Eurosport - Tue, 30 Jun 20:13:00 2009
The final word on the players who carved themselves a reputation and those who let themselves down at the European U21 Championship.
ENGLAND
Michael Mancienne
(v Finland) The young Chelsea defender is weighing up whether to play back-up at Stamford Bridge or go on loan and, on his showing, he should plump for the latter in an attempt to gain more experience. The defender had a terrible game before he was sent off for a professional foul just after the half-hour.
(v Spain): Suspended
(v Germany): Mancienne returned to the side with a point to prove, but within four minutes the Chelsea centre-back was culpable for Germany's goal, letting Gonzalo Castro get behind him and latch on to Jerome Boateng's through ball.
(v Sweden): Dropped for Nedum Onuoha and did not come off of the bench.
(v Germany): Came on to replace Onuoha at half-time in the final with England a goal down and winning nothing in the air. England went on to ship a further three goals.
VERDICT: MISS
(v Finland) Campbell came on as a half-time sub for a poor Theo Walcott and showed a few good touches and some clever movement without truly testing Finland.
(v Spain): Came on when Gabriel Agbonlahor limped off just before half-time, and took his goal in absolutely superb fashion with a clever cut back that split the defence wide open.
(v Germany): Despite his diminutive stature, Campbell used his pace and work rate to good effect, rarely coming off second-best against big defenders Marcel Schmelzer and Benedikt Hoewedes.
(v Sweden): With England seemingly cruising, Campbell came on for Agbonlahor who was going to be suspended for the final. Campbell then got himself sent off, picking up two yellow cards and collecting a ban for the final.
(v Germany): Suspended
VERDICT: HIT - until his red card
FINLAND
Teemu Pukki
(v England) The Sevilla attacking midfielder came on as a second-half sub and, while he looked bright, had a limited effect and was booked.
(v Germany): Very similar contribution to the opener against England. Came on in the second half and was booked for a high challenge after 25 seconds, before seeing a turn and shot saved by Germany keeper Neuer.
(v Spain): Had a couple of promising runs but was largely anonymous and was taken off at half-time.
VERDICT: MISS
SPAIN
(v Germany) The Barcelona man was ineffectual and came off late in the match.
(v England): Though he was starved of service, he seemed horrendously short of match sharpness with his passing and movement. He had one decently-struck shot just before half-time to show his quality, but a bit of poor control later on when in a decent position summed up his day.
(v Finland): Bojan finished a poor tournament as an unused substitute.
VERDICT: BIG MISS - although a glittering future still awaits
(v Germany) The Sevilla winger came on with 20 minutes remaining and, while he was prepared to run at people, his contribution was limited: he miscontrolled the ball, fell over a few times and gave away a free-kick.
(v England): Replaced Bojan with just over half an hour left, but was just as ineffective as the man he took over from.
(v Finland): The Sevilla winger was only given seven minutes to impress but even in that time he looked lively and forced Finnish keeper Jukka Lehtovaara into a good save.
VERDICT: MISS
(v Germany) Performing a decent job in central midfield, the Spain captain had a good range of passing and was tough in the tackle.
(v England): The playmaker spent much of his first half looking for intelligent through-balls to open up the defence - and much of his second half resorting to speculative long-range efforts as he despaired of the woeful efforts of his team-mates.
(v Finland): Solid, if unspectacular. Was economical with his passing and had a couple of efforts on goal - drawing one magnificent save from Lehtovaara.
VERDICT: HIT
GERMANY
(v Spain) The Schalke keeper was tested early in the match and did his job to good effect with one great save, smothering Chico from close range after a ricochet played the Spain defender in. Otherwise looked a safe pair of hands.
(v Finland): Did not have a great deal to do against Finland, but was solid enough when called upon - such as when Perparim Hetemaj tested him at full-stretch with a drive in the second half.
(v England): Caught any high balls that came near him in open play with confidence and authority, but was more hesitant to come off his line at set pieces.
(v Italy): Was key to Germany reaching the final, making several saves as Italy dominated for much of their semi-final, although some of those were made to look more dramatic than they needed to.
(v England): Neuer made some routine saves in a busy early stage. Apart from that it was one-way traffic and the keeper had very little to do.
VERDICT: HIT
(v Spain) Provided decent support to Mesut Oezil but drifted out of the game at times.
(v Finland): Replaced by Anis Ben-Hatira just before the second and final goal. His main contribution was a late studs-up challenge on Finland keeper Anssi Jaakkola, which drew a yellow card - but could have resulted in a worse punishment.
(v England): Came on with 25 minutes to go and spent most of that time was spent tracking back. He curled one effort wide from the edge of the area in the closing stages.
(v Italy): The highly-rated Borussia Moenchengladbach winger has had a disappointing tournament, and his performance against Italy - after only coming on as a substitute in Germany's final group match against England - was another largely anonymous display.
(v England): An ankle injury ruled Marin out of the final.
