EURO 2012

2012-07-06T04:48:00.002-07:00

We'll that's it , EURO 2012 officially ended , spain won in a bad match for Italy who lost 4-0

Match Review

2012-06-27T23:25:00.001-07:00

Spain - France 2:0

Both teams came out on the field with ‘cautious’ squads: French, for instance, left Samir Nasri on the bench, and Spaniards… decided to do without forwards at all. Without nominal, of course. Cesc Fàbregas had to play on attacking position, but during the game we could see that three-four midfielders stood in line on Spaniards’ front line, and there was no one on the edge…
Anticipating things, we shall say that this cautiousness turned to be justified: neither team ‘hang’ on other team’s goal until the match passed to dramatic phase (‘either we score, or we’re knocked out from Euro- 2012’). From the very starting whistle, Spain, according to its status (or maybe out of habit?), occupied French side of the field, but it wasn’t easy to approach Lloris’s goal – defenders thoughtfully covered all zones. French, on the other hand, lacked not attacking players, but rather attacking idea on the front edge. Therefore, the ‘three-colored’ sought their luck in free and far kicks.
But once, on the 19th minute, Spaniards managed to break through French defense. And, interestingly enough, French’s failure was complete. It was vividly justified by Xabi Alonso who lonely ran into penalty area. And one more vivid evidence was the goal scored by Xabi Alonso. Thus, Jordi Alba darted to the penalty area along the left flank, the French defender fell on the lawn, opening the ‘entrance’ to the area. Alba made a deep cross to the mentioned above lonely Xabi Alonso. And the latter was ready to receive the ball. There were plenty of variants to continue the attack: let the ball down and kick, kick the ball in flight… The Spaniard chose, however, the most unusual for him way. He boldly jumped to the ball and headed it to the far corner – against defender’s and Lloris’s motion, who intended to cover the near corner. Therefore, both lacked few centimeters to reach the ball, and the defender seemed to close the ball from keeper’s sight, at that. Spain took the lead. By the way, it was Alonso’s 100th appearance in national team.
The French had a chance to answer from the free kick on the 30^th minute. The free kicks’ expert Cabaye didn’t let the team down this time. He kicked from around 28 meters accurately in the near upper corner. But, for each kicks’ expert there is a saves’ expert. Iker Casillas made a save and sent the ball to the corner. During the corner kick, the keeper had almost made his efforts null and void by letting the ball from his hands. However, he timely covered it on the ground.
On the 63d minute, when the French didn’t mind defense at all (2 minutes before Laurent Blanc let two forwards out), Spaniards created a perfect moment. Silva ‘cut through’ French defense with a cross and put Fàbregas one to one with keeper in the semi-circle by the penalty area. But, Lloris darted to the ball, courageously thrown himself to Spaniard’s feet and sent the ball in field.
In remaining time, the teams exchanged several bright, but unproductive attacks. Spaniards continued to control the game, though.
And on the last minute, Spaniards received a right for penalty – Pedro, who overplayed ‘three-colored’ defense, was ready for a kick, but Anthony Réveillère ran into his leg. It’s definitely a penalty. Xavi Alonso, who had already scored in this match, approached the penalty spot. And he slammed into the left corner, burying France’s hopes to come from behind on the last seconds. Spain is heading for the semi-final with Portugal, France packs its stuff. It’s all we can say.

Cristiano Ronaldo Not Feel Depressed had to Facing with Spain

2012-06-27T23:23:00.003-07:00

Portugal must face Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 Matches. Even so, the team captain Cristiano Ronaldo insists he did not feel pressured to face crucial matches. Though doubtful, Ronaldo managed to prove his ability in the European Cup stage where nicks are three goals to bring Seleccao advanced to the round four. He will face a number of colleagues at Real Madrid as well as some of his opponents in the Champions league that appears to strengthen Spain.
However, Ronaldo did not rate this game different than the other important game ever dilakoninya, both with club and national team.
“There is no particular pressure because I am against Spain. I’ve been playing at the highest level for 10 years, both at club and international competitions, “he told the official UEFA website.
“Yes, I feel a responsibility, but instead of feeling depressed. I’m used to games like this. ”
Even so, the former Manchester United anyway judging game contra La Roja will run a lot, considering Spain is one of the favorites Team in Poland and Ukraine.
“Spain are a great team and this will be an interesting duel Iberia, a match that I hope we can win.”
“But this will be a tough fight.”

