re: 2012 Euro Tournament: GROUPS & 40 Bold Predictions
 

Controversial Talking Points

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After Frank Lanmpard's ghost goal against Germany in the 2010 World Cup, many people will be discussing the use of goal line technology and how it will be introduced into football.
The FA and FIFA are working on trialling new technology as I type, so let's hope it's all tried and tested before June so that controversies are kept to a minimum.

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: GROUPS & 40 Bold Predictions
 

Afterthoughts

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Consider this.
Firstly, has there ever been a major tournament that has passed without a shocking result at some point? I would suggest not, which means any number of teams could go on to win this tournament. Just look at Greece in 2004.
Secondly, there may be an argument that my predictions aren't bold, but if you went to a bookmakers' and placed a bet on what I've just predicted, I think you'd get long odds.
Peter Webster
END

Any comments members, it would be nice after all the hard work putting this thread together to have your thoughts ???

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re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Euro 2012 Schedule: Start Times, Live Stream and TV Info for Day 10 Action


Bleachersreport, June 16, 2012

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Joern Pollex/Getty Images


Before Euro 2012 started, Group B was considered the toughest in the entire tournament, as every team had the ability to advance. Through two games each, the Group of Death has not disappointed.
Netherlands, considered one of the top teams in the world, is still winless after two matches against Germany and Denmark. The runner-up in the 2010 World Cup now is very close to being eliminated before the quarterfinals.
However, every team in Group B still has the ability to advance to the knockout stage of this prestigious tournament.
The Dutch need the most help, with a German victory in addition to a multi-goal win over Portugal, but all four could use a win to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
With both matches taking place at the same time on Sunday, anything can happen.

Portugal (3 points) vs. Netherlands (0 points)
When: 2:45 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN
Where: Metalist Stadium, Ukraine
Live Stream: ESPN3.com


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Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The fact that Portugal is in position to advance with little help from Cristiano Ronaldo is outstanding. The forward is one of the best scorers in the world, but he has no goals through two games in Euro 2012 despite 11 shots.

Holland is certain to key on Ronaldo, but they still need to defend the rest of the Portugal attack that was so successful against Denmark.
The big question is the mental state of the Dutch. They are in a rare position of desperation after losing the first two games, but coach Bert van Marwijk needs to keep his team focused.
If they regain composure and play with nothing to lose, the Netherlands can be one of the toughest teams in the world to beat. Otherwise, an early deficit might be enough for the team to fall apart and lose hope in this tournament.
This group has seen no draws to this point, but Portugal should have enough defense to handle a late charge from the Netherlands.
Prediction: Netherlands 1, Portugal 1

Germany (6 points) vs. Denmark (3 points)
When: 2:45 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN2
Where: Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine
Live Stream: ESPN3.com


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Joern Pollex/Getty Images


It is still early, but Germany has looked like the best team in the entire tournament so far. Despite facing two very good opponents, the squad is the only one to get two wins in two matches to start the European Championship.
Mario Gomez already has three goals, and that has been enough to cruise to early victories in the first couple of games.


The key for the Germans is to not get complacent. Despite being in good shape within the group, they have not officially advanced yet. A tie will be good enough, but Denmark will be really trying hard for a win.
A tie will likely not be enough for the Danes to advance, so they should push their offense more than usual in an attempt to get on the scoreboard.
Unfortunately, Germany looks too strong at this stage to see Denmark walk away with anything more than a single point. More likely, the opening win against Holland will remain the only highlight of the tournament for the Danes.
Prediction: Germany 2, Denmark 1

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

A German and a Dutch supporter shows off body paint before The Match between the two countries.

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(Result: Netherlands 1 - Germany 2)

Euro 2012 Day 10 Wrap
 

Euro 2012 Day 10 Wrap: Cristiano Ronaldo Rips Holland, Germans Stay Perfect


By M. Cummings

(World Football Lead Blogger) on June 17, 2012





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Ian Walton/Getty Images



What difference can two years make?

For the Netherlands, two years make up the difference between the World Cup final and bitter disappointment.

For Germany and Portugal, we're still figuring it out.

Holland, World Cup finalists two years ago in South Africa, crashed out of Euro 2012, losing their third match in as many tries.

This time, their conquerors came from Portugal, but nearly everything else mirrored the first two matches. Once again, the star-studded Dutch lineup disappointed, and once again, Bert van Marwijk's team deserved its fate.

But Day 10 wasn't all gloom and doom.

The Germans won again, making it 3-for-3, and Joachim Löw's high-powered team are looking like a good bet to go one better than their semifinal performance at the 2010 World Cup.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo reminded Europe why he's the best player on the continent, and Portugal reminded everyone why a deep tournament run isn't out of the question.

All the details from an exciting day at Euro 2012 are inside.

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re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

A New Hope

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Ian Walton/Getty Images


Ahead of Sunday's matches, Holland retained hope of advancing to the Euro 2012 knockout stage despite losing their first two group matches.
Midfielder and captain for the day Rafael van der Vaart gave the Dutch even more hope with the opening goal in the 11th minute against Portugal.
And it was a beauty.
Van der Vaart collected a pass from Arjen Robben—how about that, huh?—on the right, pivoted and opened his body, then curled the ball into the side netting at the far post.
It was a brilliant, almost unstoppable, shot, and it gave Holland hope.
For a few minutes, at least.


