This post is from direct from Thailand! I am sitting in a Phuket internet cafe' with my uncle who lives here in Thailand! The people here are so friendly and always smile at you! I saw the final in Dubai like 11:30 there! Spain was great! It was unbelievable what football they played this year! 15% percent of my blog viewers were correct by ticking Spain in my voting section of "Who will win this year!"...
I surfed the web before and found this great video that truly shows the best goals of the tournament!
Showing posts with label Euro 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Euro 2008. Show all posts
Friday, July 4, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Semifinal B : Russia vs Spain
Spain produced a superb display to cruise past Russia and set up a Euro 2008 final against Germany on Sunday.
Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas was the driving force behind the win after coming on as substitute for injured David Villa.
Xavi turned home Andres Iniesta's cross after 50 minutes and substitute Daniel Guiza converted a superb pass from Fabregas with 17 minutes left.
Fabregas played in David Silva for a simple third after 82 minutes as a disappointing Russia ended well beaten.
The only cloud on Spain's horizon was the first-half injury to Villa, who will now miss the final clash with Germany in Vienna.
Russia never threatened to produce the attacking firepower that saw them dump out Holland in the last eight, and playmaker Andrei Arshavin was an anonymous figure throughout.
Arshavin entered the game with a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders, as well as transfer interest from Barcelona, but failed to deliver.
Spain were outstanding as they inflicted another heavy defeat on Guus Hiddink's side, as they had done in the group stages and were rarely under pressure.
Veteran coach Luis Aragones now looks to have put together a side capable of ending the years of under-achievement, even making light of that injury to the influential Villa.
Spain made a positive start, with the partnership of Villa and Torres demonstrating their threat early on.
Villa slipped in Torres for a shot that was saved by Igor Akinfeev, then forced the Russia keeper into a smart save down at his post with a long-range drive.
Russia's only early effort was a free-kick from Roman Pavlyuchenko that was off target as Spain dominated territory and possession.Villa fired in another free-kick that was saved by Akinfeev after 28 minutes, but appeared to injure himself and limped off shortly afterwards, to be replaced by Fabregas.
It was a pivotal moment, with Fabregas more than compensating for the departure of Villa by delivered a midfield master-class.
Spain took a fully-deserved lead after 50 minutes when Xavi arrived to perfection to slide home Iniesta's driven cross.
Fabregas was pulling the strings, first setting up Torres for a shot that the Liverpool striker curled off target.
Torres then slid another glorious chance wide after a fine run and cross from Sergio Ramos in what was his final contribution of a tireless performance.
He was replaced by Guiza, with Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso coming on for goalscorer Xavi.
And Guiza showed his prowess as a finisher when he scored Spain's second after 73 minutes, lifting Fabregas's superb pass over Akinfeev.
Fabregas was running the game, and he produced another piece of superb creation to set up Silva for a precise finish with eight minutes left.
Spain keeper Iker Casillas was finally forced into action with three minutes remaining, saving superbly from Dmitry Sychev's header.
But it was a minor interruption to Spain's path into the final, and Akinfeev had to save well from Guiza as they threatened to make their victory margin more convincing.
Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Vasili Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov (Bilyaletdinov 56), Saenko (Sychev 57), Pavluchenko, Arshavin.
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Ivanov, Shirokov, Bystrov.
Booked: Zhirkov, Bilyaletdinov.
Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta, Xavi (Alonso 69), Senna, Silva, Villa (Fabregas 34), Torres (Guiza 69).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Santi Cazorla, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.
Goals: Xavi 50, Guiza 73, Silva 82.
Att: 50,000
Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).
Semifinal A : Germany vs Turkey
Philipp Lahm's last-minute winner sent Germany into the Euro 2008 final and sank a desperately unlucky Turkey.
Lahm stole in on Thomas Hitzlsperger's pass to beat Rustu Recber and give the Germans victory after a thriller in which Turkey were the better side.
Ugur Boral scrambled Turkey ahead after 22 minutes, but Bastian Schweinsteiger equalised quickly from close range.
Miroslav Klose headed Germany in front after 79 minutes, but Semih Senturk levelled before Lahm's late strike.
Germany barely deserved the victory, but once again they have reached a major final despite being unconvincing, where they will face either Russia or Spain in Vienna on Sunday.
