Spain ecstatic at Euro 2008 win

[Rasputin]

Spain 4-1 Russia

Villa linked with Torres to devastating effect

David Villa scored the first hat-trick of Euro 2008 as Spain lived up to their pre-tournament billing with a fine victory over Russia in Group D.

Russia started positively but were hit on the counter-attack with Fernando Torres squaring for Villa to roll home.

Konstantin Zyryanov saw a shot hit the post but then Villa prodded past Igor Akinfeyev to double the lead and after 74 minutes he drilled in a third.

Roman Pavlyuchenko nodded a consolation before Cesc Fabregas headed a fourth.

Spain wasted a number of openings to win by an even bigger margin and the standard of their performance would suggest a place in the quarter-finals is well within reach.

In Villa and Torres they appear to posses a forward partnership to match any at the tournament and the array of creative midfielders at Luis Aragones's disposal should ensure a regular supply line.

Russia's coach Guus Hiddink has a reputation of leading unfancied teams to the knockout rounds of major international competitions but the Dutchman has a task on his hands just to patch up a porous defence, let alone progress to the last eight.

Amid unrelenting rainfall in the mountainous city of Innsbruck, both sides struggled to keep hold of the ball early on and the opening exchanges.

But that failed to dim the attacking ambitions of either set of players and a free-flowing first half ensued.

Torres and Villa looked in menacing form from the outset and, inside 10 minutes, the strikers each had a decent sight of goal but produced weak finishes.

At the other end, Russia were working the channels well and Dmitry Sychev squared from the right for Igor Semshov to fire wide under a timely challenge from Villarreal's Joan Capdevila.

Although Russia were without the suspended Andrei Arshavin and injured Pavel Pogrebniak, Roman Pavlyuchenko looked dangerous as the lone striker and he was ably supported by Dmitry Sychev and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

But, uncharacteristically of a team sent out by Hiddink, it was in defence that they were exposed.

Aragones opted against including Arsenal's central midfielder Fabregas in his starting line-up, instead pairing the forward-thinking Xavi with more defensively-minded Marcos Senna.

Senna, a target of Manchester United after the 2006 World Cup, was in sensational form, turning defence into attack at every opportunity and allowing Xavi to pick out Torres and Villa whenever possible.

It was, however, a clearance from Capdevila which saw Torres outmuscle the hapless Denis Kolodin on 18 minutes and square for Villa to roll into an unguarded net.

Far from deflating Russia, who qualified for the tournament at England's expense, the goal merely encouraged them to throw more men forward and they were unfortunate not to equalise.

Alexander Anyukov overlapped Sychev and his low cross was missed by four Spanish defenders before Zyryanov saw his curled effort rebound off Iker Casillas's right-hand post.

Despite arriving off the back of a 16-game unbeaten run stretching to November 2006, Spain had scored more than once in just one of their previous five outings.

But Torres almost doubled Spain's lead only to flick wide under pressure from the Russia goalkeeper Akinfeyev when slipped through by Villa.

The warning signs were plentiful - Torres stepped inside only to see a shot parried and then Villa was denied by Akinfeyev at the near post - but still the Russian back four failed to get tight to their men.

And they were punished on the stroke of half time when, after inexplicably losing possession at a corner, Andres Iniesta moved into space and played a sumptuous through-ball to Villa, which the Valencia man needed little invitation to slot through Akinfeyev's legs.

The second half was even more open than the first.

Villa, now stripped of Torres who was replaced by Fabregas for tactical reasons, shot straight at Akinfeyev as the Russians backed off.

Two minutes later Diniyar Bilyaletdinov came in from the left and fizzed a left-footed effort narrowly wide.

It took a last-ditch Anyukov clearance to deny Villa his hat-trick from Sergio Ramos's centre but, after Senna saw a header will saved, the 26-year-old scored his third.

He collected Fabregas's sumptuous pass, turned Roman Shirokov and wrong-footed Akinfeyev.

Pavlyuchenko had shot just wide before he turned in a corner on 86 minutes.

But with Russia running on empty, Xavi's shot was parried and Fabregas headed in his first international goal to leave Spain well worth their victory.

[Rasputin]

Spain make storming start as David Villa scores a hat-trick against Russia

Spain (2) 4 Russia (0) 1

The moody microclimate in this beautiful Tyrolean valley reverberated with thunder and rain and Spain provided the lightning strikes. In weather better suited to Siberians than Iberians, Spain still made light of the inclement conditions to exploit Russian naivety with a series of wonderful counter-attacking raids, three of which were finished off by the terrific David Villa.

Arsene Wenger picked the wrong day to bemoan the quality of Euro 2008. After Roman Pavlyuchenko showed what could be achieved by pressuring Carles Puyol and his fellow defenders, one of Wenger's Arsenal glitterati, Cesc Fabregas, restored Spain's three-goal lead with a simple header.

So Russia, the team who deservedly pipped England to the second Euro 2008 ticket from qualifying Group E, were soundly thrashed and one dreaded to think what damage Spain would have inflicted on England. Technically and tactically, Luis Aragones' men were magnificent.

Spain often manage one eye-catching display in a tournament, and they will surely not encounter defenders as poor as Denis Kolodin, yet if they maintain this level of performance they may be set for a longer stay than usual. As well as Villa, who can now expect to be linked with every wealthy Premier League club again, Spain boasted individuals like Fernando Torres and particularly the Barcelona pair of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. All excelled. Valencia's David Silva also impressed on the left.

Wenger's comments earlier in the day that players at Euro 2008 lacked sparkle and stamina hardly fitted in with Spain's performance here in Innsbruck, let alone the fireworks launched into the Berne night-sky by Holland. Moving the ball quickly over a surface slickened by a torrential downpour, the Spaniards seemed to be playing football at ice hockey pace and accuracy.

The lesson in the art and craft of possession began after 24 minutes. When Torres ran at Kolodin, the Dinamo Moscow centre-half went into meltdown, surrendering the ball. Russia's defence lay in shreds.

Torres glided inside from the left-hand channel, slipping the ball square past the keeper Igor Akinfeev for Villa to take step one on the road to his hat-trick. Russia had been cut open by the speed of Spain's attack, by the persistence and vision of Torres and the well-timed run of Villa. Kolodin knew he was in a battle - a losing one.

All diagonal runs and murderous intent, Spain's attacking pair proved a constant menace to Russia's defenders. When Silva guided Torres through the middle, Spain's No?9 darted on and demanded a good save from Akinfeev. Although Torres failed to score on the night, he played a key role in creating space for Villa. Russia's defenders seemed to have read up on Torres and forgotten to prepare for Villa, who duly punished them.

Spain radiated belief and balance, if occasional defensive uncertainty. Marcos Senna anchored Aragones' 4-1-3-2 formation with Villa darting around the line-leading Torres. Their ease in possession was a joy to behold, the ball rarely wasted. Spain mixed their possession game with sudden bursts of forward movement, often triggered by Xavi or Iniesta.

Spain's one obvious weakness appeared at right-back where Sergio Ramos looked what he was - a good centre-half on an uneasy secondment. Russia occasionally targeted Ramos, with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov running at the Real Madrid defender. A few first-half chances fell Russia's way, notably for Igor Semshov who shot wide.

