Christian Eriksen under fire

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Christian Eriksen came under fire after Denmarks late defeat to Portugal. Boss Morten Olsen blames the Spurs star for not doing enough for the Danish side. 

Eriksen has impressed everyone since leaving Ajax Amsterdam for Tottenham Hotspur and the English capital. In Holland, he was one of the best players, and he has managed to keep the same standard in England. However, it seems that Eriksen leaves behind the great form in his club when he joins Denmark for international duty. 

Denmark boss Olsen slammed Eriksen for Denmarks late defeat to Portugal by saying:

"After so many matches he could pick up the ball and help to control the game. He has not been able to.
“Therefore, we blame him. He must stand up to the criticism, and he does too.”

And Morten Olsen is right. Christian Eriksen has not impressed for the Denmark team for a long time. The Danish fans have only seen five goals in 48 matches from Eriksen; not impressing for an attack-minded player. However, Olsen has used Eriksen on both wings as well, and when it comes to it, the talent is best as an attacking midfield. 

Furthermore, Eriksen is not allowed the same freedom on the Denmark side as he is in Spurs where he has a more free role. After playing the same 4-2-3-1 formation for a decade, Olsen changed it to a 4-4-2 for the Portugal match. None the less did it help; Eriksen was still locked and not given the freedom he needs to perform as he does for his club in England.  

But is Olsen right to blame Eriksen for his poor display? Partly. As Olsen said on today's press conference: 

“It is quite something when you have to criticize a player like Christian Eriksen. It should not take place.
“If it was a player at a lower level, one could say that he had no class. But with Christian Eriksen do not make the mistake. I must be tough and say to him. And he knows it well.”

But, Olsen needs to realise that Eriksen has to get a more free role if he is to perform at the same level as in Tottenham. Until then, the Danish fans will only see half of what the Spurs star is capable of. 


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Match of the Week: Denmark v Portugal

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Portugal is heading to Copenhagen knowing only a victory is accepted against the group leaders. Match of the Week is between Denmark and Portugal.


Euro 2016 Qualification
Group I Round 3
Telia Parken
14-10-2014 @ 19.45 BST










How are the two sides form?

Denmark are top of the group with four points after two matches, the same amount of points as Albania. The Danes started the campaign with a 2-1 win at home against Armenia by goals from Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Lasse Vibe. The latter was also the man behind the goal in Denmarks 1-1 draw against Albania in the weekend. 

Portugal, surprisingly, lost against Albania in their first match of the EURO qualification and are last in the group. Saturday they played a friendly against France and did not get the result they were hoping for losing 1-2. 

What are the probable line-up?

Schmeichel

Ankersen - Agger - Kjær  - Boilesen

Højbjerg - Kvist

Schöne - Eriksen - Krohn-Dehli

Bendtner
___________________________________

Danny - Vierinha - Nani

Tiago - Moutinho - Mario

Cedric - Pepe- Bruno Alves - Eliseu

Patricio

Worth keeping an eye on

Denmark: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Bayern Munich midfielder Højbjerg is the new star of Danish football, being compared to the legendary Michael Laudrup. While the 19-year old Højbjerg has a promising future for Denmark, he is looking to leave Bayern Munich and the Portugal match will be a great window for him to show off.



Portugal: Joao Mário. The 21-year old Sporting midfielder is a joker for Portugal in this match. We believe he could be a starter, and he has what it takes to become the next great Portuguese midfielder. 


What to expect from this match?

Denmark and Portugal have a great take on each other. The last seven matches between the two sides have ended in three wins to each country and one draw. On top of that, both sides has scored 14 goals. Despite playing a draw against Albania in the weekend, Denmark looks strongest at the moment, especially as Ronaldo is reported injured for the match. However, Portugal have a more experienced squad than Denmark, and that might come them in handy in this match.

What are the odds?

 Denmark: 23/10 (Bet365)

Draw: 12/5 (Skybet)

Portugal: 7/5 (Coral)
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Match of the Week: Portugal v Sweden

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The European leagues are taking a break while the World Cup playoffs are taking place. One of the most interesting matches is between Portugal and Sweden on Friday.


Portugal v Sweden
World Cup Playoffs first match
Estádio de Luz
15-11-2013 @ 19.45 UK








How are the two teams form?

