Euro 2012 Match Day 2 Review

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The drama and action brought by the first match day of the 2012 European Championships was thrilling and all, but it certainly pales in comparison to the heat match day 2 brought. As the teams slowly learn of their fates in their respective groups, game play, determination and will all multiply exponentially as they race for those essential points.

We saw a few teams get their Euro 2012 journey end cruelly on this match day, and we see those who have one feet already stepping towards the final knockout stages of the tournament.

To have a quick look at the group standings, click here. Standings courtesy of Soccerway.com. 

Here is a review as well as some of my thoughts on the games in match day 2.

Group A:

1. Greece 1-2 Czech Republic

The Czechs are out for redemption in this game following their big 4-1 loss against Russia in match day 1. Two rapid-fire goals in the first six minutes of the match, provided by Jiracek and Pilar in the 3rd and 6th minute, respectively, was enough to get the victory against Greece. The Greeks did manage to find the net in minute 53 thanks to Gekas, but they weren't able to find the equalizer.

With just one point in their standing so far, Greece is definitely one foot out of the Euro 2012 door.

2. Poland 1-1 Russia

Co-host Poland once again fails to clinch a victory in their second groups stage match, this time against Russia. Russian hero Dzagoev finds the net once again at the 37th minute, thanks to the assistance of Arshavin. Midfielder Blaszczycowski equalized for Poland in the 2nd half, but that's pretty much it.

Poland find themselves lacking points to progress through to the next round, and their next match against Czech Republic would prove highly crucial.

Russian keeper Malafeev unable to thwart the curler from Polish captain Blaszczycowski.

Image retrieved from The Guardian UK.

Group B

1. Denmark 2-3 Portugal

This dramatic 2-3 scoreline is just one of two drama-filled thriller matches for this match day. Portugal pretty much had the game in their hands as the finished half-time with a 2-1 lead. It was about to be a Portugal win when Bendtner finds the net for the second time at the 80th minute. Then, in an eleventh-hour rally, Portugal takes back the lead seven minutes later with a brilliant, brilliant goal from Varela. Match ends 3-2 with Portugal earning a deserved, decisive victory.

2. Netherlands 1-2 Germany

The misfiring dilemma of the Dutch continues as they lose to a very much on-form Germany. It was pretty much the Mario Gomez show in the first half as he scores two goals. Van Persie was pretty much hitting nowhere until the 73rd minute, but that was simply not enough to beat the Germans.

The Dutch have not a single point on their name in their group, and its pretty much the curtain call for them. They need to win their last group match against Portugal, win it with a lot of goals, and have Germany win their match against Denmark if the Dutch want to progress to knockout stages.

Group C

1. Italy 1-1 Croatia

Italy continues its International Football drought as it once again fails to get a win, this time against Croatia. Pirlo scored beautifully in the first half, but the Italians were unable to retain their lead as Croatia's on-form goalscorer Mandzukic nets an equalizer.

Italy needs to win their last match against Ireland if they want to keep their Euro 2012 hopes alive.

2. Spain 4-0 Ireland

The world and European champions Spain show what they are all about by thumping Ireland in dominating fashion, scoring four fantastic goals. Previously misfiring Torres finally got his form back as he scored a brace in this one. Irish goalkeeper Given simply didn't stand a chance against the brutal and highly accurate Spanish attack force.

This loss ends Ireland's run in the Euros, and they must win their last match against Italy to get at least third place and some points for themselves, lest they go home empty-handed, in the most numerical and mathematical of sense.

Torres scoring the opening goal for Spain in the 4th minute.

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

Group D

1. Ukraine 0-2 France

Ukraine was unable to repeat their magical win against Sweden last time as they lost 2-0 against a French side desperate for a win. Two rapid-fire goals at the second half, both assisted by Karim Benzema, was enough to sink Ukraine and get a win for his side.

This loss puts Ukraine in third place at their group, and they would need a win against England in the final Group match to progress or its game over.

2. Sweden 2-3 England

This match is the second of the 2-3 edge-of-your-seat games for this match day. A 23rd-minute hail-worthy header from Carroll puts England in the lead, putting the Three Lions in the driving seat until half-time. Second half came a weird twist as a scrappy Sweden free kick put confusion on the pitch. There's some dispute over whether it was a goal from Swedish defender Mellberg or an own goal from Johnson. Nevertheless, Sweden takes one back. Mellberg definitely puts his name on the score sheet ten minutes later, putting Sweden in the lead. English coach Roy Hodgson puts on Walcott, which changes the game dramatically. The Sub scores the equalizer for England, and finally, Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck hits the back of the net for the win.

This dramatic Sweden loss puts them out of the tournament, but they have fought valiantly.

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck sinks the winning goal for his country.

Image retrieved from The Hindu

Two match days gone, one crucial day to go for the group stages of the 2012 European football championships. The action will just get higher as teams battle it out the win their groups and progress to the knockout stages of the competition. I tell you, this final match day is something you shouldn't miss!