
<p>France became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> beating a spirited Demark side by 2-1. Kylian Mbappe scored both goals for the defending Champions at the Stadium 974 on Saturday evening. </p>



<p>Les Blues hardly dominated against their European counterparts but are peaking at the right time despite their <a href="https:\/\/www.yahoo.com/now/frances-injuries-hobbled-lesser-teams-182622538.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAC1RYAdIK5HI1kDSD4m6DkpL_FPGcWLGaha31_4bn1_431T0Xt7llYjJYxbpU8DvQjz_wJUAVlzReEK2_lEHThl_9p3yDF7WCGXLCSPdZ3XTBNglpfIgaF4Tn9lvJl8Q82kVr3cN0ZlgE6y2Mi7dF-c4i7A_kNeKf0Iw7p1I84Y6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent injury setbacks</a> that has seen Karim Benzema, Cristopher Nkunku and Lucas Hernandez who have all been ruled out of the tournament.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kylian Mbappe now has more World Cup goals for France than Thierry Henry, who played in four World Cups.<br><br>HE&apos;S ONLY 23 YEARS OLD! 🤯 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/6HNV0eBhyk">pic.twitter.com/6HNV0eBhyk</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1596564452870356995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Mbappe gave <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France</a> the lead at the hour mark when Theo Hernandez made a darting run into the Danish half and provided a one two for the PSG sensation whose deflected effort beat Kasper Schmeichel. </p>



<p>The Danes restored parity seven minutes later when Andreas Christensen powered his header past Hugo Lloris following Christian Eriksen’s corner. </p>



<p>France however had the last laugh when Mbappe slotted home Antoine Griezman’s delightful cross from the right wing just two yards out.</p>



<p>Didier Deschamps’ side are on course to top the group as they face Tunisia in their final game. Denmark though must beat Australia to qualify for the Round of 16. </p>



<h5>Australia beat Tunisia</h5>



<p>The Socceroos earlier beat Tunisia by 1-0 when Mitchell Duke scored the game’s only goal in the 23<sup>rd</sup> minute. </p>



<p>Australia are currently second in Group D and even a draw against the Danes would see them qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.</p>



<h5>Poland overcome Saudi Arabia</h5>



<p>Elsewhere in Group C, Poland beat Saudi Arabia by 2-0 as Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski finally broke his World Cup drought. </p>



<p>The Saudis came into the match <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/saudi-arabia-stun-argentina-in-world-cup-classic-20221122-WST-409426.html">having stunned</a> <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a> in their first group game and will be disappointed with nothing to show for their valiant effort. </p>



<p>Piotr Zelinski gave the Poles the lead in the 39<sup>th</sup> minute while Lewandowski took full advantage of a defensive calamity from the Saudi backline and kept his clam to slot home to give his side three important points.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Robert Lewandowski was emotional after his first World Cup goal 🥺 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/xDUfV2VVpu">pic.twitter.com/xDUfV2VVpu</a></p>— B/R Football (@brfootball) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/brfootball/status/1596519065706967040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The Saudis were guilty of missing a penalty when Salem Al Dawsari who scored the winner against Argentina failed to beat Wojciech Szczesny in the Polish goal. </p>



<p>The Juventus keeper dived to right to save the spot kick and also got up to keep out the follow through. The European side hit the post twice through Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik before the former calmed nerves in the 82<sup>nd</sup> minute to give his side the win.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


There were wins for France and Poland as Les Bleus beat Denmark by 2-1 to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Wins for France and Poland against Denmark and Saudi Arabia - World Soccer Talk

Wins for France and Poland against Denmark and Saudi Arabia


<p>It’s still early days, but one of the most fascinating stories about Qatar 2022 is how well Peacock’s World Cup viewership numbers are doing. </p>



<p>For a streaming service that is showing games only in Spanish, you would expect it to do decently well. However, Tuesday’s World Cup coverage on <a href="https:\/\/imp.i305175.net/c/330866/1313913/11640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peacock</a> blew the roof off. In short, it was Peacock’s biggest weekday ever since the streaming service launched in 2020.</p>



<h2>Mexico-Poland viewing numbers surge </h2>



<p>Even more impressively, Mexico against Poland became the most-streamed World Cup match in US history, averaging 1.3 million average minute viewers.</p>