Mesut Ozil Confident Germany will beat Italy

2012-06-27T23:22:00.002-07:00

German playmaker Mesut Ozil is confident his side can beat Italy in the party’s Euro 2012 semi-final later. Real Madrid player said his team has improved a lot after the defeat of the Azzurri in the World Cup semi-final of 2006.
“Italy is a very good team, but we can beat them. We came here to win a European title. I am confident we will succeed,” said Ozil as reported by Football Italia.
The last time Germany met with Italy is the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup. When the Germans who acted as the host humiliated Italy 2-0 and have to settle for a third title.
“The past is not our concern. Difference from 2006 is now much more consistent and we can beat any team stronger. Since 2010 we also continued to grow and become much better,” said Ozil.

England - Italy 2:4

2012-06-26T04:20:00.001-07:00

As bookmakers' candidate № 4 (and after Netherlands' kick out № 3!) to win the championship, Italy started the match on strong position. On the 4th minute already, De Rossi could have scored for Italy - after his powerful kick, the ball has almost met upper corner, but hit the post. The Englishmen answered in a minute with a mind-boggling moment at Buffon's goal - Johnson seemed to make a sure kick (just from several meters!), but the keeper didn't let down! On the 14th minute, Johnson assisted Rooney with a wonderful high cross, but Wayne didn't manage to head a goal.
By this time it was already clear, what game each team is going to play. Italians strived to win territorial advantage and they did it by the middle of the first half - the ball remained on the English half of the field, being passed between players in blue. English defenders rarely managed to cut short the so called last passes - the ball reached forwards. However, Englishmen bravely threw themselves under goal attempts, stood by each other in case of breaches, and finally, Hart played reliably on defense's last edge. Thus, on the 25th minute, John Terry covered the goal with torso from Mario Balotelli's kick, and on the 31st minute, Joe Hart made a save against another Balotelli's point-blank hit.
English players, on the other hand, sought their luck in counterattacks, using sparsity of competitor's defense and halfbacks. And here is something to note: Italians looked more confident in their attacks, but moments created by Englishmen were pretty good, too. And you will agree that a goal scored in a 'crazy' counterattack is not worse than the one prepared during halftime.
In the time remaining until half-time, Balotelli managed to 'register' once more - he missed the target after Cassano's cross.
The second half passed on head-on courses, with footballers playing worse and worse - due to growing fatigue - but as vivid as before. In addition, load of responsibility hang over the teams and chased them ahead: "We don't score - we miss - we'll be knocked out." Gerrard and Rooney, along with Carroll and Walcott who came in an hour after the game's start, tried the hardest on English side. Balotelli and De Rossi continued to shine on Italians' side. Nocerino, who replaced De Rossi on the 80th minute, had almost become match's hero - his goal attempt on the last minutes of the regular time would definitely have been scoring, if it wasn't for Johnson who threw himself to his feet.
We put it as 'regular time' for a reason. It was the first play-off match on Euro-2012 that ended with a draw. And for the first time on Euro-2012 the teams had to play extra-time. The third half started, strangely enough, with dangerous attacks by Englishmen. But Italians managed to calm the game by the middle of the short time. Nocerino's scoring shot five minutes before the match end was probably overtime's main event. There was one nuance, though - judge at ringside had already flagged him for offside. Englishmen mopped the cold sweat from their brows in relief. And their playing sufferings were over... Penalty shoot-out was set to begin.
There is no point to describe it for a long time. It was very regular penalty shoot-out. Therefore, here comes a list of shooters one after another: Balotelli (goal), Gerrard (goal), Montolivo (miss)... and here English tribunes roared expecting victory!.. Rooney (goal!)... Pirlo (goal! Italian veteran exquisitely threw the ball over Hart who had fallen), Young (crossbar!)... Nocerino (goal!), Ashley Cole (meets the keeper!). Italy national team's destiny was in Italy national team's hands. And Diamanti (what a last name? Diamond!) scored from the penalty spot and brought his team in semi-final.
Many football experts' prediction came true: only representatives of the strongest Euro-2012 groups - B and C - will play in semi-finals. Well, it was hardly a prediction. Exactly such composition of semi-finalists was the most plausible upon the group tournament's end. The only question was whether you want to believe in football's predictability or not.