Ravaged by injuries and suspension, Turkey defied all expectations to produce an outstanding performance full of grit, desire and no little quality and they should have been well in front by half-time.
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He was denied by the woodwork again with a looping finish 10 minutes later - but this time Ugur was lurking to scramble in the rebound through the legs of the despairing Lehmann.
Stunned by the speed of Turkey's opening, Germany responded to equalise after 27 minutes.
Lukas Podolski was the creator with a run and cross from the left flank, but it needed a sweet finish with the outside of Schweinsteiger's right foot to beat Rustu.
Lehmann was having a nightmare and he had to scramble back hurriedly after misjudging Hamit Altintop's free-kick to turn the ball over the bar.
'Good mentality' gets us to finals - Ballack
It was a superb spectacle, and Podolski escaped the attentions of the Turkish defence only to shoot over the top with Klose waiting unmarked in front of goal.
Lehmann was then forced to punch Ugur's powerful free-kick away after 39 minutes as Turkey continued to show the greater ambition.
Germany coach Joachim Low made a change at the interval, replacing Simon Rolfes, who had suffered a head wound in a clash with Ayhan Akman, with Torsten Frings.
The Germans were furious after 50 minutes when Lahm was clearly felled by Sabri Sarioglu, only to see Swiss referee Massimo Busacca ignore their appeals.
But Turkey, under the inspirational leadership of coach Fatih Terim, were continuing to set the pace and Ugur tested Lehmann once more with a shot at the end of a fine run.
Hitzlsperger showed the shooting power that marked his time at Aston Villa with 18 minutes left, shooting just wide from 30 yards with Rustu beaten.
But it was a calamitous error by the veteran Rustu that gifted Germany the lead with 11 minutes left, when he came for Lahm's cross but got nowhere near it, leaving Klose to head Germany in front.
If this tournament has told us one thing, it is that Turkey's refusal to accept defeat means they are at their most dangerous when behind and so it proved again as they drew level again with four minutes left.
Sabri rounded Lahm superbly on the flank, and the poacher Semih stole in to beat Lehmann at the near post.
Turkey looked to have taken the game into extra time, which was the very least they deserved, but their campaign ended in heartbreak in the closing moments.
Lahm raided forward and exchanged passes with Hitzlsperger before firing high past Rustu.
Germany celebrated the victory, but so much credit must go to Turkey for a magnificent effort that deserved so much more.
Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm, Hitzlsperger, Rolfes (Frings 46), Schweinsteiger, Ballack, Podolski, Klose (Jansen 90).
Subs Not Used: Enke, Adler, Fritz, Westermann, Gomez, Neuville, Trochowski, Borowski, Odonkor, Kuranyi.
Goals: Schweinsteiger 27, Klose 79, Lahm 90.
Turkey: Rustu, Sarioglu, Topal, Zan, Balta, Aurelio, Kazim-Richards (Metin 90), Altintop, Akman (Erdinc 81), Boral (Karadeniz 84), Senturk.
Subs Not Used: Zengin, Cetin, Emre, Gungor, Nihat.
Booked: Senturk.
Goals: Boral 22, Senturk 86.
Att: 40,000
Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).
Monday, June 23, 2008
Quarterfinal D : Spain vs Italy
Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after a dour goalless draw in Vienna.
Marcos Senna came closest in normal time when Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon fumbled his shot on to a post.
Spain keeper Iker Casillas was the hero in the shoot-out, saving from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale.
Daniel Guiza saw his spot-kick saved by Buffon, but Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas slid home the crucial penalty to set up a last four clash with Russia.
The game never touched the heights and penalties was an almost inevitable outcome given the approach of both sides.
There will now be an intriguing backdrop to the semi-final in Vienna on Thursday, with Spain having beaten Russia - admittedly minus the inspirational Andrei Arshavin - 4-1 in a group game earlier in the competition.
And it was a change of fortune for the Spanish, who have gone out of three major championships on 22 June, the World Cups of 1986 and 2002 and Euro '96 - all in the quarter-finals on penalties.
The opening 45 minutes was a cautious affair, with chances - and quality - at a premium.
David Villa, predictably, was the first player to pose a serious threat with a low drive drive from long range that was comfortably held by Italy keeper Buffon.
Fernando Torres had been kept quiet by some trademark Italian defending, but he escaped the shackles after 31 minutes to help set up a chance for David Silva, who curled a shot only inches wide from 25 yards.
