For all of us that tuned in to watch Czech Republic take on Turkey in a winner takes all match, we witnessed an absolutely breathtaking display. This match had the kind of suspense that no movie could ever match in the same 90 minutes. If you missed the game for whatever reason, I won’t spoil it for you, you MUST watch this game. If you have friends, family that have yet to embrace soccer, or fail to see the appeal, make them watch this game. If you weren’t able to TiVO or record this match, there are many ways to find it, one suggestion would be to head over to our friends at FBTZ.com, register, and take a look. For all of us that saw this live, what a game it was, for those that missed it, watch it and enjoy soccer at its very best.

Saturday was a day of efficiency and missed chances. Both Turkey and Switzerland wasted multiple chances in front of goal that could have seen the days results turned upside down. More on the days matches: 

Match 1:

Final Result: Czech Republic 1-0 Switzerland

Man of the Match: 

Czech Republic: Vaclav Zverkos, he came on as a substitute and took his and the Czechs only chance well, hitting the back of the net.

Switzerland:  Alexander Frei/Hakin Yakin, Frei played quite well in the first half, but unfortunately picked up an injury at the very end of the half. Yakin came on for Frei in the 2nd half and played very well, helping Switzerland dominate large periods of play.

Goal Scorers: Vaclav Zverkos ‘71

Analysis: 

Czech Republic:

Although the Czechs will be happy with the final result, they will certainly be disappointed by the manner in which they achieved it. The Czechs were outplayed by Switzerland for a majority of the game, and only had one shot on goal, which resulted in the match’s only goal. While 3 points is always 3 points, the Czechs will need to put in a better performance if they expect to go far into the tournament. 

Switzerland:

The Swiss played quite well, dominating play, and creating far more chances than their opponents. All they lacked today was a finish, and the loss of Alexander Frei will not help in their two remaining games in their group. The Swiss fans were at the opener in full force, and will be happy if Switzerland can put in a similar performance for their two remaining matches, accompanied with finishing. 

Match 2

Final Result: Portugal 2-0 Turkey

Man of the Match: 

Portugal:

Pepe, Pepe had a great game in both defense and attack for Portugal. After having a goal disallowed earlier in the match, Pepe put Portugal ahead with a headed goal in the 61st minute. The Brazilian born defender made several key interventions on the defensive end, helping Portugal keep the clean sheet.

Turkey:

Volkan Demirel, the goalkeeper kept Turkey in the match with a series of key saves. This includes an incredible save off a wordclass Cristiano Ronaldo freekick, where Volkan managed to use a finger tip to turn the ball onto the far post. Despite conceding 2 goals, I thought the goalkeeper had a fine game, and should he continue this form, will give Turkey a much better chance of sneaking into the knockout stages.

Goal Scorers: Pepe ‘61, Raul Meireles ‘90+3

Analysis:

Portugal dominated the match from start to finish, showing the ability to quickly convert defense into attack. Despite Portugal’s dominance, I still felt Turkey could have snagged a point from this match. Turkey had several chances in front of goal, but like Switzerland in the first match, failed to finish. Manager Fatih Terim’s decision to exclude goal poacher Hakan Sukur from the Euro 2008 squad, looks like it may come back to haunt him, although there are still 2 matches to be played. Portugal will be happy with their performance and the result, but they showed a few glimpses of defensive frailty throughout the match, which will need to be sured up if they plan to get back to the Final.

Overall a very entertaining day of World Class soccer, and a great kickoff to the tournament. Make sure to see our post including the ASR staff picks, and the FULL US television schedule for Euro 2008, in the Euro 2008 category. 

Country: Czech Republic

Manager: Karel Bruckner, Brucker announced he will be stepping down after Euro 2008, and will surely like to leave the country with silverware.

Euro 2004 Performance:  Four years ago, the Czechs found themselves in the game of the tournament as they crawled back from a two-goal deficit to claim victory over Holland in the group stages.  After the 3-0 trouncing of Denmark in the Quarterfinals, the Czechs ultimately lost to the eventual winner Greece in the Semis near the end of the first period of extra-time.

Euro 2008 Qualifier Performance:  In the two years of qualifying, the Czech Republic finished first in Group D, with Germany qualifying with them in second place.  The Czechs only suffered one loss in the group and finished with 29 points with a 9-2-1 record.

Key Attacking Player: Jan Koller is surely the attacking player in need of watching come start of the tournament.  His domineering height and ball skills will undoubtedly be one of the reasons the Czechs will advance to the knockout stages.  With his move from Monaco only months ago, Koller claimed two goals this half of the campaign but will be thirsty at goal come June.

Key Defensive Player: Petr Cech.  Although not technically part of the back four, the heart of the defense will revolve around Peter Cech.  His keeping and world-class prowess will give the Czechs the cushion they need to progress.  I would be surprised to see Cech give up more than 2 goals the entire group.

Breakout Player: With their aging side becoming more and more of a factor as well, a new star better be grown if they want to prevail two years from now in South Africa.

Predicted Group Finish: Second Given the circumstances of the setting for the tournament, finishing second will be a tough task as Switzerland will come under national unity and not be rolled over.

