FiFA Football,World Cup 2014,UEFA Euro 2012,Soccer Records,Players,History,Events: European Championship

Showing posts with label European Championship. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

UEFA EURO 2012 Fan Zones - Jam Packed and Full of Fun

The fan zones in the eight UEFA EURO 2012 host cities have drawn some massive crowds, with over 4 million fans from around the world enjoying creating history together.

More than 4 million supporters have attended matches at the UEFA EURO 2012 fan zones in the eight host cities, with central locations and fabulous entertainment programs inviting fans from all nations to gather together in a safe environment to enjoy watching the group stage games on big screens. Sponsors love them, fans love them: see why with this whistle-stop tour around the fan zones.
Donetsk
Location: Sherbakova Park
Total attendance: 199,700
The fan zone near the old Shakhtar Stadium boasted an incredible 80,000 visitors on 11 June, when England played France before Ukraine took on Sweden. That night, 51 kegs of Carlsberg beer were drunk: "This is an absolute record among the host cities," fan zone director Igor Martynov said with pride. Some kind of endurance record was also set at the same fan zone, with 18,000 supporters refusing to leave despite the massive storm that struck the city at the start of France's 2-0 win against the co-hosts, causing the match to be suspended for 58 minutes. "There was no time to hide," Ukraine fan Vladimir told UEFA.com. "So I just walked to the nearest tent and ordered a beer. I knew it was not safe to hide under a tree during that kind of a storm, so I just stood under the open sky."
Gdansk
Location: Plac Zebrań Ludowych (People's Meeting Square)
Total attendance: 258,900
A performance from US hip-hop star Pitbull launched the fan zone, ahead of Poland's tournament opening fixture against Greece, with former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher billed to appear on 20 June. Some 48,000 watched the co-hosts' 1-0 defeat by the Czech Republic at the same venue and it has remained popular throughout the finals, benefiting from its relative proximity to the Arena Gdansk. Ali Farhat, a 27-year-old Parisian, was particularly impressed by the Gdansk facilities, saying: "Everything has been well organised. I've been to fan zones at previous EUROs and World Cups, and Gdansk matched those all the way."
Kharkiv
Location: Ploshcha Svobody (Freedom Square)
Total attendance: 598,900
Situated bang in the centre of the city, in one of the largest squares in Europe, Kharkiv's fan zone has profited from themed days, such as a circus festival, Netherlands day and Ukrainian cuisine day. Kharkiv Zoo's footballing Nostradamus, Fred the Ferret, has been in attendance every day too, attempting to predict football results (at last count he had guessed nine out of 20 correctly), while a stunning 160,000 supporters flocked to the fan zone on 13 June for the Portugal v Denmark, and Netherlands v Germany matches. Newly married couples have also made pilgrimages to the fan zone for wedding photos, with Dmytro and Iryna saying: "We simply couldn't have missed such a great opportunity. The fan zone is very beautiful and not many couples have a chance to get a photo in a place like this."
Kyiv
Location: Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square)
Total attendance: 1,194,000
On 11 June, 160,000 supporters descended on the capital's fan zone to watch England's game against France and then Ukraine's 2-1 win over Sweden, with the facility extended all the way to Bessarabka Square for the final round of Group D fixtures. Concerts, contests and competitions helped swell the attendance, as did the presence of Funytk the Pig, another emissary from the animal kingdom called in to predict the results of matches each day at 15.00CET. "We always come here with friends because every day there is something new," said Sweden fan Ulle. "The best ones were the body art festival and the day there were master classes on cooking Ukrainian national dishes. We cooked 'varenyky' – it was very funny."
Lviv
Location: Prospekt Svobody (Freedom Avenue)
Total attendance: 465,000
Right at the heart of the UNESCO-protected city centre, Lviv's fan zone has been the focal point for fan activity in the town. Its capacity is just 27,000, but an incredible 100,000 passed through its doors on 17 June, when Portugal played the Netherlands and Germany took on Denmark. Sponsor-led competitions and activities, including singing, dancing, football quizzes and freestyling, have helped keep spirits high. Solomia Koronenko, one of the directors of tournament activities in the city, said: "Lviv is the cultural capital of Ukraine, so the fan zone had to be of a high standard." The Crown Prince of Denmark was one of the notable VIPs to experience the fan zone, yet locals enjoyed it too, with one Ukraine supporter from nearby Ternopil saying: "It is incredible here. I never would have believed it would be so cool. I've come more than 150km to get here and I'm glad I did."
Poznan
Location: Plac Wolnosci (Freedom Square)
Total attendance: 333,250
In Poznan, UEFA EURO 2012 will be remembered as much for the Irish and Croatian fans that flooded in to the city as for the football, with the fan zone proving a major draw despite the wealth of other places to eat, drink and relax in this quietly beautiful city. Plenty of musical turns helped keep things busy, while a junior zone catered for younger supporters and sponsors ensured there were plenty of activities to suit everyone. What supporters will look back on is the friendly atmosphere in Freedom Square, even though the Irish and Croatians did not have reason to stay in Poland and Ukraine beyond the group stage. On the final match day in the city, volunteers in the fan zone erected a sign bearing the words: "Fans of Croatia, Ireland and Italy: You are great." Indeed they were, and Poznan made them welcome.
Warsaw
Location: Plac Defilad (Parade Square)
Total attendance: 821,756
The largest and perhaps loudest of the UEFA EURO 2012 fan zones, Warsaw registered an attendance of 160,000 for the opening day of matches, with all subsequent Poland games bringing well over 100,000 locals and visitors into Parade Square, in the shadow of the capital's imposing Palace of Culture and Science. Seven giant screens enabled fans to keep in touch with the action, though it was definitely standing room only whenever the co-hosts were in action. While Warsaw has not seen the huge numbers of foreign fans noted elsewhere, locals have taken the fan zone to their hearts, and tellingly Franciszek Smuda's side chose to say their farewells to supporters here after their elimination from the tournament. Another massive crowd greeted their arrival with chants of "Thank you, thank you", "We are with you, Poland, we are with you" and "Poland, white and red".
Wroclaw
Location: Plac Rynek (Market Square)
Total attendance: 372,900
Wroclaw's location close to the border ensured 90,000 were at the fan zone on the day the Czech Republic met Poland in the city, with Czech fans taking the train to share in the excitement of UEFA EURO 2012. Greek and Russian supporters also turned up in decent numbers as the daily entertainment on offer in the fan zone proved to be as much of a draw as the excellent weather. The fan zone will stay open until the end of the championship – and Wroclaw knows that it has helped to advertise the city worldwide. "During the EURO, Wroclaw has been colourful, loud and very friendly," said local fan Dawid. "The EURO atmosphere engulfed the city and the atmosphere in the fan zone during Poland's matches was incredible."

