Yesterday evening, saw the opening of the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine, and what a night it was too.
In two games, we witnessed seven goals, two red cards (one rather bizarre), one missed penalty and some poor player performances.
The first game was between co-hosts Poland and 2004 Euro champions Greece. I felt it was a very good game, and a true example of the old cliché ‘a game of two halves’. Poland were on top for pretty much all of the first half, showing some attacking promise and some positive build up play.
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However, the game was somewhat ruined as Greece had Soctatis Papastathopoulos wrongly sent off. The first booking was for a well challenged header, the second for a slip. It wouldn’t surprise me if we did not see referee Carlos Velasco Carballo for some time after the Euros, as he had a nightmare all game, and it is a shame to see this.
However, he got one decision right. Arsenal and Poland number one Wojciech Szczesny was shown for an early bath after he tripped up Greek player Salpingidis after he was through on goal. Greece couldn’t capitalise on this though, and substitute ‘keeper Tyton saved Giorgos Karagounis’ effort.
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All round, it was a pulsating game, with good entertainment throughout, and if all games are of the same quality, I cannot wait.
On to the second game of the evening, Russia took on Czech Republic. Russia looked very promising, and Arshavin played the game of his life. It’s good to see him back on form, and I think leaving Arsenal to join Russia club Zenit St Petersburg on loan, has done him the world of good.
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I think if he keeps performing like this throughout the tournament, then not only could Russia go far in the Euros, but could be a main man for Arsenal again next season. Russia ended the game 4-1 winners, and this was mostly down to ‘keeper Cech.
His reactions seemed slow, and I think he has been struggling quite a bit this season for Chelsea, he should have reduced the deficit to 2-1, but the Czech Republic were second best throughout the game, and deserved to lose.
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Another flop was Russia forward Kerzhakov who had seven shots off target, rather poor eh?
The quality of goals though, in both games, were top draw, and I am looking forward to see what else the tournament has to offer.
Written by Adam MayFollow me on Twitter @Amay132Please like O-Posts on FacebookFollow the site on Twitter
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