2006 U-21 European Championships

[Pi]

Just ended France 3 - 0 Germany

The game was very close in the first half, with France scoring in the last minute. After the rest both teams came more slow to the second half, the game dragged itself until the 70' minute when France scored the second. Although there's was a penalty for Germany when the game was still 1-0 but the referee didn't call it.

Then the German team lost some focus and took the 3rd right after (good goal by Mavuba), after the 3rd the French team relaxed and Germany produced 2/3 good occasions to get a goal, but they didn't took advantage of them.

I'm seriously impressed by Mavuba, anyone knows him (better I mean), he seems an already mature player, with a great grip on the midfield.

France is almost through and Germany will rest for the game against Portugal that will (hopefully) decide the second place.

Here the UEFA's review on the game: http://www.uefa.com/Competitions/Under21/FixturesResults/Round=1912/match=83594/report=RP.html



Portugal 0 - 2 Serbia and Montenegro

Pathetic display by the Portuguese team as they tried to wash out they image they shown after the game against France, they didn't succeed. Portugal was tactically outplayed the whole game, by a better organised Serbian team.

Serbia and Montenegro are now going to fight for their place i8n the semi-finals against France, while Portugal has a lot of mathematics to do.

UEFA's review:http://www.uefa.com/competitions/Under21/FixturesResults/Round=1912/match=83595/index.html

 

[Pi]

Today are to be played the second round of group B:

Denmark 18:15 (CET) Netherlands
Italy 20:45 (CET) Ukraine

Denmark made an impression in their game against Italy, they seem like a strong group that as to respected, as for Netherlands everybody is used to see great players and great teams they will try to show their real value.

Italy is one of the favourites to the final win, but they were surprised against Denmark it was it sacrifice that they got back in the game, they are probably the best team on this group, but they to prove it. Ukraine did a great game against Netherlands and they deserve the lead, they will try to get al least a draw so they can keep in top place, avoiding France in the semi-finals.

EDIT: Since last I came here the group stage as ended, and with some surprises. The results and final standings were:

Final tournament - Group phase - 29 May 2006
Group B
Denmark 1-2 Ukraine
Netherlands 1-0 Italy

Final tournament - Group phase - 28 May 2006
Group A
France 2-0 Serbia and Montenegro
Germany 0-1 Portugal

Standings
Group A
France, 3 games, 9 points
Serbia and Montenegro, 3 games, 3 points
Germany, 3 games, 3 points
Portugal, 3 games, 3 points

Group B
Ukraine, 3 games, 6 points
Netherlands, 3 games, 4 points
Italy, 3 games, 4 points
Denmark, 3 games, 2 points

The semi-finals will be played in Thursday, 1st of June:

France vs Netherlands (18:15, CET)
Serbia and Montenegro vs Ukraine (20:45, CET)

 

[Pi]

It ended yesterday European Championship U-21, and the winner was... Netherlands, and a deserved win it was.

After beating Italy and France, Netherlands came into the final as favourites and they have not disappointed, they owned the first half and Huntelaar scored 2 goals, on the second half Ucraine came forward but all their chances were denied by Vermeer, then in the final minutes and after Ucraine been reduced to 10, Hofs scored the final 3-0.

Netherlands has a great team, but I think that Huntelaar and Hofs are 2 bright stars in rising.

 

[Handoyo]

Huntelaar is a sickening player. He's so tall and strong yet he can score Totti-esque goals. I would be delighted if Inter can sign him.


Handyo

 

[brehme1989]

Great to see Holland win it

 

[Gaetan]

Huntelaar is a sickening player. He's so tall and strong yet he can score Totti-esque goals. I would be delighted if Inter can sign him.

How refreshing it is to agree with you on a young talent. We usually don't see eye to eye on who's worth the hype and who isn't don't we, Han?