Continued.......

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Ronaldo Scores Two


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Lars Baron/Getty Images
Through the 11th minute, the Netherlands bested Portugal and deserved their lead.

After the 11th, Portugal dominated, and Cristiano Ronaldo sparkled.

The 27-year-old superstar equalized for Portugal in the 28th minute, controlling the ball and finishing expertly past Maarten Stekelenburg after João Pereira's through ball had carved open the Dutch defense.

Portugal kept attacking throughout the first half, and their advantage finally paid off in the 74th minute, when Ronaldo put the final touch on a breathtaking counter.

This time, Nani played the final pass, but the result was the same. And this time, defeat meant the end for the Netherlands.

Before the match, Ronaldo had failed to score at Euro 2012, and his teammates were fending off questions about his form.

Afterward, Ronaldo had underlined his credentials as Europe's best player, and Portugal suddenly looked like a dark horse to win it all.


CONTINUED.........

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So Close, but so Far


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Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images


Germany won again Sunday, beating a defensive-minded Denmark 2-1 in Lviv, Ukraine.

Joachim Löw's team dominated possession, but struggled to score thanks to towering performances from the Danish defense and Daniel Agger.

Lukas Podolski, making his 100th international appearance at just 26, opened the scoring in the 19th minute, sweeping home a loose ball in the box.

Denmark hit back through Michael Krohn-Dehli's header in the 24th, set up by Nicklas Bendtner's centering header.

Lars Bender, making a rare start in defense in place of the suspended Jerome Boateng, grabbed the winner for Germany in the 80th minute.

The victory was Germany's third in as many matches at the European Championship, but with the score 1-1 late in the second half, Löw's men were surprisingly close to an early exit from the tournament.

With Portugal leading Holland 2-1, Germany would have been eliminated with a 2-1 loss to Denmark. Instead, they now head to the quarterfinals as one of the favorites.

Such is life at Euro 2012.



CONTINUED.........

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Firsts
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Martin Rose/Getty Images

Before Euro 2012, Germany had never won all three group matches at the European Championship.
Before Euro 2012, the Netherlands had never lost all three group matches at the European Championship.
Clearly then, there's a first time for everything.

CONTINUED.........

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Group B Table

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Group B is now complete with Germany finishing on top with nine points. The Germans had a perfect record in group play, a feat no other Euro 2012 team can match.
Joachim Löw's team will play Greece on Friday in Gdansk, Poland.


With six points from two wins, Portugal will advance to the quarterfinals as Group B's second-place team. They will face the Czech Republic on Thursday in Warsaw.
Denmark and the Netherlands have been eliminated.


CONTINUED.........

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Quote of the Day
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Julian Finney/Getty Images


It didn't take long for the speculation to start.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk has a contract through 2016, but within minutes of Holland's third and final loss at Euro 2012, he was already defending himself.

In the post-match press conference following Holland's 2-1 loss to Portugal, Van Marwijk headed off reporters with a simple—but telling—statement.

"You can ask me all types of questions," he said, "but not about my future" (per BBC).




CONTINUED.........

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Big Names Out?
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Lars Baron/Getty Images

Tuesday's match between England and Ukraine could be missing two of the teams' big names.
Theo Walcott starred for England in a substitute's role against Sweden, and legendary striker Andriy Shevchenko (pictured) scored twice in Ukraine's opener.
Both are doubtful for Tuesday's game.
Walcott is nursing a tight hamstring and Shevchenko has fluid in his left knee (via The Guardian).

CONTINUED.........

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Looking Ahead
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Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Group C resumes play Monday, with two more quarterfinal spots up for grabs.
Italy and the Republic of Ireland play in Poznan, Poland, while Croatia and Spain play in Gdansk. Both matches are set for 2:45 p.m. ET start times.
Spain and Croatia are tied atop Group C with four points each, Italy have two points and Ireland have none.
Spain, Croatia and Italy are all still alive in the race for the quarterfinals.

CONTINUED.........

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Overnight Reading
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Ian Walton/Getty Images
B/R world football lead writer Will Tidey opines on Ronaldo and Portugal making their case at Euro 2012.

Mohamed Al-Hendy writes about how Greece's shocking win over Russia is uniting a nation.

Sam Tighe tells us what to expect from the Italy-Ireland match, and Tony Mabert asks if we can keep the Irish fans around.

Finally, I've got five bold predictions for both of the quarterfinal matches that have been set so far. Here's Czech Republic-Portugal, and here's Germany-Greece.
END

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Euro 2012: 10 Biggest Surprises of the Tournament so Far


By Bleachersreport, 21 June 2012




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Julian Finney/Getty Images



Euro2012 has been a highly enjoyable event thus far thanks in no small part to the raft of shocks and surprises we have been served up over the past fortnight.
You can quibble all you like about whether we are halfway or three quarters of the way through tournament—each team left has played three of a possible six matches, while 24 of the 31 scheduled fixtures have now been fulfilled—but there is little doubt that this has been a great tournament so far.
Hoping for the unexpected is what makes cup and tournament football so appealing, and seeing it happen brings great satisfaction.
Even if the latter stages of Euro2012 all go to form, there have already been plenty of big surprises both on and off the pitch, 10 of which are listed here.


continued....

