Euro Cup 2012 Highlights

wwheng · Jun 13, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Czechs Strikes Early Win 2-1 Over Greece

In the early game Tursday, the Czechs gave themselves in life in the tournament by scoring two early goals and hanging on to beat Greece 2-1, meaning all four teams can still qualify.

As it did in its opening 1-1 draw with Greece, Poland started strongly, but this time had to wait nearly an hour before finally converting a chance.

Striker Eugen Polanski had good shot to put Poland ahead by the 18th minute after he rounded off a slick passing move by shooting past Vyacheslav Malafeev, but his effort was ruled offside.

Despite the Polish pressure, Russia remained dangerous at the other end and gradually began to assert itself as the first half wore on.

Tyton came up with a brilliant defensive play by quickly speeding off his line and diving at Aleksandr Kerzhakov's feet to deny the Russia forward a chance to score in the 10th minute. Kerzhakov then headed wide after a cross from Arshavin, and the attacking pair switched roles two minutes later when Arshavin barely failed to get on the end of a cross from the right.

In the 2nd half Poland continued with its surge and constant pressure to attack as super striker Lewandowski ran into the penalty area, but Malafeev forced him wide and blocked his shot with his legs. Lewandowski came close again when he nearly connected to a cross from Obraniak, but Malafeev again beat him to the ball.

Poland coach Franciszek Smuda tried to press home the advantage by replacing defensive midfielder Dariusz Dudka with more attack-minded Adrian Mierzejewski in the 73rd minute, but the Russia defense held firm.

EURO 2012: Greece vs Czech Republic Timeline

90+3 - The match has come to a close in Wroclaw. The final score is 1-2.

90 - The fourth official's board shows 3 minutes, which will be added to the Second half.

90 - Michal Bilek (Czech Republic) is making a Third substitution, with Frantisek Rajtoral replacing Daniel Kolar.

88 - In Wroclaw Jaroslav Plasil for Czech Republic takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

76 - Czech Republic are coming forward and Vaclav Pilar gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

72 - Greece's Dimitris Salpingidis is whistled for offside at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

71 - Fernando Santos is making the team's Third substitution at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw with Kostas Mitroglou replacing Kostas Fortounis.

69 - Greece have been awarded a corner by Stephane Lannoy. Georgios Karagounis steps up to take it.

68 - Greece are pushing forward but Giannis Maniatis's finish is wide of the goal.

65 - Daniel Kolar (Czech Republic) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

65 - Czech Republic's Daniel Kolar breaks free at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw. But the strike goes wide of the post.

64 - Tomas Pekhart is on a sub for Milan Baros for Czech Republic.

61 - Important block from the Czech Republic defence as Kyriakos Papadopoulos fires in a strike for Greece.

57 - Dimitris Salpingidis (Greece) has received a first yellow card.

56 - Kyriakos Papadopoulos (Greece) gets a yellow card.

53 - Goal! Fanis Gekas pulls one back for Greece to make it 1-2.

46 - Fanis Gekas is replacing Giorgos Fotakis for Greece at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

46 - Daniel Kolar is on a sub for Tomas Rosicky for Czech Republic.

46 - The second-half is now underway.

45+1 - The first-half is over.

45 - In Wroclaw, Kostas Fortounis of Greece is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

44 - Dimitris Salpingidis (Greece) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

42 - Czech Republic's Petr Jiracek gets his shot away but it misses the target.

41 - Giorgos Fotakis for Greece is whistled offside.

37 - Stephane Lannoy blows against Greece's Dimitris Salpingidis for offside.

36 - Petr Jiracek (Czech Republic) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

34 - Vasilis Torossidis for Greece has been booked by Stephane Lannoy and receives a first yellow card.

32 - Stephane Lannoy has awarded Czech Republic a corner. Tomas Rosicky takes the kick from the Left .

32 - Dimitris Salpingidis of Greece is pulled up for offside.

29 - Czech Republic's Tomas Rosicky misses with an attempt on goal.

29 - At Municipal Stadium Wroclaw Tomas Rosicky (Czech Republic) takes a corner from the Left.

29 - Czech Republic push forward through Tomas Rosicky, whose finish on goal is saved.

28 - Czech Republics Georgios Karagounis is on his feet again at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

27 - The match is underway again.

27 - The match at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw has been interrupted briefly for a check on Georgios Karagounis, who is down injured.

27 - Czech Republic's Tomas Rosicky has been booked in Wroclaw.

23 - Greece make their First substitution with Michalis Sifakis replacing Costas Chalkias.

20 - Vaclav Pilar of Czech Republic gets in a strike, but is off target.

16 - Corner awarded to Czech Republic.

14 - Greece drive forward but Dimitris Salpingidis is judged offside.

12 - Greece's Georgios Samaras has run offside.

6 - That's a fine assist from Gebre Selassie.

6 - Goal! Czech Republic extend their lead to 0-2 through Vaclav Pilar.

3 - Petr Jiracek is on target to give Czech Republic a 0-1 advantage.

3 - Great play from Tomas Hubschman to set up the goal.

1 - The match is underway at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-greece-vs-czech-republic.html

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Euro 2012 Highlights: Russia and Poland Draw Even

Russian striker Alan Dzagoev continues to dominate the European Championship by scoring his 3rd goal of the tournament and Polands Jakub Blaszczykowskis goal tied it in the second half as Russia and Poland deadlocked 1-1 Tuesday.

The match was marred before kickoff by fighting between hooligans from both countries, leaving several people injured as thousands of Russian fans marched to celebrate the Russia Day national holiday.

Dzagoev darted past defender Lukasz Piszczek in the 37th minute and sent a glancing header beyond goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton after a curling free kick from Andrei Arshavin.

But Poland was rewarded for its attacking intent in the 57th when Blaszczykowski cut in from the right and sent a searing left-foot drive into the far corner of the goal.

"I think we deserve praise because all of us put a lot into this match," Blaszczykowski said. "The tactics we set up before the match we carried out 100 percent."

The result left Russia at the top of Group A with four points but also kept alive Poland's chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals.

"We're still in the tournament, so with this point a win in our final match puts us into the knockout stage," Blaszczykowski said.

Russia's football federation pleaded with its fans to behave after video emerged online of supporters beating stewards at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw during the match against the Czech Republic, warning that more trouble could cost the team points.

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the Russian federation following the trouble in Wroclaw.

On the field, Russia's rampant attack in the opening 4-1 win over the Czechs was largely muzzled by a well-organized Polish defense. At the other end, Robert Lewandowski was a constant threat.

"When we went 1-0 up, I thought we'd get more space like we did again the Czech Republic, but that didn't happen," Advocaat said. "We lost the ball too fast when we were going forward and they could counter. We left the field too open."

EURO 2012: Poland vs Russia Timeline

90+3' - The whistle has gone to end the second half. The match finishes 1-1.

90+3' - Pawel Brozek is replacing Ludovic Obraniak for the Home team.

90' - 3 minutes will be added to the Second half.

85' - Adam Matuszczyk (Poland) has replaced the possibly injured Eugen Polanski.

83' - Russia have been awarded a corner by Wolfgang Stark. Andrey Arshavin steps up to take it.

82' - Poland drive forward but Robert Lewandowski is judged offside.

82' - Russia's Eugen Polanski looks ok and returns to the pitch.

81' - Ludovic Obraniak gets his shot on target but fails to score for Poland.

80' - Play has been resumed at National Stadium Warsaw.

79' - Eugen Polanski is booked for the Home team.

79' - Russia make their Second substitution with Marat Izmailov replacing Alan Dzagoev.

79' - Play has been interrupted briefly in Warsaw to check on Eugen Polanski, who is grimacing with pain.

77' - Poland are coming forward and Sebastian Boenisch gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

76' - Robert Lewandowski (Poland) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

75' - Alan Dzagoev for Russia has been booked by Wolfgang Stark and receives a first yellow card.

74' - In Warsaw Poland attack through Adrian Mierzejewski. The finish is off target, however.

73' - The Home team replace Dariusz Dudka with Adrian Mierzejewski.

73' - Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko is whistled for offside at National Stadium Warsaw.

72' - Russia drive forward and Andrey Arshavin gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

70' - Roman Pavlyuchenko is on a sub for Aleksandr Kerzhakov for Russia.

69' - Poland's Eugen Polanski is on target but unsuccessful.

68' - Russia push forward through Alan Dzagoev, whose finish on goal is saved.

66' - In Warsaw Yuri Zhirkov for Russia takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

65' - Poland's Rafal Murawski gets his shot away but it misses the target.

63' - Corner awarded to Russia.

60' - At National Stadium Warsaw, Igor Denisov has been yellow-carded for the Away team.

60' - Robert Lewandowski (Poland) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

57' - Goal! Poland go level at 1-1 through Jakub Blaszczykowski in Warsaw.

56' - Poland's Lukasz Piszczek gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Russia defender.

52' - Russia's Andrey Arshavin breaks free at National Stadium Warsaw. But the strike goes wide of the post.

47' - Damien Perquis (Poland) wins the ball in the air but heads wide.

47' - Wolfgang Stark has awarded Poland a corner. Ludovic Obraniak takes the kick from the Left .

46' - At National Stadium Warsaw Ludovic Obraniak (Poland) takes a corner from the Left.

46' - The second-half is now underway.

45+2' - Wolfgang Stark blows to end the first-half.

45+1' - The fourth official's board shows 2 minutes, which will be added to the First half.

43' - In Warsaw Russia attack through Roman Shirokov. The finish is off target, however.

43' - At National Stadium Warsaw Andrey Arshavin (Russia) takes a corner from the Right.

39' - Jakub Blaszczykowski of Poland smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

37' - Goal! Russia take a 0-1 lead through a well-placed header from Alan Dzagoev.

37' - Andrey Arshavin with an assist there.

34' - Important block from the Poland defence as Alan Dzagoev fires in a strike for Russia.

28' - Aleksandr Kerzhakov for Russia gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

26' - Poland's Marcin Wasilewskigoes close with his head but his effort is blocked.

25' - In Warsaw, Aleksandr Kerzhakov (Russia) misses the target with a header.

21' - Marcin Wasilewski (Poland) is first to the ball but his header is off-target.

21' - Wolfgang Stark has awarded Poland a corner. Ludovic Obraniak takes the kick from the Left.

18' - Poland's Eugen Polanski has run offside.

15' - Damien Perquis has recovered and rejoins the match in Warsaw.

14' - Play is underway once more.

13' - Wolfgang Stark waits before resuming play because Damien Perquis for Russia is still down.

11' - Poland are pushing forward but Robert Lewandowski's finish is wide of the goal.

10' - In Warsaw Russia's Aleksandr Kerzhakov is caught offside.

8' - Russia have been awarded a corner by Wolfgang Stark. Andrey Arshavin steps up to take it.

7' - In Warsaw Ludovic Obraniak for Poland takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

7' - Poland's Robert Lewandowski gets in a shot on goal at National Stadium Warsaw. But the effort is unsuccessful.

5' - Corner awarded to Russia.

1' - The match is underway in Warsaw.

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-poland-vs-russia.html

wwheng · Jun 13, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Danes Hold Off Netherlands 0-1

There is no other way to put it but, this shocking result has put the car among the pigeons. The Netherlands owned the game in terms of their possessions and had control of time but, they just could not close it out and put the ball through the net.

Super star striker Robin Van Persie will be well used to with Arsenal, had a number of chances to put the Dutch ahead but, to no avail. There was his fellow attackers who also had chances like Arjen Robben (who hit the post), Ibrahim Affelay and Wesley Sneijder did no better, as their failure to finish off the Danes had the predictable conclusion.

With 24 minutes played, The saavy attacker Michael Krohn-Dehli latched onto a loose ball in the Dutch box before firing through the legs of Maarten Stekelenburg. Bert van Marwijk threw in Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Rafa van der Vaart, but to no avail, as the Danes held on for a fantastic victory.

Back in Euro 1988, the Dutch also lost their opening game before ultimately winning the competition. However, if the Oranje are to do the same, theyll need to start putting away their chances.

No one ever predicted Denmark to win to win their Euro 2012 opener against the Netherlands, and Netherlands had a long drought since beating the Dutch since 1967, but Michael Krohn-Dehli didn't seem to care.

It was the 24th minute, when Krohn-Dehli baited opposing centre-back Simon Kjaer to the right before juking left and found a one-on-one opportunity with Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

It was an opportunity Krohn-Dehli took full advantage of, scoring a beautiful strike of a goal straight through Stekelenburg's legs. Denmark can celebrate this great victory in fashion with the help of stud striker Michael Kron.

EURO 2012: Denmark vs Netherlands Timeline

90+2' - Full-time! The final score is 0-1.

90+1' - R.van Persie (Netherlands) is first to the ball but his header is off-target.

90' - J.Heitinga's header is off-target for Netherlands.

90' - In Kharkiv Wesley Sneijder for Netherlands takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

90' - The Second half is prolonged by 3 minutes of added time.

90' - Denmark push forward at Metalist Stadium and L.Schone gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Denmark defence.

85' - van Marwijk, Bert (Netherlands) is making a Third substitution, with Dirk Kuyt replacing Gregory van der Wiel.

84' - Denmark make their Second substitution with Tobias Mikkelsen replacing Dennis Rommedahl.

81' - William Kvist for Denmark has been booked by Skomina, Damir and receives a first yellow card.

80' - Netherlands's A.Robben breaks free at Metalist Stadium. But the strike goes wide of the post.

78' - Denmark's Simon Poulsen has been booked in Kharkiv.

77' - Corner awarded to Netherlands.

74' - Olsen, Morten is making the team's First substitution at Metalist Stadium with Lasse Schone replacing Christian Eriksen.

73' - In Kharkiv Netherlands attack through R.van der Vaart. The finish is off target, however.

73' - At Metalist Stadium Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) takes a corner from the Left.

71' - Denmark have been awarded a corner by Skomina, Damir. Christian Eriksen steps up to take it.

71' - Klaas Jan Huntelaar is replacing Ibrahim Afellay for Netherlands at Metalist Stadium.

71' - van Marwijk, Bert (Netherlands) is making a First substitution, with Rafael van der Vaart replacing Nigel de Jong.

70' - M.Krohn-Dehli of Denmark smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

68' - Skomina, Damir has awarded Denmark a corner. Michael Krohn-Dehli takes the kick from the Left .

67' - Mark van Bommel (Netherlands) has received a yellow card from Skomina, Damir.

65' - Netherlands's A.Robben gets his shot away but it misses the target.

63' - Netherlands attack but A.Robben's header doesn't find the target.

62' - Skomina, Damir blows against Netherlands's John Heitinga for offside.

60' - At Metalist Stadium Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) takes a corner from the Left.

59' - Important block from the Denmark defence as W.Sneijder fires in a strike for Netherlands.

56' - Denmark drive upfield and N.Bendtner gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Denmark defender.

54' - Skomina, Damir has awarded Denmark a corner. Niki Zimling takes the kick from the Right.

53' - In Kharkiv, J.Heitinga (Netherlands) misses the target with a header.

53' - Netherlands have been awarded a corner by Skomina, Damir. Arjen Robben steps up to take it.

