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30 June 2008 05:03
By Tony Tannous |
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Plus the TRBA team of the tournament
ULTIMATELY, in a tournament that thrilled and excited from start to finish, and was dominated by a positive mind-set, it was fitting that the victor, Spain, was the team that kept the ball the best and built their wins on sustained and controlled bouts of possession that ultimately tired, then knocked out their opponents, one by one.
Only against Russia, in their tournament opener, were Spain ever on the receiving end in the possession stakes, and even there they countered with the ruthless efficiency that has not always been a hallmark of Spanish sides.
In the final, you may be surprised to learn, officially they were on the receiving end of the possession (51% to Germany), but it was clear Spain were in total control, all but for the first 10 minutes, and another 10 minute period at the beginning of the second half, around the time Ballack snatched at a half-chance on the edge of the box.
But it wasn’t just ball-to-feet possession for the sake of it, something we’ve often seen from Barcelona over the past two seasons. It was possession with a purpose.
Basically, it was all about movement of the ball, and movement off it. Combined, effectively, they are a potent combo. Keep the ball, keep the ball, keep the ball, then pounce.
Only in dribs and drabs have Spain been put under any sustained pressure throughout their six games. Russia took it to them for a while in the opener and Sweden had them under the cosh for about 15 minutes before half time on md2. Greece was the only team that managed to take the lead against them, only for Spain to build their way back to victory. In the knock-outs, Italy pulled out the white blanket and went down the smash-and-grab route, while the open Russians couldn’t touch The Fab Five – Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, Senna and Silva.
Otherwise, Aragones’ men have been able to take the high-ground in most of their games through an ability to keep the ball and run teams ragged. If you can’t get it off us, then how the bloody hell do you expect to score?
Here Germany really put them under some early pressure, and Spain, not surprisingly, looked nervous, but eventually, as Xavi, Senna and Iniesta started to get on the ball, with Torres always keen to provide a quick outlet, they took control.
One up at the break and it might have been more, as the Germans appeared at times to be chasing shadows, none more than the defensively burdened Ballack.
Germany had another crack early in the second period as Kuranyi added numbers and not much else to their attack, but eventually Spain took control, demonstrating a mental toughness and calmness that has rarely been seen by them, at least not in my time of watching major championships.
In the final 15 minutes, with Germany desperate for the ball, Spain’s ability to deny them it was masterful. No long ball into the corners. Just keep it, build it up, attract the fouls and presto, times up.
And speaking of time, on the evidence of this, let’s hope it’s not another 44 years before the Spaniards conquer again.
It’s been a brilliant tournament, with barely an unwatchable game among the 31. Not surprisingly, Aragones’s men feature quite prominently in my team of the tourni, shaped in the tournament’s standard formation, 4-5-1 (or 4-1-4-1);
-----------------------Casillas-----------------
Altintop-----Puyol------Simunic------Zhirkov
----------------------Senna-----------------------
---------------Modric-----Zyrianov--------------
Schweinsteiger------------------------Silva
----------------------Arshavin---------------------
Casillas; others like Boruc and van der Sar really caught the eye early, but Casillas had a certain poise throughout, looking like one of the world’s best keepers, which he is. Didn’t have to produce many saves, but when he did, they were vital, like the one with his left foot to deny Di Natale in the quarters. Oh, and the pens.
Altintop; did nothing special at right back for two and a half games, but when he was moved into midfield for the second half against the Czechs he cut loose, setting up all three goals. From there his tournament got better and better. After an incredible workrate against Croatia, he ran the show against Germany and was unlucky to finish a loser. Because of the number of quality central mids, he slots in at right back here. Lahm did ok, until the final two games, while Anyukov was impressive bombing on for Russia.
Puyol; Spain looked at their shakiest when Puyol limped off against Sweden, which sums up how important he was to their success. Ok, he might not be the greatest on the ball, but he’s a winner, and didn’t Spain need that. Strong in the air and fiercely competitive.
Simunic; but for some problems out on the left in their opener against Austria, Croatia, for me, were the best defensive side along with Spain, and Simunic was the chief organiser. Always calm (except against Australia two years ago), his best games were against Germany and Turkey, especially the latter.
Zhirkov; in a tournament of excellent left backs (van Bronkhorst, Pranjic and Balta are others that come to mind), Zhirkov was an unstoppable driving force, often looking more like a left winger. Can also strike a volley and free-kick as good as anyone, and played his hand in a number of Russian goals, most thrillingly when he set-up Arshavin against Sweden.
