Chiellini is lectured by webbie for a foul on Jelavic.
Another good chance there for Marchessio.
Just over by Marchissio after Casaano put in a cross for Balo, who took too shoot and ha d a shot blocked. It broke to Marchissio. This was after a lengthy Croat possession.
Italy looking quite lively again. This is the best looking Italian side I've seen for awhile.
Superb long ball from Pirlo to Balo , who should have shot rather than trying to lay it off for Cassano.
I agree. As I type. The cross from the left was intended for Mandzukic as it was vs the Irish.
Why is Balo hesitant to shoot. That must frustrate Prandelli
Balo is finding some usual spaces here already.
Finally a shot by Balo, straight at Pletikosa and beaten away due to the pace of the shot.
Balo wins a corner after initially losing possession.
Jelavic struggles to cl;ear the corner, but to Croatia's relief , Webbie blows for a foul.
Jelavic went down in the box under a challenge from Chiellini, but Webbie was having none of it. The Spanish ref would have.
Jelavic fails to make contact from a tasty cross by Srna, and Buffoon struggles before recovering .
Jelavic is making a nuisance of himself and perhaps their style made it easy to handle the Irish
A cross from Mandzukic is easily headed out. After early Italian dominance, the Croats are starting to creep into this match.
The pass from Pirlo intended for Maggio was well overcooked.
Yes - it's nicely poised. I love how none of these groups have been sorted out yet.
A foul is called on Giacherrinni after a cross from Strininc was headed away after Strinic initially got a fortunate bounce.
Srna to float a free kick in now....
Deflected out for a corner.
A poor free kick from Srna, but it deflects for a corner
Peresic heads straight to Buffoon from the corner.
After Italy threatened to steamroll Croatia, this has become a finely balanced match
Useless pass from Marchisio to ruin a good Italian move.
If Croatia can pull out a draw today, it really puts pressure on the two favorites in this group.
The Italians were through, but the pass from Cassano was cut out.
It may come down to goal difference vs the Irish and the Italians have a history of beating minnow teams by a close margin. You don;t see them thrashing teams.
Naughty by Strinic on Balo.
Oh - I thought Cassano could have been greedier there rather than looking to play in Balo.
Cassano should have shot , then the Croats struggle to clear as it was a battle in the box.
OH! Cassano dragged it wide with just Pletikosa to beat. Not the best angle.
Not far wide by Balo from just outside the box . A decent pop.
There's obviously no love lost between these teams.
Vukojevic is down, holding his head. I didn't see any malice in the challenge.
It's kind of a derby as they are separated by the Adriatic Sea. A really epic battle.
I agree - and similar styles of play.
Iexpect the Italians to move it up a geer in the second half.
The physicality of the Croats is basic their most impressive asset.
Great saves by Pletikosa.
Oh - great stuff from Pletikosa as he saves twice at the feet of Marchissio.
A superb double save by Pletikosa from Marchissio, then Rakitic fouls Balo about a foot outside the box.
Afternoon, Red Devil - any thoughts about that impressive German victory last night?
GOAAAAALLLLLL
GOAL! Oh - a quite sublime free kick into the left side of the goal.
1-0 Azurri!
GOAL !!! 1-0 AS PIRLO SCORES FROM THE FREE KICK. A HOWLER FROM PLETIKOSA WHO LET IT SLIP THROUGH HIS HANDS.
Actually it was well placed, just over the wall, but Pletikosa should have done better.
It always strikes me that the best free kick specialists (e.g., Beckham, DelPiero, Platini, Zidane) almost get horizontal as they approach the ball. Pirlo was almost like that - a quite remarkable physical feat.
The first goal scored directly from a free kick in this tournament and about time.
Pirlo is really pulling the strings now.
Good morning Red Devil. Germany look well placed to win the group and play either Poland or the Czech Republic in the next round.
Cassanop wins a corn er off of Pericic
That goal makes the group a bit more cut and dry, with the Italians on top with 4 points and Spain likely to join them this afternoon.
Cassano heads just over at the near post off the corner.
