Euro Evaluation: Portugal 2 Holland 1

TEAMtalk looks at the key points of debate from Portugal's 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Sunday's Euro 2012 Group B clash in Kharkiv.

Holland crashed out of Euro 2012 without a point to their name after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Portugal. Paulo Bento's side produced a superb attacking display, and only some wasteful finishing prevented them recording a handsome victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo produced two expert finishes as Portugal came from behind to beat a Netherlands side who had taken an early lead through Rafael van der Vaart's delightful long-range curler. But what will be the lasting legacies of the encounter? We take a look at the main talking points.

End of an era?

With the failure to qualify for the knockout phases in a major tournament for the first time since 1980, many are predicting severe upheaval in the Dutch camp as they look ahead to the World Cup in 2014. Players such as Arjen Robben, Mark van Bommel, Robin van Persie, Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder will all be past their peak by the time the tournament in Brazil comes around and the Dutch FA may now choose to bring in the next generation so they have a settled side in two years' time.

Wasteful Dutch

The Netherlands finish their Group B campaign as the side with the most shots on goal, but with just two goals to show for their efforts. The Dutch have had 59 attempts at breaching their opposition's defences but couldn't produce the required quality often enough to make their domination pay. In fact, Holland can boast three of the top seven players with the most shots off target at the tournament. Robben alone registered nine wayward efforts in 263 minutes of football.

Missing spirit

A poor team morale is a recurring theme in Holland's recent past. On Sunday night, the Oranje started well, but once the game started to go against them, heads dropped and the lack of team spirit in the camp began to show as they lacked the character and belief to pull together and overcome the adversity. Missing leadership and seemingly any trust in each other's ability to turn things around, they produced an increasingly stagnant second half display and a failed to do justice to the undoubted talent on the pitch. The constant back-biting, complaints, tantrums and arguments can't be conducive to a successful campaign.

Van der Vaart vindicated?

Rafael van der Vaart publically criticised his own omission from the Holland starting line-up for the opening games, after Bert van Marwijk opted for Mark van Bommel in the centre of midfield. But the Tottenham midfielder was unleashed on Sunday night as the Netherlands aimed to secure the two-goal win that could have seen them through to the quarter finals. The 'player-power' selection appeared to be vindicated after 11 minutes as the playmaker curled a delightful shot into the Portugal net. But as the game went on, Portugal exploited the open spaces in the Dutch midfield. We'll never know if Holland would've benefitted from a more solid midfield.

Bogey side

Holland have now won just one of their last 11 meetings with Portugal. The Oranje have not come out on top in an encounter between the sides since October 1991 when they beat the Portuguese 1-0 in the qualifiers for Euro 92. The previous two meetings between the sides both resulted in the Dutch being eliminated from a major tournament - Euro 2004 and the World Cup in 2006, so Sunday night made it three in a row, as Holland were once again sent crashing out of a competition by their Mediterranean rivals.

Under new management?

With Holland set to enter a period of transition as several of their older players make way for a new generation, the Dutch authorities may decide to make a change at the top. Van Marwijk has been heavily criticised for his dour approach to the game which is not in keeping with the Netherlands tradition of 'total football'. His decision to include son-in-law van Bommel in midfield for the first two group games alongside fellow defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong reportedly caused disruption in the camp - and was widely blamed in Holland for the back-to-back defeats that ultimately cost them a place in the quarter-finals.

Ron finds his form... at last!

Ronaldo has now scored in each of the last five major tournaments thanks to his two goals against the Dutch. Bento turned his ire on critics of his misfiring captain after he squandered two one-on-one chances against Denmark.

But the playmaker hasn't plundered 146 goals in 144 games for Real Madrid over the past three seasons for no reason. And the 27-year-old finally hit the heights and turned his profligacy into goals right on cue.

Bento faith

Portugal coach Paulo Bento named an unchanged team for the fifth consecutive competitive match. Despite losing to Germany in their opening clash, the former Sporting Lisbon boss kept faith with the same 4-3-3 line-up in the 3-2 win against Denmark, and he kept faith with the same XI against the Dutch. Bento wants a balance to his side and is keen for his players to be settled and playing football like a club team, defend diligently, keep calm and hit the opposition on the counter. Classic Portugal!

