This evening marks the tenth day of Euro 2012 during which, to date, 34 group-stage battles have been fought – each with their own twists and turns, ebbs and flows. There have been upsets, thrashings and superb team performances along the way, as faithful supporters have been entertained by the world class talent on display.
Czech Republic, Greece, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Italy are all at peace in the knowledge that they have made it through to the quarter-finals of the competition; all with their eyes fixed on lifting that prestigious trophy, all dreaming of holding that precious cup. Only three more matches stand between them and glory; their chance to write their name in history and the opportunity to bring pride and honour to their beloved nation.
Each game has conjured up its own captivating tale, producing those moments of glory and despair, causing pandemonium in the crowd when every emotion is touched upon: from pure jubilation to heartbreak and dismay.
And for England, qualification looks rather wonderfully possible.
After collecting four points from their opening two Group D matches, Roy Hodgson’s white army can secure a quarter-final spot with merely a point against Ukraine tomorrow night. A win secures qualification and progression as group winners if France fail to beat Sweden, while a draw sees England through – as group winners if France lose to Sweden. If England were to lose, however, they would crash out if France avoid defeat.
Joleon Lescott’s exquisite bullet header seven days ago seems a distant memory with the more recent battle against Sweden exceeding expectations; when England flirted with danger in a gorgeously entertaining encounter.
And that 3-2 triumph was even without England’s most potent weapon: Wayne Rooney’s road to England redemption after his red card in Montenegro last October will begin in the hostile surroundings of Donetsk’s Donbass Arena against co-hosts Ukraine. Fabio Capello travelled to Uefa headquarters in Switzerland, with this occasion firmly lodged in his worries, to ask for Rooney’s suspension to be reduced from three games to two. And Capello’s successor Roy Hodgson is now grateful of the Italian’s support for England’s most eagerly anticipated player as they seek the point they require to reach the last eight.
England have looked promising to say the least in their conquest so far, despite numerous pundits and experts predicting a poor campaign for the three lions. They have only been undone at the back through two Sweden set pieces – something which can easily be addressed – and one Samir Nasri strike. And going forward; Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott – and now Wayne Rooney – are all particularly dangerous attacking-minded threats. Not forgetting Andy Carroll; whose header to put England one up on the Swedes last Friday was exactly what the nation is looking for.
With Spain finishing top of Group C, though; they will face (most probably) either England or France – whoever finishes in 2nd spot in Group D. And if that is to be England – which is quite possible, considering the superior French goal difference – it is difficult to envisage English progression. However, a point against France was unlikely, as was that first ever competitive win over the Swedes – so it is entirely in our rights to have hope.
But first things first: we need to qualify. A point against the Ukrainians will ensure just that, and only then can we dream about the dizzy heights of the semi-finals, fantasising about Stuart Downing netting that winner in injury time…