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Dark Horses Become Also-Rans
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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images


When drawn in a group in which co-hosts Poland were the other seeded team, it was widely predicted that Russia would sail through into the knockout phase.
Their comprehensive 4-1 win over Czech Republic on the opening day of the championship saw them installed by many as the tournament’s “dark horses,” just as they were four years ago when they made the semifinals in Austria and Switzerland.
However, a 1-1 draw against Poland meant their fate was in the balance going into the final round of Group A games, when a 1-0 defeat to Greece and the Czechs beating Poland by the same scoreline sent Dick Advocaat’s side packing.


continued....

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Greek Bailout

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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images


Just as Russia failed to meet expectations despite their great start to the tournament, so Greece exceeded them after their own campaign’s disastrous beginnings.
They salvaged a 1-1 draw against Poland in the opening match, but could have won the game, which ended with 10 men on each side, were it not for Giorgos Karagounis having a penalty saved.
Defeat to the Czechs in their second game had them clutching at straws going into their final match, but Karagounis made amends by scoring the winner as Greece made Russia look distinctly second-best.
Greece booked a quarterfinal with Germany, prompting a slew of Eurozone-themed headlines and quips like the awful one above.


continued....

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Trouble Dutch

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Lars Baron/Getty Images
The Dutch self-destructing at tournaments due to tensions and rowing within the squad has long been a cliché rolled out at almost every finals they reach, but now it seems to have become a matter of fact.
How else can we explain a squad crammed full of talent which entered the “Group of Death” with Germany, Portugal and Denmark and left with no points and only two goals scored?
After their opening 1-0 defeat, the 2010 World Cup finalists’ card was marked, and subsequent defeats to Germany and Portugal had many punters tearing up their betting slips.


continued....

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Spain and Italy Turn Football Upside Down


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Claudio Villa/Getty Images

The opening fixture in Group C between European and world champions Spain and Italy was one of the most anticipated games of the group stage, and even before the 1-1 draw in Gdansk, it had provided thrills aplenty.
As news began to filter through that Spain manager Vicente del Bosque had named a team with six midfielders and no strikers, Twitter almost collapsed under the weight of excitement.
Not only that, but Italy also fielded an alarming lineup which featured midfielder Daniele De Rossi in a three-man defence and a two-man attack comprising Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano—two strikers for whom the word mercurial barely begins to adequately describe them.
The match itself ended in a 1-1 draw, which was a wonderful exhibition of technical continental football at its finest.

continued....

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Shamrock Shambles

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Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

When Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland were rewarded for qualifying for their first major finals in 10 years by being put in a group with Spain, Italy and Croatia, the expectation was that they would most likely finish at the bottom of the group.
However, after heading to Poland and Ukraine on the back of a 14-game unbeaten run, they were at least expected to give a good account of themselves by being difficult to beat. Instead, their campaign was insipid and inept from start to finish.
They conceded early goals in their first two matches—a 3-1 defeat to Croatia and a 4-0 schooling at the hands of Spain—making them the first team to be eliminated. They could not even salvage any pride in their final match, a limp 2-0 defeat to Italy.
With the Irish team unable to even look like giving it a good go—something you should be able to count on them for, if nothing else—it was left to their amazing fans to leave the best impression on the tournament and put their players to shame.

continued....

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Never Write off Sheva

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Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Legendary Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko said on the eve of the first major tournament in his home country that he had thought of little else ever since it was awarded, and that playing in it was perhaps the main reason he was still playing at the age of 35.
However, those advancing years and a troublesome knee injury looked endangering to the former European Footballer of the Year’s chances of playing any significant role in Oleg Blokhin’s team.
So it was quite a thrill to see his name on the teamsheet for the co-hosts’ opening match against Sweden and an even bigger one to see him score both goals in their 2-1 win.
That may have been the high point of Ukraine’s campaign, but at least they can look back on the tournament with fond memories thanks to Shevchenko rolling back the years.

continued....

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Ox in the Box


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Julian Finney/Getty Images


England’s campaign has been full of surprises—making it to the quarterfinals in itself exceeded expectations, let alone as winners of Group D.
The performances of relative international novices Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll have also been better than many could have hoped, while Theo Walcott also delivered in an England shirt for the first time since his hat-trick against Croatia four years ago.
But perhaps the biggest surprise of all was before their first match against France, when news began to filter through that manager Roy Hodgson, not known as a man for taking risks, was giving 18-year-old winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain his first competitive start.
"The Ox" may not have exactly set the world on fire, but he played his part in England fighting their way to a creditable 1-1 draw that ultimately helped them top the group.



continued....

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All Quiet on the Eastern Front

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Julian Finney/Getty Images

For all the concerns about stadiums being completed on time, infrastructure being in place and overpriced hotel rooms, the biggest fears around the tournament being partly-held in Ukraine centred around the threat of racism and violence in the country.
Both the BBC and Sky Sports screened undercover reports about neo-Nazi hooliganism being rife in the country, with former England defender Sol Campbell stating to the BBC ,

"Stay at home, watch it on TV. Don't even risk it… because you could end up coming back in a coffin."