Russia's legion of supporters tried their hardest to inspire the team, chanting, waving flags and even large photographs of the 1960 Soviet winners but with Andrei Arshavin still suspended, Russia lacked a leader, a creative fulcrum and a finisher.

Unlike Spain. When Joan Capdevilla caressed a low pass square to Iniesta just before the break, Russia were again caught out. Iniesta, espying Villa's run, judged the release of his pass to perfection, finding the Valencia striker just as he came level with Russia's last defenders on the edge of the box. Passing them at the right moment, ensuring the linesman's flag stayed down, Villa swept the ball between Akinfeev's legs. Such was Spain's first-half class, the interval scoreline told no lies.

When Russia re-emerged, they appeared revitalised. Guus Hiddink's words lifted them, as did the introduction of Vladimir Bystrov, who briefly lent muscle and energy down the right before fading and being hooked by Hiddink, the ultimate indignity for a sub.

Aragones also rang the changes. Spain's coach removed Torres, sending on Fabregas and leaving Villa as the sole striker. Still Spain threatened. Ramos, enterprising going forward, crossed low and hard but Aleksandr Anyukov cleared. Russia attempted to salvage the situation but Pavlyuchenko's shot was athletically blocked by Puyol. Worse was to befall the Russians as Villa completed his hat-trick. Fabregas was the architect, passing the ball smoothly to Villa, who had entered Russia's penalty box on the left.

Roman Shirokov sought to close Villa down but the Spaniard turned inside the centre-half, and calmly stroked the ball past Akinfeev. Villa sprinted off to Spain's bench to celebrate with Torres.

A certain defensive frailty then became apparent in the heart of Spain's defence, allowing Pavlyuchenko to head past Iker Casillas from close range. No matter. When Villa flicked the ball across in the final minute, Xavi's volley was pushed out by Akinfeev and Fabregas headed home. The lesson in possession was complete.

A helicopter landed on an adjacent pitch to lift Roman Abramovich into the darkened skies. Russia also left under a cloud. Spain, though, have warmed to Euro 2008.

[Rasputin]

[Rasputin]

When France coach Raymond Domenech kicked out in frustration at some watter bottles and got his foot caught on the sidelines during the final minutes of his side's draw against Romania yesterday evening, you could have been forgiven for experiencing a little déjà vu. It is hardly the first time the outspoken coach has put his foot in it and, knowing his incessant nature, it is unlikely to be the last.

Quite what Domenech thought he was applauding at the final whistle remains something of a mystery. He went as far as to try and pass the result off as a good one, but les Bleus were lacklustre against the supposed whipping boys in the Group of Death and could end up paying dearly as a result. Romania's draw even has them as outsiders to make qualification; should they pick up three points against a downtrodden Italy or a Netherlands side already qualified, that could well be job done. France, though, have it all to do.

They may be one point ahead of Italy in the standings, but they have a tougher task on their hands. The Azzurri have what, if they are smart, should be a certain three points against Romania, who do not have the quality man for man to compete with the world champions. France, meanwhile, face an on-fire Dutch outfit who will be high on confidence. So, going into the France-Italy game - the last in the group - there is a very real possibility that France will have to win to qualify, with Roberto Donadoni's men having the upper hand.

Working with the worst case scenario that Italy are victorious against the Romanians, France must turn their focus towards a win over the Oranje, as nothing less will suffice. Based on each side's showing yesterday, there can only be one winner - but France have been here before - a slow start has in the past set them up for a flying finish. Though they did not manage to claim victory in the 2006 World Cup, few would have pictured them in the final following the dismal start to their campaign, but Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira, Claude Makelele, Lilian Thuram and the rest came to life and inspired them to closely fought and crucial wins over Spain, favourites Brazil and Portugal.

That is just it, though, it is the players who are key. Manager Domenech could not have looked more lost during the opening games two years ago. The key players did not appear to be happy with the system and it was only when they, led by Zidane and Thuram, started their own kind of revolution and began motivating and organising themselves, propelling the country to within a penalty kick of its second World Cup.

The pattern appears to be repeating itself here, only there is no Zidane, and the likes of Thuram and Makelele are that much older. While they are still quality players, they are limited in what impact they can have on a game due to their diminished physical condition.

France are almost tipped as favourites by default due to many of the names in their squad, but the likes of Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram, Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda, Willy Sagnol and Eric Abidal have not had particularly good seasons and yet all but one of them started yesterday. Is it any wonder they looked somewhat bewildered? Patrice Evra has just won the Champions League with Manchester United, Gael Clichy has been a revelation with Arsenal, Mathieu Flamini - now of Milan - likewise. David Trezeguet was the second highest scorer in Serie A this season and did not even make the squad; as has Philippe Mexes, who was beaten to the final defender's slot by France's answer to Titus Bramble, Jean-Alain Boumsong. Sebastian Frey, arguably the best goalkeeper in Serie A this season ahead of Gianluigi Buffon and Julio Cesar, is left playing second fiddle to Gregory Coupet. Is Domenech just playing favourites?

Form is temporary and class is permanent, so for a few of Domenech's selections he could be considered bold, but his consistent inability to reward good form and equal persistence with underachieving players, worsened still by his inability to motivate or even correctly utilise his top players makes much of his contribution to the national team null and void.

It well and truly will be up to the likes of Thuram, Makelele, Gallas and perhaps Henry to galvanise les Bleus and lead them to victory against the odds when they face Marco van Basten's Netherlands in three days. You can never count them out, and even without Zidane, there are the makings of a world class unit at the disposal of Domenech. If the likes of Sagnol, Abidal, Malouda, Toulalan and Anelka were to be replaced by Sagna (or even Clerc), Clichy, Evra, Flamini and Trezeguet (or Gomis) respectively, would there not be a far greater balance across the board? Only time will tell just how far the remainder of the French golden age can propel themselves this summer.

ALSO...

Much credit must be given to the Netherlands for producing the outstanding performance of the tournament so far by a distance. Italy were not at their best, but still had enough chances to making it a reasonably close game. Without doubt the Oranje got the rub of the green, but the individuals who stepped up to the plate and the working unit installed by van Basten has come off a remarkable success.

Question marks still remain over their defence - who, when tested even slightly, were almost breached by the Azzurri - but protector-in-chief Orlando Engelaar was outstanding. As Ruud Gullit predicted, his combination of strength to win the ball back and sophistication to distribute it again kept the Dutch in control of proceedings. Giovanni van Bronckhorst quite simply played the game of his life down the left hand side. Rafael van der Vaart was majestic; the playmaker has not been in the best of form lately, but took up a slightly more withdrawn role - shooting less, passing more - working to his strengths and dropping jaws with some of the perfectly weighted passes he produced. Wide men Dirk Kuyt and Wesley Sneijder were tireless workers; Kuyt stumped up two neat assists while Sneijder sublime skill and acrobatic finish may be an ominous sign of things to come.

Lacking quality defenders, they must put bodies behind the ball more often - which also plays to their immense counterattacking strength - and they could then prove an almost unstoppable proposition, maybe even winning the tournament under the guidance of the same man who won it for his country on the pitch 20 years ago.

[Rasputin]

Portugal midfielder Deco insists he is not using the European Championships to put himself in the shop window as speculation continues over where he will play his club football next season.


The 30-year-old was last month given permission by Barcelona to speak to other potential employers, and has revealed he would prefer a switch to England or Italy.


