2008-06-29 - Germany v Spain
June 28, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008 - Final
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Sunday 29th June 2008 - KO 19:45
After 30 games over 3 weeks, Euro 2008 reaches its climax on Sunday as Germany take on Spain in Vienna at 7:45pm.
Despite being labelled a ‘poor’ German team by many pundits, they have, as they did in 2002 and 2006, overcome these criticisms to show you can never write of the Germans.
As always Spain entered the competition with great expectations, but this time there was also a real belief amongst both the squad and the fans that this side had the resilience needed to win a major tournament.
GERMANY 4-0-1 10:6
Three times champions Germany look to continue their impressive form in this competition as they enter their sixth final, but their first in twelve years.
Although they started the tournament as favourites, due in part to the relative weakness of Group B, many people believed their workman like team would struggle against more skilled outfits once they reached the knockout stages.
Their first real challenge came against a fancied Portuguese team, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been impressive in their first two group games.
However, early goals from Bastain Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose gave the Portuguese a shock they could not recover from, despite Nuno Gomes’ reply five minutes from half time. Germany were never truly stretched, and in the 62nd minute Ballack sealed it with a header from a Schweinsteiger free kick, despite Postiga’s consolation goal three minutes from time.
The semi final win over a depleted Turkey was not as comfortable, as first they had to come from behind, and then score in injury time to seal their place in Vienna.
Germany were big favourites to beat the injury ravaged Turks, but were outplayed in the first half, and were fortunate to be level at half time. Ugar Boral had given Turkey a deserved lead after they dominated the opening twenty minutes, but that lead lasted just five minutes as Schweinsteiger flicked in a cross from Podolski.
In a tight second half Klose looked to have won it for the Germans ten minutes from time as he capitalised on a mistake from Rustu to head Germany into the lead.
However the Turks have made scoring late goals their speciality in this tournament, and did it again for the fourth game in a row, thanks to Semih Sentruck, and everyone prepared for extra time.
Everyone except Phillip Lahm that is, as his surging run from full back caught the Turks napping, and he lashed home Hitzlspe rger‘s pass from six yards to seal Germany’s place in the final.
SPAIN 4-1-0 11:3
Spain have been the neutral’s choice due to their open and exciting approach, and are the tournament’s top scorers with 11 goals, one more than the Germans, while David Villa is the top scorer so far with four, three of which came in their opening game, where they swept aside the Russians 4-1.
Consecutive 2-1 wins in their final two group games against Sweden and Greece earned them top spot in Group D, and a quarter final clash with the Italians.
The two sides took very different approaches to the game, resulting in Spain dominating the 90 minutes as their attacking brand of football was restrained by the Italians typical defensive position.
Spain had the best chances in normal time, coming closest to scoring when Buffon spilled Marco Senna’a shot, only to see it hit the post and come back into his arms. The match inevitably went to penalties and looked set to favour the Italians, as it looked as though they had played for that outcome since the start.
History was also not on Spain’s side, as they had previously lost three quarter finals by penalty shot outs, all on the 22nd June. However, this time they held their nerve to win the shoot out 4-2, Casillas saving two kicks to give Fabregas the chance to shoot the Spanish into the semi-final.
Their semi final pitted them against their opponents from the first round, a Russian team this time with Andrei Arshavin. The opening half was tight, with both teams predictably cancelling each other out following their opening group game.
The second half saw the attacking Spain of the last three weeks emerge, with Fabregas, who had come on for an injured David Villa, and Xavi opening the scoring on 50 minutes. Guiza and Silva then put the game beyond the Russians with strikes in the 73rd and 82nd minute respectively, to seal Spain’s first tournament final place since the Euros of 1984.
HEAD TO HEAD
Germany and Spain have met each other 19 times, and Germany have won eight of these contests, while Spain proved the strongest on five occasions.
At the World Cup and European Championship, the two teams have played each other five times, with Germany winning three times and Spain having the upper hand only once.
The last time these two met was a friendly in February 2003, which Spain won 3-1.
TEAM NEWS
Germany coach Joachim Low must decide whether to recall Torsten Frings for Sunday’s Euro 2008 final against Spain.
