Located to the extreme southwest of Europe, the Iberian Peninsula is the second-largest of its kind on the continent. Spain takes up a large majority of the land mass and is home to nine of the region's 10 major cities, with Portugal occupying the coastline and bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
The football rivalry was built mainly on geographical positioning rather than public hostility and odium. Historically, the two countries have been enemies and allies through the centuries, thus a deep-rooted hatred is practically non-existent. But the absence of animosity does not negate strong emotions that build up amongst both sets of supporters with the mere mention of an Iberian derby on the horizon.
To read the rest of my article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/27/spain_portugal_euro2012_semifinals/
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Forza Italia!
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Sunday’s Euro 2012 quarter-final match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine.
The score
Scoreless after 120 minutes, penalties were needed to produce a winner. Misses from Ashley Young and Ashley Cole set up Antonio Diamanti to be the hero, clinching the victory 4-2 from the spot.
What this result means
Italy will face Germany in the second semifinal on Thursday at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
If you want to read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Spain Rolls On
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Saturday's Euro 2012 quarter-final match between Spain and France in Donetsk, Ukraine.
The score
A two-goal performance by Xabi Alonso earned Spain a 2-0 victory in a dominating performance that was never in serious doubt.
What this result means
The victory will keep Spain in Donetsk as they will now meet Portugal in the semifinal on Wednesday at the Donbass Arena.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sensational Sweden
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Tuesday's Euro 2012 Group D match between Sweden and France in Kiev, Ukraine.
The score
A sublime volley by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the second half turned out to be the winner, with Sebastian Larsson finishing off the match in injury time as Sweden bow out with a 2-0 victory.
What this result means
The loss by the French drops them to second spot in Group D and a quarter-final date with Spain on Saturday. Laurent Blanc will need to rally his troops fast and hope to restore some much needed confidence before facing the defending champions. Sweden still finish bottom of the group after losing the head-to-head battle with Ukraine. However, they exit the tournament on a winning note and with some pride restored
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/18/euro2012_france_sweden/
The score
A sublime volley by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the second half turned out to be the winner, with Sebastian Larsson finishing off the match in injury time as Sweden bow out with a 2-0 victory.
What this result means
The loss by the French drops them to second spot in Group D and a quarter-final date with Spain on Saturday. Laurent Blanc will need to rally his troops fast and hope to restore some much needed confidence before facing the defending champions. Sweden still finish bottom of the group after losing the head-to-head battle with Ukraine. However, they exit the tournament on a winning note and with some pride restored
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/18/euro2012_france_sweden/
Monday, June 18, 2012
Spain Leaves It Late
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Monday's Euro 2012 Group C match between Croatia and Spain in Gdansk, Poland.
The score
The goal came late, but Jesus Navas' effort in the 88th minute won the match and the group for Spain.
What this result means
With the victory Spain finish top of the group with seven points, setting up a quarter-final match-up in Donetsk with the runner-up of Group D. The loss combined with the win by Italy has left Croatia on the outside looking in, finishing third in the group. It was a tough way to go out for the Croats after three strong performances.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/18/euro2012_spain_croatia/
The score
The goal came late, but Jesus Navas' effort in the 88th minute won the match and the group for Spain.
What this result means
With the victory Spain finish top of the group with seven points, setting up a quarter-final match-up in Donetsk with the runner-up of Group D. The loss combined with the win by Italy has left Croatia on the outside looking in, finishing third in the group. It was a tough way to go out for the Croats after three strong performances.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/18/euro2012_spain_croatia/
Germans Stay Perfect
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Sunday’s Euro 2012 Group B match between Denmark and Germany in Lviv, Ukraine.
The score
Surprising goal-scorer Lars Bender provided the winner for Germany late in the second half as the match ended 2-1.
What this result means
The win awarded Germany top spot in the group and a quarter-final match-up with Greece. Despite a valiant effort, Denmark exits the tournament with the loss after Portugal beat Netherlands to clinch second place.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Greeks Avoid Tragedy
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Saturday's Euro 2012 Group A match between Greece and Russia in Warsaw, Poland.
The score
The lone goal by Giorgos Karagounis lifted Greece to a 1-0 victory and a spot in the next round.
