We're into the second round of group matches in our video-game version of Euro 2008. Romania pull off the shock of the tournament so far...
We're into the second round of group matches in our video-game version of Euro 2008. Romania pull off the shock of the tournament so far...
We move into Day Seven of games-console Euro 2008 having just witnessed
Germany's come-from-behind win over Croatia. Time for two more do-or-die encounters in Group C. The results so far:
Romania 0 France 1
Holland 2 Italy 2
Friday 13 June
Italy v Romania
Few shocks so far in the tournament - until today in Zurich. Romania make a tremendous start and are in front after just seven minutes through Florentin Petre's powerful right-foot shot.
Italy squander several chances, mainly through Antonio Di Natale, but he redeems himself with a clever piece of skill which leads to Gabriel Tamas being shown a red card for a professional foul. From the free-kick, Luca Toni nods in a 45th-minute equaliser.
The Azzurri are expected to canter to victory but without the injured Fabio Cannavaro, the defence looks at sixes and sevens and Ciprian Marica rounds Gianluigi Buffon to put the 10-men Romanians in front on 57 minutes. Italy pile forward in search of an equaliser but the magnificent Bogdan Lobont denies them, allowing Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu to scamper forward and seal victory on 78 minutes.
Final score: Italy 1 Romania 3.
Holland v France
Plenty of skill on show here in Berne, but it's Les Bleus who click up front with the Karim Benzema-Thierry Henry partnership which catches the eye in the first half.
Benzema hits the post on 10 minutes, and on 35 minutes his initial shot is saved by Edwin van der Sar only for Henry to net the loose ball. Three minutes later, Franck Ribery gets in on the act with a powerful drive which takes a big deflection off Mario Melchiot and sends France in at the break two goals up.
A nasty confrontation between Arsenal team-mates William Gallas and Robin van Persie sees the Frenchman shown a red card but Holland cannot capitalise and Henry soon extends the French lead.
Van der Sar is next to go after racing from his area to fell Henry, and only Ruud van Nistelrooy's late consolation goal spares them total humiliation.
Final score: Holland 1 France 3.
That's two wins out of two for Les Bleus, ensuring them qualification for the knock-out stages. Romania are now well placed to join them, while Holland and Italy must win their remaining games to have any hope of progress. Round two in Group D next...
