match 1:
Wien - Ernst Happel - Austria
AUSTRIA 0-1 CROATIA
Modric 4 pen
Entertainment value: 2.5 / 5
match 2:
Klagenfurt - Wörthersee - Austria
GERMANY 2-0 POLAND
Podolski 20, 72
Wien - Ernst Happel - Austria
AUSTRIA 0-1 CROATIA
Modric 4 pen
Entertainment value: 2.5 / 5
match 2:
Klagenfurt - Wörthersee - Austria
GERMANY 2-0 POLAND
Podolski 20, 72
EV: 4 / 5
The 2nd day of Euro 08 ended in the same fashion as the 1st. 1-0 in one game featuring the other host and 2-0 in the other.
The co-hosts proved they will be no punching bag in the group with a gutsy display against a poor Croats who failed to stamp their class having had an early lead which was to have signal a gold rush of goals. Yet, it was the plucky Austrians who held back the Croats for the most part of the game obviously needing that goal. The boisterous Croats fans were tremendous supporters singing out loud but their team's performance did not justify their efforts.
The Austrians will want to set things right in their next group game against the Poles and based on their performance last night, they have a shot.
The Croats will do well to work on their offensive be more effective in time for their next game against the mighty Germans as it was not evident last night. Failure to manage at least a draw may damage their credibility as true European champions.
In the other game full of political history in modern times, Polish-born Podolski broke Poland's hearts and maybe his own heart a little as he scored a brace in a polished German team performance. With effectively a 4-3-3 formation starring 3 recognised strikers, Podolski had the support striker role, it was refreshing to see such a tactical change from a German side. If the engine is getting started in this game, it will depend on whether Germany can shift up their gear and build momentum to make a great run to the trophy. With this convincing victory, that engine is unlikely to stall.
The Poles may be disheartened as they tried to match the Germans' quality but they simply could not do so. However a win against the Austrians in their next match will set up a do-or-die last group game against the Croats. For now, they must put the defeat aside and focus on the next game.
The 2nd day of Euro 08 ended in the same fashion as the 1st. 1-0 in one game featuring the other host and 2-0 in the other.
The co-hosts proved they will be no punching bag in the group with a gutsy display against a poor Croats who failed to stamp their class having had an early lead which was to have signal a gold rush of goals. Yet, it was the plucky Austrians who held back the Croats for the most part of the game obviously needing that goal. The boisterous Croats fans were tremendous supporters singing out loud but their team's performance did not justify their efforts.
The Austrians will want to set things right in their next group game against the Poles and based on their performance last night, they have a shot.
The Croats will do well to work on their offensive be more effective in time for their next game against the mighty Germans as it was not evident last night. Failure to manage at least a draw may damage their credibility as true European champions.
In the other game full of political history in modern times, Polish-born Podolski broke Poland's hearts and maybe his own heart a little as he scored a brace in a polished German team performance. With effectively a 4-3-3 formation starring 3 recognised strikers, Podolski had the support striker role, it was refreshing to see such a tactical change from a German side. If the engine is getting started in this game, it will depend on whether Germany can shift up their gear and build momentum to make a great run to the trophy. With this convincing victory, that engine is unlikely to stall.
The Poles may be disheartened as they tried to match the Germans' quality but they simply could not do so. However a win against the Austrians in their next match will set up a do-or-die last group game against the Croats. For now, they must put the defeat aside and focus on the next game.