He has been linked with moves to both Chelsea and Inter Milan, but for now the former Porto playmaker is fully focused on his national team's Euro 2008 adventure.

'I do not have to prove anything to anyone,' he said ahead of tomorrow's second Group A match against Czech Republic.

'I'm here to play for myself and for Portugal. My future does not rest on what happens at the European Championships.'

Luiz Felipe Scolari's team triumphed 2-0 in their opening match against Turkey at the Stade de Geneve on Saturday to claim an early edge on goal difference over the Czechs, who overcame co-hosts Switzerland 1-0.

Deco is satisfied with the start his side have made to the competition - particularly after giving themselves a mountain to climb by losing their first match to Greece in Euro 2004. But he is not getting ahead of himself just yet.

'It was important to get off to a good start, which did not happen in 2004, but it's too soon to talk about us as finalists,' he said. 'We must take one match at a time.'

Portugal will count again tomorrow on the vociferous backing of their buoyant fans, who were in fine voice during Saturday's win, again on the streets around their Neuchatel base and also inside the Stade de la Maladiere for Sunday's open training session.

The squad are delighted with the level of support but will not let the carnival atmosphere distract them, according to Brazil-born Deco.

He said: 'When we arrived, it was already like that so it was not a surprise for us what happened on Sunday.

'We are very happy to see all the people here supporting us but it doesn't affect our attitude at all.'

[Rasputin]

Over the years, Sweden have always managed to bring the best support to a major Championship. If not in terms of volume, then beauty. With some sizzlingly-dull passages of play in Salzburg - before Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cracker - and mainly thanks to the Greeks, the only thing left to do was to scan the terraces for some colour.

Of course, we did try and find the Greek supporters' flares and the viking hats from the Scandanavian supporters, but came up with this trio instead.


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20:30: Fans put the ...zzzz into fan zone

Lack of interest in one region of Austria has left tumbleweed to take over the fan zones and forced stall holders to shut up shop with the tournament barely a week old.

Several booths at Klagenfurt's Euro fan zones have been forced to close due to limited showings by locals. Mayor Harald Scheucher has already had to present a series of measures to soften the blow: waiving booth rents, lifting of a ban on glasses, glass bottles and, of all things, china plates in the city centre.

A traffic restriction in the area will also be lifted earlier than planned. It has also been reported that some booth operators in the capital's fan zone have threatened to go on strike because their sales expectations were down by as much as 90 percent.

"We have to restore a state of normalcy," Scheucher said in the statement. Either that or all the locals have actually gone to watch the games. But that's unlikely.


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20:00: Not a young man's game

As Greece slowed the game down to snail's pace in Salzburg, perhaps Sweden were secretly thanking their opponents. Stats suggest that Sweden are the oldest at Euro 2008 at an average age of 29 years and 85 days. And at the age of 36 years and 264 days, Larsson also broke Roland Nilsson's record (36 years and 196 days) for the oldest Swedish player to play at the European Championships.

Meanwhile, go back even further and you will find Sweden's sole win over Greece which came at the 1920 Olympic Games (9-0). Funnily enough, this match is not recognised as official by Greece.


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16:30: Let the games begin or, rather, resume

The final group gets under way this afternoon with Spain taking on Russia and later - if you are looking for the footballing equivalent of a Valium to calm you down after that - Sweden face current holders Greece.

You can follow every kick on our interactive matchcentre by clicking here. And join us again tomorrow for all you need to know to keep track of Euro 2008 as it unfolds.


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16:15: Don't have a cow man

Mozart may be Salzburg’s favourite son but, for the duration of Euro 2008, his famous statue in Mozartplatz, a mecca for music lovers, has become a no go zone for football fans, writes John Ley.

The statue has be shielded from supporters by a tall fence, leaving Wolfgang Amadeus alone with his thoughts.

The FanZone in Salzburg was a lively place but for one 'fan' it was off limits. Spotted outside the entrance was a full-size paper-mache cow in the yellow and blue of Sweden. On investigation it was revealed that the cow, which some Swedes attempted to roll in in Trojan Horse rfashion, was barred from the fans' area "for fire reasons".


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15:55: And you thought naming famous Belgians was tricky...

It is hard to see how this European Championship could have begun much better for the Germans, writes Tim Rich; not only have they got off to a flying start but Austria, the hosts and neighbours - think England and Scotland - are squirming with embarrassment at the realisation they might be eliminated from their own tournament before it is a week old.


Friends in high places: Arnold Schwarzenegger is more popular in America than Austria these days

In order to redress the general mockery, the ultra-serious German newspaper, Die Welt, listed 10 notable Austrian sporting achievements. Number one was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had given his name to Graz’s football stadium, although the paper omitted to mention it was removed because of the Governor of California’s support for the death penalty.

Anyone heard of skier, Hermann Meier or world table-tennis champion Werner Schlager? Thought not. Die Welt dragged in Austria’s 32-30 handball victory over Germany in March - their first in 18 years, apparently and who could forget their 9-6 victory over Hungary in. . er. . Rugby?


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15:35: Paying the pipers

Swedish fans in Salzburg are not too impressed when they flock to the Yuen Chinese restaraunt, in Getreidegasse, writes John Ley.

The all-you-can eat buffet has been raided by a 10-strong Peruvian pan pipe band, just off the streets. Never have so many small men been seen eating so much food, leaving litle more than the odd noodle.

Then the Peruvians pay in coppers, the fruits of their street perfoamnces.


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15:05: Beware friendly fire


Heads you lose: Ciprian Marica receives treatment on the St. Gallen stadium pitch
Romania striker Ciprian Marica has been hospitalised after injuring his head during a practice game. The 22-year-old Marica was hurt at St. Gallen stadium in a match involving players that hadn't participated in the effective 0-0 draw with France.

Marica tried to head the ball and collided with another player, receiving a blow to the back of his head. He was carried from the field on a stretcher after lying on the ground for about 20 minutes, and taken to a hospital near the mountain resort where the Romanian squad is staying.

"We don't know what's wrong yet," midfielder Razvan Cocis said, before letting on that he wasn't all that fussed anyway. "Of course it would be a loss, but nobody is irreplaceable," he said.



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14:40: No easy games in international football these days


No need to panic: France remain in control
After serving up the worst game of the tournament so far, where they were unable to break down Romania's rudimentary defensive tactics, the French players have a unique take on the task ahead of them now.

Apparently, beating the Netherlands, who cut through the Italians three times to earn a resounding victory against the world champions, will be easier that playing a side that brought on a player from Inverness Caledonian Thistles in the second half of their opener. Hmmm.

"I do not think the Dutch will defend like the Romanians," France defender Willy Sagnol said. "It will better suit the way we play."

France need to beat either the Netherlands or Italy or both to progress - easy, thinks midfielder Jeremy Toulalan. "Sometimes it's easier to play against great teams," he said. "At least you get into the game straight away. If the Dutch attack a bit more, not like the Romanians, then that is better for us."

What's the French for 'who are you trying to kid'?


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14:10: Battle of the Wags: Sweden v Spain



Glad Wags: Oksana Andersson and Nuria Bernudez will be watching Group D with interest

England's absence from the tournament has made our domestic Wags conspicuous by their absence. But continental Europe has more than enough to fill the breach.