However, most of the main incidents of anti-social behaviour—fighting between fans, hooligans attacking innocent members of the public, fans racially abusing players etc—have happened in neighbouring Poland, with Ukraine so far enjoying a relatively peaceful record.
This is not by any means to disparage Poland in their role as co-hosts or as a nation on the whole, but simply to point out how differently things have transpired compared to expectations before the tournament.

continued....

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

ITV’s Coverage Has the X-Factor

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Michael Regan/Getty Images

A bit of an Anglo-centric observation, this, but one that is worth making.
Live broadcasts of every major tournament in Britain is shared equally between the state-funded BBC and the commercial ITV, with both organisations broadcasting the final live.
Traditionally, the BBC trounces ITV in the ratings for the final (thanks in part to having no commercials), and generally wins the plaudits for having the better coverage. But so far this summer it has been ITV—so often rightly accused of pandering to the lowest common denominator—who have provided the better service.
Everything from their charming, stop motion animated titles to their studio location on site in Warsaw, via the more engaging and less complacent pundit, ITV have been better than the BBC. Ratings for the final on July 1 will be interesting to see.
END

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Euro 2012 Quarterfinals: Preview and Predictions


By Bleachersreport, 21 June 2012






http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images...jpg?1340250857 Claudio Villa/Getty Images


The group stages of Euro 2012 are over and done with, and the pool of national teams has been cut in half. The quarterfinals of Euro 2012 are just around the corner, and from here, it’s win or go home.

In the coming slides, we'll break down each quarterfinal, assess the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, and produce a prediction for each match.

Continued....

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Czech Republic vs. Portugal

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Lars Baron/Getty Images

Who’d have though we’d see this match in Euro 2012′s first quarterfinal? Some may have predicted Portugal to escape the Group of Death at the Netherlands’ expense, but almost no one predicted the Czech Republic to make it out of Group A, let alone top the group.
Especially after their 4-1 mauling by Russia, many expected the Czech Republic to finish at the bottom of the weakest group in Group A.
And yet, they’ve defied expectations. The good play of Vaclav Pilar and Petr Jiracek has carried the Czech Republic to victories over Greece and Poland, and the great play of Tomas Hubschman and Jaroslav Plasil has kept the Czech Republic tight in the back and dangerous in attack.
As for Portugal, many expected them to fall flat after an ineffective showing against Germany, but a last-gasp winner against Denmark from Silvestre Varela followed by a virtuoso display from Cristiano Ronaldo earned the team the six points it needed to progress to the knockout stages.
After two disappointing games, Ronaldo finally showed up for Portugal against the Netherlands, looking like his Real Madrid self against one of the former greatest giants of international football.
So what can we expect to see?
Honestly, I can’t see the Czech Republic posing a threat to Portugal. Tomas Rosicky and Milan Baros haven’t shown good form in this tournament, and without them, the Czech Republic has little hope of competing with the best football nations in the world. That isn’t to mention the fact that Rosicky is presently injured, and is unlikely to be fit in time for the Portugal match despite his last-ditch efforts to recover in time for the game.
As for Portugal, they look to finally be getting their game together. Portugal’s success was always going to hinge on Ronaldo, and now that he’s scoring again, Portugal are infinitely more dangerous. They’ve got quality in every position, and even though their talent level isn’t as high as Spain or Germany, they’re not too far behind. Varela’s winner off the bench showed that Portugal have quality they can depend on off the bench as well.
Barring a miracle, I can’t see the Czech Republic exposing defenders like Pepe, Bruno Alves and Fabio Coentrao the way they did the defenders of Greece and Poland. Ronaldo, on the other hand, should continue scoring, and I expect he’ll involve Nani and Postiga in the team’s attacking play as well.
Prediction: Portugal 3, Czech Republic 0



Continued....

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Germany vs. Greece

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Martin Rose/Getty Images

Euro 2012′s second quarterfinal is less surprising, but it also features a team few expected to make it to the knockout stages. After a draw against Poland and a loss to the Czech Republic, many expected Russia to ease past Greece to the quarterfinals. Heck, I myself thought they’d push on to the semifinals.
Instead, Greece grabbed a goal against the run of play, and held on for dear life. To be fair, they were denied a stonewall penalty, but outside of Giorgos Karagounis’ moments of brilliance, Greece had little going for them.
Germany, on the other hand, very much lived up to their “favorites” tag by beating all three other teams in the Group of Death. Granted, Germany failed to win any of its matches by more than a one-goal margin, but they got the job done effectively in all three games and never looked in danger of falling behind against any of their opponents.
For me, Greece would need a series of miracles to keep up with the Germans in the knockout rounds, let alone win the game. Germany’s players have all performed well, and only Spain can match the depth the Germans have in their reserves. No team has yet figured out how to neutralize both Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Lukas Podolski and Thomas Muller are dangerous goalscorers if not defended closely as well. Mario Gomez has already proven himself to be one of the best goal-scorers at Euro 2012.
Above all, the absence of Giorgos Karagounis is the nail in the coffin for Greece. As good as Greece may be defensively, without a leader to keep morale up and threaten the opposition on the attack, Greece have very few options to threaten their opponents with. Dimitris Salpingidis has looked good in spells, as have Georgios Samaras and Theofanis Gekas, but they’re nowhere near good enough to score against the likes of Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber, or Philipp Lahm and Jerome Boateng/Lars Bender for that matter.
I’m expecting a rout, which will only raise the morale of Germany further and allow them to build up even more steam in their charge to the Euro 2012 title.