Greece Keeping Things in Perspective - UEFA EURO 2012

Football has always been more than a sport, but Vassiliki Papantonopoulou feels Greece's players should focus on enjoying themselves as they prepare to face Germany on Friday.

Germany 0-1 Greece. And a winning goal scored by Socrates. No, I'm not sharing a dream with you (although I wouldn't mind a similar turn of events on Friday). Instead, I just re-watched the classic Monty Python sketch of a football match pitting Germany's modern philosophers against Greece's wise men of antiquity.

Football has always transcended the mere barriers of sport. It can inspire art, interrupt high-level political discussions (remember the recent G8 summit when world leaders paused to watch the penalty shootout between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern München?), boost economies or change social life. It has always been more than just a game – for us, the fans and spectators.

But do the players share that feeling? Do they feel the weight of expectations or see how any one football match can touch so many aspects of life?

Yesterday, at Legionowo, where the Greece team train every day, the press came looking for answers that might indeed prove that Friday's quarter-final can transcend barriers and be about something more than football during difficult economic times. But neither Giorgos Samaras nor Kyriakos Papadopoulos obliged. "It's sport, it's a game," they said. "We go on to the pitch to enjoy ourselves and do the best we can."

The Greek team were called to do a tough job and passed with flying colours. They know that their showings in UEFA EURO 2012 will have positive repercussions on the country's low morale: "We want to make people back in Greece happy, to give them something to celebrate," said Samaras.

As far as I'm concerned, that's the right spirit. To borrow, again, from the Monty Python team: "Always look on the bright side of life." A coach and his players are participating in a feast of football and are looking to enjoy it and do their best for themselves and their country. That's what sport is all about. Nothing more, nothing less.

Netherlands' Mark Van Bommel Steps Aside

Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel has called time on his international career after the Oranje's exit from UEFA EURO 2012, saying "it is time for talented young players."

Mark van Bommel has ended his international career in the aftermath of the Netherlands' early exit from UEFA EURO 2012.
Van Bommel started both of the Oranje's opening two Group B games as captain but was an unused substitute for their final fixture – a 2-1 defeat by Portugal which left them bottom of the section without a point. The midfielder, who won 79 caps, announced on Wednesday that he is not set to appear again for his country.
"I don't want to retire," said Van Bommel, 35. "Maybe there will be a moment that the coach needs me in the future and then I will be available, but for now it is time for talented young players."
Van Bommel, who counts FC Barcelona and AC Milan among his former clubs, has agreed to return to PSV Eindhoven in his homeland for next season.

Attacking Spring Back in Portugal's Step

With Cristiano Ronaldo among the goals and spirits high before Portugal's quarter-final, Andy Brassell believes Thursday's encounter with the Czech Republic could be lively.

As the rain lashed down on the Portugal squad in Opalenica this morning, it failed to dampen spirits. While their team-mates went through a light session, Ricardo Quaresma and Nélson Oliveira broke away to try shooting at goal from the halfway line. The former found the net and the latter narrowly missed, prompting much laughter and jostling from Quaresma for the young SL Benfica forward.

Neither player is likely to start tomorrow's Warsaw quarter-final against the Czech Republic, but two things were evident from this short passage of frivolity. Firstly, Portugal are enjoying themselves at UEFA EURO 2012. Secondly, there is a permanent dedication to an attacking approach throughout the squad.

Many presumed this wasn't the case after the opening match with Germany, as Portugal were judged on a cautious mindset, allied to a dry spell in front of goal in pre-tournament friendlies. This ignored the fact that, until this mini-run of profligacy in 2012, the Selecção das Quinas had been on a rampage under Paulo Bento, finding the net 37 times in his first 13 matches in charge.

As the world at large focused on Cristiano Ronaldo's personal struggles in front of goal after the win over Denmark, that Portugal had scored three times and created a host more chances was reduced almost to a footnote. The captain hit all the right notes against the Netherlands in spectacular fashion, yet the team's intent in Kharkiv was just the same as it had been in the previous game in Lviv.

It is unlikely that there will be any let-up against Michal Bílek's Czech side. His right-back, Theodor Gebre Selassie, has been one of the stars of the tournament, getting forward with gusto throughout. However, just as the Netherlands' offensive approach left room for Ronaldo to attack, the space behind Gebre Selassie seems sure to invite a reprise from both the captain and Fábio Coentrão. Fireworks lie ahead in Warsaw.

Greece Captain Kostas Katsouranis Believes in Miracles Yet - UEFA Euro 2012

Kostas Katsouranis, Greece's stand-in captain for Friday's quarter-final against Germany, admits his side "need a minor miracle" but is adamant they will "fight to the end".

"It won't be our last match at EURO 2012. We players don't think so; that's why we are here." Dimitris Salpingidis spoke in no uncertain terms at Wednesday's press conference in Legionowo when asked about Greece's quarter-final prospects against Germany on Friday.
"The more you eat, the hungrier you get," he continued. "Things are getting tougher round by round and I hope that we can go even further and make Greeks happy. It will not be easy, that's for sure."
What recipe will Greece use in order to make it as hard as possible for Germany? Kostas Katsouranis, who will wear the captain's armband in the absence of the suspended Giorgos Karagounis, singled out one thing in particular: "Self-sacrifice – it's our main characteristic. We will give it all on the field. It will take a minor miracle on Friday. Germany are the favourites, we are the underdogs, but think about it: we will not play against the Germans ten times to see who wins the most. It's one match and we will fight to the end."
Salpingidis was asked about the absence of Karagounis and was quick to emphasis that "he is a very important player for us. He is our captain. We will all fight for him as well."
Both players pointed out that their victory against Russia on match day three has added to belief in the camp. "It was a very important win because it led to our qualification and also boosted our confidence," said Salpingidis. "When a player comes onto the pitch, he can't know what is going to happen. However, he always thinks about winning. We believed it from the start." Katsouranis added: "We are confident now; we believe in our chances and we will be as focused against Germany as we were against Russia."
In the end, there was once again a question about Giannis Maniatis' wedding, scheduled for 1 July, the day of the UEFA EURO 2012 final in Kyiv. Katsouranis said: "It's been almost 18 months since Giannis scheduled his wedding. Back then, he didn't know if Greece would be in the finals, nor even if he would be a part of the squad. If you ask me, I don't think he will be there for the wedding.."

