Spain ecstatic at Euro 2008 win

[Rasputin]

پكيج SRG كشور سوئيس :

قطعا دوستان با اين پكيج اشنا هستند. اين كانال ها روي ماهواره هاتبرد قرار دارند. اين پكيج تا چندي پيش كه از سيستم وي اكسس 2.3 استفاده مي كرد به راحتي قابل بازگشايي بود. اما چند وقت پيش براي فرار از دست هكر ها سيستم كد گذاري خودش رو به وي اكسس 2.6 ارتقا داد. اين پكيج هم اكنون با سيستم جي باكس قابل مشاهده مي باشد. تا چند وقت قبل خيلي ها اميد داشتن تا اين مسابقات هم مانند مسابقات جام جهاني 2006 با كيفيت فوق العاد ( تصوير 16 * 9 ) از اين شبكه تماشا كنند.


شبكه ATV و پكيج Digi TV تركيه :

شبكه ATV به صورت FTA (آزاد) روي ماهواره تركست قرار دارد. البته اين شبكه روي پكيج Digi TV در ماهواره يوتلست W3 قرار دارد كه با سيستم Cryptoworks و Irdeto 2 كد گذاري شده. گفته اين شبكه امتياز پخش بازي ها به صورت FTA رو روي ماهواره Turksat خريداري كرده . پس احتمالا اين مسابقات به صورت FTA از اين كانال پخش خواهد شد . ولي اگر اين كانال روي اروپا بيم داشته باشه احتمالا مجبور هستند از سيستم كدينگ بيس استفاده كنند . در ضمن گفته شده شبكه TRT 3 تركيه نيز اين مسابقات تيم ملي تركيه رو به صورت مستفيم پخش خواهد كرد


شبكه هايي كه روي ايران بيم ندارند

پكيج ORF كشور سوئيس :


اين پكيج متعلق به كشور سوئيس يكي از ميزبانان مسابقات مي باشد . اين پكيج روي ماهواره آسترا در 19 درجه غربي قرار دارد . اين ماهواره روي ايران بيم ندارد . فقط براي عزيزاني كه درخارج كشور ساكن هستند مناسب مي باشد. طبق اخبار استاد عزيز جناب ژنرال (سعيد) اين پكيج اين رقابت ها رو با سيسم HD پخش خواهد كرد . كانال ORF 1 HD مسئول پخش رقابت هاي Euro2008 مي باشد كه با سيستم CryptoWorks كدگذاري شده است.

پكيج ONT بلاروس :


اين پكيج مسابقات Euro2008 روي براي كشور بلاروس پخش خواهد كرد . اطلاعات زيادي از اين پكيج منتشر نشده . فكر ميكنم اين پكيج فقط از طريق كابل قابل مشاهده باشه . اگر اطلاعات ديگري در رابطه با اين پكيج بدست آوردم حتما در اختيار شما عزيزان قرار خواهد گرفت.


پكيج ORF كشور سوئيس :



پكيج ONT بلاروس :


اين پكيج مسابقات Euro2008 روي براي كشور بلاروس پخش خواهد كرد . اطلاعات زيادي از اين پكيج منتشر نشده . فكر ميكنم اين پكيج فقط از طريق كابل قابل مشاهده باشه . اگر اطلاعات ديگري در رابطه با اين پكيج بدست آوردم حتما در اختيار شما عزيزان قرار خواهد گرفت.


پكيج TV Vlaanderen Digital كشور بلژيك :


همانطور كه مي بينيد اسم اين كانال در ليست اعلامي سايت خود مسابقات در تاريخ 18 فوريه قرار ندارد . اما در اكثر سايت هاي معتبر از خريد امتياز پخش زنده اين رقابت ها توسط اين پكيج صحبت شده . كانال VT 4 اين پكيج اين مسابقات را براي مردم بلژيك پخش خواهد كرد . اين پكيج روي ماهواره استرا در 19 درجه غربي قرار دارد كه متاسفانه اين ماهوراه روي ايران بيم ندارد . البته براي دوستاني كه خارج كشور هستند مناسب خواهد بود . اين پكيج با سيستم قوي Mediaguard2 كد گذاري شده و اين مسابقات هم با گزارش هلندي پخش خواهد كرد.

پكيج Dimea كشور بلغارستان :


اين پكيج كه يك پكيج كابلي مي باشد تمام مسابقات رو براي كشور بلغارستان پخش خواهد كرد . قطعا كيفيت پخش اين رقابت ها هم بسيار عالي خواهد بود . به هر حال مردم بلغارستان هم از ديدن اين مسابقات محروم نخواهند ماند.

پكيج Prima كشور جمهوري چك :


اين پكيج نيز مسابقات معتبر Euro2008 رو براي دوستداران فوتبال در جمهوري چك پخش خواهد كرد. متاسفانه اين پكيج نيز روي ماهواره استرا مي باشد. كه روي ايران بيم ندارد. اما قطعا اين مسابقات با كيفيت فوق العاده بالا از شبكه هاي ورزشي اين پكيج پخش خواهد شد .

پكيج كانال ديجتال و شبكه TV 2 دانمارك :


پكيج كانال ديجتال و شبكه TV 2 اين رقابت ها رو براي مردم دانمارك پخش خواهد كرد . اين پكيج روي ماهواره Thor 3 , 5 واقع شده . كه متاسفانه اين دو ماهواره Thor روي ايران بيم ندارند. البته اين پكيج با سيستم Conax كدگذاي شده . و اين مسابقات رو با گزارش دانماركي پخش خواهد كرد.

پكيج ETV كشور استوني :


واقعا از همچين كشور كوچكي خريدن امتياز اين مسابقات خيلي جالبه. اين كانال كه متعلق به پكيج Viasat هست. اين پكيج روي ماهواره Sirius 4 قرار دارد. اما روي بيم اسكانديناوي اون هست كه متاسفانه در ايران بيم نداره. البته اين پكيج با سيستم قدرتمند ويدئوگارد كدگذاري شده .

شبكه MTV 3 كشور فنلاند :


اين شبكه نيز جزو پكيج Canal Digital مي باشد . اين شبكه نيز روي ماهواره Thor هست كه متاسفانه اون بيمي كه اين شبكه روي آن قرار دارد روي ايران اصلا پوشش نداره و قابل دريافت نيست . پس با اين حساب اين پكيج نيز قابل استفاده براي دوستان عزيز در داخل كشور نمي باشد .

[Rasputin]

پكيج MTV مجارستان و كانال Sport 1 اين كشور :


اين پكيج ( MTV ) روي 4 ماهوراه( Hellas Sat 2 ( Dolce و ( Astra 1KR ( UPC Direct و ( Eurobird 9 ( Hello HD و ( Intelsat 10-02 ( Digi TV قرار دارد . كه فقط از طريق ماهواره Eurobird 9 در ايران قابل در يافت مي باشد. اين پكيج روي ماهواره Eurobird 9 با سيستم Conax كد گذاري شده . و فقط از طريق جي باكس و شيرينگ قابل بازگشايي مي باشد . شبكه Sport 1 نيز روي دو ماهوراه اينتل ست 10 و استرا قرار دارد كه متاسفانه روي ايران بيم ندارد.

