itsbeautifuloutside

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Quarter Final One

June 30th - Marseille, 8pm

Poland 1

• Lewandowski 2'

Portugal 1

• Renato Sanches 33'

Portugal win 5-3 on penalties after extra time

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Referee : Dr. Felix Brych

Attendance : 62,940

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Match Report

IBO Reporter : OneBeat

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After a long day at work, i got in to find two new records waiting for me, one of which got me all emotional, then I finished the new issue of our fanzine, put the kettle on and sat down with two minutes to spare. B wasn't home, so I'd had no one to tell me if Cedric and Fonte were starting.

The first player I saw when I turned the TV on was Fonte, and then as the game started Cedric. Shame my enjoyment of seeing these two in the European championships is sullied by the fact that they have Ronaldo, Nani and Pepe as team mates.

Within two minutes Lewandowski scored. Cedric misjudged the bounce of a cross-field ball and it bounced over his head, letting in Kamil Grosicki who squared for the big Bayern Munich forward to smash home for his first goal of the tournament.

After the goal Portugal had most of the ball, playing it around between them, but without really creating much.

Nani strutted on the pitch and I sat wondering if it is just me who thinks he looks like a velociraptor?

15 minutes in, as Ronaldo stood waiting to take a free kick, S asked if she was allowed to boo every time he appeared on the screen? Like I'd be able to stop her doing anything. As it was, his kick was struck straight at the wall.

Poland went on the attack again and a neat exchange of first time passed from four players set Grosicki free in the box, but his pull back was cleared by Fonte.

The game became scrappy, and then, with half an hour gone Ronaldo was bundled over in the box as a cross came in. The ref gave nothing, but it looked like a foul to me.

And then it was 1-1. Sanches played a good one two with Nani and smashed it home from outside the area, a slight deflection took it past Fabianski's dive.

At half time the stats came through saying that Sanches had touched the ball the most in the first half, and that , at 18, he is the youngest player to score in the knockout stages of the European Championships.

Poland started the second half on the front foot, and when a couple of early crosses went into the box it was first Fonte and then Cedric who had to defend them.

Portugal had the odd attack, but Poland were looking the more comfortable and retaining the ball better, exchanging short passes as they attacked with pace.

Around an hour in I realised that my brain had almost tuned out Andy Townsend's voice, all I now hear is an unintelligible droning.

Despite only wanting good things for Cedric and more especially Fonte I found that I wanted Poland to win.

Grosicki seemed to be at the heart of all the good attacking that Poland were doing and clever footwork from him in the box lead to Milik almost giving them the lead again, but Rui Patricio got down to save the near post effort.

S called Ronaldo a cry-baby as his anguished face was given a close up on the screen.

Fonte had a decent headed effort from a corner in the 78th minute, but it was straight at Fabianski, and then two minutes later Jedrzejczyk almost scored an own goal as he slid in to cut out a cross on the edge of the area, sending the ball rocketing goalwards, it shaved the post as it went wide.

Then Poland took Grosicki off as Poland brought on their own teenager, Bartosz Kapustka.

With 5 minutes of normal time left Ronaldo found himself on his own in the middle of the area, with only Fabianski to beat, after a through ball from Moutinho, but he swung at the ball and missed it. Portugal looked like they didn't want extra time, and soon after Pepe went close with a header, although was was flagged offside.

There was time for Poland to have one more chance that was easily saved before the full time whistle went.

Extra time.

Two minutes into extra time and Ronaldo one again missed the ball while in front of goal.

Milik had Poland's next chance, he'd been disappointing up until now, and he chose to shoot from distance rather than play in Lexanowski. Two minutes later it was Lewandowski who had the chance to be the provider, but his driven cross avoided everyone in the area. Players on both teams were looking knackered, and chances were few and far between, and when they did come the keeper's were hardly troubled.

The second half of extra time was livened up by a pitch invader who was being chased by stewards, a couple of whom fell over in keystone cops style.

Things on the pitch was a bit lacklustre, but the Polish fans held their read and white scarves aloft and tried to lift their team in an impressive show of support. Each side had one last attack and then it was penalties.

The kicks were taken in front of the Polish fans, and Ronaldo stepped up to take the first. He was waiting with the ball on the spot before Fabianski was even in the area, but despite the wait, he scored. Lewandowski stepped up first for Poland, and scored too.

As the Portugal team stood arm in arm on the halfway line, Ronaldo was crouched behind them, apart form his team mates.

After Portugal had scored their first four pens, Poland had their fourth saved, and Quaresma, who had done nothing since coming on as sub in the second half, smashed in the winning penalty. Fabianski got a hand to it but was never going to keep it out.