UEFA EURO 2012 Quarter Finals - Referees Confirmed

UEFA has announced the referee appointments for the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter-finals, with England's Howard Webb to oversee Czech Republic v Portugal on Thursday.

UEFA has announced the appointments of the match officials for the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter-finals, with English referee Howard Webb taking charge of the opening fixture of the last eight between the Czech Republic and Portugal in Warsaw tomorrow.

Slovenia's Damir Skomina will referee Germany v Greece on Friday in Gdansk, while Nicola Rizzoli of Italy will handle Spain v France on Saturday in Donetsk. The referee overseeing the last quarter-final between England and Italy in Kyiv on Sunday night will be Pedro Proença of Portugal.

Daniele De Rossi - Looking to Lay English Ghosts

Ahead of Italy's UEFA EURO 2012 quarter-final against England, Daniele De Rossi is looking to correct an alarming trend, saying: "I've never been lucky against English sides".

As Italy begin their preparations for their UEFA EURO 2012 quarter-final against England on Sunday, midfielder Daniele De Rossi is looking to arrest an alarming trend. "I've never been lucky against English sides," he told Wednesday's press conference at Casa Azzurri.

De Rossi has never before faced England in international competition but he has come up against English sides in UEFA competition over the years, and the AS Roma midfielder has not enjoyed the best of it. His AS Roma side have lost two UEFA Champions League group stage encounters against Chelsea FC, have been eliminated by Arsenal FC in a round of 16 penalty shoot-out and have suffered two quarter-final reverses at the hands of Manchester United FC.

It is not the best record with which to take on Roy Hiodgson's side. "I've never been lucky against English sides," he said. "I've never faced England but, speaking as a Roman, no Italy-England match could ever erase the agony of the European Cup loss against Liverpool [in 1984]."

Despite his bitter experiences, De Rossi does not harbour any grudges against Sunday's opponents. Indeed, he admitted that he has great admiration for a country where he was very tempted to ply his trade until he signed a new deal with his home-town club in February.

"England are one of the top five or six teams in the world and it will be nice to play them in Kyiv," he said. "Several Premier League clubs have tried to sign me, not just Manchester City, and the interest was mutual. English football is hugely appealing to me, it has overtaken the Italian game."

De Rossi's admiration for England does not end there. The 28-year-old is preparing to go mano-a-mano with his favourite player on Sunday, and is expecting Azzurri fans to be outnumbered by their English counterparts. "Steven Gerrard has always been my idol," he said.

"England also have some exciting young wingers and a coach who has coached in Italy. They are a very good side. Not everyone from Italy can afford to make the trip in these difficult economic times but the English will be in force. On the pitch, though, it is only 11 v 11."

Italy's No16 has played in central defense and midfield during the Azzurri's three matches to date and, with Giorgio Chiellini ruled out with a hamstring injury, De Rossi could end up returning once more to the middle of a back three.

"I don't know where I will play in Kyiv," he said. "It is handy that I am versatile – being complete is probably my best asset. I know that when in midfield I cannot afford to sit still. I must be like Gerrard, and cover every area of the midfield."

De Rossi's versatility does at times weigh against him when it comes to playing in his favoured role, but the player known as 'Capitan Futuro' (Captain Future) by the Roma faithful is happy to bide his time. He added: "My favourite position is just in front of the defence but I can't play there because that place is taken by one of the greatest players in the history of Italian football, [Andrea] Pirlo. So I'm happy to make way for him."

Inside the UEFA EURO 2012 - A Brief Overview

The first 12 days in Poland and Ukraine have had holders Spain, lots of rain, a little pain and eventually Wayne. UEFA.com selects the juiciest cuts from the mouth-watering group stage feast.

The first 12 days and 24 games of UEFA EURO 2012 have brought glorious goals, memorable matches and fantastic fightbacks as the field was halved from 16 to eight. Only the weather has failed to play ball but the contrast between blazing sun and thunderstorms has merely added to the drama. As well as it can, UEFA.com picks through the best of a group stage that, for the first time since the competition was expanded to 16 teams, had a goal in every game.
Germany v Spain II
Since the advent of the group stage in 1980, the eight UEFA European Championships have had eight different final fixtures. But what odds on Spain and Germany meeting in Kyiv on 1 July four years after Fernando Torres' strike earned La Roja UEFA EURO 2008 glory? Neither side has made serene progress (more on that below), even if Germany were the only team to win three out of three in the group stage. Yet at their best there have been few better. Spain are as hypnotizing with their passing as ever and Germany's more direct style, which can be just as entrancing, continues to evolve.
Who needs luck?
Benjamin Franklin said diligence is the mother of good luck but fortune at UEFA EURO 2012 can perhaps trace a different lineage. How different would Germany's campaign have been if Pepe's header had not come back off the bar, if Robin van Persie had taken either of his early chances for the Netherlands, if Denmark's Jakob Poulsen had shaved the other side of the post? And what of Spain? Had Ivan Rakitić's header evaded Iker Casillas on Monday it could have been impressive Croatia who topped Group C. Luck conquers all, but some sooner than others.
Greece lightning striking twice?
Eight years ago Otto Rehhagel's 100-1 outsiders were dismissed time and again – it almost took the sight of Theodoris Zagorakis lifting the trophy before some grudgingly admitted they had a chance. Fernando Santos's team have been similarly overlooked but the emphasis on team spirit, compensating for the shortage of star names, is as strong now as it was in 2004. Not many sides would have battled from a goal and a man down to get a point against Poland on the opening day, while the clinical manner in which they dispatched Russia to seal progress was eerily familiar.
Sleeping giants
France and Italy have been a pale imitation of their former selves since meeting in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. Yet amid conditions more akin to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein than a football match, France lurched back to life with an impressive 2-0 victory over Ukraine in Donetsk, before a setback against Sweden. Italy, meanwhile, proved it is never too late to change as after a sound opening-day draw against Spain they switched from a 3-5-2 formation to 4-1-3-2 and duly picked up four points from meetings with Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.
Ominous starts
The writing was on the wall for the Czech Republic when Russia swept them aside 4-1 on the opening day. They dusted themselves off, and eight days and six points later sealed progress with a negative goal difference, as they did in 1996 when they reached the final. Interestingly, one team from every group was eliminated despite winning their first game. In the last eight the Czechs will face a Portugal side who also displayed impressive powers of recovery after defeat by Germany – the only other time they lost their tournament opener they, too, reached the final, in 2004. Something has to give.
Memorable moments
Cristiano Ronaldo sealed Portugal's progress with an irresistible performance against the Netherlands, Danny Welbeck's audacious flick to spoil Sweden's comeback lit the fuse on England's campaign while Zlatan Ibrahimović said goodbye in stunning style. Poland and Ukraine brought the loudest cheers, however. Jakub Błaszczykowski's spectacular equaliser versus Russia is among the goals of the tournament. And how impressive was Andriy Shevchenko against Sweden, rolling back the years with a pair of fantastic headers in a rousing comeback?
That those heroic efforts were not enough for either team to survive is testament to a tournament that has been high on quality and drama – and it is not over yet.
Vital statistics
0 – This is the first 16-team group stage in UEFA European Championship tournament history that has had no goalless draws.
1 – The Netherlands had never lost more than one group-stage match at a EURO before they lost all three here.
2 – Matches Wayne Rooney missed through suspension before returning to action with the goal that confirmed England's place in the quarters.
3 – Hélder Postiga, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović joined a list of only seven players to score at three UEFA European Championships, after Jürgen Klinsmann, Vladimír Šmicer, Nuno Gomes, Thierry Henry.
6 – Minutes it took the Czech Republic to score two goals against Greece – no side had previously struck two before the 14th minute at a UEFA European Championship.
15 – Seconds Ukraine's Andriy Shevchenko had the ball against Sweden – more than enough time to score twice. Germany's Mario Gomez dallied for three seconds longer for his double against the Netherlands.
17 – Number of headed goals at UEFA EURO 2012, already a UEFA European Championship record.
18 – Jetro Willems became the youngest player to grace a EURO final tournament against Denmark, aged 18 years and 72 days.
26 – First-half goals at UEFA EURO 2012, already one more than four years ago.
73 – Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni became the oldest coach to grace a UEFA European Championship aged 73 years and 93 days.
810 – Passes completed by Spain against Ireland, a new mark for a EURO game, with Xavi Hernandez alone contributing a record 127. Their opponents managed 198.

