This weekend marked the returned to international football for Europe as the powerhouses maintained their dominance although with some difficulties.
We've passed through the half-way line of qualification and as it stands, Europe's most notable are in position to qualify. Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, The Netherlands and England hold pole positions in their groups going into a Summer break.
Amongst those nations, Spain, Germany and The Netherlands have perfect records while Italy and England have yet to lose despite drawing a few. In England's case, they are at the top but without much dominance having won 3 and drawn 2, the second coming this weekend as they battled back against the Swiss to secure a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, Italy have only drawn once in comparison and improved their stance by beating Estonia 3-0 this weekend.
France and Portugal seemed to start off slow with the latter having a seemingly rougher time. This weekend saw France stumble a bit as they drew against Belarus but still maintain a 4 point lead over 2nd place Romania. Portugal won their encounter against Norway 1-0 which puts them on top of the group based on goal difference as their is now a 3 way tie for first in Group H with Portugal, Denmark and Norway all at 10 points.
UEFA Euro 2004 winners Greece maintained their stellar qualifying campaign as they defeated Malta 3-1 to keep their lead at the top at 1 point as Croatia and Israel are sitting behind at 13 points each to Greece's 14. Meanwhile, we have yet another 3 way tie in Group B as Ireland, Russia and Slovakia are all knotted up at 13 points each with all securing victories this weekend to stay in-line for the group lead.
Defending European and World Champions Spain hold their perfect record in Group I despite not playing any qualifiers this weekend. Instead they took a trip to the United States where they thrashed the United States 4-0.
Italy look as though they are the most improved side so far. In comparison to their WC2010 performance and also with their WC2010 qualifying. Prandelli has them playing a "ball on the ground" game which takes advantage of Cassano and Rossi's ball handling skills up front. Pazzini can work well whether served from the long aerial pass or with the new strategy. Their other forwards Matri and Quagliarela are instinctive goal scorers and adapt well to the short passing game. Defense needs a little work. Maggio at right-back is rarely called on to play in that role for Napoli (though that is his assigned position) he is more of a winger than a defender. Ranocchia is solid with room for improvement; Balzaretti is a revelation (except for those who've seen him at Palermo); Chiellini is a danger spot for them right now. He seems to be the choice going forward but Italy can do better in that position. The midfield is solid (Pirlo, Montolivo, Marchisio, Aquilani, and Nocerino - the weakest link due to little exposure with his current national team mates).
ReplyDeletePortugal's Coentrao wasn't as effective against Norway as in previous matches for the national team. He was out-sized or out-matched and in some respects his game hasn't been well coordinated with Ronaldo. Meireles was worn out by a long season and didn't provide his usual form. Nani is trying to do too much by himself (as he has done with ManU coming in off-the-bench lately.) His assist was good but there was a lack of completion in his dribbling runs and in his passes. He can do much better. Overall I had the impression that Portugal were trying to coast through this one. That was obvious late in the game, but it seemed that they lacked initiative even early on. After watching Eduardo at Genoa the past season I was worried about his place as the titular goalie, in fact I'm still worried but he didn't get tested enough against Norway. I'm hoping that the upcoming friendly tests Rui Patricio sufficiently that it becomes clearer that he is a valid alternative going forward.
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