Germany must avoid defeat today in order to prevent being eliminated in the Euro 2008 group stage. That sentence isn't one many people thought they would see but the pre-tournament favorites are just in that position after losing to Croatia in its second game of the tournament.
Germany must register a draw or win to advance to the quarterfinals, where a meeting with Portugal awaits. Before getting there though, Germany must fend off an inspired Austria team that will have the home crowd in its corner.
Croatia faces Poland in the day's other Group B match, with Poland needing an Austria win and their own blowout win against Croatia to reach the quarters.
If you will be watching today's matches, and will be online, please feel free to follow the action here. Share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the match.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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So even Germany can miss an easy (and I mean easy) sitter.
Gomez is 1 on 0 inside the 6 yrd box and can't find a way to tap it in.
Posted by: DCM | June 16, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Gomez has been awful this entire tournament. I have no idea why he is even starting.
Posted by: HomeyBoehme | June 16, 2008 at 03:06 PM
The ref has lost it. He has sent both Germany & Austria's coaches off in the 41'.
Posted by: DCM | June 16, 2008 at 03:28 PM
The ref has lost it. He has sent both Germany & Austria's coaches off in the 41'.
Posted by: DCM | June 16, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Wha' happened?
Posted by: RK | June 16, 2008 at 03:30 PM
As long as no one gets head-butted, I think things will be ok.
Posted by: HomeyBoehme | June 16, 2008 at 03:32 PM
I still can't figure it out (split screen watching the US Open).
It appears that it was their gripping with the officiating because they walked up into the stands together and did not have an issue with each other (quite the opposite).
The announcers weren't exactly sure either.
Posted by: DCM | June 16, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Maybe they wanted some alone time :)
Posted by: RK | June 16, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Official reason given for sending off the 2 coaches was "constant bickering".
NO JOKE
Posted by: DCM | June 16, 2008 at 03:49 PM
That might be dumber than Mastroeni's recent red card v Argentina...
Posted by: RK | June 16, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Ballack scores...
Posted by: RK | June 16, 2008 at 03:52 PM
What an incredible strike by Ballack on a free kick from just inside 30 yards in the 49'.
Posted by: DCM | June 16, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Quien es mas Macho?
Posted by: RK | June 16, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Not a great game from Germany. Portugal should be licking their chops.
Posted by: HomeyBoehme | June 16, 2008 at 04:38 PM
I saw most of the 2d half with Germany and it looked as lethargic as I feel today. I didn't have the energy to try and watch Poland roll over and playd dead for the Croats.
I'm hoping the Dutch either (a) score 7 and make it entertaining, or (b) round up 9 fans from the local bar, put 'em on the field with a Van Persie and Van Nistelroy, and roll over to a 4-0 loss that sends France and Italy home in shame.
Posted by: Brant | June 16, 2008 at 05:34 PM
In the other game Croatia subbed out 9 players but still controlled the play quite well, winning 1-0. They got to rest a lot of players and their subs looked pretty good out there in relief, they should be in good shape for their quarterfinal match against Turkey.
Posted by: Mike | June 16, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Homey is right, that was far from a convincing game from Germany.
Ech.
Why do you do this to me Germany?
Posted by: Ossington Mental Youth | June 16, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Yeah, Brant, I hope that the Netherlands team has a nice schnitzel and some beer...during the game. Those whacky Romanians....who did finish 9-2-1 in quals with 26-7 goal spread. Who knows, right?
Cheers,
Posted by: mig22 | June 16, 2008 at 10:14 PM
do you think Schweinsteiger will start over Gomez against Portugal?
Posted by: seanconnolly | June 16, 2008 at 11:43 PM
I can't stand Italy, but I'd also like to see France go home so that Domenech will get canned. He's such a terrible coach! Put one of those Dutch coaches in charge of France's attacking talent and that'd be one awesome team to watch.
Posted by: Josh | June 17, 2008 at 12:34 AM