Match Review Spain - France 2:0

2012-06-24T02:45:00.000-07:00

On the 63d minute, when the French didn’t mind defense at all (2 minutes before Laurent Blanc let two forwards out), Spaniards created a perfect moment. Silva ‘cut through’ French defense with a cross and put Fàbregas one to one with keeper in the semi-circle by the penalty area. But, Lloris darted to the ball, courageously thrown himself to Spaniard’s feet and sent the ball in field.
In remaining time, the teams exchanged several bright, but unproductive attacks. Spaniards continued to control the game, though.
And on the last minute, Spaniards received a right for penalty – Pedro, who overplayed ‘three-colored’ defense, was ready for a kick, but Anthony Réveillère ran into his leg. It’s definitely a penalty. Xavi Alonso, who had already scored in this match, approached the penalty spot. And he slammed into the left corner, burying France’s hopes to come from behind on the last seconds. Spain is heading for the semi-final with Portugal, France packs its stuff. It’s all we can say.

Paper Round: England's disappearing jackpot

2012-06-23T05:59:00.001-07:00

It's hard to fill a newspaper when there is no real news, and it's 36 hours until England play their Euro 2012 quarter-final against Italy.

Thus The Sun's carries a dreadfully thin back-page lead proclaiming that England will scoop a '£20 MILLION JACKPOT' should they defy all logic and win the tournament.

Even accepting the figures cited - without evidence - by The Sun, the story still holds less water than a paper sieve. Let's do some sums:
Qualified: £6.7m
Win group: £2.2m
Win QF: £1.7m
Win SF: £2.5m
Win final: £6.2m
Total: £19.3m
So, it's not £20m to start with. And England have already 'won' £8.9m of it - over the rest of the tournament, they are playing for £10.4m.
And that's not all. If England win the tournament, their players would be due bonuses worth around £4m, significantly reducing the FA's windfall. And The Sun also admits a longer stay means more flight and accommodation costs.
By the end of the piece, even The Sun's Shaun Custis has dropped the pretence, and the £20m jackpot has instead become a "healthy profit".
And in any case, the article's only quotes come from Roy Hodgson, saying he does not know or care how much money an England victory would be worth.

The Sun also has a two-page exclusive interview with Rio Ferdinand! Well, this should be exciting - the full story of his omission from the England squad, and his true feelings about John Terry.
Erm... not quite. There is not a single mention of Terry, or of "footballing reasons", or really anything you might want to read. Instead there's just some fairly obvious stuff about the importance of avoiding cliques.
Clearly it was a pre-condition of Ferdinand agreeing to do the interview, but you can't help but feel those two pages would have been better served with some fictitious story about Mario Balotelli going on Polish TV to present the weather in his undercrackers.
If there's one word likely to get Fleet Street hacks going while England are at a major tournament, it's 'Bulldog'.
Thus Ashley Cole has the tabloids swelling with patriotic pride with his description of England's team spirit at Euro 2012.
The Mirror goes big on Cole quotes: "We're like 11 bulldogs who will never give up, who will always work for each other and basically die on the pitch for each other."
Yikes - sounds more scary than inspiring. Thankfully, Cole did not extend the simile and promise to maul the faces off Italy on Sunday.
There is also 'news' of a cheeky exchange in Italy's press conference, in which goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon suggested he would watch a dirty movie rather than a DVD of England's penalty takers. Wouldn't we all?

The Italian papers are similarly stuck for genuine content - the normally excellent Gazzetta dello Sport has been reduced to a weak Photoshop effort of Daniele De Rossi as James Bond alongside the headline: "Operazione Gerrard".
Gerrard may have a reputation for going to ground easily, but the England skipper will be forgiven for taking a tumble if De Rossi unloads that pistol on him.
Back in Blighty, several papers go for the obvious "Greece out of Euro" joke - and why not?
The Guardian goes even further with a desperately contrived: "German efficiency rules the Euro zone."
In general, though, there is plenty of praise for a Germany side that brushed past the desperately negative Greeks last night.
There will be plenty of time for insults should England defeat Italy on Sunday - Germany would be their semi-final opponents.

Germany dominates Greece in attacking third

2012-06-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Germany’s domination in the attacking third of the field Friday against Greece sparked the Germans to a 4-2 win in the quarterfinals of EURO 2012.

No other team since group play began in 1980 had more touches in the attacking third of the field (349) and completed more passes into the attacking third (271) in a single game than Germany did against Greece. In contrast, Greece set group-play era lows with 26 passes completed into the attacking third and 43 touches in the attacking third.

Attacking midfielder Mesut Özil directed Germany’s forays forward at an extremely high level. No player, since group play began in 1980, had more touches in the attacking third of the field (90) and completed more passes into the attacking third (72) than Özil did Friday.

Özil also created the second-most scoring chances (passes that led directly to shots) in a single EURO game since 1980, bested only by the 10 each from Gary McAllister for Scotland at EURO ’92 and Holland’s Wesley Sneijder in the group stage earlier this tournament.

