England arrived on the scene in Ukraine and immediately confounded expectations.
A small travelling support watched an organised and disciplined team gain a positive result, then had a wholesome night in Donetsk with no drama to speak of.
Meanwhile, in Kiev, Andriy Shevchenko was re-affirming his cast-iron legend status with a winning double for Ukraine over Sweden.
Join us to pick over the best reaction and match action from the last day of first round fixtures.
TOP STORIES
England defended like Chelsea against Barcelona
Patrice Evra had trouble counting as he tried to dash down the wing and best those pesky English players.
Trapattoni is not able to second guess unpredictable Spanish coach
Will Vicente Del Bosque stay faithful to the 4-6-0 formation or will the £50m man Fernando Torres get his say? Ireland manager Trapattoni….doesn’t know.
Andriy Shevchenko rolls back the years with deadly double in Kiev
The 35-year-old relived his glory days with a stunning headed double against Sweden, sparking scenes of jubilation across the Olympic Stadium, and the rest of Ukraine.
Honours even in Donetsk as England frustrate France with solid display
See all the highlights from England’s group opener against France.
MUST READ
Ibrox launched Jelavic on way to European Championships
Red-hot Nikica Jelavic harks back to his Ibrox days as he charts his progress from Croatia squad man to number one goal-getter. (The Sun)
Roy Hodgson’s England are quietly efficient in Euro opener
Former Aberdeen goalkeeper David Preece, blogging exclusively for STV during Euro 2012, is quietly satisfied with a very un-England-like performance.
Spanish media want a striker after 4-6-0 show
Of course, Scotland welcomed the visionary “no strikers” system under Craig Levein with open arms. Will the Spanish football public do likewise? (FourFourTwo)
MUST WATCH
Fans react to the draw between England and France outside the stadium in Dontesk. (Goal.com)
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In this section
- Euro 2012 talk: Blokhin's 'man talk', Trapattoni's plans and John Delaney
- Giovanni Trapattoni aiming to rebuild Ireland under 'another system'
- Ireland must adapt their tactics ahead of World Cup 2014 qualifiers
-
Italy 2-0 Rep Ireland: Irish huff and puff but are snuffed out by Balotelli
- The return of the real Fernando Torres prompts Ireland defeat
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STV Sports Daily at the Euros: Spain supreme, Pirlo's perfect set piece
- Five things that we've learned from Group C
- Italy to rest up to prevent performance dips after letting leads slip
- Euro 2012 Talk: Bilic blames ref, Ireland's lament, a malevolent boot
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Spain 4-0 Rep of Ireland: Irrepressible Spain inspired by Fernando Torres
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