Russia 2, Sweden 0
Spain 2, Greece 1
Yesterday I mentioned that the inclusion of Andrei Arshavin on Russia's roster was a gamble that could payoff against Sweden. The payoff proved to be a trip to the quarterfinals as Arshavin was the central figure in Russia's 2-0 win. Roman Pavlyuchenko opened the scoring in the 24th minute and Arshavin added the second five minutes after the break as Russia advanced past the group stages in a major tournament for the first time in the post-Soviet era.
Full credit goes to Russia coach Guus Hiddink, who adds another historic win to his resume. Qualifying for the tournament was accomplishment enough for Russia, but the man who took South Korea to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup and got Australia past the group stages four years later deserves mention among the all-time greats. Hiddink will be the center of attention in the quarterfinals, as the Dutchman will face his native Holland, a squad he led to a fourth place finish at the 1998 World Cup.
In the other game Greece made history at the Euros again, but this time for the wrong reasons. The Greeks went from first to worst, losing to Spain 2-1 to finish as the only team without a point at Euro 2008. The Greeks took the lead just before halftime, their first goal of the tournament, but couldn't hold it against a Spanish side that made ten changes to their starting line-up.
So it's off to the quarters for Russia and Spain. Russia will face Holland Saturday in Basel, while Italy and Spain meet Sunday in Vienna.
Showing posts with label Sweden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sweden. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 12 Previews
Group play concludes as Russia and Sweden will meet to determine the final quarterfinalist. Defending champion Greece will look to avoid finishing dead last at this year's tournament as they face Spain.
Russia vs. Sweden
The venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Russia will need to win the game to advance to the quarterfinals, while Sweden need only a tie. Russia took a gamble adding midfielder Andrei Arshavin to the roster, but that gamble may pay off Wednesday. The Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder missed the first two games due to suspension, and while coach Guus Hiddink has made no promises about his inclusion in the line-up, expect him to play a key role in Russia's attack. Sweden are unsure how much striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be able to contribute after the Swede's leading scorer left at halftime Saturday suffering from a recurring knee injury.
The prediction: Sweden take the early lead, Russia equalize, and then the Swedes hang on for a 1-1 draw. Is advancing to face Holland really a prize?
Greece vs. Spain
The venue: Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Unless they earn at least a draw here, Greece will finish Euro 2008 last among the 16 teams, four years after winning the tournament. Spain will be looking ahead to Sunday's quarterfinal against Italy, so don't expect to see many of the starters.
The prediction: Typically I've been picking against the teams with nothing to play for in this last round of games, but Greece have looked so bad, I can't even see them beating Spain's B squad. I'll at least give the Greeks a goal, but Spain win 2-1.
Russia vs. Sweden
The venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Russia will need to win the game to advance to the quarterfinals, while Sweden need only a tie. Russia took a gamble adding midfielder Andrei Arshavin to the roster, but that gamble may pay off Wednesday. The Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder missed the first two games due to suspension, and while coach Guus Hiddink has made no promises about his inclusion in the line-up, expect him to play a key role in Russia's attack. Sweden are unsure how much striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be able to contribute after the Swede's leading scorer left at halftime Saturday suffering from a recurring knee injury.
The prediction: Sweden take the early lead, Russia equalize, and then the Swedes hang on for a 1-1 draw. Is advancing to face Holland really a prize?
Greece vs. Spain
The venue: Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Unless they earn at least a draw here, Greece will finish Euro 2008 last among the 16 teams, four years after winning the tournament. Spain will be looking ahead to Sunday's quarterfinal against Italy, so don't expect to see many of the starters.
The prediction: Typically I've been picking against the teams with nothing to play for in this last round of games, but Greece have looked so bad, I can't even see them beating Spain's B squad. I'll at least give the Greeks a goal, but Spain win 2-1.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 8 Recap
Spain 2, Sweden 1
Russia 1, Greece 0
David Villa was on the mark again for Spain, netting a stoppage time winner to give Spain a deserved 2-1 win over Sweden. Level at the break, Spain dominated the second half as the Swedes struggled to generate offense after the departure of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Fernando Torres put Spain ahead in the 15th minute with his first goal for the national side since 2006. Ibrahimovic tied the game in the 34th minute with his second goal of the tournament, but the Inter Milan star, who has been nursing a knee injury, departed at the half. Villa, who opened Spain's tournament with a hat trick Tuesday against Russia, snatched three points for his side just before the final whistle to give Spain control of Group D.
In the late game, Greece's title defense came to a feeble conclusion with a 1-0 loss to Russia. The Greeks are the only side in the tournament yet to score a goal. Russia took advantage of a wandering Antonis Nikopolidis in the 33rd minute. The Greek goaltender strayed from his line and when Sergei Semak acrobatically put the ball in front, Konstatin Zurianov was there to knock home the game's only goal. With star midfielder Andrei Arshavin ready to return from suspension Wednesday, the Russians like their chances to advance.
