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)
Related articles
In this section
- Ukraine v England: A tactical analysis and look back on key battles
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England 1-0 Ukraine: Goal line controversy as England top Group D
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Video chat with Oleksandr Sereda on Ukraine, Shevchenko and England
- Euro 2012 talk: Blokhin’s moon trip, Bendtner’s pants and crazy commentary
- Oleg Blokhin believes pressure is all on England ahead of Group D decider
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Ukraine and France match suspended following torrential rain
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Ukraine 0-2 France: Menez and Cabaye score as Laurent Blanc's side impress
- Andriy Shevchenko rolls back the years to create Ukrainian history
- Euro 2012 Talk: Dzagoev points bonanza, Kuba's stunner, Kiev quiet
- Sweden need to follow 'The way of Zlatan' if they are to bounce back
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