Captain's Log:
Well, the Euro 2012 tournament is upon us at last! Finally. :)
Great games today. The Russia/Czech game is at half while I type this, but there has been some crazy action this afternoon.
Britt and I both picked Poland and Russia to win today's games. (Reference here for time-stamped prediction: https://twitter.com/LanceWerner/status/211121525347196928).
Great start for the (co-)host nation. Outplaying Greece the entire first half, Poland had the game under control. Greece was down to 10 through some unlucky events and on the ropes as they headed into the locker rooms; however, a very different set of teams emerged from the tunnel after half.
Greece equalized then drew a penalty from Poland while Szczesny was sent off! Sub keeper Tyton comes on and saves the penalty, maintaining the draw. The rest of the game was back and forth, good opportunities for both teams, but no one could break through with a winner. A little controversy, and loads of action and nerves, Poland deliver a stellar opener for this year's premier tournament. It's only going to get better.
Russia, unlike the two teams from the first game, are capitalizing. Czech Republic have maintained the majority of possession, but Russia seem to be the only ones who know how to find the back of the net.
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At the start of the second half, Russia was cruising as if they had already won the game, but the Czech's caught them napping and got a goal back. Made the game a lot more nervy from that point.
Russia handled the pressure well and turned up the heat with about 10 minutes left to play. Scoring two quick goals, Russia put the game out of the Czech's reach. The game ends 4-1 and the Russians get a well-deserved win.
Russia lead the group with 3 points and a +3 on goal differential, though if they play their next two games like they played today, goal difference won't even come into play. Poland and Greece both have 1 point and the Czechs have a lot of work ahead of themselves to dig out of the hole Russia put them in today.
All in all, great start to the tournament. Can't wait to see what tomorrow holds with the Netherlands playing Denmark and Germany playing Portugal. I'm picking Netherlands and Germany.
Until then,
Lance W
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