VERDICT: MISS
Mesut Oezil
(v Spain) The best player on the park, Bremen playmaker forward Oezil tore his opponents to shreds with some magical dribbling and clever movement. Unfortunately his team-mates could not find a finish to match his wonderful build-up play.
(v Finland) The most important player on the pitch in the second half: he made two goals in two minutes, one with a free-kick for Benedikt Hoewedes to score and the other with an unselfish and visionary instant lay-off when put through to give Ashkan Dejagah an open goal.
(v England): The most creative player on the pitch against England and showed good vision. But too often he would attempt too much on his own and squander possession.
(v Italy): The playmaker was kept quiet for much of the match, and when he was given the chance to push forward had difficulty linking up with his team-mates, often anticipating runs from other attackers that weren't made.
(v England): A great match from Oezil. He played a perfect through ball to Gonzalo Castro for the first goal and then got on the score sheet himself with a fiercely struck free-kick which swerved in the air and left Scott Loach helpless. The winger had a hand in Germany's third as well before being substituted to a standing ovation.
VERDICT: BIG HIT
BELARUS
Sergei Kryvets
(v Sweden) The BATE Borisov man was billed as one of the best players in the tournament ahead of Belarus's opener, but he showed little evidence of that against the hosts. He was ineffective throughout and was eventually substituted without fanfare.
(v Serbia): In a dull nil-nil, Kryvets went closest, forcing the keeper to palm the ball over the bar from 30 yards.
(v Italy): Showed flashes of quality but nothing that will have the scouts rushing to phone up BATE.
VERDICT: MISS
SWEDEN
Marcus Berg (pictured)
(v Belarus) The Groningen hitman hit a sensational hat-trick that would have got the scouts' juices really flowing. A mazy dribble for the first, a clinical volley for the second and a poacher's goal for the third showed off his full repertoire.
(v Italy): The only poor match of an otherwise sensational tournament. Berg seized onto a poor backpass in the first minute but failed to find a team-mate with the Italian goalkeeper off his line. Was reduced to half-chances throughout, and missed the target with three efforts. His frustration showed when he was booked.
(v Serbia): Berg continued to add to his burgeoning reputation with two goals, one from open play and one from the penalty spot. He moved well and made one delightful back heel later in the game. Unlucky not to get a second hat-trick of the tournament.
(v England): Another top performance from Berg. He showed his predatory instincts as he scored twice in the second half, inspiring a Swedish comeback from three goals down. His tournament ended on a low note when his effort was saved in the penalty shoot-out.
VERDICT: BIG HIT - player of the tournament
Mattias Bjarsmyr
(v Belarus) The central defender, a reported West Brom target, looked solid enough in his side's opener, although he was rarely tested by an impotent Belarus strike force.
(v Italy): Individually, Bjarsmyr had a quiet match, but his defence had a torrid time. Their offside trap was poor for the first goal, and their marking for the second was non-existent.
(v Serbia): Looked reasonably composed in defence and was not at fault for Serbia's only goal. Dealt with an uninspired Serbia attack and won most aerial balls.
(v England): The defender had a miserable first half, scoring an own goal as his defence conceded three goals. Recovered his composure and coolly put away a penalty in the shoot-out.
VERDICT: MISS
Ola Toivonen
(v Belarus): On another day it would have been Toivonen scoring a hat-trick, rather than his strike partner Berg. He proved to be a perfect foil for his colleague, setting him up on one occasion. The big man should have scored at least once, and had an effort disallowed.
(v Italy) The Sweden playmaker's 89th-minute strike was the culmination of a fine team goal, and demonstrated his instinctive positioning around the box. Toivonen is a bundle of energy, and has the physical presence to dominate in midfield, turning defence into attack with a good turn of pace.
(v Serbia): Looked reasonably composed in defence and was not at fault for Serbia's only goal. Dealt with an uninspired Serbia attack and won most aerial balls.
(v England): Toivonen sweetly struck a free-kick for Sweden's second and got the assist for their equaliser. His height caused a lot of problems for the English defence.
VERDICT: HIT
ITALY
(v Serbia) The Internazionale striker certainly looked dangerous with his audacious dribbling, despite being carefully marked by a well-organised Serbian defence. Booked early on for petulantly throwing the ball away, and could easily have been sent off before half time for a truly cringeworthy dive.
(v Sweden): Balotelli produced a sublime piece of skill to open the scoring, before being shown a red card for an absurd and inexcusable display of tempestuous bravado, kicking at an opponent after a lengthy argument.
(v Belarus): Suspended
(v Germany): The Inter striker struggled against Germany's full-backs, Andreas Beck and Sebastian Boenisch who often blocked his progress on the wings and forced him into the centre in search of the ball. Had several strikes from free-kicks, one drawing an over-dramatic save from the boot of Neuer.
VERDICT: MISS - temper trumped talent
(v Serbia): Might be short on stature, but he's big on skill. Full of running throughout the match, Giovinco was Italy's standout player - and had his long-range shooting been a little sharper, might well have broken the stalemate. Spent much of the second half doing nothing but trying to earn bookings for opposition defenders with some depressingly cynical diving.