Germany created 22 scoring chances overall against Greece, its highest total of the tournament and equal to its combined total in its three group stage games.

Left back Philipp Lahm was also vital for Germany going forward against Greece. Lahm scored Germany’s first goal with 26-yard swerving shot from outside the box and completed 30 of 35 passes into the attacking third, the most by a defender in this tournament and third-best single-game total since 1980. Only fellow defender German Andreas Brehme (83 in EURO ’92) has completed more passes into the attacking third in a single tournament since 1980.

Greece was able to create its only true danger by crossing the ball, especially over its last two games. Greece completed 7 of 25 crosses in its last two games and created six scoring chances from those crosses, including a cross from Dimitris Salpingidis that Georgios Samaras finished off against Germany.

Big Ego Causes of Poor Performance of Netherlands Team

2012-06-21T23:30:00.001-07:00

Netherlands winger Arjen Robben to assess the negative results achieved by his team at Euro 2012 as a result of the magnitude of the player egos in the locker room. The Orange has not won a single point after passing her qualifying Group B and the party must win the last game of counter Portugal, hoping the Germans arrested Denmark to get through to the quarter-finals. This confirms the player 28 years of togetherness is the key to success, for it he called for the Oranje to get rid of personal ego for the sake of giving a ticket to the eight Round.
“It’s very difficult for us in this group, because there are a lot of big egos on the team. After the World Cup they may be larger. This makes it difficult, Robben said the KNVB’s official website.
“If you want to achieve something together, you have to pull off the ego. You have to fight as a team to achieve power. It can not come by itself.”
“I assume that Germany will win. Many people say so. Now it is important for us to get rid of negatf mind and fight to the last chance,” added the former Real Madrid player.
A number of news launch team in the locker room atmosphere heats up, with Rafael van der Vaart claims are not satisfied with the decision Bert van Marwijk who made a substitute in the tournament. Robben insists, such problems should be avoided for the good of the team.
“When you are knocked out of the starting XI, you should be angry. That’s normal, you can talk privately with the coach.”
“But, when the game starts, you have to fight with the team. When there are players who do not have passion, it’s annoying. You must accept this or go home,” said Bayern Munich winger.

Wayne Rooney: Italia Just like England

2012-06-21T23:29:00.003-07:00

England striker judge, their quarter-final this weekend Italian counter will be heavy because of the squad made by Cesare Prandelli has had the same style of game with the Three Lions.
Manchester’s new striker appeared in the last game of counter Ukraine, after serving two-game sanction, and successfully struck one goal is enough to pass the Union Jack for the last eight as winners of Group D.
“It would be a serious game, they are similar to our views of how they play,” Rooney said in an interview with the FA’s official website.
“They have a winner like [Mario] Balotelli, [Antonio] Cassano and [Andrea] Pirlo. They have great players and it will be a tough game.”
“I think the chances are 50-50, so we have to make sure everything is in good working order to win,” added the former Everton striker is.
The Three Lions went on to become champions in the last party group as a surprise 2-0 defeat of France in Sweden, so the UK can avoid the threat of Spain. Rooney confident, successful Group D standings will increase the motivation of the squad made by Roy Hodgson.
“” I think the pass group stage has always been our goal, to win the group is very good and gives confidence to the team, “I’m Rooney.
“We will face Italy and the weight of this game, so we must do our best to win,” Rooney Said.

Cristiano Ronaldo Not Worthy of a world Best player, Yet

2012-06-21T23:28:00.001-07:00

Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Rosicky is still judging Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the title as the world’s best players.
As is known, the Arsenal midfielder Ronaldo will attempt to stem that will strengthen Portugal in Euro 2012 quarter-final early morning (22/6).
Previously they had met several times in the Premier League as captain of Portugal has not resigned from Manchester United to Real Madrid.
“He is a great striker, but he did not want to survive,” said Rosicky.
“Sometimes you can be so good, so you can not help the defense and scored only. But is he the best player of the world? I do not know if he’s worth.”