Prediction: Germany 3, Greece 0


Continued....

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Spain vs. France


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Jasper Juinen/Getty Images


After the first two matches of the group stages, Spain and France both looked impressively on-form.
Spain battled back against a tough Italy side to draw in their first game, then dismantled a plucky but ultimately weak Ireland side four goals to nil. France, similarly, earned a respectable 1-1 draw with England, before securing an impressive two goals to nil victory over Ukraine, with goals coming from Jeremy Menez and Yohan Cabaye.
But both teams unexpectedly struggled in their final group stage matches. Spain only scored the winning goal in the 88th minute, and they had many calls go their way to keep Croatia off the scoresheet to that point. France fared even worse, losing 2-0 to a Sweden side that had nothing to play for but pride.
So where does that leave both teams?
Spain likely won’t be bothered too much by their struggles against Croatia. They know that their possession game is tried and tested, and that the onus is on them to be more clinical in future matches. Of course, a lot of the burden for goals will fall on Fernando Torres, whose form has been a bit hit-and-miss in this tournament, so, as has often the case in recent months, he’ll be one of the men to watch in this game.
As for France, there is already evidence that the loss to Sweden has shaken them up, with coach Laurent Blanc confirming that there was a bust-up in the French locker room after the game. The French players have moved quickly to downplay the incident, but there’s no denying that the loss to Sweden has shaken up the team and brought them down to earth after their great start to Euro 2012.
But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. As Florent Malouda said, if there was ever a good time for a winning streak to end, it’s a game that hurts them emotionally but doesn’t knock them out of Euro 2012. Now France will be motivated to prove their doubters wrong, and show that they are indeed good enough to go all the way in the competition.
Ultimately, it’ll be a very close match between two teams with something to prove, but I believe Spain will just barely edge a result. I’d take Karim Benzema over Fernando Torres personally, but Spain’s midfield is too talented and should be able to outplay France’s midfield. That’ll be the difference, and what takes Spain to the semifinals.
Prediction: Spain 2, France 1



Continued....

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England vs. Italy

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...lishFlag-1.jpg vs http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/z...alian_flag.gif

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Scott Heavey/Getty Images

England have been one of the biggest surprises of Euro 2012. Many expected the English national team to struggle in the aftermath of the Fabio Capello fiasco and especially in the absence of Wayne Rooney for their first two games, but England have been fairly resolute in defense and dangerous in their attack. They’ve not been perfect or without flaws, but they’ve done well, and emerged from Group D undefeated with two wins and a draw against France.
Italy have been impressive as well. They opened up their Euro 2012 campaign with an impressive draw vs. Spain, and though their draw against Croatia seemed to be a setback, they were able to put away Ireland 2-0 in their final group match. By no means did they ease their way to the knockout rounds, but they had their moments and proved their quality against some of the world’s most talented footballing nations.
For me, this is the hardest quarterfinal to call, because the two teams are very close to each other in quality. England have John Terry, who’s been great alongside Joleon Lescott for Italy, but Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are a fearsome centre-back duo as well. Steven Gerrard’s been in great form for England at Euro 2012, but Andrea Pirlo has been at his best all tournament long. Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck are two very good strikers, but Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli are of a very high caliber as well. And the reserve strikers for both teams are capable of doing considerable damage off the bench.
I really don’t expect to see this game decided in regular time; I think both teams play conservatively and won’t be adventurous enough to win the game in regular time. I don’t expect this game to go to penalties either though; neither national team has a particularly good record at penalties. I think Wayne Rooney will show himself to be the best forward among all the strikers available for both teams, and either assist or score the winning goal for England.

Prediction: England 2, Italy 1 (a.e.t)


GO ENGLAND!!!




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re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

England v Italy

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/sport/images...66/england.png England 0

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/sport/images...6x66/italy.png Italy 0

Italy win 4-2 on penalties


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Euro 2012 highlights: England 0-0 Italy (2-4 pens)

By Phil McNulty, BBC Sport chief football writer in Kiev
England suffered penalty agony once more as Italy won a shoot-out after the Euro 2012 quarter-final finished goalless in Kiev.
Italy were vastly superior to England over the course of 120 minutes - but the resilience and organisation that have swiftly become the trademark under new manager Roy Hodgson took an enthralling game to penalties.
And, as on five of the previous six occasions England have entered this sudden-death environment, they were left heartbroken, with Italy confirming a semi-final meeting with Germany in Warsaw on Thursday.
England captain Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney were successful from the spot, but Ashley Young struck the bar and Ashley Cole's effort was saved by Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Analysis

Jurgen Klinsmann, Match of the Day analyst

"Italy were far superior to England. What impressed me was technically they controlled the game, but also they were physically stronger. That surprised me, and they deserved to get into the semis where they will expect a good clash with Germany. I had hopes for England but to be honest they didn't deserve it because they could not keep tempo with Italy, they didn't close down spaces and it was too big a mountain to climb."

