Euro 2008 - Group C, Round 2

It seems a less hype mood for this Euro, though had not been watching outside till now. Caught 2 rounds of matches on the mahjong table, you need something to keep you awake throughout. This is a good method if you can managed to jio the kakis.

Italy v Romania
Yesterday, or maybe should be today. 2 most entertaining and remarkable matches so far. Especially for the Italy v Romania, it was simply end to end stuff. Italy started with a very attacking lineup, 4 1 3 2. Upon kick off, the Azzuris were determine to get the early goal, with Del Piero heading into the side netting.

Then things doesn't seems to be that simple. Buffon parried Mutu's effort and Panucci's deflection from a Romanian freekick went off the Italian's post. I started thinking, another typical Italian match, where it gets so tense !

Toni and Del Piero has half chances to put them 1 up, but failed. Italian piled on, Lobont made magnificent saves from Toni, his header was deem in until he pulled off that out of this world save. Minutes later, Romanians clear off the line. Then Toni scored but was ruled offside, Consipracy ?

Second half, as the italians try to create more chances, a typical Italian "Suayka" error, Zambrotta's back pass header was too feeble and Mutu latched on to give Romanian the lead. It was like "Now you should get it, how typical can you get for a italian match ?"

But Italy came right back ! Panucci's effort bundled into goal from the corner ! At that moment, it was like we are back ! Then game play become even more open, with numerous half chances for italy. De Rossi's header in front of goal was again "fantastically 4" saved by Lobont .... heart wrenching !

Romanian had their attacking chances, with italian making several key tackles. Then disaster struck, Panucci was faulted for helding down Niculae in the box, 81st min.

But ...........

Another italian typical ! Buffon saved Mutu's penalty !!! Mutu's shot hit his outstretched leg and bounced off and Buffon managed to palm it away !

Italian piled on to no avail. Buffon saved the day

Holland v France
Nothing much to say on this. France was outplayed. You need good players and tactics to become a very good team. But you need luck to become a exceptional one. Holland seems to fit the bill now.

After taking the lead through the under performed Liverpool player, Kuyt. France had numerous half chances to level, but ... just not good enough.

Second half, you know France will lose when Henry's lob while he was one on one went over. Then sucker punch, as Holland break away, Van Persie was in the clear in the box to tuck away Robben's superb cross.

But ... Henry's taiko touch pulled one back. BUT THEN AFTER THE RESTART, HOLLAND ROBBED FRANCE IN MIDFIELD AND ROBBEN WAS RELEASED IN THE BOX BEFORE SCORING A "VAN BASTEN" SCORCHER !!!!

How to beat such team ? Sneider rubbed salt into the wound when his wonderful strike outside the box made it 4-1. What to say ....

It is down to the Italy v France match. But the Romania v Holland match plays a big factor, as it becomes interesting if different results happens.

What happens if italy v france draw and holland beat romania ? Who will be 2nd ?