Spain tried to break the stalemate by making a double substitution on the hour, sending on Fabregas and Santi Cazorla for Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
But it was an Italian substitute, Mauro Camoranesi, who almost made the breakthrough seconds later when he ended a chaotic goalmouth scramble with a shot that was blocked by the legs of Spanish keeper Casillas.
It had been a frustrating evening for the much-vaunted Spanish strike force of Torres and Villa - and the latter was booked for diving by referee Herbert Fandel after 71 minutes when he tumbled under challenge from Giorgio Chiellini.
Italy keeper Buffon suffered an anxious moment with 11 minutes left when he was forced to punch away a long-range free-kick from Senna.
He had an even bigger scare seconds later when he fumbled a routine shot from Senna, and was relieved to see the ball bounce back into his arms off an upright.
Torres had been disappointing, but it was still a surprise to see him hauled off again by Spain coach Luis Aragones with six minutes left and replaced by Guiza.
Spain had the first chance of extra time, with Silva sweeping an effort just wide with Buffon beaten.
Italy's response saw swift as Casillas turned over a header from Di Natale and Luca Toni headed just over the top.
The stalemate was soon resumed, although Cazorla shot across the face of goal with seconds left as the last chance of avoiding penalties was wasted.
Villa and Fabio Grosso exchanged successful penalties and Cazorla scored for Spain before Casillas saved brilliantly from De Rossi.
Senna and Camoranesi scored, but when Buffon saved from Guiza Italy were back in contention - only for Casillas to repeat his heroics to stop Di Natali's spot-kick.
Fabregas, on as substitute, was left to settle the affair and calmly beat Buffon to spark wild Spanish celebrations.
Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta (Santi Cazorla 59), Senna, Xavi (Fabregas 59), Silva, Villa, Torres (Guiza 85).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Alonso, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red, Reina.
Booked: Iniesta, Villa, Santi Cazorla.
Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, Aquilani (Del Piero 108), De Rossi, Ambrosini, Perrotta (Camoranesi 58), Toni, Cassano (Di Natale 75).
Subs Not Used: Amelia, Gamberini, Borriello, Quagliarella, Materazzi, De Sanctis.
Booked: Ambrosini.
Att: 48,000
Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Quarterfinal C : Holland vs Russia
Russia's Andrei Arshavin was the architect as they dumped Netherlands out of Euro 2008 after extra time.
Russia took the lead in normal time when Roman Pavlyuchenko volleyed home, only for Ruud van Nistelrooy to head in an 86th-minute leveller for the Dutch.
But the brilliant Arshavin tormented Netherlands throughout and he crossed for Dmitri Torbinski to prod home.
Arshavin then sealed a semi-final spot in the 116th minute as he ran through and fired low past Edwin van der Sar.
Russia almost had to play with 10 men in extra time after Denis Kolodin was sent off by Lubos Michel in stoppage time, only for the referee to reverse his decision after a chat with one of his assistants.
It was the first European Championship quarter-final that did not have to be decided by penalties after going into extra time and was just reward for another spellbinding performance from the young Russians and their destroyer-in-chief Arshavin.
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It was a triumph too for Russia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink and his side will now meet either Spain or Italy in Vienna on Thursday in the semi-finals.
From the start Russia settled better than their more-fancied opponents as the Dutch struggled to match the fluidity of their earlier Euro 2008 performances.
Hiddink's men found joy down the flanks, exposing full-backs Gio van Bronckhorst and Khalid Boulahrouz, with one fine cross headed over from eight yards by Pavlyuchenko.
Hiddink 'so proud' of Russia victory
After Van Nistelrooy somehow missed the ball completely three yards out from a free-kick, Russia really began to assert their authority.
The untouchable Arshavin danced past Andre Ooijer inside the Dutch box and curled a right-foot shot goalwards that Van der Sar had to tip away for a corner.
Twice in two minutes, Denis Kolodin hit right-foot piledrivers from 35 yards, the first forcing Van der Sar to tip over and the second flying inches over the bar.
Dutch coach Marco van Basten withdrew the ineffective Dirk Kuyt at the break for Robin van Persie to bolster their attacking threat and almost immediately he screwed a volley wide, before Russia took the lead.