<p>Through the first three days of all World Cup coverage from Telemundo Deportes, 29% of the viewership is attributed to streaming.</p>



<p>Returning to the Mexico-Poland game for a second, the total audience delivery for the game across Telemundo Deportes linear and digital was 4.6 million.</p>



<p>According to Telemundo Deportes, Telemundo and <a href="https:\/\/imp.i305175.net/c/330866/1313913/11640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peacock</a> viewers are invested for the long haul because they support more&nbsp;teams in the tournament. Telemundo reports that on average, each viewer is supporting 3.3 teams, +33% higher than other viewers.&nbsp;And, three in four Spanish-language viewers are planning to continue tuning in&nbsp;should their favorite team be eliminated, “creating a more loyal and engaged audience for brands to tap into throughout the entirety of the Tournament.”</p>



<h2>Why is Peacock’s World Cup viewership a hit?</h2>



<p>What isn’t mentioned above yet is the fact that many English-language sports fans are flocking to Peacock. Why? Here are my five reasons why:</p>



<ol><li>It’s only $4.99 per month</li><li>A lot of <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> fans already have Peacock</li><li>It’s an ideal option for cord cutters who don’t want cable or satellite</li><li>The first 12 World Cup games were free on Peacock</li><li>FOX Sports app is buggy and requires authentication.</li></ol>



<p>Another reason may be the dissatisfaction among<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/tv/good-and-bad-from-fox-and-telemundos-world-cup-coverage-20221123-WST-409682.html"> soccer fans at the lack of insightful World Cup analysis from FOX Sports</a>. It’s nowhere near the same that ESPN gave us in the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments, for example.</p>



<p>On top of that, FOX’s fawning of Qatar is <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/tv/bbc-qatar-world-cup-opening-in-stark-contrast-to-fox-20221120-WST-409177.html">too much for a lot of viewers</a> to stomach. Meanwhile, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/tv/give-telemundo-credit-for-speaking-out-about-world-cup-in-qatar-20221120-WST-409138.html">Telemundo Deportes are delivering on their promise</a> of not shirking their editorial responsibilities to report the news both on and off the field.</p>



<h2>Peacock offers Black Friday sale to sweeten the deal for soccer fans</h2>



<p>Peacock may end up seeing greater numbers as the tournament progresses. Reason being is that Peacock has just launched a Black Friday offer. You can <a href="https:\/\/imp.i305175.net/c/330866/1525992/11640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get Peacock for $0.99 for 12 months</a>. The offer ends Monday, November 28, 2022.</p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Peacock's World Cup viewership numbers are breaking streaming records as fans tune into Qatar 2022 in record numbers.

Peacock's World Cup viewership is a record breaker - World Soccer Talk

Peacock's World Cup viewership is a record breaker


<p>In Robert Lewandowski’s legendary 17-year-old career, <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/robert-lewandowski/elfmetertore/spieler/38253/saison_id\/\/wettbewerb_id\/\/plus/1#tore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he has taken 79 penalties.</a> He’s made 71 of them and only missed 8. Yet his 80th penalty was his most pivotal one yet.</p>



<p>Facing a favored Mexico team tipped to make a deep run in the knockout round, Lewandowski knew that a goal would put Poland in the driver’s seat heading into gamedays with Argentina and Saudi Arabia. He stepped up, teed one of the most important kicks of his life, swung, and missed.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">OCHOA BLOCKS LEWANDOWSKI&apos;S PENALTY FOR MEXICO 😱🇲🇽 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/j9qO1Sodyt">pic.twitter.com/j9qO1Sodyt</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1595104186617798658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>In front of him was the <a href="https:\/\/www.si.com/fannation/soccer/futbol/video/guillermo-ochoa-tricked-robert-lewandowski-to-save-penalty?adlt=strict&amp;toWww=1&amp;redig=EBBE53D2D4FC4D50AEC40D0BB2BFFC7B" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resurgent Guillermo Ochoa celebrating with a triumphant look on his face</a>. His clutch save conceded a corner but kept Mexico in the game and in the running to continue their World Cup dream. A tale of two outcomes eventually intertwined, and both sides emerged with a similar need; to control their own destinies later in the tournament.</p>



