Dossiers From Europe : Netherlands Suffer A Setback While Spain, Italy Steals The show in Euro

‘Dossiers from Europe’ -Ai??A blog that takes a comprehensive view of European football – going beyond the starry lights of the European giants, it takes a detour into the cafes of Vienna, theAi??alleywaysAi??of Eastern Europe to the sunny Iberian peninsula and much more. Immerse yourself into the latest footballing happenings and trends of the continent that is shaping the present and future of football; both tactically and commercially. So, if the Eredivisie/ Ligue 1/ Jupiler Pro League etc. is your cup of tea, we will serve you the perfect brew!Ai??

So, you are drenched in Euro shower.

We had action packed opening few days so far. The best thing about this Euro is it has not lived up to the expectations. It is far better than that. Going by the media brigade, we should have witnessed a dull and insipid tournament. Attempts have been made to devalue the competition – fatigue, players motivated to play for club, money matters and what not ai??i?? alibi serves the antidote of human failure.

Contrary, it has been great tournament so far. There were impediments to overcome though. Hubbub of racism threatened to spoil the game, political mess in Poland-Ukraine added oil to the fire and dispute among corporate behemoths behind the scene left the hosts in uncertainty. But all seam of negativity were thrown in the bin and football was allowed to proceed. The triumph is no bodyai??i??s, except the game itself.

Lewandowski set the tone for the Euro. Already linked with Manchester United if his managerai??i??s words are taken seriously and you never know whatai??i??s going to happen if he adds few more goals to his tally. Under Jurgen Klopp, he established himself as potent venom and nightmare for the opposition helping Dortmund winning league title and cup double this season.

(c)Lewandowski_wikileaksreputationcrisis(dot)files(dot)wordpress(dot)com — Lewandowski - he set the tone.

Later that day Czech Republic was severely humiliated by Dick Advocaatai??i??s Russia. And from nowhere they emerged as the new dark horse. Arsenal fans must be wondering where this Arshavin was all season long.

Anyone fancy, Poland to join Russia next round? Raise your hand. Coz, I think Czech Republic are still good enough side to get past Poland (showed cracks of vulnerability at the back) and Greece (Can put my money on Samaras and Co).

Group of Death (Group B) provided some real thrills and based on what we saw, really we donai??i??t know who are going to die. Denmark was supposed to be the weakest link of that group. But, if youai??i??re profligate in the goal mouth and make errors right from the beginning, God help you.

The Dutch were the better side. But, few things technically didnai??i??t go right for them. Was there any need to play two defensive midfielders when youai??i??ve such quality of attackers on the bench? That created a whacking gap between those duos ai??i?? Van Bommel & De Jong (screenplay role) and the attacking quartet upfront. The inclusion of AfellayAi??doesn’tAi??make sense either. Jetro Willems gave a slight tingling on our romantic nerves, but seriously, doesnai??i??t it reflect the shallow defensive set up for the Oranje?

And then there is Robben. At time it forces us to wonder, whether his neurons in brain stop to function during the match. He passes when he need to shoot, and shoots when he need to pass. He can be devastating and yet cuts a sorrow, frustrating figure with slices of ineptitude.

Germany and Portugal provided better entertainment. It was a cagey affair but the best team won. Clinical finish from Mario Gomez (who says he canai??i??t replicate his club form for his country? 23 goals in 53 games for his nation. Stat speaks) was enough for the potential contenders to top the group along with Denmark.

(c)Gomez_hair-styledottk — Delivering for his country as well.

The Dutch can still progress to the next round by beating Portugal and Denmark. Simple equation, but one wrong step further and theyai??i??re history. Hunch says Portugal and Denmark will crumble. But, hunches are not always true. Ai??Hope for the sake of tournament it holds.

In Group C, Spain and Italy fought in a stalemate battle which arguably was the match of the tournament so far.Ai??Game like this caters the hunger of ravenous tactical lovers. Letai??i??s not go into that zone. Del Bosque opted for a system without striker. False nine or whatever it is, it didnai??i??t work.

Not the system is bad, but you need players to execute it. And by fielding Xavi, Busquet, Alonso, Fabregas and Iniesta ai??i?? you donai??i??t expect any burst of pace from the middle either.

Spanish expert Mr. Balague tweeted ai???I insist: no striker is good, if midfielders offer depth.ai???

And Kudos to Azzurri for showing the guts of playing 3-5-2 against the reigning champions. De Rossi and Di Natale ai??i?? take a bow! A peach of a pass from Pirlo found 34-year old veteran Natale in the box, who finished with great aplomb. Thatai??i??s what happens when legends combine.

Any need to eulogize Pirlo? He demonstrated the age-old clichAi??, yet again – class is permanent. It was a perfect result, putting both the giants on the same plane. Trusting my ai???hunchai??? again, canai??i??t see Croatia staging up an upset here. Nope.

Roy Hodgsonai??i??s England started their Euro campaign against so-called ai???dark-horseai??i?? France. Steven Gerrard, the buccaneering darling of English media whipped a free kick in Beckham-esque style that kissed the forehead of Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott before finding the net.

Though the lead lasted for only nine minutes but France couldnai??i??t inflict further misery despite being statistically superior in every department.

Frankly, very few have expected England to earn a draw here. With that, The Three Lions gave themselves a good platform here to progress and with Rooney returning they can only improve.

After seeing Sweden dismantled by Shevchenko inspired Ukraine it can be said with conviction that fate of Group D is more or less secured. Hang on, you still have doubt?

ai???Dossiers From Europeai??i?? will welcome arguments, rational and irrational logic (Football defy logic at times), debates and above all your highly valued two-penny worth opinions.

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Tags: Euro 2012