The midfielder has declared himself fit after recovering from a broken rib and could replace Simon Rolfes (cut eye) in the only change to the side.
Spain striker David Villa will miss Sunday’s Euro 2008 final against Germany, the Spanish football federation have confirmed.
Villa, 26, injured a thigh muscle in Thursday’s semi-final win over Russia.
THE VERDICT
Looking at the tournament as a whole, Spain have produced the better record and against tougher teams - and with the semi-final in mind it’s easy to see why Spain are considered warm favourites.
Taking each round seperately, there would only be one occasion so far when I would give Germany the nod, and that would be in the Quarter-finals when I felt the 3-2 win over Portugal was a better performance than Spain’s 0-0 draw with Italy.
The absence of David Villa is a "headline" blow, but in truth Villa only scored in the group games, and if his absence means that Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas starts then I would argue that it actually makes Spain stronger.
The only concern might be if Aragones takes a cautious approach and decides to revert to a 4-5-1 with Torres upfront as a lone striker - because that’s a plan that might result in a DRAW at 90 minutes.
Given my estimated percentages, I’m looking for prices of 3.30 on Germany or the Draw and a price of 2.50 on Spain - and the bookmakers are also pitching the game around that level.
The Pick :
PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :
FIXED ODDS BETTING :
I see this game as being much like the 2002 World Cup final - with a hardworking German team up against a more skillful opponent. It was close for a long time but eventually Brazil won 2-0.
So I’m going to oppose my percentages a bit and take SPAIN to win here - assuming that having Fabregas on from the start might actually raise that winning chance a bit and make the prices fair value.
Beware the German experience and craftiness though - you can never write them off - so a correct score saver of 1-1 DRAW might be worth a play.
(or else check out that "cash-back" page - to see which bookmakers are offering an angle to give you a bit of "insurance" if the bet goes wrong)
Good luck - and I hope the previews have been helpful for you this month!
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Decision time for Ronaldo as Portugal exit Euro 2008
June 20, 2008
BASEL, Switzerland (AFP) - Real Madrid and Manchester United want his services for next season, but Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo says he will reveal his plans in the next few days after his Euro 2008 heart-break.
The Premier League champions want Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford until 2012, while Real confirmed on Thursday they are waiting to hear whether the 23-year-old wants to stay in England or move to Spain.
The boy from Madeira says he will settle the issue soon having produced a below-par performance as Germany inflicted a 3-2 defeat on Portugal in Basel.
“It is not the best time to talk of this,” said the Portuguese winger.
“In the next days, I will talk about it.
“What are the possibilities to go? They are great.
“But the decision doesn’t depend just on me.
“The people around me know what I want.
“By two or three days we will have a decision.”
It is easy to see why European giants are fighting for Ronaldo’s services.
Last season, he equalled, then obliterated, George Best’s record goals tally of 32 in a single season for Manchester United when he scored 42 goals.
He tormented the Czech Republic with a goal and created two more in his side’s dazzling 3-1 win in Geneva on June 11, but Ronaldo had a quiet night just when it mattered most at Euro 2008.
He has already suffered from stage fright this season - he missed a penalty in the Champions League semi-final in Barcelona and was below-par in the Moscow final, when he missed a penalty in the shoot-out, though he did score in open play.
And he has a poor record against the top four sides in England’s Premier League.
Before the game, Germany’s ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had said before the game he knew the secret to containing Ronaldo which seemed to work as the defence kept him in check.
A good run on the left led to a poor cross after just three minutes and just before the 20 minute mark a pass from Simao into the box gave him a half-chance, but the German defence scrambled away the danger.
But having fallen two goals behind after Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose struck for Germany, Ronaldo helped provide a reply when he broke down the right flank and fired at Lehmann.
His shot was blocked, but Portugal captain Nuno Gomes was on hand to score from the rebound on 40 minutes.
And in stoppage time at the end of the first-half, Ronaldo drove his shot across Lehmann’s goal as an equaliser threatened.
After the break, Ronaldo was brought down by German defender Arne Friedrich, who stepped on his ankle as he ran past, just for good measure, though, Ronaldo yelled in pain several seconds afterwards.
