Random thoughts about Euro 2012

Random thoughts about Euro 2012

by rick olivares

Unable to string up recaps and analysis, I just have some random thoughts about the games. Bear with me, please.

Manager’s choice:

Mario Gomez starting over Miroslav Klose.

Vicente del Bosque not placing any strikers and using Cesc Fabregas upfront

Cesare Prandelli lifting Mario Balotelli for Antonio di Natale who scored for Italy

Cesare Prandelli starting the ineffective Mario Balotelli for two straight matches where Italy drew 1-1 earning two points in two matches.

Paul Bento’s substitution of Raul Meireles for Silvestre Varela.

Slaven Bilic’s second half adjustment against Italy where Luka Modric moved wide and Mario Mandzukic playing deeper that stretched the defense.

To paraphrase Gary Lineker:

This van Persie is not as good as his brother who plays for Arsenal.

Ditto with that Ronaldo whose brother led Real Madrid in scoring.

This is the Mario Balotelli who suited up for Manchester City.

This year’s Will Wayne Rooney Show Up Award: Cristiano Ronaldo

Love how Rob van Persie quickly turned and in one stride left behind Mats Hummels and Sami Khedira. Both paid for leaving space for the Dutch striker to operate. The resulting goal was one of the best of the tournament so far.

It is said that there are no racists in Poland. Only Russians.

Spain is looking very dangerous. No doubt the 4-0 win over Ireland will lift up Fernando Torres’ game. He has been crowding Cristiano Ronaldo for the Will-Wayne-Rooney-Show-Up-Award.

For Germany, in their first game Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira played well. In their next fixture this one against the Netherlands, it was Bastian Schweinsteiger who was superb in the middle. Imagine now if all three click. And Thomas Muller, Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose have not been their usual dangerous selves.

The way the Ireland fans were singing and cheering you think it was their side that was leading Spain. Credit to the Irish supporters.