Top of the Euro Pops, day three

Tom Dart's daily guide to what's as lethal as David Villa and as lacklustre as Russian defending.

1. Peaking too soon

Some see the excellence of Spain and Holland as reasons to back them to go all the way. But really, their early brilliance is a reason to run the other way. Plus, Holland were lucky and Spain can't defend. Remember Argentina 6 Serbia & Montenegro 0 in the last World Cup? And what happened to Argentina? Oh, and scoring twice in a game counts as peaking for Sweden, too.

2. Zlat's better

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal was the best individual strike of the tournament so far (not a big accolade, true) - something of a surprise since he hadn't scored for Sweden in getting on for three years, being a sufferer of Rooney's disease - great for a top club, quiet for his country.

3. Greece lightening

Winning Euro 2004 was Greece's biggest achievement since inventing democracy but they won't do it again. Passing it around near halfway in the vain hope that someone will have a creative idea or make a clever run, before giving up and lumping it forward randomly... why have Greece adopted England's tactics when their own worked so well?

4. Young at heart

At least the years have been kind to Greece's German coach, Otto Rehhagel, a walking advert for the benefits of a Mediterranean lifestyle. Look at him, he's 70 in August and apparently he doesn't even dye his hair. He's actually older than Karel Bruckner, the Czech Republic coach, who could pass for his dad.

5. Ref justice

The rise of the grinning official has become one of football's most disturbing trends. All over the world you see them. When they've not got a whistle in their mouth, they're smiling - dementedly, because referees generally smile with all the charm of Hannibal Lector. They're supposed to be tough authority figures, this nicey-nicey pally act just feels wrong. Anyway, Swiss referee Massimo Busacca was chortling away yesterday - because Ibrahimovic had been kung-fu kicked in the private parts by an opponent. As Ibrahimovic writhed in pain on the ground, that was just sadistic. At least he gave the free kick.

6. Norwich City's contribution to the tournament

When the goals went in yesterday the stadium Tannoy rocked to the same sample of Euro-pop disco naffness that you hear (or used to) at Carrow Road. Luckily I can't remember what it's called, but it's cheesier than a wedge of Emmenthal.

7. Getting everyone onside

Uefa said yesterday that Holland's "offside" goal against Italy was correctly awarded - using an interpretation of the law that until now, only referees really knew about. Even the coaches were unaware. Next time, perhaps the publicity campaign might be better off starting before the tournament.

8. Balls

Every day there is a story where some excuse-preparing goalkeeper whinges about the wacky flight of the Euro 2008 ball. But what's important is how it looks - pleasingly old-fashioned. It's not yellow, or purple; it doesn't look like it's been designed by a graffiti artist to look "urban". It's (from a distance, when you can't see the little red shadowing) white with black spots. Just like the good old days, almost.

9. Stats unbelievable

The Castrol Performance Index is full of interesting statistics, not least the claim that Florent Malouda ran 10.694 kilometres during France's 0-0 draw with Romania on Monday. That's the most of any French player, and the second-farthest distance on the pitch. If that seems hard to swallow, the site also says Malouda was one of the slowest players on show. That's more like it.

10. Russian off home

It would have at least been some consolation to England if Russia had gone on to impress at this tournament, showing they were a decent team. That 4-1 defeat by Spain yesterday was just depressing. Even the coach, Guus Hiddink, said the defending was worse than schoolboy. A limp first-round exit for Russia would just make England's qualifying failure look even worse.

- Tom Dart

Comments

[Dan]

Thomas your comment regarding holland is absolutely spot-on!

[Raza Ali]

As we have seen over the past few years that both Spain and Netherlands cannot handle the pressure of the Knock-out phase whereas in the group stages they usually give good hammering to their oppositions

[Trey]

Don't you think you asked the question too soon??? It's only Portugal's & Holland's first games....!
You asked too soon!
You peaked too soon!

[Phil]

Good point by Thomas regarding Holland- they really had to come flying out of the traps or else they would be flying home. Point 7 is just sour grapes because you've realised you're not as expert as you'd would like to think and you seem to be pinning it on UEFA. What's this publicity campaign supposed to be for? That everybody who plans to watch games should memorise every obscure law just in case? That's ludicrous- I expect more from Times journalists.

[Z. Plonkenburg]

"Next time, perhaps the publicity campaign might be better off starting before the tournament."
Wow, talking about revealing your own ignorance! So, what? The Uefa is responsible for the coaches knowing an REALLY OLD rule? UEFA is responsible for you knowing your stuff? Get real.
And if you have real balls, you won't moderate this away.

[Chris]

Re point 10, Croatia's mildly incompetent backs-to-the-wall performance against Austria didn't exactly cover Steve McLaren's team's qualification efforts in glory either.

[luis koldo]

you have not qualified so what entitles you to comment on football played by other nations. Peak too early?? Well they at least have picked....

[Thomas]

You have a point about peaking too early but in Holland's case, they're in the Group of Death so either they peak now or they go home early. There's little option in Group C.