Spain 1-1 Italy
The third day of the Eurpoean Championships continued in the same vein as the first two as we saw brilliant technical football from both sides. It was a fascinating match that was probably had the most ability performing so far- unlike Holland, Germany or Portugal, who's big players were mainly quiet in Group B. Del Bosque played the 'false number nine' formation that he had experimented with in the latter qualifiers when David Silva was introduced into the starting line up, as well as the decline of Fernando Torres since his move to Chelsea. The injury to David Villa, golden boot winner in Euro 2008 and joint top scorer in the 2010 world cup forced Del Bosque's hand somewhat but the system certainly caused unique issues for the Italians, who themselves played a 3-5-2 system, which was a big surprise to many. The lovely fluid movement of Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and in particular Andres Iniesta was a delight to watch. Iniesta's dribbling skills were on show throughout and I lost count of the amount of times he picked up the ball and skinned his man. The possession game was struggling to break down the Italians in the first period, although Iniesta missed the best chance when spooning over after Xavi played him in. Indeed, actually it was the opposition who had the best chances, with Casillas making a world class save from a Motta header, and also beating away the brilliant Andrea Pirlo's free kick. The front pair of the talented but mad Balotelli and Cassano were troubling the back four with their pace, but the game didn't really ignite until the second period started. It was obvious the Spainsh had been told to step up the pace and Fabregas and Iniesta were both denied by the expert Buffon. Many had waited for Super Mario to ignite Italy's campaign but he fluffed his chance and was replaced soon after, complete with a strop. It was the veteran Di Natale, top scorer in Serie A in 09-10 and in 10-11 who scored after more fantastic play from the schemer Pirlo, who rolled back the years with a great performance, rivalling Iniesta in his influence. But the Spainsh continued and they scored when delightful passing on the edge of the area concluded in Silva finding Fabregas with an amazing pass which demonstrated the speed of thought of all the Spanish midfield. But they began to look a little toothless as the Italians broke effectively thanks to the Midfielders quick passing.When Torres and Navas were thrown on, there was a small reduction in possession and a bit more directness that allowed the Italians more space and the terrific Marchiso to break forward. But the Italian back three were lucky to get away with having a midfielder- De Rossi- in their defence. Torres twice utilised errors by him to race onto Xavi through balls, only for him to fluff his lines. The Italian formation was actually performing up well up till then. It is interesting that he switched it on such a big stage, but the stamina of the wing backs, Maggio especially, made it an attractive attacking formation as well. A draw was a fair result on both chances and use of the ball. On this evidence, both sides are to be feared in the tournament.
Ireland 1-3 Croatia
A massive disappointment for the huge number of Irish in Poznan for the game- if only their team could have responded to their fantastic noise. in the most atmospheric match since the opening game, both sets of fans were terrific and the teams served up an entertaining clash that was both exciting and frustrating for the Irish. They never really kept the ball enough, unlike Croatia, who's players were all comfatable on the ball and offered intelligent passing and failed to get skipper Robbie Keane in the game. He was anonymous throughout, apart from an obvious penalty claim turned down when his side were already 3-1 down. Damien Duff was first- class, but the midfielders Whelan and Andrews failed to up the tempo after the goals and were limited in attack. In hindsight, James McClean should have been introduced, as his width would have put the Irish on the front foot. Walters and Cox both worked hard when put on, but had limited service. On the other hand, Luka Modric controlled the tempo for Croatia, supported by skipper Srna, who never stopped running, Ivan Rakitic, who's creative through balls disrupted the much vaunted Irish defence. Given could have done better for the first goal, and the third was poor marking form Dunne. But all credit to Mandzukic, who's two headers complemented an all action display alongside poacher Jelavic who pounced on Ward's error. As an aside, Wolves men Ward and Doyle were awful, giving a glimpse as to why they were relegated. The only way the Irish looked like scoring was from a set piece, and Andrews went close from a corner. McClean surely must start against Spain, if only just to go out fighting instead of going out without a whimper. However, Croatia started ominously, and they will be looking to clinch qualification with a defeat of Italy.
I'm really excited for the England match tomorrow, and although not expecting much, will be praying for a win!
Thanks for reading, Adam
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