Europe's Problem Position:
The standard of play at the left-back position so far in this tournament has at times been heart-attack inducing. Many left backs have started the tournament poorly: Michal Kadlec, Jose Holebas and Sebastian Boenisch (all coincidentally in the same group). Furthermore there have been no standouts at this position, with perhaps the exception of the classy Yuri Zhirkov, so purposeful on Russian counter-attacks and rarely losing the ball.
The main issue with the performance of the aforementioned left-backs has been positioning. Whereas Holebas was always found playing too far forward (which is a worry since Blaszczykowski and Piszczek occupy that flank), Kadlec kept getting drawn infield by the Russians, thus leaving the right side susceptible to the barnstorming Dzagoev. Kadlec could be moved to centre back by Michal Bilek, as he seems to be more comfortable there and could form a more potent partnership with Hubnik or Sivok, who struggled to form a solid back line. As is said - two birds, one stone.
Two Hosts, One Aim:
Both Poland and Ukraine have one aim: to reach the knockout stages. There is a certain pressure on them, as co-hosts, to succeed and perform well. One, however, thrived under the pressure and the other capitulated.
Poland were in a comfortable position as one can find; one - nil up at halftime at home against a team which had been reduced to ten men (thanks to some ludicrous refereeing by Carlos Velasco, who in 19 La Liga games has sent off 16 players). Poland, instead of sensing their advantage and going for the jugular, sat back and were punished by conceding a goal to Greece early in the second half and were almost condemned when the often infallible Karagounis missed a penalty. Poland, in stark contrast to the first half, performed without confidence and crumbled under the demand for success. An easy group draw also doesn't help, as if they do not reach the knockout stages they will be humiliated by millions of expectant fans.
Ukraine, on the other hand, were at the opposite end of the spectrum. With about forty minutes left of their match with Sweden, Ukraine found themselves one-nil down in silent yet once buzzing national stadium. Lose this game, and Ukraine would almost certainly be looking at a group stage exit. Ukraine, unlike Sweden, didn't capitulate and instead dug themselves out of a hole thanks to two goals from the heroic figure of natural treasure Andriy Shevchenko. Maybe one reason why Ukraine flourished under the pressure unlike their Baltic neighbours was the presence of such key veterans as Shevchenko, Voronin and Tymoshchuk, who all had marvellous games. Poland had to rely on the youthful exuberance of Lewandowski, Blaszczykowski and Szczesny, the latter having been sent off and been at fault for Greece's goal.
Two Dutch Sides:
No, this isn't a rant lambasting the schism between the Dutch defence and attack. It's rather an observation on how the Russians are playing Dutch football better than the Dutch. Led by the Hague native Dick Advocaat, following Gus Hiddink's departure, this Russia side base their play on rapid passing and exhilarating counter attacks. The movement of this Russian side is rapid and thoughtful, as all the players are comfortable playing with each other (which is no surprise as so many play for Zenit or CSKA).
Johan Cruijff has attacked Bert van Marwijk's tactics, critiscising his use of to similar players, Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel, as both don't pass the ball quickly enough to Sneijder or more creative players. Russia, however, with Denisov as a lone holding midfielder, circulate the ball more rapidly which always helps on counter attacks. While it is easy to criticise van Marwijk's tactics as the Netherlands lost to Denmark, the Dutch team created many chances, only to be spurned by van Persie or later Huntelaar.
The Influence of the Playmaker:
So far the most influential players of the tournament have been playmakers: Arshavin, Sneijder, Iniesta, Silva, Pirlo, Modric and Nasri all played exceptionally in their first games. One main reason why playmakers have flourished so much so far in this tournament is the widespread use of 4-2-3-1, which creates lots of opportunities and triangles for the attacking midfielder to pass through. All of these players see plenty of the ball and it is their responsibility to fashion attacks for their teams. For example, Wesley Sneijder was almost involved in every Dutch attack and created many chances, including one splendid through ball from the outside of his foot. Unfortunately for him, it was the wastefulness of the other Dutch players, especially van Persie and Robben, which resulted in a Danish victory.
A Great Tactical Battle:
Reading the team sheet for Spain - Italy was a shock. 4-6-0? Six central midfielders? 3-5-2? De Rossi at centre back? Giaccherini starting? When learning of this news, I was excited - no team had taken this sort of risk so far in the tournament. I started pacing up and down like a madman in anticipation of this match. It didn't dissapoint.
The reasons behind Italy playing 3-5-2 were simple. Spain, for all their attacking prowess, always play through the middle. They lack width. What's the point of playing full-backs? Furthermore, De Rossi has enough defensive ability to play centre-back in a back three. The main issue with playing De Rossi at the back is his positional sense and ability to keep an offside line. Italy, however, defended deep against Spain and gave De Rossi the role of a sweeper, so positioning was not as important. As a result, he played really well.
In addition, Italy could stretch Spain with a midfield five. Giaccherini and Maggio played on the byline and prevented Jordi Alba or Arbeloa from coming too far forward. Spain, narrow enough with six central midfielders, now couldn't rely on forward runs from their full backs. Giaccherini and Maggio also gave quick options for counter attacks, orchestrated by the majestic Pirlo.
With six central midfielders, as you would imagine, Spain dominated possession and kept the ball. Vincent Del Bosque gave plenty of freedom to this six and let them play to their natural abilities as all are clever players and know where to be. This resulted in lots of movement and switches between the players, e.g. as Iniesta moved to the centre, Fabregas moved left. Spain, however, couldn't penetrate into the penalty area as Italy were defending deep and Spain had difficulty creating chances, relying on their pure abilities, not tactics in order to score. When Del Bosque put Torres and Jesus Navas on the pitch, however, the game was stretched a lot more and if not for Torres' poor decision making up front, they would have won the game. While Torres didn't take the chances given to him, he terrorised the Italy defence who now had genuine pace to worry about, meaning their positioning, which they had earlier neglected slightly, was of vital importance.
It will be interesting to see whether these two teams carry on with these formations as they only featured in this match. Italy's 3-5-2 seemed reactive to Spain's style of play so it is probable that it won't feature in the rest of the tournament. Del Bosque, however, seemed content with his formation and it could be their starting formation for the rest of the tournament. This is despite the fact that Spain looked more dangerous with a genuine striker and winger.
The Lone British Isles:
Is it a coincidence that the only two sides that use a traditional 4-4-2 are the two countries separated by the Irish Sea? Both teams can't afford to play expansive, possession based football as their managers realise their technical limitations. Both teams lack a playmaker and instead have to play a rigid, organised formation that suits their strengths. One of the greatest peculiarities in modern football is that England have failed to produce an international-level playmaker since Paul Gascoigne. There is hope yet for the English, if the potential of playmakers Jack Wilshere and Josh McEachran are realised. Until then, midfielders such as Jordan Henderson need to play for the national team.
One thing that surprised me in Ireland's game against Croatia (apart from the lapses of concentration by the Irish) was the substitution of Cox for McGeady in the 54th minute. At three-one down, players such as McGeady, who is the greatest creative talent in this generation of Irish footballers, are needed in order to score goals and create chances. Furthermore, McGeady had a decent game, setting up Ireland's lone goal, which made his sacrifice for a less talented Cox even more bemusing.
Very Premature Team of Euro 2012:
Andersen (DEN)
Debuchy (FRA) De Rossi (ITA) Hummels (DEU) Zhirkov (RUS)
Schweinsteiger (DEU) Pirlo (ITA)
Iniesta (ESP) Sneijder (NED) Arshavin (RUS)
Shevchenko (UKR)
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