53' - Corner awarded to Netherlands.

52' - I.Afellay for Netherlands gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

51' - Important block from the Denmark defence as I.Afellay fires in a strike for Netherlands.

51' - In Kharkiv Wesley Sneijder for Netherlands takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

51' - Netherlands drive forward and M.van Bommel gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

50' - Netherlands's R.van Persie is on target but unsuccessful.

48' - In Kharkiv Wesley Sneijder for Netherlands takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

48' - A.Robben for Netherlands gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

46' - The second-half has just kicked-off.

45+1' - The first-half has come to a close in Kharkiv.

45' - Corner awarded to Denmark.

43' - In Kharkiv Netherlands attack through W.Sneijder. The finish is off target, however.

43' - R.van Persie for Netherlands drives towards goal at Metalist Stadium. But the finish is unsuccessful.

42' - M.Krohn-Dehli of Denmark smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

40' - Denmark push forward at Metalist Stadium and N.Zimling gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Denmark defence.

39' - Netherlands's I.Afellay misses with an attempt on goal.

36' - A.Robben hits the post! Very nearly a goal there in Kharkiv for Netherlands.

31' - I.Afellay returns to the field for Denmark after picking up a slight injury.

30' - Play has been resumed.

30' - Play has been interrupted briefly in Kharkiv to check on I.Afellay, who is grimacing with pain.

29' - R.Vlaar (Netherlands) wins the ball in the air but heads wide.

29' - Netherlands have been awarded a corner by Skomina, Damir. Arjen Robben steps up to take it.

24' - Goal! Denmark have got their heads in front thanks to a Michael Krohn-Dehli strike.

23' - Netherlands's R.van Persie misses with an attempt on goal.

20' - At Metalist Stadium Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) takes a corner from the Left.

19' - Dennis Rommedahl of Denmark is pulled up for offside.

16' - Netherlands push forward through A.Robben, whose finish on goal is saved.

14' - Netherlands's M.van Bommel gets his shot away but it misses the target.

13' - Skomina, Damir has awarded Netherlands a corner. Wesley Sneijder takes the kick from the Right.

13' - Netherlands's R.van Persie gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Denmark defender.

10' - Netherlands's I.Afellay breaks free at Metalist Stadium. But the strike goes wide of the post.

9' - In Kharkiv, C.Eriksen of Denmark is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

7' - Netherlands are coming forward and R.van Persie gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

5' - Netherlands are pushing forward but I.Afellay's finish is wide of the goal.

3' - J.Willems of Netherlands gets in a strike, but is off target.

2' - D.Agger (Denmark) gets in a powerful header but the ball is cleared away.

1' - The match has started.

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-germany-vs-portugal.html

wwheng · Jun 13, 2012

Euro 2012: Mario Late Goal Brings 1-0 Win For Germany

There was no doubt that Germany and Portugal produced the best match of the evening, though, it wasn’t easy for team Germany having been put to the test. Striker Mario Gomez was’nt his usual self was close to being replaced by game and appeared to be on the verge of being replaced by fellow striker Miroslav Klose unti he netted the only goal of the game at the 72 minute mark delivering a 1-0 victory for the Germans.

The first half had some missed opportunities, Portugal’s Lukas Podolski failed to capitalize on some scoring opportunities. Portugal didn't do much going forward, but had a great opportunity in the first half but, missed a corner kick, with Pepe hitting the crossbar. The shot went off the underside of the bar but, hit the line, and never went over.

Germany looked lethargic they are usually in attack mode throughout the game. Mesut zil tried to run the show from the center like he usually does for the Germans and for Real Madrid, but the three forwards in front of him weren't making the right runs, and zil wasn't exactly at his best either. Germany just didn’t look like the dominate team who crushed Israel and Belguim is the qualifying. But by the 72nd minute, is when Gomez went to work . When all else fails, it's not a bad idea to just throw some bodies and some balls into the penalty area, and Germany found their goal on a hopeful move that fit that description. Sami Khedira set up the cross on the game-winner by swinging a ball towards the center of the box for Gomez. Gomez leaped up and met the ball with a great header, directed into the back of the net at the far post to put Germany ahead 1-0.

Portugal attacked for an equalizer and found the oppertunity on a few occasions, but never capitalized due to the great woodwork of Manuel Neuer and the Germany defense. On one occasion, Nani managed to hit the crossbar with what appeared to be cross, but ended up looking like an odd, but effective shot. Neuer was forced into a late save on substitute Silvestre Varela, while Mats Hummels made a number of impressive clearances in the final 20.

EURO 2012: Germany vs Portugal Timeline

90+5' - Lannoy, Stephane blows to end the match. The final score is 1-0.

90+5' - B.Schweinsteiger is back on the pitch.

90+5' - B.Alves has recovered and rejoins the match in Lviv.

90+5' - The match at Arena Lviv is underway again.

90+4' - B.Alves is writhing in pain and play has been suspended for a few moments.

90+4' - The match has been stopped briefly for attention to the injured B.Schweinsteiger.

90+3' - B.Alves (Portugal) is first to the ball but his header is off-target.

90+3' - At Arena Lviv Nani (Portugal) takes a corner from the Left.

90+2' - Lars Bender is replacing Thomas Muller for Germany at Arena Lviv.

90+2' - Nani (Portugal) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

90' - 3 minutes of injury time will be added to the Second half.

88' - In Lviv Portugal drive forward through S.Varela. His shot is on target but it's saved.

87' - Low, Joachim is making the team's Second substitution at Arena Lviv with Toni Kroos replacing Mesut Ozil.

86' - Portugal's Nani breaks free at Arena Lviv. But the strike goes wide of the post.

86' - Portugal have been awarded a corner by Lannoy, Stephane. Nani steps up to take it.

84' - Nani hits the bar! Nearly a goal there for Portugal.

84' - Lannoy, Stephane has awarded Portugal a corner. Nani takes the kick from the Right.

83' - Important block from the Portugal defence as F.Coentrao fires in a strike for Portugal.

82' - At Arena Lviv Joao Moutinho (Portugal) takes a corner from the Right.

82' - Corner awarded to Portugal.

82' - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo gets in a shot on goal at Arena Lviv. But the effort is unsuccessful.

81' - Germany drive forward but Mesut Ozil is judged offside.

81' - Portugal make their Second substitution with Silvestre Varela replacing Raul Meireles.

80' - Low, Joachim (Germany) is making a First substitution, with Miroslav Klose replacing Mario Gomez.

76' - In Lviv Mesut Ozil for Germany takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

72' - Goal! A Mario Gomez header gives Germany a 1-0 lead in Lviv.

72' - Great play from Sami Khedira to set up the goal.

70' - Nelson Oliveira is on a sub for Helder Postiga for Portugal.

69' - Jerome Boateng for Germany has been booked by Lannoy, Stephane and receives a first yellow card.

66' - J.Boateng is back on his feet again.

66' - The match is underway again.

65' - J.Boateng is down and play has been interrupted for a few moments.

61' - Portugal’s J.Moutinho is on his feet again at Arena Lviv.

60' - Fabio Coentrao (Portugal) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

60' - Play has been resumed.

59' - Play has been temporarily suspended for attention to J.Moutinho for Portugal who is writhing in pain on the pitch.

57' - Germany attack but M.Gomez's header doesn't find the target.

55' - Helder Postiga of Portugal is pulled up for offside.

54' - Portugal have been awarded a corner by Lannoy, Stephane. Joao Moutinho steps up to take it.

51' - Lannoy, Stephane has awarded Portugal a corner. Joao Moutinho takes the kick from the Left.

49' - Portugal push forward through Cristiano Ronaldo, whose finish on goal is saved.

48' - Corner awarded to Portugal.

47' - S.Khedira's header is off-target for Germany.

46' - At Arena Lviv Mesut Ozil (Germany) takes a corner from the Right.

46' - T.Muller (Germany) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

46' - Germany's L.Podolski gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Portugal defender.

46' - The second-half has commenced. Germany with the kick-off.

45+1' - The first-half is over at Arena Lviv.

45' - Pepe (Portugal) shoots – and rattles the crossbar!

45' - Portugal have been awarded a corner by Lannoy, Stephane. Joao Moutinho steps up to take it.

43' - Holger Badstuber (Germany) has received a yellow card from Lannoy, Stephane.

41' - Portugal are pushing forward but J.Moutinho's finish is wide of the goal.

40' - Germany's T.Muller gets his shot away but it misses the target.

38' - S.Khedira for Germany gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

31' - Germany's L.Podolski breaks free at Arena Lviv. But the strike goes wide of the post.

28' - In Lviv Germany attack through L.Podolski. The finish is off target, however.

26' - Portugal drive upfield and Cristiano Ronaldo gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Portugal defender.

25' - Germany push forward at Arena Lviv and L.Podolski gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Portugal defence.

18' - In Lviv Nani for Portugal takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

13' - Helder Postiga (Portugal) gets a yellow card.

10' - Germany's L.Podolski is on target but unsuccessful.

3' - Lannoy, Stephane has awarded Portugal a corner. Miguel Veloso takes the kick from the Right.

2' - M.Gomez (Germany) goes close with a header but the ball is scrambled away by Portugal defenders.

1' - The match has started, with Portugal kicking-off.

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-germany-vs-portugal.html

wwheng · Jun 13, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Heavyweight Match up Spain vs Italy Ends in Draw 1-1

This match lived up to the bill as the clash of heavyweights Spain vs. Italy when down as a thriller ending in a 1-1 draw.

Italy was first to strike blood when striker Antonio Di Natale put Italy in front after when he got a clean set up from fellow mid-fielder Andrea Pirlo in the 61st minute, but, it was Spain’s young stud mid fielder Cesc Fabregas who tied it up for the defending champions three minutes later by finishing off a dazzling display of Spain's trademark passing game.

"Being the favorite now is complicated, but in the end we found the character (to earn a draw)," Fabregas said.

Spain, which is known for its dominance in the Group C match struggled to finish at times, while Italy relied on dangerous counterattacks.

Spanish mid-fielder Xabi Alonso (left) vies with Italian defender Christian Maggio during today's Euro 2012 match.

"The thing that really disappoints us is that we allowed them to equalize very quickly," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said. "We were playing the world champions and we should have made them work harder to get back into the game. We gave Spain the chance to score goals. We need to improve, but that's our mentality."

Spainhad a 14 game winning streak snapped after this this draw. The streak started after a 1-0 loss to Switzerland to open the last World Cup.

Spain came in with an interesting line up by starting the not so big names in this match, with Fabregas at forward between David Silva and Andres Iniesta — leaving Fernando Torres, Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente on the bench.

"The first one to be surprised was me," Fabregas said. "I was happy to have the opportunity, happy to be able to play. It's been a month and half since I've played. To get the goal was nice."

Italy countered with an attack of Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli and an untested three-man defense.

Di Natale replaced Balotelli in the 56th and scored five minutes later, collecting a pass from Pirlo just as he slipped in between two defenders, then expertly shooting around Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The 34-year-old Di Natale has scored 20 or more goals the past three seasons with Udinese in Serie A.

Fabregas' goal from the center of the area concluded a series of passes that started with Iniesta giving the ball to Silva, who then found Fabregas cutting.

90+3' - The second-half is over. The match ends 1-1.

90+1' - Spain's X.Alonso breaks free at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the strike goes wide of the post.

90' - The Second half is prolonged by 3 minutes of added time.

90' - In Gdansk Spain attack through X.Alonso. The finish is off target, however.

89' - Prandelli, Cesare is making the team's Third substitution at PGE Arena Gdansk with Antonio Nocerino replacing Thiago Motta.

89' - Christian Maggio for Italy has been booked by Kassai, Viktor and receives a first yellow card.

89' - In Gdansk Italy drive forward through C.Marchisio. His shot is on target but it's saved.

88' - J.Navas for Spain drives towards goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the finish is unsuccessful.

85' - Spain are pushing forward but El Nino's finish is wide of the goal.

84' - Fernando Torres (Spain) gets a yellow card.

84' - Alvaro Arbeloa (Spain) has received a first yellow card.

80' - In Gdansk, Xavi of Spain is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

79' - Giorgio Chiellini (Italy) has received a first yellow card.

77' - Italy's A.Di Natale gets his shot away but it misses the target.

76' - Spain's Sergio Busquets has run offside.

74' - del Bosque, Vicente (Spain) is making a Second substitution, with Fernando Torres replacing Cesc Fabregas.

73' - Spain are coming forward and J.Alba gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

70' - Spain have been awarded a corner by Kassai, Viktor. Xavi steps up to take it.

66' - Jordi Alba (Spain) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

66' - Leonardo Bonucci (Italy) gets a yellow card.

65' - del Bosque, Vicente is making the team's First substitution at PGE Arena Gdansk with Jesus Navas replacing David Silva.

64' - Sebastian Giovinco is replacing Antonio Cassano for Italy at PGE Arena Gdansk.

64' - Great play from David Silva to set up the goal.

64' - Goal! Cesc Fabregas equalizes to bring the score to 1-1.

63' - Spain drive forward and A.Iniesta gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

61' - Andrea Pirlo instrumental with a fine assist.

61' - Antonio Di Natale scores to make it 0-1 at PGE Arena Gdansk.

58' - Italy drive forward but Antonio Di Natale is judged offside.

56' - Italy make their First substitution with Antonio Di Natale replacing Mario Balotelli.

55' - A.Cassano for Italy gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

51' - In Gdansk Xavi for Spain takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

51' - A.Iniesta of Spain gets in a strike, but is off target.

50' - Spain's Xavi breaks free at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the strike goes wide of the post.

50' - Corner awarded to Spain.

50' - Spain push forward through C.Fabregas, whose finish on goal is saved.

46' - Kassai, Viktor has blown to start the second-half.

45' - The first-half has come to a close in Gdansk.

45' - Italy push forward at PGE Arena Gdansk and T.Motta gets in a great header. The attempt is cleared by the Italy defence.

44' - Spain are coming forward and A.Iniesta gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

43' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Xavi (Spain) takes a corner from the Right.

43' - Spain's C.Fabregas gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Italy defender.

37' - Mario Balotelli (Italy) has received a yellow card from Kassai, Viktor.

36' - C.Marchisio gets his shot on target but fails to score for Italy.

35' - Kassai, Viktor blows against Spain's David Silva for offside.

34' - In Gdansk Italy drive forward through A.Cassano. His shot is on target but it's saved.

30' - Spain's A.Iniesta gets in a shot on goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the effort is unsuccessful.

29' - Corner awarded to Spain.

25' - Antonio Cassano for Italy is whistled offside.

25' - A.Iniesta (Spain) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

23' - Italy are pushing forward but A.Cassano's finish is wide of the goal.

20' - Cesc Fabregas of Spain is pulled up for offside.

19' - T.Motta for Italy is back on the field again.

18' - The match at PGE Arena Gdansk is underway again.

18' - The match at PGE Arena Gdansk has been interrupted briefly for a check on T.Motta, who is down injured.

15' - D.Silva (Spain) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

14' - Italy push forward at PGE Arena Gdansk and T.Motta gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Italy defence.

