Euro 2004 Day Five
By from June 17, 2004
The second round began today, and having already seen all 16 teams in the competition I still believe France has a good chance to repeat as champions. However, those Swedes sure looked good (even if they did only defeat Bulgaria), and the Germans and Dutch could certainly cause some problems. Ok, on to the next round of matches!
Fresh off an inspiring victory over the host nation, Greece hoped for similiar results against the Spaniards (the first match to feature both adidas-sponsored sides). Ra�l and company had other ideas, attacking the Greece relentlously, eventually capitalising on a poor back-pass with a nifty steal and back heel from Ra�l to Morientes, who fired home from short-range for a 1-0 lead.
After the halftime break the surprising Greeks equalized off a nify finish from Angelos Charisteas, and they deservedly celebrated the hell out of it. Greece managed to earn a point after being dominated the entire game, and dudes were pumped! Spanish fans, however, were a bit displeased.
In the second match the newly Mostovoi-less Russians took on the hosts, Portugal. Jumping out to an early lead on a goal by Maniche, the Portugese looked like they were ready to dismiss their early defeat and get down to business. However, they wouldn't receive their second goal until late in the match on a nice play by Rui Costa. Russia's fate seemed to have been sealed a bit earlier when their starting keeper found himself red-carded after an apparent hand ball outside the box. It seemed a bit harsh, but Russia were soon the first nation out of the tournament.
Pics of the day:
1. Portugese fans are crazy and sexy, and Russian fans are cool (or at least their legs are).
2. She's totally thinking "Is this gonna end up on yahoo.com photos of the day or what?"
3. Turns out Totti got naughty and spit on this Dane. Now he's out for three games.
Next up are the second set of games from the Brits and the Frogs. EURO fever!