Portugal ended the group stages second in Group F only a point after Russia while Sweden ended second in Group C eight points after Germany. Sweden have not won against Portugal in their last four meetings, however, the last three have ended in draws - two of them goalless.

What are the probable line-ups?

Paulo Bento has called up uncapped William Carvalho as well as the two injury doubts Fabio Coentrao and Joao Pereira. Meanwhile, Swedens Erik Hamren has selected a squad much alike the one qualifying for the play offs, with Zlatan Imbrahovic as the star.

Patricio

Pereira - Costa - Pepe - Coentrão

Moutinho - Meireles

Nani - Ronaldo - Bruma

Postiga
________________________________

Ibrahimovic

Larsson - Elmander - Elm

Kallstrom - Wernbloom

Olsson - Antonsson - Granqvist - Olsson

Isaksson

What to expect from this match?

Erik Hamren has already been out saying Sweden are the underdogs in this match, which is partly true. There is no doubt that Portugal is a good team, but Sweden has a Zlatan in super form, and he will be important in this match. Portugal will put their trust in Ronaldo to deliver in this match, and it will truly be a battle between two of the Ballon d'Or nominated.

I expect to see a rather defensive Sweden, playing on the contras but also a Sweden getting most out of their chances with Zlatan as the main player. Portugal will be strong defensive, but will have to show offensive play at home to please the crowd. Could well end in a draw.

What are the odds?

Portugal are the favorites according to oddschecker.com, with betway holding the best odds at 3/4, while a Sweden win will give a 47/11 at betfair. If you think this will be another draw between the nations Unibet holds 14/5. 
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EURO 2012 2012 Update - Semi Finals

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Both Semi Finals has been played, and Great Dane Football Blog gives you an update on what happened!












Portugal - Spain (0-0) (0-0) (2-4)

Spain was entered the match as favorites. However, it was Portugal who was the most dominant team. Spain started best with Arbeloa shooting over the goal, from the edge of the box. Portugal was soon able to handle the pressure from Spain, and prevent the Spaniards from playing their short passes. The high pressure from Portugal gave Ronaldo some chances, but the superstar was unable to score. The score at the break was 0-0 in an even match.

The second half started as even as the first ended. Both teams had their chances, but Portugal seemed to be most interested in winning the match, while Spain looked as a team hoping for extra time. In the 90th minute, Ronaldo was close to ruin Spain’s plan when he suddenly was free in front of goal. However, the captain missed once again. This meant that the match went on to extra time.

While Portugal had been the best team in the first ninety minutes, Spain was suddenly the superior team. After 103 minutes of play, Rui Patricio saved Portugal, after a chance to Iniesta. Portugal managed to avoid the pressure from Spain, and the penalty shootout was up next.

Both Xabi Alonso and Joao Moutinho had their shots saved before Iniesta, Pepe, Pique and Nani scored. Sergio Ramos sent Spain in front before Bruno Alves hit the crossbar giving Fabregas the chance of sending his nation in the final. The midfielder did not miss, and while Ronaldo was annoyed of missing the final, Spain celebrated.

Carlsberg Man of the Match Award: Sergio Ramos, Spain

Germany - Italy 1-2

Germany was seen as one of the favorites for the EURO 2012 titel, before the competition started. Italy wanted it different. Mats Hummels was close to bring Germany in front with after a corner. Buffon did not look well in the situation, and the ball was saved on the line by Pirlo. However, after twenty minutes play it was Italy and Barlotelli that scored the first goal. Cassano left three German defenders look very poor before sending a perfect cross into the head of Mario Barlotelli. The Germans had problems after the scoring and looked much shaken. Ten minutes before the break, Barlotelli struck again. The striker was alone with Neuer and with an amazing kick he sent Italy in front by two. This was also the result at the break.

In the break, Joachim Löw substituted both Gomez and Podolski for Marco Reus and Klose. Reus was close to reduce for Germany, but his excellent performance free kick was saved by Buffon. Germany put morer and more pressure on Italy, who began to play more and more defensive. However, the Germans had problems breaking through the defends, while the Italian had one counter attack after the other. Than, two minutes into the overtime Germany were awarded a penalty which Özil scored on. However, it was not enough to bring them back in the match, and Italy will meet Spain in the EURO 2012 final!