Mario Balotelli scored Italy's first spot-kick but Riccardo Montolivo's miss gave England hope that was cruelly snatched away as Andrea Pirlo audaciously chipped in his spot-kick and Antonio Nocerino coolly slotted home before former West Ham midfielder Alessandro Diamanti scored the decisive penalty.
England cannot complain that the better team did not emerge as winners - but even in the face of a constant wave of Italian attacks Hodgson's men still showed enough heart and durability to make their Euro 2012 exit with pride.

As Italy subjected them to what was almost torture by possession, England's back four and goalkeeper Joe Hart responded magnificently by erecting a wall of defiance, with John Terry outstanding.
England will head for home on Monday after a campaign they can reflect on with a measure of satisfaction despite the disappointment. Hodgson - at short notice - marshalled his forces effectively but the gulf in class with Italy was clear and his team looked jaded long before the end.
Hodgson will now take stock of events in Ukraine, where England drew with France and won against Sweden and Ukraine to top Group D, as he plots the qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Hodgson picked England's first unchanged team since the miserable last-16 encounter with Germany at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - a show of faith in the side that beat Ukraine in Donetsk.
England were almost given the worst possible start when, after a prolonged period of possession, De Rossi's swerving left-foot volley hit the post with Hart stretching in vain to make contact.
If this was an ominous start for England, they responded with an opportunity of their own when Glen Johnson found space in the area but could not get sufficient power in his shot and Buffon was able to claw the ball away.

England's opening spell had been their best of Euro 2012. It was almost capped with a goal in the 13th minute when the dangerous Johnson crossed for Rooney but he could only glance a header over the top.
Balotelli had been his usual combination of threat mixed with moments of infuriating slackness. He was slow to react to the peerless Pirlo's pass and allowed Terry to make a fine recovering tackle, then forced his Manchester City team-mate Hart into a save from a low effort.
England had lost the measure of control they had exerted for a spell, but there was still much to encourage Hodgson, particularly when Rooney opened up Italy's defence and Danny Welbeck should have done better than sidefoot wide from the edge of the area.
Balotelli was again involved as he closed in on Antonio Cassano's header six yards out but was left hacking at the post in frustration as Terry and Joleon Lescott combined to clear.


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Italy continued to control possession after the break and England were fortunate to survive a chaotic incident in which Hart saved from De Rossi and Balotelli before Montolivo diverted the rebound over the bar.
Hodgson knew he needed to shift the momentum away from Italy and he chose to try to do it with a double substitution on the hour, replacing Welbeck and James Milner with Andy Carroll and Theo Walcott.
Both were involved as England managed to unsettle Italy, only for Young's close-range effort to be deflected following muscular work from Carroll.
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli introduced Diamanti in an attempt to pierce England's stubborn resistance and he swiftly forced Hart into a smart save.
The game continued to absorb into the closing seconds of normal time as Johnson produced a crucial block to stop Italian substitute Nocerino, while Rooney almost stole the win for England with an overhead kick at the other end.
England made a quick change in extra time as Jordan Henderson replaced Scott Parker but Italy still held the initiative, with Diamanti's attempted cross bouncing of the upright to safety.
Nocerino then had the ball in the net with a header as penalties loomed, but it was rightly ruled out for offside.
So it went to penalties - and a familiar tale of woe as England were again the victims of this cruellest form of defeat.

Lineup, Bookings (2) & Substitutions (6)

England

01 Hart

• 02 Johnson
• 03 Cole
• 06 Terry
• 15 Lescott
• 04 Gerrard
• 11 Young
• 16 Milner (Walcott - 61' )
• 17 Parker (Henderson - 94' )
• 10 Rooney
• 22 Welbeck (Carroll - 60' )

Substitutes

• 13 Green
• 23 Butland
• 05 Kelly
• 12 Baines
• 14 Jones
• 18 Jagielka
• 07 Walcott
• 08 Henderson
• 19 Downing
• 20 Oxlade-Chamberlain
• 09 Carroll
• 21 Defoe

Italy

• 01 Buffon
• 06 Balzaretti
• 07 Abate (Maggio - 90' Booked )
• 15 Barzagli Booked
• 19 Bonucci
• 08 Marchisio
• 16 De Rossi (Nocerino - 80' )
• 18 Montolivo
• 21 Pirlo
• 09 Balotelli
• 10 Cassano (Diamanti - 78' )

Substitutes

• 12 Sirigu
• 14 De Sanctis
• 02 Maggio
• 03 Chiellini
• 04 Ogbonna
• 05 Motta
• 13 Giaccherini
• 22 Diamanti
• 23 Nocerino
• 11 Di Natale
• 17 Borini
• 20 Giovinco

Ref: Proenca
Att: 56,500


Match Stats


Shots

8 / 31

On target

4/ 18

Corners

3/ 7

Fouls

15 /10

END

:cry3:

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re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

WF: Dutch Coach Quits

BBC Sports, 28 June 2012

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Euro 2012 highlights: Netherlands go out after Portugal defeat
Euro 2012: Bert van Marwijk quits as Netherlands coach

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has resigned following his side's disastrous Euro 2012 campaign.