Arshavin cleverly played in Sergei Semak down the left and his cross was expertly dispatched into the net by Pavlyuchenko.
Van der Sar admits Russia deserved win
It was the first time the Netherlands had been behind at Euro 2008 and as they began to pour forward in greater numbers, the Russians - matching the counter-attacking brilliance of their opponents from earlier in the tournament - began to pick them off.
A glorious move led to right-back Alexander Anyukov forcing Van der Sar to parry his shot and then Arshavin scampered away down the left and sent in a devilish cross that just evaded Ivan Saenko.
The Netherlands were pressing but were frustrated by a lack of quality, until with four minutes left they somehow hauled themselves level, Van Nistelrooy netting a poacher's classic by heading in Wesley Sneijder's free-kick.
As the clock ticked into injury time, Russia defender Kolodin was given an almighty repreive by referee Michel.
Booked for the second time and then sent off for a foul on Sneijder, one of Michel's assistants told him - perhaps wrongly - the Real Madrid midfielder had not kept the ball in play, so Kolodin was allowed to stay on the pitch.
 Ruud van Nistelrooy (right) heads in Netherlands' late equaliser |
Pavlyuchenko cannoned a shot against the crossbar and Arshavin weaved his magic way around two more tackles only for substitute Torbinski to shoot at Van der Sar.
They were denied a clear penalty when Yuri Zhirkov was fouled in the box by Johnny Heitinga but soon after Arshavin danced down the left, flighted a tantalising cross over Van der Sar and watched as Torbinski poked in.
Arshavin got the goal his sumptuous display deserved when he wrapped it up four minutes from time, latching on to a throw-in and firing past Van der Sar.
Holland: Van der Sar, Boulahrouz (Heitinga 54), Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Engelaar (Afellay 61), Kuyt (Van Persie 46), Van der Vaart, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy.
Subs Not Used: Timmer, Stekelenburg, De Zeeuw, Robben, Melchiot, Bouma, De Cler, Huntelaar, Vennegoor of Hesselink.
Booked: Boulahrouz, Van Persie, Van der Vaart.
Goals: Van Nistelrooy 86.
Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov (Bilyaletdinov 69), Saenko (Torbinsky 81), Arshavin, Pavluchenko (Sychev 115).
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Ivanov, Shirokov, Bystrov.
Booked: Kolodin, Zhirkov, Torbinsky.
Goals: Pavluchenko 56, Torbinsky 112, Arshavin 116.
Att: 42,500.
Ref: Lubos Michel (Slovakia).
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Quarterfinal B : Croatia vs Turkey
Turkey will meet Germany in the Euro 2008 semi-final after beating Croatia 3-1 on penalties after a dramatic extra-time finale in Vienna.
Ivan Klasnic headed Croatia in front with seconds left - only for Turkey's Semih Senturk to volley the equaliser with the last kick of the game.
Arda Turan, Semih and Hamit Altintop scored in the shoot-out for Turkey.
Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic missed for Croatia and Turkey keeper Rustu saved the deciding kick from Mladen Petric.
It was astonishing finish to a dreadful game, especially for Turkey keeper Rustu, who made an awful error that looked to have given Crotia victory before his free-kick set up Semih for the leveller as referee Roberto Rosetti prepared to blow the final whistle.
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, who had celebrated what he thought was a famous victory with his players only seconds earlier, could not lift his deflated players and they looked a beaten side even before the penalty shoot-out.
Turkey, in contrast grasped the lifeline and Euro 2008's great survivors and late show specialists were through again, having led matches for only nine minutes in the entire tournament.
They face a huge task against Germany, however, after losing Arda, Tuncay Sanli and Emre Asik to suspensions after they were given yellow cards - and with keeper Volkan Demirel already out in similar circumstance.
We thought it was over - Bilic
But Fatih Terim's side must believe destiny is on their side after another remarkable escape act to follow their last-minute win against the Czech Republic that put them in the last eight.
Turkey recalled 35-year-old veteran Rustu in goal in place of the banned Volkan - and it was more a case of rusty in the first 45 minutes as he produced an uncertain display that spread uncertainty through his defence.
They had a remarkable escape in the 18th minute when Spurs' new midfield man Modric carved out a simple chance for Ivica Olic, only for the striker to somehow rattle the bar from six yards out.