Carlsberg Man of the Match Award: Andrea Pirlo, Italy

Top scorer list

Rank
Goals

1
3
Alan Dzagoev, Russia
-
3
Mario Mandžukić, Croatia
-
3
Mario Gomez, Germany
-
3
Mario Balotelli, Italy
-
3
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal
2
2
Fernando Torres, Spain
-
2
Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine
-
2
Cesc Fabregas, Spain
-
2
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden
-
2
Michael Krohn-Dehli, Denmark
  

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EURO 2012 Update - Round 1

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First round of EURO 2012 has ended, and Great Dane Football Blog provides you with an update of what happened.








Group A
Played
Win
Draw
Lost
For
Against
+/-
Points
Russia
1
1
0
0
4
1
+3
3
Greece
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
Poland
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
Czech Rep.
1
0
0
1
1
4
-3
0

Poland - Greece 1-1

The EURO 2012 opening match was more exciting than anyone would have ever guessed. Poland started the match with a high pressure and had two major chances to Robert Lewandowski and Rafal Murawski after just four minutes play. After fifteen minutes play, Robert Lewandowski brought Poland in front with a perfect header behind Greece’s goalkeeper. A few minutes before the break, Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos was shown his second yellow card and sent off.

From the start of the second half, Greece started pressuring Poland, resulting in a goal from Salpigidis, after a riposte.  With twenty minutes left Polish goalkeeper Szczesny tackled Salpigidis. Greece was given a penalty, and Szczesny a red card. This looked like the chance for Greece. However, reserve keeper Tyton wanted it different, when he saved Karagounis’ penalty kick.

No further goals were scored in hard played opening match where Poland overall was best.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Robert Lewandowski, Poland

Russia - Czech Republic 4-1

Russia showed why they are favorites in group A, in their opening match against the Czech Republic. However, from the start of the match the Czech’s were dominant and had a couple of chances to bring themselves in front.  After fifteen minutes play, the situation changed and Russia took over, bringing themselves in front by Alan Dzagoev on a contra. Ten minutes later Roman Shirikov put the ball over Petr Cech’s and in to the goal. 2-0.

Shortly into the second half, the Czech Republic answered back and reduced to 1-2 by a goal from Pilar.  This was a wake-up call for Russia, and after 78 minutes, Dzagoev became a double goal scorer. The last goal was scored by Roman Pavlyuchenko who played with the Czech defense before hammering the ball in the net.

Overall Russia controlled the match and showed off some attacking football, making them the favorites of the group. 

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Alan Dzagoev, Russia 

Group B
 

Played
Win
Draw
Lost
For
Against
+/-
Points
Germany
1
1
0
0
1
0
+1
3
Denmark
1
1
0
0
1
0
+1
3
Holland
1
0
0
1
0
1
-1
0
Portugal
1
0
0
1
0
1
-1
0

Holland - Denmark 0-1

Denmark delivered quite a surprise in the opening match of group B. Even though Denmark and Daniel Agger had the first real chance in the match, they were under constant pressure from Holland. The Dutch and especially Robin van Persie missed one chance after the other in the first twenty minutes. However, after a couple of chances to Denmark, Michael Krohn-Dehli received the ball in Holland’s goal area and rounded a defender before putting the ball between goalkeeper Stekelenburg’s leg and into the goal. 1-0 to Denmark. Just before, the break Holland had a shot on the post after goal keeper Stephan Andersen played the ball directly in the feet of van Persie.

From the start of the second half, Denmark was put under a massive pressure once again, but they managed to keep the Dutch from scoring. Denmark had a few chances but was not close to scoring their second goal. Instead, they delivered some stabile defensive work in a match where Holland was best.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Michael Krohn-Dehli, Denmark

Germany - Portugal 0-1

German coach Joachim Löw surprised when he decided to put Mario Gomez in the starting XI instead of Miroslav Klose. However, it should turn out to be an excellent decision.

Both teams started the match by showing respect for each other, and there were more defensive play than goal chances. Germany had a couple of chances, but the Portuguese defensive were controlling. Shortly before the break, Pepe had a header on the post, making the ball dance on the goal line before the Germans cleared.