What this result means
Greece clinched a quarter-final place with a hard fought win over Russia. Despite the great start, the Russians loss combined with a win by the Czech Republic in the group’s other match has knocked them out of the tournament.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Vive Les Bleus
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Friday's Euro 2012 Group D match between Ukraine and France in Donetsk.
The score
Two quick goals coming out of the halftime break by Jeremy Menez and Yohan Cabaye were enough to give France a well-deserved 2-0 victory.
What this result means
The victory leaves France in poll position in Group D going into the final match against Sweden on Tuesday, needing only a draw to advance into the quarter-finals. Ukraine was very poor on this night and was unable to build off a great performance against Sweden. Depending on result in the groups second match (England v Sweden), a draw would see the hosts only need a single point in their final match, but if either win than all three points are a must against England in Donetsk on Tuesday.
To read more of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/15/euro2012_ukraine_france/
The score
Two quick goals coming out of the halftime break by Jeremy Menez and Yohan Cabaye were enough to give France a well-deserved 2-0 victory.
What this result means
The victory leaves France in poll position in Group D going into the final match against Sweden on Tuesday, needing only a draw to advance into the quarter-finals. Ukraine was very poor on this night and was unable to build off a great performance against Sweden. Depending on result in the groups second match (England v Sweden), a draw would see the hosts only need a single point in their final match, but if either win than all three points are a must against England in Donetsk on Tuesday.
To read more of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/15/euro2012_ukraine_france/
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Croatia Sitting Pretty
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Thursday's Euro 2012 Group C match between Italy and Croatia in Poznan, Poland.
The score
Andrea Pirlo opened the scoring with an exquisite free kick in the first half, and Croatia tied it up through Mario Mandzukic in the second as the match ended 1-1.
What this result means
The draw will now leave Italy with the task of having to win their final match against Ireland, and hope Croatia is easily beaten by Spain on Monday. Another group match needs to be played in Gdansk before final calculations can be done, but Croatia are now firmly in the driver's seat to grab a spot in the quarter-finals.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Portugal Wins Thriller
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Wednesday's Euro 2012 Group B match between Denmark and Portugal in Lviv, Ukraine.
The score
Goals from Pepe, Helder Postiga and Silvestre Varela earned Portugal the important 3-2 victory. Nicklas Bendtner scored a brace in consolation.
What this result means
The victory for Portugal blows the group wide open and gives them the important tie-breaker advantage over Denmark, since they are tied on goal differential. The challenge only gets tougher with the Dutch being their final opponents on Sunday. The Danes will feel unlucky in letting the match slip through their fingers after doing so well to battle back from a two-goal deficit. They will hope the Germans have already secured top spot by Sunday, making the likelihood of playing a weaker side a distinct possibility which only heightens their chances of making it into the next round
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/12/euro2012_russia_poland/
The score
Goals from Pepe, Helder Postiga and Silvestre Varela earned Portugal the important 3-2 victory. Nicklas Bendtner scored a brace in consolation.
What this result means
The victory for Portugal blows the group wide open and gives them the important tie-breaker advantage over Denmark, since they are tied on goal differential. The challenge only gets tougher with the Dutch being their final opponents on Sunday. The Danes will feel unlucky in letting the match slip through their fingers after doing so well to battle back from a two-goal deficit. They will hope the Germans have already secured top spot by Sunday, making the likelihood of playing a weaker side a distinct possibility which only heightens their chances of making it into the next round
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/12/euro2012_russia_poland/
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Polish Power
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Tuesday's Euro 2012 Group A match between Poland and Russia in Warsaw.
The score
A goal by Alan Dzagoev in the first half was cancelled out by Jakub Blaszczykowski quickly after the re-start and the match ended 1-1.
What this result means
Russia blew a glorious chance to clinch a spot in the quarter-finals and win Group A. Manager Dick Advocaat should be worried after watching his side seemingly lose interest when it mattered most. On the flip side, Poland won’t be satisfied with another draw, but can take some positives at the way they fought back and ended the match. The result leaves the group wide open going into the final group games on Saturday.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Czechs Rebound
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Tuesday's Euro 2012 Group A match between Greece and Czech Republic in Wroclaw, Poland.