With the overwhelming experience on the Czech team, jitters and nerves should not even be mentioned as a problem.  As for this tournament, a strong squad could see them either go far, or barely leave the gate.  The news of Tomas Rosicky’s injury keeping him out of Euro ’08 is a big hit to the team, as their driving midfield force will be missing.  This injury could prove to be a giant shock to the psyche of the Czech team and its supporters.

Country: Portugal

Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari

Euro 2004 Performance:  Four years ago, Portugal was the host of the Euro Championships and commandeered themselves all the way to the final.  Yet, they fell in the final to the Greece in heartbreak.  That loss will just be more of an incentive for Portugal to be strong contenders come this tournament.

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: In Group A of qualifying, Portugal finished second behind Poland.  They finished qualifying with a 7-6-1 record.

Key Attacking Player: Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly be the man to watch of the tournament.  Having been in formidable form the entire season, he will be looking for that first major international trophy, and will have the desire to do it after being apart of the team that was heart broken four years ago.  Look for Ronaldo to possibly be the top scorer in this tournament.

Key Defensive Player: Ricardo Carvalho is obviously a good defender, but his sometimes lackadaisical play as seen on numerous occasions this year has led to many missed chances for Chelsea.  His latest was the sloppy back pace right to Wayne Rooney in the crucial Man Utd game.  Although he was saved there, that kind of careless play would not be what Portugal are looking for if they plan to lift the trophy.

Breakout Player: Normally, I would have to say Nani.  But since his summer arrival to Manchester last year, he has already shown his capabilities.  Therefore, Miguel Véloso is the player I would guarantee is ready to sprout into his own.  The Sporting Lisbon player will be eager to show his class and use the tournament as a stage to show it off.

Predicted Group Finish: First With the world’s number one player on your team, it would be difficult not seeing Portugal reach at least the semis.  As well the teams natural ability to play fluid football, the chemistry in the Portugal locker room is reminiscent to that of your Sunday game every weekend.  With all of gears going for Portugal, this June should taste pretty sweet.

Thoughts:  With the exclusion of Maniche from the squad, the player that was so influential in both Euro ’04 and the last World Cup, it will be interesting to see who will step into those shoes and be the driving force.  With so much young talent on the Portugal bench, their only downfall may be the lack of experience.  With Figo out, Deco will have to assume the role of keeping the team a tight knit group.  Personally, Portugal is my favorite to win it all.

Country: Switzerland

Manager: Kobi Kuhn

Euro 2004 Performance: Back in Portugal four years ago, Switzerland failed to make it out of the group stages of the competition, yet alone win a match. With a two losses and a draw, they will be looking to show their footballing capabilities now that they are hosting.

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: Due to the fact that they are one of the hosts this year, they did not have to qualify.

Key Attacking Player: Tranquillo Barnetta is surely one of the bright stars for Switzerland.  After first being called up in 2004, he was influential last World Cup but unfortunately had his penalty thump the crossbar, leading to the eventual 3-0 win on PK’s for the Ukraine.  However, he was shortlisted for the tournaments Best Young Player award.  In this current campaign, he has netted 6 goals for Bayer Leverkusen and more will come from him this June.

Key Defensive Player: Philippe Senderos will have to be the strong hold of the defense for Switzerland come June.  Many of us who watch his play in the Premier league might rush off to call him rubbish, yet he does possess quality, and it will be that quality that will see Switzerland put on a good performance.

Breakout Player: Gelson Fernandes has been hailed by Sven Goran Eriksson as the “best young player in Switzerland.”  Since his move to Manchester City last summer, he’s netted twice, but impressively scored his first goal within 40 seconds of his first appearance for the club.  Although he may not get many opportunities, his contributions will be greatly needed if Switzerland is to advance.

Predicted Group Finish: Third.  Although they are gaining talent at the national level, the hosts won’t be able to pull through and will unfortunately just miss out on the elimination rounds.

Thoughts:  Although Switzerland has a promising side, the experience of the Czech Republic will earn them the second qualifying spot, and leave the Swiss out of the tournament.  If the defense remains strong, the goals will just have to pour in for them, then the Swiss could very well sneak into the elimination rounds.

Country: Turkey

Manager: Fatih Terim

Euro 2004 Performance: Failed to Qualify

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: Turkey finished second in Group C of qualifying behind Greece.  They finished on 24 points with a 7-3-2 record.  

Key Attacking Player: Tuncay Sanli has given us wonder strikes in the Premier league for Middlesbrough.  If he can provide those electric goals, Turkey might just find the sparks needed to escape the group stages and climb to the elimination rounds.

Key Defensive Player: Emre Asik will be the holding force in the Turkish defense.  The captain will need to keep his line strong, as they will be faced with the tough task of beginning the tournament against one of the favorites, Portugal.   

Breakout Player: Kazim Kazim has proven his class since his move to the Turkish club Fenerbahçe.  He was highly instrumental in their progress in the Champions League and without a doubt will be scoring goals come this June.

Predicted Group Finish: Fourth.  

Thoughts: Hamit Altintop would be the Turkish star this June.  The Bayern striker however may miss the tournament after breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot.  After being in fabulous form this campaign, his loss would be astronomical.  With Altintop gone, it is hard to imagine Turkey creating the same brilliance they managed back at the 2002 World Cup.