Euro 2012 Round-up : Netherlands Stunned, Germany Prevails, England Manager Clarifies And UEFA Investigate Russia

As the second day of Euro 2012 unfolded before the world, the high-flying Dutch had only themselves to blame as they failed to convert even one of theAi??numerousAi??opportunitiesAi??that they created and were gunned down by a solitary goal byAi??Michael Krohn-Dehli. On the other hand, despite all the attacking talents at their disposal, it ultimately came down to German efficiency which helped them prevail over a decent Portugal side.

Off the field, Roy Hodgson finally spoke about why he preferred Kelly over Ferdinand after Cahill’s injury, UEFA have begun aAi??disciplinary probe against Russia for the behavior of their fans against Czech Republic and ahead of the game against Croatia, Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni hasn’t hidden his game plan from the world.

TheHardTackle delves into the world of Euro 2012 to explore the developments in and around the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.

Group of Death just became deadlier

The Oranje have had their fair share of heartbreaks when it comes to the grandest of all stages. However, when all the matches in the group of death are over, they may look at the match against Denmark and have no one but themselves to blame. Ai??Netherlands dominated the proceedings, with van Persie, Robben, Sneijder and Afellay creating a host of opportunities, with van Bommel and De Jong keeping things tidy behind them. For all their possession and flair, they, however, couldn’t take the lead with van Persie and Robben being the main culprits. The Danes fabulously led by their captain, Daniel Agger, were defensively resolute and organized, and with their first meaningful attack of the night, scored via a superbly executed goal from Krohn-Dehli.

After the goal, the Dutch influence on the game appeared to be on the wane but in the second half, Netherlands against spurned glorious opportunities to equalize. The world cup finalists kept creatingAi??opportunities but failed to grab even one and when Robben hit the post after doing brilliantly well before that, the moment summed up the night for the Oranje. Under pressure from Huntelaar, Jacobson handled the ball in the box but to their dismay, the referee dismissed the penalty claim and Denmark registered a fantastic victory, which they’d think they deserved – and, contrary to what the Dutch say, Danes might as well be right.

Germany do just enough to defeat Portugal

Gomez takes lacklustre Germany home

Germany, with as many as seven Bayern Munich players in the line-up, started slowly, creating very few opportunities in the opening half. Portugal didn’t want to lose tonight, and till Mario Gomez scored a headed goal in the 72nd minute, it looked as if they’d succeed.

Despite their tactics of frustrating the Germans well in place, it was Portugal who came closest to taking the lead in the opening 45 minutes, when Pepe’s effort struck inside of the cross-bar and the ball bounced right on the line, before being cleared. Mario Gomez had done nothing of note before scoring the only goal of the game and was on the verge of being substituted for Klose, but he expertly rose to meet Khedira’s brilliant cross from the right to give Germans the lead.

Portugal, now in need of a goal, opened up and created few opportunities. The otherwise ordinary Manchester United winger, Nani, hit the woodwork, before Neuer expertly saved an effort from Varela to ensure a German win. Portuguese captain Ronaldo, who’d scored a plethora of goals for Madrid last season, did create a few chances but his performance left a lot to be desired, once again for his national team.

This was not the same Germany that entertained the masses with their attacking brand of football in South Africa a couple of years back. However, the fact that they won here despite not being at their best or not playing particularly wellAi??augers well for Joachim Loew’s men, who are one of the pre-tournament favorites along with defending champions Spain and Netherlands.

England Manager explains his decision

“People think I looked at two players when Gary Cahill was injured ai??i?? Martin Kelly and Rio Ferdinand ai??i?? and chose Martin Kelly, but there was never any question of that.Ai??Ai??I wasn’t going to bring in a player of Rio Ferdinand’s age, class, background and experience to be a cover player“, said Roy Hodgson after being widely criticized for his decision to overlook the Man United centre-back.

According to the new England manager, a player as experienced as Ferdinand isn’t taken to a tournament as a cover, to sit on the bench. Once he had decided that Rio wasn’t going to start for him, the manager left him out of the 23-man squad. Ai??So when a situation arose after Cahill’s jaw fracture, he picked up a “cover player” in Kelly rather than picking Ferdinand and not playing him.

However, with Cahill out and Terry doubtful against France, it wasn’t a question of cover anymore, as he could have chosen Ferdinand to start for England. This decision hardly looks driven by footballing motives, irrespective of what the manager says. Clearly, Hodgson doesn’t want Terry and Ferdinand in the same dressing room, with the Chelsea captain due in court after the tournament forAi??alleged racist remarks on Rio’s younger brother, Anton.

UEFA to investigate Russia

UEFA has begun aAi??disciplinary probe against Russia for the behavior of their fans, which saw fourAi??stewards being injured, and Czech player Theo Gebre SelassieAi??being subjected to monkey chants during Russia’s 4-1 win over Czech Republic.

“Having looked at the security reports and available images, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Football Union of Russia. This relates to the improper conduct of its supporters, the setting-off and throwing of fireworks and the display of illicit banners. The control and disciplinary body will review the case on Wednesday June 13. In addition, regarding reports of alleged abuse directed at Czech Republic players from Russia fans, Uefa is investigating this further and is working with Football Against Racism in Europe to collect more evidence,”, read the UEFA statement on Saturday night.

UEFA was heavily criticized for lack of immediate action after Holland players were subjected to racial abuse during a training session in Krakow. This time they have acted, or portrayed to have acted, swiftly.

Ireland look to emulate Chelsea and qualify from group C

“I say never say never. Ninety per cent of German people thought that Bayern Munich would beat Chelsea but they did not. We believe in the result. We come here because we are determined to get out of the group“,Ai??said Trapattoni.

The presence of defending world champions Spain and Italy make Ireland’s task a tough one, to say the least. However, they have got the better of more hallowed opponents in the past, and it would be ill-advised to ignore them just yet.

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Tags: Euro 2012