Niko Kranjcar headed the rebound over the top with the entire Croatian bench, led by coach Bilic, already starting to celebrate.
Turkey, hit by injuries and suspension, were struggling to achieve any cohesion, but Mehmet Topal almost stunned Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa with a rising 35-yard shot that flew inches wide.
Olic was involved again as Croatia threatened to turn their superiority into a lead five minutes after the interval, when he headed the ball over the on-rushing Rustu - and was then presented with a second chance by Emre Asik but was able to find the target.
Turkey were providing stubborn resistance, but Croatia were also guilty of wasting chances when they presented themselves.
Olic turned creator to tee up Rakitic with 20 minutes left, but he rushed his finish and shot wildly over the top.
Rustu conjured up some of his old magic after 83 minutes as he dived high to his left to turn away a Darijo Srna free-kick that was destined for the top corner.
Modric was easily the game's most creative performer and with just a minute to go in normal time he set up Olic, but Rustu was perfectly placed to block.
Olic had endured a wayward night in front of goal, and he was off target again with the final kick before the game went into extra time.
Turkey actually looked the fresher side in the additional period and Semih flashed an angled shot just over with Pletikosa beaten.
Tuncay was even closer after 111 minutes with a 20-yard shot that was only inches away.
A terrible misjudgement by Rustu appeared to give Croatia victory in the dying seconds of extra time when he inexplicably raced out of his goal to try and tackle Modric - and he was stranded out of his goal as Klasnic headed in his cross.
Croatia's celebrations were wild, with coach Bilic heavily involved, and yet this tournament has told us never to write off Turkey.
And they equalised with literally the final kick of the game when Semih struck a superb finish as Croatia failed to clear a desperate punt into the area by Rustu.
Croatia looked devastated as the penalty shoot-out started, and they got off to the worst possible start when Modric placed his kick wide.
Arda, Semih and Hamit scored convincingly for Turket, but only Srna scored for Croatia with Rakitic missing and Rustu - the most relieved man in the stadium after his late mistake - saving from Petric.
Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, Robert Kovac, Simunic, Pranjic, Srna, Modric, Nico Kovac, Rakitic, Kranjcar (Petric 64), Olic (Klasnic 97).
Subs Not Used: Galinovic, Simic, Vejic, Vukojevic, Kalinic, Pokrivac, Knezevic, Leko, Runje.
Goals: Klasnic 119.
Turkey: Rustu, Altintop, Zan, Asik, Balta, Topal (Senturk 76), Sarioglu, Sanli, Turan, Kazim-Richards (Boral 61), Nihat (Karadeniz 117).
Subs Not Used: Zengin, Cetin, Emre, Metin, Gungor, Akman, Erdinc.
Booked: Sanli, Turan, Boral, Asik.
Goals: Senturk 120.
Turkey win 3-1 on penalties
Att: 50,000
Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Group D : Greece vs Spain
Spain made it three wins out of three at Euro 2008 as Greece bowed out of the tournament with defeat in Salzburg.
Defending champions Greece took the lead when Angelos Charisteas headed home a Giorgios Karagounis free-kick.
Spain levelled when Ruben De la Red thundered a shot in off the underside of the crossbar.
And the Spanish kept up their 100% record when Daniel Guiza headed in a late winner from a Sergio Garcia cross to continue Greece's misery.
Greece had looked like they might salvage some pride from a disappointing defence of their trophy, but Guiza's goal in the 88th minute means they go home pointless.
| Euro 2008 quarter-final line-up Thursday - Germany v Portugal Friday - Croatia v Turkey Saturday - Netherlands v Russia Sunday - Spain v Italy |
Meanwhile Spain will head into their quarter-final against Italy with high hopes of succeeding the Greeks as champions of Europe.
Spanish coach Luis Aragones was even able to give his first-team some extra rest ahead of their meeting with the world champions by leaving out 10 players.
The multiple changes ensured a fairly low-key game at the Stadion Wals-Siezenheim.
Until Greece's goal shortly before half-time, the most notable incident was the combustible Karagounis creating history by becoming the first player to receive six yellow cards at European Championships.
It was the Panathinaikos midfielder's inswinging free-kick that picked out Charisteas on the penalty spot and the big forward produced a wonderful header to beat Pepe Reina on 42 minutes.
But the other side of Karagounis emerged just before half-time when Spain's Andres Iniesta took a tumble in the box.