England - Ukraine 1:0

2012-06-20T23:27:00.004-07:00

When, after the game, Ukrainian reporter approached Blokhin with a suggestion that "it seemed to be an evenly balanced game today...", the legend of Ukrainian football broke into indignation! And not without a reason, at that. In this match Ukraine really overplayed England in many characteristics (from time of ball control to passes' quality). And Ukraine really played it best match not only on Euro-2012, but probably in the last year. However, England got round tournament's hosts in one characteristic - the number of scored goals. The first scored once, and the second didn't at all.
Ukraine national team started the match without its captain and leader - Andriy Shevchenko. England national team, on the other hand, started the match with a 'gain' - Wayne Rooney returned to the team after disqualification. However, this proportion of 'gain-loss' wasn't reflected on the match's first minutes. Ukrainians, who knew that they have to win this match and were supported by Donbas Arena tribunes, attacked Joe Hart's goal with powerful forces. And it didn't look like a storm or a desperate spurt with all forces... On the contrary, Ukrainians looked very deserving and imposing - much above the level, allocated to them by statisticians, bookmakers and so on.
But the class is the class. And even being pinned to its penalty ground, England national team didn't lose self control, and therefore managed to tie 'blue-and-yellow' attacking group hand and foot. The latter ones were left only with traditional in this situation 'weapons': far kicks and set pieces' realizations. Ukrainians tried in this way and that, but the ball didn't fly in net!
After the first half, it looked like Ukrainians will press Englishmen out in the second half. But with game renewal, Ukrainians got an unpleasant surprise...
On the 48th minute, Gerrard crossed the ball from the right wing past Ukrainian defenders and goalkeeper (under his arm!) at near post, and the ball sneaked to the other side of the goal. There was no one, but Wayne Rooney, who headed the goal.
The goal shocked Ukrainians. However, with every next minute both, fans and players realized that it shouldn't be an obstacle: there were still 40 minutes of play ahead, and feet that had been terrorizing Englishmen during the first half were still in place...

And Ukrainians managed to bring score level pretty fast. Wait... no, the referee decided differently. Marko Dević, Ukraine national team's 'legionary' hit Englishmen's goal, when Joe Hart had already finished defending his goal. The last boundary on ball's way was John Terry. The defender kicked the ball out of his goal... when it already crossed the goal line, though. The tribunes saw this and the video repeat confirmed this. But, both additional goal linesmen, put by the UEFA, saw nothing. Nothing! The game continued with 1:0 score.
Ukrainians weren't broken by conceded goal, but 'taken away' goal definitely distressed them. The 'blue-and-yellow' continued insistent attacks, but they were driven not with ardor and spirit, but with anger and desire to reestablish justice. However, no one managed to score. Not even Andriy Shevchenko who came to work a miracle.
1:0 - and the second Euro-2012 host exits the tournament.
we'll see how if others teams euro 2012 draw or who 2012 euro qualifying

iUkraine - The Whole Ukraine Is in Your Hands!

2012-06-19T23:44:00.004-07:00

Euro 2012 News

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The iUkraine travel guide is particularly noteworthy for it offers useful information about obtaining a Ukrainian visa, rules of entry into the country, and costs of accommodation and catering. Furthermore, it answers plenty of other questions that a tourist planning a trip to Ukraine for Euro-2012 may have. You will also have an opportunity to learn more about Ukraine's tough history, marvelous nature and original culture, to discover inimitable Ukrainian cuisine and to realize friendliness, optimism and hospitality of its people.
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It is important to note that the first version of the iUkraine travel guide is not final. We are constantly adding new features and useful information to our guide. For example, a large number of Ukraine's hotels will soon be available for you, with an online booking option. The guide's users will have the opportunity to take advantage of partner hotels' special offers, and to book rooms at lowest rates available. In the near future, we are also going to add a list of useful phrases and expressions in Ukrainian and Russian that will make your trip around Ukraine an easy and pleasant experience. Moreover, 'Discover Ukraine' will constantly increase the number of interesting places, restaurants, and hotels, and renew the lists of upcoming events.
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Match Review