Senna; in my Euros preview, I noted how important it was for Aragones to play Senna ahead of Alonso, mainly for the fact he adds a little more muscle and mobility to a midfield that isn’t short on passers What I didn’t factor in was how well he also distributes. One of the players of the tournament, Senna has provided wonderful balance, allowing Xavi, Iniesta, Silva and Fabregas to strut their stuff. Was also impressed with Russian captain Semak and Turkey’s Aurelio.
Schweinsteiger; after some poor form in the lead up, he started the tournament on the bench, but made enough impact against Poland and Croatia (before being red-carded) to warrant a start against Portugal. Solved Germany’s problems on the right by ducking in and getting himself a couple of goals.
Modric; plenty of hype in the build-up and on the evidence of his work here it was justified. Neat on the ball, he was outstanding against Germany and Turkey. If there was one criticism, he played a little too deep. Every time he got forward he created things. Sad to see him miss a penalty. Fabregas did some great things off the bench, while Iniesta and Xavi, quiet early, nailed the last two games.
Zyrianov; announced himself by hitting the post in the opener against Spain. It was his stock and trade, drifting into the box late to get on the end of things. As he did for Zenit in the Uefa Cup, he was everywhere, finally running out of gas against Spain. Gets in ahead of Sneijder, who was top-class in the first two games before disappearing.
Silva; for a little fella, such an ironman. While others like Iniesta and Xavi were being replaced, Silva was often seeing out matches. Blessed with a wonderful left peg, he started on the left, but did most of his best work on the right, cutting in and influencing Spain’s attack with his twinkle-toes. Gets in here ahead of Podolski, who started brilliantly but drifted away towards the end. Arda, had he not been suspended in the semi, might also have snuck in.
Arshavin; there were some very good performances from out-and-out strikers of the ilk of Villa, Pavlyuchenko, Nihat and Torres, but I’m giving the front-man birth to Russia’s little number 10, despite his anonymous semi final. In the two games he did play he was such an influence I felt it was impossible to leave him out.
Subs; van der Sar, Anyukov, Chiellini, Pranjic, Arda, Podolski, Sneijder, Fabregas, Villa, Pavlyuchecnko, Torres. |
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28 June 2008 05:02
By Tony Tannous |
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In keeping with the positive mood of this tournament, the last couple of days produced very watchable semi-finals, which has left us with a final that many had predicated and hoped for. Germany vs Spain, two of the pre-tournament favourites, it’s a climax that sure offers appeal.
Certainly, coming in, there were grave doubts about whether the Spaniards could get over the usual mental barrier and so far they’ve been exemplary in that department, out-staying the Italians in the quarters and out-passing the Russians in the yesterday’s semi. Now comes another mental hurdle, the ever-present Germans, who were pounded and controlled by the spirited and depleted Turks, but somehow survived.
Possibly the biggest mental barrier for Spain will be the fact they’ve been installed as favourites, both by the bookmakers and sentiment. As Germany proved in the quarters against Portugal, they prefer to be written off. It has been the general theme of this tournament.
Another theme has been the shifts in strategy from game to game, all geared around surprising the opposition.
Germany, for example, were upset by Turkey’s willingness to come at them early. They didn’t seem prepared for that, or equipped to deal with it. Against Portugal they were the ones expected to sit back and be dominated, but they came out and pressed, and out-muscled the Portuguese.
In the semi, they were expected to do the same, get up close and personal with Turkey, get in their face, and control things. It was the other way around, as the "fill-ins" Kazim, Ugur, Ayhan and Semih, along with the wonderful Altintop, pressed and upset them. The shrewd BBC analyst Marcel Desailly, putting the Hansen, Shearer and O’Neill "expert" panel to shame, had suggested in the pre-game there would be room for Turkey to exploit between the German defensive and midfield lines and he was spot on.
You see, Germany, at the start of this tournament, were defending high up the pitch and getting caught, but gradually they’ve retreated, which has left their midfield stretched, and Rolfes, Hitzelsberger and Ballack were chasing shadows (of should I say, Hamit) for most of this one.
If Frings, who played in the second half here, is right for the final, he should certainly help sort out the space in front of his defence.
