Saturday, 12.11.2011
Yesterday, November 11, took place first leg of the EURO 2012 qualifying playoffs. But the most interesting and strange thing is that these results aren´t astonishing, however, you cannot believe your eyes.
Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-0 Portugal
How strong Safet Sušić, Balkans´ coach, didn´t want a draw and how he desired to score a home goal… However, here comes nil-nil draw of the match.
We already talked several times earlier about lack of concentration and uncertain Portugal game during the EURO 2012 qualifying phase. Because it´s too hard to explain in other way the pale game of “European Brazilians”. Is it staff selection? No, it isn’t. Moreover, it’s brilliant. Is it lack of attempts on targets? Nope, we still remember the match with five scored goals. The luck is also here. But nobody see the normal result.
The first half the away team used their energy sparingly upon the football field and as a result stayed 45 minutes near local goal, stopped each attempt to counterattack and didn’t fail in the defense. Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani directed the match. In the very beginning of the match they created a brilliant moment. But Nani missed the target. In the middle of the half-time each of midfielders tried to score alone, however, their mighty kicks were stopped by local defense.
The essence of the first half is search of the ways to score the goal. The second time started with the same tasks. Nevertheless, the Balkans took the initiative and were about to make a sensation! Vedad Ibišević wasted the best chance of the game for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The striker fails to control Zvjezdan Misimović's cross from the left and, off balance, drags his shot wide.
Whatever Sušić told, the draw is a very good result at home. Now Bosnia and Herzegovina should score only one goal and so the half-task is completed. Portugal at least should score two goals against (because draw won’t fit them). Therefore, it will be so hard to kick two goals for the ongoing Portugal.
Turkey 0-3 Croatia
As we told earlier, only one missed ball would be enough for Turkey to fall apart!
Just two minute after the referee started the first half, a free-kick was taken quickly on the left Vedran Ćorluka got to the dead-ball line, outplayed Turk’s defense and fired the ball across the goal. Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel couldn’t cut out the cross and Olić taped in from close.
All that were left for 50.000 fans was to observe the uncertain and weak-willed game of the Turks and sure and confident control of Croats at the football field. For more than 90 minutes (if we took into account the additional time) away team scored two goals more. Both were headed after Dario Srna’s assistance.
The Turks reincarnation is scheduled on November 15. Perhaps, they will manage to score or even to win the match. However, there is no doubt that Croats will go for EURO 2012 in Ukraine and Poland!
Estonia 0-4 Republic of Ireland
Unfortunately, fairy tales come to an end and the football one too.
Ireland national team won confidently against the discovery of the EURO 2012 qualifying. Already in the 13th minute Keith Andrews leaped highest and headed in Aiden McGeady's delightful chipped ball from the left. The Estonians attempts to win back didn’t produced a desired result. The Irishmen stood firm at their part of field and didn’t permit their rivals to kick properly. In addition, they carried out some dangerous counterattacks. Andrei Stepanov cannot deal with a misplaced backpass, and Robbie Keane stole in, nipped past the defender's outstretched leg and was brought down. So he received two yellow cards and was sent off the football field.
Ten Estonians continued to attack the away team’s goal before the referee blew the first half and after the second time started, however, they didn’t manage to score the goal. Than Irishmen berried the Etonians hope forever. In the 67th minute Robbie Keane lifts the ball to the far post and Jon Walters nods the ball in at the back post to give his side a great lead. Robbie Keane tapped in from close range after Keith Andrews' deflected free-kick was initially kept out by Sergei Pareiko.
Only nine Estonians were finished the game due to Piiroja’s second yellow card. In the 88th minute Pareiko was shown yellow card and earned both penalty and disqualifications for the second leg. Robbie Keane completed his brace, confidently nestling the ball into the goalkeeper's bottom left-hand corner. So the final result is 0-4.
“We want a worthy result in the second leg, however, we understand that fairy tale came to its end,” said sent off Pareiko about the mood of the Estonian national team.
Czech Republic 2-0 Montenegro
It was an ordinary match. Equal game, a bit of luck plus the locals’ experience and here came the expected result, which fitted for home team but still secured the intrigue. Moreover, the Montenegrins looked confident.
The return leg of the EURO 2012 qualifying playoffs is scheduled on Tuesday, November 15. Don’t miss it!