پكيج RTE كشور ايرلند شمالي :


اين كانال ها روي پكيج بزرگ اسكاي ديجيتال قرار دارند و با بهترين نحو ممكن بازي ها رو براي مردم اين كشور پخش خواهند كرد.ولي متاسفانه اين پكيج روي ايران بيم ندارد.

شبكه LTV 7 كشور لاتواني :


اين شبكه روي ماهواره سيروس 4 و عضو پكيج بزرگ Viasat مي باشد. متاسفانه اين شبكه روي ايران بيم ندارد. پس يكي از شبكه هاي خوب ديگر نيز از دست رفت. در ضمن اين شبكه باسيستم قوي ويااكسس 2.6 و مدياگارد كد گذاري شده است.

پكيج NOS كشور هلند :


اين پكيج به اين مسابقات رو براي مردم هلند پخش خواهد كرد. پكيج NOS فقط از طريق كابل قابل دريافت هست و روي ماهواره قرار ندارد. مطمئنا مردم كشور هلند از پخش با كيفيت اين مسابقات لذت خواهند برد.

شبكه TV 2 كشور نروژ :


اين شبكه روي دو ماهواره سيروس 4 ( پكيج وياست ) و Thor 3 ( پكيج كانال ديجيتال ) قرار دارد . پس با توجه به توضيحات قبلياين شبكه در ايران قابل دريافت نخواهد بود. در ضمن سيستم كدگذاري اين كانال مدياگارد وConax مي باشد .

پكيج TV I و كانال Sport TV كشور پرتغال :


شبكه Sport TV پرتغال روي ماهواره هيپاست( پكيج TV Cabo ) قرار دارد . اين ماهواره روي ايران بيم ندارد . البته اين شبكه با سيستم قوي Nagravision 3 كدگذاري شده كه فكر ميكنم حتي با جي باكس هم قابل مشاهده نباشد . در ضمن گفته اين پكيج در حال تست سيستم HD روي يك ماهواره جديد هست و احتمالا اين مسابقات با كيفيت HD پخش خواهد شد.

پكيج TVR كشور روماني :


اين پكيج روي 6 ماهواره قرار دارد. اما شبكه هاي اون روي ماهواره هاي مختلف با هم تفاوت دارند. چون معلوم نيست اين مسابقات از كدام كانال اين پكيج پخش خواهد شد ما نمي تونيم نظري بديم . احتمالا اين مسابقات از شبكه Tele Sport اين كشور پخش خواهد شد . اين شبكه روي اما اين پكيج روي 5 ماهواره قرار دارد.


1- ماهواره : Helas sat 2 ( پكيج Dolce ). اين ماهواره روي ايران بيم ندارد و قابل دريافت نمي باشد .


2- ماهواره : Sirius 4 ( پكيج MAX TV ) . اين ماهواره به تازگي روي ايران قابل دريافت شده . البته اين شبكه روي ماهواره سيروس 4 با سيستم Conax كد شده . فكر ميكنم تنها از طريق جي باكس مي توان اين كانال رو مشاهده كرد.


3- ماهواره Thor 3 : اين ماهواره روي ايران بيم ندارد . اما جهت اطلاع اين شبكه در اين جهت نيز با سيستم Conax كد شده


4- ماهواره اينتل ست 10 : متاسفانه اين ماهواره هم روي ايران بيم ندارد . اين شبكه روي پكيج Digi TV قرار دارد. ولي اين پكيج نيز با استفاده از آخرين پچ و كد هاي روزانه قابل بازگشايي مي باشد ولي افسوس كه اين شبكه روي ايران بيم ندارد.


5- ماهواره آموس 2 :اين ماهواره نيز روي ايران بيم ندارد. شبكه TeleSport در اين ماهواره جزو پكيج Boom TV مي باشد.


دوستان دقت كنند هنوز معلوم نيست كه شبكه TeleSport اين بازي ها رو پخش خواهد كرد يا خير ؟ و در ضمن مشخص نيست ايا اين پكيج از هر 5 ماهواره اين مسابقات رو پخش خواهد كرد يا خير . ولي احتمالا فقط از پيكج MAX ماهواه سيروس پخش خواهد شد.

پيكج NTV كشور روسيه :


اين پيكج معروف نيز مسابقات يورو 2008 رو براي مردم روسيه پوشش خواهد داد. اين پكيج روي 3 ماهواره ي وتلست W4 و Bonum 1 و اكسپرس ام 3 قرار دارد . متاسفانه اين شبكه روي ايران بيم نداره ( به جز قسمت كوچكي از شمال كشور ) . اين شبكه با سيستم Viaccess 2.6 كد گذاري شده .

دو كانال RTS 1 و RTS 2 كشور لهستان :


اين دو كانال روي ماهواره يوتلست W2 قرار دارند . متاسفانه اين ماهواره روي ايران بيم نداره ( به جز قسمت كوچكي در شمال غربي ايران ) . اين شبكه هاي مسابقات Euro 2008 رو با گزارش صربستاني پخش خواهند كرد . در ضمن اين كانال ها با سيستم قوي ويدئو گارد كد گذاري شده.

شبكه TV 3 كشور اسلوني :


اين شبكه جزو پكيج Total TV در ماهواره يوتلست W2 مي باشد . متاسفانه همانگونه كه در پست هاي قبلي هم اعلام شد اين ماهواره روي ايران بيم ندارد ( به جز قسمت كوچكي در شمال غرب ايران ). اين كانال با سيستم ويديو گارد كد شده .

شبكه Cuarto و Canal + Spin كشور اسپانيا :


اين دو كانال جزو پكيج بزرگ Digital + در ماهواره استرا و هيپاست قرار دارد. متاسفانه اين ماهواره ها روي ايران بيم ندارد . اين پكيج نيز با سيستم ناگرا ويژن 3 كد گذاري شده است.

شبكه TV 4 Sport كشور سوئد :


اين شبكه روي دو پكيج Viasat ( ماهوراه سيروس 4 ) و Canal Digital ( ماهوراه Thor 5 ) قرار دارد . متاسفانه اين شبكه روي ايران بيم ندارد . اين شبكه با سيستم Conax كد گذاري شده .

پكيج ITV و BBC كشور انگلستان :

اين دو عضو خانواده بزرگ پكيج Sky ديجيتال كشور انگلستان مي باشند . مطمئنا دوستان كم و بيش درباره اين پكيج بزرگ اطلاعاتي دارند . اين پكيج روي ماهواره استارا قرار دارد و در ايران قابل دريافت نمي باشد . البته جديدا اعلام شده كه دو پكيج ITV و BBC با هم ادغام شدند و پكيج Freesat رو تشكيل دادند. اما متاسفانه اين پكيج هم روي ايران بيم ندارد.

شبكه سانتانا اسپرت كشور استراليا :


اين شبكه يكي از معروفترين شبكه هاي پخش رقابت هاي ورزشي مي باشد. اين شبكه روي ماهواره (Optus C1 (Foxtel قرار دارد كه متاسفانه روي ايران بيم ندارند .

