Ronaldo gets his first Euro 2008 goal
June 12, 2008
Considered as the best soccer player in the world and tipped as one of the youngest scintillating stars of the game. Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo is coming off a spectacular season with back to back Barclay’s Primer League championship and the UEFA champions League title which saw him scoring 42 goals in all competitions; Ronaldo’s display of skill, tenacity and determination has allured fans and viewers to the beautiful game. Leading up to Euro 2008, Ronaldo was seen as one to watch as Portugal sought to capture a European title that seemed so elusive for so long, in Euro 2008.
Seen as one of the competitions favorites, Portugal has won both their games and is already assured a place in the knockout stages of the competition after a 2-1 win against Group A revivals the Czech Republic courtesy of goals from Deco and Ronaldo. But with a disappointing first game display Cristiano Ronaldo has not lived up to the hype that surrounded his participation in the Euros.
Ronaldo was quoted as saying he likes or prefers playing in the white team kit, which interestingly enough was the kit he wore when he scored. Is this a case of the bad work man blaming his tools? It is also interesting to highlight the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo has never imposed himself on any major tournament he’s been a part of nor has he done so in any high profile games he’s played in.
Based on facts; Ronaldo is not a player for the big occasion and seems to be overwhelmed by the expectations placed on his shoulders as was evident in the recently concluded Champions League final. Ronaldo like any other high profile player at the top of their game or otherwise is expected to deliver a stunning performance almost every time he plays but can young Ronaldo supply Euro 2008 with a performance that will be echoed throughout time? With the world at his feet; the knockout stages of Euro 2008 awaits.
It’s easily the worst defeat I’ve experienced in 10 years with the national team-Buffon
June 9, 2008
In wake of their opening game at Euro 2008, which saw the world champions Italy being whipped 3-0 by Holland, team captain and goalkeeper Gigi Buffon apologized to the Italian people for their performance and conceded that its the worst defeat he has ever experienced in an Italian jersey.
So with Holland starting well withan emphatic win against the world champions and the French’s failure to dispose of Romania the “Group of death” now looks like the “Group of orange”.
With the decisive games coming on June 13, in more respects than one, France will need inspiration from their potent strike unit on paper, as it was never seen in their game against Romania. The Dutch are confident, hold on France; they’re going to paint the Euros orange with this one!
Henry will be ready for Oranje’s
June 9, 2008
After watching helplessly from the sidelines French and Barcelonea striker Thierry Henry revealed today that a thigh strain he picked up a few days prior to Les Bleus’ opening clash with Romania was what kept him out of the game.
The French had a last than impressive start to their Euro 2008 campaign with a dismal stalemate against a Romanian team who looked quite comfortable with a draw.
Henry will be hoping to make his return in France’s next fixture which sees them challenging “Group of death” leaders Holland, who thrashed and stunned world champions Italy with a comprehensive 3-0 beating.
So with four days to go before the flat looking French tackle a ever confident looking Dutch team; Henry will be looking to ignite his teammates and inspire them to a much needed win.
“We are the team to beat but it’s down to us to prove it,” -Buffon
June 9, 2008
Despite the misfortunes of being hit with the massive blow of being without captain and central defender Fabio Cannavaro, the Italians still think they can win the Euros and recently named captain Gianluigi Buffon thinks his team can still conquer Europe this summmer.
The newly elected captain stated in a press release that “The most important thing is get off to a good start,” “We know how significant it is to start on the right foot and that has been a problem in the past.”
The Italians who are known to be slow starters will be hoping to start on a winning note when they take on the Dutch in one of the two games being played today in the Group of death.
will the Dutch have something to say hours before kick off the fans await with bustling anticipation.
Polish born Podolski gets double against Poland to carry Germany to first victory in Euros since ‘96
June 8, 2008
Inspired by two fantastic goals from Lukas Podolski, Germany made their intentions for Euro 2008 clearly known and understood today when they beat Poland 2-0 in their Group B fixture. It was their first win in the Euros since winning the trophy in Euro 96 and failing to progress from the group stages at Euro 2000 and Euro 2004.
The Germans who are one of the favorites for the competition displayed ball movement and seemed destined to score everytime they went forward. A good all round team performance that sees them at the top of Group B on goal difference, in what must be said the most entertaining game of the championships so far. Warning the Germans are coming!
Zlatan eager to transfer winning form at club to country!
