Today sees the eagerly anticiated Group Of Death take to my PS3. The buzz in the Kaveh household quickly begins to turn to tension as France and Romania line up, Italy and Holland lie in wait.
Yesterday saw Germany scrape a point against Poland and Croatia defeat Austria 2-0. The excitement if it can be matched will be unbearable tonight, virtually that is.
So Les Bleus flopped in reality, can they or the Romanians fare any better?
France v Romania
Les Bleus kick us off with Benzema and Henry forming one of the most deadliest virtual partnerships. However it's Mutu who does all the pressing early on, lashing several attempts wide of Coupet's goal.
On 38 minutes from a corner Romania claim a penalty as Chiuvu goes to deck however the ref doesn't see the Yellow way and France counter. The ball is worked from Nasri to Ribery who feeds Benzema and the result is inevitable. 1-0.
France stretch their lead shortly after the break with Henry squaring for Toulalon who fires a shot against the post. Several defletions later and Benzema has the ball in the net for his and France's second on 49 minutes.
- B/R Ticket Guide
The third follows soon after when Nasri strikes from 25 yards and scores arguably the virtual goal of the tournament on 78 minutes. Romania are disheartened yet continue a search for a goal.
Mutu is rewarded after substitute Boumsong makes a hash of things and the ex Chelsea man makes it t 3-1 on 87 minutes, the game ends soon after. 3-1.
Holland v Italy
This is the one we've been waiting for, Holland who in real life thumped the Azzurri 3-0 face an almighty challenge against virtually a perfect eleven. However football is won on the television, so it begins.
It's a wonder start by Italy and Toni as he ghosts in at the far post to head home Pirlo's corner. 0-1. Van Der Saar has barely taken the ball out of his net and he's at it again. Pirlo shapes to shoot but plays in Gattuso, he smashes the ball home and its 0-2 after 10 minutes!
Holland are looking toothless in attack and just as they hit the target, the Azzurri score again. A simple long ball is not dealt with and De Rossi hammers home a rebound from Cassano's initial effort on 64 minutes.
Just as the game looks up, Robben, Sneijder and Van Der Vart combine to send Van Nistelrooy through on goal, a clinical finish gives the Dutch some hope on 78 minutes.
The fightback is on! Holland have scored again, this time from Robben, unmarked six yards from goal and a simple pull back by Kuyt finds him and all of a sudden it's 2-3 on 87 minutes.
As Holland pour forward in search of an equaliser, Kuyt loses possession in midfield and Gattuso feeds De Rossi, it's him and Del Piero against Oojer. De Rossi squares it and the Juventus man fires home the Azzuri's fourth. 2-4
Review
A classy France beat out a plucky Romania 3-1 while Holland despite a spirited comeback were defeated 4-2 by World Champions Italy. Next week it's not any easier for the Dutch with France the opposition.
Tomorrow
Join me tomorrow as Spain meet Russia and holders Greece challenge Sweden. How will the virtual partnership of Villa and Torres hold up and are Greece virtually able to win a match? Find out tomorrow.
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6 months ago
This was a good article and I kinda wish that France performance was real. Just one question mark...do you play or do you let the computer take each other on? Just out of curiosity :)
I read the previous ones this is great stuff, think about doing it for the Prem and stuff
from 6 months ago
Ye i pick the teams from that match (as close as possible) and let them play each other on world class to increase the screamers.
Ye il probaly do the 08/09 main events on PS3 as well, Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League. Have to see if a wider audience is in place come the final of these Euro's.
6 months ago
The Dutch defeated..WOW! Italy are in confidence now..Spain..Russia should be interesting..
Cheers Marc,
SS
6 months ago
At least France are winning somewhere.. lol.. I bet that they'll win your version of the Euros..
from 6 months ago
Theres a long way to go but the French will be up there, however anything can happen in a 10 minute match.
6 months ago
Cant believe Luca Toni actually converted a chance lol!
6 months ago
It doesnt matter if it's virtually or in reality, either way, the Italians are jammy so and sos!
6 months ago
Cant believe Boumsong made a mess of things, he is normaly so solid. Ha,Ha.
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