Here are my general thoughts on the first round of Euro 2012.
Germany, Spain live up to expectations
Germany and Spain’s domination of their respective groups will not surprise anyone.
While we haven’t seen the Germans at their best, they still seem the most likely to lift the trophy. Spain proved to be the better team in each of their group games, but have some things to sort out if they’re going to defend their title — mainly in creating more of an attack, especially since Croatia won’t be the only team that tries to clog the middle to shut them down.
On the defensive end, Spain’s backline is clearly pining for Carles Puyol. So far Sergio Ramos has done well to fill in as a centre half (aside from a few overly aggressive tackles and questionable decisions to dribble out of the back) but Spain could certainly benefit from his trademark overlapping runs as a fullback to create more options upfront. They’ll have to look elsewhere though and it won’t be to Fernando Torres. The troubled striker looked like he was on the verge of regaining his confidence after a great performance and two goals against Ireland, but came out flat against Croatia.
Biggest letdown?
Netherlands, obviously. I was among the many who overestimated the Dutch. The fact that they had 10 starters return from their impressive 2010 World Cup run, including Premiership Golden Boot winner Robin van Persie, had many people overlooking some serious deficiencies.
After their worst showing at an international tournament, speculation of a mole within the team leaking tactical information to the press should be the least of their concerns. To say van Persie was underwhelming would be an understatement, but he wasn’t alone. It was clear the entire team lacked cohesion. Captain Mark van Bommel, on the cusp of retirement, was unable to unite his squad. This was a team that desperately needed a leader, both on the field and on the sideline.
Greece a surprise to advance
Other than actual supporters of the Greek side, most would agree it was a surprise to see Greece make it out of Group A. Give them credit for battling their way to the quarter-finals, but Friday will surely be the end of the road for Greece. It would take a miracle as it is, but without goal-scorer Giorgos Karagounis (suspended with two yellows), they have no chance against a hungry German side.
Has Balotelli finally learned his lesson?
It’s doubtful. Manager Cesare Prandelli’s attempt to teach Balotelli that there’s no “I” in team by sitting him against Ireland was only successful depending on how you look at it. He certainly received a more inspired performance from the hothead striker, whose over the shoulder volley will likely remain one of the most beautiful goals of the tournament.
But the plan backfired in terms of humbling the Manchester City star in any way. In fact, it probably only reinforced Balotelli’s inflated ego, as evidenced by his reaction after he scored and it’s probably safe to assume his rant had something to do with not starting the game. Now it will be interesting to see if Italy will get any more magic from Balotelli or if he’ll be content with just making the highlight reel?
The fact that we haven’t seen a full on outburst from him yet means it’s only a matter of time before he does something stupid. It would be unfortunate if any of Balotelli’s antics were to be costly for Italy as it looks like its quarter-final match-up against England is theirs to lose. It’s always great to see legends such as Andrea Pirlo dominating the way he is, and Antonio Cassano has been impressive too. But if Balotelli can show up (and shut up) on Sunday, Italy could see themselves through to the semis.
Ronaldo hits his stride
After a pair of sad performances in the first two games, the Portuguese star is finally playing up to his potential on the international stage. Ronaldo dismantled the Dutch backline on Wednesday and was the difference for Portugal in their final game of group play.
But Portugal is going to need more than just their star player firing on all cylinders to progress beyond next weekend. Conceding four goals in their first three games means Portugal will need to find a way to be tight defensively without sacrificing Ronaldo’s freedom up front.
Dear England fans, don’t get too excited
It was a less than impressive win against an inexperienced Ukraine side, yet the team that everyone had written off pre-tournament has crept its way back in to the hearts and hopes of English supporters. But they may be setting themselves up for more disappointment.
The return of Wayne Rooney was expected to uplift the English attack, but apart from his gift of a goal against the run of play, he had very little impact in their final Group D match. Ukraine was able to neutralize Rooney for the majority of the game, and they were also unlucky not to be awarded a goal themselves.
The controversial play that saw John Terry clear the ball off the line (but not really) may have been offside, but those are two separate issues. Either way, it doesn’t take goal-line technology to see that England was lucky to finish at the top of Group D, one of the weaker groups as it is. And that doesn’t exactly bode well for their chances against Italy on Sunday.
France not making it easy for itself
The 2-0 loss to Sweden was France’s first defeat in 24 games.
France seemed primed to finish first in group D, but apparently the Swedes had other plans. The effort from Sweden was impressive to say the least, the team can now go home on a positive note and Zlatan Ibrahimovic certainly made an impression on the tournament with his spectacular finish for Sweden’s first goal.
France will likely regret not making more out of its chances against Sweden when it faces Spain instead of Italy in the quarter-finals.