The score
Two quick goals by Petr Jirecek and Vaclav Pilar six minutes into the match were the difference. Substitute Theofanis Gekas scored the lone consolation goal for the Greeks as it ended 2-1.
What this result means
The loss now leaves the Greeks doing mathematical calculations to figure out their chances of making the knockout round. A win is a must in their final group match against Russia on Saturday if they are to have any hope. The Czechs secured the crucial victory in the opening minutes and have everything to play for against the Poles in four days.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
Monday, June 11, 2012
Sheva The Hero
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Monday’s Euro 2012 Group D match between Ukraine and Sweden in Kiev, Ukraine.
The score
The hosts started off on the right foot with a 2-1 comeback victory thanks to a brace by Andriy Shevchenko that cancelled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s opener in the second half.
What this result means
Ukraine ends the day top of the group and will ride the wave of support into their next match against France on Friday. The Swedes are now in trouble; this was a damaging result that could severely hurt their chances of progressing into the next round. A win against England is the only way they can keep hope alive.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/11/euro2012_ukraine_sweden/
The score
The hosts started off on the right foot with a 2-1 comeback victory thanks to a brace by Andriy Shevchenko that cancelled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s opener in the second half.
What this result means
Ukraine ends the day top of the group and will ride the wave of support into their next match against France on Friday. The Swedes are now in trouble; this was a damaging result that could severely hurt their chances of progressing into the next round. A win against England is the only way they can keep hope alive.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/11/euro2012_ukraine_sweden/
Man City Stars Shine
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Monday’s Euro 2012 Group D match between France and England in Donetsk, Ukraine.
The score
A rather surprising goal-scorer in Joleon Lescott gave England the lead in the 30th minute, but a quality strike by Samir Nasri leveled the game nine minutes later.
What this result means
England manager Roy Hodgson will be extremely happy with the result and his team’s performance, although they did start to wilt as the match went on. A loss would have been a disaster. Laurent Blanc might be upset about conceding, but France proved capable of fighting back and ended on a positive.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/11/euro2012_france_england/
The score
A rather surprising goal-scorer in Joleon Lescott gave England the lead in the 30th minute, but a quality strike by Samir Nasri leveled the game nine minutes later.
What this result means
England manager Roy Hodgson will be extremely happy with the result and his team’s performance, although they did start to wilt as the match went on. A loss would have been a disaster. Laurent Blanc might be upset about conceding, but France proved capable of fighting back and ended on a positive.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/11/euro2012_france_england/
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Spain, Italy Put On A Show
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Sunday’s Euro 2012 Group C match between Spain and Italy in Gdansk, Poland.
The score
Cesc Fabregas equalized in the 64th minute to cancel out Antonio Di Natale’s goal four minutes earlier, ending 1-1 and giving these football giants a share of the points.
What this result means
The group is there for the taking. It’s still early days, so anything can happen, but Italy should be happy with the result and can build off a good performance. Spain might be a little worried; at times they looked frustrated at their inability to penetrate a strong defensive back-three. However, they won’t come up against the same type of quality in their next two games.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/10/euro2012_spain_italy/
The score
Cesc Fabregas equalized in the 64th minute to cancel out Antonio Di Natale’s goal four minutes earlier, ending 1-1 and giving these football giants a share of the points.
What this result means
The group is there for the taking. It’s still early days, so anything can happen, but Italy should be happy with the result and can build off a good performance. Spain might be a little worried; at times they looked frustrated at their inability to penetrate a strong defensive back-three. However, they won’t come up against the same type of quality in their next two games.
To read the rest of my analysis click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/10/euro2012_spain_italy/
Same Old Dutch Story
Denmark posted a surprising 1-0 victory over the Netherlands on Saturday at Euro 2012, making up for the loss suffered in South Africa two years prior in similar circumstances.
The Dutch were able to score in every single of their qualifying matches (eight) and surprisingly were held at bay by Denmark’s back-up goalkeeper Stephan Andersen, not to mention a fine performance by captain Daniel Agger in leading his troops at the back.
Manager Bert van Marwijk now has a mountain to climb if the Oranje expect to make it out of the group stage for the seventh consecutive time. On the other hand, the Danes earned much needed breathing room in a tough group.