پكيج هاي TV Record /Record News/ Sportv كشور برزيل :


مردم برزيل هم از ديدن اين مسابقات محروم نماندند . متاسفانه اكثر اين شبكه ها روي ماهواره قرار ندارند . شبكه هايي هم كه روي ماهواره قرار دارند روي كشور ما بيم ندارند.
شبكه هاي ديگري نيز براي پخش اين رقابت ها اعلام امادگي كردند. اين شبكه متعلق به غرب (امريكا و امريكاي جنوبي) و شرق آسيا (چين و مالزي و ...) هستند. كه به دليل فاصله زياد كشور ما با اين كشور ها اين شبكه ها روي ايران قابل دريافت نيستند. پس به طبع زياد توضيحي درباره اين شبكه ها داده نميشه و فقط نام پكيج و شبكه ذكر خواهد شد.
چين : پكيج CCTV

شيلي : دو كانال Canal 13/ ESPN

هنگ كنگ : دو كانال now TV of PCCW

قسمت اسيا مركزي : - ESPN Star Sports

اندوزني : RCTI, Global TV, TPI, and Indovision

ژاپن : TBS / WOWOW

امريكاي لاتين : ESPN Latin America

مالزي : TV3, Astro

مكزيك : Televisa /TV Azteca/ ESPN

پرو : ATV / ESPN

نيو زيلند : TVNZ

سنگاپور : Starhub

افريقاي جنوبي : Supersport

تايلند : RS Sports / BBTV Channel 7 and Modern Nine TV

امريكا : ESPN

ونزوئلا : Meridiano/ ESPN

ويتنام : VTV

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با سلام

طبق اخرين اخبار شبكه سه سيما ( IRIB TV 3 ) نيز موفق شد امتياز بازي ها رو خريداري كنه . پس دوستان مي توانند اين مسابقات رو از اين شبكه نيز دنبال كنند . شبكه 3 سيما از طزيق زميني و ماهواره قابل دريافت مي باشد . IRIB TV 3 روي ماهواره اينتلست 902 روي فركانس 11555 . V . با سمل ريت 27500 قرار دارد . احتمالا اين شبكه در موقع پخش فوتبال با سيستم بيس كد خواهد شد كه كد اين شبكه پابليك شده و به راحتي قابل دريافت مي باشد.

منبع : forum.it3at.org



اين پكيج متعلق به كشور سوئيس يكي از ميزبانان مسابقات مي باشد . اين پكيج روي ماهواره آسترا در 19 درجه غربي قرار دارد . اين ماهواره روي ايران بيم ندارد . فقط براي عزيزاني كه درخارج كشور ساكن هستند مناسب مي باشد. طبق اخبار استاد عزيز جناب ژنرال (سعيد) اين پكيج اين رقابت ها رو با سيسم HD پخش خواهد كرد . كانال ORF 1 HD مسئول پخش رقابت هاي Euro2008 مي باشد كه با سيستم CryptoWorks كدگذاري شده است.

[Rasputin]

Substitute Vaclav Sverkos gave the Czech Republic a winning start to Euro 2008 with a second-half strike that broke Switzerland's resistance.

Alexander Frei was twice denied by Petr Cech before the Swiss captain was forced off injured and Hakan Yakin headed a chance wide after the break.

On 70 minutes Sverkos slotted in a low volley from 12 yards after latching on to a ball over the top of the defence.

The Swiss were denied an equaliser when Johan Vonlanthen's volley hit the bar.

And it might prove that the width of the woodwork could be the end of the Swiss, with tough matches against Portugal and Turkey to come in Group A.

Realistically, the tournament's co-hosts needed to get something out of their opening game and they started as though they were absolutely determined to.

After three minutes, the Czechs gave the ball away cheaply in midfield but Frei dragged his shot wide and failed to capitalise.

That should have been a wake-up call to the Czechs but they appeared in no rush to raise their tempo.

As a result, Switzerland - unfancied in the group - grew in confidence and stroked the ball around but with little cutting edge.

A weak effort from Gokhan Inler was indicative of their toothless attacks until that point.

Frei, though, looked the liveliest player on the pitch and, despite having no help from his struggling strike partner Marco Streller, he began to cause some problems.

It took a decent stop from Cech to deny him the opening goal of Euro 2008 after he had latched on to a long clearance from his own keeper.

Frei followed that up with a 30-yard shot that Cech opted to use his fists to clear, despite there being little sign of the any movement from ball.

Sadly for Frei it would prove to be virtually his last contribution to the match as he later hobbled off after a jarring challenge.

The Czech Republic had already started showing signs of waking from the slumber before then and, with crisp passing and better movement, were dictating the play.

But their final ball was awful and up front, giant striker Jan Koller looked slow and cumbersome.

After the break the Swiss brought on Hakan Yakin for the injured Frei and they started the half positively.

As the Czechs found themselves pinned back, Yakin got himself into the action but was too high with an effort following a free-kick.

But it was clear Yakin was already having more of an impact than Koller and it was no surprise when the Czech Republic's top scorer was replaced by Sverkos.

And the Swiss substitute should have opened the scoring when he was presented with a free header but he directed the ball wide the right-hand post.

It was to prove a costly miss when, on 70 minutes, Sverkos finished smartly into the bottom corner after latching on to a ball over the top of the Swiss defence.

Yet Switzerland almost snatched a draw when Tranquillo Barnetta's shot was superbly parried by Cech and Vonlanthen smashed the follow-up against the woodwork.



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Switzerland: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner (Vonlanthen 75), Muller, Senderos, Magnin, Behrami (Derdiyok 83), Inler, Gelson, Barnetta, Frei (Yakin 46), Streller.
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Jakupovic, Djourou, Huggel, Cabanas, Grichting, Gygax, Spycher, Degen.

Booked: Magnin, Vonlanthen, Barnetta.

Czech Republic: Cech, Jankulovski, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi, Grygera, Plasil, Polak, Galasek, Jarolim (Kovac 87), Sionko (Vlcek 83), Koller (Sverkos 56).
Subs Not Used: Blazek, Zitka, Fenin, Pospech, Kadlec, Baros, Matejovsky, Sivok, Skacel.

Goals: Sverkos 70.

Att: 41,000

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

[Rasputin]

Portugal 2-0 Turkey



Portugal's Euro 2008 campaign opened in impressive fashion with victory over Turkey in Geneva.

Pepe opened the scoring after 61 minutes, surging from defence to beat Turkey keeper Volkan Demirel after a slick exchange with Nuno Gomes.

Portugal deserved their win, with Cristiano Ronaldo hitting the post from a first-half free-kick and Gomes twice denied by the woodwork after the break.

And Raul Meireles slid home the second in injury time after a flowing move.

[Rasputin]

آغاز جام ملتها با قدرت نمایی پرتغال


پپه از زدن گل اول پرتغال مقابل ترکیه خوشحالی می کند
پرتغال بازی های خود در دور تازه جام ملتهای اروپا را با یک پیروزی چشمگیر مقابل ترکیه آغاز کرد.
پپه، بازیکن پرتغال، با یک حرکت رو به جلو و "یک-دو" موفق با نونو گومژ این تیم را در دقیقه 61 از ترکیه پیش انداخت.

پرتغال تیم سزاوار پیروزی بود و کریستیانو رونالدو با ضربه آزادی که در نیمه اول زد، تیر دروازه ترکیه را به لرزه در آورد.