2012-06-19T23:44:00.000-07:00

Spain - Croatia 1:0

The most important question in this match was, whether the teams will play 2:2. It'll be recalled that this score would have been satisfactory for both, Spain and Croatia. The both would have entered quarter-finals regardless of other circumstances. And Italy would have gone overboard (here is an extra motivation for Spain). Many experts cynically assumed that in such important tournament all means are good - business is business. However, it was hard to believe in 2:2 - both, Spaniards and Croatians still value their reputation very much. In reality the 'match-fixing' Croatia - Spain became one of the most dramatic matches on this tournament...
True, the game's start left some field for fantasies and guesswork. Both teams seemed to have started the duel very friendly and non-aggressively. Spain played top seed, of course. However, Croatian goal wasn't attacked too much. There were hot moments, though - their peak was Fernando Torres's goal attempt virtually from zero angle, on the 23d minute. Sergio Ramos's far kick that happened on the same minute, may be recalled as well... However, Stipe Pletikosa cleared both attempts. Moreover, Croatians - in person of Modrić, Pranjić and Mandžukić - answered with very unpleasant counterattacks from time to time.
Meanwhile, Italy scored its first goal in parallel match. That is, there were no surprises in that match. In this case goalless draw wasn't a suit for Croatians and they turned second speed. Spaniards realized that Croatians may score a goal and kick them out from Euro-2012 and put on some pressure, too...
Spanish apprehension wasn't for nothing. On the 59th minute, Croatians had a perfect chance to score. Luka Modrić's free passage along the right wing ended with overplaying Spanish defender and lobbed ball to the penalty area's left part. Rakitić ran in there without any markers. He headed the ball to the goal just from few meters. Iker Casillas reacted by a miracle and kicked the ball away! The ball went to Spanish defender, who didn't manage to control it, and bounced again... to Rakitić, who was lying on the ground by then. He headed the ball (lying on the lawn!), but Spaniards had already regained control and kicked the ball outside the field.
In the following 20 minutes it was very dangerous at Iker Casillas's goal. Sensation seemed unavailable. (At this moment, Croatians' manager Slaven Bilić looked like crazy genius, who rushed about his lab, waiting for experiment's end.)

The result was totally different, though. On the 88th minute, Croatian defenders apparently made a mistake creating offside trap (although, there is a version that there was an offside), and after Fàbregas's pass, two Spaniards found themselves behind Croatians. Iniesta headed the ball to Navas, and the latter virtually walked with it into the goal (just to be sure!). Pletikosa was, certainly, 'a superfluous third' in this situation.
Spaniards' minimal victory brought them to quarter-finals, and the Croatians will unfortunately go home. Will there really be no more sensations on Euro-2012 after Netherland's kickout?

Dick Advokaat: Russia Not Lucky

2012-06-17T23:41:00.006-07:00

Dick Advokaat: Russia Not Lucky
This last fight with Russia Advokaat coached PSV before next season. Dick Advokaat was not too lament the exclusion of Russia from the provision of Group A after a 1-0 loss to Greece in the last match on Saturday (16/6) evening local time.

Russia, which is also the Euro 2008 semi-finalists, who started the campaign with maximum results and only need a draw for the quarter-final ticket mengungci. However, they are sluggish at the National Stadium in Warsaw and had to pay a single goal Giorgios Karagounis scored in first half injury time. Greece had the right to pass to the next round to accompany the Czech Republic, thanks to the advantage head-to-head.
“We played pretty well, pressing to the front but other teams defended well. I think we played very well in the first half,” Advokaat said after the game.
“But we also respect Greek, is difficult to be conquered in the second half,” added the coach who will PSV coached the Dutch Eredivisie club next season.
“I’m not really interested in what people say about me. My staff work hard, we are unbeaten in 16 league sebelimnya.
“We had no luck. We should have won, but this is football so congratulations to Greece,” Advokaat end.

Big Ego Causes of Poor Performance of Netherlands Team

2012-06-17T23:41:00.003-07:00

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2012-06-17T11:04:00.002-07:00

Date/Time: Sun 17 June 2012
Kick-Off: Sun 18:45 GMT
Competition: UEFA Euro 2012
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Venue: L’viv Arena (L’viv)

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Germany vs Denmark Live Stream Euro 2012 Highlights -17 June 2012

2012-06-17T09:07:00.004-07:00

Denmark vs Germany Live Stream Euro 2012 -17 June 2012
Denmark will play their match against Germany this week it is going to to be the toughest match for the Germany they were looking to catch the Euro 2012 spot for the Quarter Finals. Germany were having a great game against the team of the Netherlands last time and they were ready to win the match.

Mario Gomez is looking to get to get more goals on the sheet . Germany have already qualified for the Euro 2012 and they have 6 points and they were looking most strongest team and they may win the 3rd match.Germany got a strong team squad and they have shown good performance in the past matches and hopefull to lead the group with most points.

Denmark only qualified if they beat Germany and Netherlands defeat Portugal in the match because Denmark and Portugal both have 3 points and win is every thing for the both sides . Watch this match live online here, when the team of the Denmark will face the team of Germany .

