As first days go, that was pretty special. After 27
gruelling, tedious days without football and only two half-expectedly dreary
England performances to keep us going, yesterday's drama was the perfect tonic
for four weeks of utter boring-ness.
However, all that drama was completely unnecessary, of course. It all
started with your standard low-key opening ceremony, including a pianist
failing to do simple keepie-uppies (I can talk) and a DJ who seemed to be
enjoying himself a bit too much. And then the match started...
Like most Cypriots, I went Greek for the Euros, so I was hoping for a 2004
repeat - but thanks to the referee there was no chance of that happening - or
so we thought. After somewhat expectedly going behind to the promising
Lewandowski, the ref decided to spice things up. You have to feel sorry for
Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who just about held the tears back. This guy kept out Messi at the World Cup, and what credit does he get? Absolutely none. To be sent off
for winning a header and having a Polish person slip just in front of you is
beyond levels of harsh that were thought possible. To even be penalised for
that is ridiculous. If I was a neutral, that would be hilarious, expect it was
anything but. At half-time, the outlook didn't look great for Greece.
Enter Dimitris Salpingidis. I have always liked this guy playing for
Greece. He was their best player in South Africa, yet hardly ever starts. He
changed the game, and maybe just about gives Greece a chance of getting out of
this group. Not to mention the other sub, Fourtounis, he impressed me too -
maybe Greece has a bright future ahead of them - if only I could say the same
for Cyprus.
The low point of the game for me was, ironically, the red card for
Szczesny. I cheered for the penalty but then the sending off - which was
probably deserved - cut those cheers short. Chezz had a poor game from a Poland
and Gooner's perspective. At fault for the first goal and rather stupidly giving
away a penalty. We just hope that he won't carry that form back with him to the
Emirates, and hope his confidence isn't too damaged, but unlike many previous
Arsenal 'keepers, I have confidence in Szczesny's confidence.
In many ways, the second game shocked me more. It was the way Russia
overpowered the Czechs so superbly, how good Dzagoev was for them, how terrible
Kerzhakov (the next Berbatov) was in contrast, what a good shot Sp*rs reject
Pavlyuchenko has up his sleeve, how good Russia actually are and most of all
how good their captain is at football. I haven't seen anything like that for
about 18 months!
A certain Andrey Arshavin has been reborn, it seems. A shadow of his
former self and more like his former, former self. If this rejuvenates his Arsenal
career we should send him out to Russia every 18 months or so - a real
masterstroke in disguise from the gaffer. I don't even think he made a mistake
all game, set up countless chances and a complete joy to watch. He would fit
into any Arsenal team, I can't wait to see him play if he keeps this up.
Arsene, sing him up!
To sum up the exciting opening day of the Euros, it leaves me wanting
more. The first day symbolises a very small piece tasty, succulent piece of
charcoal-grilled lamb that you have been given before dinner and you can't wait
for the feast to begin. And with Group B to begin very soon, we may get some
divine football to revel in tonight.
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