در نیمه دوم هم دوبار ضربات نونو گومژ به تیر دروازه حریف برخورد کرد.

اما در نهایت رائول میرلز، در حمله ای سریع و سیال، با به ثمر رساندن گل دوم پرتغال در وقت تلف شده مسابقه، کار را برای بازیکنان فاتح تریم تمام کرد.

چهار سال قبل در دور گذشته این مسابقات، پرتغال در کشور خود در فینال به یونان باخت، اما عملکرد روان این تیم هشداری واضح به دیگر تیمها بود که آنها این بار مصمم به کسب قهرمانی هستند.

ترکیه در هیچ ئمقطعی از بازی از حریف کمتر نبود اما آنها از یک عامل کلیدی برای برد برخوردار نبودند.

این تیم پر نفر در نبردها شرکت می کرد اما هر چند حملات این تیم، ریکاردو دروازه بان پرتغال را مجبور به واکنش ساخت، اما آنها از یک قوای تهاجمی زهردار برخوردار نبودند.

میزبان با اولین گل مسابقات مغلوب شد


واسلاو اسورکوس اولین گل مسابقات را به ثمر رساند تا سویس را شکست داده باشد
واسلاو اسورکوس، با گل نیمه دوم خود مقاومت سویس را در هم شکست.

در دیدار افتتاحیه مسابقات میان سویس و جمهوری چک، این بازیکن که به عنوان بازیکن ذخیره به میدان آمده بود، در دقیقه 70 مسابقه با کنترل توپی که از بالای سر مداعان به او رسیده بود، سرضرب توپ را روانه دروازه میزبان کرد.

در این دیدار کم هیجان، سویس به نسبت جمهوری چک بالاتر از استاندارد خود بازی می کرد و در آغاز نیمه اول واضح بود که این تیم به هر ترتیب قصد دارد از این مسابقه امتیاز کسب کند.

اما تلاش سویس و فشار بر روی دروازه پیتر چچ، چندان باعث تغییر جریان بازی از سوی جمهوری چک نشد.

ضمن اینکه سویس در جریان یک حادثه در اواخر نیمه اول منجر به مصدومیت مجبور به چشم پوشی از الکساندر فرای، کاپیتان و بهترین بازیکن تیم خود شد.

هاکان یاکین در نیمه دوم به جای فرای به میدان آمد و سویس این نیمه را مثبت آغاز کرد.

عملکرد یاکین به اندازه ای خوب بود که جمهوری چک مجبور شد یان کولر، بازیکن قد بلند مقابل او را از زمین بیرون ببرد و اسورکوس را بجای کولر به زمین بفرستد.

یاکین موقعیت گلزنی هم داشت اما ضربه سر او که با مقاومت چندانی از سوی دفاع همراه نبود، از کنار تیر راست دروازه چک به بیرون زمین رفت.

ارزش این موقعیت تلف شده در دقیقه 70 بازی مشخص شد ک سورکوس توپ را روانه گوشه پایین دروازه سویس کرد.

با این حال سویس باز هم موقعیت برای جبران گل خورده داشت، اما پتر چچ، از پرکار ترین بازیکنان جمهوری چک در روز اول مسابقات، بار دیگر ضربه حریف را دفع کرد وشوت ونلانتن نیز به تیر دروازه خورد.

به این ترتیب در گروه A، پس از یک بازی پرتغال با سه امتیاز در صدر، جمهوری چک با امتیاز مساوی و تفاضل گل پایینتر در مکان دوم و سویس و ترکیه نیز در مکانهای بعدی قرار دارند.

[Rasputin]

Germany and Croatia on Sunday smashed their rivals' dreams of creating history at the Group B matches of the 2008 European football championship.

Poland-born German striker Lukas Podolski scored twice to help Germany beat Poland, which have long dreamed of winning a single match against their western neighbor, while Croatian midfielder Luka Modric's early penalty kick prolonged Austria's plan of winning a match at the European tournament.

In Vienna, Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria wanted a win for their opening match, also their first appearance in the European championship finals, but their plan was marred in the 4th minute of the match when the penalty cropped out.

The penalty gave Croatia a sweet early lead and the sole goal of the match.

Austria recovered and had an opportunity to go level five minutes from the break as Martin Harnick got in round the back, drawing some last-ditch defending from Josip Simunic to prevent a tap-in.

Harnick, soul of Austria's attack, constantly threatened the Croatia's defence from the right as Austria went rampant after the restart.

Hickersberger threw on Ivica Vastic, Umit Korkmaz and Roland Linz in the second half to add to Austria's firepower.

It did work as shots from Harnick, Vistic, Korkmaz all forced good saves from Croatia's keeper Stipe Pletikosa.

Substitute Roman Kienast got his head to a valuable free kick in injury time but the ball just slid wide to the frustration of the co-hosts.

Croatia also gave away opportunities including a Darijo Srna's dangerous delivery of which no one got on the end.

Austria, ranked 92nd in the world by FIFA, were better in ball possession and had eight shots on target compared to Croatia's three, but the lack of experience and efficiency cost the championship finals new comers any chance.

"The whole team are very depressed," Hichkersherger told a press conference after the match.

"We are very disappointed as we could equalize or even win the match during the second half," he said.

"We were dominant in the second half and we got very good opportunities, unfortunately, we did not score and got home with empty hands," he added.

In another match on Sunday, Germany and Poland staged a tit-for-tat battle at the Worthersee Stadium of Klagenfurt.

Podolski scored both goals in the 20th and 72nd minute respectively for Germany, all of which came from the pass from selfless Bayern teammate Miroslav Klose.

For the first, Podolski found the net after he got a superb pass from Klose, who cracked Poland's offside trap by getting an excellent ball from Mario Gomez and penetrated the Polish defense line with his abrupt movement.

For the second, the 23-year-old smashed the net with a swirled ball coming from Klose.

Poland, which saw their first appearance at the final stage of the European football championships, intended to create a history as the team have never won a single match against their western neighbor.

However, it was Germany who got upper hand advantage and exerted more pressure on the Polish side.

Joachim Loew's men created the better chances, although Poland were close to equalizing in a few occasions as well.

During the first half, striker-turned midfielder Podolski, who replaced Bastian Schweinsteiger, demonstrated his excellent penetration skill and his fine cooperation with Klose and Mario Gomez, ending up with the first score.

Poland come close to levelling the score in the 36th minute as Zurawski receives the ball in the penalty area but his diagonal shot went just wide of the far post.

During the second half, Germany, which have claimed top titles of the European tournament on three occasions, showed no retreat on their offensive.

Loew sent Schweinsteiger to the pitch, who sealed the rumor of poor performance by creating many opportunities for his team.

For one thing, the 24-year-old offered an excellent pass to Klose, resulting in Podolski's second goal.

German Captain Michael Ballack did not score, but his offensive brought about many turmoils among the defense line of the opponents.

The victory has thus ended Germany's upset history in the European tournament that they have not yet won a single match after they claimed the title in 1996.

"Winning the first game is very important, that add our confidence," said Loew after the match.

For Poland, their dream of beating Germany awaits next occasion.

After Sunday's matches, both Germany and Croatia boast three points but Germany edged out the latter with one more goal to take the first place in Group B.