Group D is particularly fertile ground with Sweden's Christian Wilhelmsson's model girlfriend Oksana Andersson (l) sure to be in the stands at some point during the tournament whilst Spain's Daniel Gonzalez Guiza's latest squeeze, Nuria Bermudez is backing the underachieving Spanish to finally come good in a major competition.

The latter has added the Mallorca star to a string of celebrity boyfriends to augment her fame as an occasional pop signer and underwear model, a profession that often reveals her intimately placed Real Madrid tattoo. According to the Spanish press, anyone is fair game, as long as they are "bull-fighters, singers, footballers or waiters."


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11:52: England finally get hold of some silverware


Made in England: The prize on offer
England may not be at Euro 2008, thanks to the incompetence of former manager Steve McClaren, but there have been more English hands on the new Henri Delauney trophy, named after Uefa's first general secretary, than any others in Europe, writes Roy Collins.

This is because Uefa, after retiring the old trophy, designed by Arthus Bertrand in Paris in 1960, awarded the contract for a new one to Mayfair jewellers Asprey, which carries the three white feathers of the Prince of Wales.

The new trophy is heavier and taller and, unlike the old one, has the names of previous winners on the back. Sadly, it is unlikely ever to return to England since it will remain Uefa's property until a team wins it five times or three times in a row.

[Rasputin]

در زیر باران شدید شهر اینزبروک، دیوید ویا اولین هت تریک سیزدهمین دوره جام ملتهای اروپا را به ثمر رساند تا اسپانیا را در صدر گروه D قرار بگیرد.

روسیه با دیدی مثبت بازی را آغاز کرد اما در دقیقه 20 از ضد حمله ضربه دید و اسپانیا با کمک فرناندو تورس، دیوید ویا گل اول را به ثمر رساند.

کنستانتین زیریانف توپ را به تیر دروازه اسپانیا زد، اما اسپانیا بلافاصله توپ را به زمین روسیه برد و دروازه این تیم را تهدید کرد تا هشداری جدی به حریف داده باشد.

اسپانیا در ضد حملات خطرناک بود و گل دوم این تیم هم در آستانه به صدا درآمدن سوت پایان نیمه اول، در ضد حمله و با پاسی اینیستا به قلب دفاع روسیه و فرار دیوید ویا به دست آمد.

در نیمه دوم، دقیقه 75، از دست رفتن نظام تیمی روسیه امکان ارسال پاسی قطری از میان مدافعان روسیه را فراهم ساخت و بار دیگر دیوید ویا، با کنترل توپ و دیبل کردن بازیکنان روسیه در داخل محوطه جریمه این تیم، توپ را درون دروازه روسیه قرار داد.

روسیه در یک ضربه کرنر، توسط رومن پاولیوچنکو که در میان مدافعان آشفته اسپانیا جا گرفته بود، در دقیقه 86 یکی از گلهای خورده را جبران کرد، اما بار دیگر ناتوانی روسیه در کنترل میانه میدان و ایجاد مانع در راه ضد حملات اسپانیا در دقیقه 91 سه بازیکن اسپانیا را مقابل دروازه روسیه قرار داد.

پاس تکنیکی ویا از بالای سر مدافعان روسیه به چابی رسید که سرضرب توپ را روانه دروازه روسیه کرد.

هر چند دروازه بان روسیه به طور ناقص این ضربه را دفع کرد اما فابرگاس در موقعیتی مناسب، توپ ناقص دفاع شده را با ضربه سر درون دروازه روسیه جا داد.

اسپانیا که در 18 ماه گذشته در هیچ مسابقه ای نباخته، نشان داد که در خط حمله بر روی همکاری نتیجه بخش تورس و ویا حساب ویژه ای باز کرده است و بایکنان خلاق خط میانی این تیم به راحتی می توانند دو مهاجم خود را تغذیه کنند.

گاس هیدینک مربی روسیه در هر تورنمنت عمده ای که مربی گری کرده، تیم خود را به مرحله حذفی رسانده است اما این مربی هلندی این بار برای سامان دادن به وضعیت نابسامان دفاع خود کاری دشوار پیش رو دارد.

ابراهیموویچ قفل بازی را باز کرد

زلاتان ابراهیموویچ، مهاجم سوئد با در یک لحظه جادویی مقابل قهرمان دور قبل، سوئد را در مسیر پیروزی قرار داد.

در حالیکه تا دقیقه 67 مسابقه بازی گره خورده بود و تلاش هیچکدام از دو تیم برای گل زدن بی نتیجه مانده بود، این مهاجم باشگاه اینترمیلان تیم خود را پیش انداخت.

او توپی را که در نزدیکی محوطه جریمه یونان و در سمت راست زمین از اوت پرتاب شده بود، برای هنریک لارسون در گوشه سمت راست 18 قدم یونان فرستاد، که توسط یک مدافع یونان از نزدیک مهار شده بود، اما لارسن که متوجه حرکت ابراهیموویچ به سمت دروازه یونان شده بود، توپ را به او در شکافی که میان مدافعان حریف ایجاد شده بود داد و ابراهیموویچ، مقابل دروازه یونان و بدون مزاحمت مدافعان، توپ را با ضربه پای راست در سمت چپ دروازه جای داد.

هفت دقیقه بعد، فردی لیونگبرگ، پاس نفوذی هنریک لارسن را در مقابل دروازه یونان و به دور از مدافعان این تیم صاحب شد، اما ضربه او توسط دروازه بان یونان دفع شد.

با این حال دفع ناقص توپ که به هوا بلند شده بود، در مقابل تیر چپ دروازه یونان و مقابل دروازه بان و دو مدافع یونان به زمین خورد که فرصت طلبی پیتر هنسون در میان این سه بازیکن باعث شد توپ با برخورد اتفاقی به زانوی راست او برای دومین بار وارد دروازه یونان شود.

اکنون سوئد به همراه اسپانیا بخت اول صعود از این گروه هستند و یونان برای امیدوار ماندن به صعود و حفظ عنوان قهرمانی، چاره ای بجز شکست دادن روسیه در روز شنبه ندارد.

[Rasputin]

Portugal reaches Euro 2008 quarterfinals, Turkey eliminates co-host Switzerland

Portugal became the first team to reach the European Championship quarterfinals, beating the Czech Republic 3-1 Wednesday and then advancing after Turkey defeated co-host Switzerland 2-1.

Portugal, which played in the Euro 2004 final and also made the World Cup semifinals two years ago, was the favorite in Group A and lived up to that label by qualifying for the knockout rounds with one game to spare.

Cristiano Ronaldo, as expected, was the star for the Portuguese team, scoring one goal and setting up another in Geneva. The Manchester United winger scored his first for the national team since October in the 63rd minute to give his team a 2-1 lead.

"It was very difficult to penetrate the defense," Ronaldo said. "If we're carrying on playing like this as a unit, we've got great chances."

On Thursday, Germany and Croatia have a chance to join Portugal in the quarterfinals with a win from their match in Klagenfurt, Austria. Poland faces co-host Austria in Vienna in the other Group B match.

Deco gave Portugal the lead in the eighth minute, scoring from close range after Ronaldo and Nuno Gomes exchanged passes in the area. Libor Sionko equalized in the 17th, but Ronaldo put his team ahead in the second half and Ricardo Quaresma tapped in from close range in injury time.

"We are among the best eight squads in Europe," said Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was announced as the next Chelsea manager shortly after the match. "Of course, we want more than that."