The Spanish players were furious with English referee Howard Webb for refusing to award them a penalty.
And although the decision looked correct, Karagounis took the brunt when he fell to the ground and had the ball drilled at his head from point-blank range.
The midfielder had to be calmed down by Webb, who was suddenly having a far sterner test than he could have imagined in what was effectively a dead rubber of a game.
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was one of the few Spanish players to make a strong case for selection in the knockout stages.
 Guiza ensured a miserable ending for the Greeks |
He almost caught out Antonis Nikopolidis with a shot from inside his half that just landed the wrong side of the post and led to Greece's keeper, who was playing his last game for his country, colliding with the woodwork.
The upright denied an Alonso blockbuster of a shot from 35 yards in the second half as Spain raised their tempo.
They got back on level terms when De la Red pounced on a Guiza knockdown and drilled in a shot that neither Nikopolidis nor the crossbar could keep out.
Charisteas hit the outside of the post for Greece, but Spain looked the much more likely side to go on and win it.
Guiza and Garcia both shot just wide before the pair combined for Guiza to head his first international goal from close range in the dying stages.
Spain extend their unbeaten run to 19 games and will hope to make that 22 before this tournament is over.
Greece: Nikopolidis, Vyntra, Kyrgiakos (Antzas 63), Dellas, Spyropoulos, Basinas, Karagounis (Tziolis 74), Katsouranis, Salpigidis (Giannakopoulos 86), Charisteas, Amanatidis. Subs Not Used: Chalkias, Tzorvas, Samaras, Goumas, Liberopoulos.
Booked: Karagounis, Basinas, Vyntra.
Goals: Charisteas 42.
Spain: Reina, Arbeloa, Albiol, Juanito, Fernando Navarro, Sergio Garcia, De la Red, Alonso, Iniesta (Santi Cazorla 59), Fabregas, Guiza. Subs Not Used: Casillas, Palop, Capdevila, Marchena, Puyol, Villa, Xavi, Torres, Sergio Ramos, Senna, Silva.
Booked: Guiza, Arbeloa.
Goals: De la Red 61, Guiza 88.
Ref: Howard Webb (England).
Group D : Russia vs Sweden
Russia beat Sweden in Innsbruck to set up a clash with coach Guus Hiddink's native country the Netherlands in the last eight of Euro 2008.
Andrei Arshavin, playing his first game of the tournament after suspension, inspired a superb attacking display.
He was involved as Aleksandr Anyukov set up Roman Pavlyuchenko for a close-range finish after 24 minutes.
And Arshavin then started and finished a sweeping move to slide home Yuri Zhirkov's pass in the 50th minute.
Russia exerted almost total domination and also struck the woodwork through Pavlyuchenko and Konstantin Zyryanov as they threatened to rack up a more emphatic victory margin.
| Euro 2008 quarter-final line-up Thursday - Germany v Portugal Friday - Croatia v Turkey Saturday - Netherlands v Russia Sunday - Spain v Italy |
It was easily the most impressive Russian performance of Euro 2008 and if they reproduce this quality against the counter-attacking style of the Dutch in Basel on Saturday, it will be a mouth-watering clash.
Arshavin was recalled after a two-game ban - and he fully justified his selection by orchestrating a brilliant display of attacking pace and verve by Russia.
Pavlyuchenko almost created a goal for the Zenit St Petersburg star after 14 minutes, but Arshavin could not get a powerful touch on his cross.
And Arshavin then forced Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson into a back-pedalling save with a cross that threatened to drift over his head as Russia pinned Sweden back.
Zhirkov then fired a volley inches wide before Pavlyuchenko gave Russia a thoroughly-deserved lead in the 24th minute.
Arshavin, predictably, was at the heart of the move with a perfectly weighted pass for Zyryanov, who switched the ball to Aynukov, who set up Pavlyuchenko for a sweeping finish beyond Isaksson.
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Russia, however, were quick to re-assert their authority and were only denied by the woodwork after Pavlyuchenko left Isaksson helpless with a powerful finish.
Sweden at least showed some attacking intent in the dying moments of the first half, with Mikael Nilsson and Freddie Ljugnberg bringing smart saves from Igor Akinfeev.
It was another moment of mastery from Arshavin that doubled Russia's lead after 50 minutes and clinched a meeting against the Dutch in the last eight.