<p>With underdog side <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/saudi-arabia-stun-argentina-in-world-cup-classic-20221122-WST-409426.html">Saudi Arabia on top of the group</a>, world-beater Argentina on the bottom, and Mexico and Poland in between, this match was pivotal for all in Group C. Both exited Stadium 974 facing even more important matches ahead.</p>



<h3>Mexico and Poland battle to narrow draw in Group C</h3>



<p>Mexico and Poland both had a slow first half of matchday one in Group C. Napoli winger Hirving Lozano, showing his remarkable pace, repeatedly torched the Polish defense. Although he was not the one in front of the goal most of the time, his crosses and incisive passes kept the Polish defense on guard.</p>



<p>Mexico’s <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/liga-mx-tv-schedule/">Liga MX</a>-oriented side put significant pressure on Wojciech Szczesny. Yet, the Mexican offense could not hit their target. Despite Mexico’s wastefulness in front of the goal, Szczesny still had to make some big saves.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So close 😬<br><br>Mexico is knocking in the first half 👀🇲🇽 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/4R7VFfKVrz">pic.twitter.com/4R7VFfKVrz</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1595092045995163648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Desperation consumed both sides. Within the first minutes of the last half, Lozano threatened to score yet again with multiple shots. Monterrey’s Hector Moreno fouled Lewandowski in the box, but luckily for <em>El Tri</em>, Ochoa resorted back to his World Cup heroics.</p>



<p>Although each had excellent opportunities to break the deadlock, neither capitalized in the 90 minutes. The game ended scoreless, leaving each team with one point.</p>



<h5>Mexico fails in front of the goal</h5>



<p>Mexico is a hotbed of great attackers. Hugo Sanchez, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, and more have all worn the proud colors of the Mexican national team. Mexico itself prides itself on its brilliant attacking football. So was their 0-0 draw an outlier?</p>



<p>Mexico was lackluster with their shooting, something that usually is not an issue. Chivas winger Alexis Vega was not the adventurous winger that dominated Liga MX games against Poland. None of his five shots were on target, and a stellar Polish defense quieted him for much of the game. The same can be said for the usually-prolific Henry Martin, who did force a great save out of Szczesny, but could not do much else. </p>



<p>Outside of Hirving Lozano, Mexico’s offensive force seemed weaker than ever. This is a huge cause for concern in advance of a crucial fixture with Argentina. A defense with Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez and more will easily handle the Mexican team that played against Poland. Manager Gerardo Martino needs to figure out a solution to Mexico’s scoring woes.</p>



<h5>Poland cannot keep up</h5>



<p>Throughout the game, Poland was consistently outplayed by Mexico. Without the heroics of Szczesny, Poland would not even think about competing for a draw.</p>



<p>Was it the stifled offense that failed to create enough chances to see a good look at the goal? Was it the wing defense, constantly torched by Mexico’s pace? Or was it a whole team issue?</p>



<p>Across the board, Poland suffered when they had to hold the ball. Mexico had over 150 more passes, four more crosses, and a whopping 61% possession. <em>El Tri</em> moved and kept the ball better, helping them string explosive series of passes together.</p>



<p>Whenever Saudi Arabia gets a lot of the ball, they win. They took 57% possession against Iceland and won 1-0. They took 58% possession against Australia and won 1-0. Against Oman, they took 56% possession and won 1-0. Outside of Saudi Arabia’s <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/saudi-arabia-stun-argentina-in-world-cup-classic-20221122-WST-409426.html">shock 2-1 win</a> over Argentina, where they had 31% possession, Saudi Arabia thrives with the ball. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Uwe Kraft</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


The fiery matchup between Mexico and Poland in Group C certainly impressed. However, they both need more in the next two matchdays.

