Thursday 14th of June

Thursday 14th June 2012

Russia has been made to pay for the conduct of their supporters in the opening game against the Czech Republic and their part in the riotous scenes in Warsaw on Tuesday that saw over 200 arrests. UEFA have stamped down their authority on the situation and issued Russia with a suspended six-point deduction for 2016 European Championships qualifiers that is valid from now until the end of the play-offs of the next UEFA European Football Championship (Euro 2016).

Germany 2–1 Holland

The most anticipated game of the tournament saw Germany continue their perfect start to the tournament with an impressive win in Kharkiv, against a Dutch team who are now in serious danger of elimination.

Germany started the game well and when Mario Gomez scored his second and third goal of the tournament before half time to give the Germans a 2 goal lead, the game looked as good as over for the Dutch.

Offensive changes were made by Van Marwijk during the break but this did not stop Germany controlling much of the game at the start of the half. With around a quarter of the game remaining and everything to play for, the Dutch started to press and finally 15 minutes from time, Robin Van Persie introduced himself to the tournament in style to reduce the deficit to a single goal. The game finished 2-1 in a highly enthralling encounter between two European heavyweights.

Match Highlights here

Denmark 2-3 Portugal

Portugal finally won their first points of the tournament after a hard-fought victory over Denmark in Lviv.

After a disappointing defeat at the hands of Germany, Paolo Bento's men flew out of the blocks and goals from Pepe and Postiga put the Portuguese 2-0 up but a Niklas Bendtner header just before the break kept Denmark hopes alive.

Bendtner converted his second of the game after heading in a delivery from Lars Jacobsen, to level the score. At the second time of asking Portugal took the lead and the points with a well taken goal from substitute Varela. Both Denmark and Portugal have 3 points and will be looking to Sunday's game with a decent chance of qualifying.

Match Highlights here

England Watch

Fabio Capello has opened his heart out about England and how watching the Three Lions has proved difficult to watch. The Italian says he still feels close to the England setup and the team remains a part of him:

“When England’s players ran out against France, of course there was an emotion — I felt it, as England is part of me now, the job was an attraction, the chance to win something after so long.  Everybody wants it for this reason.

“This is my squad, they qualified under me and I know many of them so well. It is difficult to accept, but it has happened. England are part of my heart, I worked with the players and the people in the country for four years.”

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