The little maestro played in Zhirkov and then slid the return pass beyond Isaksson as the pace of Russia's attack once again left Sweden helpless.
Sweden attempted to force their way back into the game, but were leaving themselves open to the rapier thrusts of the Russians.
And they should have been further behind when Zyryanov struck the post with a rising drive and Pavlyuchenko missed an easy chance to add a third.
Arshavin then wasted an opportunity to round off a brilliant individual display with a flourish in the 88th minute when he shot straight at Isaksson's legs when he was clean through.
Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov, Bilyaletdinov (Saenko 66), Arshavin, Pavluchenko (Bystrov 90).
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Torbinsky, Shirokov, Sychev, Ivanov.
Booked: Semak, Arshavin, Kolodin.
Goals: Pavluchenko 24, Arshavin 50.
Sweden: Isaksson, Stoor, Mellberg, Hansson, Nilsson (Allback 79), Elmander, Andersson (Kallstrom 55), Svensson, Ljungberg, Henrik Larsson, Ibrahimovic.
Subs Not Used: Shaaban, Wiland, Linderoth, Alexandersson, Majstorovic, Granqvist, Sebastian Larsson, Wilhelmsson, Rosenberg, Dorsin.
Booked: Isaksson, Elmander.
Att: 30,000
Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Group C : Italy vs France
Italy made the most of France's wretched luck to move into the last eight
Italy clinched a quarter-final meeting with Spain as they sent France crashing out of Euro 2008 with a deserved win.
France had a nightmare evening, losing key man Franck Ribery to a serious injury after only seven minutes.
Eric Abidal was then sent off after 25 minutes for fouling Luca Toni to give away a penalty, scored by Andrea Pirlo.
Thierry Henry deflected in Daniele De Rossi's 30-yard free-kick just past the hour as the world champions joined the group winners Holland in the quarters.
Raymond Domenech's side carried all the appearance of a spent force and their display will now surely herald a changing of the guard for a group of players that has enjoyed so much success.
Italy, in contrast, celebrated their recovery from an opening defeat against the Dutch to move into the last eight - although they will lose influential midfield pair Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso through suspension.
Coach Roberto Donadoni was under huge pressure before the game, but the world champions delivered when it mattered and can now go forward with renewed optimism.
Italy dominated what was a calamitous first 45 minutes for France - and it was only the wayward finishing of Luca Toni that kept the scoreline respectable.
Toni set the tone for his display after only three minutes when he collected a long ball but pulled his shot hopelessly wide.
France needed all their big guns firing, and they suffered a desperate blow after seven minutes when key man Ribery collapsed as he challenged Gianluca Zambrotta and was stretchered off in agony.
Samir Nasri, a transfer target for Arsenal, came on as substitute but his evening was also short-lived as Italy continued to create opportunities at will.
Desailly calls for new French generation
Claude Makelele had smuggled Christian Panucci's header off the line before Italy deservedly went ahead after 25 minutes following another dreadful moment for France.
Abidal hauled down Toni as he raced in on goal, leaving referee Lubos Michel with no alternative other than to produce the red card.
Pirlo hammered home the spot-kick - and the unfortunate figure of Nasri was then hauled off as former Newcastle flop Jean-Alain Boumsong was introduced in a defensive re-shuffle.
An astonishing passage of play followed, with Italy carving out a succession of chances that were all wasted by Toni.
Toni was off target when well placed three times in the space of just two minutes, as France threatened to collapse under the weight of Italian pressure.
France finally had a half-chance after 33 minutes, but Henry pulled his finish across goal from Jeremy Toulalan's pass.
Italy ended the half in the ascendancy, with France keeper Gregory Coupet superbly turning Fabio Grosso's free-kick on to an upright.
France finally gathered their forces after the break, with Henry twice forcing Gianluigi Buffon into saves, albeit comfortable ones.
Hopes of a French revival were snuffed out after 62 minutes when De Rossi's 30-yard free-kick was deflected past Coupet by the outstretched foot of Henry.
Buffon had hardly been extended, but he produced a brilliant diving save from Karim Benzema's curling long-range shot.
Toni rounded off his night in typical fashion, crashing an opportunity against the outside of a post, but Italy's fans had been celebrating their triumph long before the final whistle.