Mexico draw with Poland leaves Group C in limbo - World Soccer Talk

Mexico draw with Poland leaves Group C in limbo

<p></p><div><figure class="image"></figure></div>Group B will come to the end tonight and every team has a chance to join Croatia in the Quarter Finals. Austria need to beat Germany and hope that Poland do not beat Croatia by a bigger winning margin to have a chance to qualify but they’ll be up against it. Austria’s last competitive win against Germany was in the 1978 World Cup, so history is certainly on the side of Germany tonight.<p></p>
<p>The home crowd will be willing Austria on and after last night’s amazing events, anything is possible. Germany are missing Jansen, so it looks like Lahm will move to left back allowing Low to choose between Borowski and Hitzlsperger to come into midfield and Fritz to drop back to&nbsp;right back. Doubts are also being raised over the disappointing Mario Gomez keeping his starting place up front with Klose. I’d heard a lot about Gomez before the tournament began but he’s hardly offered anything to the Germans so far&nbsp;and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him dropped. Can Austria cause the biggest shock of the tournament so far? It would be fantastic for the tournament but it looks doubtful. I can see the Germans at least holding on to the draw they need to progress to the next round.</p>
<p>Poland however need to pick themselves off the floor after conceding a last minute equaliser to Austria. </p><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" border="0" align="right" width="220" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20080616_WST_2393_520096_mediumsquare.webp&amp;width=220&amp;height=220" height="220"></figure></div>Coach Leo Beenhakker joked in his press conference that Croatia would need to play Slaven Bilic’s mum for Poland to have any chance of qualifying but he was very downbeat and doesn’t expect his side to win at all. Is it all reverse psychology?<p></p>
<p>Bilic can relax, knowing that his boys are through to play Turkey and may rest the 6 first teamers who are on yellow cards and this could give us the chance to see Ivan Klasnic. If you’re not aware of Klasnic’s recent history, it’ll be one of those life affirming moments to see him play tonight after a double kidney transplant at the beginning of last year.</p>
<p>This evening may see a similar result to the Switzerland v Portugal game last night as weakened side go through the motions rather than push for results, but they may also want to impress Bilic that they deserve to start the Quarter Final too. This one could go either way, but I think it may simply peter out into a draw that won’t help Poland.</p>


Euro 2008 Group B Final Match Preview &amp; Predictions - World Soccer Talk

Euro 2008 Group B Final Match Preview & Predictions

<p></p><div><figure class="image"></figure></div>I’ve finally had a chance to catch up on watching some of the Euro 2008 matches I missed. The jet lag hit me later in the week, so I found myself watching many of the games this week at weird hours on DVR.The one thing about football is that it can be so subjective. Earlier in the week, I found myself watching the 1-0 <strong>Croatia</strong> win against <strong>Austria</strong> game on the giant screen TV at the FanZone in Zurich. To me, Croatia looked like a very hard working team in the first half who were playing some wonderful football. Especially impressive was Ivica Olic, the Croat striker who plays for Hamburg, who was a workhouse throughout the game putting in an incredible performance. If ever there was a player who would do well in the Premier League, Olic is it.In their game against Austria, <strong>Croatia</strong> changed their tactics in the second half, which allowed<strong> Austria </strong>to press forward more. And it was the Austrians who impressed me, putting to bed all the fears about them being the worst team in the tournament.So I was surprised when I returned to the States and was hearing and reading the comments about <strong>Croatia </strong>looking weak in their first match. Against <strong>Germany</strong>, the Croats showed their true strength in their 2-1 win and it’s now Germany — many people’s favorites to win Euro 2008 — who risk getting knocked out of the tournament depending what happens in their final match against Austria.The other thing I found surprising when I returned to the States was the perception among many that this has been a boring tournament thus far. Sure, it’s easier to enjoy the atmosphere and games when you’re experiencing them in Switzerland, but still, the tournament to me has been one of the most exciting football events in quite some time, even more so than World Cup 2006. The <strong>France</strong> against <strong>Romania </strong>nil-nil match was horrible, but aside from that, I’ve enjoyed all of the other matches.Speaking of <strong>Romania</strong>, their 1-1 draw against <strong>Italy</strong> on Friday was a brilliant match to watch. So much goalmouth action with balls hitting the post or goalkeepers pulling off incredible saves. Buffon’s penalty save, too, was amazing to watch. Romania could have easily won the match in the first half, while Italy showed in this game their masterful technical touches — beautiful flicks, excellent ball control, deft passes and wonderful creativity — something which is desperately lacking in the Premier League and on the England national team.<strong>Italy</strong>, though, has to feel cheated by the goal that was ruled offside. On replay, it’s clear that the goal should have counted. But when I watched it in real-time, it looked to me to be offside, so I empathize why the referee and assistant referee thought the whistle should have been blown for offside.I’ve been writing about how impressed I’ve been about<strong> Holland</strong> since Monday and they completely blew me away again on Friday with their 4-1 win against <strong>France</strong>. In fairness, the French are to blame for this scoreline as they had plenty of chances to score. Just as in the match against Italy, the Dutch took full advantage of the chances they had with their clinical finishing.While Holland and Croatia continue to impress, <strong>Portugal</strong> can be added to that list. In their first game against <strong>Turkey</strong>, I thought the Portugese looked very entertaining with Pepe, especially, being a revelation. Portugal also looked breathtaking in the 3-1 win over <strong>Czech Republic</strong>. So far this tournament, the Czechs have done very little to impress me.For all of the bad press <strong>Austria</strong> got from the pundits and their own fans before the tournament started, I’ve been more impressed by the Austrians than <strong>Switzerland</strong>. Austria deserved to get the 1-1 draw against <strong>Poland </strong>earlier this week, and the penalty decision by Howard Webb, I believe, was a correct one.Speaking of <strong>Switzerland</strong>, the national team was dealt a cruel blow when Alex Frei was injured in their 0-1 loss to Czech Republic. But in the Swiss 2-1 loss to <strong>Turkey</strong>, it was Turkey’s Arda Turan who was the relevation. The Galatasaray winger scored two beautiful goals. The first, a beautifully taken header, and the second was an amazing shot in the last minute of the game, which will be one of the goals of the tournament.The one group I haven’t had a chance to watch so far this tournament is Group D because I was traveling throughout the day on Tuesday and missed <strong>Spain</strong>‘s demolition of <strong>Russia </strong>and the entertaining game between<strong> Sweden</strong> and <strong>Greece</strong>. I’m looking forward to seeing those matches on Saturday.<p></p>