Watch Euro 2012 Live Streaming Online With Euro HD TV

2012-06-17T09:06:00.001-07:00

How Can You Explain About Euro 2012 Football Tournament Of Europe.It's Really So Exciting Football tournament of The World.Many Many Fans have in the world.Many European People or fans or lover already exiting for this game.may be you also excited for this tournament.UEFA Euro 2012 Live Stream Online Available Here.Euro 2012 Start 8th June to 1 July 2012.You Can Easily Watch Euro 2012 Live Stream Here, Group State Matches, Quarter-finals, Semi Finals, And Euro 2012 Final Live Stream Also.So, Don't Need to Go Others.Here We give 100% HD Quality Euro 2012 Cup TV.Visit nOw and get all schedule and

Euro Cup 2012 TV

Euro 2012 final draw

Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
Poland	Netherlands	Spain	Ukraine
Greece	Denmark	Italy	Sweden
Russia	Germany	Ireland	France
Czech Republic	Portugal	Croatia	England

In 2012, the highly anticipated UEFA European Football Championship will be played out in eight stadiums in Poland (with venues in Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Poznań) and Ukraine (in Kiev, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk).
The first of 31 matches in Euro 2012 kick off on June 8, 2012 in Warsaw, on the way to the quarter-finals leading to more intense semi-final battles throughout the month.
Then it's on to the deciding game at Olympic Stadium in Kiev on July 1, 2012.
Poland and Ukraine as official host countries are automatic qualifiers to participate in the Euro 2012 games. December 2, 2011 saw the final draw of 16 teams that secured a place to compete in Euro 2012. However, well before the official announcement easy predictions included Spain (as defending champions at Euro 2008) as well as Germany, France and Italy (see above for the official breakdown.)

This summer, follow the games with our Euro 2012 bracket leading up to the final in July:

Euro 2012 ticket information

More than a million tickets went on on sale on March 1, 2011 for the 31 matches played in Euro 2012, with the majority of tickets sold to the public directly via euro2012.com and participating vendors. Match tickets as well as team series ticket packages are available for each of the 16 participating teams.

Euro 2012 TV coverage ======== Euro Cup TV

Even in a Summer Olympics year, more than a million fans are expected to attend the live matches in Poland and Ukraine with millions more watching live broadcasts in more than 200 countries worldwide.
As it happened during Euro 2008, expect ESPN to be "Euro 2012 Central" for the bulk of cable television coverage. In the UK, also look forward to ITV and the BBC providing full coverage of Euro 2012 championship matches leading up to the final. Setanta Sports will have it covered in Australia.

Euro 2012 Schedule

All games are local Central European Summer Time (CEST) which in the UK translates into most games taking place an hour earlier at 17:00 (5PM) and 19:45 (7:45PM); and in the USA at 12 Noon and 2:45PM.

Date	Time	Match	Stadium	Stage	Teams - Final Scores
June 8		1		Group A	Poland 1, Greece 1
		2		Group A	Russia 4, Czech Republic 1
June 9	18:00	3	Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv	Group B	Netherlands vs Denmark
	20:45	4	Arena Lviv, Lviv	Group B	Germany vs Portugal
June 10	18:00	5	PGE Arena, Gdańsk	Group C	Spain vs Italy
	20:45	6	Municipal Stadium, Poznań	Group C	Ireland vs Croatia
June 11	18:00	7	Donbass Arena, Donetsk	Group D	France vs England
	20:45	8	Olympic Stadium, Kiev	Group D	Ukraine vs Sweden
June 12	18:00	9	Municipal Stadium,Wrocław	Group A	Greece vs Czech Republic
	20:45	10	National Stadium,Warsaw	Group A	Poland vs Russia
June 13	18:00	11	Arena Lviv, Lviv	Group B	Denmark vs Portugal
	20:45	12	Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv	Group B	Netherland vs Germany
June 14	18:00	13	Municipal Stadium,Poznań	Group C	Italy vs Croatia
	20:45	14	PGE Arena, Gdańsk	Group C	Spain vs Ireland
June 15	18:00	15	Olympic Stadium, Kiev	Group D	Sweden vs England
	20:45	16	Donbass Arena, Donetsk	Group D	Ukraine vs France
June 16	20:45	17	Municipal Stadium,Wrocław	Group A	Czech Republic vs Poland
	20:45	18	National Stadium,Warsaw	Group A	Greece vs Russia
June 17	20:45	19	Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv	Group B	Portugal vs Netherlands
	20:45	20	Arena Lviv, Lviv	Group B	Denmark vs Germany
June 18	20:45	21	PGE Arena, Gdańsk	Group C	Croatia vs Spain
	20:45	22	Municipal Stadium, Poznań	Group C	Italy vs Ireland
June 19	20:45	23	Donbass Arena, Donetsk	Group D	England vs Ukraine
	20:45	24	Olympic Stadium, Kiev	Group D	Sweden vs France
June 20	No games scheduled
June 21	20:45	25	National Stadium, Warsaw	Quarter-finals	1A vs 2B
June 22	20:45	26	PGE Arena, Gdańsk		1B vs 2A
June 23	20:45	27	Donbass Arena, Donetsk		1C vs 2D
June 24	20:45	28	Olympic Stadium, Kiev		1D vs 2C
June 25	Watch Euro 2012 Live on Euro Cup TV
June 26	Watch Euro 2012 Live on Euro Cup TV
June 27	20:45	29	Donbass Arena, Donetsk	Semi-finals	Winner of #25 vs Winner of #27
June 28	20:45	30	National Stadium, Warsaw	Semi-finals	Winner of #26 vs Winner of #28
June 29	Watch Euro 2012 Live on Euro Cup TV
June 30	Watch Euro 2012 Live on Euro Cup TV
July 1	20:45	31	Olympic Stadium, Kiev	Final Live	Winner of #29 vs Winner of #30