Hi BD,
I don't want to read too much into it yet, as I think there is something rotten in the state of Holland. Once again, we have a team of individualists, with a coach who is not imposing enough discipline. In a way, this is not total football, but a highly hierarchical setup in which only certain players chase back, others are relegated to only winning the ball (or maiming their opponents), and others dribble too much or short from everywhere.
I agree, BD. I expect the Italians to see this one out as the Croats are just a little short on quality.
I agree, Red Devil. I expect the Dutch to be eliminated, Bert to be sacked or leave by mutual consent. and the new manager to clean house as did Larry White.
The match isn't over yet as the Italians these days don't quite know how to "bolt the door" the way they used to and Jelavic seems to always have a goal in him.
MUR,
I agree. Germany is in the catbird seat, since I find Denmark to be the weakest team in the group, so I think Germany can get at least a point in that game.
Good strike on goal there by Mandzukic.
I don't think Italy and Croatia are totally alike in playing styles. Italy plays the Mediterranean , short passing game while Croatia plays a mixture of that and the Northern European long ball game.
Halftime and 1-0 to Italy.
Boy, that first half sped by and we're at the interval with the Italians in the driver's seat. 1-0.
I think Germany's defense is a little weak, but they are generally well protected through the middle since either Schweini or Khedira are generally back in front of them. Podolski does not have the workrate of Mueller, and that is where a bit more danger arrives from (kind of like the Denmark-Portugal game which was all about the failure of CR7 and Rommedahl to track back). Offensively, their great strength is their variability. They play with 4 attacking players PLUS one of the two holding midfielders, both of which are pretty good offensively (witnessed by the fact that all three assists come from Khedira or Schweini).
I agree with MUR on the styles. Croatia has few skillful touches, but they are about power and strength. Their number one tactic seems to be the cross (which could work), but Italy is a lot more about trying to get someone behind the defense. So far, Pirlo is outshining Modric, a further sign that Italy is not Ireland. When he does his neat pullbacks, he has had his pocket picked a few times. Pretty awesome that Di Natale's thank-you for scoring the goal last game and being the two-time scoring leader in Serie A is a spot on the bench.
Sorry to bring this up here, but how bad did the US suck in Guatemala?
I picked Germany to win the whole thing. Should be able to defeat Poland or the Czechs, but they key is if they can defeat Spain.The Germans parked the bus in the World Cup semifinal and it ultimately cost them.
I was okay with their performance. The referee was really biased. It was a valuable away draw.
The second half is underway from Poznan.
We're back on in Poznan.
I thought that the US were decent in the first half against Guatemala but, as with so many away matches in Central America in the past, they weren't able to put them away and allowed a wobbly ref to run over them.
Modric has an early chance but scuffs his shot.
I expect Ireland vs Spain to be closer than most people expect. Croatia is used to the Irish style of play as many of their players play in the Bundesliga while Spain may not be used to that style of play. I am sure Trap and his staff will have been working on keeping it tight and organized.
Great one two,but a great tack;e on Cassano.
Modric again but he couldn't keep his effort down. Croatia looking full of ambition though. Prandelli must be urged his side to merely hold on to their lead.
Better from Croatia as they broke and Modric went on a solo run, shooting just over.
Bilic has worked on getting Modric more involved in this match. That must have been the focus of the halftime talk.
I assume that Prandelli doesn't think that the aging DiNatale can't make the full 90 minutes. I know that this is rich coming from someone with my present level of fitness (or lack thereof) but there it is.
Bonucci had a shot deflected off a corner that was easily cleared. Then Guiaccherini shot well over.
I think Prandelli feels that Di Natalie is more of a threat as a sub and that was the case vs Spain.
Jelavic wins a corner off of De Rossi
webbie has words for Corluka and Chiellinni . A poor cross from Rakitic after the corner was initially cleared.
Maggio is offside from a through ball by Pirlo.
Great tackle by Giaccherini on Jelavic.
Smoke bombs from so called fans.
Webby's not happy about the flare situation on the far side of the pitch.
Strinic has a shot deflected for a corner,.