To read the entire article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/09/euro2012_netherlands_denmark/
The Dutch were able to score in every single of their qualifying matches (eight) and surprisingly were held at bay by Denmark’s back-up goalkeeper Stephan Andersen, not to mention a fine performance by captain Daniel Agger in leading his troops at the back.
Manager Bert van Marwijk now has a mountain to climb if the Oranje expect to make it out of the group stage for the seventh consecutive time. On the other hand, the Danes earned much needed breathing room in a tough group.
To read the entire article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/09/euro2012_netherlands_denmark/
Friday, June 8, 2012
Entertaining Stalemate
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Friday's opening match of Euro 2012 between hosts Poland and Greece.
The score
It was a tale of two halves, but both teams deserved a share of the points after a 1-1 stalemate that was full of drama and entertainment.
What this result means
Being in the weakest group allows a little room for error and the point earned is not a bad result for either team. The Greeks ended the match on a positive after a horrible start, giving them some much needed confidence going moving forward. However, Poland has some cause for concern, as losing Wojciech Szczesny to suspension for the remainder of the group stage is huge.
To read the rest of my article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/08/euro2012_poland_greece/
The score
It was a tale of two halves, but both teams deserved a share of the points after a 1-1 stalemate that was full of drama and entertainment.
What this result means
Being in the weakest group allows a little room for error and the point earned is not a bad result for either team. The Greeks ended the match on a positive after a horrible start, giving them some much needed confidence going moving forward. However, Poland has some cause for concern, as losing Wojciech Szczesny to suspension for the remainder of the group stage is huge.
To read the rest of my article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/08/euro2012_poland_greece/
From Russia With Love
In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Friday's Euro 2012 Group A match between Russia and Czech Republic.
The score
The 4-1 victory was a big statement of intent by Russia. They were slow to start, but when the Russians finally came to life they ended up hammering their opponents into submission.
What this result means
After Poland and Greece played out a 1-1 draw in the opening match, the win by the Russians now puts them top of the group with a strong goal difference that will be difficult for the rest to overcome. The loss leaves the Czechs crippled and in need of a big result from their next match to have any hope of moving into the knockout rounds.
To read the rest of my article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/08/euro2012_russia_czech_republic/
The score
The 4-1 victory was a big statement of intent by Russia. They were slow to start, but when the Russians finally came to life they ended up hammering their opponents into submission.
What this result means
After Poland and Greece played out a 1-1 draw in the opening match, the win by the Russians now puts them top of the group with a strong goal difference that will be difficult for the rest to overcome. The loss leaves the Czechs crippled and in need of a big result from their next match to have any hope of moving into the knockout rounds.
To read the rest of my article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/08/euro2012_russia_czech_republic/
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Euro 2012: Group Predictions and Picks
Group A
The Czech Republic have a history of overachieving at the Euro's, and being drawn into the weakest group should help continue that trend. Defence will be the key to success in this group, and manager Michel Bilek can count on Petr Cech to hold down the fort with the help of strong collection of defenders. It might be close, but the Czech's should top the group.
Greece might be mocked and condemed by the masses for playing "anti-football", but it would be unwise not to play to your strengths. The Greeks always will live and die by their defensive capabilities, although, offensive-minded players like Sotiris Ninis and Theofanis Gekas should lead the champions of 2004 into the quarterfinals.
The co-hosts may have an entire nation pushing them forward, but Poland are really thin deph-wise which will cause problems. The combo of Wojsiech Szczesny and Lukasz Piszczek on defence, combined with the service of Jakub Blaszczykowski in support of Robert Lewandowski up front wont be enough to save the Poles.
Mental fatigue and physical exhaustion will derail the Russian freight train, despite having the best collection of players compared to their group opponents. The vast majority ply their trade in the domestic league, making cohesion relatively easy. However, Russia prove to be unpredictable and coming off the back of an 18 month long season will take its toll.
Prediction: 1. Czech Republic 2. Greece 3. Poland 4. Russia
Group B
The Germans are built for success and are ready to reap the benefits of over a decade-long reconstruction of their football program. This is one of the deepest squads in recent memory, Manuel Neuer puts to bed any question marks about a weak back line, while the midfield has too many weapons to name that will provide adequate service to target-men Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez.