Austria and Poland are listed third and fourth due to lost goal difference.

[Rasputin]

Germany showed their new style of soccer but they did what they’ve always done . . . win.
Lukas Podolski scored a goal in each half to lead the Germans to a 2-0 win over arch-rival Poland in their first Group B game in Euro 2008.

It was an entertaining, open game with both teams determined to run.

Poland proved tougher than expected, getting some chances even though most were from long range.

Podolski scored in the first half when he and Miroslave Klose broke in alone and he converted an easy Klose pass.

His second goal sealing the game came from opportunism when substitute Bastan Schweinsteiger stole the ball inside the penalty area. It eventually bounced to Podolski who hammered it into the top of the net.




Germany, known for their conservative style of play, opened the game up with good work from the wings and their midfield.

The entertainment value was only increased by the loud, boisterous crowd that heightened the rivalry between the two teams.

[Rasputin]

Polish-born forward Lukas Podolski ended Germany's 12-year wait for a European Championship win on Sunday with two goals as his side's Euro 2008 campaign began with a 2-0 win over Poland.

Having turned 23 last Wednesday, Podolski combined with Germany's other Polish-born forward Miroslav Klose for his first goal on 20 minutes and followed up with an unstoppable volley on 72 minutes.

After Group B rivals Croatia had earlier got off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over co-hosts Austria in Vienna, the result puts the Germans top of their group and coach Joachim Loew praised his team.

"The whole team, not just Lukas Podolski, played well, we know Lukas is a very dangerous attacker for any goalkeeper, but Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose helped him immensely," said Loew.

"I think from a tactical point of view our defence worked very well, we didn't make many defensive mistakes.

"We desperately wanted to start with a victory and we can be happy with the result."

The last time Germany won a European Championship game was back in June 30 1996 when they beat the Czech Republic to win Euro 1996 at London's Wembley Stadium.

There had been some controversy last Wednesday when Polish tabloid Super Express printed a mocked up picture of Poland coach Leo Beenhakker holding the severed heads of Loew and Germany captain Michael Ballack.

Both sides had played down any problem, but 140 German fans were arrested here in the city centre on Sunday, although fans in the stadium were well-behaved.

Ballack said the Germans had been their traditional efficient selves in sealing the points.

"I think we played well. It's always difficult - you never know where you are before the first game of a tournament. I think we deserved victory. From the start we were aggressive," the Chelsea star told the BBC.

The Poles were making their European Championship debut, but are still yet to beat Germany in 16 meetings between the sides since 1933 with the Germans now claiming 12 wins with four draws between the neighbours.

"You can imagine how disappointed we are, but our opponents played at the highest level," said Beenhakker.

"The first goal was well taken, I was not impressed with the second goal, we tried to put some more pressure on and played a bit more open, which led to the consequence of the second goal.

"After the second goal it was all over.

"We matched them for 70 minutes, but the last 20 was best forgotten."

Beenhakker had opted for five in midfield with Euzebiusz Smolarek as the lone striker up front for Poland.

Loew had gone for a traditional 4-4-2 formation, keeping midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger - a star of the 2006 World Cup - on the bench until half-time playing Podolski behind the two German strikers.

The move paid off as Podolski gave Germany an extra attacking option supporting front men Miroslav Klose, the top scorer at the last World Cup, who was partnering VfB Stuttgart hot-shot Gomez up front.

After both sides squandered early chances, the trio combined to give Germany the break through they craved on 20 minutes.

Gomez flicked the ball over the defence for Klose to draw the goalkeeper before giving his Bayern Munich team-mate Podolski a simple tap in on 20 minutes past Poland's Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

Poland's best chance of the first half - and ultimately the game - came when midfielder Wojciech Lobodzinski put in a superb pass, but Maciej Zurawski pulled his shot wide.

Polish striker Smolarek picked up the first booking on 40 minutes when he tripped Per Mertsacker.

During the half-time break, Beenhakker swapped his captain Maciej Zurawski for Brazilian-born Roger Guerreiro, but he made little impact and Lobodzinski earned Poland's second yellow card on 64 minutes for tripping Podolski.

Germany were dominating by this stage and when the ball fell to Podolski on 72 minutes he drove his shot into the top corner of the net to give his side some breathing space.

German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann produced a string of saves as Poland applied some late pressure, but his defence held.

The result means Group B's two unbeaten sides will meet Thursday when Germany return here to face Croatia.

Ballack said he was looking forward to playing Croatia but cautioned: "I think it's an open game - both teams are very strong."

[Rasputin]

Germany and Croatia got off to winning starts at the European championship finals in Austria and Switzerland on June 8, as the first matches in group B were played in Klagenfurt and Vienna, respectively.

It was a case for history repeating itself, as Germany once again beat their neighbours despite being on the back foot for much of the second half. The rivalry between the two nations, much of it rooted in the hostilities of World War 2, has long ago spilled on the football field and police were on heightened alert in the build-up to the match, arresting 17 German fans.

The Polish media have come under fire for stoking the fires, with one newspaper running a front-page montage in which Poland's manager Leo Beenhakker held the severed heads of German manager Joachim Loew and team captain Michael Ballack under the headline "Leo, bring us their heads!"

The fact that Germany's two top strikers, Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, are both Polish-born has not helped matters. Podolski scored twice against the country of his birth to give Germany a 2:0 win, with both assists coming from Klose, but missed a chance to end the game with a hat-trick when he blasted over the bar with one minute left to play.

In the earlier game, Croatia won 1:0 against Austria, thanks to a fourth minute spotkick converted by Luka Modric. Croatia continued to attack, albeit cautiously, for the rest of the half, but completely surrendered any initiative after the break.

The co-hosts, rated as rank outsiders for the tournament, unleashed wave after wave of attacks against the Croatian defence, egged on by the home support, but failed to put the ball past Stipe Pletikosa, who had an outstanding day between the goalposts.

On the balance of play, Austria deserved at least a point from the fixture, with Croatia cornered in their own penalty box for much of the second half. Despite the disappointment, the co-hosts can look back on their performance with some measure of pride, proving wrong the thousands that signed an online petition before the tournament, asking that the team withdrew on account of being terrible.

Croatia will next meet Germany on June 12 in a match that could well decide the outcome of the top spot in the group, while Austria will take on Poland. Should the co-hosts play the same way as in the second half against Croatia, an upset does not look entirely impossible.

[Rasputin]

Fate is as key an ingredient as any when it comes to winning major tournaments. There is an element of luck and even destiny to the path of any winner and as such, many Portuguese are quietly confident that they may win their first ever international tournament this year.

A delightful Karel Poborský chip saw the Czech Republic send Portugal home in 1996 and eventual winners of Euro 2000 France knocked them out in the semi-finals, with tempers flaring towards the final whistle. Euro 2004 saw them get closer still, going all the way to the final on home soil only to lose to Greece - who had also beaten them on the opening day - leaving heartbroken and empty handed.

Their incremental progress has not been tipped by many to continue, despite man of the moment Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks and a relatively comfortable group from which to qualify. They are in fact in what many perceive to be the weak half of the draw, but it is still thought that they lack the steel in the middle and the sharpness up front to go all the way.

