Group B Sees Germany and Croatia Win Opening Games
Day 2 of Euro 2008 has seen Croatia beat joint hosts Austria with a workman like performance while Germany brushed aside rivals Poland 2-0.
The day followed the same pattern as day 1, in such as the first match was a rather unattractive spectacle, while the more thrilling display was seen in the late evening meeting between Germany and Poland.
Croatia’s 1-0 win over Austria was certainly not a contender for the match of the tournament (even after only 4 games it’s safe to bet on that one!), but it’s 3 points all the same. The winner came after just 4 minutes when Rene Aufhauser clumsily brought down Ivica Olic in the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot immediately, and new Spurs’ signing Luca Modric duly converted with a shot placed down the centre, beating the diving Austrian keeper.
Austria are ranked 92 in the world, and at times they certainly looked it. Despite this they did have several opportunities to equalise, but failed to do so. Luca Modric did look the only decent player in the side, and even he did not live up to his reputation performance wise.
Despite Croatia’s superiority, they failed to create much in the way of goal-scoring opportunities. Coach Slaven Bilic will have to address this if they are to advance to the knockout stages.
After an hour’s breather it was the turn of Germany and Poland to attempt to entertain us. They did a much better job with both sides playing some good football at times. Nut, having said this Germany were dominant throughout and fully deserved their opener on 20 minutes.
Polish born Lucas Podolski was the man of the moment has he slid home after latching onto Klose’s pass. It was Podolski who then finished Poland off with 18 minutes left on the clock when he volleyed powerfully into the corner after what seemed like 30 other German’s had miscued!
Germany are deserved winners, and gain (unbelievably) there first victory in the European Championships for 12 years! There last victory saw them beat the Czech Republic to win Euro 96 at Wembley.
So, two days down and many more to go. Tomorrow sees Romania take on France, and the Netherlands meet Italy in what has been labelled as ‘The Group of Death’. Or, Group C has it’s officially known.
Until tomorrow then……. Feel free to share any thoughts on the tournament so far. We’d love to hear from you.
