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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What's Worth Watching this Week? Week 26

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This week features matches between the best national teams in Europe, as well as a Norwegian clash and a South American final. It is all Worth Watching!












Portugal - Spain
EURO 2012 Semi Final
Arena Donbass, Donetsk
27-06-2012 at 19.45 BST

Head-to-head (last 5 matches):

Portugal: 2 victories / 5 goals

   Draws: 1

   Spain: 2 victories / 6 goals

The meeting between the two neighbours is worth watching. Last time the two teams met, Portugal won 4-0. That was in 2010, and the times have changed. Spain is favorites for this match, and should be able to win this. Portugal's on-man-army Ronaldo is facing Barcelona's starting line in this match. However, you should keep an eye on the Portuguese. Spain are favorites, but Ronaldo has shown that he can win a match by himself.

Boca Juniors - Corinthians
Copa Libertadores Final First Leg
28-06-2012 at 01.50 BST

Head-to-head (last 2 matches):

Boca Juniors: 1 vicory / 4 goals

       Draws: 1

 Corinthians: 1 victory / 2 goals

Boca Juniors and Corinthians are meeting in this year's Copa Libertadores Final. Boca Juniors are favorites against a surprising Corinthians. The team has never qualified for the final. We can expect a match with a high level of technique and some great goals. Keep an eye on Corinthians Danilo. The brazilian left winger has so far scored four goals for his club and will be an important player in the final.

Germany -  Italy
EURO 2012 Semi Final
National Stadium, Warsaw
28-06-2012 at 19.45 BST

Head-to-head (last 4 matches):


Germany: 0 victories / 2 goals

  Draws: 2

  Italy: 2 victories / 6 goals

Italy has a great history against Germany as they have won two of the last four meetings. The other two has ended in a draw. However, at this EURO Germany has so far been the best team. This should set your expectations high before the Semi final as we can expect a match full of attacking football. Keep an eye on Andrea Pirlo in this match. The playmaker has been in top form and the best on the Italian team. His passings will be crucial for Italy.


Viking - Rosenborg
Tippeligaen Round 13
Viking Stadion, Stavanger
30-06-2012 at 19.00 BST

Head-to-head (last 10 matches):

   Viking: 2 victories / 12 goals

    Draws: 3

Rosenborg: 5 victories / 15 goals

Both Viking and Rosenborg has so far been disappointing in the Tippeligaen. Both teams will go into the match with the hope for a win, and especially Rosenborg has something to prove. The two teams met in a friendly in the pre-season. Here, Viking won 4-0. Keep an eye on Steffen Iversen. The veteran striker has so far scored four goals in the league and is the top scorer for Rosenborg.

Semi final #1 - Semi Final #2
EURO 2012 Final
Olympic Stadium, Kiev
01-07-2012 at 19.45 BST

At this time, we don’t know who will be in the EURO 2012 final. However, with the four teams left in the competition we can expect an amazing match. The favorites for this match are Spain and Germany, but with an international tournament, you never know who will win or lose. No matter what, we will see a match with some of Europe’s finest players. Well worth watching!






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