When it comes to flair play, few can compete with the Portuguese. Top quality, genuine wingers in particular are thought to be a dying breed and a rare commodity amongst this current generation of lavishly paid superstars, but Portugal have no less than four top class wide men at their disposal. There is of course the indomitable Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's favourite Simão Sabrosa. Furthermore there is that audacious and extremely talented Ricardo Quaresma and also Nani of Manchester United, who has both style and substance despite his tender age.

This is without doubt Portugal's strength and it showed yesterday. For better or worse, almost all their attacking play went through Ronaldo or Simão, with Deco, João Moutinho and even striker Nuno Gomes playing largely supplementary roles throughout the 90 minutes.

They were up against a deceptively strong Turkey side who did not by any means make life easy for Ronaldo - who had to switch flanks due to the strength of his marker Hakan Balta - or indeed any of Portugal's star players. With that in mind, Portugal walked away deserved 2-0 winners having also hit the woodwork three times. That is a measure of their strength on the night and their growth as a team from the side that failed twice against Greece four years ago.

It may not have been the swashbuckling spectacle of constant goal-mouth action that would have been required to convince the masses, but the 2006 World Cup - and indeed the last edition of the Euros - made it abundantly clear that top level football is a far more cerebral than it is a showpiece. Portugal have smartened up; their team looks more complete than it has been in previous years and that is to Scolari's credit as much as anyone else.

The Italians notwithstanding, a soft centre has been the undoing of many Latin sides, but in Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho the Portuguese have a perfectly balanced defensive pairing. Paolo Ferreira, while unremarkable, is sturdy and effective out of position at left-back, providing defensive balance while his new team-mate at Chelsea, the lightning-fast José Bosingwa, offers both defensive work rate and attacking verve. Petit also plays a vital part in their strength at the back, sitting in front of the back four, winning the ball back and setting the attacking players on their way.

A bonus for Scolari has been the timely return to form of both Nuno Gomes and Deco. The former in particular has received heavy criticism for his loss of form and indeed many believe Portugal to be a strong side but lacking a quality striker. Yesterday, he put in a performance to be proud of; linking up well with his midfielders, providing a perfect assist for Pepe and twice hitting the woodwork. Deco has had a miserable season at Barcelona, but looked incisive and lively in the first half against Turkey, though his match fitness remains a point of contention following his sluggish finish to proceedings.

It says something for the Portuguese's strength in depth that Ricardo Quaresma did not make an appearance yesterday, though it could be said that if he had, the performance and result may have been even more emphatic. In bigger games against more imposing opposition, Miguel Veloso is likely to be drafted in ahead of Moutinho for defensive solidity in the middle and Miguel may be drafted in as a more offensive full-back to replace Paulo Ferreira if they are chasing the game.

The options are there for the Selecção and the draw has been fairly kind to them. Turkey may prove to be the toughest test in the group and with them out of the way, a first place finish looks almost certain. Croatia, picked by many as dark horses, are likely opponents in the quarterfinals. It is there where Portugal's ability to break down an air-tight counterattacking unit will be tested. Germany are likely opponents in the semi-finals, both sides fell at that hurdle in the World Cup two years ago and it was the Mannschaft who won the third place play-off. That could, in many ways, be the ultimate test for Portugal. If they manage to overcome Germany and exorcize that demon, few would count them out in the final, whether it be Italy, France, the Netherlands, Spain or a complete underdog who meet them there.

The youngsters are in fine fettle; Pepe is already proving a revelation, Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho are full of energy and the options at their disposal are ominous. Their staying power and consistency will hinge on the experienced campaigners pulling through from beginning to end.

ALSO...

Due credit must be given to Switzerland. Despite being overturned infront of jubilant home support, they were the better side and could even qualify ahead of the Czechs yet. Their team play was at times seamless; Gökhan Inler, Valon Behrami, Hakan Yakin and Philippe Senderos - yes, Philippe Senderos - were stand-out performers in the opening game. The loss of captain and all-time leading goal-scorer Alexander Frei is without doubt a huge blow; without him they are comparable to Croatia without Eduardo da Silva, highly underrated and capable of squeezing through yet.

The Czech Republic, meanwhile, have cause for concern. While Jaroslav Plašil put in a strong showing, veteran forward Jan Koller - who will internationally retire after the tournament - does not look like having a swansong to remember and fellow veteran Tomáš Galásek also looked off the pace. There are various frailties within the squad and though they are usually tipped as dark horses, it may be Euro 2008 - where they are expected to qualify from their group without any problems - that they may fall at the first hurdle. Watch this space...

[Rasputin]

Croatia and three-time European football champion Germany have won their opening Group B matches at the Euro 2008 tournament being played in Austria and Switzerland.

Lukas Podolski scored a goal in each half Sunday to lead Germany to a 2-0 win over Poland in Klagenfurt, Austria. The 23-year-old Podolski, who was born in Poland, opened the scoring in the 20th minute. He sealed the win by blasting a rebound into the net in the 72nd minute.

Earlier, Croatia shut out co-host Austria 1-0 at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. The winning goal came early, as Luka Modric converted a penalty kick in the fourth minute.

The tournament continues Monday in Switzerland as World Cup champion Italy plays the Netherlands in Bern and France takes on Romania in Zurich.

[Rasputin]

SALZBURG, Austria — As France walked off the field after a 0-0 draw with Romania at the European Championship, coach Raymond Domenech stood and clapped.

What on earth did he find to applaud?

Maybe he was impressed by his goalkeeper, Gregory Coupet, who was flawless. (He didn't have a shot to save).

He could have admired the Romanians, who stifled his team with a defensive formation.

Perhaps he was impressed by the referee's performance.

Few players in a blue shirt deserved any applause and France gave barely a sign that it will light up this championship with the smooth skills associated with Zinedine Zidane and a fully fit Thierry Henry.

Les Bleus didn't do anything to thrill their fans at Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, Switzerland, and Domenech's players failed to beat the weakest team in Group C in their opening game. After this performance, they will have far less confidence for the games against the Netherlands and Italy.

"It's important not to lose to a direct opponent, so you can say it's positive," Domenech said. "It was not easy."

It wasn't easy to watch either.

The trouble is, this France team subjects its fans to something like the drip, drip, drip of water torture. If the last World Cup is anything to go by, they will have this treatment all the way to the final. And then lose on penalties again.

At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, France began with a 0-0 draw against Switzerland, another team it was expected to beat easily. Then came a 1-1 draw with South Korea and the fans were fearing the worst, another first-round elimination like in 2002 when it was the defending champion. Happily, the French got to the knockout phase with a 2-0 victory over Togo - yes, Togo - and that kick-started a revival.

Victories over Spain, Brazil and Portugal meant a place in the final, which Les Bleus lost in a penalty shootout against Italy.

Now they hope for something again but the signs aren't good.

Although all-time leading scorer Henry was on the bench because of recurring injuries and captain Patrick Vieira was sidelined, neither have been in great form anyway.

The fit young forwards who did play in the game looked as if they had been worn out by a long season playing for their clubs. But they also didn't show the imagination needed to unlock a well-organized but hardly watertight Romanian defence.