Spain have also been defending deep, ensuring they aren’t exposed "in-behind". Against Russia it was a pivotal tactic. Guus’s men were expected to make the running, to bomb on down the flanks and through the middle and really test the Spaniards.
But Aragones never allowed it to happen, refusing to open-up. Arshavin had no room as a result.
Perhaps the memories of being sprung on the counter in the first game, some heavy legs and a bit of stage-fright affected the Russians, who were far too measured, with little penetration from the usual suspects in Zhirkov, Anyukov and Zyrianov.
Spain’s strategy appeared to be all about blunting the physicality of the Russians at one end, and then keeping possession going the other way, giving Hiddink’s men something to think about. It worked a treat, as Senna cleaned up in front of the backline and then set the wheels in motion with a simple ball to one of the million-or-so Spanish playmakers, or at least that’s how it looked.
Silva, Senna and Fabregas have been wonderful throughout, but here Xavi and Iniesta came to the party, and Guus was gone.
All the while Torres looked likely against a less mobile Russian rearguard that missed Kolodin (never thought I’d be saying that after the first game), and by the time Guiza came on, Ignashevich and Beretzuski had had enough.
Now, in the final, the strategy will be fascinating. Spain’s keep-ball patience and mobility against the efficiency and calculated thrusts of the Germans, who might just press on a bit, as they did against Portugal.
But here they will be met by a far more formidable defensive structure, for which Puyol, Casillas and Senna have been exemplary, while Sergio Ramos has had a smashing knock-out phase after a poor group phase.
If the Spaniards can build through the Germans, who have often looked static, and Torres gets enough support from the likes of Fabregas and Silva, the Liverpool man might finally get the goals he threatened in the semi. Certainly the German rearguard, especially in goals, has looked far less assured than their final opponents.
At the other end, Germany would do well to get it out to the right and give Schweinsteiger a go at Capdevilla, while Klose should look for Marchena more than Puyol, who’s been getting great aerial support from Ramos.
Spain have the class, but on the evidence of what we’ve seen here (the flow going against the favourites) and in past tournaments, hard to tip them with any conviction. Whatever transpires, fingers crossed both sides turn up and we get a belter, which would be a fitting way to finish a very fine tournament. |
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24 June 2008 07:53
By Tony Tannous |
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TWELVE gone, four left. As this wonderful tournament reaches its climax, it’s time to reflect on the past four days, which saw three ‘second placed’ teams, Germany, Turkey and Russia progress, with only the Spaniards doing their bit for the table toppers. Usually at this time of a major championship, the attacking bravado of the earlier rounds is replaced by a far more conservative ‘defend-first’ approach, and this was certainly the case in a couple of the quarter finals, particular yesterday morning’s dreary effort by the Azzurri. As we look ahead to the semi finals, fingers crossed we still see attack flourish, and the portents are certainly good with the presence of Guus’ Russians and the nimble Spaniards.
But first, a wrap of the quarters;
Portugal 2 vs Germany 3
Earlier in the tournament I reported on how certain managers had tinkered in order find the right formula. Up until this game Loew hadn’t been one of them, sticking to his 4-4-2 and the underwhelming Gomes and Fritz. But here he finally reacted, bolstering the central midfield with Hitzelsberger and Rolfes (Frings was injured) and going to a 4-2-3-1, with Ballack supporting Klose from deep. What this did was not only stiffen their central midfield (an area that had been exposed against Croatia), but it freed the skipper of the defensive burden. It worked a treat, Ballack getting on the ball and providing the perfect link between midfield and attack. With Podolski continuing his excellent form and Schweinsteiger burning Ferreira every time he touched it, Germany were back, and exposed Portugal at the set-piece (even if Ballack’s goal was a blatant foul), a trait that had been evident since the Czech game. Scolari failed to react to Loew’s moves, sticking with his rigid 4-3-3, and Portugal were out, exposed for a number of deficiencies (average keeper, lack of a striker, average holding midfielder and some defensive weakness).