13' - A.Pirlo of Italy smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

11' - Spain's D.Silva is on target but unsuccessful.

10' - In Gdansk Andrea Pirlo for Italy takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

10' - Italy drive upfield and M.Balotelli gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Italy defender.

9' - Spain's D.Silva misses with an attempt on goal.

9' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Xavi (Spain) takes a corner from the Right.

7' - Kassai, Viktor has awarded Italy a corner. Andrea Pirlo takes the kick from the Left.

3' - Italy's Antonio Cassano is whistled for offside at PGE Arena Gdansk.

2' - Spain have been awarded a corner by Kassai, Viktor. Xavi steps up to take it.

1' - Today's referee, Kassai, Viktor, has blown to start the match.

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-spain-vs-italy.html

wwheng · Jun 13, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Ireland takes a beat down from Croatia 1-3

Croatia came into this game making a statement against the Irish, beating them 1-3 in their Euro 2012 opener here on Sunday, with stud striker Mario Mandzukic scoring two in a stirring meeting that saw both teams battle hard from start to finish.

It’s almost like the Croats were looking past this match knowing that aware that heavyweights Italy and defending European champions Spain, both Ireland and Croatia had been clear that they needed a convincing start to the tournament.

Just 3 minutes into the match, Wolfsburg striker Mandzukic positioned himself for a cross from captain Darijo Srna, stumbling briefly before steadying himself to beat Irish goalkeeper Shay Given with a powerful header.

Surprisingly, Ireland started injured goalie Shane Given who looked uncomfortable as he was caught off guard, conceding his country's first first half goal in 15 matches.

Given, the Aston Villa goal keeper who had been a doubt because of a knee injury but, was cleared to train and given the ok to play giving coach Giovanni Trapattoni a sigh of relief.

Croatia's fans went nuts and celebrated with flares on Mandzukic's goal, and did continued on to celebrate. Ireland, roared on by their fans, battled back.

The Irish had a chance to equalize after winning a free kick on the edge of the area in the 11th minute when Gordon Schildenfeld fouled Kevin Doyle, but Keith Andrews's shot was blocked. Eight minutes later, however, came a repeat performance, as Doyle was brought down by Vedran Corluka.

Aiden McGeady stepped up to take the shot, firing the arching free kick to Sean St Ledger, who nodded past Croatian keeper Stipe Pletikosa.

That put a smile on the face of the Leicester City player, who did not score for his club this season. Ireland's green, white and orange-clad supporters responded by doing "the Poznan", a backs-to-the-pitch jumping dance made famous by fans of the city's top-flight club Lech.

The two teams continued to parry and thrust into the dying minutes of the half, until Croatia packed into the Irish area, with Ivan Perisic crossing to Ivan Rakitic. A touch by Stephen Ward put Nikica Jelavic onside, and he beat Given in the 43rd minute.

Three minutes after returning from the dressing room, Croatia made it 3-1 when Mandzukic fired towards the far corner of the net.

The shot hit the post, but bounced off the lunging Given and into the back of the net.

Ireland and their supporters were irate in the 62nd minute when talismanic captain Robbie Keane - their 31 year old record goalscorer who like Given is at what is likely to be his last international tournament - was brought down by Schildenfeld in what the video replay showed was the Croatian box.

90+5' - The match is over. Final score 1-3.

90+5' - K.Andrews of Ireland gets in a strike, but is off target.

90+1' - Tomislav Dujmovic is on a sub for Ivan Rakitic for Croatia.

90' - K.Andrews (Ireland) wins the ball in the air but heads wide.

90' - At Municipal Stadium Poznan Damien Duff (Ireland) takes a corner from the Right.

90' - Ireland's G.Whelan gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Croatia defender.

90' - The fourth official's board shows 5 minutes, which will be added to the Second half.

89' - Eduardo is replacing Ivan Perisic for Croatia at Municipal Stadium Poznan.

89' - Croatia’s M.Mandzukic is on his feet again at Municipal Stadium Poznan.

88' - The match at Municipal Stadium Poznan is underway again.

88' - S.Pletikosa for Croatia is back on the field again.

87' - The match has been stopped briefly for attention to the injured S.Pletikosa.

87' - The match is underway again.

86' - M.Mandzukic is down and play has been interrupted for a few moments.

84' - Niko Kranjcar (Croatia) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

84' - Croatia drive upfield and D.Srna gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Croatia defender.

81' - Ireland are pushing forward but K.Andrews's finish is wide of the goal.

80' - K.Andrews (Ireland) gets in a powerful header but the ball is cleared away.

78' - Croatia's I.Rakitic breaks free at Municipal Stadium Poznan. But the strike goes wide of the post.

74' - Ireland make their Third substitution with Shane Long replacing Robbie Keane.

72' - Bilic, Slaven (Croatia) is making a First substitution, with Niko Kranjcar replacing Nikica Jelavic.

68' - In Poznan, R.Dunne (Ireland) gets his head to the ball but the strike is cleared by an untiring defence.

64' - Croatia have been awarded a corner by Kuipers, Bjorn. Darijo Srna steps up to take it.

54' - S.Cox for Ireland gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

54' - Simon Cox is on a sub for Aiden McGeady for Ireland.

53' - Ireland make their First substitution with Jonathan Walters replacing Kevin Doyle.

53' - Luka Modric (Croatia) gets a yellow card.

50' - D.Srna (Croatia) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

50' - Corner awarded to Croatia.

50' - I.Rakitic (Croatia) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

49' - Ivan Perisic instrumental with a fine assist.

49' - Goal! Mario Mandzukic extends Croatia's lead to 1-3 in Poznan with a header.

48' - I.Perisic has recovered and rejoins the match in Poznan.

48' - Play has been resumed at Municipal Stadium Poznan.

47' - I.Perisic is writhing in pain and play has been suspended for a few moments.

46' - The second-half is underway in Poznan.

45+3' - The first-half has come to a close in Poznan.

45+2' - Croatia's I.Rakitic attacks the ball with his head but his effort fails to hit the target.

45+1' - 2 minutes will be added to the First half.

45+1' - M.Mandzukic is back on the pitch.

45+1' - Play is underway once more.

45' - Attention is being given to Croatia’s M.Mandzukic and play has been suspended briefly.

45' - Ireland's Keith Andrews has been booked in Poznan.

43' - Goal! Nikica Jelavic gives Croatia a 1-2 lead in Poznan.

43' - Kuipers, Bjorn has awarded Croatia a corner. Darijo Srna takes the kick from the Right.

40' - N.Jelavic's header is off-target for Croatia.

39' - Corner awarded to Croatia.

36' - In Poznan Croatia attack through I.Perisic. The finish is off target, however.

33' - Croatia push forward through L.Modric, whose finish on goal is saved.

26' - Ireland drive forward but Robbie Keane is judged offside.

24' - Kuipers, Bjorn blows against Ireland's Robbie Keane for offside.

22' - Croatia's I.Perisic is on target but unsuccessful.

21' - Croatia are coming forward and I.Rakitic gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

21' - In Poznan Darijo Srna for Croatia takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

19' - Aiden McGeady with an assist there.

19' - Sean St. Ledger scores with his head for Ireland to level the match at 1-1.

17' - At Municipal Stadium Poznan Darijo Srna (Croatia) takes a corner from the Right.

12' - Ireland's K.Andrews gets his shot away but it misses the target.

12' - K.Andrews (Ireland) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

7' - Ireland's D.Duff misses with an attempt on goal.

3' - That's a fine assist from Darijo Srna.

3' - Croatia move into a 0-1 lead through a Mario Mandzukic header.

3' - Croatia have been awarded a corner by Kuipers, Bjorn. Ivan Rakitic steps up to take it.

1' - The first-half is now underway.

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-ireland-vs-croatia.html

wwheng · Jun 13, 2012

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Nasri silences the crowd in 1-1 draw

This might not have been the high scoring match everyone it ended up producing a 1-1 draw but, the most interesting event took place when Frenchman Samir Nasri literally silenced the crowd.

Nasri, the French midfielder who currently plays his club soccer with English Premier League team Manchester City, put his side back in the game with a 36th-minute goal that cancelled out Joleon Lescott's opener for England.

Nasri wanted to silence critics with his tying goal. However, despite Nasri's excellent technique in controlling the ball, then spearing home a fierce strike from outside the area, he appeared far from pleased after his goal, putting his finger to his lips repeatedly and glaring in the direction of the stands.

Nasri ended his gesticulating by yelling "ferme ta gueule," which basically means "shut your mouth," as his teammates attempted to celebrate with him.

The outburst appeared to be aimed in the direction of the England bench, fueling speculation that Nasri was mouthing off at Gary Neville, the former Manchester United defender who is now a television analyst and a temporary assistant to England coach Roy Hodgson.

Neville clashed with Nasri on the field several times when he was a player and has criticized his performances and attitude on British television.

But as far as the game went, statistically France passed the ball more than twice the number of times of their opponents – 634 to 307. Just as tellingly, there were only 136 English passes in the second half, when there were conspicuous signs of a team fading.

They defended manfully, as England teams tend to do, and restricted their opponents to few clear opportunities. More disappointing was their own lack of penetration after that moment, on the half-hour, when Patrice Evra fouled James Milner on the right of England's midfield and from the free-kick Lescott eluded his marker, Alou Diarra, to score from close range.

Gerrard's delivery was so exquisite that Lescott had to do little more than get his header on target but it was difficult to think of another moment when England put in a decent cross and had players in the penalty area. Too often there were moments of exasperation. On one occasion, Milner failed to beat the first defender and when the ball came back to Glen Johnson he overhit the second cross in quick succession.

They had edged the game during the opening half hour and might have scored earlier after Young's pass split open the French defence for Milner to run clear, the one moment when England showed the invention to play the killer pass and have a midfielder breaking beyond the forwards. Milner's first touch took the ball round Hugo Lloris but moved him further wide than he would have liked and he was unable to angle his shot, with his weaker left foot, into the net.

EURO 2012: England vs France Timeline

90+3' - It's 1-1 as the referee blows for full-time.

90+2' - K.Benzema of France smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

90+1' - Rizzoli, Nicola will wait an extra 3 minutes before blowing the whistle to end the Second half.

90' - 47400 spectators have come along to Donbass Arena today.

90' - Hodgson, Roy (England) is making a Third substitution, with Theo Walcott replacing Danny Welbeck.

89' - Rizzoli, Nicola has awarded England a corner. Steven Gerrard takes the kick from the Right .

85' - In Donetsk Samir Nasri for France takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

85' - Important block from the England defence as K.Benzema fires in a strike for France.

85' - France have been awarded a corner by Rizzoli, Nicola. Samir Nasri steps up to take it.

85' - Blanc, Laurent is making the team's Second substitution at Donbass Arena with Marvin Martin replacing Florent Malouda.

85' - Hatem Ben Arfa is on a sub for Yohan Cabaye for France.

81' - At Donbass Arena Samir Nasri (France) takes a corner from the Left.

81' - France's Y.Cabaye gets his shot away but it misses the target.

80' - Corner awarded to France.

80' - France are coming forward and Y.Cabaye gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

78' - J.Milner is back on his feet again.

78' - The match is underway again.

78' - Jordan Henderson is replacing Scott Parker for England at Donbass Arena.

77' - England make their First substitution with Jermain Defoe replacing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

76' - Attention is being given to England’s J.Milner and play has been suspended briefly.

76' - In Donetsk, K.Benzema of France is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

75' - France drive forward and F.Ribery gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

71' - Ashley Young (England) has received a yellow card from Rizzoli, Nicola.

69' - France's F.Malouda gets in a shot but it is blocked by a England defender.

68' - England's James Milner has run offside.

67' - At Donbass Arena Florent Malouda (France) takes a corner from the Right.

66' - England's G.Johnson breaks free at Donbass Arena. But the strike goes wide of the post.

65' - In Donetsk France drive forward through K.Benzema. His shot is on target but it's saved.

62' - In Donetsk Steven Gerrard for England takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

61' - Corner awarded to England.

55' - France have been awarded a corner by Rizzoli, Nicola. Samir Nasri steps up to take it.

54' - K.Benzema (France) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

54' - England drive forward but Ashley Young is judged offside.

49' - Rizzoli, Nicola has awarded England a corner. Steven Gerrard takes the kick from the Right .

46' - It's France with the kick-off after the break.

45+1' - The ref's whistle signals the end of the first-half.

45' - Important block from the England defence as M.Debuchy fires in a strike for France.

45' - At Donbass Arena Samir Nasri (France) takes a corner from the Right.

45' - France's K.Benzema is on target but unsuccessful.

45' - Rizzoli, Nicola has awarded France a corner. Samir Nasri takes the kick from the Left .

45' - Y.Cabaye of France gets in a strike, but is off target.

43' - In Donetsk, F.Malouda of France is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

42' - France have been awarded a corner by Rizzoli, Nicola. Samir Nasri steps up to take it.

39' - Franck Ribery with an assist there.

39' - Goal! Samir Nasri levels the match at 1-1.

39' - France push forward at Donbass Arena and S.Nasri gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined England defence.

35' - A.Diarra (France) wins the ball in the air but heads wide.

35' - A.Diarra (France) goes close with a header but the ball is scrambled away by England defenders.

34' - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for England has been booked by Rizzoli, Nicola and receives a first yellow card.

30' - That's a fine assist from Steven Gerrard.

30' - Goal! England have taken a 0-1 lead courtesy of a header from Joleon Lescott.

27' - James Milner of England is pulled up for offside.

23' - D.Welbeck for England is back on the field again.

23' - Rizzoli, Nicola has blown to resume play in Donetsk.

22' - Rizzoli, Nicola waits before resuming play because D.Welbeck for England is still down.

18' - In Donetsk England's Ashley Young is caught offside.

16' - Y.Cabaye gets his shot on target but fails to score for France.

15' - In Donetsk England attack through J.Milner. The finish is off target, however.

11' - France are pushing forward but S.Nasri's finish is wide of the goal.

10' - In Donetsk Samir Nasri for France takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

5' - Corner awarded to France.

2' - Rizzoli, Nicola blows against England's Danny Welbeck for offside.

1' - England kick-off the first half - the match is underway!

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-england-vs-france.html

wwheng · Jun 13, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Shevchenko Shines in Front of Home Crowd

Ukraine captain and striker Andriy Shevchenko appeared in his first European Championship match made this a memorable game by scoring 2 goals and leading Ukraine to a 2-1 victory over Sweden. The 35 year old Shenchenko was a forgotten name up until this one. This will definitely be a day to remember for him. It was widely assumed that he was only still leading the the national team at this advanced footballing age, years removed from his Ballon d'Or-winning prime and even his more recent years of expensive disappointment, as a last hurrah for a respected ambassador. But then Andriy Shevchenko scored both goals in Ukraine's 2-1 win over Sweden, putting him back on top once again, even if just for one more day.

In Shev’s prime, He was the man in Milan where he dominated and was twice Italy's top scorer but, his stardom came to a halt when he played for Chelsea, where he was the original Fernando Torres and cost a then British record 30 million for three years of belittling jokes, Sheva has always carried himself with a gentle dignity. For the last three years, his career has quietly kept on where it first started, Dynamo Kiev.

