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Group D, needless to say its the most important. England turned on their TV's with somewhat lowered hopes that England would really perform against French rivals in a true historical grudge match, although with modern day players grudge matches not truly meaning the same as they would as early as 20 years ago. But we watched the match and prayed.
England 1 - 1 France (Group D)
England set up in a 4-4-1-1 formation that matched the Frenches. Roy Hodgson made a strong lineup when considering his injury difficulties, with the only surprises being young Arsenal star Oxolade Chamberlain instead of Liverpool's Stuart Downing who carries a lot more experience in the role of Left midfield and would have to help Cole cover Ribery. Welbeck also started instead of Carroll that leads me to think that Hodgson is already looking ahead to 2014 by giving such inexperienced players such critical important matches.
France with the same formation had a very strong midfield and attack that England needed to control with the likes of Nasri and Benzema, and it became clear when the match kicked off that that's what they would try to do. Despite having a lack of possession throughout the match England played well to control the French and counter attack with The "Ox" and Young. However surprisingly it was Manchester City's Jolean Lescott who put us in front with a strong header in the 30th minute after a Gerrard free kick raising hopes of a new England for the Euros.
However the lead only lasted 9 minutes before Lescotts Manchester team mate Nasri equalised with a strong long shot that beat Hart at his near post, this definitely lowered Englands spirit and until the second half they failed to perform. The second half was dominated by the French with them keeping the ball in England's half and threatening a defensive British squad. The match failed to excite after halftime and sadly England couldn't take the 3 points they desired, but El Senores will be of course backing them all the way.
Sweden 1 - 2 Ukraine (Group D)
The Ukraine would be the last country to play, together with Sweden. And the fans really showed their anticipation with outstanding support for the hosting country that made the match a great occasion, and the football matched it.
Both teams started promisingly playing free flowing football that created great chances for both squads, the finishing however was letting them down especially when Ibrahimovic sent a header wide despite the open net. However the Swede's still went on to score first when Ibra managed to score, the goal however remains contreversial with a Ukraine player injured as they played on.
However everything changed when Shevchenko netted 2 in under 10 minutes for the Ukraine making the whole country and tournament come alive. The Ukraine held onto the lead despite shakey moments in the closing seconds and puts them in a promising position to qualify.
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