It had been a close, but not particularly exciting game, and the result was hard on Poland. Portugal find themselves in the semi-final after only winning one game in regulation time.

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Quarter Final Two

July 1st - Lille, 8pm

Wales 3

• Williams 30'
• Robson-Kanu 55'
• Vokes 85'

Belgium 1

• Nainggolan 13'

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Referee : Damir Skomina

Attendance : 45,936

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Match Report

IBO Reporter : Batts

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Wales' quarter final against Belgium was the principality's first test in the competition against genuine world class opposition and was the living embodiment of Premier League football.

On the one side were the glamorous riches of De Bruyne (25 years old and already commanded transfer fees of 80m, in a career that has already taken in Chelsea and Man City, the richest of the very rich), Hazard (40m), Fellaini (23m), Lukaku (widely expected to leave Everton this summer in search of a bigger club for around 60m).

On the other side, Hal Robson-Kanu, who will undoubtedly sign on a free transfer for a Premier League club once the competition is over, Sam Vokes and a host of other Premier League worker bees. Forget Gareth Bale, this was the game in which Wales' less celebrated stars swarmed over the opposition and, eventually, devoured them.

The match began in circumspect fashion; the preening stars of Belgium stroking the ball around, but to little effect as Wales tirelessly pressed from the first. Chris Coleman, who seems to have found his niche in international football, had predictably organised and motivated his troops in optimum fashion.

But it wasn't long before the stars of Belgium delivered their first blow. After a sustained period of dominance across the whole pitch, Nainggolan hammered home from 30 yards. With Belgium's attacking force, there was a fear that they could cut loose from here. But Wales gathered themselves and staved off the onslaught. 15 minutes later, the found a goal of their own through Ashley Williams which must have offered proof to the Welsh players that they could compete. All level at half time.

The pattern of play changed in the second half, and Wales were rewarded. In the presence of the Premier League's crown princes of Hazard and De Bruyne, Hal Robson-Kanu, most recently of the Championship, found a piece of jaw-dropping skill. His Cruyff Turn left two Belgians heading in the opposite direction, buying himself time to find the presence of mind to stroke the ball past Cortois. A goal which will be talked about in Aberaeron, Aberdovey and Aberystwyth for ever more.

Once this team battle themselves into a winning position, they do not easily let it go. Despite a glaring miss from Man Utd's Fellaini, Wales were comfortable as they closed the game out, with Belgium looking increasingly ragged in both attack and defence. When Sam Vokes, the big substitute, rifled a header past Courtois to seal the game, Belgium were already a spent force. Chris Coleman's mighty team had put Marc Wilmots' golden generation out of their misery. For all Belgium's swagger and verve, Wales had simply beaten them through brilliant game management, an ability to take chances when they presented themselves, and one brilliant piece of skill.

Wales move on to a semi-final against Portugal, who are yet to win a game in 90 minutes, gate-Crashers to the semi-final party. The victory against Belgium is already being described as the greatest sporting moment in the country's history, but the form book suggests that the semi-final will top that. The interest will clearly be in the match-up between Bale and Ronaldo, European football's two biggest stars, but the truth is that, should Wales book a place in the final, it will come about through teamwork, hard work and excellent game management.

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Quarter Final Three

July 2nd - Bordeaux, 8pm

Germany 1

• Özil 65'

Italy 1

• Bonucci 78' (pen)

Germany Win 6-5 On Penalties

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Referee : Viktor Kassai

Attendance : 38,764

Match Report

IBO Reporter : THE BEAST

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Mouthwatering was the first word that sprang to mind when thinking about this game in the run up to it, several other words seemed more appropriate by the end of the first half.

Tactical, this word summed up the first 40 minutes really, both coaches aware of what the other team could do and both trying to nullify their opponents advantages whilst taking advantage of their own opportunities.

Tedious, if you aren't into football, the background of it, the tactics, the little duals, the subtle differences between opponents, then tedious would definitely be the word for it as this was very far from a British league game. There was barely a save to be made by either goalkeeper in first 35 minutes.

Surprising, both teams showed enough in their previous games in the Euros so that fans could figure out what they were going to get, instead both teams looked nervous, diffident and lacking in confidence, the opposite of their previous showings.

Fascinating, that's probably the word I'd use, but I grant you it's not for everyone.

So, ultimately, the first 45 minutes was about 40 minutes of probing (steady there!) And 5 minutes of surprising half chances, a couple for the Germans and one for Italy, and, for me anyway, a growing realisation that the Italian squad isn't deep enough and that key personnel couldn't be replaced (de Rossi).

