Last night saw the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2012 European
Championships and about time too! He was immense last night against the Dutch, he literally could have scored 5. I know he was afforded far too much time and space, but last night he was a man on a mission and he was not going to be stopped - he is frightening in this kind of form. It was visibly apparent how much he wanted it. I think the Dutch should blame the Danish fans who wound Ronaldo up a right treat the other night, singing Messi's name! He has a point to prove on the international stage and maybe this could end up being the tournament in which he truly leaves his mark.
One touch in particular, where he took the ball out of the air and span Van der Wiel, was sublime.
Portugal defended so much better than the Dutch, Pepe and Alves along with
Peirera and Coentrao were really solid. The Dutch defence on the other hand were embarrassing. They were left horribly exposed and the lack of quality was so evident. Vlaar and Matijsen were awful and had no protection from the slow and sluggish De Jong, meaning they were unable to handle Portugal who were so effective on the break. There was just one positive for the Dutch and that was
Van der Vaart's great finish. Apart from his curled effort, it's hard to find
any other positives. I feel for their fans as the Dutch really didn't bother to
turn up last night. No matter the formation or the personnel the Dutch chose to
play, it was clear there was no cohesion or any kind of team spirit in the
squad.
Germany progressed as expected but again the Danes put up a real
fight. They had chances to beat the Germans, but in the end were not able to
take any of them and so paid the ultimate price, when Bender ended Danish hopes.
Germany and Portugal advance and will be tough opposition for anyone in the
quarter finals.
Italy vs. Republic Ireland- My prediction, is Italy to win against an already defeated Irish side
Croatia vs. Spain - I think Spain will be too strong and will win this one over the Croats.
Til'
next time..
Championships and about time too! He was immense last night against the Dutch, he literally could have scored 5. I know he was afforded far too much time and space, but last night he was a man on a mission and he was not going to be stopped - he is frightening in this kind of form. It was visibly apparent how much he wanted it. I think the Dutch should blame the Danish fans who wound Ronaldo up a right treat the other night, singing Messi's name! He has a point to prove on the international stage and maybe this could end up being the tournament in which he truly leaves his mark.
One touch in particular, where he took the ball out of the air and span Van der Wiel, was sublime.
Portugal defended so much better than the Dutch, Pepe and Alves along with
Peirera and Coentrao were really solid. The Dutch defence on the other hand were embarrassing. They were left horribly exposed and the lack of quality was so evident. Vlaar and Matijsen were awful and had no protection from the slow and sluggish De Jong, meaning they were unable to handle Portugal who were so effective on the break. There was just one positive for the Dutch and that was
Van der Vaart's great finish. Apart from his curled effort, it's hard to find
any other positives. I feel for their fans as the Dutch really didn't bother to
turn up last night. No matter the formation or the personnel the Dutch chose to
play, it was clear there was no cohesion or any kind of team spirit in the
squad.
Germany progressed as expected but again the Danes put up a real
fight. They had chances to beat the Germans, but in the end were not able to
take any of them and so paid the ultimate price, when Bender ended Danish hopes.
Germany and Portugal advance and will be tough opposition for anyone in the
quarter finals.
Italy vs. Republic Ireland- My prediction, is Italy to win against an already defeated Irish side
Croatia vs. Spain - I think Spain will be too strong and will win this one over the Croats.
Til'
next time..
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