Euros 2012 So Far: Day 2

So the Euros kicked off this past Friday, as the controversy around the host nations selection continued to create a cloud over the tournament. Not only racism allegations from all corners of sport but also the problem that it seemed alot of games were destined to have empty seats in the stadium. The first few days of football done nothing to calm the fears of games failing to sell out and we have seen crowd problems although up until now there has been no reports of racism.

Lewandowski, a threat all game.

We kicked off with Poland v Greece followed by Russia v Czech Republic. The opening game was what we have come to expect from these tournaments; a passionate crowd with generally lacklusture football. Both teams had a man sent off, Greece in particular can feel aggreived by what their red card, while the game finished 1-1. The lone star was clearly Borussia Dortmund striker Lewandowski for Poland who netted the first goal of the Euros, with Salpigidis equalising for Greece.
Final Score; Poland 1 - 1 Greece

Arshavin was at his very best.

Russia v Czech proved a much more thrilling match, with Andrey Arshavin proving the spark for the Russians as he has done time and again. He was wayward at Arsenal but when a team is built around him, relying on him for the creative influence he truly does shine and looks a great player on his day. He pulled the strings as the Russians ran away 4-1 winners with Dzagoev finding the net
twice.
Final Score; Russia 4 - 1 Czech Republic

"Watch your legs!"..."Nuts! GOAL!"

Day 2, Saturday, was highly anticipate amongst football fans as many peoples early favorites Netherlands took on the 1992 shock winners, Denmark. The Dutch provided the flair and technique that makes them so easy on the eye but as Harry Redknapp pointed out at halftime, they are distinctly average at the back. The Danes managed to nick a goal through Krohn-Dehli halfway through the first halfhalf and proceeded to play counter attacking football, relying on the pace of an aging Rommedahl to scare the backline. It worked. As Holland fluffed chance after chance, at one point Van Persie managed to completely miss the ball on a half chance he has buried all year round. Things don't look good for the Dutch as this was the "easy" game in the group and matches are only going to get tougher.
Final Score; Netherlands 0 - 1 Denmark 

Ronaldo lacked service all game.

Speaking of which Germany and Portugal entertained for the evening kickoff, in a hotly anticipated clash involving my pick for the tournament (Germany). The game was a huge let down, with sprayed passes missing their target and possession rarely kept. With the Portuguese deciding Ronaldo is best placed on the left wing, they struggled to get him involved in dangerous positions which was a shame, as the few times he had the ball he seemed to create a chance for his teammates. Mario Gomez, one of the most inform players at the tournament squeaked the game for the Germans with a header in the 72nd minute as the rest of the game played out, with little else happening until the ref blew the whistle to put us out of our misery.
Final Score; Germany 1 - 0 Portugal