Shevchenko shattered that quiet that on the final day of the first group stage matches, though, toppling the younger Zlatan Ibrahimovic ‘s efforts to carry the Swedes in much the same way.

Ukraine had most of the possession in the first half, but Sweden came out looking much better in the second half. They were in control from the whistle until their possession finally paid off with a goal, in the 52nd minute. Sweden took advantage of some poor defending, with Andriy Yarmolenko failing to clear a deep cross by Sebastian Larsson. Markus Rosenberg got on the end of it and put the ball back across goal, where Ibrahimovic was waiting to finish.

Sweden's lead didn't last long. Just three minutes later, Yarmolenko atoned for his error with a brilliant cross into the box for Shevchenko, who split Sweden's defense and powered a header into the back of the net. At that point, the match looked even, but Ukraine would quickly go on to take a surprise lead.

EURO 2012: Ukraine vs Sweden Timeline

90+4' - It's 2-1 as the referee blows for full-time.

90+3' - O.Mellberg of Sweden gets in a strike, but is off target.

90+2' - Blokhin, Oleg (Ukraine) is making a Third substitution, with Marko Devic replacing Yevgen Konoplyanka.

90' - It is reported that 64290 spectators are in attendance today.

90' - 3 minutes will be added to the Second half in Kiev.

90' - Sweden are pushing forward but J.Elmander's finish is wide of the goal.

85' - The Home team have replaced Andrej Voronin with Ruslan Rotan. This is the Second substitution made today by Blokhin, Oleg.

83' - Ukraine's S.Nazarenko misses with an attempt on goal.

83' - At Olimpiysky National Sports Complex, Rasmus Elm has been yellow-carded for the Away team.

82' - Artem Milevskiy is on a sub for Andrej Shevchenko for Ukraine.

80' - Sweden's C.Wilhelmsson gets in a shot on goal at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex. But the effort is unsuccessful.

76' - Z.Ibrahimovic gets his shot on target but fails to score for Sweden.

74' - Ukraine are coming forward and Y.Konoplyanka gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

71' - Hamren, Erik is making the team's Third substitution at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex with Johan Elmander replacing Markus Rosenberg.

71' - Ukraine are coming forward and Y.Konoplyanka gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

70' - Sweden's R.Elm gets in a shot on goal at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex. But the effort is unsuccessful.

68' - Sweden's R.Elm breaks free at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex. But the strike goes wide of the post.

67' - Andrej Voronin of Ukraine is pulled up for offside.

64' - Anders Svensson is replacing Ola Toivonen for Sweden at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex.

62' - Yevgen Konoplyanka with an assist there.

62' - Goal! A Andrej Shevchenko header gives Ukraine a 2-1 lead in Kiev.

61' - Cakir, Cuneyt has awarded Ukraine a corner. Yevgen Konoplyanka takes the kick from the Left .

61' - In Kiev, A.Voronin of Ukraine is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

59' - O.Gusev of Ukraine gets in a strike, but is off target.

59' - Corner awarded to Ukraine.

55' - Andrey Yarmolenko instrumental with a fine assist.

55' - Goal! Ukraine draw level to 1-1 through a Andrej Shevchenko header.

53' - Sweden's Y.Selin is back in action after a slight knock.

53' - The match in Kiev is underway once more.

52' - Y.Selin is writhing in pain and play has been suspended for a few moments.

52' - That's a fine assist from Kim Kallstrom.

52' - Goal! The Away team take a 0-1 lead through Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

50' - A.Shevchenko is back on the pitch.

50' - Play is underway once more.

49' - A.Shevchenko is down and play has been interrupted for a few moments.

49' - Sweden drive forward and M.Rosenberg gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

46' - It's Ukraine with the kick-off after the break.

45+1' - The first-half has come to a close in Kiev.

42' - In Kiev Ukraine attack through Y.Konoplyanka. The finish is off target, however.

39' - Very nearly a goal for Sweden as Z.Ibrahimovicstrikes the woodwork with a header.

38' - Ukraine have been awarded a corner by Cakir, Cuneyt. Sergey Nazarenko steps up to take it.

38' - A.Yarmolenko (Ukraine) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

38' - A.Shevchenko (Ukraine) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

37' - Ukraine's Y.Konoplyanka gets his shot away but it misses the target.

36' - At Olimpiysky National Sports Complex Sebastian Larsson (Sweden) takes a corner from the Left.

35' - A.Voronin for Ukraine drives towards goal at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex. But the finish is unsuccessful.

34' - Z.Ibrahimovic has recovered and rejoins the match in Kiev.

33' - Play has been resumed.

33' - The match at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex has been interrupted briefly for a check on Z.Ibrahimovic, who is down injured.

31' - In Kiev Sweden drive forward through M.Rosenberg. His shot is on target but it's saved.

27' - In Kiev Rasmus Elm for Sweden takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

24' - Ukraine's A.Shevchenko misses with an attempt on goal.

23' - Ukraine drive forward but Andrej Shevchenko is judged offside.

21' - Markus Rosenberg for Sweden is whistled offside.

21' - Sweden's E.Khacheridi looks ok and returns to the pitch.

20' - Play has been resumed.

20' - Play has been temporarily suspended for attention to E.Khacheridi for Sweden who is writhing in pain on the pitch.

20' - The match has been stopped briefly for attention to the injured K.Kallstrom.

11' - Kim Kallstrom (Sweden) gets a yellow card.

5' - Sweden are pushing forward but K.Kallstrom's finish is wide of the goal.

4' - Y.Konoplyanka for Ukraine gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

1' - The match is underway. Sweden have kicked-off.

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-ukraine-vs-sweden.html

wwheng · Jun 14, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Portugal Survives Elimination Ronaldo Chokes

When you are the top soccer player in the world you are expected to perform at a high level especially in the big games. Super star striker had a game that he wished that he could forget. Portugal being on the brink of elimination thanks to fellow stiker Silvestre Varela Portugal defeated Denmark 3-2.

With just three minutes left in this epic Group B contest in Lviv, Ukraine, forward Silvestre Varela unleashed a ferocious strike to provide one of the goals of the tournament so far and a much-needed lifeline for Portugal, the world's fifth-ranked team.

Varela has long been regarded as a promising young player but has had a checkered career and has bounced around six different clubs. When he was transferred to Portuguese league club Porto in 2009 from Estrela Amadora, no fee changed hands.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has accumulated tens of millions in wages and established himself, alongside Lionel Messi, as one of the two best players in the world. If another team wanted to buy Ronaldo out of his Real Madrid contract, the price would be a staggering $1.25 billion.

He will find it hard to live down his performance on Wednesday, though, especially the moment in the 78th minute that was the low point of his afternoon. Ronaldo was sent completely clear on goal with only Stefan Anderson to beat. As the Denmark goalkeeper went to the ground, all Ronaldo had to do was dribble the ball around him and tap it into the empty net. Instead, he inexplicably booted it with his right foot and steered it wide of the target.

Portugal had gone into a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to goals from Pepe and Helder Postiga, before Niklas Bendtner pulled one back for Denmark just before the break. Bendtner struck again with a headed goal almost immediately after Ronaldo's dreadful miss, aided by some poor goalkeeping from Portugal's Rui Patricio.

EURO 2012: Denmark vs Portugal Timeline

90+4' - It's 2-3 as the referee blows for full-time.

90+3' - Denmark's Lasse Schone breaks free at Arena Lviv. But the strike goes wide of the post.

90+1' - Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal has been booked by Craig Thomson and receives a first yellow card.

90' - 4 minutes will be added to the Second half in Lviv.

90' - Lasse Schone is on a sub for Michael Krohn-Dehli for Denmark.

89' - At Arena Lviv Michael Krohn-Dehli (Denmark) takes a corner from the Left.

89' - Portugal make their Third substitution with Rolando replacing Nani.

87' - Silvestre Varela is on target to give Portugal a 2-3 advantage.

87' - Nani instrumental with a fine assist.

86' - Corner awarded to Portugal.

86' - In Lviv Nani for Portugal takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

85' - Fabio Coentrao (Portugal) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

84' - Portugal push forward through Cristiano Ronaldo, whose finish on goal is saved.

84' - Silvestre Varela is replacing Raul Meireles for Portugal at Arena Lviv.

84' - Portugal's Nelson Oliveira gets his shot away but it misses the target.

82' - In Lviv Portugal drive forward through Cristiano Ronaldo. His shot is on target but it's saved.

81' - Lars Jacobsen (Denmark) has received a yellow card from Craig Thomson.

80' - Nicklas Bendtner equalizes with a header to make it 2-2.

80' - That's a fine assist from Lars Jacobsen.

78' - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo misses with an attempt on goal.

73' - Raul Meireles of Portugal gets in a strike, but is off target.

72' - Denmark are pushing forward but Nicklas Bendtner's finish is wide of the goal.

71' - Portugal drive forward and Nelson Oliveira gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

69' - Portugal drive upfield and Raul Meireles gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Denmark defender.

67' - In Lviv Denmark's Nicklas Bendtner is caught offside.

67' - Tobias Mikkelsen (Denmark) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

65' - Denmark have been awarded a corner by Craig Thomson. Christian Eriksen steps up to take it.

64' - Nelson Oliveira is on a sub for Helder Postiga for Portugal.

62' - Denmark are coming forward and William Kvist gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

60' - Craig Thomson has blown to resume play in Lviv.

60' - Dennis Rommedahl (Denmark) does not seem to be able to continue. He is replaced by Tobias Mikkelsen.

60' - Craig Thomson waits before resuming play because Dennis Rommedahl for Denmark is still down.

58' - Corner awarded to Denmark.

56' - Denmark's Jakob Poulsen has been booked in Lviv.

53' - Portugal's Nani gets in a shot on goal at Arena Lviv. But the effort is unsuccessful.

50' - Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal drives towards goal at Arena Lviv. But the finish is unsuccessful.

46' - The second-half has started.

45+2' - The first-half has ended.

45' - 2 minutes of injury time will be added to the First half.

42' - Simon Kjaer (Denmark) gets in a header on goal but the attempt is cleared.

41' - Great play from Michael Krohn-Dehli to set up the goal.

41' - Goal! Denmark reduce the deficit to 1-2 through Nicklas Bender.

39' - Dennis Rommedahl for Denmark is whistled offside.

38' - Denmark's Christian Eriksen is on target but unsuccessful.

36' - Nani with an assist there.

36' - It's now 0-2 in Lviv as Helder Postiga scores for Portugal.

35' - At Arena Lviv Raul Meireles (Portugal) takes a corner from the Right.

35' - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Denmark defender.

29' - Raul Meireles (Portugal) gets a yellow card.

28' - In Lviv Joao Moutinho for Portugal takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

24' - Joao Moutinho instrumental with a fine assist.

24' - Goal! Portugal have taken a 0-1 lead courtesy of a header from Pepe.

24' - Craig Thomson has awarded Portugal a corner. Joao Moutinho takes the kick from the Left .

24' - Portugal's Helder Postiga misses with an attempt on goal.

21' - In Lviv Portugal attack through Cristiano Ronaldo. The finish is off target, however.

20' - Pepe is back on the pitch.

20' - The match in Lviv is underway once more.

19' - Pepe is writhing in pain and play has been suspended for a few moments.

18' - Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

18' - Raul Meireles (Portugal) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defense.

16' - Niki Zimling, who was grimacing earlier, has been substituted. Jakob Poulsen is the substitute for Denmark.

16' - Play has been resumed.

15' - Play has been temporarily suspended for attention to Niki Zimling for Denmark who is writhing in pain on the pitch.

12' - At Arena Lviv Miguel Veloso (Portugal) takes a corner from the Right.

7' - Craig Thomson has awarded Denmark a corner. Michael Krohn-Dehli takes the kick from the Right.

4' - Corner awarded to Denmark.

4' - In Lviv, Christian Eriksen of Denmark is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defense.

4' - In Lviv Michael Krohn-Dehli for Denmark takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

4' - Denmark have been awarded a corner by Craig Thomson. Michael Krohn-Dehli steps up to take it.

1' - The whistle has gone to start the match.

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-denmark-vs-portugal.html

wwheng · Jun 14, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Gomez Lifts Germany 2-1 Netherlands

Germany can breathe easier thanks to stud striker Mario Gomez who scored 2 early goals to lift the Germans over Netherlands 2-1 in one of the most highly anticipated match.

Netherlands only goal came in the second half when Robin Van Persie scored in the 72 minute mark of the match Van Persie's struggles in front of goal are a big part of the reason why the 2010 World Cup finalists are bottom of their group with zero points.

"Early on we had decent chances but the German goals came out of nowhere," Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk said. "We defended badly. Our offense and defense did not connect.

"Germany really has an excellent team. It has power, creativity and scoring."

Germany has six points from two wins but is still not sure of advancing from Group B, where three teams could end up with six points. Earlier, Portugal beat Denmark 3-2.

The Netherlands, along with Germany considered one of the favorites but drawn into a tough group, now has lost both of its group games and needs to beat Portugal to have a hope. Germany will need only a draw against Denmark to win the group.

Gomez put Germany ahead in the 24th minute after collecting a pass from Bastian Schweinsteiger at the edge of the penalty area and turning between two Dutch defenders, who were betting on an offside call. But Gregory van der Wiel failed to move forward quickly enough and Gomez had a simple task in slotting past Maarten Stekelenburg.

Stekelenburg made a stunning reflex save to stop Holger Badstuber's header from a free kick cross from Mesut Oezil from point-blank range in the 37th, but one minute later he was beaten again.

Gomez and Schweinsteiger outplayed the Dutch defense with two simple moves. Gomez passed to the ball to Schweinsteiger, who immediately played it into space for Gomez and the striker slotted inside the far post.

Gomez went off in the 72nd minute and was replaced by Miroslav Klose - but one minute later Van Persie finally found the target for the Dutch, driving home from the edge of the box in the 73rd.

The Dutch perked up, then, but even the later insertion of a fourth Dutch striker, Dirk Kuyt, did not produce the equalizer.

"The time just wouldn't pass, it remained standing," said Gomez, who also scored the only goal in Germany's opening 1-0 win over Portugal. "They were pressing. It was close until the end but with Manuel Neuer in goal we can be a bit more relaxed."

EURO 2012: Germany vs Netherlands Timeline

90+3' - Jonas Eriksson blows to end the match. The final score is 1-2.

90' - Lars Bender is replacing Thomas Muller for Germany at Metalist Stadium.

90' - The fourth official's board shows 3 minutes, which will be added to the Second half.

90' - Jetro Willems (Netherlands) has received a yellow card from Jonas Eriksson.

88' - Corner awarded to Germany.

88' - In Kharkiv Toni Kroos for Germany takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

87' - Jerome Boateng (Germany) has been booked and will miss the next match due to a suspension.

85' - In Kharkiv Netherlands attack through Rafael van der Vaart. The finish is off target, however.

83' - Dirk Kuyt is replacing Arjen Robben for Netherlands at Metalist Stadium.