France: Coupet, Clerc, Gallas, Abidal, Evra, Govou (Anelka 66), Toulalan, Makelele, Ribery (Nasri 10), Benzema, Henry, Nasri (Boumsong 26).
Subs Not Used: Mandanda, Frey, Vieira, Malouda, Thuram, Squillaci, Gomis, Sagnol, Diarra.
Sent Off: Abidal (24).
Booked: Evra, Govou, Boumsong, Henry.
Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, Pirlo (Ambrosini 55), De Rossi, Gattuso (Aquilani 82), Toni, Perrotta (Camoranesi 64), Cassano.
Subs Not Used: Amelia, De Sanctis, Gamberini, Barzagli, Del Piero, Di Natale, Borriello, Quagliarella, Materazzi.
Booked: Chiellini, Pirlo, Gattuso.
Goals: Pirlo 25 pen, De Rossi 62.
Att: 25,000
Ref: Lubos Michel (Slovakia).
Group C : Netherlands vs Romania
Goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie ended Romania's hopes of making the Euro 2008 quarter-finals.
Italy's win over France meant that the Romanians had to beat the Dutch to progress, but they rarely threatened goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Huntelaar opened the scoring in the second half when he slotted in Ibrahim Afellay's low cross from the right.
And Van Persie secured table-toppers Netherlands their third win from three when he smashed in from close range.
The Dutch will now play either Russia or Sweden in the last eight and following their first three performances Marco van Basten's team will fancy their chances against any side.
The makeshift starting XI - nine changes made - started tentatively as did Romania, but for very different reasons.
Victor Piturca's men knew a win was required to guarantee their berth in the last eight while the new-look Dutch were fully aware they needed to impress Van Basten.
As a consequence, the opening moments of the match provided few champagne moments.
However, there was goalmouth action, albeit of the half-chance variety.
Romania's top marksman Adrian Mutu came close on two occasions after creating the openings himself.
His first effort resulted from a clever twist and turn on the left-edge of the six-yard area that was deflected wide by the boot of Wilfred Bouma.
Mutu's second effort was more spectacular - a shot from 25 yards that flew two feet wide of Stekelenburg's right-hand upright.
They should have hit the target just before the break when Paul Codrea fired over from 12 yards following great work by full-back Razvan Rat down the left.
The Dutch went even closer. Demy de Zeeuw threaded the ball to Huntelaar who in turn flicked the ball to Arjen Robben.
Netherlands squad has 'clicked' - Robben
However, the Real Madrid star was perhaps a little too nonchalant, poking his shot a yard past Bogdan Lobont's right-hand post.
By this point it appeared that coach Piturca knew Italy had taken the lead against France and that his team required nothing less than a win.
If the 11 on the pitch did not know the scoreline in Zurich during the first half then they were surely aware of it by the restart.
But instead of throwing caution to the wind the Romanians seemed more cautious and anxious - for that, they paid the price.
The men in white were given a warning by Van Persie whose turn and shot from eight yards was brilliantly saved low by Lobont.
But within 10 minutes the Dutch punished their opponents when Afellay's low ball from the right was calmly converted by Ajax forward Huntelaar.
Foward Daniel Niculae was brought on for Marius Niculae in the hope he would reinvigorate the dispirited Romanians - but there was to be no Turkey-style comeback.
On the other hand, the Dutch looked more comfortable as the game wore on and Van Persie wrapped things up with the vicious strike into the roof of Lobont's net from six yards.
Netherlands: Stekelenburg, Boulahrouz (Melchiot 58), Heitinga, Bouma, De Cler, De Zeeuw, Engelaar, Afellay, Van Persie, Robben (Kuyt 62), Huntelaar (Vennegoor of Hesselink 82).
Subs Not Used: Van der Sar, Timmer, Ooijer, Mathijsen,Van Bronckhorst, van Nistelrooy, Sneijder, De Jong, Van der Vaart.
Goals: Huntelaar 54, Van Persie 87.
Romania: Lobont, Contra, Tamas, Ghionea, Rat, Cocis, Codrea (Dica 72), Chivu, Nicolita (Petre 82), Marius Niculae (Daniel Niculae 59), Mutu.
Subs Not Used: Popa, Stancioiu, Marica, Sapunaru, Moti, Cristea, Radu.
Booked: Chivu.
Att: 32,000
Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).
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