It just about summed up his night.
After Gemany captain Michael Ballack scored Germany’s third goal, Ronaldo blasted a free-kick high and wide on 68 minutes before Helder Postiga grabbed a consolation goal with time running out.
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Quick Report: Portugal 2-3 Germany
June 20, 2008
BASEL (SW) - Germany are through to the semi finals of Euro 2008 after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Portugal in the tournament’s first quarter final.
The Germans dominated the match in the first half and took the lead in the 22nd minute. A great attack on the left wing ended with Podolski sending in a low cross and Bastian Schweinsteiger easily scored for 1-0.
And only four minutes later, Schweinsteiger was again influential with a free kick on the left wing, which was headed home by Miroslav Klose.
Portugal got one back in the 40th minute as Cristiano Ronaldo had a shot blocked by Lehmann but Nuno Gomes netted in the re-bound.
But on the hour mark, just when Portugal were gaining strength, it was Michael Ballack to head past Ricardo from another Schweinsteiger free kick.
Substitute Helder Postiga brought the tension back into the game with a successful header in the 87th minute, but the Germans avoided the equaliser in the remainder of the match.
In the semi finals, Germany face the winner of tomorrow’s quarter final between Croatia and Turkey.
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Germany vs Portugal Preview
June 19, 2008
Germany vs Portugal: Road to Quarter Final
Germany started the tournament defeating Poland 2-0 in Group B in style. However, they got stuck in the second match being lost to an inspired Croatia team 2-1. With that defeat, Germany was left on the verge of elimination, and draw was required for Germany in the last match against Austria in order to progress to the last eight of the tournament. Germany clinched the victory thanks to a superb Michael Ballack free kick against Austria. So, Germany reached the quarter final as the group B runner up.
Portugal also got off to a good start with a 2-0 victory against Turkey in group A. Portugal ensured their place in the quarter final after defeating Czech Republic 3-1 in the second match. Naturally, the last match against Switzerland became a mere formality against a spirited Switzerland team who were determined to leave the tournament with something to cherish for a long time and they got their first Euro victory against group leader Portugal who drafted a second-string squad in the last match giving rest some of its regular members. Even with this defeat, Portugal came into the last eight as the winner of group A.
Germany vs Portugal: Head to Head and Recent Form
Germany and Portugal met each other last time in the third/fourth place deciding match of 2006 FIFA World Cup, where Germany defeated Portugal 3-1 to win the third place of the world cup. The two sides faced each other five times so far, with Germany winning twice and Portugal winning once, while two matches finishing in draw.
Germany and Portugal faced each other in European championship last time was in Euro 2000, were Portugal won by 3-0. Now, the two sides are facing each other once again tomorrow. Let us have a look at the recent form of Germany and Portugal.
Germany won five out of their last seven matches in all competitions, besides a defeat and a draw. However, Portugal’s performance is not that impressive with only three victories, three defeats and a draw in their last seven matches.
German goal keeper Jens Lehmann Found Recipe to Stop Cristiano Ronaldo
There is no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo is the top gun of Portuguese side and to some extent Portugal’s success in the match depends on the performance of the Manchester United star. However, German goal keeper Jens Lehmann has found out a way to stop this ‘seemingly unstoppable’ midfielder, who is currently in the forefront of winning FIFA Footballer of the Year Award. The Arsenal goal keeper learnt the recipe from his former colleagues in the defense of Arsenal.
Telegraph reported:
“Ronaldo is a player who can make all the difference,” said Lehmann. “He is very pleasant to watch playing, but my former colleagues in the Arsenal defence found a very good recipe to stop him. I will not explain to you now how this recipe works, but I know how you can play effectively against him and I have already spoken to our defender Arne Friedrich about it.”
German coach Joachim Löw, no doubt, would appreciate Lehmann sharing the recipe with his German teammates. However, let us see if if the recipe really works, because there is no guarantee that the trick that worked a few years back would be quite effective for a more matured and more improved Cristiano Ronaldo.