Fan power fails

The Dutch fans bedecked in their famous 'oranje' came in their legions to support their men-in-black. The Portuguese were mightily outnumbered in the 38,000-strong crowd, but could boast the legendary Eusebio watching on from the stands. The Netherlands may have come hoping for a miracle that would have sent them into Kharkiv to paint the town orange in celebration, but it will be a Portugal party on a mild and muggy night in eastern Ukraine, after their 2-1 win. They will no doubt be outnumbered again in the semi-finals as thousands of Czech fans again make the short trip into Poland on Thursday.

Catch them if you can

The three amigos Nani, Joao Moutinho and Ronaldo caused the Dutch backline a headache throughout with each of them constantly drifting off the line. They made runs inbetween midfielders and defenders. They were patient and were a constant nuisance to centre-backs Ron Vlaar and Joris Mathijsen. Holland just couldn't pick them up. This trio are sure to have quarter-final opponents Czech Republic quaking in their boots.

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England have genuine chance

Wayne Rooney insists England are genuine contenders for Euro 2012 as he prepares to return for the national side.

Following the sorry World Cup demise in South Africa two years ago, there has been a general lessening in expectations around the Three Lions.

It offers some reason for the vastly-reduced numbers travelling around to watch their group games, which culminate in a meeting with the co-hosts Ukraine in Donetsk on Tuesday.

A point would be enough for Roy Hodgson's men to secure a quarter-final berth.

However Rooney sees no reason to adopt a negative attitude.

"I've said it before. I think we're good enough," he said.

"I know no-one wants to build up expectations but I firmly believe we've got the players.

"Before the tournament started I said a country like ours needs to be in there with a shout of winning major tournaments.

"Obviously you need a bit of luck as well, but we've got a good opportunity. We've got the squad and are more organised than we have been as long as I've been in the squad.

"We are hard to beat now. If we keep doing that and keep working hard then there's no reason we can't go really far and be in with a shout of winning it."

Not even the prospect of facing Spain in the last eight worries Rooney, despite the fact it is a side built around the Barcelona team who outplayed Manchester United in two Champions League finals in three years.

"You have to play the best teams if you want to win tournaments," he said.

"How much of a boost would it be for us if we did play them and beat them? How much confidence would that give us?

"We just have to cope."

Clearly, Rooney's return from suspension offers England a major lift.

Rooney may not have scored in a major tournament since his explosion on Euro 2004 as a teenager, yet there is no doubting the importance Roy Hodgson places upon him.

Hodgson is considering naming the 26-year-old as his official vice-captain and has already guaranteed Rooney a starting berth on Tuesday where, if statistics are any guide, he will be partnered by Danny Welbeck.

The duo started 22 Manchester United games together in all competitions, in which Rooney and Welbeck scored an incredible 33 goals between them. On their last 15 outings at least one of them found the net.

United won 19 of those matches, and lost only once, that 6-1 mauling by Manchester City.

So, whilst Andy Carroll could count himself extremely unfortunate to miss out, it is hard to see Hodgson ignoring such figures.

"We obviously know each other and have a good understanding," said Rooney.

"Danny's biggest strength is running behind defences. He is so quick. If he gets behind you he is difficult to catch.

"He has got great feet and is also capable of coming short and linking in the play which leads me to get in behind.

"Defences don't know which player is going to go short or long."

And Welbeck's confidence is soaring too after that sensational back-heeled winner against Sweden.

"It was a great goal," said Rooney.

"It is funny. He was anxious at half-time because he wasn't getting any chances.

"I told him it was important not to get annoyed because his chance will come."

Rooney feels it is equally important for him to avoid the temptation to try and stamp his mark on Tuesday's game too early given he has not played a competitive game in five weeks.

"I need to feel my way into the game for 20 minutes, make sure my touch is right and do the simple things," he said.

"Then when I get towards the last half of the game hopefully I can create and score goals."

The temptation must be great though, particularly as he has not scored a tournament goal for eight years, during which time he has got sent off in one World Cup and abused England fans at another.

"I set myself high standards," he said.

"In international tournaments I haven't been good enough."

And at least he will be able to operate from a platform of serenity, with England's city centre base in Krakow, following a relatively short build-up, far more to his liking than the remoteness of Rustenburg two years ago, which followed a two-week training camp.

"Everyone has been fine," he said.