Portugal's Meireles Ready to Upset the Odds Again

Having upset the odds with Chelsea FC in the UEFA Champions League, Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles is ready to do it again, saying: "It will be very difficult, but it's our dream."

Always the epitome of calm and discretion, Raul Meireles made his way in to speak to the media hiding under a baseball cap. One of the squad's perpetual unsung heroes, the 29-year-old represents Portugal's UEFA EURO 2012 challenge in microcosm, creeping up stealthily towards an end goal – the Henri Delaunay Cup.
The wily Meireles is attempting to transfer tips from the successes of his club season with Chelsea FC to international level. "Nobody regarded us as favorites before the tournament," he said, "just as nobody regarded Chelsea as favourites in the Champions League. It will be very difficult, but it's our dream, just as it's the dream of all Portuguese people."
Portugal may be the subject of a flurry of media plaudits at home but – characteristically – Meireles does not see the confidence flowing through the Selecção das Quinas as a dramatic development. The midfielder sees it as the culmination of hard work that initially yielded frustrating results in friendlies leading up to the departure for Poland.
"We've started to play very well," he said, "but this started with the preparation games back home in Portugal. The confidence has always been the same." Meireles is equally unperturbed about his own lack of goalscoring opportunities, despite his renowned shooting power. "It's not important who's shooting the most or the least," he shrugged. "It's a collective effort. Above all, we've shown that we're a team with good organisation, with extremely strong players."
The most mentioned of those players is, of course, captain Cristiano Ronaldo, but tallying with his view of the team as a whole, Meireles believes the Real Madrid CF forward's fine performance against the Netherlands is no more than a natural progression of his work. "We're all aware of the great player we have in our national team, in my opinion no less than the best player in the world," he said. "Everybody wants him to help, that was just what happened against the Netherlands and fortunately he scored."
Another individual star who Meireles is very familiar with is the man that Portugal will be trying to beat on Thursday night in Warsaw, Czech Republic goalkeeper and captain Petr Čech. "I know Petr very well," said Meireles, "but I've not spoken to him." The midfielder says his Stamford Bridge team-mate will be unruffled by his error that led to Greece's goal in the second group stage game. "He's very strong mentally," Meireles underlined. "He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and he has proved that."
Paulo Bento's most experienced midfielder knows that the group's realism can be its biggest strength but they must not take the Czechs lightly. "The feeling I have is that they'll come with the desire to win," said Meireles, who has 59 caps to his name. "After losing the first game heavily, they responded very well to finish top of their group."

Czechs Warned to Give Portugal No Quarter

Michal Bílek has warned the Czech Republic that Portugal "will punish us" if they lose focus in Thursday's quarter-final, while Paulo Bento's birthday wish is to spread joy back home.

Michal Bílek is determined the Czech Republic will not repeat the mistakes of their opening game of UEFA EURO 2012 when they face the formidable attacking potential of Portugal in Thursday's Warsaw quarter-final.
Bílek's debut in the dugout at a major finals ended with a 4-1 defeat by Russia, the Czech Republic's worst ever start at this level. Bílek readjusted, and was rewarded with enhanced solidity and, more significantly, back-to-back wins. With Portugal boasting a blinding array of talent going forward, the Czech coach now plans to batten down the hatches still tighter.
"We know Portugal have dangerous players in midfield and up front, such as Nani, Hélder Postiga and [Cristiano] Ronaldo. We have that in mind, and we'll adjust our tactics to be more defensive," said Bílek. "We can't play like we did against Russia. We gave them space and they punished us. Nani and Ronaldo will punish us if we do the same thing again, and we don't want to repeat the first match."
While Bílek will retain the back four that provided the platform for the 2-1 success against Greece and decisive 1-0 victory over co-hosts Poland, he is hoping Tomáš Rosický's Achilles tendon problem will have healed sufficiently to allow the creative midfielder to return. However, having secured their place in the last eight without the Arsenal FC man, Bílek has faith his squad can compensate once again.
"During qualifying we put together a team. We don't have any great stars, except for Tomáš Rosický and Petr Čech. The team spirit is excellent, and if we defeat Portugal it will be thanks to this team."
The former international midfielder also drew parallels with EURO '96, when a largely unknown Czech side beat a star-studded Portuguese lineup at the same stage of the competition. "The situation is similar. They are favourites. They have strong individuals and a strong team, but if we repeat our performances in the previous two games, we have a chance of going through."
Portugal will no doubt read more into their 3-1 win against the Czech Republic in the group stage at UEFA EURO 2008. Like their opponents, Paulo Bento's men lost their opening group match before registering back-to-back victories, and the coach wants his charges to continue in the same vein come what may.
"In adverse moments, we have to try to stay faithful to our playing style. We have to keep a cool head, stay focused and we'll see what our opponents present us with on the pitch," said Bento, who is likely to deploy the same XI he has selected for his last five competitive fixtures, despite the Czechs having enjoyed 24 hours' more rest. "I think a team that played against Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands like we did will not have any problems with their mental recovery. The physical recovery has been good too."
The squad's mood will have been further lifted by Bento, who smiled when he was serenaded by journalists on his 43rd birthday. "I will try to transform this individual happiness into a collective happiness," he said. "But my greatest wish is that this happiness will be for all the Portuguese people after the game tomorrow."