With both teams coming off wins in their openers, Portugal's impressive ball movement and free-flowing style gave them the edge throughout the match.

"They were able to make perfect transition from defense into offense," Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner said.

The Czechs play Turkey on Sunday in Geneva, and the winner would join Portugal in the quarterfinals. Switzerland faces Portugal in the other group match, which has little at stake since the Portuguese have already clinched first place in the group.

Switzerland became only the second European Championship team to be eliminated from the tournament without reaching the last four, joining Euro 2000 co-host Belgium.

The Swiss played impressive football throughout a downpour in the first half, stringing together passes and keeping the ball off the soaked field and in the air as much as possible. But in injury time, Arda Turan sent a right-footed shot from outside the area that deflected in off Switzerland defender Patrick Mueller to give the Turks the win.

"Of course, the disappointment is huge," Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn said. "But I can't blame it on any player or anyone else. We lost twice unluckily."

Hakin Yakin had given the hosts the lead in the 32nd, tapping in a pass across the front of goal that got stuck in a puddle. The downpour ceased in the second half, and so did most of Switzerland's creativity. Instead, it was the Turks that started to dominate, and Semih Senturk equalized in the 57th by heading in a cross from Nihat Kahveci.

"It's not easy to come back from a goal down at the European Championship, considering we hit the woodwork once," Turkey coach Fatih Terim said. "But we fought a lot in the second half and we created many opportunities. God willing, we will win against Czech Republic and reach the next round."

Sweden won its opening Euro 2008 match Tuesday, but not everyone was cheerful at the team's training session Wednesday in Lugano, Switzerland.

Striker Markus Rosenberg reacted angrily to a tough challenge from Kim Kallstrom as the substitutes played a match of four on four, and substitute goalkeeper Rami Shaaban had to hold Rosenberg to calm him down.

"It was nothing serious," the Werder Bremen striker said. "It was a normal collision and some talk afterward. It's forgotten now."

[Rasputin]

Turks break Swiss hearts at Euro 2008

BASEL, Switzerland (AFP) — Arda Turan ended Switzerland's interest in Euro 2008 in heartbreaking fashion by capping a man-of-the-match display with the stoppage time strike that gave Turkey a 2-1 win here on Wednesday.

Just as it seemed the co-hosts had done enough to stay alive in the competition, Arda broke clear on the left, cut inside and beat goalkeeper Diego Benaglio from the edge of the area with the help of a cruel deflection off the boot of centreback Patrick Muller.

It was harsh on the Swiss, who were left to count the cost of wasting the chances they had to kill off the Turks long before the dramatic denouement.

"It is a wonderful feeling," said delighted Turkey coach Fatih Terim. "The players needed this for their confidence and I congratulate them on their incredible effort."

Turkey can now join Group A leaders Portugal in the quarter-finals by beating the Czech Republic in their final game and Fatih added: "This win has given us a lot of confidence for the last game. Today is the beginning of the Euro for us.

"It was not easy, the conditions were difficult and Switzerland are a very strong team, playing at home. So was an important win."

Hakan Yakin, one of three players in the Swiss side with family roots in Turkey, had given Jakob Kuhn's side a first-half lead.

But the veteran playmaker also wasted two glorious chances to claim a second goal for his side, who were pegged back when substitute Semih Senturk headed in an equaliser just before the hour mark.

"It is hard to find the words to say how terribly disappointed we are," Hakan said. "The weather played a role, it was a bit of a lottery in the first half and in the end the luckier of the two sides won."

Swiss boss Jakob Kuhn described his squad's exit as "painful."

"The disappointment is huge of course but I can't criticise anyone. The team played as well as they could and they lost two matches in a rather unfortunate way. I'm not saying we were better but we had the chances to score a second goal."

Portugal's victory over the Czechs earlier in the evening had simplified matters for the Swiss, who kicked off knowing defeat would mean the end of their tournament.

Injury had taken its toll on both sides, with the co-hosts deprived of captain and leading goalscorer Alexander Frei and his usual strike partner, Marco Streller, with the result that Hakan was partnered in attack by the 19-year-old Eren Derdiyok.

Turkey were missing regular captain Emre Belozoglu and key defender Gokhan Zan for what was the first meeting between the two countries since their play-off for a place at the last World Cup ended in a mass brawl.

The pre-match suggestions that that was all water under the bridge was belied by the ferocity of the early exchanges but a torrential downpour drew the sting from the encounter.

It was the Swiss who adapted better to the water-logged surface, thanks largely to the marshalling of Gokhan Inler.

The midfielder was first to test Volkan Demirel's handling, with a skidding long-range effort, and it was his crossfield pass that gave Hakan the opportunity to force the Turkish goalkeeper into a smart save at his near post.

Volkan also did well to keep out Tranquillo Barnetta's free-kick before Arda struck the woodwork at the other end, although the Turkish midfielder knew little about it as Diego Benaglio's punched clearance from Nihat Kahveci's free-kick rebounded off his head and against the post.

With just over half an hour gone, the direct Swiss approach paid off. Philippe Senderos's punt landed in the Turkish box and with the sodden turf stopping the ball, Derdiyok was able to skip round the outrushing Volkan and square across the saturated goalmouth for Hakan to tap in at the back post.

Three minutes later, Hakan was guilty of the miss of the tournament after Valon Behrami's low cross from the right found him in an almost identical position. Astonishingly, the most technically gifted player on the pitch contrived to slice the ball wide from three yards out.

Such a flagrant miss was always like to prove costly and Turkey, who switched to a three-man forward line with the introduction of Semih at the break, capitalised on the let-off 11 minutes into the second half.

Nihat swung in a cross from the left and Semih rose unchallenged to head the ball past Benaglio from close range.

With seven minutes left, Hakan had another clear sight of goal but side-footed straight at Volkan and, with the hosts straining for the winner, it was Turkey who were to make their superior finishing count at the death.

[Rasputin]

کریستیانو رونالدو یک گل زد و یک گل ساخت تا پرتغال با شکست دادن جمهوری چک با نتیجه 3-1 راه صعود پرتغال به مرحله بعد هموار شده باشد.

جمهوری چک، بر خلاف مسابقه روز شنبه مقابل سویس، بازی را هدفدار آغاز کرد و سیونکو، سرعت و توانایی فنی خود را به رخ پرتغال کشید.

اما در دقیقه هشت پرتغال منافذ دفاع جمهوری چک را پیدا کرد.

پیتر چک، دروازه بان جمهوری چک، موفق شد پاس نفوذی ارسال شده برای رونالدو را از مقابل پای این بازیکن، با ضربه پا دفع کند.

اما توپ مقابل پای دکو که مقابل دروازه چک قرار داشت افتاد، و هرچند دروازه بان یک بار مانع گلزنی او شد، اما دفع ناقص مجدد به دکو امکان داد توپ را درون دروازه جمهوری چک قرار دهد.

استفاده از پنج بازیکن در خط میانی و یک بازیکن در خط حمله از سوی هر دو تیم این نگرانی را ایجاد کرده بود که گل اول، گل پایانی مسابقه نیز باشد.

اما نه دقیقه بعد، سماجت جمهوری چک به یک کرنر برای این تیم منتهی شد و سیونکو با شیرجه به سمت دروازه پرتغال، گل تساوی را به ثمر رساند.