The Italians didn't really threaten the German goal and, although there were only sporadic chances, the Germans were clearly the dominant team with the Italian sitting back and trying to grab something on the break or from a set piece.

The 2nd half started with the Italian team we recognised from their last game, they were suddenly thedominant and aggressive and surprised the Germans… This lasted about 10 minutes and then it was back to German possession, but with a bit more direction and purpose.

Then, the lucky break happened, a good (but not necessarily useful) German cross was just deflected by a defender's foot and Özil latched onto it and finished calmly to put the Germans 1-0 up.

For about 5 minutes after that it didn't look like the Italians believed they were going to get back into it and for a little while Germany really threatened to suddenly turn on the taps but a dramatic fingertip save from Buffon and an inexplicable penalty given away by Boateng (his arms were in the air in the penalty area, I mean WTF!) And coolly converted by Bonucci and everything was even again (although if I'm honest, I've no idea how Italy managed to do this).

During this period between the save and the equaliser the Germans lost Gomez and with him, the focus of their attacks and a powerful forward presence, they just didn't look right after he went off.

After they managed to equalise, Italy seem to decide that penalties was the best bet for them to get through and Germany huffed and they puffed to try and change that decision but they just couldn't do it.

Extra time, the first half of extra time was notable only in that Graziano got himself carded so, even if Italy went through, he wouldn't be playing in the semi-final. To be honest, it wasn't his best game in the blue shirt but I felt sorry for him nonetheless.

Italy played for it and they got it, the game went to penalties after extra time. This was probably more exciting than the whole rest of the game.

As far as penalty taking goes, there were some terrible penalties taken, but in the end I think the result went the way it should of, Germany were better than Italy, but God it was torturous at times getting to the decision point.

As I suppose we should have guessed, at the death it came down to a competition between the world's best goalkeeper and the world's best oldest goalkeeper, youth won and reduced Buffon to tears, the Germans march on, I hope their next showing is more enjoyable to watch them this was.

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Quarter Final Four

July 3rd - Saint-Denis. 8pm

France 5

• Giroud 12', 59'
• Pogba 19'
• Payet 42'
• Griezmann 45'

Iceland 2

• Sigthorsson 56'
• Bjarnason 84'

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Referee : Björn Kuipers

Attendance : 76,833

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Match Report

IBO Reporter : Spot51

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It was a damp evening in Paris with low cloud obscuring the top of the Eifel Tower and hanging over the Stade de France. With 2 players suspended the hosts brought in Untiti and Sissoko whilst Iceland were again unchanged. As the “home” team France were in their blue strip and Iceland in icy white. Pausing only to curse ITV and push nails through a clay Hoddle doll I sat down to watch.

The first action saw Griezmann fouled giving Payet the chance to float a ball into Iceland’s box. The referee whistled again when Pogba fouled his marker. The first shot came up the other end when Sigurdsson drew a save from Lloris. Payet got France’s first shot on target but Halldorsson saved.

On 7m Sissoko got down the right and sent a dangerous low cross towards Griezmann but the keeper bravely dived to collect at the striker’s feet. Iceland were enjoying good possession too and Sigthorsson’s knock down allowed Bjarnsson to shoot but his effort went wide.

On 12m France went ahead. A simple floated ball by Matuidi saw Iceland’s defence turned round with Giroud breaking beyond them. The forward controlled the ball and hit a crisp left foot shot past the keeper: 1-0 France.

The game resumed in a similar manner with France surviving the first of many of Gunnarsson’s long throws. The referee then had words with Pogba following 2 rather over-eager tackles. Iceland got down the right and Bodvarsson met the cross but his header was easily saved by Lloris.

On 19m Griezmann and Pogba created a second goal for France. First the Juve player’s forward pass sought Grizmann’s run down the right channel but the ball was put out by a defender. From the resulting corner, Griezmann picked out Pogba at the back stick and his powerful header sailed into the net: 2-0.

On 24m another long-throw was knocked on by Sigthorsson but Bodvarsson, well marshalled by debutant Untiti, could only steer his shot over the bar. On 27m France almost opened up the Iceland defence again when Giroud’s ball into space should have put Sagna in - but the defender had stopped his run.

France’s early goals gave them the confidence to press Iceland as they built from the back. They recovered the ball more often than not, increasing their opponents’ frustration. A Payet corner was cleared on 28m.