Romania is a team that usually contributes little in terms of entertainment to any championship, at least since the days of its biggest star Gheorghe Hagi, and a side of France's calibre and talent should have easily brushed it aside.

But all they produced were a reaction header over the bar from Nicolas Anelka, who also shot into the outside of the net from a near impossible angle, and Florent Malouda's weaving run and left foot shot which whistled past the angle of the post and bar early in the second half.

As usual, France tried to pass the ball into the net and, on the rare occasions they opted to shoot, Romania goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont watched it sail wide or over.

There was never any realistic chance of France losing this game which made its performance going forward even more frustrating for the thousands of fans who crossed the border into Switzerland.

UEFA president Michel Platini, whose goals spurred France to a memorable European Championship triumph back in 1984, watched the game sitting next to Bernard Laporte, who led the French rugby union team to four Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.

With Laporte now France's sports minister, with maybe a little influence on the national soccer federation, both men hold very grand titles. After this performance, Platini would have been forgiven for ignoring his officially neutral stance and whispering into the ear of the man in the next seat and suggesting that Domenech can't be allowed many more chances.

[Rasputin]

Netherlands defeated Italy 3–0 in Euro 2008 soccer.

No team has scored three goals against the Italy eleven in the history of UEFA soccer.

The Netherlands took an early lead on a goal that some thought should be recalled for offsides; however, an Italian player was lying down behind the end line, so the goal was allowed.

Italy never seemed to be able to mount an offense, while the Netherlands team never focused on defense rather than trying to protect their lead, they pressed Italy harder.

After the Netherlands goalkeeper made a save on an Italian free kick, he cleared the ball long, and the Netherlands team took the ball the length of the pitch in just five touches, resulting in a cross-pitch feed and a header into the Italian net. The Italian team couldn't transition and recover in time—most of the Italian squad was still in the Netherlands end when the ball went in.

[Rasputin]

Euro 2008: 'Group of Death' comes alive as Holland put Italy to the sword in Berne





Holland (2) 3 Italy (0) 0

Group C certainly feels like the Group of Death to Italy now, the world champions buried without trace by Marco van Basten's dynamic Dutch as Euro 2008 exploded into life here last night.

Ruud van Nistelrooy opened the scoring, albeit from a position so offside he was almost in Austria, but there was no denying the brilliance of Holland's second, a fabulous volley from Wesley Sneijder. Giovanni van Bronckhorst's late header simply confirmed Italy's demise.

What a game. What a result. What a performance by the Dutch. "Always look on the bright side of life," their jubilant fans chanted at the disappearing Italian supporters. Group C really does stand for Carnage, not Calcio.

The listless stalemate between France and Romania had opened the door for one of these ambitious sides to seize the high ground in Group C. This encounter was as dramatic as events in Zurich had been lacklustre, the only incongruous element being the England flags emblazoned with Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday hanging in Stade de Suisse as Holland began dismantling the world champions' back-line.

With the temperature lower, the tempo faster, and the Dutch rapid-response unit in devastating form in the first half, Euro 2008 burst into spectacular life. Holland led 2-0 at the break, looking a real team, well-organised and well-motivated by Van Basten.

All the talk of division in football's House of Orange seemed idle chatter. With Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart outstanding in midfield, and Gio van Bronckhorst attacking productively down the left flank, Holland exuded balance and threat.

In midfield, Nigel de Jong and the massive Orlando Engelaar, who appears hewn from a granite quarry, diligently anchored Van Basten's 4-2-3-1 formation. Toughened up by Van Basten, Holland survived early Italian pressure, when Andrea Pirlo pulled the strings, to seize control and punish the world champions' defence.

How Italy missed the leadership, tackling and mobility of Fabio Cannavaro, who hobbled to the bench on crutches, accepting the applause of the Italian fans and then watching wearily as Italy's defence crumbled so unexpectedly.

If Holland's gem of a second goal carried echoes of the Total Football shown in beating Italy at the 1978 World Cup, their opener was cloaked in controversy. When Van der Vaart, having been felled by Massimo Ambrosini, bent over a free-kick after 26 minutes, the stretching Gianluigi Buffon could only tip the ball out to Joris Mathijsen, who immediately laid it back to the onrushing Sneijder.

Catching the ball first time, the Real Madrid midfielder sent a low left-footer hurtling into the box. It seemed harmless enough, probably heading wide of Buffon's left-hand upright. Observing Van Nistelrooy clearly in an offside position, Marco Materazzi and his fellow defenders waited for the linesman to flag. Waited and waited. The only significant movement came from Van Nistelrooy, who flicked out a right foot to turn Sneijder's shot past the horrified Buffon.

As all of Italy screamed for offside, even Van Nistelrooy sneaked a look back at the linesman before sprinting off to celebrate. Maybe the linesman was distracted by the sight of Christian Panucci, clearly injured, hobbling off the pitch. Really, there could be no maybes. Italy were robbed. No wonder the linesman, roundly castigated by the Azzurri fans, disappeared so smartly down the tunnel at half-time, rather than wait for his fellow officials to leave as a team. Yet however much Holland's opener offended the sense of sporting justice, their second thrilled the senses.

This was counter-attacking football at its very best, the ball speeding between quick minds and bodies. Not content with admiring his handiwork at clearing off the line, Van Bronckhorst raced forward, making 50 yards at full pelt before collecting Sneijder's pass.

Italy, masters at defending, were ripped apart. Van Bronckhorst's pass added to Italian anguish, the ball lifted towards the far post where Dirk Kuyt's cushioned header fell perfectly to Sneijder. His reaction was little short of sensational, the man from Madrid jumping up and volleying athletically past Buffon.

It was a goal that could have belonged in the glittering collection of Van Basten, who leapt up, punching the air. Sneijder, emotion racing through his body, ran across to celebrate with Van Basten. The former AC Milan centre-forward, an erstwhile colleague of Roberto Donadoni, relished the goal and the sight of his team playing with such brio.

In an amazing half, Holland could have made it three, Van der Vaart delivering one of the passes of this nascent tournament, the ball hit at speed but with enough fade to take it around Materazzi and on to Van Nistelrooy. Buffon sped from his line to block Van Nistelrooy's shot.

What a turnaround. Italy had impressed more in the opening stages, flooding in blue waves towards sole striker Luca Toni, the surges so often triggered by Pirlo. The Milan midfielder turned away deftly from Rafael van der Vaart after eight minutes, creating space and always keeping a picture of his colleagues' movements.

Pirlo cleverly swept the ball wide to Gennaro Gattuso, who failed to make the most of the space and was soon landing his defenders in significant trouble. Gattuso, the self-styled "bulldog", showed the aggressive streak in his DNA, chopping down Van der Vaart and then Van Nistelrooy. From the second free-kick, Sneidjder drilled in a free-kick that caught his team-mate, Andre Ooijer, and bounced out.

Back came Italy, looking to exploit Toni's height. Gattuso lifted in a cross that Toni headed wastefully wide. In Italy's 4-3-2-1, Toni was supported closely by Mauro Camoranesi and the lively Antonio di Natale but the Dutch proved too strong, and they soon began to turn possession into goals. Only when Alessandro del Piero arrived midway through the second period, lending Toni closer assistance, did Italy conjure up more of a threat.

