best performance of euro 2004 so far?

[aiden]

who played the finest match so far this tournament. was it sweden against bulgaria. holland against germany, could it have been greece against portugal. or was it england, france, or croatia. tell us who you think played the best match so far, and why.

[aiden]

i can't really answer that seing as how i have only been able to catch three games(swe vs ita, fra vs. croa, den vs. ita). the best showings i have seen were france in the first half vs. the croats, and croatia in the second half of that game. italy and france are the most technically sound teams i have seen so far, but they are prone to breakdowns. plus, lets face it france has gotten all the luck this tournament. the danes are very athletic and the croatians have great a counterattack, but neither can hold posession or open up play like their french and italian counterparts. the italians, for their part have an indominable defense, but must try to finish out teams. the swedes proved this by equalizing on a great goal by young ibrahimovich (the swedes show flashes of brilliance sometimes). i think the french are capable of playing the best, and should win the tournament.

[Nedved04]

czech's against holland of course! :)

[nicodemus]

who played the finest match so far this tournament. was it sweden against bulgaria. holland against germany, could it have been greece against portugal. or was it england, france, or croatia. tell us who you think played the best match so far, and why.
It certainly wasn't Sweden against Bulgaria. Sweden's first goal came against the run of play, and after the second goal it was like something just went wrong with Bulgaria and not particularly right with Sweden.

I don't even see how you could say Holland against Germany. That game was so boring I actually fell asleep. Besides Van Nistelrooy's goal, that was a total snorefest of a game.

[nirvaanfc]

The CZECH Assault on Dutch.
From the very first minute they should have been up.
Jan Koller and marek Jankulovski hadgreat chances even before Wilfred Bouma's 4th minute opener.

Czech's continued dominance and Ruud Van Nistelrooy's 19th minute strike was a horror call as he was without question in an offside position when ball was played wide to Arjen Robben.

A bad pass by Philip Cocu picked off in midfield Milan Baros. He ran at Dutch defense and squared for Koller to firse in Czech's opener on 23 minutes.

Good oppurtunities followed for both teams, with Edgar Davids striking the base of the post with a lawnmower job from the top of the box.
HALFTIME
Briliant Czech's throw everything at Dutch now.
Pavel Nedved (man of the match) crossed into box, Koller chested down to just about penalty spot and Baros smashed an unstoppable rocket into the roof of the net.

Immediately after, Andy Van Der Meyde hits straight at petr Cech, who was brilliant as was Van Der Sar. Great chances at both ends as Vladimir Smicer has pick of the for Czechs to be denied by a great save from Van Der Sar.

Pavel Nedved smashes a 35-40 yard dipping volley which beats Van Der Sar al ends up, but the former Juventus custodian is relieved to see the current Juventus sensation's (and european player of the year) shot rebound off the crossbar to Karel Poborsky who heads over.

Nedved has become the key to the game, in addition to his crossbar shot, he has struck a wonderful bulet freekick which Van Der Sar could only parry away and another teasing long range effort. His surging upfield run also led to a second caution for Johnny Heitenga resulting in his marching orders.

Substitute Marek Heinz shoots but his good effort is beaten away to Poborsky by Van Der Sar. Poborsky delivers a cross which Smicer fires home in the 87th minute.

The Dutch crumble as mighty Czechs comeback once more in this tourney, this time not to tiny Latvia by a goal, but by the Oranjemen from 2-0 down inside 20 minutes.

CZECH REPUBLIC was brilliant and as result qon group in just 2 games.

[SimonCampbell]

Holland Czech Rep - sublime match
Denmark Italy - superb passing from both teams
France Croatia - amazing end to end stuff

Sweden Bulgaria - result really didn't reflect how well Bulgaria played, one minute they're all over Sweden the next they're 3-0 down.

Czech Rep Latvia - was supposed to have been a good match, but I haven't had time to watch it

[Jeffrey S]

I agree that the Czech-Holland match was the best so far. And would have been even it had ended a draw or if Holland had held on to win, as the play was of excellent quality. I especially thought that Baros, Smircer, Podorsky and Nedved put on the best front line performance of the Eurocup, all were at the very top of their game. Electric stuff.

