Here is a collection of highlights and lowlights from the opening round of matches at these European Championships. Enjoy.
Worst commentary so far: Clive Tyldesley at full time of the England vs France match on ITV. 'England threatened to win the game just muich as France'.....1 shot on target from just 5 during the entire game and just 35% possession would suggest otherwise Clive.
Best Defensive display: Denmark vs Holland. The full backs Jacobsen and Poulsen nullified the wing threats of Robben and Afellay constantly throughout the game, funnelling them into the crowded centre of the pitch time and again where they ran into the imperious pairing of Agger and Kjaer who managed an off colour Robin Van Persie Robben expertly throughout. The centre backs also built Denmark's forays forward from deep with calm distribution and they were only undone by a ludicrously good through ball from Sneijder which dissected them late in the second half. No matter, the Danish keeper Andersen then came to their aid by smothering Klass-Jan Huntelaar to preserve their precious three points.
Most impressive team performance so far: Italy vs Spain. Tactically the Italians were within touching distance of perfection against the world champions who showed off their artistic 4-6-0 formation. In deploying Daniele De Rossi in a retro sweeper role seldom seen these days they managed to deal with the Spaniards sublime interchanging of positions and accurate tiki-taka football. De Rossi's cover allowed Bonucci and Chiellini to press the Spanish midfielders without fear of exposure in behind and until Fernando Torres entered the fray the Italians' system worked a charm. Andrea Pirlo prompted from his deep lying midfield position as well as he ever has and Marchisio and Maggio's energy and drive to get forward gave Spain problems on the counter attack. Italy also left two men up front throughout the game starting with the enigmatic yet enthralling pairing of Balotelli and Cassano before they were replaced by the inventive Giovinco and the veteran poacher Di Natale. To keep Spain so quiet and remain a constant and very obvious threat yourself is not easy these days but Italy managed it as well as anyone else might over the next week or two.
Most infuriating team performance: Portugal vs Germany. The Portuguese squad is so filled with talented footballers that it was almost criminal to see their exclusively defensive approach in their group opener against the Germans. After finally falling behind in the 72nd minute of a turgid game and belatedly accepting that they needed to actually attack their opponents, Portugal they looked a real threat and should have equalised late on which made their ultra defensive approach at 0-0 all the more baffling. When a team boasts the likes of Nani, Meireles, Moutinho and Coentrao in its ranks alongside the best player in the tournament in Cristiano Ronaldo it really is hard to stomach such a lack of ambition and it was duly and rightfully punished by Mario Gomez' winner.
Best Goal: Cesc Fabregas Spain vs Italy. Outstanding team goal when the Spaniards needed it most. The run inside Giaccherini from Fabregas was timed to perfection and after Xavi and Iniesta moved the ball quickly in midfield to find Silva, the Manchester City man's through ball was delivered with such subtlety, disguise and optimum weight that Fabregas' finish was a mere formality. It was a timely reminder of why Spain are the best team in the world. The move completely cut open an Italian defence that had hitherto looked impenetrable. Honourable mention to Roman Pavlyuchenko for his fine effort against the Czech Republic on the opening night.
Most predictable moment thus far: Two moments that are hard to split here. We all knew they were coming at some point in this tournament. First, Mark Van Bommel becoming frustrated as Holland trailed Denmark 1-0 and picking up a yellow card for a nasty looking foul. Second, we have the consistently entertaining Mario Balotelli who after robbing Sergio Ramos of the ball with great endeavour and creating a golden opportunity for himself against Spain managed to sleepily squander the chance by deciding to walk with the ball before he decided whether to shoot or pass. Alas, Ramos chased him down to make a tackle that should never have been possible. Super Mario was substituted soon after.
Best Pundit: Clarence Seedorf (BBC). The Dutchman oozes class, calmness and talks with a knowledge of the game that shames domestic pundits such as Shearer and Southgate. Most competent exponent of the English language on the BBC's panel as well which gets him extra brownie points.
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