"The tournament feels a lot shorter, whereas South Africa felt like it was dragging out.

"We went to Austria for two weeks before the World Cup and by the time we got to the tournament your head has gone a bit already.

"All the squad are happy here. It is a happy camp at the moment."

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Lionel Messi confirms he is going to be a father

The 24 year old Barcelona player has confirmed he is going to be a father. The world's number one footballer is expecting his first child with girlfriend, Antonella Roccuzzo.

"I think it will be a boy," Messi is quoted as saying by Ole. "We did not want to say anything because we never talk about our private life. But we were constantly asked about it, so we wanted to share our joy."

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African Cup Of Nation 2013 Qualifying Match Score; Mozambique 1 - 1 Tanzania (92 min)

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HUYU NDYE SUPER MARIO BHANA!

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KIM ATAJA KIKOSI CHA TAIFA STARS KITAKACHOKWAANA NA MSUMBIJI LEO

Kocha Mkuu wa Taifa Stars, Kim Poulen ametaja kikosi chake kitakachoanza mechi ya leo dhidi ya Msumbiji (The Mambas) itakayochezwa Uwanja wa Taifa ulioko Zimpeto hapa Maputo. Mechi itaanza saa 9 kamili kwa saa za hapa ambapo nyumbani Tanzania itakuwa saa 10 kamili.
Stars inaundwa na;
1. Juma Kaseja, 20. Shomari Kapombe, 22. Erasto Nyoni, 6. Aggrey Morris, 5. Kevin Yondani, 19. Shaabani Nditi, 8. Mrisho Ngasa, 16. Frank Domayo, 11. Thomas Ulimwengu, 10. Mbwana Samata na 15. Mwinyi Kazimoto.
Wachezaji wa akiba;
18. Deogratias Munishi, 17. Amir Maftah, 13. Jonas Mkude, 3. Haruna Moshi, 12. Simon Msuva, 9. Christopher Edward, 14. John Bocco, 7. Ramadhan Singano na 21. Nurdin Bakari.
Benchi la Ufundi;
Kim Poulsen (Kocha Mkuu), Sylvester Marsh (Kocha Msaidizi), Juma Pondamali (Kocha wa Makipa), Leopold Tasso (Meneja wa Timu), Dk. Juma Mwankemwa (Daktari wa Timu), Dk. Frank Mhonda (Physiotherapist) na Alfred Chimela (Mtunza Vifaa).
Refa: Bennett Daniel (Afrika Kusini)
Refa Msaidizi 1; Molefe Enock (Afrika Kusini)
Refa Msaidizi 2; Siwela Zakhele Thusi (Afrika Kusini)
Refa wa Akiba; Hlungwani Tinyiko Victor (Afrika Kusini)
Kamishna wa Mechi; Mateus Joel Amdhila (Namibia)

Boniface Wambura
Ofisa Habari
Shirikisho la Mpira wa Miguu Tanzania (TFF)

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Rooney: I'm excited to be back

Wayne Rooney says he is "delighted" to be available for England again and believes the competition for places up front is "great" for the team.

Rooney sat out England's opening two matches in Group D through suspension but is now clear to play and head coach Hodgson is set to draft the Manchester United striker straight back into the side for the vital game with Ukraine.

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TT's Euro Evaluation: Greece 1 Russia 0

EAMtalk reflects on the main talking points after Greece's shock 1-0 victory over Russia which saw them into the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.

Greece entered the final round of Group A fixtures staring Euro 2012 elimination in the face, while Russia appeared to have one foot in the quarter-finals. Football is a funny old game, though, and you can never take anything for granted. Here, we look at the talking points from an intriguing 90 minutes in Warsaw.

Group A was written off by many pre-tournament critics as being the weakest, and possibly least entertaining, four-team selection at Euro 2012. In the end it provided thrills and spills aplenty - not least during the final round of fixtures. Heading into Saturday it appeared as though Russia were destined for the last eight, while Greece would be forced to turn their attention to domestic troubles back home. Things do not always go to plan though. Here, we take a look at the talking points which emerged on an intriguing evening in Warsaw.