Get a sense that England-Croatia will be a good match today.

[AFCA]

The CZECH Assault on Dutch.
From the very first minute they should have been up.
Jan Koller and marek Jankulovski hadgreat chances even before Wilfred Bouma's 4th minute opener.

Czech's continued dominance and Ruud Van Nistelrooy's 19th minute strike was a horror call as he was without question in an offside position when ball was played wide to Arjen Robben.

A bad pass by Philip Cocu picked off in midfield Milan Baros. He ran at Dutch defense and squared for Koller to firse in Czech's opener on 23 minutes.

Good oppurtunities followed for both teams, with Edgar Davids striking the base of the post with a lawnmower job from the top of the box.
HALFTIME
Briliant Czech's throw everything at Dutch now.
Pavel Nedved (man of the match) crossed into box, Koller chested down to just about penalty spot and Baros smashed an unstoppable rocket into the roof of the net.

Immediately after, Andy Van Der Meyde hits straight at petr Cech, who was brilliant as was Van Der Sar. Great chances at both ends as Vladimir Smicer has pick of the for Czechs to be denied by a great save from Van Der Sar.

Pavel Nedved smashes a 35-40 yard dipping volley which beats Van Der Sar al ends up, but the former Juventus custodian is relieved to see the current Juventus sensation's (and european player of the year) shot rebound off the crossbar to Karel Poborsky who heads over.

Nedved has become the key to the game, in addition to his crossbar shot, he has struck a wonderful bulet freekick which Van Der Sar could only parry away and another teasing long range effort. His surging upfield run also led to a second caution for Johnny Heitenga resulting in his marching orders.

Substitute Marek Heinz shoots but his good effort is beaten away to Poborsky by Van Der Sar. Poborsky delivers a cross which Smicer fires home in the 87th minute.

The Dutch crumble as mighty Czechs comeback once more in this tourney, this time not to tiny Latvia by a goal, but by the Oranjemen from 2-0 down inside 20 minutes.

CZECH REPUBLIC was brilliant and as result qon group in just 2 games.

You've got to be **********ing kidding me....

[Nedved04]

You've got to be **********ing kidding me....

nope, you're just biased against the czech's cause they beat you. every post you've made on the match has just been sour grapes....

[Monarch Bay Beachbum]

You've got to be **********ing kidding me....



I have got to agree with Nedved04, that was the best performance of the tournament. I have watched every game, as a non-partisan, and both teams played a beautiful game of skilled attacking soccer.

[Luther_Gabriel]

Italy seemed to be playing superbly for most of the game against Sweden. Except they only managed to score one goal (Vieri missed about 7 headers), and Zlatan scored that overhead lob to get a draw.

[afgrijselijkheid]

I have got to agree with Nedved04, that was the best performance of the tournament. I have watched every game, as a non-partisan, and both teams played a beautiful game of skilled attacking soccer.


he's not questioning the quality of the football, or even the fine czech performance - he is rightfully questioning that garbage analysis of the match

nirvaanfc... what color crack are you on anyway?

ORANJE-czeat republic was easily the best match of a tournament where the theme has been gutless coaching tactics

[eldiablito]

When you ask for best performance, do you mean game or do you mean which team is playing the best?

I've watched every match of the tournament. The best match by far was Czech Republic v. Holland. (Heittinga shouldn't have received a 2nd yellow as that was Nedved clearly diving, but it still was a fair result). Both teams played exceptionally well.

My second favorite match was France v. England.

Italy played the best soccer I've seen in their first half against Sweden, but then was too content with the one goal lead.

The team that is playing the most attractive is Czech Republic in my honest opinion.

Here's how I see each team's performance

Portugal
No idea which team is going to show up, the nervous, shaky team that showed up against Greece, or the team that outplayed Spain--although it just looked to me that Spain's game plan was ********e. I think Portugal is a bit lucky to be where they are.

