Euro 2008 : Group D

Both Russia and Spain in their first match in this group had a very nervous start. It were the Spaniards who broke the ice first and won the match with a very convincing 4 - 1 victory. The match producing the highest number of goals in this first round of matches in all the groups. This match also produced the tournaments first hat trick by Villa, who should thank the weak Russian defense more than his own team mates. The Russian goalkeeper looked completed out of the place. The Russians always were on the backfoot and played with a negative frame of mind. The Spaniards made good and fast progress on the counter attacks that helped them score 4 goals. The Russians did regroup themselves in the second half and they definately deserved that goal they scored. The Spaniards looked good in the game, but it could be the Russians who are the surprise package from this group.

In complete contrast to the first match, the second one between Sweden and the reigning Euro 2004 champions Greece, was very dull which lacked all momentum. Greece were very scared to even attack and the spectators were jeering them for time wasting tactics !!! Luckily, the Sweds pressed the accelerator on their game and started playing with flair. Ibrahimvoic, produced a stunner from the edge of the D to score the first goal for Sweds. It was the second goal that brought laughter to this dull match. Undoubtedly, the most funniest goal of the tournament.

Spain and Sweden definately have a very good advantage from the first games in this group. It is still not easy to predict who would finally qualify from this group with all the four teams playing very nervous first games. The Spanish team had more flair than any other, and I would not be surprised to see them in the semis.