Euro 2012 Poland - Ukraine: Early Observations

 

It seems in every tournament, something spectacular happens in the kickoff match (think Senegal over France in 2002; Greece over Portugal in 2004; Lahm's golaso in 2006; etc). This year was no different as we saw Poland draw against Greece, with no less than two players red carded and a phenomenal penalty save by a replacement keeper. 

The second match was no less captivating, with both Russia and the Czech Republic trying to demonstrate their worthiness for the title. Props to Russia for coming to play and succeeding when it counted though the final score flattered them a bit). Arshavin again looked the part (why doesn't he play this well with Arsenal?), and the whole Russian team must now be considered a threat. 

This afternoon, Denmark (!) upset Holland in a big way, nipping a goal when it mattered and defending like lions for the rest of the match. Good for them.

Finally, though not unexpectedly, Germany beat Portugal. You have got to give the Germans credit - they know how to tactically nullify opposition, even when the attacking waves keep coming. 

Tomorrow we get to see defending champs Spain play, and you can bet this country is exited for it. This fan, too.

Spain vs. Scotland; Klinsman Stumbles

Spain pulled out all the stops against Scotland, at least for the first 60 minutes of the game.  With Puyol back and Valdes finally getting a start for la Furia Roja, Spain again had a sharpness not really seen since Euro 2008 and, to a somewhat lesser extent, at the 2010 WC .

Granted, Scotland are not a big fish team. It is still worth recognizing that several of the Scottish players play for top sides throughout Europe, and, in theory, they should be pretty decent. Against Spain, however, they looked more like a disorganized junior varsity high school team from the midwest. They could hardly string five passes together.


I don't think the penalty that Scotland scored should have been allowed.  Yes, it was a penalty kick offense. Valdes was slow to claim a ball into the box and clumsily crashed into the Scottish forward. Goodwillie's run up to the penalty looked to me to be a violation of the no-feinting at the point of the shot rule. It's a shame because Valdes is not a bad penalty stopper, and it would have been nice to see the result of a fair fight. Because of that concession, his track record will be forever blemished. Bad luck, Victor.

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On this side of the pond, Jurgen Klinsman's side lost 1-0 to Ecuador. I agree with this blogger. He's said it best.
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Predictions (hopes) for the weekend:
Betis will draw Madrid in the Bernabeu. Ramos will get a yellow card.
Racing de Santander will go down by one or two goals to Barcelona.