June 8, 2008
After a third successive season in the Italian Serie A with Inter Milan, the prolific club striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has not scored a goal for his country since October 2005 will be looking to put his name on the score sheet for his country in their Group D opening game against the defending champions Greece on tuesday.
The Swedish striker said “the most pressure is coming from myself because I want to do a good championship like I did in Inter,” and further stated that he will need the help of his teammates as he alone can not do it.
But concerns with regards to his fitness may keep him out of the fixture with a chronic keep injury that threatened to rule him out of Euro 2008. Sweden’s coach Lars Lagerbäck has admitted it is unlikely he will play against Greece on Tuesday evening. With Ibrahimovic out, veteran forward Henrik Larsson, 36, is now set to partner Toulouse star Johan Elmander up-front for the Swedes.
“Before, nobody could have imagined that such a small country would go so far in the competition, but now people expect much more”-Greece captain Angelos Basinas
June 8, 2008
The pressure of the Euros has taken its toll on the reigning European champions Greece.Team captain Angelos Basinas fears that the high level of expectations this time round could end any hopes the nation has of retaining their European crown at Euro 2008.
In Euro 2004 the Greeks overcame France, the Czech Republic and hosts Portugal to emerge victorious in Lisbon, a dream deferred prior to the start of the competition, but four years on, with perennial powerhouses such as France, Portugal, Spain, Germany and world champions Italy in excellent form and tipped as favorites the cinderella story looks a lifetime away. The Greek captain also stated that “this is a different and more difficult tournament for us and the way we think about our opponents has certainly changed since 2004″.
With the Euro off to a less that dramatic start, Greece will start the defense of their title against Sweden on Tuesday before facing Russia and Spain in a difficult looking group. Can they repeat their victory of 2004?
Concerns arise about Henry’s fitness as Vieira is ruled out of opener!
June 8, 2008
A closed door training session for the French national team on Saturday in the tiny Swiss village of Châtel Saint-Denis was completed without the Barcelona striker. The 30 year-old won his 100th cap for his country in last Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Colombia but has failed to train since picking up a knock in the game.
The veteran French striker is expected to play a vital role in Raymond Domenech’s team which is expected to get pass Romania in their opening game but fitness concerns among players in the french team continue to force coach Domenech to make tactical changes to his starting team. Henry is not the only doubt for France’s key Euro 2008 fixture. Creative midfielder Samir Nasri reported ill but was able to take some part in training while the brilliant Franck Ribéry, who picked up a knock to his ankle in the midweek Colombian friendly, was also deemed fit enough to participate.
Can France show their depth against Romania? The field awaits as the “Group of death” is decided.
“We are the world champions and it is normal we are expected to win,” -Del Piero
June 8, 2008
Motivated a wonderful season with the Bianconeri, Juventus icon Alessandro Del Piero has enjoyed a stunning season in which he scored 21 goals to lift the Capocanoniere title as well as earn a place in Roberto Donadoni’s squad.
Del Piero is looking forward to a good tournament and he is hoping his Azzurri emerge victors come June 29 but he admits that it will not be easy. But with troubles in the middle fo defense with Captain Cannavaro out and problems with Panucci, the Azzurri looks to be in a spot of bother in the Group of death.
Del Piero has even statedly vehemently that he wants to captain the Azzurri and stated “So many things have happened over the past couple of years, such as two extraordinary seasons with Juventus and Italy with a new Coach and style of play,” “These 24 months have strengthened me and now here I am, happier than ever. ”
My role could well be that of Toto Di Natale, but I would not be upset at playing behind Luca Toni or as a second striker. Clearly Del Piero is ready to give 110 percent but are in his teammates willing to support him? we shall see as the take on the Dutch on June 09.
“I’ll play and I’ve come here to win. I want to lift this cup,”-Pirlo
June 6, 2008
With the lost of team captain, experienced central defender and inspirational leader Fabio Cannavaro due to an injury sustained in training; many are convinced the world champions are unable to win the prestigious Euro 2008 title.
But among those who believe the Azzurri is still capable of lifting the trophy is AC Milan midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo whose said in an interview that “With Cannavaro out Italy have lost a lot but we have the same desire as at the World Cup in Germany and, on top of that, the motivation that Italy hasn’t won the Euro in 40 years. It’s time to bring this trophy back home”
So with their first game on June 09 against Holland the world awaits with much agitation the events that will unfold.
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