Now firmly onto the stage where we know most of each country’s players, the matches are becoming more fascinating as well as a lot tenser. With the underdogs proving they are worthy of winning the Henri Delaunay trophy, the competition is up for grabs. Looking at the second round of matches, the quality of play is improving every day.
Into the second match round where countries are eager for a win, both countries will be going all out to secure three points.
Group D
France and Ukraine were part of the earlier game fixture which was meant to kick off at 5pm GMT, 7pm EEST but was delayed one hour due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Four minutes were played but after the players looked like they’d all been swimming, the referee called it off. An hour later, the teams came back out again and France looked brighter. A low cross from Franck Ribéry picked out Jérémy Ménez at the far post and his shot was brilliantly kept out by ‘keeper Andriy Pyatov.
With the half nearing an end, a Samir Nasri free-kick found Philippe Mexès at the back post. His header was once again denied by the resilient Pyatov. At the half-time whistle, Ukrainian fans would have been relieved to be still in the match. But only a few minutes into the second half and their hopes and dreams were shattered. Karim Benzema, who for the second successive match was allergic to the opposition’s box, worked the ball to the feet of Ménez who once turning his defender, calmly shot low to score the opening goal.
You had a feeling as soon as France scored, they would be in complete control and that’s exactly what happened. No sooner had Ukraine began to find their composure in defence again, the French struck a deadly blow. The lively Benzema found some space before passing it neatly towards Yohan Cabaye, who made no mistake in scoring his first goal for France. It was a well taken goal with Pyatov well and truly beaten.
With Ukraine players now wishing the rain had cancelled the match, Laurent Blanc’s side thirst for more and with France playing the pall around effortlessly, a loose ball came back to the in-form Cabaye with his shot striking the post. Due to Shevchenko’s fitness issues, it meant the last half hour wouldn’t see him anywhere near the ball as the French kept possession and saw off the game comfortably.
With France winning, England knew they had to get a win against Sweden to keep up with their fierce competitors. However if Sweden were to grab all three points, they would go ahead of the English. Now in a ‘can’t lose’ situation, Erik Hamrén needed his side to give everything they had to get victory.
With Roy Hodgson’s side beginning to play their usual style of defend deep and hit on the counter, Sweden tried to make the most out of the possession they had. Only troubling Joe Hart from a distance, it was England who played the long ball tactic to their fortune. An outstanding pass from Steven Gerrard picked out a rising Andy Carroll who, without any pressure from the sleeping Swedish defence, bulleted a header into the bottom corner of the net. The pony-tailed striker celebrated only his second goal for his national side but credit had to go to his Liverpool teammate Gerrard, who found him in the box perfectly.
The half ended in exactly the way England wanted. Now their game plan was to simply pull off a Chelsea/Denmark and defend. However, Sweden had other ideas. To actually turn up. A Zlatan Ibrahimović free-kick cannoned back off the wall but straight into his path again and an attempted scissor kick from the Milan striker fortuitously rolled into Olof Mellberg’s feet. The defender’s shot was desperately cleared by Glen Johnson whose clearance hit the post and went back into the goal. Mellberg will claim it; Johnson would want to dig himself a hole.
England began to lick their wounds but they could hardly get a foot onto the ball as the Swedes came forward time and time again. This time a wonderful free-kick from Sebastian Larsson was put on a platter to Mellberg once again who gratefully headed in his side’s second. It was horrible defending by John Terry and Joleon Lescott, two players who did well against the French but Mellberg took Ibrahimović’s place by scoring the goals his country needed.
Now England finished licking their earlier wounds, they had to lick another one. But the defenders weren’t having any of it and because they were so poor at the back, tried their luck up front. Glen Johnson’s cross found John Terry whose header was smartly kept out by Andreas Isaksson. Moments later, from the resulting corner, Ashley Young’s corner was headed away by Jonas Olsson only into the feet of substitute Theo Walcott who absolutely lashed it from the outside of the box. The ball swerved over everyone and into the goal as Isaksson simply danced on the spot. No chance to save and the game was gathering some serious entertainment value.
Both sides continued to attack, knowing one goal would be enough to seal the win they thoroughly needed. Walcott, now realising the Swedish defence thought he was invisible, easily ran past two defenders to cross for Danny Welbeck. Now we have seen some fantastic finishing in this tournament, but none as good as this. From the cross, Welbeck majestically back-heeled the ball into the net as the defence could only stand and watch. It was a tremendous goal from the 21-year-old striker.
The goal proved to be the winner and both teams gave it their all. England would be happy with their comeback but Sweden will feel aggrieved they let it slip away.
With Group D nearly coming to a conclusion…
Where Did He Come From?
Yohan Cabaye
The young midfielder is having the season of his life. By moving to Newcastle United, Cabaye became a central figure at Tyneside, helping his team finish fifth in the league. Now entering his first tournament for his national side, the 26-year-old is just starting to make his name worldwide.
Excellent passing skills and with an ability to finish, Cabaye is definitely key to France’s Euro challenge this summer. Although he didn’t make the team during his youth years, his added experience and willingness to work hard makes him a real threat for France.
Was He Even Playing?
Ashley Young
Having had an excellent pre-tournament season with England, Ashley Young was a dead cert to start for his country in every game in this competition. With a satisfying display against the French, Young was expected to do more on the wings against Sweden but couldn’t beat his man once all evening.
Losing possession countless amounts of times, the Manchester United man needs to find the form that got him a starting eleven spot in Roy Hodgson’s team sheet. A better performance against the Ukraine will see him stay there but a poor one may see him dropped for the threatening Theo Walcott.
Where Does This Leave Us?
With wins for France and England, they can sleep well tonight. But a defeat for Sweden means they are out and Ukraine will have to punch above their weight to survive.
Sweden (0 Points)
They cannot take top spot.
They cannot take second spot.
If they win, draw or lose, they are out.
Ukraine (3 Points)
To take top spot, Ukraine must beat England and hope Sweden either beat or draw with France.
To take second spot, they must triumph over England.
If they lose, they are out.
England (4 Points)
To take top spot, England have to beat Ukraine by the same goals than France’s victory over Sweden. Also, England can qualify in first place if they win over Ukraine and France draw with Sweden.
To take second place, England can afford to draw with Ukraine.
If they lose, they are out unless Sweden beat France by a larger deficit.
France (4 Points)
To take top spot, France must beat Sweden by two more goals than England’s victory over Ukraine. Furthermore, a win for France would be enough to clinch first place if England draw with Ukraine.
To take second place, France can draw with Sweden and hope Ukraine doesn’t beat England.
If they lose, they will still grab second place, providing England get all three points against Ukraine.
Good luck to you if you’re trying to figure this out.
If you missed it, check out Group A’s second game review here.
If you missed this one too, check out Group B’s second game review here.
If you’re really lost, check out Group C’s second game review here.
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