Today's results confirm Spain's ticket to the quarterfinals as group winners, where they'll face Romania, Italy or France. Sweden will meet Russia Wednesday for second place and a quarterfinal date with Holland.
Russia 1, Greece 0
David Villa was on the mark again for Spain, netting a stoppage time winner to give Spain a deserved 2-1 win over Sweden. Level at the break, Spain dominated the second half as the Swedes struggled to generate offense after the departure of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Fernando Torres put Spain ahead in the 15th minute with his first goal for the national side since 2006. Ibrahimovic tied the game in the 34th minute with his second goal of the tournament, but the Inter Milan star, who has been nursing a knee injury, departed at the half. Villa, who opened Spain's tournament with a hat trick Tuesday against Russia, snatched three points for his side just before the final whistle to give Spain control of Group D.
In the late game, Greece's title defense came to a feeble conclusion with a 1-0 loss to Russia. The Greeks are the only side in the tournament yet to score a goal. Russia took advantage of a wandering Antonis Nikopolidis in the 33rd minute. The Greek goaltender strayed from his line and when Sergei Semak acrobatically put the ball in front, Konstatin Zurianov was there to knock home the game's only goal. With star midfielder Andrei Arshavin ready to return from suspension Wednesday, the Russians like their chances to advance.
Today's results confirm Spain's ticket to the quarterfinals as group winners, where they'll face Romania, Italy or France. Sweden will meet Russia Wednesday for second place and a quarterfinal date with Holland.
Friday, June 13, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 8 Previews
The top spot in the first three groups has already been decided. Will the trend continue in Group D when Spain meet Sweden and Russia face Greece?
Spain vs. Sweden
The venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Winning Group D now means avoiding rampant Holland in the quarterfinals, so both Spain and Sweden will be keen to earn three points and take control of the group. The Swedes should find more room to maneuver against the Spain than they did against Greece, but they'll also face an opponent with a lot more firepower.
The prediction: This has the makings of a wide-open affair and a 2-2 draw leaves the issue of Group D supremacy in doubt until Wednesday.
Greece vs. Russia
The venue: Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Russia are better than the scoreline indicated after their 4-1 loss to Spain, and Guus Hiddink's men will look to post a group stage win over Greece for the second straight time at the Euros. Expect Greece to take a more aggressive approach after their defensive mentality garnered minimal offense in the opener.
The prediction: How much Greece abandons their defensive style remains to be seen. In scraficing offense for defense, the net result is a 1-1 draw.
Spain vs. Sweden
The venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Winning Group D now means avoiding rampant Holland in the quarterfinals, so both Spain and Sweden will be keen to earn three points and take control of the group. The Swedes should find more room to maneuver against the Spain than they did against Greece, but they'll also face an opponent with a lot more firepower.
The prediction: This has the makings of a wide-open affair and a 2-2 draw leaves the issue of Group D supremacy in doubt until Wednesday.
Greece vs. Russia
The venue: Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Russia are better than the scoreline indicated after their 4-1 loss to Spain, and Guus Hiddink's men will look to post a group stage win over Greece for the second straight time at the Euros. Expect Greece to take a more aggressive approach after their defensive mentality garnered minimal offense in the opener.
The prediction: How much Greece abandons their defensive style remains to be seen. In scraficing offense for defense, the net result is a 1-1 draw.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 4 Recap
Spain 4, Russia 1
Sweden 2, Greece 0
Who better to reign in the rain than Spain? (Although said rain fell in the mountains of Innsbruck, not mostly on the plain.) A hat trick from David Villa got the Spaniards off to a strong start in a 4-1 over Russia. With any other side, this would send a message to the tournament's other 15 teams. But this is Spain, where early tournament success is rarely followed by final glory. Case in point, two years ago, when Spain won their opener against Ukraine 4-0 and cruised through their group at 3-0-0 with a tournament-best +7 goal differential. From there they crashed out in the Round of 16 to France.
Spain's well-timed scoring runs were more than enough to overcome some nervous moments defensively, especially in the first half. They'll need to tighten up in teh back half against the tournament's more talented sides.
Russia had their moments early, hitting the post when the score was only 1-0. They're a better side than the 4-1 score indicates and with Greece and Sweden to follow, don't write off Guus Hiddink troops just yet.
In the second game, Zlatan Ibrahimovic livened up a drab game with a wonderful strike in the 67th minute and Sweden capitalized on some clumsy Greek defending six minutes later to post a 2-0 victory. As they did four years ago, Greece takes a defense-first mindset and looks to suck the life out of the game. Fortunately the skill of one individual brought the contest back to life, as Ibrhaimovic emerged from a rather innocent build-up to find the top corner from just outside the box.