His side were beaten in all three of their matches in the tournament and finished bottom of Group B

The 60-year-old refused to answer questions about his future last week but his departure has now been confirmed by the Dutch FA.

Van Marwijk led the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final in which they were beaten by Spain in extra time.

Expert qualifiers

The Dutch performance in winning nine of their 10 qualifying matches for Euro 2012 came after they won eight of their qualifiers to reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa


"I have severe doubts, but have decided to take this step anyway," Van Marwijk said in a statement.
The head of the KNVB (the Dutch FA), Bert van Oostveen said: "The KNVB are grateful to Van Marwijk. I personally had a very good feeling about our co-operation.
"Of course it is sad to part early, but we must be realistic."

The Netherlands won nine of their 10 qualifying matches for Euro 2012, rising to the top of the Fifa world rankings in August 2011.

But drawn in the "Group of Death" with Denmark and eventual semi-finalists Germany and Portugal, they lost three consecutive competitive games for the first time in their history.

A 1-0 opening defeat by Denmark was followed by 2-1 defeats against Germany and Portugal.

The performances were in stark contrast to their displays at the 2010 World Cup, in which the Dutch took maximum points in Van Marwijk's first tournament as coach.

The Dutch went on to reach the final, but Van Marwijk's negative tactics in a bad-tempered game against Spain led to criticism from the media and Dutch legend Johann Cruyff.

Van Marwijk, who has previously coached Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund, had taken over from Marco van Basten in 2008 and had a contract that ran until 2016.

The Netherlands have a friendly against Belgium on 15 August before starting their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign against Turkey in September.

re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Germany 1-2 Italy: Balotelli's Double Sets Up Italy-Spain Euro 2012 Final

By Bleacherreport. 28 June, 2012


http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/im...340&h=234&q=75
EURO 2012—Semifinal, National Stadium, Warsaw, Poland.


GERMANY 1-2 ITALY (FULLTIME)
Goals: Balotelli (Italy) 20', 36', Ozil (Germany) 90+2'—pen

Lineups

Germany: Neuer, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Boateng (Muller), Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Kroos, Podolski (Reus), Gomez (Klose)

Italy: Buffon, Chiellini, Balzaretti, Barzagli, Bonucci, Marchisio, De Rossi, Montolivo (Motta), Pirlo, Balotelli (Di Natale), Cassano (Diamanti)

Blog has not been active within the past two hours.
4:40 PM ET
90+4'–ITALY HAVE WON IT!

Time runs out for Germany and it's Italy who will beat Spain in Sunday's Euro 2012 Final. Balotelli's two goals were the difference, and it's hard to argue Italy don't deserve to advance. Germany are left to rue yet another missed opportunity at a major tournament. And yet another big-game disappointment at the hands of Italy.

4:38 PM ET
90+3'—Wild scenes as Germany chase down an equalizer. Neuer is acting as a central defender.

4:36 PM ET
90+2'–PENALTY TO GERMANY! Balzaretti handles and the Germans have the merest glimmer of hope here as Ozil slots away the spot-kick.

4:34 PM ET
89'—YELLOW CARD: Motta adds injury to insult with a crunching tackle on Schweinsteiger. He gets a yellow for his troubles. Soon after Hummels' close-range shot is blocked by a combination of Bonucci and Buffon.

4:32 PM ET
http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/im...650&h=440&q=75 Alex Grimm/Getty Images

88'—Muller whips over a cross from the right, but Buffon gathers with relative ease. All over bar the shouting now.
4:30 PM ET
85'—Reus goes through in the Italian box, but his run is blocked just as he's about to shoot. Italian just will not be beaten here.

4:28 PM ET
84'—YELLOW! De Rossi in the book for a mistimed tackle. Germany advance and Chiellini concedes a corner. You just can't see Germany scoring right now.

4:27 PM ET
82'—ANOTHER CHANCE FOR ITALY! Di Natale is sent clean throug, but he can only find the side-netting with the goal gaping. Soon after Diamanti scores, but he's ruled offside.

4:24 PM ET
80'—BAD MISS FROM KROOS! A weak clearance comes out to Kroos, but his first-time effort is blazed over the bar.

4:23 PM ET
79'—Italy are cutting through Germany with ease. Pirlo's pass sends De Rossi away inside the box, but his cross is cut out by Neuer.

4:21 PM ET
77'—Hummels with a header from a corner, but it's over the bar. Time running out for Germany.

4:20 PM ET
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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

75'—GREAT CHANCE FOR 3-0! Badstuber slips in front of Marchisio, presenting him with a clear chance to beat Neuer from 10 yards. He drags his shot wide.

4:18 PM ET
73'—Neuer almost embarrassed. The Germany keeper gets caught by Di Natale trying to play his way out of trouble, and is lucky to escape without handing the Italians an opportunity.

4:14 PM ET
70'—ITALY CHANGE: It's goodnight Mario, as Di Natale replaces Italy's two-goal hero after he appears to go down with a bit of cramp. He's been sensational tonight.

