Euro 2008 Day One
Saturday, 07 June 08, 10:14 PM · Comments (10)
Fcbnews will try to bring you a brief daily round up of the games at Euro 2008 with a special bias for the Barça players. However, don't expect me to watch every single game of the tournament as I find international games can often be a wee bit boring. There was no Barça involvement in the opening game between Switzerland and Czech Republic and after just 30 minutes I found I was struggling to keep my eyes open. Although the Swiss had the better chances the Czechs won the game with a second half goal from substitute Vaclav Sverkos.
The second game between Portugal and Turkey promised to be a bit more interesting as Deco was playing for Portugal and there was also a chance to see ex-blaugrana Simao Sabrosa who I have always had a soft spot for, as well as possible transfer target Moutinho. Portugal were clearly the better team but I wasn't too impressed with Deco or Moutinho, while Simao had a fairly decent game. The player who stood out for me was Turkey's Colin Kâzim-Richards (aka Kâzim Kâzim) who plays for Fenerbahce. Portugal won the game 2-0 with goals from Pepe (min 61) and Raul Meireles (min 91).
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moutinho set up for the 2nd goal was sick. but otherwise i dont think he is at the level to have deco presence and influence in the game. but he is a talent no doubt.
on that note, diego is far better and experienced. he really is my dream signing
Hey Nic.
Guess you are saying Christiano Ronaldo is not worth mentioning and you don't see what the big deal about him is? Messi is better (no doubt) but Ronaldo had a good season and you have to give him credit for that. Interesting match though. Would you mind him coming to Barca?
Just to introduce myself. I am Bryan Stone from the Caribbean island of Jamaica. I am an avid read of your blog. I am a Barca fan but I am not fond of Brazilian and Brazilian-born footballers so Ronnie, Deco, Sly and Motta might not be my favourite persons but that doesn't mean that I do not acknowledge their greatness. However, I love the Barca philosophy and playing style and I consider Barca to be the best club in the world.
I agree with you Nic international games are quiet boring......I think will watch the semifinals and the finals and forget about the other games
*quite
Ronaldo did nothing.. when he actually plays as a winger he aint anywhere near the level he showed at United.
Anywway, Czech Republic was boring, pitty they won, Switzerland deserved the win. Portugal were way better than Turkey so.. im glad they got the 3 points.
About international footie being boring, well, i have to disagree, I love this kind of tourneys, the colour, passion, styles, etc, only bad thing is that players are too tired and we normally dont see them at their best.
Guardiola should take his chequebook he needs a wingerbetter than Hleb maybe Quaresma I'd love to see him back in Barca!!! He was a flop last time but now with the ability he has he'll rip defences apart!!! As for Moutinho he looks a promising youngster!!!
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Deco seemed a bit rusty but Joao Moutinho looks promising. This was his first big tournament on this scale and he thought he handled himself quite well. He could be a good replacement for Deco at FCB also IMO.
man finally i have seen moutinho play and I am not gonna lie. He has potential. Amazing vision, dribbling and ability to pick out teammates. Hes got good control and he fights for the ball too. All this and he is only 20 years old.
He was commandeering that midfield better than deco today. Deco had some lovely long range passes but that was it. He usually dribbled around 2 or three defenders but then gave up running, which kinda irked me.
He even set up the second goal with a deft turn and lay off to merieles.
We need to get moutinho if we really want to replace Deco. Keita -- with all due respect to his talents and skill set -- is merely a replacement for Edmilson.