The group play portion of Euro 2012 has come and gone with few surprises as to who is still alive. Virtually all the big names, minus Netherlands, have advanced to the knockout phase and are ready to continue their quest for European glory. It's time to take a step back and look at what were the surprises, whose in the best shape, and why it all transpired.
The Dutch Collapse - No other way to put it, as this team was here to contend. An 0-3 showing in which every game they looked like they were totally outclassed. From World Cup finalists to a first round exit, the Dutch found out that defense wins games. Even with arguably the best front line or midfield in the international scene, the Dutch could not find a way to control their opponents in their half. Germany and Portugal scored twice and Denmark added only one, yet the scores could have been much worse. It would be wise to see that shutting down the opponents' is the first thing a team should accomplish. Teams like Greece, Italy, and Czech, after lack luster defensive games, shut down their opponents and were able to advance. If this team is too have success in 2014, their back-line is where it needs to improve.
The Big Teams Do Their Job - Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, England, and France all find themselves in the knockout phase; a place that the teams should have been in anyways. England might be the most surprising considering the amount of injuries and lack of talent the team has in its starting 11, but with a weak group, progress was always something in their future. Greece and Czech are the two surprises, but someone had come from Group A. This tournament wouldn't be fun without these teams in it, and I can only see high quality football from here on in.
Big Names Rule Important Games - Ronaldo, Rooney, Torres, and Gomez all came up huge in the biggest games for their teams during the Group Match. Ronaldo, questioned for his international abilities, scored twice against the Dutch to put the Portuguese through while Rooney played only one game, but provided the match winner against Ukraine. Torres scored twice after critics were questioning Spain's tactics after its initial draw with Italy and Gomez netted a brace to essentially put Germany to the knockout round. You can't beat the big names making the biggest impact in big tournaments.
All Surrender to Spain's Red Fury - With the 8 teams left, Germany features probably the easiest road to the finals with Greeks, winner of England/Italy (Weakened teams) and then the other side's winner. However, Spain is the best team in the world, and nothing so far has shown else wise. An overpowering midfield, strong D, and the best keeper in the world is a recipe for success. They have France, which has looked lackluster at times, and then probably the Portuguese, not a the toughest of draws. If they score first, it's usually lights out and I think they will be holding the big silver thing come July 1st.
The next two weeks will be fun. A game a day for the most part with the best players in the world, sounds like a good time. Play it back to play it forward.
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