Sports journalist and Newton Aycliffe FC reporter Glen Robertson writes a regular Euro 2012 blog for Aycliffe Today…
DAY ONE REVIEW
The European Championships finally got underway yesterday, and in some style.
On paper, Poland against Greece and Russia versus Czech Republic were not the most mouthwatering of games, but both delivered as the tournament got off to a superb start.
Two red cards, a missed penalty and two goals in the opening game was exciting enough, before Russia thumped four past the Czechs in the late game.
The hosts Poland started brilliantly against Greece and danger man Robert Lewandowski gave them a deserved lead against Greece who were reduced to 10 men in the first half.
But the Greeks equalised before missing a penalty after Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was dismissed for bringing down Dimitris Salpingidis.
Tournament dark horses Russia got off to a blistering start, putting four past Chelsea keeper Petr Cech. It could have been more such was the Russians’ dominance over a poor Czech side.
DAY TWO PREVIEW
If yesterday’s games were not enticing, at least on paper beforehand, today more than makes up for it.
The ‘Group of Death’ gets underway with World Cup finalists Netherlands taking on Denmark (5pm) and second favourites Germany clashing with Portugal (7.45pm).
Denmark are the weakest team in the group on paper but will cause a few problems for the Dutch side. The Danes beat Netherlands in the semi-finals during their 1992 tournament victory. The Oranje could be frustrated again.
Game of the Day: Both are must-see but the Germans clashing with Portugal is a true clash of European heavyweights. While Germany are heavily tipped to reach the final, they can’t afford to lose their opening game in such a difficult group.
Portugal are heavily reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo and are not the force they were when they knocked England out of the 2004 Euros and the 2006 World Cup, but are still capable of scintillating displays, as their 4-1 friendly victory over Spain in 2010 showed.
The pair met in the 2008 quarter-finals, with the Germans prevailing 3-2 in a superb game. Don’t be surprised to see the score repeated today as Germany are brilliant going forward but leave holes at the back.
Key Battle: Cristiano Ronaldo versus the German right back. Germany have arguably the best right-back in the world in Philipp Lahm, but he’ll be playing left-back as he’s pretty good there too.
Germany can choose from Jerome Boateng, Benedikt Howedes or Lars Bender for the right-hand berth. Bender is a midfielder, while the other two are centre-backs.
Whoever gets the nod has to cope with Ronaldo, who scored 60 goals for Real Madrid this season. No pressure.
Bet of the Day: Germany to beat Portugal, with three or more goals scored. 2/1 with Ladbrokes
Longshot: Denmark to beat Netherlands 5/1