81' - Joachim Low is making the team's Second substitution at Metalist Stadium with Toni Kroos replacing Mesut Ozil.

80' - Netherlands's Nigel de Jong has been booked in Kharkiv.

80' - Mesut Ozil (Germany) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

73' - Wesley Sneijder instrumental with a fine assist.

73' - Netherlands are back in the match in Kharkiv. Robin van Persie has scored to make it 1-2.

72' - Germany make their First substitution with Miroslav Klose replacing Mario Gomez.

71' - Jonas Eriksson has awarded Netherlands a corner. Wesley Sneijder takes the kick from the Left .

71' - Netherlands's Wesley Sneijder gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Germany defender.

70' - Mario Gomez of Germany gets in a strike, but is off target.

69' - Netherlands's Arjen Robben breaks free at Metalist Stadium. But the strike goes wide of the post.

64' - Germany have been awarded a corner by Jonas Eriksson. Mesut Ozil steps up to take it.

62' - Wesley Sneijder for Netherlands gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

60' - Important block from the Netherlands defence as Philipp Lahm fires in a strike for Germany.

58' - Netherlands's Robin van Persie is on target but unsuccessful.

57' - Netherlands attack but Joris Mathijsen's header doesn't find the target.

57' - Corner awarded to Netherlands.

57' - In Kharkiv, Arjen Robben of Netherlands is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

56' - Mesut Ozil of Germany is pulled up for offside.

53' - At Metalist Stadium Mesut Ozil (Germany) takes a corner from the Left.

53' - Mats Hummels for Germany drives towards goal at Metalist Stadium. But the finish is unsuccessful.

52' - Mats Hummels of Germany smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

47' - Thomas Muller for Germany is whistled offside.

47' - Germany have been awarded a corner by Jonas Eriksson. Bastian Schweinsteiger steps up to take it.

46' - Bert van Marwijk (Netherlands) is making a Second substitution, with Rafael van der Vaart replacing Mark van Bommel.

46' - Klaas Jan Huntelaar is on a sub for Ibrahim Afellay for Netherlands.

46' - The second-half is underway in Kharkiv.

45+1' - Jonas Eriksson blows to end the first-half.

41' - Germany's Jerome Boateng gets his shot away but it misses the target.

41' - Jonas Eriksson has awarded Netherlands a corner. Wesley Sneijder takes the kick from the Left .

38' - That's a fine assist from Bastian Schweinsteiger.

38' - Goal! Mario Gomez extends Germany's lead to 0-2.

37' - Holger Badstuber (Germany) gets in a powerful header but the ball is cleared away.

33' - Germany drive forward but Mario Gomez is judged offside.

28' - Jonas Eriksson blows against Germany's Mario Gomez for offside.

27' - Netherlands's Arjen Robben has run offside.

26' - Netherlands's Arjen Robben gets in a shot on goal at Metalist Stadium. But the effort is unsuccessful.

24' - Great play from Bastian Schweinsteiger to set up the goal.

24' - Goal! Mario Gomez gives Germany a 0-1 lead.

22' - Arjen Robben returns to the field for Netherlands after picking up a slight injury.

21' - The match at Metalist Stadium is underway again.

21' - Play has been interrupted briefly in Kharkiv to check on Arjen Robben, who is grimacing with pain.

18' - In Kharkiv Wesley Sneijder for Netherlands takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

18' - Germany push forward at Metalist Stadium and Lukas Podolski gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Netherlands defence.

16' - Corner awarded to Netherlands.

14' - At Metalist Stadium Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) takes a corner from the Left.

11' - Netherlands are coming forward and Robin van Persie gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

8' - In Kharkiv Germany drive forward through Mesut Ozil. His shot is on target but it's saved.

7' - Robin van Persie gets his shot on target but fails to score for Netherlands.

1' - The first-half is just kicking off.

http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-germany-vs-netherlands.html

wwheng · Jun 16, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Italy and Croatia Deadlocks 1-1

Italy sat back and paid for it Thursday in a 1-1 draw with Croatia at the European Championship.

Andrea Pirlo gave Italy the lead with a curving free kick in the 39th minute but Mario Mandzukic was left unmarked to equalize in the 72nd.

Having opened with a 3-1 win over Ireland, Croatia has four points in Group C. Italy has two points after its opening 1-1 with defending champion Spain.

In the final round of group matches on Monday, Italy faces Ireland and Croatia meets world champion Spain.

Italy had numerous other first-half chances from Mario Balotelli, Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Cassano, but the Azzurri lacked finishing quality.

At the start of the second half, Italy rarely threatened, instead choosing to absorb Croatia's attacks. The tactic backfired when Ivan Strinic launched a long pass from the left flank to Mandzukic, who had time to control at the edge of the box and shoot in off the post.

Mandzukic, who appears on his way out from German club Wolfsburg, scored twice against Ireland.

For his goal, Pirlo placed the ball over Croatia's three-man wall and just inside the near post. Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa could only get a weak hand on it once the ball was already inside his net.

Italy remains winless against its Mediterranean neighbor in all six meetings since Croatia declared independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. The Azzurri are also now winless in their second matches at their last six major tournaments.

Before the match, Croatian fans burned a European Union flag and paraded around Poznan's main old town square with posters of a convicted war criminal. Police, some in riot gear, monitored the situation, but did not intervene.

Already being investigated for fan behavior in the first match, Croatian supporters again threw flares on the field several times in the second half. After Croatia scored, the smoke was so intense that Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon complained he couldn't see and the match was briefly suspended.

On a damp and cool evening at the Municipal Stadium in Poznan, Croatian fans outfitted like their red-and-white checkered flag vastly outnumbered Italian supporters.

Both sides used the same lineups from their opening matches, and it was Italy that created the better chances early on, mainly through Balotelli.

Cassano placed a perfect pass at Balotelli's feet in the 11th minute, but the 21-year-old Manchester City forward hesitated a moment too long and couldn't get a shot off. Still, the ball found its way to Marchisio, who sent a long shot just over the crossbar.

In the 16th, Balotelli wasted another opportunity with a shot directly at Pletikosa.

Croatia didn't really threaten until fullback Darijo Srna appeared to surprise Buffon with a long shot from the far right flank in the 20th.

Marchisio was stopped twice by Pletikosa in the 37th. Another set piece from Pirlo nearly produced a second Italy goal in the 43rd, but Cassano headed just over the bar following a corner.

Balotelli had another decent chance in the 61st but sent a long-distance effort high. For the second consecutive match, Balotelli was replaced by Antonio Di Natale, this time in the 69th.

After Croatia's equalizer, Italy's only real chance to restore the lead came with a long, powerful effort from Montolivo that was blocked by Pletikosa in the 71st

EURO 2012: Italy vs Croatia Timeline

90+5' - Full-time! The final score is 1-1.

90+5' - Niko Kranjcar for Croatia drives towards goal at Municipal Stadium Poznan. But the finish is unsuccessful.

90+4' - Howard Webb has blown to resume play in Poznan.

90+4' - Mario Mandzukic (Croatia) does not seem to be able to continue. He is replaced by Niko Kranjcar.

90+3' - Mario Mandzukic is down and play has been interrupted for a few moments.

90' - 5 minutes of injury time will be added to the Second half.

89' - Ivan Strinic for Croatia gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

89' - Howard Webb blows against Italy's Antonio Di Natale for offside.

86' - Gordon Schildenfeld for Croatia has been booked by Howard Webb and receives a first yellow card.

85' - Italy have been awarded a corner by Howard Webb. Andrea Pirlo steps up to take it.

83' - Italy make their Third substitution with Sebastian Giovinco replacing Antonio Cassano.

83' - Eduardo is replacing Nikica Jelavic for Croatia at Municipal Stadium Poznan.

80' - Riccardo Montolivo (Italy) has received a first yellow card.

77' - In Poznan Italy's Christian Maggio is caught offside.

76' - Riccardo Montolivo gets his shot on target but fails to score for Italy.

75' - Howard Webb blows against Croatia's Nikica Jelavic for offside.

72' - That's a fine assist from Ivan Strinic.

72' - Goal! Mario Mandzukic equalizes to bring the score to 1-1.

69' - Antonio Di Natale is on a sub for Mario Balotelli for Italy.

68' - Slaven Bilic (Croatia) is making a First substitution, with Danijel Pranjic replacing Ivan Perisic.

63' - Thiago Motta for Italy is back on the field again.

62' - Cesare Prandelli (Italy) has taken off Thiago Motta who seemed to be grimacing with pain earlier. A possible injury. Riccardo Montolivo is the replacement.

61' - Italy's Mario Balotelli misses with an attempt on goal.

61' - Play has been resumed.

60' - Play has been temporarily suspended for attention to Thiago Motta for Italy who is writhing in pain on the pitch.

57' - In Poznan Ivan Rakitic for Croatia takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

56' - Italy's Thiago Motta has been booked in Poznan.

56' - Ivan Strinic (Croatia) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

54' - Italy's Christian Maggio is whistled for offside at Municipal Stadium Poznan.

53' - Corner awarded to Croatia.

53' - Important block from the Italy defence as Nikica Jelavic fires in a strike for Croatia.

51' - Emanuele Giaccherini for Italy gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

51' - Corner awarded to Italy.

51' - Leonardo Bonucci (Italy) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

49' - Croatia are coming forward and Luka Modric gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

47' - Luka Modric for Croatia drives towards goal at Municipal Stadium Poznan. But the finish is unsuccessful.

46' - Howard Webb has blown to start the second-half.

45+1' - The first-half has ended.

45' - Croatia push forward through Mario Mandzukic, whose finish on goal is saved.

43' - Italy attack but Antonio Cassano's header doesn't find the target.

42' - Italy have been awarded a corner by Howard Webb. Andrea Pirlo steps up to take it.

39' - Goal! Italy have got their heads in front thanks to a Andrea Pirlo strike.

38' - Italy's Claudio Marchisio gets in a shot on goal at Municipal Stadium Poznan. But the effort is unsuccessful.

37' - Italy's Claudio Marchisio is on target but unsuccessful.

34' - In Poznan Italy attack through Mario Balotelli. The finish is off target, however.

33' - Italy's Antonio Cassano breaks free at Municipal Stadium Poznan. But the strike goes wide of the post.

33' - Claudio Marchisio (Italy) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

27' - Ivan Perisic (Croatia) strikes at Municipal Stadium Poznan but his header is cleared.

27' - In Poznan Darijo Srna for Croatia takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

18' - Howard Webb has awarded Italy a corner. Andrea Pirlo takes the kick from the Right.

16' - In Poznan Italy drive forward through Mario Balotelli. His shot is on target but it's saved.

11' - Italy's Claudio Marchisio gets his shot away but it misses the target.

11' - Italy drive upfield and Mario Balotelli gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Croatia defender.

7' - At Municipal Stadium Poznan Andrea Pirlo (Italy) takes a corner from the Right.

6' - Nikica Jelavic gets his shot on target but fails to score for Croatia.

3' - Italy are pushing forward but Mario Balotelli's finish is wide of the goal.

1' - The first-half is now underway.

Italy vs Croatia Highlights Original Source http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-italy-vs-croatia.html

wwheng · Jun 16, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Spain Eliminates Ireland 4-0

Spain finished off Ireland in a fashionable beating defeating the Irish 4-0 to eliminate them from the tournament. Spain dominated from start to finish by taking 20 shots on goal to Ireland's four; They controlled their passions for most of the game using 66 percent of play "La Roja" produced 859 passes in the entire match.

More importantly, the victory saw the reawakening of a disappointing sleeping giant on the Spanish side. Striker Fernando Torres was once the wunderkind of Spanish soccer. He scored the three goals in the 2006 World Cup and gave Spain the game winner in the 2008 Euro Championship game against Germany. From 2001-2007 he scored 82 goals in 214 appearances for the Atletico Madrid and from 2007-2011 he scored 65 goals in 102 appearances for Liverpool. Going into the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, expectations were at their highest for Torres who was expected to have a dominating tournament. However, it was not meant to be as Torres underwent knee surgery in April 2010. He got a chance to play in the World Cup in June, but scored no goals in the entire tournament. His ensuing seasons with his new club Chelsea were even worse as the superstar only scored seven goals in 46 games for the team

Fabregas got the start against Italy in the first game and rewarded Spain with the lone goal in that game. However, he wound up on the bench to start the game, a spot where he was most seen during Spain's last few major tournaments. His inability to crack the lineup consistently is not a result of inconsistency or lack of talent; it is more a testament to the wealth of talent throughout the lineup. Fabregas specializes as a distributer rather than a striker, but with Xavi and David Silva currently occupying those roles splendidly, Fabregas has been relegated to the striker position. After the De Facto Striker David Villa went down with injury prior to the tournament, it seemed like Fabregas might get his chance. However, with the emergence of Torres, that window of opportunity may have gotten a bit smaller.

With the +4 goal differential and four points, Spain takes first place in Group C. With Croatia and Italy drawing 1-1 earlier in the day, Croatia also gains four points, but only has a +2 goal differential. Since three points is the maximum Ireland can get with a win over Italy on Sunday, the Irish must start packing their bags and getting their boarding passes ready to return home. They are the first team eliminated from the tournament. In order for Italy to pass on to the Quarter Finals, the Italians must defeat the Irish and hope that either Spain or Croatia wins. A tie between Spain and Croatia would force Italy to win by at least three goals or more.

EURO 2012: Spain vs Ireland Timeline

90+3' - The whistle has gone to end the second half. The match finishes 4-0.

90' - 3 minutes will be added to the Second half.

90' - Pedro Proenca blows against Spain's David Silva for offside.

85' - In Gdansk Cesc Fabregas for Spain takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

84' - Sean St. Ledger for Ireland has been booked by Pedro Proenca and receives a first yellow card.

83' - Great play from David Silva to set up the goal.

83' - Goal! Spain extend their lead to 4-0 through Cesc Fabregas.

83' - Spain have been awarded a corner by Pedro Proenca. David Silva steps up to take it.

82' - Spain's Santi Cazorla gets in a shot on goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the effort is unsuccessful.

80' - Giovanni Trapattoni (Ireland) is making a Third substitution, with Paul Green replacing Glenn Whelan.

80' - Vicente del Bosque is making the team's Third substitution at PGE Arena Gdansk with Santi Cazorla replacing Andres Iniesta.

79' - Javier Martinez of Spain is pulled up for offside.

78' - Spain are pushing forward but Xavi's finish is wide of the goal.

76' - Ireland make their Second substitution with James McClean replacing Damien Duff.

76' - Javier Martinez (Spain) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

75' - In Gdansk Ireland drive forward through Robbie Keane. His shot is on target but it's saved.

74' - Cesc Fabregas is replacing Fernando Torres for Spain at PGE Arena Gdansk.

70' - David Silva with an assist there.

70' - Spain take a comfortable 3-0 lead thanks to Fernando Torres.

67' - Corner awarded to Ireland.

65' - Vicente del Bosque (Spain) is making a First substitution, with Javier Martinez replacing Xabi Alonso.

