match 1:
Stade de Geneve - Geneva - Switzerland
CZECH REPUBLIC 1-3 PORTUGAL
Czech Republic
Sionko 17
Portugal
Deco 8
Ronaldo 63
Quaresma 90+1
Entertainment value: 3.5 / 5
match 2:
Basel - St. Jakob-Park - Switzerland
SWITZERLAND 1 - 2 TURKEY
Switzerland
Yakin 32
Turkey
Senturk 57
Turan 90+2
EV: 3.5 / 5
Stade de Geneve - Geneva - Switzerland
CZECH REPUBLIC 1-3 PORTUGAL
Czech Republic
Sionko 17
Portugal
Deco 8
Ronaldo 63
Quaresma 90+1
Entertainment value: 3.5 / 5
match 2:
Basel - St. Jakob-Park - Switzerland
SWITZERLAND 1 - 2 TURKEY
Switzerland
Yakin 32
Turkey
Senturk 57
Turan 90+2
EV: 3.5 / 5
Portugal impressively defeated the Czechs to secure a place in the 2nd round. This came after Turkey came from behind to defeat Switzerland at the death, which meant a do-or-die game for Turkey against the Czechs while Switzerland crashes out.
Ronaldo scored one and assisted with the other two goals to cement Portugal's title credentials while Czech Republic floundered at their chance to show Europe they can mix it with the best. The victory was made even more impressive as Portugal showed supreme confidence against what is believed to be a strong opponent but woeful defending and lack of attacking impetus dispelled any notion that Czech Republic is a force to be reckoned with. They probably missed Rosicky's presence but they cannot afford to slip up against Turkey in the last round of group matches. Portugal meanwhile can look forward to the 2nd round brimming with confidence after winning their first 2 group games with relative ease.
In the other game, Turkey broke many Swiss fans' hearts in and out of the stadium with a last minute goal. Torrential downpour had threatened the possibility of the game being abandoned but on a rain-soaked pitch, play was allowed to continue. The Turks and Switzerland had appeared to cancel each other out with the rain and slippery conditions always bound to cause problems for the goalkeepers at both ends as shots may just slip away from their palms at any moment. Yet the Swiss got off to a good start to take the lead. As both tried to take the game to the other, a draw will have been a fairer result. Switzerland has now been knocked out but they can take heart from their performance in the last two games. Turkey meanwhile will know that the Czechs have been unconvincing in their last 2 games but form is temporary. Class is permanent. They will know the threat the Czechs is always capable of causing but at the same time they have one foot in the next stage if they win the last group game.
Ronaldo scored one and assisted with the other two goals to cement Portugal's title credentials while Czech Republic floundered at their chance to show Europe they can mix it with the best. The victory was made even more impressive as Portugal showed supreme confidence against what is believed to be a strong opponent but woeful defending and lack of attacking impetus dispelled any notion that Czech Republic is a force to be reckoned with. They probably missed Rosicky's presence but they cannot afford to slip up against Turkey in the last round of group matches. Portugal meanwhile can look forward to the 2nd round brimming with confidence after winning their first 2 group games with relative ease.
In the other game, Turkey broke many Swiss fans' hearts in and out of the stadium with a last minute goal. Torrential downpour had threatened the possibility of the game being abandoned but on a rain-soaked pitch, play was allowed to continue. The Turks and Switzerland had appeared to cancel each other out with the rain and slippery conditions always bound to cause problems for the goalkeepers at both ends as shots may just slip away from their palms at any moment. Yet the Swiss got off to a good start to take the lead. As both tried to take the game to the other, a draw will have been a fairer result. Switzerland has now been knocked out but they can take heart from their performance in the last two games. Turkey meanwhile will know that the Czechs have been unconvincing in their last 2 games but form is temporary. Class is permanent. They will know the threat the Czechs is always capable of causing but at the same time they have one foot in the next stage if they win the last group game.
akim - the Italian fan