From the start of the second half, Portugal was getting better and better. However, it was Germany who scored a goal. Sami Khedira found Mario Gomez in the box, and as always he was deadly with his head and scored to 1-0. With ten minutes left, Ronaldo was close to scoring, but Neuer saved three points to Germany.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Mesut Özil, Germany

Group C
Played
Win
Draw
Lost
For
Against
+/-
Points
Croatia
1
1
0
0
3
1
+2
3
Spain
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
Italy
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
Ireland
1
0
0
1
1
3
-2
0
 
Spain - Italy 1-1


Both Spain and Italy created an overflow of chances in the opening match of group C. While Spain was most in possession in the first half it was Italy who had the first dangerous shot on target. Cassano had a strike just past the post followed up by a shot directly on Iker Casillas.

Spain came into the second half with a bit more heart and especially Cesc Fabregas was playing better. However after 60 minutes it was Italy who scored the first goal. Antonio di Natale was suddenly free with the goal keeper, and the striker had no problems sending his nation in front. But before the Italians had finished celebrating, Fabregas equalized just three minutes later. David Silva found Fabregas in the box, with a magnificent pass, and the midfielder only had to touch the ball. It not looked like both teams would settle with a draw, and only a few chances were created before the final whistle.

Carlsberg Man of the Match Award: Andrés Iniesta, Spain

Republic of Ireland - Croatia 1-3

Croatia started the match with lighting and thunder, bringing themselves in front after just three minutes play. Mandžukić directed the ball into the net, by a header, after he almost had sat on the grass. However, the Irish was not so easy to shock and after 15 minutes of fight they came back in the match. A free kick was sent into the box where St Ledger came first with a header and scored to 1-1. It was Croatia who, overall, was best in the match and just minutes before the break Nikica Jelavic was given a loose chance, and scored to 2-1.

Croatia would make another chock start in the second half, as they scored the third goal just three minutes after the break. Once again Mandžukić was on the spot and headed the ball on the post, hitting the Irish goalkeeper in the back of the head and into the goal. 3-1. Ireland did not seem to be able to come back from this, while Croatia on several occasions showed some beautiful passing play and was closer on another scoring, than Ireland was.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Mario Mandžukić, Croatia

Group D 
Played
Win
Draw
Lost
For
Against
+/-
Points
Ukraine
1
1
0
0
2
1
+1
3
England
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
France
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
Sweden
1
0
0
1
1
2
-1
0

France - England 1-1

The expectations were high towards the clash between France and England. However, the match turned out to fizzle out and be boring. Both teams had their chances in the first fifteen minutes. After ten minutes, Samir Nasri, had a blow just past the post while James Milner had a huge chance, on which he should had scored. However, we had to wait thirty minutes before Gerrand send a perfect free kick into the box where Joleon Lescott headed England in front. Shortly after, France had a double chance but Joe Hart delivered an outstanding performance. Shortly before the break, Nasri sent a shot on goal from the edge of the box, sliding in to the net at the nearest post and equalized the match. 1-1 at the break.

Second half started with a pressure on England, but after a while, England managed to take over the match. At this point, both teams looked satisfied with just 1 point, and the match started to fizzle out.
 
Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Samir Nasri, France

Ukraine - Sweden 2-1

Ukraine and Sweden met in the last match of round one. The first twenty minutes were hard played and low on chances, but then things changed as veteran striker Shevchenko started moving. However, it was Sweden and Zlatan Ibrahimovic who were nearest the first goal. After a perfect cross, Zlatan headed on the post.

Sweden was better from the start of the second half and came in front after fifty-two minutes when Ibrahimovic scored the first goal. However, only two minutes later Shevchenko had equalized. The old hunter headed the ball past Isaksson on a perfect cross. This started a massive Ukrainian offensive, and while Sweden seemed shaken, Shevchenko scored again to a surprising 2-1 lead. Sweden tried to comeback in the math, but Ukraine was able to keep them away from goal and bring themselves in front of group D.

Carlsberg Man of The Match Award: Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine

Top scorer list

Rank
Goals

1
2
Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine
-
2
Alan Dzagoev, Russia
-
2
Mario Mandžukić, Croatia
2
1
Roman Pavlyuchenko, Russia
-
1
Antonio Di Natale, Italy
-
1
Dimitris Salpingidis, Greece
-
1
Nikica Jelavić, Croatia
-
1
Cesc Fàbregas, Spain
-
1
Mario Gomez, Germany
-
1
Zlatan Ibrahimović, Sweden
 









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