Up next for Swedes are Spain in a match that could decise the honors in Group D. Greece face Russia, a rematch of a group stage game from 2004, where Russia handed teh Greeks their only defeat of the tournament.
Sweden 2, Greece 0
Who better to reign in the rain than Spain? (Although said rain fell in the mountains of Innsbruck, not mostly on the plain.) A hat trick from David Villa got the Spaniards off to a strong start in a 4-1 over Russia. With any other side, this would send a message to the tournament's other 15 teams. But this is Spain, where early tournament success is rarely followed by final glory. Case in point, two years ago, when Spain won their opener against Ukraine 4-0 and cruised through their group at 3-0-0 with a tournament-best +7 goal differential. From there they crashed out in the Round of 16 to France.
Spain's well-timed scoring runs were more than enough to overcome some nervous moments defensively, especially in the first half. They'll need to tighten up in teh back half against the tournament's more talented sides.
Russia had their moments early, hitting the post when the score was only 1-0. They're a better side than the 4-1 score indicates and with Greece and Sweden to follow, don't write off Guus Hiddink troops just yet.
In the second game, Zlatan Ibrahimovic livened up a drab game with a wonderful strike in the 67th minute and Sweden capitalized on some clumsy Greek defending six minutes later to post a 2-0 victory. As they did four years ago, Greece takes a defense-first mindset and looks to suck the life out of the game. Fortunately the skill of one individual brought the contest back to life, as Ibrhaimovic emerged from a rather innocent build-up to find the top corner from just outside the box.
Up next for Swedes are Spain in a match that could decise the honors in Group D. Greece face Russia, a rematch of a group stage game from 2004, where Russia handed teh Greeks their only defeat of the tournament.
Monday, June 9, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 4 Previews
The first round of matches finishes up with Group D, featuring Spain against Russia and defending champion Greece versus Sweden.
Spain vs. Russia
The venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Spain's critics won't be satisfied until they do some damage in the knockout round, but the opener against Russia is a good opportunity to establish their tournament credentials.
The prediction: With Russia short on fire power to start the tournament, Spain gets off to a fast start with a 2-0 win.
Greece vs. Sweden
The venue: Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: The 2004 champs begin their title defense against an enigmatic Swedish side. Lead striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to start for Sweden, but don't expect him to go the full 90 as he recovers from a knee injury.
The prediction: Given Greece's defensive mindset and the health of Sweden's offense, this one has the unfortunate feel of a 0-0 draw.
Spain vs. Russia
The venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Spain's critics won't be satisfied until they do some damage in the knockout round, but the opener against Russia is a good opportunity to establish their tournament credentials.
The prediction: With Russia short on fire power to start the tournament, Spain gets off to a fast start with a 2-0 win.
Greece vs. Sweden
The venue: Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim, Salzburg, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: The 2004 champs begin their title defense against an enigmatic Swedish side. Lead striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to start for Sweden, but don't expect him to go the full 90 as he recovers from a knee injury.
The prediction: Given Greece's defensive mindset and the health of Sweden's offense, this one has the unfortunate feel of a 0-0 draw.
Monday, June 2, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Sweden Team Preview
The squad: The Swedes are making their third straight Euro appearance after advancing to the quarterfinals in 2004. Their best showing was 1992, when they reached the semifinals on home soil. Sweden finished two points behind Spain to earn second in Group F qualifying.
The players: While his name hardly sounds Swedish, Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the star of the national side. Ibrahimovic, who has Bosnian roots, scored a team-high 17 league goals as Inter captured the scudetto for the third straight season. He'll be joined up front by Marcus Allback, who led the side in scoring during qualifying. The Swedish defense was unusually generous in the qualifying stages, so the focus will be on Manchester City goaltender Andreas Isaksson.
The schedule: vs. Greece (6/10); vs. Spain (6/14); vs. Russia (6/18)
The prediction: While the Swedes are certainly capable of reaching the knockout round, the thinking here is that Greece will edge them out for second place in the group.
The players: While his name hardly sounds Swedish, Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the star of the national side. Ibrahimovic, who has Bosnian roots, scored a team-high 17 league goals as Inter captured the scudetto for the third straight season. He'll be joined up front by Marcus Allback, who led the side in scoring during qualifying. The Swedish defense was unusually generous in the qualifying stages, so the focus will be on Manchester City goaltender Andreas Isaksson.
The schedule: vs. Greece (6/10); vs. Spain (6/14); vs. Russia (6/18)
The prediction: While the Swedes are certainly capable of reaching the knockout round, the thinking here is that Greece will edge them out for second place in the group.
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