Greece
A surprising (and overachieving) team that reminds me of the '02 USA--beating heavily favored Portugal in their first match and advancing to the 2nd round with a little outside help. They're a decent to good team and can play well enough to cause trouble when focused. Their main advantage is that everyone underestimates them.

Spain
They completely dominated against Russia--but they should have won it by more goals and not have turned complacent in the last 20 minutes. Had they put in another goal, they wouldn't be going home. They were lifeless against Portugal. Another tournament where they don't even come close to reaching their potential.

Russia
I'm sorry, but they're crap. Or maybe slightly better than crap. I'm afraid we will see them again in WC because their qualifying group is weak.

France
They're a quality team playing good football. Every team that's faced them has raised their game (and I think that says a lot about France).

England
Today's game will really show us what they're made of. Rooney has been a revelation but frankly, I haven't been too impressed with them as a whole. They put up a great first half against France and they've crushed Switzerland, but collectively I haven't seen anything from them to warrant expectations of a France-England final (which, strangely, I keep hearing).

Croatia
They're decent, not as bad as many assume, but not that great either. I really can't wait to see how they fare against England.

Switzerland
They're worse than Russia--not worth watching.

Sweden
They had their way against Bulgaria after Bulgaria folded. They looked on the ropes against Italy for most of the match. They're a good team that can play quality soccer, but not overly impressive right now.

Denmark
This may be personal bias--but I see the way they play to be thuggish and a bit dirty. (at least they don't spit) They're a pragmatic team that plays to get results, but so far it hasn't been attractive.

Italy
They could use some pragmatism--like don't sit on a one-goal lead. Seriously, the first half passing against Sweden was thrilling. The game against Denmark was not. Losing Totti could be the best thing for them.

Bulgaria
They played better in their 5-0 loss to Sweden then their 2-0 loss to Denmark. That Denmark loss was the WORST performance of the whole tournament. They were down by a goal and didn't adjust from keeping 9 in the back! It's as if they've already quit and didn't want to further embarass themselves--which I find embarassing.

Czech Republic
Definitely the one team that has shown up BOTH of it's games. They're playing attractive, attacking soccer. They've come from behind in both games too. My favorite moment has been Podorsky's build up for their first goal against Latvia. Brilliant.

Germany
They dominated the Dutch, but then did nothing against Latvia. Very uninspiring stuff.

Holland
They looked like crap against Germany, but looked great against Czech Republic. But why can't Van Der Meyde pass the ball to a wide open Van Nistlerooy--several times? This is the Dutch's problem, they really don't play like a team. (And imho the coaching is suspect).

Latvia
This team really is the revelation of the tournament. This tiny country should be outclassed in this group of death, and as of yet, still have a chance to advance. Not the most inspiring of teams, but really, a tiny country with unknown players holding their own against Czech Republic and Germany. They're playing the best they can with the cards they've been dealt. Plus, they were denied a penalty against Germany.

[whirlwind]

Well, England didn't look bad at all today. Rooney's phenomenal.

[BSjanitor]

To answer bluntly, the best performance so far was from the Czech coming back from 0-2 to Holland. England second best today versus Croatia, also coming back.

[freis]

Portugal
No idea which team is going to show up, the nervous, shaky team that showed up against Greece, or the team that outplayed Spain--although it just looked to me that Spain's game plan was ********e. I think Portugal is a bit lucky to be where they are.



Really? And who should be in our place, Spain or Russia? :rolleyes:

[picaraza]

As far as I can tell Denmark is the only team that has dominated in both their games.

The Czechs looked brillant in the second half against Holland, but really mediocre in the other three halves.

Haven't been impressed with France, or Holland. Didn't see England today.

[kerpow]

England were pretty good today and if Beckham wasn't such a global celebrity there would be little to criticise us. Our defense against set pieces is still shaky aswell I suppose.

The Czech/Dutch game was great to watch but the comeback should never have been allowed to happen. Had Robben not been taken off or the ref been less harsh with the sending off it could have been very different.

But hey, we're got Rooney on fire and have scored 8 goals in the opening stage. I doubt that will be beaten.