Day 3: LFC TV at Euro 2012
LFC TV's Matt Critchley is in Poland and Ukraine to bring us daily updates as 16 nations compete for the European Championships crown. Here is his account of yesterday's events.
Yesterday began in Warsaw. The streets were deserted after a Polish party and a half the night before (even though they only drew!) The 200,000 that crammed into the Fan Zone to see their side battle it out with Greece were replaced by the proverbial one man and his dog - and even the dog wasn't too impressed at being there.
Alas, it will once again be packed to the rafters on Tuesday as the Poles take on Russia, I can only imagine the size of the drinks order currently being processed - at less than a £1 a pint over here, the locals don't mind sinking an ale or six.
A coffee was all that was on offer as I met up with Jason McAteer and Ronnie Whelan yesterday morning - Ronnie is working in Poland and Ukraine for Irish television. The former Reds No.5 delighted in telling us that his goal versus the USSR in 1988 has been voted as the 4th best of all time in the European Championships. Admittedly Jason may have taken the shine off it by labelling that left foot volley as a 'shinner' but I don't think Dusty minded too much.
We talked about Ireland, who play Croatia in Poznan later, and also England's game with France tomorrow - Jason and Ronnie have three Reds in Roy Hodgson's starting XI. Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard and Stewart Downing. I get the feeling though that Andy Carroll could have a big part to play in this tournament.
Our travel to Gdansk fell right in the middle of the Holland v Denmark game, so I only saw the first half of that one but what a result for Daniel Agger's side. Of course they'll now be dreaming of a repeat of '92 - did you know that they've never lost a Euro Championship game when scoring the first goal? No? Neither did I. Twitter is to thank for that one.
After arriving in Gdansk I took in the Portugal v Germany match, alongside a Portuguese cameraman. Nuno is a great guy but has a habit of squealing whenever his nation has a shot saved or blocked - those of you that watched the game will understand why it was a bit like a night at Animal Farm for me. Typical German performance though - and don't forget I've tipped them for the tournament (see Blog 1).
So today is an exciting one. Spain v Italy, one of the most attractive fixtures of these Group Stages. They'll be pictures a plenty of that for you tomorrow.
Many thanks once again for your tweets, particularly those that remind me what a lucky so-and-so I am for doing this job. I am, I agree with you, but it's not all champagne and strawberries. I had to show you my room here in Gdansk - more Prisoner Cell Block H than the Hilton.