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Attritional Arbeloa Keeps Croatia at Bay - UEFA Euro 2012 Cup

A domineering defensive display from right-back Álvaro Arbeloa ensured he was the Castrol EDGE Index's top performer and helped Spain edge out Croatia to win Group C.

Few would have predicted that Álvaro Arbeloa would be Spain's star man as they overcame Croatia 1-0 to top Group C, but the part the full-back played in an excellent defensive performance from La Roja meant he finished the match at the summit of the Castrol EDGE Index.
The Real Madrid CF man, awarded a rating of 9.25, was an integral figure as Spain quelled the attacking threat of their opponents. Arbeloa won possession back for the holders on 12 occasions during the match, including successfully executing two tackles.
The minimal impact made by Ivan Strinić is further testament to Arbeloa's solid display. The marauding left-back has impressed with his direct running and dangerous crossing – as Italy discovered last week, when Strinić laid on Croatia's equaliser – but Arbeloa restricted his influence.
Arbeloa was also one of his team's top passers, completing 84% of his 64 attempted, a figure just above the team average. His final mark is second only to Cristiano Ronaldo's 9.75 in the third set of group fixtures.
Andrés Iniesta was second on the Index thanks to his creativity, three shots on target and assist for the only goal. One of Arbeloa's defensive comrades, Gerard Piqué, completed the top three.
Castrol EDGE Index: Croatia v Spain
1. Álvaro Arbeloa (ESP) 9.25
2. Andrés Iniesta (ESP) 8.94
3. Gerard Piqué (ESP) 8.92
4. Stipe Pletikosa (CRO) 8.91
5. David Silva (ESP) 8.76
Key facts
4 – Croatia have scored four group stage goals in all four of their EURO appearances (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012).

6 – Only the Netherlands' Aron Winter (seven) has made more substitute appearances in UEFA European Championship history than Cesc Fàbregas.

13 – No team at UEFA EURO 2012 has a higher average of shots on target per match than Spain.
26 – Spain had 11 corners in this game, taking their tournament total to a finals high 26.
Player view
Andrés Iniesta: "It was a very difficult game, they had chances. It was a hard game to play because of the situation, for the fact that we were nearly qualified. We were there until the end, and then we got the goal that calmed everything down."

Hugo Lloris Urges France to Put Defeat Behind Them

France captain Hugo Lloris urged his side to "forget what happened tonight" after a 2-0 loss to eliminated Sweden left Les Bleus facing up to a tough quarter-final against Spain.

Hugo Lloris urged his side to "forget what happened tonight" after France's 23-match unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat by eliminated Sweden. It meant Laurent Blanc's side had to settle for second in Group D and a quarter-final against UEFA European Championship holders Spain, which Lloris and team-mate Gaël Clichy say will be a "great" match.
Hugo Lloris, France goalkeeper
I have mixed feelings. We were playing to win but, unfortunately, we could never find the right pass. I think Sweden deserved to win. A positive point is, of course, the fact we have qualified, and we have to bear that in mind. We must forget what happened tonight, remain positive and prepare for what will be a difficult quarter-final, a great match.
Sweden defended very deep, then attacked. They played intelligently and challenged us physically and we weren't able to find the right answers; we somehow played their game and made mistakes. We couldn't find the right solutions, but against Spain it will be completely different.
Until tonight, we have been proving we are a powerful team. This evening that was less apparent, we were too circumspect with our chances. Sweden did what they had to do and the most important thing now is to recover and prepare for the next match. [The quarter-final] will also be a great test for us, where we will have to show what we can do. We'll have to be there and end that match with as few regrets as possible.
Gaël Clichy, France defender
We wanted to win but we came up against a very good team with great players. We have to acknowledge that we played poorly tonight. We were a bit tired because of the heat and the fact that some players have taken part in three games in [nine] days, but that goes for every team. We could have done better defensively and been more creative offensively. But there's nothing to worry about.
The end of our 23-game unbeaten run is not a big deal. It doesn't change what we've achieved over the past two years. It means we now face a quarter-final against Spain, but if you want to win the tournament you have to beat everybody. We have to rest now but it's going to be a great game to be involved in.

Varela Revives Portugal's Hopes - UEFA Euro 2012

Denmark 2-3 Portugal
Substitute Silvestre Varela struck three minutes from time after two Nicklas Bendtner goals had brought Denmark back from 2-0 down.

Substitute Silvestre Varela scored an 87th-minute winner as Portugal revived their UEFA EURO 2012 fortunes in an absorbing 3-2 victory.
Nicklas Bendtner looked to have earned Denmark a stirring share of the spoils in a memorable 50th international appearance. Trailing to two first-half goals in a 12-minute period from Pepe and Hélder Postiga, Bendtner pulled one back just before half-time before making it 2-2 with ten minutes remaining after Cristiano Ronaldo had twice fluffed his lines. Portugal were eyeing the Group B exit door but Varela slammed it shut with an emphatic low strike after initially failing to connect fully with Fábio Coentrão's cross.
Unburdened by the necessity for points that an opening-day victory gives you, Denmark made a start true to the maxim emblazoned down the side of their bus at UEFA EURO 2012: Vikinger uden frygt (Vikings without fear). They advanced down the wings, won a rash of early corners and only the alertness of Pepe, sliding in, denied Christian Eriksen when the midfielder intercepted a weak effort just inside the penalty area with the defence pushing up.
Haste, though, can be the enemy of perfection. Slowly Portugal gained a foothold, with Ronaldo's licence to drift inside causing consternation; by the time Niki Zimling limped off on 16 minutes Denmark were already losing their grip. They duly fell behind midway through the first period as Pepe lost his marker and rose at the near post to glance in João Moutinho's pinpoint corner.
It was only Portugal's second goal in five outings but having rediscovered where the net was they had little trouble finding it again after 36 minutes. Denmark's defending was again questionable as a poor clearance was quickly worked into Nani's feet and the winger drilled in a cross that Postiga, peeling away from Simon Kjær, speared beyond Stephan Andersen. It all looked so easy but, with four minutes of the half remaining, Denmark had a lifeline.
An awkward ball towards the far post looked innocuous enough but nobody picked up Michael Krohn-Dehli. With Rui Patrício committed to closing him down, the winger unselfishly headed it back across goal where Bendtner, still only 24, nodded in what must be the easiest of his now 20 international goals. It was also his fifth strike in as many meetings with the Selecção das Quinas, including one in each of the sides' meetings in qualifying – a sixth would follow.
Portugal, without a win in 2012, could have dropped their heads yet instead they set about restoring their two-goal cushion, increasingly aided by Denmark's high defensive line as Morten Olsen's men sought an equaliser. Postiga exposed it beautifully soon after half-time, but Ronaldo finished second best in the one-on-one with Andersen.
The Real Madrid CF man squandered an even more presentable chance 13 minutes from time, side-footing wide with only the goalkeeper to beat and Bendtner looked to have made him pay with a far-post header – Varela, though, had other ideas. It means both sides go into Sunday's concluding group games with hope of advancing, though Denmark may be without Dennis Rommedahl after he limped off on the hour feeling his hamstring.

