Euro 2008 Day 5: Water games in Basel

I won't be able to watch the Germany match tomorrow afternoon because I have to work and this leaves me in a rather annoyed state. I will try to find a radio station which broadcasts the entire game so while I won't be able to see any pictures I would still be fortunate to listen to a rather decent commentary since all German TV commentators have proven themselves to be completely incompetent and clueless. I am always impressed (and equally annoyed) about how many mistakes they make in 90 minutes of talking. Although there were some bright spots where you have to give some of them credit - I am especially thinking about the first Dutch goal against Italy and the offside debate which raged on in Europe after it - they usually lose, especially to their British colleagues, with their horrible style of speaking and their lack of facts on players, clubs and rules. Sometimes you get the impression that they never had kicked a ball in their entire life.

Portugal vs Czech Republic 3-1 (Group A)
On paper this looked like the top match in this group and it kept its promise, at least from what I was able to see because I had to leave after the start of the first half to meet up with my sister to discuss the birthday present for our mother. Portugal went up 1-0 early after a wonderful combination which was complete by Deco, who somehow pushed the ball over the line in his third try. One touch football at its best. The Czechs responded with a fighting spirit and were rewarded after a corner. Milan Baros is by far the better choice up front because when Jan Koller in playing the Czech Republic is far too easy to read. There will be a long ball into their opponents half and then Koller will try to lay it off to a teammate. Defenders should adjust to this pattern rather easy. Baros creates much more danger.
But this game had it all, maybe it was even better than Spain vs Russia yesterday. Because both teams were on level ground. Now I cannot say anything about the second half because when I tuned back in Portugal was leading 2-1 and it was already the 75th minute. Still the final goal was beautiful as well. With this Portugal will surely advance to the next round as the group winners which will make them likely opponents to Germany in a possible semifinal and that would be a repeat of the 2006 third place match.

Switzerland vs Turkey 1-2 (Group A)
This was intense stuff. The story leading up to this game started three years ago when both teams met in a World Cup qualifiying playoff match which ended in an all ot brawl after the final whistle of the seconf game in Instanbul when quite a few players were going after each other on the pitch and in the hallways of the stadium. Although everybody involved tried their best to play down the issue this was looming over the match all the time. And it was intense right from the start. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better it started raining cats and dogs which led to some very strange scenes on the pitch. You have to give credit to the players though since despite all the controversy surrounding the game they stayed calm and delivered a thrilling performance. Switzerland went ahead 1-0 in the first half after a beautiful counterattack which was concluded by Hakan Yakin, a Swiss born player of Turkish origin. Turkey responded in the second half and from there on it was a thriller. Switzerland had huge chances but it was Turkey who scored in injury time which still gives them hope for reaching the next round. Switzerland are out of the competition now.
This wasn't the brilliant high class tempo football we have seen by teams like Portugal or Spain. This was more like the English grinding their way to victory. Did I say it was intense? This was fighting football and when it is played like this it is really fun to watch. I feel a little sorry for the Swiss team, they should have at least got a draw, but it wasn't meant to be.