One imagines France spent much of the past week watching videos of Gunnarsson’s long throws as they seemed to be coping with the threat better than most. They began to dominate possession too, creating half chances for Giroud and Griezmann and a better one when Matuidi latched onto Payet’s lob but lashed his shot wide.

On 40m Sagna’s cross was headed down by Giroud and Halldorsson just beat Griezmann to the ball. Then an Iceland free-kick gave Sigurdsson the chance to curl a ball into the France box but it cleared every one bar Lloris who clutched the ball on his line.

With their next attack France went further ahead. Another right wing cross from Sagna saw Giroud find Griezmann in the box. Crowded out, he played the ball to Payet on the edge of the box. He moved left, creating room, before hitting a low-cross shot beyond the keeper’s dive into the bottom corner: 3-0.

A minute later France were four up with a goal of great simplicity. A long ball was played along the ground from deep in the French half. Giroud, the intended target, stepped over it allowing the ball to run beyond the defenders. This time it was Griezmann running in behind. He chipped the advancing keeper and it was 4-0. Before we knew, it was half time.

Iceland knew this game was up and made two half time changes. Their players were sent out having, almost certainly, been told “win the second half!”

France were content to hog the ball but still carried a threat going forward. I’m used to seeing Griezmann as a lone striker for his club but as a second striker, running off and beyond Giroud, he looked superb. He even went deep when required, winning the ball on the edge of France’s box. On 50m he burst into Iceland’s box, was stopped by a thumping tackle, but the ball ran kindly to Payet who shot wide.

Indeed, France’s movement both with and without the ball, posed Iceland problems they had not faced before, particularly against England. One hopes the FA and their future coaches take a good long look at how to open up a determined defence.

Iceland carried on playing and both sides created further chances – Pogba shot wide from range then Iceland created a good chance in front of goal but Berg skied his shot high and horrible. Then on 55m Iceland won another long throw.

Were the French getting complacent? Whatever, this time Gunnarsson’s throw was headed back to him by Evra. The ball was laid inside to Sigurdsson whose beautiful cross behind the French defence was met by Sigthorsson who stabbed it past Lloris: 4-1.

Pogba was regularly shooting from distance and on 57m drew a save from Halldorsson. Two minutes later Bjarnason was carded for a foul on Giroud. The #9 got up and jogged into the box, where he rose to meet Payet’s free-kick and powered his header into the net: 5-1.

Giroud, on a booking, was immediately withdrawn with Cignac coming on. On 61 minutes another long-throw was headed on but this time Finbogason could not keep his volley under the bar. Two minutes later, a close range header from an Iceland corner was superbly tipped over by Lloris. He punched the next corner – leading to another long-throw. France dealt competently with this and streamed forward on the break. Griezmann fed Cignac on the left but, by the time he’s sorted his feet out, his shot was blocked.

On 68m a sublime French move was ruined by Cignac’s poor finish. Then Ingason did well to block Payet’s run and the following corner was cleared. On 72m Koscielny, also with a yellow card hanging over him, was replaced by Mangala. On 75m Untiti’s debut was spoiled by a yellow card and France repelled yet another long throw.

On 79m a promising move was halted when Mangala blocked Sigurdsson’s effort and Lloris was able to gather the loose ball. France then made their final change replacing Payet with Coman. At this point Drew remarked than he would rather listen to paint dry than Hoddle – a point well made.

On 83 minutes Iceland brought on Gudjonsen for Sigthorsson and moments later they scored again. Sculason was played in down the left with time to pick a cross: he stood the ball up at the far post where Bjarnason headed home: 5-2.

France made more chances, Coman forcing a save and Sissoko firing wide. Then Iceland penned France back lofting dangerous crosses into the box, eventually forcing Mangala to head behind. Another defender headed the corner out but the next was met by Ingason in front of goal but he could not keep his header on target.

In the final minute the industrious Griezmann broke down field but was thwarted by a wall of white shirts. In the 2 added minutes he latched onto Cignac’s pass and won another corner. Before it could be taken, Mr Kuipers’ whistle brought the game to an end. France were worthy winners but the Icelanders had pushed them all the way.

The match may have been over as a contest by half time, but Iceland kept France honest throughout and this was an entertaining watch. Certainly made up for those 0-0s I had to write about in the group stages!

France carry on to Marseilles for a semi-final with Germany. There is much to admire about the French but that badge is too reminiscent of Tottenham’s for them to be likeable.

Iceland are looking a little further ahead. Their national focus on quality coaching has begun to show good value but their achievements at Euro 2016 is just the beginning. In the first week in September they go to Ukraine to begin their world cup qualifying campaign. Does anyone seriously believe they won’t be at Russia 2018?