اما در دقیقه 63 رونالدو با ضربه ای زمینی پزتغال را پیش انداخت و در دقیقه 91 با فرار از سد مدافعان جمهوری چک مقابل دروازه خالی جمهوری چک بهتریم موقعیت را برای گل زنی ریکاردو کارشما فراهم کرد.

به این ترتیب همانند دیگر بازی های انجام شده تا کنون در این تورنمنت، تیمی که گل اول را به ثمر رساند، پیروز از میدان خارج شد.

ترکیه در خون و گل پیروز شد

ترکیه با شکست دادن سویس انتقام شکست از این تیم در مرحله حذفی انتخابی جام جهانی 2006 را گرفت
گل دقیقه 92 ترکیه، سویس میزبان مشترک جام سیزدهم را از دور رقابتها حذف کرد.

بازی در شرایطی برگزار شد که پیروزی پرتغال بر جمهوری چک، بازنده این بازی را از دور رقابت ها حذف می کرد.

سویس در دقیقه 31 مسابقه و در شرایطی که تحت تاثیر باران بسیار شدید، احتمال توقف و برگزاری مجدد بازی از سوی ناظر مسابقه مطرح شده بود، ارن دردیوک با نفوذ از سمت راست دروازه ترکیه و عبور از دروازه بان ترکیه که برای دفع توپ به حاشیه محوطه جریمه آمده بود، توپ را به موازات خط عرضی به منطقه شش قدم تیم ترکیه فرستاد که هاکان یاکین، بازیکن ترک تبار سویس، بدون مواجه شدن با مانعی از سوی تیم ترکیه، توپ را درون دروازه این تیم قرار داد.

این بازیکن دقایقی بعد، موقعیتی مناسب برای دوبرابر کردن اختلاف را در همان نقطه از دست داد و مقابل دروازه ترکیه، توپ را به خارج از چارچوب فرستاد.

در نیمه دوم و پس از توقف باران، حمله ای از سمت راست دروازه سویس و ارسال توپی بلند برای سمیه سنتورک، که در میان مدافعان حریف در محوطه جریمه سویس به سمت دروازه این تیم و توپ می دوید، به این مهاجم 25 ساله باشگاه فنرباغچه امکان داد تا با ضربه سر بازی را به تساوی بکشد.

ترکیه که جام جهانی 2006 آلمان را بخاطر شکست در بازی رفت و برگشت مقابل سویس و بخاطر گل خورده از حریف در خانه از دست داده بود، در ادامه نیمه دوم و در روی چمن کاملا خیس سنت یاکوب پارک، روند بازی را در اختیار گرفت و با حملات پیاپی از جناح راست سویس را تحت فشار قرار داد.

در این بین هاکان آلتا و امره عاشیک، دو نفر از بازیکنان ترکیه و باشگاه گالاتاسرای در اثر جراحاتی که در برخوردها متحمل شده بودند، با صورتی خون آلود زمین را برای درمان ترک کردند و بازگشتند.

با رسیدن بازی به دقایق نهایی، تنش به شدت افزایش یافت، به ویژه از آن روی که نتیجه تساوی بخت هر دو تیم برای صعود را به شدت کاهش می داد.

سویس در دقیقه 84 مسابقه در ضد حمله ای چهار به یک، بهترین موقعیت برای زدن گل دوم خود را داشت اما در نهایت دروازه بان ترکیه ضربان یوهان ونلانتن و هاکان یاکین را دفع کرد تا خطر از سر ترکیه بگذرد.

اما در وقت تلف شده مسابقه، ترکیه لحظاتی پس از دفع حمله ای جدی از سوی سویس توپ را به میانه زمین و سپس به آردا توران، هافبک تهاجمی 21 ساله باشگاه گالاتاسرای در سمت چپ زمین رساند.

توران در امتداد خط طولی و در حالی که سه مدافع او را تحت نظر داشتند به سمت دروازه سویس پیش رفت. اما به محض رسیدن به نزدیکی محوطه جریمه، جهت حرکت خود را به موازات خط عرضی تغییر داد.

این بازیکن به محض آنکه اندکی از مدافعان در حال تعقیب سویس پیش افتاد، توپ را روانه دروازه سویس کرد که توپ پس از برخورد به یکی از مدافعان، کمانه کرد و از بالای سر دروازه بان سویس وارد دروازه این تیم شد.

به این ترتیب در پایان روز پنجم مسابقات، ترتیب تیمها در گروه A (پس از دو بازی) به ترتیب زیر تغییر کرد:

1. پرتغال، تفاضل گل 4+، 6 امتیاز
2. جمهوری چک، تفاضل گل 1-، 3 امتیاز
3. ترکیه، تفاضل گل 1-، 3 امتیاز
4. سویس، تفاضل گل 2-، 0 امتیاز

برنده دیدار جمهوری چک و پرتغال، تیم دوم صعود کننده از گروه A خواهد بود.

[Rasputin]

Croatia snubbed Eruo 2008 favorites Germany 2-1 at a Group B clash here on Thursday, becoming the first to elevate into the top eight within the group.

Croatian midfielder Darijo Srna and striker Ivica Olic scored during the first and second half respectively while Germany's Lukas Podolski saved Germany's face by shooting one goal during the second half.

In a sold-out Woerthersee Stadium of Klagenfurt, Germany coach Joachim Loew sent the same starting lineup as they did four days ago against Poland, with Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez as strikers and Lukas Podolski, hero of Germany's last match, as the left winger.

As both teams have won their opening games, Germany and Croatia were battling for an early elevation from Group B, and the fight was fierce from the very beginning and both sides created many chances.

However, it is Croatia who turned the chances into reality as midfielder Darijo Srna, who repeatedly penetrated Germany's defense line, made a abrupt shot and scored in the 23rd minute after he got a long pass from left side.

Croatians got another precious chance to widen the gap with Germany in the 42nd minute as Kranjcar made a powerful shot in a close distance to Lehmann, who made a superb save by denying the shot.

Germany, widely regarded as favorites to Euro 2008 title, also created many scoring chances during the first half.

In the tenth minute, Podolski's shot was blocked by opponents' defender.

Gomez, who repeatedly fell in the offside trap set by Croatian defense line, made a header a little bit higher than the cross-barin the 25th minute.

In the 32nd minute, Ballack's powerful free kick was blocked by Croatia goalkeeper, who made several saves in the coming minute as Germany created chaos in front of Croatia's goal.

In the 39th minute, German defender Metzelder's header was narrowly above the crossing bar with a corner from Frings.

During the second half, Loew sent Real Betis striker Odonkor, Schalke 04 striker Kevin Kyranyi and Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to the pitch to sharpen Germany's offensive edge.

Germany repeatedly attacked Croatia's defense line in the beginning of second half, yet without any good scoring chances.

Balance leveled to Croatia again in their counterattack in the 62nd minute.

Croatia's right winged cross is deflected onto the near post by Lehmann and bounces right in front of Ivica Olic who have no problems scoring Croatia's second, a decisive one for Croatia's celebration.

Germany continued their attack waves and they were rewarded in the 79th minute.

Podolski got the ball right in front of his feet in the Croatian area and used all his force to strike past Pletikosa for 2-1.

German fans' enthusiasm was flamed up but dampened during the injury time when Schweinsteiger pushed down Croatian midfielder Jerko Leko and got a direct red card.