64' - In Gdansk, Aiden McGeady of Ireland is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

62' - Spain's Sergio Busquets breaks free at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the strike goes wide of the post.

62' - Fernando Torres (Spain) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

62' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Xavi (Spain) takes a corner from the Left.

59' - Keith Andrews for Ireland is back on the field again.

59' - Play is underway once more.

59' - Attention is being given to Ireland’s Keith Andrews and play has been suspended briefly.

58' - Fernando Torres for Spain is whistled offside.

57' - Xavi (Spain) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

55' - Xavi of Spain smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

54' - Xabi Alonso (Spain) has received a first yellow card.

49' - Goal! David Silva extends Spain's lead to 2-0.

49' - Andres Iniesta gets his shot on target but fails to score for Spain.

49' - Xabi Alonso (Spain) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

48' - Spain drive forward and Alvaro Arbeloa gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

46' - Jonathan Walters is on a sub for Simon Cox for Ireland.

46' - The second-half has started.

45+1' - The first-half has ended.

45+1' - Spain's Andres Iniesta is on target but unsuccessful.

45+1' - Glenn Whelan (Ireland) has received a yellow card from Pedro Proenca.

45' - Robbie Keane (Ireland) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

45' - Xabi Alonso of Spain gets in a strike, but is off target.

44' - Pedro Proenca has awarded Spain a corner. Xavi takes the kick from the Left

44' - Spain push forward at PGE Arena Gdansk and Xavi gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Ireland defence.

44' - Alvaro Arbeloa of Spain smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

42' - Spain push forward through Xavi, whose finish on goal is saved.

41' - Important block from the Ireland defence as Andres Iniesta fires in a strike for Spain.

36' - Ireland's Robbie Keane has been booked in Gdansk.

35' - Pedro Proenca has awarded Spain a corner. Xavi takes the kick from the Right .

35' - Fernando Torres for Spain drives towards goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the finish is unsuccessful.

30' - In Gdansk Spain's Fernando Torres is caught offside.

29' - Spain drive forward but Alvaro Arbeloa is judged offside.

28' - Ireland's Aiden McGeady is back in action after a slight knock.

26' - Gerard Pique's header is off-target for Spain.

26' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Xavi (Spain) takes a corner from the Right.

26' - Spain's Xabi Alonso gets his shot away but it misses the target.

26' - In Gdansk Xavi for Spain takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

26' - Play has been resumed.

25' - Play has been interrupted briefly in Gdansk to check on Aiden McGeady, who is grimacing with pain.

25' - David Silva (Spain) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

23' - Andres Iniesta for Spain drives towards goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the finish is unsuccessful.

22' - Ireland's Robbie Keane is whistled for offside at PGE Arena Gdansk.

17' - Spain's Gerard Pique gets in a shot on goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the effort is unsuccessful.

16' - Spain have been awarded a corner by Pedro Proenca. Xavi steps up to take it.

12' - Spain's Fernando Torres has run offside.

9' - Ireland surge into the attack at PGE Arena Gdansk but Richard Dunne’s header is off-target.

9' - Corner awarded to Ireland.

9' - Ireland drive upfield and Keith Andrews gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Spain defender.

8' - Spain are coming forward and Fernando Torres gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

7' - In Gdansk Spain drive forward through David Silva. His shot is on target but it's saved.

4' - Goal! Fernando Torres gives Spain a 1-0 lead.

2' - Simon Cox gets his shot on target but fails to score for Ireland.

1' - The match has started at PGE Arena Gdansk.

Spain vs Ireland Highlights Original Source http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-spain-vs-ireland.html

wwheng · Jun 16, 2012

Euro 2012 Highlights: Sweden Takes Early Exit Losing to England

England was able to come from behind and knock out Sweden 3-2 in the Euro Cup 2012 Friday.

Striker Danny Welbeck scored the go ahead on a the game winner for England in the 78th minute after the introduction of substitute Theo Walcott swung a see-sawing Group D battle back in his side's favor.

England got off to a dream start when recalled striker Andy Carroll headed it into a 23rd-minute lead.

But an own-goal from Glen Johnson on 49 minutes followed by a header from Olof Mellberg in the 59th minute threatened to set up a disastrous night for Roy Hodgson's side.

However, the substitution of James Milner for Walcott changed the game. The Arsenal winger lashed in a 64th-minute equaliser to make it 2-2 and then provided the run and pass which set up Welbeck's winner.

"It's always nice to come off the bench and show what you can do," Walcott said.

"We felt from first game (1-1 draw with France) we wanted to pick things up and to get three goals is terrific."

Welbeck was delighted more for the team than himself.

"It was a typical game of two-halves but we always had the belief. There's a great spirit about this squad."

England's first ever competitive victory over the Swedes means it will qualify for the quarter-finals with only a point in its final group game against co-hosts Ukraine in Donetsk next Tuesday.

However, Hodgson will want to see a marked improvement from his side if it is to secure the draw it needs after a performance littered with errors and shaky defending.

EURO 2012: Sweden vs England Timeline

90+4' - The match has come to a close in Kiev. The final score is 2-3.

90+3' - Sweden's Jonas Olsson attacks the ball with his head but his effort fails to hit the target.

90+1' - Steven Gerrard gets his shot on target but fails to score for England.

90+1' - Sweden's Anders Svensson has been booked in Kiev.

90' - England are coming forward and Steven Gerrard gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

90' - Damir Skomina will wait an extra 4 minutes before blowing the whistle to end the Second half.

90' - Roy Hodgson (England) is making a Second substitution, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replacing Danny Welbeck.

88' - Damir Skomina has awarded Sweden a corner. Kim Kallstrom takes the kick from the Right.

82' - England's Scott Parker misses with an attempt on goal.

81' - Christian Wilhelmsson is replacing Rasmus Elm for Sweden at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex.

79' - Sweden make their Second substitution with Markus Rosenberg replacing Johan Elmander.

78' - Danny Welbeck scores to make it 2-3 at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex.

78' - Great play from Theo Walcott to set up the goal.

77' - Sweden have been awarded a corner by Damir Skomina. Sebastian Larsson steps up to take it.

76' - Sweden push forward through Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose finish on goal is saved.

75' - Kim Kallstrom of Sweden gets in a strike, but is off target.

74' - England are pushing forward but Ashley Young's finish is wide of the goal.

72' - Jonas Olsson (Sweden) has received a yellow card from Damir Skomina.

71' - At Olimpiysky National Sports Complex Kim Kallstrom (Sweden) takes a corner from the Right.

70' - England are coming forward and Andy Carroll gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

68' - Sweden drive upfield and Kim Kallstrom gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a England defender.

66' - Andreas Granqvist, who was grimacing earlier, has been substituted. Mikael Lustig is the substitute for Sweden.

65' - Andreas Granqvist is back on his feet again.

64' - Goal! England go level at 2-2 through Theo Walcott in Kiev.

64' - Damir Skomina has awarded England a corner. Ashley Young takes the kick from the Left.

63' - John Terry (England) gets in a header on goal but the attempt is cleared.

63' - Sweden's Olof Mellberg has been booked in Kiev.

62' - Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on target but unsuccessful.

62' - In Kiev, Glen Johnson of England is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

61' - Corner awarded to England.

61' - Theo Walcott is on a sub for James Milner for England.

61' - The match at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex has been interrupted briefly for a check on Andreas Granqvist, who is down injured

59' - Sebastian Larsson instrumental with a fine assist.

59' - Sweden's Olof Mellberg scores with his head to give his side a 2-1 lead.

58' - James Milner for England has been booked by Damir Skomina and receives a first yellow card.

53' - England push forward at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex and Steven Gerrard gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Sweden defense.

49' - It's now 1-1 thanks to an own goal from Glen Johnson.

49' - Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

46' - The second-half is now underway.

45+1' - The whistle has gone to end the first-half.

45' - In Kiev Steven Gerrard for England takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

44' - Important block from the Sweden defence as Danny Welbeck fires in a strike for England.

37' - In Kiev Sweden attack through Kim Kallstrom. The finish is off target, however.

36' - England's Ashley Young gets his shot away but it misses the target.

33' - Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Sweden drives towards goal at Olimpiysky National Sports Complex. But the finish is unsuccessful.

26' - Sweden's Martin Olsson gets in a shot but it is blocked by a England defender.

23' - Goal! A Andy Carroll header gives England a 0-1 lead in Kiev.

23' - That's a fine assist from Steven Gerrard.

20' - Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

15' - Danny Welbeck's header is off-target for England.

12' - Sweden drive forward and Sebastian Larsson gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

7' - In Kiev England drive forward through Scott Parker. His shot is on target but it's saved.

1' - The first-half is just kicking off.

Sweden vs England highlights Original Source http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-sweden-vs-england.html

wwheng · Jun 17, 2012

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Czech Eliminate Home Team Poland 1-0

Czech Republic did the unthinkable by eliminating the home team yesterday . Czech’s midfielder Jiracek scored with a stylish second-half shot to lift the Czech Republic to a 1-0 win over Poland, putting the Czechs through to the quarterfinals and knocking out Euro 2012 co-host Poland.

With the victory, the Czechs finished atop Group A, and will play the runner-up of Group B in the knockout stage in Warsaw next week.

After withstanding a first-half barrage from Poland, the Czechs pushed forward in the second half looking for an opening. It came on a counterattack in the 72nd minute, when Jiracek collected a pass from Milan Baros in the box, cut right to clear past Poland's Marcin Wasilewski and slotted the ball inside the far post.

"We had a poor start but we gradually improved, started to create chances and finally, we deserved to score," Jiracek said.

Poland, which had to win to advance, immediately brought on two attacking players in the last 30 minutes to push for a goal, but struggled to create any serious threats.

After the final whistle, the Czech players swarmed each other on the pitch. The Poles fell to the ground, covering their faces.

"I think that probably we were too sure about winning this game. The Czechs played excellent football," Poland coach Franciszek Smuda said. "We had some opportunities before halftime, we didn't take advantage of them and we lost the game."

The Czechs pulled off the win despite playing without their captain and playmaker Tomas Rosicky, who was sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury.

Without his creative skills the Czechs were listless in the first half, struggling to put together any fluid passing and reduced to knocking long balls forward. But as the Poles pushed forward in the second half in search of a goal to put them through to the quarterfinals, more space began to open up in midfield.

That space gave the Czechs the opportunity to strike on the counter, and the punishment came with Jiracek's second goal of the tournament. He also opened the scoring in a 2-1 victory over Greece.

Poland responded well, though, and the final chances were all for the home team.

A cross from the right was deflected to the far post, where Marcin Wasilewski met the ball with a header that just cleared the crossbar. Minutes later, Jakub Blaszczykowski's angled effort was cleared off the line by Michal Kadlec as the Czechs sealed their place in the last eight.

"With the time passing, we had to open up more and more, and I think this is the reason we conceded a goal on the counter," Blaszczykowski said.

The loss is a huge disappointment for Poland fans, who were hoping for the country's first European Championship win, which would have put them through to the quarterfinals. The country had rallied around the team since the tournament opened last week, and fans' hopes were boosted by the Poles' solid performances in their first two Euro 2012 matches.

But even with the raucous support of the capacity crowd of 41,000 at Municipal Stadium, the team failed to come through, even against a Czech side playing without its best player.

EURO 2012: Czech Republic vs Poland Timeline

90+4' - The match is over. Final score 1-0.

90+4' - Poland push forward at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw and Jakub Blaszczykowski gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Czech Republic defence.

90+4' - Tomas Pekhart (Czech Republic) gets a yellow card.

90+1' - At Municipal Stadium Wroclaw the fourth official shows that 4 minutes will be added to the Second half.

90+1' - Michal Bilek is making the team's Third substitution at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw with Tomas Pekhart replacing Milan Baros.

90' - Damien Perquis (Poland) has received a first yellow card.

90' - Corner awarded to Poland.

88' - Jan Rezek is on a sub for Vaclav Pilar for Czech Republic.

87' - Jaroslav Plasil (Czech Republic) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

87' - Jakub Blaszczykowski (Poland) gets a yellow card.

86' - Poland's Marcin Wasilewski misses with an attempt on goal.

86' - Important block from the Czech Republic defence as Dariusz Dudka fires in a strike for Poland.

84' - Frantisek Rajtoral (Czech Republic) has replaced the possibly injured Petr Jiracek.

81' - Czech Republic's Petr Jiracek is back in action after a slight knock.

81' - Play has been resumed at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

80' - The match has been stopped briefly for attention to the injured Petr Jiracek.

80' - At Municipal Stadium Wroclaw Adrian Mierzejewski (Poland) takes a corner from the Right.

79' - At Municipal Stadium Wroclaw Jaroslav Plasil (Czech Republic) takes a corner from the Right.

77' - In Wroclaw Adrian Mierzejewski for Poland takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

76' - Czech Republic's Milan Baros is whistled for offside at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

74' - Robert Lewandowski gets his shot on target but fails to score for Poland.

73' - Poland make their Third substitution with Adrian Mierzejewski replacing Rafal Murawski.

73' - Pawel Brozek is on a sub for Ludovic Obraniak for Poland.

72' - Milan Baros instrumental with a fine assist.

72' - Petr Jiracek scores to make it 1-0 at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

68' - Milan Baros of Czech Republic smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

65' - Tomas Sivok (Czech Republic) strikes at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw but his header is cleared.

63' - Czech Republic attack but Gebre Selassie's header doesn't find the target.

61' - Marcin Wasilewski (Poland) gets a yellow card.

57' - Gebre Selassie for Czech Republic is whistled offside.

56' - Kamil Grosicki is replacing Eugen Polanski for Poland at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

54' - Czech Republic's David Limbersky breaks free at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw. But the strike goes wide of the post.

52' - Craig Thomson has awarded Czech Republic a corner. Jaroslav Plasil takes the kick from the Right .

51' - Milan Baros (Czech Republic) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

50' - Corner awarded to Czech Republic.

48' - Eugen Polanski (Poland) gets a yellow card. He will be suspended from the next match!

47' - Czech Republic have been awarded a corner by Craig Thomson. Jaroslav Plasil steps up to take it.

46' - The second-half is underway in Wroclaw.

45' - The first half has been concluded at Municipal Stadium Wroclaw.

44' - Corner awarded to Czech Republic.

43' - Czech Republic's Vaclav Pilar gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Poland defender.

43' - Poland are coming forward and Lukasz Piszczek gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

42' - At Municipal Stadium Wroclaw Ludovic Obraniak (Poland) takes a corner from the Left.

42' - In Wroclaw, Rafal Murawski of Poland is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

41' - Czech Republic push forward through Vaclav Pilar, whose finish on goal is saved.

41' - Czech Republic drive upfield and Vaclav Pilar gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Poland defender.

39' - In Wroclaw Czech Republic drive forward through Jaroslav Plasil. His shot is on target but it's saved.

29' - Daniel Kolar (Czech Republic) gets up for a header but cannot keep the ball on target.

29' - Czech Republic have been awarded a corner by Craig Thomson. Jaroslav Plasil steps up to take it.

27' - Craig Thomson blows against Czech Republic's Milan Baros for offside.

