The
first round of matches at Euro 2012 are over, with a few interesting results
thrown up. To analyse each respective cluster of games, we take a look at the
movers and shakers from Week One:
HEROES
Andriy
Shevchenko – You couldn’t have written the script any better. An absolute wow
of a performance from the 35-year-old veteran who has waited a very long time
to cover himself in glory on the biggest international stage. He may not have
the pace over long distances any more, but look at him move in the penalty
area. Two superbly taken headers have the Ukraine up and running and the
country is buzzing.
Denmark
– Never, ever listen to the critics. Apparently the Danes didn’t stand a hope
in hell in the supposed Group of Death. They’ve thrown a spanner in the works
now though. People seem to have overlooked the fact that they’re ranked ninth
in the world. They also saw off Portugal in their qualifying group. Take that
pre-tournament predictors.
Borussia
Dortmund – Poland have a lot to thank the German club side for. They’ve turned
Robert Lewandowski into an absolute goal machine, while Lukasz Piszczek looks a
real danger down that right hand side. It was the first ever opening goal
scored at a tournament made and scored by two players from the same club.
Cesare
Prandelli – The Italians have had a tough tournament build up under the cloud
of the match-fixing scandal. They will be delighted to hold the defending
champions in the opening game and let’s be honest, they could have had more
than a point having squandered a few chances. Prandelli set his side up well
and the introduction of Antonio Di Natale was inspired. Should be on their way
to the knockout stages.
The
Russian midfield – The team performance of the tournament so far. Russia were
absolutely splendid, inspired by their midfield who created a hatful of chances
for their wasteful strikers. Andrey Arshavin had a point to prove and proved it
well, providing two assists. Roman Shirokov also got himself on the scoresheet
while Alan Dzagoev looks a fine player after notching two superbly taken goals.
Tournament dark horses?
ZEROS
The
Heat – Eastern Europe isn’t always considered a popular sunbathing hotspot, but
maybe people should start to reconsider. Players were visibly flagging during
certain games, especially in Donetsk for England and France. Brings back
memories of the Far East World Cup in 2002.
Stephen
Ward – When drawing your opening game with a side like Croatia, the last thing
you want to do is slice a clearance across your six yard box. Especially to a
man as deadly as Nikica Jelavic. Oops.
ITV
Pundits – Surely having had two years to prepare for a major tournament, ITV
could have worked on attracting or training some pundits to provide insightful
or even vaguely interesting analysis. If it isn’t bad enough normally having to
listen to Andy ‘Honestly I’m Irish’ Townsend or Gareth ‘The Personality’
Southgate, then the addition of Jamie Carragher for the England game was the
final straw. Talk about stating the obvious. Oh and someone please give Adrian
Chiles a gag.
Alexander
Kerzhakov – Call it an off day or just call him useless. Seven attempts on
goal, all of them off target. Still, that’s more efforts than England managed
as a team.
Mario
Balotelli – You’d have thought an international tournament and the end of
season debacle at Manchester City would have helped Mario get his brain into
gear and grow up just a little bit. Or maybe not. His casual ambling for that
one-on-one chance was simply embarrassing and highlights exactly why his
attitude may continue to hinder his talent throughout his career. Italy should
start with Di Natale.
By The Coin Toss
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_CoinToss