Thiago Motta picks up a yellow card for pushing at the set piece. I wish refs did that more often. It's a chronic problem.
Motta is booked for multiple infringements off of corners.
You would think fireworks were invented in Yugoslavia, not China, with all the flares you always see with Croats and Serbs are involved.
I agree, BD. and if Motta refuses to stop then give him a second yellow.
It should be pointed out that that Andrea Pirlo goal was the first of the 34 so far in this tournament to be scored from a direct free kick.
I agree, BD, plus if a ref calls it before play begins he doesn't have to call a penalty.
Correct BD and about time a goal was scored directly off a free kick.
Croats are showing some serious intent. And as usual, body parts are flying everywhere.
A bit of time wasting now from the Italians. Chiellini is old-school wily catenaccio.
Poor foul by Srna on Motta.
I agree with you, MUR - I'd love to see the Russian confederation stripped of the 2018 World Cup.
Oh - Balo with a sharp shot from 25 yards - over the shot.
OH! just over by Balo that started with a headed pass off a free kick from Buffoon.
poor first touch from Cassano.
Thiago Motto comes off gingerly to be replaced by Montolivo.
Montolivo is on for Motta, who has been in the wars.Like for like.
Believe it or not, we've reached the hour mark. Where has this match gone. I feel like I just started watching?
I agree , BD. I would strip them of the World Cup too.
I agree. Few stoppages.
Good adjustment by the Italians. The Croats are having difficulty bridging the midfield like they were at the beginning of the 2nd half.
Great defending by Strinic on Maggio.
Modric is not far from a booking as he has continuously argued with Webbie.
Is Double T watching the same match that we are? He says that nothing dangerous is coming out of Croatia. What about those early chances from Modric?
I believe that if the Italians score a second then this one is done and dusted.
I disagree with double T
I wonder what the great Barry Davies – who once berated Italy for sitting on a 1-0 lead, saying "the Italians are out because they will not learn – makes of this. Italy aren't exactly camped in defense but Croatia are being allowed to play.
Pranjic is on for Perasic.
I would not be surprised to see them catch the Croats on the counter and score a second.
As Bob ordered, Di Natalie is on, as he replaces Balo.
That's certainly the plan, MUR. Balo is trooping off to be replaced by Sunday's goalscorer DiNatale. I had a feeling he might get 20 minutes.
GOAL! It's that man Mandzukic again!
1-1!
GOAL!!! 1-1 AS MANDZUKIC TIES IT UP , BUNDKING HOME
Great cross by Strinic and Chuiellini misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Mandzukic to score from close range.
I had a feeling. The Croats policy of playing two out and out strikers up front pays off again. Great ball over and Mandzukic lost Chiellini at the back stick and fired home off the post.
It's actually his second rather than third of the tournament as UEFA awarded his second to Shay Given's large head.
Poor behavior from Croat fans as the match is stopped due to more smoke bombs.
Manndzukic (sp?) has to be one of the biggest goons ever to threaten to be leading scorer.
The match is restarted with a drop ball as the smoke clears.
Jelavic is well offside from the through ball by Modric.
Great save by Pletikosa from Montolivo.
Two leads surrendered by Italy. Uncharacteristic of the Azzurri, but kudos to Bob for predicting this.
Wide by Maggio , who was flagged offside , but he appeared to be level.
Good point, Red Devil.He scored vs the charitable Irish and again was basically gifted this goal.It will be more difficult as the tournament progresses if Croatia even progresses.
Is that a bit of "heightism" from you, Red Devil? ;-}
Montolivo has been booked by Webbie. It must have been for that elbow.
Too long form Modric after Bonucci headed out the cross from Strinic
Prandelli needs to freshen things up again.
Oh - the Croats were lining up there but Jelavic chose the wrong option.
Mandzukic had a decent season s,scoring twelve goals for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.He seems like an old fashioned center forward.
I agree, BD. Italy have run out of ideas after being the better team in the first half.
That's kind of what I like about sides like Croatia. They haven't forgotten what this sport is about - entertainment.
Eduardo coming on to add even more spark to the front line.