History

History appeared to be weighted against Greece prior to kick-off, with it difficult to see past a Russian victory. The two nations met at Euro 2004 and 2008, with the Russians emerging victorious on each occasion. In fact, Greece entered Saturday evening having prevailed in just one of 10 previous meetings. Russia must have felt that they had the measure of the Greeks, and would have been buoyed by some of the Greek defending leading up to the game. It was, however, to be the men in blue and white who had the last laugh and avoided an unwanted European Championship hat-trick.

Dire Kerzhakov

Aleksandr Kerzhakov continued his record-breaking tournament run. Kerzhakov has become a figure of ridicule for managing the most shots off-target in a European Championship finals game, a reputation he cemented against Greece. He once again failed to hit the target in 45 minutes of leading the Russian front-line. It was an eye-catching performance for all the wrong reasons, the highlight of which was an unimpressive air-kick inside the box. In his defence he did pull a good effort out of the bag which flew narrowly high of the bar but you have to question why Dick Advocaat insisted on starting him in favour of Roman Pavlyuchenko. Kerzhakov failed to hit the target on too many occasions and Russia were punished. They now have the plane ride home to think about it.

Toothless

Much has been made of Aleksandr Kerzhakov's struggles in front of goal, but he was by no means the only Russian to let the side down against Greece. Dick Advocaat's side created chances, but failed to take them. In fact, Kerzhakov came closest to finding the target with a swerving volley. Alan Dzagoev had been impressive up until this point, but he was unable to add to his three goals in the tournament. In the end, the Russians were left to rue some wayward finishing and their inability to produce a killer ball when it mattered most.

Solid again

Against the Czech Republic, Greece were 2-0 down inside six minutes and all but out of the game before it had got going. This was a side that conceded just five goals in 10 qualification games - with only Russia, Italy and France boasting better defensive records. They looked back to their resolute best against the Russians, even if they rode their luck at times - especially towards the end. Organisation returned to their back four and the clean sheet they desperately needed was secured without too much fuss.

Captain fantastic

Giorgos Karagounis really wore his heart on his sleeve with a fiery performance. In his 120th game for his country, the Greece captain was involved in two of the biggest talking points of the game. Picking up the ball after the Russian defence went missing, Karagounis carried it forward and slammed the only goal of the game under Vyacheslav Malafeev. He then seemed to have won his side a penalty from a trip inside the box, but Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson flashed him a yellow for diving. The rattled Greek captain was quickly taken off and will miss the quarter-final, but his spirited response embodied more passion than all of the Russian side put together.

Advocaat to blame?

Russia went into this game as massive favourites to go into the quarter-finals but you have to feel Dick Advocaat got it all wrong here. In persisting with the woefully misfiring Aleksandr Kerzhakov up-front Russia simply did not score enough goals. Advocaat waited until half-time to replace him with Roman Pavlyuchenko but they could not kick-start a slow start. Getting out of the group was the very minimum expected of this talented Russian side. In his final game in charge before taking over at PSV Eidhoven, Advocaat has confined them to the shock of Euro 2012 so far. Questions will be asked over his team selection. In a Russian squad so rich in attacking options, why did he fail to have a Plan B?

Table turnaround

Russia started the day top of Group A, with Greece propping up the rest at the foot of the standings. Fast forward 90 minutes and it is the Russians heading home and the Greeks going through. Football is renowned for its ability to produce the unexpected, but few will have seen this coming. Russia started the tournament brightly and were billed as potential dark horses to go all the way. Greece, meanwhile, were a shambles at the back and were struggling to see where the goals were going to come from. They are, however, readying themselves for a shot at the quarter-finals at a repeat of their 2004 heroics.

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Drogba to make decision 'soon'

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says his next move is "interesting" and says he intends to make an announcement on his new club "soon".
The Ivory Coast international is available on a free transfer after rejecting a new contract at Chelsea in order to take on a fresh challenge.
Drogba is widely expected to join Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua and such a move would bring about reunion with former Chelsea team-mateNicolas Anelka.
However, United Arab Emirates club Al Wasl are reported to have shown an interest and the 34-year-old is close to finalising a decision about his future.
"The next step is interesting," said Drogba during a promotional visit to India.
"I will announce it soon. But as of now, you will just have to wait."
Drogba spent eight seasons with Chelsea after joining from Marseille and his final act for the club was to score the winning penalty in the shoot-out in last month's Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
He added: "Chelsea were very good for me. I shared a special relationship with the club.
"It was a difficult decision to leave them."

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