Andriy Shevchenko Leaves the Pitch After Defeat by England

Ukraine's talisman for 17 years, Andriy Shevchenko announced in the aftermath of the 1-0 loss to England that he will play "one final match" before ending his international career.

Andriy Shevchenko said in the aftermath of Ukraine's exit from UEFA EURO 2012 that he will have one last hurrah before ending his international career.
Shevchenko was speaking after Ukraine's 1-0 defeat by England, a result which meant they missed out on a quarter-final place. They were unfortunate to lose to Roy Hodgson's Group D winners and it might have been a different story had Shevchenko not been restricted to a 20-minute second-half appearance off the bench due to a knee injury. Shevchenko, though, is adamant he will have one last chance to bid farewell.
"I'll play one last match – this will be my final match – probably some kind of friendly, I haven't decided yet. I will talk to some people and ask them to organise such a match. I would like to thank all the fans for the support they gave me in this game, during the whole of my career and during the European Championship."
A national treasure thanks to his 48 international goals – including two in the 2-1 defeat of Sweden in Kyiv in their opening Group D fixture – Shevchenko was full of gratitude for the support of his countrymen. "I tried to prepare for this tournament the best way I could as I realised that this would be my final tournament as an international, and also in front of the home crowd," said the FC Dynamo Kyiv striker, a UEFA Champions League winner with AC Milan in 2003.
"I think that is the best present that any football player can get, when they are happy to see you, when they are happy with the work you do. With all my heart, with all the energy I had, I tried my best. That's probably why the fans always welcome me and love me," he added.
"I think it's time to make room for new players. Ukraine has a great future, today's game showed that again. [Andriy] Yarmolenko, [Yevhen] Konoplyanka, [Denys] Garmash and [Yaroslac] Rakitskiy, these are young players and it's great that they got a lot of experience in these matches."

England Manager Roy Hodgson Hails Rooney After Goalscoring Return

"You know what Rooney is, you know what Rooney can do," said England manager Roy Hodgson after the striker fired his side through to the last eight and sent the co-hosts out.

England manager Roy Hodgson was full of praise for Wayne Rooney's qualities and "disciplined performance" after the returning striker scored the winning goal against Ukraine to send his side through to the last eight. The co-hosts' coach Oleh Blokhin thanked "the whole of Ukraine and all our supporters", meanwhile, as he blamed a lack of luck for his team's elimination in Donetsk.
Roy Hodgson, England manager
All we seem to do is talk about expectations. It's more important to talk about how the team has conducted itself in the tournament. It's been a really good tournament for us and we've enjoyed every minute of it. The fans who've followed us around have always found themselves in a big minority. They've made a fantastic effort to support us, as have the people back home. So, for us, it's not really a question of expectations. We just want to keep going, enjoy this tournament as long as we can, play as well as we can and who knows where it will take us?
We're very pleased to have won the group. I don't think it was an easy group to win because, as you saw tonight, the host nation, Ukraine, have a lot of good players and they did what they needed to do to put us under pressure. France lost for the first time in [24] matches and Sweden are the team that actually ended France's run.
[Rooney's] got character, hasn't he? You know what Rooney is, you know what Rooney can do. You know his qualities, and once again tonight he showed them in abundance. He put in an extremely disciplined performance. I thought he and [Danny] Welbeck worked extremely hard and, of course, although I've played this down to some extent, it is a while since he played a competitive match, so he's got to be happy with how it went. We think every day helps him and helps us. And the fact he's had 80 minutes in this game will help him feel he can go into the next game with more confidence.
Oleh Blokhin, Ukraine coach
I want to thank my team as we played a very good game. Even the coach of England said they were luckier than us. I want to thank the whole of Ukraine and all our supporters. We couldn't do what we expected, but I don't feel ashamed of this team.
First we conceded a lucky goal, and then we played a very good game. England only went forward from counterattacks. In the second half, they had no chances. We had a big advantage. England only had a few set pieces. We had lots of shots on target, but we weren't lucky. Maybe I'm not lucky for our team.
Against France, we suffered from a lack of passion, but the game today was much better; there was music in our dressing room before the game. [Andriy] Voronin chose the music – a great song about the EURO. I think that was a really good decision, but I am sorry how everything went. That's football, though: somebody loses, someone wins. This team has lots of potential. Against a team like England, to play pressing football in the 93rd minute is great. We have lots of young players, who will stay in this team.

Hamrén Happy with Sweden's Farewell

Hamrén happy with Sweden's farewell

Erik Hamrén hailed Sweden's "incredibly good performance" but had mixed feelings about their valedictory win over France whose coach Laurent Blanc lamented a "weak" display.

