Thursday, June 12, 2008

Greece 0 Sweden 2

Verdict: I think it's fair to say that every neutral was cheering like a madman at Ibrahimovic's screamer. Greece did not win very many friends with that display, the footballing equivalent of an Iain Duncan Smith speech - slow, meandering, constantly defensive, pointless and completely lacking in quality. Sweden, meanwhile, played like, well, Sweden - solid and dependable, and always capable of nicking a goal.

Entertainment value: Not as bad as Romania-France, but pretty damned godawful all the same. I told friends at half time that "I'd give my right testicle for a Sweden goal"; thankfully for all you young ladies out there, that sacrifice was not required.

Heroes: Zlatan was the best player on the field and it showed with that absolutely stonking strike. To be honest, he was also the only player to stand out on the field.

Villains: Otto Rehhagel has blamed his players, rather than his tactics, but you can't excuse setting out with 5 at the back. How many defenders does he expect to play against Spain? Pretty much every Greek player except Seitaridis and Charisteas was guff, with Gekas (hooked at half time) looking incapable of holding onto a baby, let alone a football.

The job ahead: Sweden will now fancy themselves to get through, especially if they nick something off Spain. The loss of Wilhelmsson will hurt though - their bench is a bit lacking in quality right now. Greece, on the other hand, can and must play better against Russia. I tell you, they're not a bad team and I reckon they could beat the Russkis if they dare to show a bit of enterprise and flair. Honest!

L.

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