Croatia 1 vs Turkey 1 after extra time (Turkey 3-1 on penalties)
An average game that only livened up thanks to the dramatic climax. It was a little cruel on the Croats, who had controlled most of the game without ever really threatening to put it to bed. It was particularly cruel on Modric and ‘Aussie Joe’ Simunic, who had been excellent throughout, but after the deflating Semih equaliser, it was hardly a surprise they couldn’t pick themselves up for the pens. Both teams started with only one striker, congesting the midfield, and Croatia were largely blunt up front, Modric playing very well, but far too deep. In fact, that was Croatia’s down-fall, the fact they couldn’t find a midfielder to play deep alongside Nik Kovac, thus freeing Modric to influence higher up the pitch, as Loew did with Ballack. As for Turkey, they worked and worked, and, as is their way, never gave up. Altintop and Tuncay were incredible in central midfield, while the central defensive pair Emre Asik and Gokhan Zan looked far more solid than the Turks have hitherto looked. What drama.
Holland 1 vs Russia 3 after et
If the Russian performance against Sweden was special, then this one, against better opposition, was even better. Is there any stopping the Hiddink and Arshavin show? The Russian started nervously, but not for the first time this tournament, they were the ones soon controlling the game, Hiddink dominating the flanks and pinned back the Dutch wingers by making them work. Sneijder and Kuijt were blunted by the willingness of Zhirkov and Anyukov to get forward, and both were spent by half-time. With the two fullbacks and Zyrianov bombing on, Arshavin popping up all over the place to influence things and Pavlyuchenko providing a neat mobile target, the Dutch couldn’t live with them, and van der Sar was kept busy. The only problem was they didn’t have the goals to confirm this domination, and Holland stayed in it thanks to some wonderfully taken ‘in-swingers’ to the back post (such a trend at these championships) by van der Vaart and some uncertain set-piece defending by Russia. After a couple of near misses, van Nistelrooy finally got on the end of one and it was extra time, where the Russians got what they deserved thanks to some brilliance from Arshavin and the fesh-legs of Torbinski. As the great Hiddink said afterwards, Russia were tactically, mentally and physically too good for Holland.
Spain 0 vs Italy 0 after et (Spain 4-2 on penalties)
Missing the craft of Pirlo, Donadoni went into this one with an ultra conservative approach, sitting deep, congesting the midfield with workhorses (Aquilani and Perotta were terrible), hoping that Toni could feed off scraps to pinch Italy the win. Clearly the intention was to win any-which-way they could and give Pirlo a crack in the semis. While the defending was brilliant at times (especially from Chiellini), the strategy didn’t work, and Donadoni can have no complaints. Spain was the only team trying to get forward, and while they didn’t do it with much conviction, at least the intent was there. Indeed, Spain were very calculated, ensuring they weren’t exposed on the counter, and Puyol and Ramos were magnificent in defence. Twinkle-toed Silva continued his eye-catching tourni, looking a threat every time he was on the ball. Senna continues to be important in the holding role, and while guys like Guiza and Carzola struggle to make an impact off the bench, Fabregas certainly looked good here.
Now for the semis, which start on Thursday morning (4.45am our time);
Germany vs Turkey
With Turkey cut-apart by suspension and injury, it’s hard to see them getting over the Germans, but how many times have we said that already this tournament? As I’ve said before, they certainly are one of the most united sides, and given they’ve only led for a few minutes all up, surely this is one task too big. But destiny and belief are strange beasts, and Turkey will defend deep and try and get men around Ballack, Podolski and Schweinsteiger. Germany sure look more solid now that Lahm has moved to the left and Friedrich has come in on the right.
Spain vs Russia
Promises to be another free-flowing classic. While Spain walloped them in the first game, the scoreline lied a bit. Since then they’ve tightened things up significantly, and Hiddink has continued to engender incredible belief. Despite needing penalties, Spain made a massive mental breakthrough against Italy and must now fancy their chances of making the final. But they will need to cope with the physical run of Russia, and as the Greeks, Swedes and Dutch found out, knowing about it is one thing. Dealing with it, entirely another. |
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19 June 2008 03:23
By Tony Tannous |
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…as we look ahead of the quarter finals
JUST in case anyone still had doubts, Guus Hiddink is a God. At the very least, in Russian, he is the Tsar.
He did it with the Socceroos two years ago, South Korea four years prior and his own Oranje in ‘98.
But coming into this tournament, there were certainly a few lingering doubts about whether he could do it with Russia, a nation, especially over the past two decades, with a questionable mentality at this level.
There’s no doubt the Russians have always had the technical ability to compete with the best. The problem has invariably been upstairs. Generally, they’ve never believed they belong with the elite, let alone that they can compete.