Sweden bowed out of UEFA EURO 2012 with honour by beating France 2-0, leaving coach Erik Hamrén happy to present a victory to their fans – and hotel staff – but sad to not go further. Laurent Blanc was a clearly frustrated figure despite his team earning a quarter-final place, as they slipped to second position in Group D, meaning a Saturday meeting with holders Spain in Donetsk.
Erik Hamrén, Sweden coach
Right now I have quite mixed feelings. We should be content after today's victory, we were up against a strong team, because they hadn't been beaten in 23 games. This shows what we were up against. We gave an incredibly good performance. We created a small margin which we perhaps didn't in the matches before, and you need those in order to win matches. So it's happiness and pride for this particular match. It's good for our self-respect and for the fantastic fans.
Still, there also is some sadness in all of us, because we feel we really wanted to stay in the tournament a while longer. Our ambition was to go further, but now we've not made it, that of course hurts a bit. But we already knew that before this match, which makes it an even greater accomplishment that we have given it this much.
We have really enjoyed our stay in Kyiv, with a fantastic hotel and people. It was like leaving friends today when we left the hotel. It was a great game for them too, not just us and our supporters as I think they share our happiness. We are disappointed we have to leave, but that's life.
Laurent Blanc, France coach
We were prepared for a tough game. Did we think it was going be as difficult as it was going turned out be? No we didn't expect that. We were weak in certain areas of the pitch, too weak in the tackle. Sweden put everything into the game, they were better prepared physically and they have a player [Zlatan Ibrahimović] who can make the difference – a lot of factors that meant we couldn't win. We are very disappointed. We struggled throughout the game but we did cause problems for Sweden, it was a very open game. You might have thought it was two sides trying to qualify but only one side went out and won, and that was Sweden.
I don't think we struggled going forward, we struggled at the back and in midfield. Sweden had a big physical impact. We hoped in the second half their intensity would drop but that wasn't the case. We conceded a lot of space but we also created a lot of chances so we could have had a 1-1, a 2-1 or even a 2-2.
I think you always have to be optimistic. Of course we are disappointed with the result, we wanted a different result. We are disappointed of course, but the most important thing is we qualified for the quarter-finals. Even though Sweden played well, they are going home tomorrow. We need to stay optimistic, we didn't make thing easy for ourselves. It is not the easiest thing to play Spain at the moment, we have to be rested and need a really good performance to beat them. Be we are going to focus and are going to fight. Tomorrow will be more optimistic than tonight and I hope by Saturday we will be at a higher level.

Quarter-Final Picture Complete - UEFA EURO 2012

Holders Spain are among six former European champions still in the frame at UEFA EURO 2012 as the focus turns to the quarter-finals, starting with Czech Republic-Portugal on Thursday.

After 12 days and 24 matches, we are down to the nitty-gritty of the knockout stage at UEFA EURO 2012, and for the remaining eight teams, the prospect of lifting the Henri Delaunay Cup on 1 July has edged that little bit closer.
Defending champions Spain are among six former winners still in the frame along with Italy, Germany, France, Greece and the Czech Republic, who won the 1976 tournament as part of the former Czechoslovakia. Portugal, the 2004 runners-up, and England are also still alive in a competition that will resume on Thursday when the Portuguese kick off the quarter-finals against the Czech Republic in Warsaw.
Poland's National Stadium Warsaw will host two teams who bounced back impressively from opening losses to win their remaining group fixtures. The Czechs, who topped Group A, will start as underdogs against a Portugal team playing their fifth consecutive quarter-final; however, that was also the case when these nations met 16 years ago and the central Europeans prevailed through a famous Karel Poborský lob at EURO '96.
Gdansk stages Friday's second quarter-final between Germany and Greece when Joachim Löw's Mannschaft will took to continue their so far flawless progress at this EURO. Germany are the only team with a 100% winning record in Poland and Ukraine – indeed they have won every game since qualifying began – but Greece know a thing or two about springing a surprise. Few expected them to earn the victory over Russia that got them into the last eight – a 1-0 success that rekindled memories of the last time they got this far, and duly went all the way in 2004.
When Spain and France last met in a major tournament, Les Bleus came from behind to eliminate the Spaniards in the last 16 of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. That was the last time La Roja suffered a knockout blow on the big stage and the Spain that France will meet in Donetsk on Saturday are a different proposition following their world and European conquests. France advanced as Group D runners-up despite defeat against Sweden, but the manner of Spain's own nervy qualification against Croatia may give Laurent Blanc's side a glimmer of hope.
The last quarter-final in Kyiv on Sunday pits Group D winners England against Italy. England have never reached a EURO semi-final on foreign soil, but after starting amid untypically low expectations they now find themselves just one step away from doing just that following successive victories against Sweden and Ukraine. That said, Italy came through a tough Group C unbeaten and are masters of timing their runs in major competitions, so a close contest appears on the cards.
Quarter-finals
Thursday 21 June 2012
#25: CZE v POR, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Friday 22 June 2012
#26: GER v GRE, 20.45CET, Gdansk
Saturday 23 June 2012
#27: ESP v FRA, 20.45CET, Donetsk
Sunday 24 June 2012
#28: ENG v ITA, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Semi-finals
Wednesday 27 June 2012
#29: CZE/POR v ESP/FRA, 20.45CET, Donetsk
Thursday 28 June 2012
#30: GER/GRE v ENG/ITA, 20.45CET, Warsaw

Final
Sunday 1 July 2012
#31: W#29 v W#30, 20.45CET, Kyiv

Sweden Clean Sweep - France Flushed Off - UEFA Euro Cup

Sweden 2-0 France
A brilliant acrobatic goal by Zlatan Ibrahimović and Sebastian Larsson's late strike ended France's long unbeaten run and left them to face Spain.

A moment of brilliance from Zlatan Ibrahimović was the key to ensuring Sweden bowed out of UEFA EURO 2012 with a victory that sent France into a quarter-final with Spain as Group D runners-up.

Top of the section before the game but not quite through, France knew even a one-goal defeat would book their progress. The final margin was double that, Ibrahimović's acrobatic goal and a late Sebastian Larsson clincher ending Les Bleus' 23-match unbeaten run and ensuring that, at the third time of asking in Kyiv, Sweden did not see a lead turn into a defeat. England's 1-0 win against Ukraine therefore meant they overtook France, who meet the holders on Saturday in Donetsk, where they are based for these finals and played their previous two matches.

Sweden could not improve on fourth place but with the majority of the support in the stands, they raced out of the blocks, Ola Toivonen – in for Johan Elmander up front – heading just wide and after some great Kim Källström skill, Larsson making Hugo Lloris save. At the other end Andreas Isaksson did even better to deny Franck Ribéry from close range.

Lloris was a relieved man soon after when Toivonen shook off Philippe Mexès, raced into the box, rounded the goalkeeper, but found the angle too acute and hit the outside of the post. Karim Benzema then smashed a shot over but that early hectic pace was not maintained in the stifling evening heat and gradually the openings dried up. On his major tournament bow Emir Bajrami on the Sweden flanks kept France on their toes, however, taking his chance in Rasmus Elm's enforced absence.

There was some excitement later in the half when Benzema led a jinking break with Ribéry, whose effort was deflected wide. Perhaps that dropping of tempo was the reason Christian Wilhelmsson was sent on for Bajrami at the break, the substitute immediately menacing the France defence.

Benzema had the first clear chance of the second period, curling the ball wide, but Lloris needed to produce a great save to deny Larsson on 53 minutes. Barely 60 seconds later the France goalkeeper had no chance, Larsson crossing and Ibrahimović superbly twisting his body for a flying volley from the edge of the area.