A 2-1 win is enough for dark horse Croatia to reach the quarterfinal of Euro 2008, while Germany has to wait till next encounter with co-hosts Austria in Vienna on June 16.

German coach Loew attributed the loss to poor forms and lack of cooperation between midfielders and strikers.

"We were far from performance we did against Poland," said Loew after the match.

"In the 2nd half, we had no pressure. Between midfield and front there was no compact storm, which has made the defense difficult," he added.

"We have moved too little. We may have thought we had achieved something," said German captain Ballack.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic was excited after the match, saying he was satisfied with his team's performance.

"We had the space closely and delivered the wings. This have made the Germans very difficult. I am satisfied with all players, otherwise you can not win a team like Germany," he said.

[Rasputin]

Co-hosts Austria were given a Euro 2008 lifeline when Ivica Vastic scored a stoppage-time penalty against Poland.

English referee Howard Webb ruled that Mariusz Lewandowski hauled down Sebastian Proedl and substitute Vastic slammed the penalty past Artur Boruc.

Boruc had earlier made a string of stunning saves to deny Poland, with Martin Harnik wasting two fine chances.

Poland's goal came when Roger Guerreiro converted a first-half cross from an offside position three yards out.

It was a dramatic end in Vienna and both sides' chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals remain slim, though Vastic's goal does send Croatia through to the last eight.

Austria probably deserved a point for their dominance in the first half an hour, but until Webb pointed to the spot two minutes into injury time it looked as though their chance had gone.

In truth, the game should have already been dead and buried in the Austrians' favour.

The home side made a sensational start to the game and they could - and should - have been 3-0 up with only 15 minutes on the clock.

First Harnik took advantage of Mariusz Jop's hesitancy to surge through on goal only to see Boruc deflect his shot inches wide of the target.

Moments later, Unit Korkmaz used his explosive pace to waltz past two men down the left and cross for Harnik, eight yards out, to shoot straight at Boruc.

When Poland's flimsy offside trap was breached once more for Christoph Leitgeb to run in unchallenged on goal it seemed as though Austria had to score, but again the heroic Boruc spread himself and the shot cannoned into his midriff.


Roger's first-half goal was not enough to earn Poland victory

Having been so profligate, Austria were punished in devastating fashion by the Poles on the half-hour mark.

Ebi Smolarek crossed to the far side of the penalty box from the left wing, Marek Saganowski turned inside Emanuel Pogatetz and his cross-shot was poked home by Roger from close range.

It was doubly harsh on the Austrians because Roger was clearly standing in an offside position when the ball left Southampton striker Saganowski's foot.

Poland took Jop off at half-time and within seconds of the restart his replacement Pawel Golanski was a little lucky not to concede a penalty, as the defender's hands were all over Andreas Ivanschitz with the Austrian captain moving in on goal.

But the Poles had largely sorted out their defensive problems from the first half and were enjoying more possession, with the skilful Roger central to their attacking ambitions.

He floated over a cross from the right that Jacek Bak chested down and fired in, Jurgen Macho making an impressive save with his right leg to keep Austria in it.

Macho produced more heroics when he arched his back to tip over Jacek Krzynowek's sizzling 35-yard left-foot free-kick but the co-hosts, weary and still reeling from Roger's sucker-punch, were hanging on.

But with the clock running down and Austria's chances hanging by a thread, Webb stunned the Poles by pointing to the spot and 38-year-old Vastic rifled in to become the oldest scorer in European Championship history.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Austria: Macho, Garics, Prodl, Stranzl, Pogatetz, Leitgeb, Aufhauser (Saumel 74), Ivanschitz (Vastic 64), Korkmaz, Harnik, Linz (Kienast 64).
Subs Not Used: Manninger, Ozcan, Standfest, Fuchs, Gercaliu, Katzer, Patocka, Hiden, Hoffer.

Booked: Korkmaz, Prodl.

Goals: Vastic 90 pen.

Poland: Boruc, Wasilewski, Jop (Golanski 46), Bak, Zewlakow, Dudka, Lewandowski, Krzynowek, Roger (Murawski 85), Saganowski (Lobodzinski 83), Smolarek.
Subs Not Used: Kowalewski, Fabianski, Wawrzyniak, Gargula, Pazdan, Zahorski, Kokoszka.

Booked: Wasilewski, Krzynowek, Bak.

Goals: Roger 30.

Att: 51,428.

Ref: Howard Webb (England).

[Rasputin]

کرواسی با یک پیروزی چشمگیر مقابل امید اصلی جام ملت های اروپا، آلمان، به مرحله یک جهارم نهایی رسیده است.

آلمان نمایش تحسین برانگیز خود در بازی اول مقابل لهستان را نتوانست در این دیدار تکرار کند.

داریو سرنا در دقیقه 24 پاس دانیل پرانیجیچ را با عبور از مارسل یانسن به گل تبدیل کرد.

کرواسی در دقیقه 63 گل دوم را زد و آن زمانی بود که ضربه ایوان راکیتیچ پس از کمانه کردن از بدن لوکاس پودولسکی و برخورد به تیرک دروازه جهش کرد تا اویکا اولیچ آن را به ثمر برساند.

پودولسکی با ضربه ای دیرهنگام یکی از گل ها را جبران کرد.

کرواسی امسال تیم بهتری از لهستان ارائه کرده است اما اختلاف آلمان در دو بازی اول و دوم چشمگیر بود.

واکیم لو مربی آلمان گفت: "ما آنچه را در سر داشتیم اجرا نکردیم. این یک عملکرد ضعیف تیمی بود. البته که مایوس هستیم. این همان تیمی نبود که مقابل لهستان ظاهر شد."

وی گفت که آلمان مستحق این باخت بوده است.

تیم آلمان در همه سطوح مایوس کننده بود و حتی میشل بالاک کاپیتان تیم نیز تنها شبحی از بازیکن همیشگی بود. خط تهاجمی معروف تیم هم نتوانست فرصت های زیادی خلق کند.

تاریخ: پنجشنبه 12 ژوئن، 23 خرداد
زمان: ساعت 18:45 به وقت گرینویچ
(23:15 به وقت تهران)
مکان: وین، اتریش


معرفی تیم اتریش


معرفی تیم لهستان


واستیک بازی را برای اتریشی ها مساوی کرد

شانس اتریش از میزبانان جام ملت های اروپای 2008 با ضربه پنالتی ایویچ واستیک در وقت تلف شده نیمه دوم مقابل لهستان، برای ماندن در رقابت ها افزایش یافت.

هاوارد وب داور انگلیسی ضربه پنالتی را پس از به زیر کشیده شدن سباستین پرودل توسط ماریوسوز لوواندووسکی اعلام کرد.

بروش پیشتر با یک رشته شیرجه های جانانه مانع از گلزنی لهستان شده بود و مارتین کارنیک دو شانس خوب را از دست داد.

گل لهستان را راجر گوریرو در نیمه اول به ثمر رساند.

این یک پایان دراماتیک در وین بود و شانس صعود دو طرف به یک چهارم نهایی همچنان کم است، هر چند گل واستیک کرواسی را به مرحله بعد فرستاد.

[Rasputin]

Netherlands reached the last eight of Euro 2008 and topped Group C with a superb win against France, who are now fighting to survive in the tournament.

Dirk Kuyt headed the Dutch in front after only 10 minutes.