Eduardo, the former Gunner , is on for Jelavic.The Croat fans approve as he offers something a little different
And Giovinco has come on for Italy. Not sure who came off for him.
Useless short corner from Italy.
He came on for Cassano.
Why has Pirlo faded out of this match after an excellent first half?
Giovinco immediately puts Shildenfeld under pressure and draws a foul and yellow card.
Nasty by Scxhildernfeld on Giavinco and he is booked for that.
The free kick from Pirlo is headed away and Webbie blows for a foul,.
I assume that Prandelli sent them out in the second half to sit on the 1-0 lead.
Giavinco fouls Vukojevic to end a tippy tappy possession
Coming down to the last few minutes and chances.
Croatia immediately attack, and Srna overcooks the cross.
Prandellis tactics backfired.
Offside by Di Natalie who would have been on if he had stayed behind the halfway line.
Five minutes of stoppage time due to the smoke bombs.
Great idea by Pirlo, but solid defending from Schildernfeld.
A stronger finish here for the Italians than against Spain when they could have suffered a hat-trick if the chances hadn't all fallen to Fernando Torres.
Mandzukic wins a corner off of Chiellini after a rough challenge.
The assassin Chiellini goes straight through Mandzukic again. No card.
A must win match for Italy vs Ireland .
Five minutes of stoppage time!
Now Rakitic is down
Actually it was Mandzukic from that earlier challenge.
Mandzukic has rolled his ankle now fouling Montolivo. Kranjcar on for the last few moments.
Krancjar is on in his place.
Poor cross from Giavinco.
Croatia broke through Eduardo , who was easily tackled by De Rossi.
After another sparkling opening, the Italians and Pirlo faded badly in the second half. I don't know whether it's age or Prandelli's tactics, but that draw has left things very much up in the air for the last match.
Webbie blows the final whistle and it finishes 1-1. Italy must defeat the Irish in the next match and the Irish have given them a tough time in the past.
Fernando Torres starts vs Ireland. Why? Because he plays in the EPL and will be playing against EPL players? IF Spain wins , which they should , then the Irish will be the first team to be eliminated from the tournament While Italy must defeat the Irish to advance and hopes Spain defeats Croatia.
Now it's that art project formerly known as Spain against the gritty Irish. I expect an easy Spain win but with El Nino in the line-up, all bets are off.
It is 50 degrees and raining in Gdansk. It will feel like Dublin to the Irish, but the Spaniards will be pleased too as the pitch won't be an issue since it's been raining throughout the day.
Th teams last met in the round of sixteen in the 2002 World Cup when Spain won in a penalty shootout, but that was a different Irish side.
The line-ups in Gdansk tonight:
Spain: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Alonso, Busquets, Silva, Xavi, Iniesta; Torres
Ireland: Given; O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward; Duff, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady; Cox; Keane
Ref: P Proenca (Portugal)
Looks like the same lineup, but Bloody Simon Cox is starting up front with Robbie in place of Kevin Doyle. I would have played Doyle and Long up front as they played together at Reading and would pressure the Spanish defense. Only one change from Trap.
"A lot of these Irish players will be playing in the Championship next season so they might aswell enjoy this," reckons Roy Keane on ITV. Was that the sort of pre-match pep talk he gave as captain?
Those numpties at UEFA picked a fellow Iberian to referee this match. How can he be impartial?
Probably so and why he was sent home by Mick.
Robbie and Iker with the coin toss . They were in opposition ten years ago.
Still no room for my Golden Boot Boy Fernando Llorente. I'm going to have to visit Vicente Del Bosque in the wee hours and shave off his ridiculous mustache.
We're off from Gdansk.
Agreed BD. This would have been the perfect match for Llorente
Lots of Irish support as Cox wins an early free kick.
Decent early start for the Irish with Simon Cox pulling a save out of Casillas.
Great save by Casillas off of Cox.
Biscuits making the most of the challenge from Andrews. Not too severe.
Irish fans roar every time they make a tackle or clearance.
GOAL! Torres in less than four minutes - wow!
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