Not long after the Sweden captain set up Wilhelmsson, so influential so quickly, but Lloris stood firm and then tipped over from Olof Mellberg. Florent Malouda replaced Hatem Ben Arfa and France rallied; Yann M'Vila, starting in place of injury doubt Yohan Cabaye, sent in a powerful strike that was well saved by Isaksson.

A Nasri cross so nearly found its way to Mexès but Mellberg slid in with perfect timing. Jérémy Ménez came on and a slight mis-hit allowed Isaksson to block his first effort; from the resulting corner another substitute, Olivier Giroud, headed wide when unmarked. However Sweden and their celebrating fans had the last word, substitute Samuel Holmén hitting the crossbar and Larssson smashing in the rebound. France's advance was still never in doubt but Mexès will miss their encounter with Spain after receiving his second booking of these finals.

Rooney to the Rescue as Ukraine Fall Short - Euro Cup 2012

England 1-0 Ukraine
Wayne Rooney headed the winner on 48 minutes to end the co-hosts' involvement, but Oleh Blokhin's side did not go down without a fight.

Who else? In a tale of two strikers, Wayne Rooney headed England into a quarter-final meeting with Italy on Sunday as his winning goal spelled the end for Ukraine.
Rooney's return to England's lineup following a two-game suspension was no surprise, but the absence of Andriy Shevchenko due to a knee injury caught the eye before kick-off. While the co-hosts showed that they could cope without their missing talisman in a strong first half, England were left indebted to theirs as Rooney nodded them ahead on 48 minutes. Shevchenko came on with 20 minutes to go, but Roy Hodgson's side resisted to finish top of Group D.
Knowing anything other than victory meant the end of their campaign, Ukraine made a point of laying down the early tempo. Denys Garmash sent a shot spiralling over from long range and John Terry did well to prevent Andriy Yarmolenko bounding free before both Marko Dević and Yevhen Konoplyanka had efforts blocked.
Hodgson's side were struggling to see much of the ball, though they finally began to rouse after Ukraine went their closest yet, right-back Oleh Gusev fizzing a vicious effort over the crossbar. Invariably, Rooney was involved in the response, flinging himself at a Steven Gerrard free-kick but falling short and then heading Ashley Young's excellent left-wing cross off target from a great position in front of goal.
If those moments reassured the 'home' fans – Ukraine being the designated visitors for this game – they did not herald the end of Ukraine as an attacking force. Far from it, and Joe Hart had to plunge low to his right to deny Yarmolenko after the No11 had been fed by Artem Milevskiy. The same player whipped the crowd up into a frenzy close to half-time as his dancing feet brought a spinning Scott Parker to his knees.
England were perhaps not similarly prone as the whistle blew, but, lying deep and looking static, they needed the chance for a rethink. Oleh Blokhin's men must have been wondering how to make their pressure count, meanwhile, yet just three minutes into the second half they were trailing. For the third time this tournament, Gerrard delivered a telling ball, his cross from the right taking a deflection, squirming through Andriy Pyatov's hands and allowing Rooney to nod in from point-blank range.
Not long after, Rooney was sent scampering clear by Gerrard, only for the chance to fizzle out as Yarmolenko raced back. Ukraine's right winger was putting in an impressive shift, and he then curled in a fine ball that Milevskiy headed over. The Synyo-Zhovti were mounting another surge and they almost had their equaliser when Hart could only take the sting out of a Dević shot. The ball looped towards goal, destined for the net until Terry cleared in extremis.
Pyatov saved from Glen Johnson at the other end as both sides kept their quarter-final dream in focus. Chances were now arriving at a regular rate in a frenetic game – Hart clawing away a Konoplyanka shot; Pyatov seizing a Rooney header – but none, crucially, fell to 'Sheva'. In the tale of two strikers, Rooney sealed the points. For England, it was the best of results. For Ukraine, the worst.

Ice-cool Cole helps England Progress in UEFA Euro 2012

A cool-headed performance from England left-back Ashley Cole ensured he topped the Castrol EDGE Index as Roy Hodgson's men edged past Ukraine in Donetsk to finish top of Group D.

With England heading into the lion's den, taking on co-hosts Ukraine on their own turf at the Donbass Arena, a strong defensive performance was a necessity and it was their most experienced man at the back, Ashley Cole, who shone bright to claim his place at the top of the Castrol EDGE Index.
The Chelsea FC left-back, awarded a rating of 9.51, was a calming influence in the England back line as they came under pressure for long periods against a side who had to win to progress. Cole's excellent rating was a result of regular possession recovery, the defender winning back the ball on four occasions and blocking a series of Ukrainian efforts.
Facing up to the dangerous duo of winger Andriy Yarmolenko and attacking right-back Yevhen Selin, the 31-year-old covered 10.4km to restrict the threat down the England left which was a key contributor to the clean sheet which secured the 1-0 win and progress as Group D leaders.
As well as excelling in his defensive duties, the full-back made an impact at the other end. After winning the ball in the Ukraine area, his low second-half effort was sneaking in only for Andriy Pyatov to turn it around the post. Without Pyatov's intervention, that might have been the end of his record goal drought, Cole having now gone 97 outfield appearances without an England strike. Gary Neville set the previous high mark of 85.
Wayne Rooney was second on the Index as his goal, and three further efforts, earned him a score of 9.18, edging into third England defender John Terry who earned his rating of 9.07 thanks mainly to a goal-saving clearance off the line which kept his side in front.
Castrol EDGE Index: England v Ukraine
1. Ashley Cole (ENG) 9.51
2. Wayne Rooney (ENG) 9.18
3. John Terry (ENG) 9.07
4. Yarolsav Rakitiskiy (UKR) 8.60
5. Joe Hart (ENG) 8.32
Key facts
0 – Ukraine are still to win an international match in Donetsk. The run now stretches to seven games, of which they have lost five, scoring in only two of them.
6 – England have now scored with their first effort on target in six of their last eight UEFA European Championship finals matches.

6 – England have won six matches by a 1-0 scoreline in 2011/12, more than any previous season in their history.
673 – Wayne Rooney's goal ended a run of 673 minutes without finding the net at a major championship.
Player view
Steven Gerrard: "We came into this group, a difficult group, and the idea was to try and win it. No one believed in us at the start, but we're gaining momentum as we go along. The performance wasn't fantastic but we worked hard and got the result."

FiFA Football,World Cup 2014,UEFA Euro 2012,Soccer Records,Players,History,Events