The Dutch come into the tournament with another group of highly skilled and extremely lethal individuals that usually steam-roll through the group stage. Bert van Marwijk will not find goals hard to come by with Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as options, complimented with a start-studded midfield will be more than enough to steer Netherlands into the next round.
The one glaring issue that has plagued the Portuguese is the absence of a true number nine within a squad that is overflowing with wingers and midfielders. Keeping the ball out of the net is going to come easier than scoring goals, Cristiano Ronaldo carriers much of that weight. Lots of creativity but not enough finish to climb over the mountain.
Denmark are the interesting wildcard, sitting in the background and overshadowed by the superiority of their opponents. Not much is expected and for good reason, they are simply outclassed and a little unlucky. The Danes are made up some great parts; Cristian Erikson being the most skilled and sought after in the squad. Playing spoiler is their unfortunate reality.
Prediction: 1. Germany 2. Netherlands 3. Portugal 4. Denmark
Group C
Like a matador waving a red flag to get the attention of the bull, La Furia Roja have a firm bullseye on their back and favoured to make history by repeating as champions. Questions might be raised about fatigue, but not every weapon is going to malfunction. Built off the back of Iker Casillas, Spain have tremendous depth that should be able to compensate for key injuries and out-gun the opposition into submission.
In what will be his final tournament as manager of the national team, Slaven Bilic has put together a side fully capable of becoming a serious obstacle for the touted favourites. A sturdy defensive core should manage to keep the ball out of the net, and a variety of options moving forward, none more deadly than team engine Luka Modric providing service. Croatia should be considered a dark horse.
Marred in another match fixing scandal, any notion of Italy mirroring the results from 2006 are seriously misguided. Mario Balotelli is a ticking time-bomb that is capable of greatness but ends up being more of a liability. Defensively, the Azzurri have seen a dip in quality, with the midfield becoming a point of strength. Keeping focus amid all the controversy will be their downfall.
Giovanni Trapettoni has done a tremendous job guiding the Irish through qualification and into their first European Cup in 24 years. Unfortunately, they are over-matched in every department, with Shay Given being their most important asset. Respectable results are expected, but nothing more.
Prediction: 1.Spain 2. Croatia 3. Italy 4. Republic of Ireland
Group D
The French are odds on favourites to win the group and for good reason. Laurent Blanc has a potent attacking force, starting up front with Karim Benzema, continuing in midfield and on the wings by a star-studded collection of players. Spearheading the assault are Franck Ribery, Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Valbuena, with Hugo Lloris making sure France will outscore their opponents to come out on top.
With expectations plummetting faster than the injury list is filling up, getting out of the group would be seen as a miraculous achivement for Roy Hodgson. Despite the obvious obstacles, England do have enough quality to grab the remaining qualification spot, but barely. Results will be hard fought and ugly, anticipate low scores. Joe Hart
Ukraine has two weapons; rabid home support that will do their part to get behind the team and good chemistry within the squad. Unfortunately, neither will be enough to get them into the knockout round. A close consolation will come by way of Andriy Shevchenko scoring on home soil to cap off his illustrious international career.
The Swedes are full of fire power, lead by goal machine and kung-fu expert Zlatan Ibrahimovic, complimented by great distributors Kim Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson and Christian Wilhelmsson. However, Sweden tends to fold under pressure and never produce on the same level as in qualifying.
Prediction: 1. France 2. England 3. Ukraine 4. Sweden
The Czech Republic have a history of overachieving at the Euro's, and being drawn into the weakest group should help continue that trend. Defence will be the key to success in this group, and manager Michel Bilek can count on Petr Cech to hold down the fort with the help of strong collection of defenders. It might be close, but the Czech's should top the group.
Greece might be mocked and condemed by the masses for playing "anti-football", but it would be unwise not to play to your strengths. The Greeks always will live and die by their defensive capabilities, although, offensive-minded players like Sotiris Ninis and Theofanis Gekas should lead the champions of 2004 into the quarterfinals.
