Wednesday, 16.11.2011
Conclusions made after the first leg of the playoffs that took place on November 11 were exact: there were no sensations, no sudden changes and turns and Fortune didn’t smile on anyone.
Portugal 6-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is it utter defeat? Of course, it’s utter defeat. Locals were the real dominators though all game. It’s hard to believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina was about to qualify for EURO 2012: in the 41st, when they scored the goal from the penalty spot and made 2-1 and in the 64th minute when the score became 3-2.
The first leg finished by nil-nil draw so guest needed the same draw in away match. However, such a result was left in dreams. The Portuguese did their best: Ronaldo and Helder Postiga doubled, Nani stormed and scored and Miguel Veloso headed and so the team from Iberian Peninsula qualified for EURO 2012.
Croatia 0-0 Turkey
We are pleased that weren’t wrong in our prediction: Turkey not only nil-nil draw in Zagreb (not everyone can do this), but in the very beginning of the match could score (and not just once)… But something impeded them. But what?
In fact, the Turks from the very beginning of the match took the initiative. Firstly because they had to win back after the 0-3 defeat at home and, secondly, the major part of the players that went on the field isn’t in the permanent staff so they wanted to show themselves from the best side. Selçuk Şahin isn’t a frequenter of the national team but just in the 2nd minute kicked strongly, however, missed the target. It was Selçuk İnan who tried to score a goal but the ball met the stand. Two minutes later Colin Kazım Richards stormed and kicked but the Croatian goalkeeper saved the ball.
Starting from here, the Turks lost their last chances – although Croatia conceded the initiative but impeded all the dangerous moment near their net. And at the end they even could win the match in the counterattack, however, goalkeeper saved the ball after two very sharp and dangerous moments created by Ivan Rakitić. So here it came nil-nil draw and Croatia qualified for EURO 2012.
Montenegro 0-1 Czech Republic
The overwhelming advantage of the locals according to the attempt on target and quantity of fouls showed the character and the mood. From the very first minute the rushed and dashed to attack he locals’ net because hoped to score the quick-goal. Branko Brnović, the Balkans coach was sure that the quick goal would help his men psychologically and they would be able to win two goals back.
It was Mirko Vučinić and Dejan Damjanović who attacked sharply and stormily. The first one was very active at the end of the first half and at the beginning of second half: Czech defenses were desperately forgetting about Dejan near their net. However, locals had ill luck with their attacks finishing. Firstly, Petr Čech did his best (as always), secondly, the stand impeded the ball going to the target. It was Vučinić who run faster than others but the result was the same.
Ten minutes before the end, Petr Jiráček breaks through their defense and calmly finishes past Mladen Božović. That looks certain to be game, set and match to the Czech Republic.
If we judge the moment created by the Balkans, they not only deserved the victory but also the qualification for EURO 2012. Nevertheless, Football consists in the realization of these lucky moments. The Czechs did it once and so are packing suitcases for Ukraine (or Poland).
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Estonia
It was all clear with this match (Estonia lost at home 0-4) however it was interesting and open game.
First 15 minutes locals were storming the guest net and created a dozen of dangerous moments! Except some penalty kicks, we will say a few words about such: in the second minute Damien Duff missed the target, in the 6th minute Pavel Londak, Pareiko’s substitute, made a save of Doyle kick. Londak saved his team one more time from the Robbie Keane’s mighty kick. In the 14th minute the goalkeeper was first in reaching the ball and therefore failed Robbie Keane attempt to one on one.
It was Ward's second international goal that got the party started. The opener came after Estonia goalkeeper Pavel Londak failed to hold Kevin Doyle's header from a Damien Duff corner, with Ward firing home from close range.
The Estonians began to play vividly in the second half and so moved the game to the rivals’ part of the field. Therefore they got the consolation prize. In the 57th minute Estonia restore some pride with a thumping equalizer from distance by Konstantin Vassiljev that flew under Shay Given's arms, who will not be happy with himself there.
The rest of time was full of events: locals’ attacks alternated with guests ones, nevertheless, the ball didn’t meet the net. Estonia concluded the qualification with the good game and the Republic of Ireland, at last, qualified for EURO!
4*4
UEFA recounted the ratings of the national teams including last official matches and already on November 16 published the list of seeding for the upcoming EURO 2012 finals draw.
Pot 1: Poland, Ukraine, Spain, Netherlands
Pot 2: Germany, Italy, England, Russia
Pot 3: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Sweden
Pot 4: Denmark, France, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland
It’s a surprise to see the French in the last pot… but it’s a logical conclusion of the long lasting decline. Perhaps, such degradation is waiting for Portugal in the nearest future, however, without such an up like the Frenchmen did.
Moreover, possible variant of the group configuration “Netherland – Germany – Portugal – France” makes the fans’ hearts beat more often.