Italy awoke, Toni missing a sitter before Edwin van der Sar saved superbly from Fabio Grosso and Pirlo. And Holland had not finished. Kuyt clipped the ball in for Van Bronckhorst to head goalwards, the ball going in off Gianluca Zambrotta. Italy, goalless and pointless, have some catching up to do in Group C.

[Rasputin]

بر خلاف انتظار بسیاری از کارشناسان، هلند 3-0 ایتالیا، قهرمان جام جهانی را شکست داد تا کنترل "گروه مرگ" را در اختیار بگیرد.

در حالیکه در بازی های انجام شده در این دوره از جام ملتهای اروپا اتفاق مهمی رخ نداده بود، بازی هلند و ایتالیا شرایط جام را تغییر داد.

هلند برای ضد حمله کاملا آماده بود و ایتالیا با وجود شکست سنگین، در برخی مقاطع خاطره هایی از جام جهانی آلمان را زنده کرد.

ایتالیا که فابیو کاناوارو، کاپیتان و مدافع خود را در آستانه تورنمنت به دلیل مصدومیت از دست داده بود، بازی را تهاجمی تر آغاز کرد و دو تهدیدی که از سوی لوکا تونی، مهاجم بایرن مونیخ متوجه هلند شد، یک بازی پر تحرک را نوید می داد.

رود فن نیستلروی در دقیقه 17 مسابقه با زحمت و در حالی که در محوطه جریمه ایتالیا جیانلوئیجی بوفون را از پیش رو برداشته بود، اولین تهدید را متوجه دروازه حریف ساخت، اما در دقیقه 26 این فوروارد رئال مادرید، در حالی که به وضوح پشت مدافعان ایتالیا در آفساید قرار داشت، جهت ضربه وزلی اشنایدر را تغییر داد تا دروازه ایتالیا را باز کند.

اما نه تنها اعتراض ایتالیا به نتیجه ای نرسید، بلکه تنها پنج دقیقه بعد و در حالیکه ایتالیا در تلاش بود با یک ضربه کرنر دروازه هلند را باز کند، شرایط برای این تیم بدتر شد.


گروه C: چشم در چشم "مرگ"

هلند در یک حرکت دست جمعی که با دفع ضربه کرنر ایتالیا از سوی فن برونخوست آغاز شد، در ظرف تنها 15 ثانیه و با 5 پاس توپ را از مقابل دروازه خود، به مقابل دروازه ایتالیا رساند و در نهایت اشنایدر پاسی را که درک کویت، بازیکن لیورپول، در سمت راست محوطه جریمه ایتالیا با سر برای او ارسال کرده بود، با یک ضربه درون دروازه ایتالیا قرار داد.

بوفون دقایقی پیش از پایان نیمه اول با دفاع حمله تک به تک فن نیستلروی از افزایش اختلاف جلوگیری کرد و در آغاز نیمه دوم هم ایتالیا بازی فیزیکی تری را در پیش گرفت.

اما طبیعی بود که گل زدن به تیمی که در مرحله مقدماتی این مسابقات از همه تیمهای دیگر راه یافته به این جام کمتر گل خورده بود، کار ساده ای نباشد، بخصوص که هلند دفاع را از زمین حریف آغاز می کرد.

حملات ایتالیا در نزدیکی دقیقه 75 شدت گرفته بود، اما در دقیقه 78 کابوس گل دوم، برای ایتالیا تکرار شد.

واکنش بسیار عالی ادوین ون درسار، دروازه بان هلند به ضربه کاشته گروسو (بازیکن ذخیره ایتالیا) بار دیگر زمینه ساز یک ضد حمله شد و این بار هلند با 4 پاس به دروازه حریف رسید.

بوفون بار دیگر حمله تک به تک که این بار توسط درک کویت انجام شده بود را دفاع کرد، اما دفع ناقص او، توپ را در سمت راست دروازه ایتالیا مجددا نصیب این بازیکن ساخت.

پاس عرضی کویت به درون محوطه جریمه ایتالیا به فن برونخوست رسید که او با ضربه سر در مقابل دروازه ایتالیا و از میان بوفون و زامبروتا، توپ را برای سومین بار درون دروازه قرار داد.

برای ایتالیا که آخرین بار در جام جهانی 1978 به هلند باخته بود، این نتیجه قابل باور نبود اما حضور ابراهیم افلی و رابین ون پرسی می توانست کار را از این هم بدتر کند.

هلند نشان داد که می تواند تاثیری عمده در روند جام ملتهای 2008 بگذارد.

مساوی سرد فرانسه در هوای گرم زوریخ


در غیاب تیری آنری، نیکولاس آنلکا آماده نشان نداد
تاریخ: دوشنبه 9 ژوئن، 20 خرداد
زمان: ساعت 16 به وقت گرینویچ
(20:30 به وقت تهران)
مکان: سوئیس، شهر زوریخ


لتزیگروند اشتادیون


معرفی تیم رومانی
معرفی تیم فرانسه

فرانسه و رومانی اولین تساوی سیزدهمین دور جام ملتها را خلق کردند.

در اولین بازی گروه C، که دشوار ترین گروه مسابقات قلمداد می شود، فرانسه در غیاب پاتریک ویرا، کاپیتان و تیری آنری، مهاجم سرشناس خود به میدان رفت و برای اولین بار در 10 سال اخیر، در جریان یک تورنمنت عمده، زین الدین زیدان بازنشسته شده را نیز در اختیار نداشت.

اما موقعیتی که برای نسل جدید فوتبال فرانسه و بازیکنانی چون کریم بنزما و فرانک ریبری ایجاد شده بود، حاصلی کم فروغ داشت.

رومانی با دفاعی چند لایه و حتی در برخی موارد بدون مهاجم در برابر فرانسه بازی می کرد و بازیکنان فرانسه در موارد بسیار اندکی بدون مشکل در نزدیکی محوطه جریمه رومانی امکان حرکت داشتند.

فرانسه در اکثر موارد توپ را در اختیار داشت اما بر اساس آمار منتشر شده در جریان بازی، بازیکنان رومانی در گرم ترین روز مسابقات تا کنون، دونده تر بودند.

به اعتقاد کارشناسان در میان بازیکنان فرانسه حس اضطرار یا اجبار برای برد دیده نمی شد و حتی مارسل دسایی، عضو تیم فرانسه در سال 2000 که با این تیم قهرمان اروپا شد، به شدت از
بی تفاوتی بازیکنان این تیم انتقاد کرد.

فرانسه که برای اولین بار نیکولاس آنلکا را در کنار کریم بنزما در خط حمله به کار گرفته بود، موقعیتهایی بسیار اندک برای گل زنی داشت، و در بهترین موقعیت در دقیقه 62 مسابقه، فرانک ریبری کریم بنزما را مقابل محوطه هجده قدم رومانی صاحب توپ ساخت که بنزما نتوانست توپ را به جایی جز دستان بوگدان لوبونت، دروازه بان رومانی بفرستد.

در مجموع در حالی که فرانسه به واسطه هم گروهی با ایتالیا و هلند، فرانسه می بایست تلاش خود را برای کسب حداکثر امتیاز انجام می داد، به اعتقاد کارشناسان تیمی "متوسط" بود.