(v Sweden): The midfielder was the heartbeat of an Italian side which never looked short of battling qualities or intensity. Giovinco proved adept at breaking up the play and surging forward with the ball, releasing team mates down the flanks and in behind Sweden's defence.
(v Belarus): Quiet in the first-half, the pint-sized Juventus man was at the hub of everything good in the second-half. He nearly scored on a couple of occasions and played a key role in the winning goal.
(v Germany): Giovinco linked well between the midfield and the strikers. His set-pieces caused a lot of problems, with one being cleared off the line.
VERDICT: HIT - but more consistency needed
(v Serbia): Italy's defence was outstandingly solid almost throughout, but Motta was the only one of their number who looked like threatening at the other end.
(v Sweden): With Italy down to 10 men, Motta marshalled his defence well as Sweden tried to push home their one man advantage.
(v Belarus): The Udinese full-back, who spent part of last season on loan at Roma, made one last gasp tackle and also looked good going forward on a couple of occasions.
(v Germany): The Italy captain had two good chances from Giovinco set pieces, but headed them both wide after out jumping his marker. Kept Marko Marin quiet for much of the match.
VERDICT: HIT
SERBIA
(v Italy): Fergie's scouts clearly saw something in the young playmaker when they brought him to Old Trafford in January, and on this evidence they knew what they were doing. A hugely intelligent player, adept at looking for space and with the technical skill to deliver decent passes good enough to take advantage when he saw it.
(v Sweden): A disappointing match from Tosic. He was booked early for a late challenge and fired a shot over the bar.
(v Belarus): The winger was a glimmer of hope in a desperately turgid affair in Malmo. Tosic collected the ball from deep and run at the Belarus wing backs, frequently swapping wings and roaming behind the strikers.
VERDICT: MISS - doesn't look a £12 million player
(v Italy): Spent long periods of the match in relative anonymity, but when the Serbs kicked into gear in the final half hour he really began to shine - not least with the bicycle kick that was so nearly the goal of the tournament.
(v Sweden): Missed a free header, scored a goal and was one of Serbia's better performers in a poor team display.
(v Belarus): Kacar dropped back to midfield and tried to get forward as much as possible to lend some much needed physical presence in attack. He caused problems early on, but very little else, sending two shots wide.
VERDICT: HIT - only just
Comment 1 - 15 of 15
berg was amazing
Mario Balotelli is a great player many clubs will be interested to buy him in the near future. I want him to join arsenal. Arsenal the best!!!!!!!!!!?!!!???!
Manuel Neuer could step right into the Arsenal team and help out that defence... with the money from their recent sales Wenger should extend his policy of youth to the back... Also i would love him to make it to Everton. He would replace Howard mabey next season, if not this........
G, you should know by now that only the goals matter to the fickle fans and the stupid sports reporters. That's why defensive workhorses never get any recognition compared to attackers.
We all have our own opinions about the quality of players. But sitting in the stands or at a PC typing a report, isn't the same as being a manager trying to harness and develop raw talent to fit into a team comprised of human beings, all with unique temperament ,motivation and basic soccer intelligence. If Fergie or Wenger or o'Neill spend £millions on a player,I'll go with their judgement first.
Looking forward to the next tournament when definately Jack will be there. All the best to him. Wenger continue the good work on this talent.
ozil was better than berg
Mancienne had a bad tournament, but to be fair, the guy is a VERY VERY good defender.
We had him on loan last season at wolves and the guy was a cut above the rest.
He has an imposing nature and sticks to strikers like glue. He puts a good shift in too, if he looses the ball 9.5 times out of 10 he will retrieve it!
Chelski are lukcy to have him! I'd have gone for wolves paying the 6.5M they payed for Doyle plus another couple of Mill!
Definately one to watch!!!
You heard it here first!
Mario Balotelli is a good player with a differences
balotelli is such a gd player!!! just needs to control the fecking temper!!! as for players, tosic was a better player in his team, berg was great, as was giovinco! surprised by the chelsea man but campbell, milner and hart impressed me...
Have to say I was impressed by Marcus Berg throughout the tournament, however for his performance alone in the final Ozil was the best player. At times he was to clever for his own team-mates and he ran the show in the final head and shoulders above any other player on the park.
PSV bought Toivonen for 4 million last jan from Malmo FF, PSV also have a feeder agreement with Chelsea so that might be an interesting one.
Berg had some nice goals, but I don't think he was player of the tournament. I'd have to give that to Ozil, he was superb and provided all the flair going forward.
Toivonen.. never heard of this guy before the tournament, will be watching to see where he goes. He's got great movement / vision for a big man.
The only thing i have to say on the matter is dont let stuart pearce any where near the full england managers job it is totaly out of his league.
TO ME ITALY DESERVED NOT GERMANY.
THEY SHOWED BETTER FOOTBALL. BUT VERY UNLUCKY
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