The last time they did anything of significance was 20 years ago, when the team led by one of my heroes at the time, goalkeeper Rinat Dasaev (I’d only donned the gloves a couple of years earlier), made it all the way to the final, only to be knocked out by that wonder van Basten strike.
Then along comes Hiddink, no doubt attracted by the ruble, but also by the challenge of rousing the Russians and turning them into a unit. No doubt it’s his stock and trade, but as Hiddink noted when he started his latest ‘project’, these guys aren’t like the Aussies or South Koreans, who are so willing to listen and learn. This will take time, he said.
Back then we’d seen the likes of Ignashevich, the Berezutski twins, Saenko and Semshov over the years, but largely the players were an unknown quantity, with none playing at what you would consider big clubs.
But when Hiddink came in he started his revolution, and now the team is made up of a core of the Zenit St Petersberg side that went on a wonderful Uefa Cup run reviewed here, the likes of Arshavin, Zyrianov, Anyukov and the injured Pogbrebnyak.
Out of the starting 11 went some of the old guard, heavy plodders like the Berezudski twins, and in came a more mobile and young unit, full of pace and wonderful technique. The modus operandi was attack, with many bodies in forward motion.
The next bit was to get the mentality right. When the Russians were walloped by the Spaniards in the opening round, a scoreline I suggested at the time flattered the Spaniards, Hiddink had a job to do.
A Russian side of the past would have rolled over and crumbled, probably knocked out of the tourni in straight sets. But Hiddink saw enough in the first game, picked up his troops, gave them a serve and got the reaction he desired.
But it wasn’t just about the mentality. Structurally, he sorted out some of the naïve defending and ‘openness’ that had plagued their Spain loss, and the result has been a far more solid and organised unit in the past two matchdays.
Against Greece they totally dominated, controlling the back, middle and front thirds, and should have won by five or six. The defending champs were flattered, and flattened.
Then this morning, the team on the end of the hiding was the structured Swedes, who just couldn’t live with Hiddink’s side. Two-nil it finished, but in reality it could have been another five or six, such was the drive, movement and total domination of a side that embodies the refreshing attacking flavour of this tournament.
Watching the two athletic fullbacks, Zhirkov (left) and Anyukov (right), bomb on highlights Hiddink’s preferred method, as we saw with Emerton and Chipperfield, which is to have his fullbacks penetrating at every opportunity.
It’s not by accident that he finds the men to play these roles. Here he has converted Zhirkov from an attacker into a left-back. Sound familiar?
The effect? Witness both their goals this morning. The first involved a late run into the inside right channel from Anyukov, who teed up Pavlyuchenko. Waiting behind the striker, ready to pounce, was Zhirkov. Both fullbacks inside the box, at the same time, just amazing.
The second, so flowing and precise, involved Zhirkov winning the ball from a Sweden free kick, linking with Arshavin, and then taking off into the left-hand channel, where he showed class to tee up the little number 10.
Zhirkov has been doing it all tournament and is not only the standout left-back to date (and there’s plenty of competition from Pranjic and van Bronkhorst), but arguably the player of the group stages.
But they aren’t the only ones to shine. Zyrianov is another that bombs on out of midfield and could have had five or six by now. Pavlyuchenko likewise. Youngster Bilyaletdinov and Torbinski (who didn’t play in this game) are classy, mobile and technical, Hiddink to a tee.
Defensively, they are a much improved unit. Skipper Semak has provided stability in the holding role, while Ignashevich came into central defence after the first game and has solidified things alongside Kolodin, who’s improved out of sight after a mistake-riddled opener.
Their quarter final against the pacey, counter-attacking Dutch should be fascinating, but one thing’s for sure, Russia will ask more questions of the at-times shaky Dutch rearguard then we’ve seen to date. And visa versa really, as the Dutch try and pin back Hiddink’s fullbacks, possibly with either Robben or van Persie, or both.
The master Hiddink against the apprentice van Basten, one can hardly wait. |
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14 June 2008 03:58
By Tony Tannous |
“Oh my word”, this tournament gets better by the day
ONE of the most fascinating aspects of watching a major championship like Euro 2008, at least for me, is to observe and att... more
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11 June 2008 04:35
By Tony Tannous |
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NOW that we’ve had a chance to look at every team, the one thing that really stands out when you look at all eight games is that the final scorelines didn’t always paint a true reflection of a team’s ... more
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