Portugal 6 pts + 2
Turkey 6 pts 0
Switzerland 3 pts 0
Czech Republic 3 pts - 2
[note: standings determined by GD]
No surprises at the very top and very bottom of this group. Portugal was by far the best team in the group with its attacking creativity and ability to hold the ball. Portugal haven't really been tested yet, but look for that to change in the quarters against Germany (assuming the unthinkable doesn't happen and Austria wins). We don't have any new information to update our beliefs about Portugal. We knew coming in they were the best team in this weak group. We also knew they had a lot of attacking firepower. We still don't know how porous the back-line is, however. Germany will go some ways towards resolving that question mark.
The Czech Republic finished where I expected them to finish, though they took a circular route to get there. Their final group game against Turkey was one of the best I have ever seen in the Euros, particularly given the context of winner goes through. Great drama, and of course it was great to see Cech end up as the goat. First John Terry, now Petr Cech. It's a wonderful life, isn't it?
Turkey deserve a little more respect than I initially gave them. They looked great in the 2nd half of the Czechoslovakia game, though with a team that old, it is no surprise that in the second half of the third game in 9 days they looked gassed. Still Turkey took the initiative and that final goal was taken with such aplomb, you have to tip your hat to the captain Nihat. Truly Beautiful.
Finally, the hosts disappointed us to no end. Their tournament crumbled when they couldn't take advantage of controlling the first game against the Czechs. They dominated the game, but got sucker punched on the counterattack. Being in such a deep hole, they came out strong against Turkey and got the goal they needed early. Unfortunately, the game was played in a monsoon, and Turkey's determination was too much for the hosts. A consolatory victory against a resting Portugal won't soothe the pain much. The hosts were two and done, and that is a disappointment to everyone who loves the atmosphere of a major tournament when the home team succeeds. Even the pitiful Austrians stayed alive through the third game.
Turkey 6 pts 0
Switzerland 3 pts 0
Czech Republic 3 pts - 2
[note: standings determined by GD]
No surprises at the very top and very bottom of this group. Portugal was by far the best team in the group with its attacking creativity and ability to hold the ball. Portugal haven't really been tested yet, but look for that to change in the quarters against Germany (assuming the unthinkable doesn't happen and Austria wins). We don't have any new information to update our beliefs about Portugal. We knew coming in they were the best team in this weak group. We also knew they had a lot of attacking firepower. We still don't know how porous the back-line is, however. Germany will go some ways towards resolving that question mark.
The Czech Republic finished where I expected them to finish, though they took a circular route to get there. Their final group game against Turkey was one of the best I have ever seen in the Euros, particularly given the context of winner goes through. Great drama, and of course it was great to see Cech end up as the goat. First John Terry, now Petr Cech. It's a wonderful life, isn't it?
Turkey deserve a little more respect than I initially gave them. They looked great in the 2nd half of the Czechoslovakia game, though with a team that old, it is no surprise that in the second half of the third game in 9 days they looked gassed. Still Turkey took the initiative and that final goal was taken with such aplomb, you have to tip your hat to the captain Nihat. Truly Beautiful.
Finally, the hosts disappointed us to no end. Their tournament crumbled when they couldn't take advantage of controlling the first game against the Czechs. They dominated the game, but got sucker punched on the counterattack. Being in such a deep hole, they came out strong against Turkey and got the goal they needed early. Unfortunately, the game was played in a monsoon, and Turkey's determination was too much for the hosts. A consolatory victory against a resting Portugal won't soothe the pain much. The hosts were two and done, and that is a disappointment to everyone who loves the atmosphere of a major tournament when the home team succeeds. Even the pitiful Austrians stayed alive through the third game.
All things considered, it was a decent group performance. Portugal wowed us with their technical skill, while Turkey showed us that being down doesn't mean being beaten. The Turkey-Czech was truly a classic. And poor little Switzerland - so much promise, so little return.
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