The co-hosts may have an entire nation pushing them forward, but Poland are really thin deph-wise which will cause problems. The combo of Wojsiech Szczesny and Lukasz Piszczek on defence, combined with the service of Jakub Blaszczykowski in support of Robert Lewandowski up front wont be enough to save the Poles.
Mental fatigue and physical exhaustion will derail the Russian freight train, despite having the best collection of players compared to their group opponents. The vast majority ply their trade in the domestic league, making cohesion relatively easy. However, Russia prove to be unpredictable and coming off the back of an 18 month long season will take its toll.
Prediction: 1. Czech Republic 2. Greece 3. Poland 4. Russia
Group B
The Germans are built for success and are ready to reap the benefits of over a decade-long reconstruction of their football program. This is one of the deepest squads in recent memory, Manuel Neuer puts to bed any question marks about a weak back line, while the midfield has too many weapons to name that will provide adequate service to target-men Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez.
The Dutch come into the tournament with another group of highly skilled and extremely lethal individuals that usually steam-roll through the group stage. Bert van Marwijk will not find goals hard to come by with Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as options, complimented with a start-studded midfield will be more than enough to steer Netherlands into the next round.
The one glaring issue that has plagued the Portuguese is the absence of a true number nine within a squad that is overflowing with wingers and midfielders. Keeping the ball out of the net is going to come easier than scoring goals, Cristiano Ronaldo carriers much of that weight. Lots of creativity but not enough finish to climb over the mountain.
Denmark are the interesting wildcard, sitting in the background and overshadowed by the superiority of their opponents. Not much is expected and for good reason, they are simply outclassed and a little unlucky. The Danes are made up some great parts; Cristian Erikson being the most skilled and sought after in the squad. Playing spoiler is their unfortunate reality.
Prediction: 1. Germany 2. Netherlands 3. Portugal 4. Denmark
Group C
Like a matador waving a red flag to get the attention of the bull, La Furia Roja have a firm bullseye on their back and favoured to make history by repeating as champions. Questions might be raised about fatigue, but not every weapon is going to malfunction. Built off the back of Iker Casillas, Spain have tremendous depth that should be able to compensate for key injuries and out-gun the opposition into submission.
In what will be his final tournament as manager of the national team, Slaven Bilic has put together a side fully capable of becoming a serious obstacle for the touted favourites. A sturdy defensive core should manage to keep the ball out of the net, and a variety of options moving forward, none more deadly than team engine Luka Modric providing service. Croatia should be considered a dark horse.
Marred in another match fixing scandal, any notion of Italy mirroring the results from 2006 are seriously misguided. Mario Balotelli is a ticking time-bomb that is capable of greatness but ends up being more of a liability. Defensively, the Azzurri have seen a dip in quality, with the midfield becoming a point of strength. Keeping focus amid all the controversy will be their downfall.
Giovanni Trapettoni has done a tremendous job guiding the Irish through qualification and into their first European Cup in 24 years. Unfortunately, they are over-matched in every department, with Shay Given being their most important asset. Respectable results are expected, but nothing more.
Prediction: 1.Spain 2. Croatia 3. Italy 4. Republic of Ireland
Group D
The French are odds on favourites to win the group and for good reason. Laurent Blanc has a potent attacking force, starting up front with Karim Benzema, continuing in midfield and on the wings by a star-studded collection of players. Spearheading the assault are Franck Ribery, Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Valbuena, with Hugo Lloris making sure France will outscore their opponents to come out on top.
With expectations plummetting faster than the injury list is filling up, getting out of the group would be seen as a miraculous achivement for Roy Hodgson. Despite the obvious obstacles, England do have enough quality to grab the remaining qualification spot, but barely. Results will be hard fought and ugly, anticipate low scores. Joe Hart
Ukraine has two weapons; rabid home support that will do their part to get behind the team and good chemistry within the squad. Unfortunately, neither will be enough to get them into the knockout round. A close consolation will come by way of Andriy Shevchenko scoring on home soil to cap off his illustrious international career.
The Swedes are full of fire power, lead by goal machine and kung-fu expert Zlatan Ibrahimovic, complimented by great distributors Kim Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson and Christian Wilhelmsson. However, Sweden tends to fold under pressure and never produce on the same level as in qualifying.