Germany Worried about Injury Problems
Germany is facing a few injury problems. Lukas Podolsk, who scored three goals so far could miss the game with a calf injury, while midfielder Torsten Frings is yet to recover from his fractured rib and is doubtful for the match. However, the good news for German fans is that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to come into the match after spending a match in the sideline due to suspension. Among the two strikers, Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose, Klose is expected to start the match, though he has not been at his best so far in the tournament.
German Coach out of Portugal Encounter
Well, do not think that I am indicating Joachim Löw could have come into the field as a player against Portugal. Actually, Joachim Löw was sent to the stand during Germany’s previous match against Austria following a spat with Austrian counterpart Hickersberger. Now, he has been given a one-match touchline suspension by UEFA. Thus, Joachim Löw will not be able to sit at the bench along with other players during the match aginast Portugal. The coach has to watch the match from the stand. No doubt, it might affect Germany’s performance because he may not be able to take important decisions in the crucial situations. Now, let us see how German players can cope up without getting any direction during the match. Oliver Bierhoff will be the acting manager of Germany for this match.
Michael Ballack vs Cristiano Ronaldo?
There is no doubt that Ballack and Ronaldo are the two key players for Germany and Portugal respectively in the match. Ronaldo’s club Manchester United outclassed Ballack’s Chelsea last season, but this time it could go either way round. Ballack scored from a superb free kick against Austria in the previous match, while Ronaldo also played well in the first two matches. However, ahead of the match of tomorrow, both sides are expecting something special from the two in from midfielders of the tournament. I think, in the disguise of Germany vs Portugal match, there is another competition between Michael Ballack and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Scolari Indicates no Change in the Portugal Squad
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is not going to bring any significant change in the starting line up that played in the first two group matches. Nuno Gomes is expected to be the long striker while Cristiano Ronaldo and Simao will be employed in the two wings of Portugal. Armando Petit and Joao Moutinho will be in the midfield, while Deco will play as a playmaker. Jose Bosingwa, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe and Paulo Ferreira will be in the defense along with Ricardo in goalpost. Scolari expressed his respect for Germany, but he also indicated that it did not expect it was going to be his last game with Portugal.
Sky Sported reported:
“I could, but I’m not going to change anything,” he stated. “In principle it will be the same team.”
“I don’t expect it to be my last game with Portugal,” he said. “Everything we have done is one with one objective (to get to the final).
“I have the utmost respect for Germany but I trust my team and I think we are going to go through.”
Considering the group stage performance of the two sides, you may pick either Portugal or Germany as the favorite for the match. However, I think, both the sides have equal chance in the match. Portugal might be slightly stronger on pen and paper, but taking Germany’s fighting spirit into account, I think, it would not be fair to pick up a favorite in the match. Rather, I just hope to see an exciting quarter final match at the St. Jakob-Park, Basel tomorrow.
Who do you think is going to win the match?
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Portugal Euro 2008 Squad
May 15, 2008
Euro 2008 news are out and there was no place for Maniche in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s final 23-man squad for EURO 2008, although the FC Internazionale Milano midfielder’s brother Jorge Ribeiro is included after an excellent season in the Boavista FC defence.
The former FC Porto schemer has seemingly paid the price for failing to nail down a regular place at Inter, the club he joined on loan from Club Atlético de Madrid in the winter window.
Maniche’s 26-year-old sibling, in contrast, has been a regular for Boavista, scoring eight goals in 26 Liga outings. He has eight caps.
Portugal Euro 2008 Squad
Goalkeepers: Ricardo (Real Betis Balompié), Quim (SL Benfica), Rui Patrício (Sporting Clube de Portugal).
Defenders: Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea FC), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea FC), Bosingwa (FC Porto), Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Jorge Ribeiro (Boavista FC), Miguel (Valencia CF), Fernando Meira (VfB Stuttgart), Pepe (Real Madrid CF).
Midfielders: Petit (SL Benfica), Deco (FC Barcelona), Raul Meireles (FC Porto), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Clube de Portugal), João Moutinho (Sporting Clube de Portugal).
Forwards: Nuno Gomes (SL Benfica), Simão Sabrosa (Club Atlético de Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC), Nani (Manchester United FC), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Ricardo Quaresma (FC Porto), Hélder Postiga (Panathinaikos FC).
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