Euro 2008: Better Than World Cup 2006 So Far - World Soccer Talk

Euro 2008: Better Than World Cup 2006 So Far

<p></p><div><figure class="image"></figure></div>Group B throws us another tantalising opening game this evening as Croatia entertain Germany.<p></p>
<p>A win for either side will see them join Portugal in the last eight and after the performances on Sunday, Germany will be strong favourites to do so. Yet, Croatia are a team that have shown over the last 12 months that you underestimate them at your peril or you are a tactical moron in charge of England called Steve.</p>
<p>Podolski was in fine form in the clash with Poland and will be looking to add to his two goals. They were extremely impressive against the Poles and will be very confident of gaining the 3 points today. Modric will be key for Croatia today and Olic needs to put in a better performance up front for them.&nbsp;I however think Croatia may match&nbsp;Germany today&nbsp;and they’ll be keen to improve on the lacklustre performance against Austria. Can they repeat their great win from the 1998 World Cup? I doubt it, but I think it’ll be a 2-2 draw.</p>
<p></p><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" border="0" align="right" width="188" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20080612_WST_2356_beenhakker_596129.webp&amp;width=188&amp;height=250" height="250"></figure></div>This evening’s game sees Austria meet Poland. After Switzerland exited the competition last night, the Austrians will be keen to give themselves a chance of qualification but so will Poland. Austria certainly gave a good account of themselves and will perhaps feel unlucky they haven’t got a point to show for all their efforts in the clash with Croatia.<p></p>
<p>Poland will also want to get some points on the board and show us that they have the quality to get through to the last game with something to play for. Guerreiro looked really good when he came on and Poland certainly seemed to have a little but more flair with him on the pitch. If he links well&nbsp;with Smolarek, they will come good.</p>
<p>It’ll be crucial that Poland get him on the ball early in the game to get at Austria. &nbsp;I’m fancying a Polish win tonight, Beenhakker will be crucial in getting the Poles fired up for this clash and I feel they’ll have a little bit too much for Austria to cope with. That said, I going for a 2-1 for the Poles.</p>


Euro 2008 Group B Match Predictions: June 12, 2008 - World Soccer Talk

Euro 2008 Group B Match Predictions: June 12, 2008

<p>After extensive research ie a quick visit to Wikipedia I found that 3 players who ply thier trade in the Coca-Cola Championship are on a countries roster for Euro 2008.</p>
<p>For the Czech Republic are Midfielder Marek Matejovsky who players for Reading and Midfielder Rudolf Skacel who plays for Southamption. Poland has Forward Marek Saganowski who plays for Southampton as well. That covers all CCC players who are Euro 2008 Rosters.</p>


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Euro 2008 Group B Final Match Preview & Predictions

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