26' - Jakub Blaszczykowski of Poland smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

22' - Rafal Murawski (Poland) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

22' - Poland push upfield and Marcin Wasilewski gets his head to the ball. The attempt is cleared by an alert Czech Republic defence.

22' - In Wroclaw Ludovic Obraniak for Poland takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

22' - Poland push forward through Sebastian Boenisch, whose finish on goal is saved.

15' - Eugen Polanski of Poland gets in a strike, but is off target.

13' - Poland's Sebastian Boenisch gets his shot away but it misses the target.

13' - Ludovic Obraniak (Poland) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

12' - David Limbersky (Czech Republic) has received a first yellow card.

10' - Poland's Robert Lewandowski misses with an attempt on goal.

8' - Craig Thomson has awarded Poland a corner. Ludovic Obraniak takes the kick from the Left .

8' - Poland drive forward and Jakub Blaszczykowski gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

6' - Ludovic Obraniak for Poland gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

2' - Poland are pushing forward but Dariusz Dudka's finish is wide of the goal.

1' - The match is underway in Wroclaw.

Czech Republic vs Poland Game Highlights

Original Source http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-czech-republic-vs-poland.html

wwheng · Jun 18, 2012

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Russia stunned by Greece 1-0

Greece can be proud of their national team after pulling off a stunning upset over the heavily favored Russian team.

With history repeating itself, it was a goal by one of their heroes from the Euro 2004 triumph captain Giorgos Karagounis that delivered victory to a country which is wilting under the pressures of the euro zone crisis with high unemployment and swingeing cuts.

Russia's despair was complete as a 72nd-minute goal by Petr Jiracek gave the Czech Republic - who were beaten by the Greeks in the Euro 2004 semi-finals - a 1-0 victory over co-hosts Poland to finish top of the table, sending both the Russians and the Poles home.

Polish coach Franciszek Smuda promptly announced that was the end of the road for him, while Russia's Dutch coach Dick Advocaat had perhaps wisely already said he was leaving for PSV Eindhoven.

Karagounis's joy at his goal was tempered later in the game by a booking that brought an anguished reaction from the 35-year-old as it means he will miss the quarter-final.

However, he reflected afterwards how much this victory meant to the wider Greek community.

"When we left Greece, we all said in one voice 'we will give everything and we will give everything when our compatriots aren't having the best of times'," said Karagounis.

"I believe that this tonight puts a smile on their faces."

For Greece's Portuguese coach Fernando Santos this victory was inspired by Greece's rich history as a country.

"What inspires us is the history of Greece," said Santos, whose 45percent pay rise before the tournament raised eyebrows.

"This is the thing that inspires me the most because the Greek people have huge pride for their tradition and history and I think respect from everyone is well deserved.

"Everyone has to respect Greeks because of their will and determination". "Greece believed in themselves when the world didn't."

EURO 2012: Greece vs Russia Timeline

90+4' - Full-time! The final score is 1-0.

90+4' - Alan Dzagoev for Russia gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

90+4' - Jose Holebas for Greece has been booked by Jonas Eriksson and will miss the next match due to a suspension.

90+3' - At National Stadium Warsaw Andrey Arshavin (Russia) takes a corner from the Left.

90+3' - Pavel Pogrebnyak for Russia has been booked by Jonas Eriksson and receives a first yellow card.

90' - At National Stadium Warsaw the fourth official shows that 4 minutes will be added to the Second half.

90' - Russia's Igor Denisov gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Greece defender.

90' - Russia push forward at National Stadium Warsaw and Roman Shirokov gets in a great header. The attempt is cleared by the Greece defence.

90' - Corner awarded to Russia.

87' - Greece's Kostas Katsouranis is back in action after a slight knock.

86' - Play has been resumed at National Stadium Warsaw.

86' - Play has been interrupted briefly in Warsaw to check on Kostas Katsouranis, who is grimacing with pain.

84' - Alan Dzagoev's header is off-target for Russia.

83' - Fernando Santos is making the team's Third substitution at National Stadium Warsaw with Sotiris Ninis replacing Dimitris Salpingidis.

82' - Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko gets his shot away but it misses the target.

82' - Corner awarded to Russia.

81' - Russia make their Third substitution with Marat Izmailov replacing Aleksandr Anyukov.

75' - Russia push forward through Igor Denisov, whose finish on goal is saved.

75' - Russia have been awarded a corner by Jonas Eriksson. Andrey Arshavin steps up to take it.

74' - At National Stadium Warsaw Andrey Arshavin (Russia) takes a corner from the Right.

73' - Igor Denisov (Russia) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

72' - Pavel Pogrebnyak is on a sub for Denis Glushakov for Russia.

70' - Alan Dzagoev (Russia) has been booked and will miss the next match due to a suspension.

70' - Georgios Tzavellas (Greece) strikes – and hits the bar! Ohhhh so close!

69' - Yuri Zhirkov (Russia) has received a first yellow card.

68' - In Warsaw Andrey Arshavin for Russia takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

68' - Jonas Eriksson has awarded Russia a corner. Andrey Arshavin takes the kick from the Left .

67' - Fernando Santos (Greece) is making a Second substitution, with Grigoris Makos replacing Georgios Karagounis.

64' - Jose Holebas is on a sub for Fanis Gekas for Greece.

61' - Aleksandr Anyukov (Russia) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

61' - Georgios Karagounis (Greece) has been given a yellow card and will be suspended from the next match.

60' - Jonas Eriksson has awarded Greece a corner. Georgios Karagounis takes the kick from the Right .

59' - Corner awarded to Greece.

57' - Russia's Igor Denisov gets his shot away but it misses the target.

54' - Roman Pavlyuchenko of Russia gets in a strike, but is off target.

51' - Russia's Roman Shirokov misses with an attempt on goal.

51' - Greece are pushing forward but Georgios Samaras's finish is wide of the goal.

46' - Russia make their First substitution with Roman Pavlyuchenko replacing Aleksandr Kerzhakov.

46' - Jonas Eriksson has blown to start the second-half.

45+3' - The first-half is over.

45+2' - Goal! Georgios Karagounis gives Greece a 1-0 lead.

45' - The fourth official's board shows 2 minutes, which will be added to the First half.

45' - Russia have been awarded a corner by Jonas Eriksson. Andrey Arshavin steps up to take it.

45' - At National Stadium Warsaw Andrey Arshavin (Russia) takes a corner from the Right.

45' - Russia push forward at National Stadium Warsaw and Roman Shirokov gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Greece defence.

41' - Yuri Zhirkov for Russia gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

40' - In Warsaw Yuri Zhirkov for Russia takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

40' - Russia push forward at National Stadium Warsaw and Denis Glushakov gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Greece defence.

37' - Russia's Aleksandr Kerzhakov gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Greece defender.

37' - Russia are coming forward and Sergey Ignashevich gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

31' - Russia's Denis Glushakov breaks free at National Stadium Warsaw. But the strike goes wide of the post.

25' - At National Stadium Warsaw Andrey Arshavin (Russia) takes a corner from the Left.

25' - Important block from the Greece defence as Roman Shirokov fires in a strike for Russia.

20' - In Warsaw Russia attack through Andrey Arshavin. The finish is off target, however.

19' - Alan Dzagoev for Russia drives towards goal at National Stadium Warsaw. But the finish is unsuccessful.

18' - Russia drive upfield and Yuri Zhirkov gets in a shot. The strike is blocked by a Greece defender.

17' - In Warsaw Andrey Arshavin for Russia takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

16' - Jonas Eriksson has awarded Greece a corner. Georgios Karagounis takes the kick from the Left .

13' - Russia's Aleksandr Kerzhakov misses with an attempt on goal.

12' - Alan Dzagoev of Russia gets in a strike, but is off target.

11' - Aleksandr Anyukov has recovered and rejoins the match in Warsaw.

10' - Andrey Arshavin of Russia smashes in a shot on target. The keeper saves, though.

10' - Greece’s Fanis Gekas is on his feet again at National Stadium Warsaw.

8' - Play has been resumed.

7' - The match has been stopped briefly for attention to the injured Fanis Gekas.

7' - Aleksandr Anyukov is down and play has been interrupted for a few moments.

7' - Vasilis Torossidis (Greece) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

6' - Corner awarded to Greece.

6' - In Warsaw Greece drive forward through Kostas Katsouranis. His shot is on target but it's saved.

6' - Greece have been awarded a corner by Jonas Eriksson. Georgios Karagounis steps up to take it.

3' - Dimitris Salpingidis for Greece is whistled offside.

1' - The first-half is just kicking off.

Russia vs Greece Game Highlights

Original Source http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/

wwheng · Jun 18, 2012

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Germany Squeezes by Denmark 2-1

Germany failed to sparkle but still advanced to a quarterfinal against Greece after grinding out a 2-1 victory over Denmark on Sunday at the European Championship.

The Danes were eliminated after the two teams finished their Group B campaigns.

Lukas Podolski opened the scoring for Germany in the 19th minute and Lars Bender slotted home the winner in the 80th after Michael Krohn-Dehli had equalized for Denmark in the first half.

"It's absolutely a day of joy," Bender said. "I'll be thinking back to this day a long, long time. We have a positive spirit in the team."

Germany played without flair, but controlled possession and were never really challenged by the Danes, who go home after stunning the Netherlands in the first match but losing to Portugal in the second.

"We can be satisfied with our effort but not with the result," Denmark midfielder William Kvist said. "I think we proved that we can play against the big teams. We won (against the Netherlands) and we didn't lose big. We showed that we can play against the best."

Germany seized the initiative from the kickoff and came close twice before Podolski, playing his 100th international match, scored his first goal of the tournament.

Mario Gomez set him up with a deft backheel touch following Thomas Mueller's low cross from the right flank.

Denmark replied just five minutes later with Krohn-Dehli heading in the equalizer from a set piece that stunned the German defense. A corner found Nicklas Bendtner who headed the ball into the area where Krohn-Dehli nodded home his second goal at Euro 2012.

Jakob Poulsen missed a chance to put Denmark in the driver's seat at the start of the second half when his shot grazed the outside of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's right post.

After that scare, the Germans were firmly in charge and denied Denmark any real chance of getting back into the game.

Coach Morten Olsen's men were already looking tired when Bender, replacing suspended right back Jerome Boateng, picked up a pass from Mesut Oezil and made it 2-1.

"We should have gone ahead by two or three goals in the first half, but Denmark scored virtually out of nowhere," Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

"I think we had the game well under control. You get the feeling Denmark doesn't want to score, that they don't want to go forward, but suddenly they push ahead," he said. "We had a lot of possession and I was sure that we would score and advance."

It was the first competitive match between the two countries since the 1992 European Championship final, when the Danes stunned the Germans with a 2-0 win to become champions.

Hoping for another upset, Olsen changed his lineup by moving playmaker Christian Eriksen to the right flank, replacing injured winger Dennis Rommedahl in a five-man midfield.

But the move had little effect as Philipp Lahm effectively closed down the talented 20-year-old, who leaves Euro 2012 without fulfilling expectations of an international breakthrough.

Olsen praised the Germans, saying they played "fantastic football" that confirmed they are among the favorites to win the European title.

He regretted that Denmark wasn't able to salvage a point in the previous game against Portugal. The Danes conceded in the final minutes in the 3-2 loss.

"Having said that, I think we have done a really good job in this tournament," Olsen said. "This team has a future."

Germany finished top of the group with a perfect record of three wins and now faces Euro 2004 champion Greece on Friday in Gdansk

EURO 2012: Germany vs Denmark Timeline

90+3' - The whistle has gone to end the second half. The match finishes 1-2.

90+2' - Daniel Agger of Denmark is pulled up for offside.

90+2' - Germany drive forward but Andre Schurrle is judged offside.

90+1' - Miroslav Klose of Germany is pulled up for offside.

90+1' - Important block from the Denmark defence as Bastian Schweinsteiger fires in a strike for Germany.

90' - 3 minutes of injury time will be added to the Second half.

86' - Simon Poulsen for Denmark is whistled offside.

84' - Toni Kroos is on a sub for Thomas Muller for Germany.

84' - Daniel Agger (Denmark) gets up for a header but cannot keep the ball on target.

84' - Carlos Velasco Carballo has awarded Denmark a corner. Lars Jacobsen takes the kick from the Right .

82' - Tobias Mikkelsen is replacing Jakob Poulsen for Denmark at Arena Lviv.

80' - Mesut Ozil with an assist there.

80' - Germany take a 1-2 lead thanks to Lars Bender.

78' - Morten Olsen (Denmark) is making a First substitution, with Christian Poulsen replacing Niki Zimling.

78' - Germany's Sami Khedira misses with an attempt on goal.

76' - Nicklas Bendtner for Denmark drives towards goal at Arena Lviv. But the finish is unsuccessful.

74' - Germany make their Second substitution with Miroslav Klose replacing Mario Gomez.

71' - At Arena Lviv Michael Krohn-Dehli (Denmark) takes a corner from the Left.

71' - Niki Zimling gets his shot on target but fails to score for Denmark.

67' - In Lviv Germany drive forward through Andre Schurrle. His shot is on target but it's saved.

64' - Joachim Low is making the team's First substitution at Arena Lviv with Andre Schurrle replacing Lukas Podolski.

64' - Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

63' - Thomas Muller (Germany) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

62' - Germany have been awarded a corner by Carlos Velasco Carballo. Mesut Ozil steps up to take it.

57' - Carlos Velasco Carballo blows against Denmark's Simon Poulsen for offside.

56' - Denmark drive forward and Lars Jacobsen gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

51' - Jakob Poulsen of Denmark gets in a strike, but is off target.

50' - In Lviv Germany attack through Mario Gomez. The finish is off target, however.

46' - The second-half has just kicked-off.

45+1' - The first-half is over.

45' - Simon Kjaer (Denmark) goes for goal but the shot is blocked by an alert defence.

45' - Carlos Velasco Carballo has awarded Denmark a corner. Christian Eriksen takes the kick from the Left .

41' - Germany are coming forward and Sami Khedira gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

37' - Lukas Podolski for Germany gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

34' - Germany have been awarded a corner by Carlos Velasco Carballo. Mesut Ozil steps up to take it.

33' - Germany's Mario Gomez breaks free at Arena Lviv. But the strike goes wide of the post.

32' - In Lviv Bastian Schweinsteiger for Germany takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

29' - Denmark are pushing forward but Michael Krohn-Dehli's finish is wide of the goal.

24' - That's a fine assist from Nicklas Bendtner.

24' - Michael Krohn-Dehli (Denmark) nets with a header to make it 1-1 at Arena Lviv.

23' - At Arena Lviv Lars Jacobsen (Denmark) takes a corner from the Right.

19' - Mario Gomez instrumental with a fine assist.

19' - Goal! Lukas Podolski gives Germany a 0-1 lead.

14' - Nicklas Bendtner of Denmark gets in a strike, but is off target.

12' - Germany are coming forward and Mario Gomez gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

6' - Germany's Thomas Muller gets in a shot on goal at Arena Lviv. But the effort is unsuccessful.

5' - Nicklas Bendtner (Denmark) gets in a header on goal but the attempt is cleared.