Substitute Robin van Persie turned in Arjen Robben's cross on the hour, before Thierry Henry pulled one back from close range with 19 minutes left.

Robben's angled finish seconds later sunk France and Wesley Sneijder added a fourth from 20 yards in injury time.

The Dutch delivered another masterclass in ruthless finishing and the victory was a tactical triumph for coach Marco van Basten, who saw substitutes Van Persie and Robben emerge to play crucial roles in the win.

France, like Italy before them, had opportunities against the Dutch but were exposed by the brilliant counter-attacking style that has become the trademark of Van Basten's side.

Italy's earlier draw with Romania leaves them both battling with France to reach the quarter-finals.

And the so-called "group of death" will climax with a mouth-watering repeat of the 2006 World Cup final when France and Italy meet in Zurich on Tuesday, with survival in the tournament the potential prize.

The first goal was always going to prove crucial in Berne - and it was the Dutch who struck after only 10 minutes.

Rafael van der Vaart's corner evaded Henry at the near post and Kuyt out-muscled Florent Malouda to head past Gregory Coupet.

And Kuyt could have added a second shortly afterwards when Lilian Thuram made a mess of Giovanni van Bronckhorst's long ball, but the Liverpool striker lofted his finish off target.

France took their time to settle, but once they did they posed a genuine threat, with Sydney Govou twice shooting straight at Edwin van der Sar and Franck Ribery also forcing a save from the Manchester United keeper.

Dutch coach Van Basten made a change at half-time, replacing the ineffective Orlando Engelaar with Robben.

But it was France who picked up where they left off, with Henry's cross almost setting up Ribery a minute after the re-start.

France then had penalty appeals waved away when Henry's goal-bound shot struck Andre Ooijer's arm, but German referee Herbert Fandel ignored the claims.


Ruud van Nistelrooy is surprised by the Dutch side's form
Henry was then involved in the game's pivotal moment after 53 minutes when he was sent clear by Chelsea winger Malouda's over-head kick. Henry at his peak would surely have finished off the move, but only lobbed well over the bar with Van der Sar stranded.

The Netherlands took advantage of the reprieve to add a second with the sort of lightning counter-attack that destroyed Italy in their first group game.

Robben raced down the left flank and crossed for the incoming Van Persie - who was on for Kuyt - to sweep a finish past Coupet, despite the France keeper getting a hand to the ball.

France were thrown a lifeline with 19 minutes left when Henry beat Van der Sar with the faintest of touches from Willy Sagnol's superb cross - but hope was short-lived.

The Dutch swept downfield immediately and Robben, who had delivered a magnificent cameo, took Sneijder's pass and rifled a finish high past Coupet from a tight angle.

Sneijder then almost created a fourth for Ruud van Nistelrooy with a stunning raking pass that the striker met with a looping header that forced Coupet into a scrambled save.

But Sneijder was not to be denied and rounded off the win with a flourish with a glorious 20-yard finish that flew high past Coupet deep into injury time.



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Holland: Van der Sar, Boulahrouz, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Engelaar (Robben 46), Kuyt (Van Persie 55), Van der Vaart (Bouma 7, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy.
Subs Not Used: Timmer, Stekelenburg, Heitinga, De Zeeuw, Melchiot, De Cler, Huntelaar, Afellay, Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Booked: Ooijer.

Goals: Kuyt 10, Van Persie 59, Robben 72, Sneijder 90.

France: Coupet, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Evra, Govou (Anelka 75), Toulalan, Makelele, Malouda (Gomis 60), Ribery, Henry.
Subs Not Used: Mandanda, Frey, Boumsong, Abidal, Vieira, Benzema, Nasri, Clerc, Squillaci, Diarra.

Booked: Makelele, Toulalan.

Goals: Henry 71.

Att: 32,000

Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).

[Rasputin]

Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon's late penalty save from Adrian Mutu kept his side in Euro 2008 after a draw with Group C rivals Romania.

Italy were denied the lead when Luca Toni was wrongly ruled offside before Mutu lifted in a shot after a poor backheader to put Romania ahead.

The lead lasted barely a minute with Christian Panucci touching in Giorgio Chiellini's header across goal.

Buffon's heroics then saved Italy ahead of a final group game against France.

The tall stopper dived to his left to get a hand to Mutu's spot-kick which was then cleared after coming off his boot.

Buffon's passionate celebration epitomised Italy's relief and they will now have to beat France on Tuesday to stand a chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

Romania are also in with a strong shout of a last eight spot but will be left ruing Mutu's miss, which was in keeping with a dramatic and action-packed game.

606: DEBATE
Who will qualify from Group C?

Italy knew a defeat would send them crashing out and, after seeing Romania stifle and squeeze France to a goalless draw, they drafted in the creative Alessandro del Piero to help unlock their stubborn opponents.

Del Piero came close to justifying his selection when his header was deflected wide at the near post as Italy exerted some early pressure.

But the resilient Romanians fended off their rivals and responded by going close three times as they showed signs of releasing the shackles from their play against the French.

Mutu was put through one-on-one with Buffon and saw his angled drive well-saved.

Buffon was quickly back in action to palm away a sweetly-struck 30-yard shot from Gabriel Tamas before Italy breathed a collective sigh of relief when defender Panucci flicked a Christian Chivu free-kick against the post.

Romania had to replace Mirel Radoi after a clash of heads with Razvan Rat as the Azzurri regained the initiative but were denied the lead through a mixture of poor finishing and desperate Romanian defending.


Mutu reflects on his penalty miss against Italy

Toni and Del Piero were each off target with headers before a last-ditch Paul Codrea lunge diverted a Simone Perrotta close-range effort wide.

Romania keeper Bogdan Lobont dived at full length to keep out two Toni headers in quick succession during a flurry of goalmouth action.

Toni finally nodded the ball home from Gianluca Zambrotta's cross just before the interval only to be marginally ruled offside as fans caught their breath after an exciting first half.

The match continued in the same vein after the break and an explosive minute of action saw both teams score.

Mutu pounced on Zambrotta's poor backheader to put Romania ahead only for Panucci to level when he touched in Chiellini's header.

There was little sign of a let up in the game as Italy pressed for a winner with the inspired Lobont saving a Daniel De Rossi header to keep his side level.

The late drama came when the referee awarded Romania a penalty when Panucci dragged down Daniel Niculae only for Buffon to rescue his side.

Italy now play France on 17 June, while Romania simultaneously face the Netherlands.



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Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, Camoranesi (Ambrosini 85), Pirlo, De Rossi, Del Piero (Quagliarella 77), Perrotta (Cassano 5, Toni.
Subs Not Used: Amelia, De Sanctis, Gamberini, Barzagli, Gattuso, Di Natale, Borriello, Aquilani, Materazzi.

Booked: Pirlo, De Rossi.

Goals: Panucci 56.

Romania: Lobont, Contra, Tamas, Goian, Rat, Radoi (Dica 25), Petre (Nicolita 59), Codrea, Chivu, Mutu (Cocis 8, Daniel Niculae.
Subs Not Used: Popa, Stancioiu, Marica, Sapunaru, Ghionea, Moti, Marius Niculae, Cristea, Radu.

Booked: Mutu, Chivu, Goian.

Goals: Mutu 55.

Att: 30,000

Ref: Tom Ovrebo (Norway).