4:12 PM ET
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Michael Regan/Getty Images

67'—CHANCE FOR ITALY! Wonderful linking play from Italy results in a chance for Marchisio, who blazes his first-time shot a few yards wide. That would have been some goal, and surely the end of Germany's hopes.

4:10 PM ET
66'—Ozil receives the ball in Germany's midfield, only to be surrounded by no fewer than four Italian shirts. Pirlo takes the ball off his toes and moves Italy forward.

4:08 PM ET
64'—ITALY CHANGE: Motta replaces the impressive Montolivo as Italy make their second change. Both teams have one substitution remaining.

4:06 PM ET
61'—YELLOW CARD! Bonucci goes in the book for a crude kick out at Kroos. He's the second man to pick up a yellow tonight, after Balotelli got one for taking his shirt off. Reus steps up to take the free-kick and BUFFON IS FORCED TO TIP IT OVER!

4:04 PM ET
60'—Balotelli works himself an opening and fizzes a shot past the post from the corner of the box. Neuer never looked remotely troubled.

4:03 PM ET
59'—All Germany so far in the second half. But with every minute ticked down the Italians get closer.

4:01 PM ET
56'—Klose with a chance to drive into the box. Great tackle from Bonucci to deny him. Germany's corner is cleared at the near post.

3:59 PM ET
http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/im...650&h=440&q=75 Alex Grimm/Getty Images
55'—Magical stuff from Ozil, who darts inside the Italian box and pulls the ball back from the dead ball line. Klose is on hand, but the Italian defenders close him down quickly and the chance goes begging. Germany are getting closer. Or should that be Klose?

3:56 PM ET
53'—Cassano with some good work on Italy's left. His cross almost finds its way to Balotelli, but Germany scramble clear.

3:55 PM ET
51'—Strong start from Germany in the second half. They've clearly been read the riot act from Joachim Low and appear a much more purposeful outfit than we saw in the first half.

3:54 PM ET
49'—Reus to Kroos, who lays on a shooting chance for Lahm, The German captain doesn't break stride, but his shot is just over the bar.

Re: 2012 Euro Tournament: FINAL
 

Heartbreak for Ronaldo and Portugal as Stubborn Spain Reach Euro 2012 Final

By Bleacherreport, 28 June , 2012

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Spain won't wake up to plaudits for their team's beautiful football tomorrow morning, but that won't matter a tiki-taka tot to a nation that finds itself in a third successive major final at Euro 2012
.
Great teams find a way. And for Vicente Del Bosque's revered, ball-playing conquistadors, the way against Portugal was as much about blocking the road as it was about making inroads of their own.
Portugal can feel aggrieved they lost on penalties. Paulo Bento's men gave Spain their fiercest test of the tournament and rightly showed no respect for their reputation. Their high-pressing game succeeded in unsettling Spain's rhythm for long periods, and we saw little of the tiki-taka torture that's been inflicted on many of their hapless victims these past four years.
Soon enough, it was clear Bento's Portugal would not be resigned to a walk-on role in Spain's latest possession show-reel. These were two teams playing at the same level, and had the game been called at 90 minutes, a points decision would have been split right down the middle.
In extra-time, Spain grew stronger and finally began to resemble the team who won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. As Portuguese legs wearied, gaps appeared and both Andres Iniesta and Jesus Navas had chances to win the game outright.

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images...jpg?1340837800 Martin Rose/Getty Images

Maybe if Del Bosque had deployed a natural striker where Cesc Fabregas was stationed from the 54th minute onwards, we might not have reached extra-time at all.
By the time we did, it was Spain or penalties. Portugal's attacking resources were otherwise engaged, and their best chance had come and gone when Cristiano Ronaldo sliced wide at the death after a swift counterattack.
To say Portugal failed to score is an understatement. Ronaldo and Co. managed just two efforts on target in 120 minutes—and thus took Spain's remarkable record to nine successive tournament knockout matches without conceding a goal.

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images...jpg?1340837907 Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

The last man to score against Spain in a knockout match remains Zinedine Zidane, who finished the job for France in their 3-1 second-round victory at the 2006 World Cup.

For that, the Spanish deserve every plaudit. You can be critical of their tactical approach going forward, and Del Bosque's reluctance to play a forward. And you can bemoan the tiki-taka passing game as "boring" or overindulgent.
But as Spain proved tonight, football matches that aren't lost are always there for the winning.
They'll be the first to admit they weren't at their best. But for all their relative shortcomings against Portugal, they still managed to shut out a team boasting the best attacking player in Europe, and enjoy the better of the goalscoring opportunities themselves.
When it came down to penalties, Bento made a huge mistake in putting Ronaldo down for the fifth kick, because there was always the danger he might not be needed. And when Bruno Alves confused his number in the lineup, you knew exactly what would happen next.
Alves missed, and it was left to Fabregas to win for Spain—and keep them on course for a historic third successive major-tournament victory.

As the red shirts rushed the goal in riotous celebration, Ronaldo looked to the heavens and cursed his luck. He didn't test Iker Casillas over 120 minutes and he wouldn't get the chance in the shootout, either.
Portugal came close, but matching the champions just wasn't enough in the end. Boxing fans would make the argument there's justice in that.