5' - Corner awarded to Denmark.

2' - Germany's Thomas Muller misses with an attempt on goal.

2' - Denmark's Michael Krohn-Dehli has run offside.

1' - The match has started at Arena Lviv.

Germany vs Denmark

Game Highlights http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-denmark-vs-germany.html

wwheng · Jun 18, 2012

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Ronaldo Redeems As Portugal Advances

Cristiano Ronaldo created a slice of history in powering Portugal to the quarterfinals of Euro 2012 on Sunday but faces a lonely day off after his supermodel girlfriend decided to remain in New York instead of jetting to Poland.

Ronaldo scored two goals as Portugal beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the Ukranian city of Kharkiv to guarantee itself second place in Group B and a last-eight showdown with the Czech Republic.

After Portugal's impressive recovery from losing to Germany in its opening game, coach Paulo Bento decided to reward his players with a day off to spend with their wives and girlfriends when they return to their Polish training base.

However, Ronaldo will be on his own after his leading lady Irina Shayk opted to stay in the United States rather than travel to the tournament.

"We will rest and regroup and the players will have some time to enjoy themselves," Bento said. "It is important after coming through a difficult group that they can have some normal time. We want everyone to share in our success, the players, the people close to them, the whole nation."

Shayk and Ronaldo are used to spending time apart because of his commitments as one of the world's finest soccer players and her own as one of the most sought-after models on the New York fashion scene.

She was spotted by paparazzi exercising and shopping in New York just hours before Ronaldo geared up for what was one of his most important matches for his national team. "When asked last week if he expected his girlfriend to join him during the event, Ronaldo simply replied "no."

Defeat would have eliminated Portugal from the competition and led to criticism aimed at Ronaldo, whose performances at major tournaments have often been called into question.

In the side's previous match against Denmark, rival fans taunted the 27-year-old by chanting the name of Lionel Messi, the Argentina and Barcelona superstar widely regarded as the only better player in the world.

EURO 2012: Portugal vs Netherlands Timeline

90+4' - The second-half is over. The match ends 2-1.

90+2' - Portugal's Joao Pereira has been booked in Kharkiv.

90' - 4 minutes will be added to the Second half.

90' - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) fires in a shot – and hits the post!

89' - Netherlands's Robin van Persie misses with an attempt on goal.

87' - Portugal make their Third substitution with Rolando replacing Nani.

86' - Netherlands's Klaas Jan Huntelaar breaks free at Metalist Stadium. But the strike goes wide of the post.

86' - Portugal are pushing forward but Nani's finish is wide of the goal.

85' - Portugal are coming forward and Nani gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

84' - Corner awarded to Netherlands.

83' - So close for Netherlands as Rafael van der Vaart's shot comes back off the post.

80' - Portugal push upfield and Nelson Oliveira gets his head to the ball. The attempt is cleared by an alert Netherlands defence.

80' - Nicola Rizzoli has awarded Portugal a corner. Miguel Veloso takes the kick from the Left .

79' - In Kharkiv Portugal attack through Nelson Oliveira. The finish is off target, however.

76' - Netherlands's Wesley Sneijder gets in a shot on goal at Metalist Stadium. But the effort is unsuccessful.

74' - Goal! Cristiano Ronaldo gives Portugal a 2-1 lead in Kharkiv.

74' - Nani with an assist there.

73' - Corner awarded to Portugal.

72' - Nani for Portugal drives towards goal at Metalist Stadium. But the finish is unsuccessful.

72' - Paulo Bento (Portugal) is making a Second change, with Custodio replacing the possibly injured Raul Meireles.

69' - Robin van Persie (Netherlands) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

68' - Raul Meireles has recovered and rejoins the match in Kharkiv.

68' - Nicola Rizzoli has awarded Portugal a corner. Joao Moutinho takes the kick from the Left .

68' - The match at Metalist Stadium is underway again.

67' - Netherlands make their First substitution with Ibrahim Afellay replacing Jetro Willems.

67' - Attention is being given to Portugal’s Raul Meireles and play has been suspended briefly.

66' - In Kharkiv Portugal drive forward through Fabio Coentrao. His shot is on target but it's saved.

65' - Netherlands push forward at Metalist Stadium and Robin van Persie gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Portugal defence.

64' - Nelson Oliveira is on a sub for Helder Postiga for Portugal.

60' - At Metalist Stadium Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands) takes a corner from the Left.

60' - Nicola Rizzoli blows against Portugal's Helder Postiga for offside.

59' - Portugal have been awarded a corner by Nicola Rizzoli. Raul Meireles steps up to take it.

55' - Joao Moutinho of Portugal gets in a strike, but is off target.

54' - Portugal's Helder Postiga is whistled for offside at Metalist Stadium.

53' - In Kharkiv, Ron Vlaar (Netherlands) misses the target with a header.

53' - In Kharkiv Wesley Sneijder for Netherlands takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

52' - Portugal's Joao Moutinho looks ok and returns to the pitch.

52' - Play has been resumed at Metalist Stadium.

52' - Play has been interrupted briefly in Kharkiv to check on Joao Moutinho, who is grimacing with pain.

51' - Jetro Willems (Netherlands) has been given a yellow card and will be suspended from the next match.

50' - Nicola Rizzoli has awarded Netherlands a corner. Wesley Sneijder takes the kick from the Left .

49' - Joao Moutinho for Portugal gets in a strike but fails to hit the target.

48' - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) gets in a strike but the shot is blocked by a defender.

46' - The second-half is underway in Kharkiv.

45' - The first-half is over at Metalist Stadium.

41' - Portugal are pushing forward but Cristiano Ronaldo's finish is wide of the goal.

38' - Portugal are coming forward and Miguel Veloso gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

35' - Portugal attack but Cristiano Ronaldo's header doesn't find the target.

35' - Corner awarded to Portugal.

34' - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) is given an opening but the shot is blocked by a defender.

33' - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo gets in a shot on goal at Metalist Stadium. But the effort is unsuccessful.

31' - Nani of Portugal gets in a strike, but is off target.

28' - Joao Pereira instrumental with a fine assist.

28' - Cristiano Ronaldo levels the scores at 1-1.

27' - Wesley Sneijder for Netherlands drives towards goal at Metalist Stadium. But the finish is unsuccessful.

24' - Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal is whistled offside.

23' - Portugal push forward at Metalist Stadium and Cristiano Ronaldo gets in a great header. The attempt is cleared by the Netherlands defence.

22' - Netherlands surge into the attack at Metalist Stadium but Nigel de Jong’s header is off-target.

22' - Netherlands have been awarded a corner by Nicola Rizzoli. Rafael van der Vaart steps up to take it.

20' - In Kharkiv, Robin van Persie of Netherlands is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

18' - Portugal's Raul Meireles gets his shot away but it misses the target.

18' - In Kharkiv Raul Meireles for Portugal takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

18' - Helder Postiga gets his shot on target but fails to score for Portugal.

17' - Portugal drive forward but Cristiano Ronaldo is judged offside.

16' - Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo misses with an attempt on goal.

11' - That's a fine assist from Arjen Robben.

11' - Netherlands take a 0-1 lead thanks to Rafael van der Vaart.

10' - Netherlands's Wesley Sneijder has run offside.

7' - At Metalist Stadium Joao Moutinho (Portugal) takes a corner from the Left.

7' - Important block from the Netherlands defence as Cristiano Ronaldo fires in a strike for Portugal.

6' - Netherlands's Rafael van der Vaart gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Portugal defender.

4' - Netherlands's Wesley Sneijder breaks free at Metalist Stadium. But the strike goes wide of the post.

1' - The match has started.

Original Source http://www.theonlinesportsworld.com/euro-2012-predictions-and-preview-portugal-vs-netherlands.html

Game Highlights Portugal vs Netherlands

wwheng · Jun 20, 2012

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights: Navas Comes Up Big in Spain’s 1-0 Victory Over Croatia

Defending champions Spain will be back in it again after qualifying for the Euro 2012 quarter-finals after replacement Jesus Navas hit the late winner in their nervy 1-0 victory over Croatia, who bowed out.

Spain qualify as Group C winners and will now play their quarter-final in Donetsk, Ukraine, on Saturday against the Group D runner-up, while Italy finish second thanks to their 2-0 win over Ireland in Poznan.

Having come on for Fernando Torres in the second-half, Navas hit the 88th-minute winner after Xavi Hernandez chipped the Croatian defence and Andres Iniesta provided the final pass.

"It was a difficult game for us, we had a high percentage of ball possession and we proved we can control the game," said Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque.

"We were fighting for a victory, not a draw, and we have taken a step forward here by qualifying, this is motivation for the quarter-finals.

"The team played well, even though things didn't go according to plan.

"We have no preference whether it is France, England or Ukraine, we have to be ready to take whatever comes."

The World Cup winners top the group with seven points after their opening draw with Italy and 4-0 rout of Ireland, while there was heartbreak for Slaven Bilic's Croatia.

"I want to congratulate Spain, but most of all, also my players," said the former West Ham and Everton defender.

"We had the best chances in the game and when you play against the world champions, you must take advantage of those opportunities."

Del Bosque named an unchanged team, while Bilic abandoned the 4-4-2 formation he used in the opening win over Ireland and the draw with Italy for a 4-2-3-1 formation.

As they had done in Thursday's hammering of Ireland here, Spain started with almost 80 percent ball possession, which never dropped below 60, as Croatia seemed content to hit long balls down to lone striker Mario Mandzukic.

On a rare early forage into the Spanish half, Danijel Pranjic fired a shot to the left of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who dealt with the left-footed shot comfortably on 25 minutes.

Croatia defender Vedran Corluka was booked for dissent soon after as German referee Wolfgang Stark chose not to award a penalty after Spain's Sergio Ramos sliding tackle caught Mandzukic's ankle.

It remained goalless at the break and news of Italy's lead against Ireland raised the tension inside the Gdansk stadium as the second half wore on.

Croatia's best chance came approaching the hour mark when Luka Modric's cross was met by Ivan Rakitic, but Casillas parried away his header.

After a fairly ineffective first 60 minutes, Torres made way for Navas in the three-man forward line, but both sides squandered chances.

With time almost up, the decisive blow came when Hernandez floated his pass over the defence for his Barcelona team-mate Iniesta to draw Croatia's goalkeeper Stipe Pleitkosa and then feed Navas who made no mistake.

EURO 2012: Croatia vs Spain Timeline

90+4' - The match has come to a close in Gdansk. The final score is 0-1.

90+3' - Croatia's Ivan Rakitic has been booked in Gdansk.

90+1' - Nikica Jelavic (Croatia) gets a yellow card.

90' - Mario Mandzukic (Croatia) has received a first yellow card.

90' - Wolfgang Stark will wait an extra 4 minutes before blowing the whistle to end the Second half.

89' - Spain make their Third substitution with Alvaro Negredo replacing Xavi.

88' - Goal! Jesus Navas gives Spain a 0-1 lead.

88' - Great play from Andres Iniesta to set up the goal.

86' - Vedran Corluka (Croatia) gets up for a header but cannot keep the ball on target.

86' - In Gdansk Ivan Rakitic for Croatia takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

85' - Jesus Navas for Spain drives towards goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the finish is unsuccessful.

84' - Spain have been awarded a corner by Wolfgang Stark. Xavi steps up to take it.

84' - Spain drive forward and Andres Iniesta gets in a shot. Without netting, however.

81' - Croatia make their Third substitution with Eduardo replacing Ognjen Vukojevic.

79' - Wolfgang Stark has awarded Croatia a corner. Ivan Rakitic takes the kick from the Left .

79' - Croatia push forward through Ivan Perisic, whose finish on goal is saved.

78' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Xavi (Spain) takes a corner from the Left.

78' - Spain's Cesc Fabregas gets in a shot but it is blocked by a Croatia defender.

74' - Corner awarded to Spain.

73' - Vicente del Bosque is making the team's Second substitution at PGE Arena Gdansk with Cesc Fabregas replacing David Silva.

72' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Xavi (Spain) takes a corner from the Right.

70' - Croatia's Ivan Perisic gets his shot away but it misses the target.

69' - Spain's David Silva is whistled for offside at PGE Arena Gdansk.

68' - Wolfgang Stark has awarded Spain a corner. Xavi takes the kick from the Left .

67' - Spain have been awarded a corner by Wolfgang Stark. Xavi steps up to take it.

66' - Sergio Ramos's header is off-target for Spain.

66' - In Gdansk Xavi for Spain takes a corner from the Right-hand flag.

66' - Nikica Jelavic is on a sub for Domagoj Vida for Croatia.

66' - Ivan Perisic is replacing Danijel Pranjic for Croatia at PGE Arena Gdansk.

61' - Vicente del Bosque (Spain) is making a First substitution, with Jesus Navas replacing Fernando Torres.

60' - Corner awarded to Spain.

60' - Spain push forward at PGE Arena Gdansk and David Silva gets in a strike. This is blocked, however, by a determined Croatia defence.

59' - In Gdansk, Ivan Rakitic (Croatia) gets his head to the ball but the strike is cleared by an untiring defence.

53' - Ivan Strinic (Croatia) gets a yellow card.

51' - Wolfgang Stark blows against Spain's Jordi Alba for offside.

49' - In Gdansk Ivan Rakitic for Croatia takes a corner from the Left-hand flag.

46' - The second half has started at PGE Arena Gdansk.

45+2' - The first half has been concluded at PGE Arena Gdansk.

45' - 2 minutes of injury time will be added to the First half.

45' - At PGE Arena Gdansk Xavi (Spain) takes a corner from the Right.

44' - Darijo Srna (Croatia) has been booked and must now be careful not to get a second yellow card.

42' - Spain have been awarded a corner by Wolfgang Stark. Xavi steps up to take it.

35' - In Gdansk, Andres Iniesta of Spain is presented with a shooting opportunity. But the strike is blocked by the covering defence.

30' - David Silva gets his shot on target but fails to score for Spain.

30' - Spain's David Silva is on target but unsuccessful.

29' - Mario Mandzukic returns to the field for Croatia after picking up a slight injury.

29' - Play is underway once more.

29' - Corner awarded to Croatia.

28' - Attention is being given to Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic and play has been suspended briefly.

27' - Vedran Corluka (Croatia) has received a first yellow card.

26' - Croatia are pushing forward but Mario Mandzukic's finish is wide of the goal.

25' - Danijel Pranjic gets his shot on target but fails to score for Croatia.

24' - Spain are coming forward and Gerard Pique gets in a strike, it misses the target, however.

23' - Spain's Sergio Ramos gets in a shot on goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the effort is unsuccessful.

23' - In Gdansk Spain drive forward through Fernando Torres. His shot is on target but it's saved.

12' - Andres Iniesta for Spain drives towards goal at PGE Arena Gdansk. But the finish is unsuccessful.

4' - Fernando Torres (Spain) is first to the ball but his header is off-target.

4' - Wolfgang Stark has awarded Spain a corner. Xavi takes the kick from the Left .

1' - The match has started at PGE Arena Gdansk.

Croatia vs Spain Game Highlights

Euro Cup 2012 Highlights

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