Prediction: 1. France 2. England 3. Ukraine 4. Sweden
Monday, June 4, 2012
Euro 2012: Potential Breakout Stars
The soccer world is hypnotized and united under one banner, mesmerized by an intense month long battle for supremacy and bragging rights that last four years.
Euro 2012 not only provides the ultimate reward of representing your country on the biggest European stage, but it's also an outlet for players to showcase themselves to a worldwide audience.
Whether it's a hot-shot youngster that is keen to use the opportunity to take the sport by storm, or a breakout performance by a lesser-known player that seizes the moment, careers are made on a successful run of matches and names forever remembered by the ubiquitous nature of this competition.
In some cases, expectations following a standout performance at Euro are never duplicated after it ends. Good or bad, the potential is there for players to be noticed, the television becoming the shop window that allows players to be advertised like a product to the masses.
To see the list and read the entire article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/04/euro2012_breakout_stars/
Euro 2012 not only provides the ultimate reward of representing your country on the biggest European stage, but it's also an outlet for players to showcase themselves to a worldwide audience.
Whether it's a hot-shot youngster that is keen to use the opportunity to take the sport by storm, or a breakout performance by a lesser-known player that seizes the moment, careers are made on a successful run of matches and names forever remembered by the ubiquitous nature of this competition.
In some cases, expectations following a standout performance at Euro are never duplicated after it ends. Good or bad, the potential is there for players to be noticed, the television becoming the shop window that allows players to be advertised like a product to the masses.
To see the list and read the entire article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/04/euro2012_breakout_stars/
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Euro 2012: Failed Breakthroughs
It is smart business by players to brush aside any transfer talk until the end of a major tournament.
Only then do you see a drastic increase in prices, especially coming off a strong performance. Your worth on the open market and weekly wage instantly inflates and becomes an agent’s dream scenario.
The opposite is true for clubs, who would rather do business before the start of any international competition. The spotlight always focuses on a select few that parlay positive performance into lucrative deals, breaking the bank and heightening expectations. The reality is a run of good form does not change anything but market value. And in the modern era of professional football money talks; often clubs are their own worst enemy by getting into bidding wars, jacking up the price even further.
To read the entire article click on the link below...
Friday, June 1, 2012
Euro 2012: Last Shot Players
Getting the call to represent your country is the ultimate crowning achievement for any professional athlete. For the lucky few that earn this honour, the accolade culminates a lifetime of hard work and determination.
But, there comes a time when a player must decide when to pull the plug and call it quits on their international career, especially now that the physical demands in football are a lot greater than in previous years. The grueling travel demands that accompanies a jam packed football calendar year eventually takes its toll. Some decide to concentrate strictly on their club career to avoid picking up extra injuries that could potentially hinder their shelf life in the game. Others simply prefer the added break to spend with their families and recharge their batteries after years of loyal service.
The body can only take a certain amount of punishment before it starts to slowly deteriorate and break down. Footballers have a relatively small window when they’re at their peak physically, the mental aspect of the game takes over thereafter to compensate. Usually between the ages of 30-34 is when a player starts to think about the future and prioritizes accordingly. Some decide to go out on top but others try and extend the journey sometimes to a fault. Stepping aside is always tough decision to realize.
To read the entire article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/01/euro2012_five-last_shot_players/
But, there comes a time when a player must decide when to pull the plug and call it quits on their international career, especially now that the physical demands in football are a lot greater than in previous years. The grueling travel demands that accompanies a jam packed football calendar year eventually takes its toll. Some decide to concentrate strictly on their club career to avoid picking up extra injuries that could potentially hinder their shelf life in the game. Others simply prefer the added break to spend with their families and recharge their batteries after years of loyal service.
The body can only take a certain amount of punishment before it starts to slowly deteriorate and break down. Footballers have a relatively small window when they’re at their peak physically, the mental aspect of the game takes over thereafter to compensate. Usually between the ages of 30-34 is when a player starts to think about the future and prioritizes accordingly. Some decide to go out on top but others try and extend the journey sometimes to a fault. Stepping aside is always tough decision to realize.
To read the entire article click on the link below...
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/euro2012/2012/06/01/euro2012_five-last_shot_players/
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