Thanks A lot For Coming Here.Enjoy Yourself and With Your Friends and Family.

Fernando Torres Score two Goal, Spain Slay the Republic of Ireland

2012-06-16T02:11:00.001-07:00

Fernando Torres was the star of the Spanish victory over the Republic of Ireland in Group C Euro 2012 continued in the PGE Arena Gdansk, Friday (15/6) morning. 28-year-old player scored two goals to bring the La Furia Roja 4-0 win over The Boys in Green.
Torres scored one goal in the first half and one other goal in the second half. While the other two goals scored Spain’s David Silva and Cesc Fabregas respectively in the second round.
These results make Ireland became the first team eliminated from the finals of Euro 2012 as Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad did not score points in two games. Their final game against Italy will not affect anything for the squad The Boys in Green.
As for the Spanish victory makes them rise to the first order of Group C as it has a better goal difference than Croatia who have the same points. La Furia Roja still needs a victory in the last game against Croatia to ensure through to the quarter-finals as group winners.
First Round
Ireland actually started the game well. On the 2nd minute, they had the opportunity to first-kick from outside the box which made Simon Cox. Unfortunately, West Bromwich Albion striker kick was tipped by the Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Spain has superior speed in the 4th minute. Silva penetration into the penalty box foiled Ireland Richard Dunne. But Torres snatched a loose ball that had a direct kick hard without being able to stop the goalkeeper, Shay Given.
After these goals, the more eager to bombard Spanish goalkeeper Ireland. Interval of three minutes, two opportunities acquired La Furia Roja. The first, kick caught Silva Given. The second, Torres’s cross-kick that misses the point Andres Iniesta.
After two chances, the Spanish began to loosen the attack. Result, the Irish were able to obtain a number of opportunities although not too dangerous goalkeeper Casillas. Two opportunities are available Keith Andrews and Richard Dunne misses the point.
Opportunities for the opportunities of the Spanish re-created in the last five minutes at the end of the first half. Unfortunately, two attempts Xavi and Iniesta had foiled Given.
At this stage, practical Spanish control of the game. While the Irish appear more to reduce the aggressiveness survive attacks launched by the Spanish.
Second Round
In the second half, Trapattoni to replace Cox with Stoke City player Jonathan Walters to step up attacks against the Spanish. Still, Spain controlled the game with the game tiki-taka it.
Spain had the opportunity to add a goal by tapping a right-back Alvaro Arbeloa. Unfortunately his shot from the right harness successfully blocked Given a blank space.
Spain finally added a goal by Silva in the 49th minute. Given the ball gag harness tepisan kick Torres, Manchester City midfielder Aston Villa keeper to flick it softly into the corner of the goal. Of 2-0.
Two up to the Spanish players seemed more loose and play a little more relaxed in each building to attack the Irish defense. Although such a golden opportunity to re-obtained Xavi in the 55th minute through a hard shot that forced Given to rescue a brilliant one-handed.
At the 70th minute, Torres adds to the coffers of his goal. Utilizing breakthrough bait Silva, bomber Chelsea beat Given from close range. Spain were three goals ahead.
Use the time remaining, Trapattoni hopes of a surprise by including James McClean replaces Damien Duff. While the Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque put Fabregas and Santi Cazorla to replace Torres and Iniesta.
But it will increase the benefits of Spanish. Utilizing feedback corner Silva, Fabregas is not guarded hard kick that can not be anticipated Given. 4-0 score lasted till the long whistle sounded.
Follow the game qualifying Group C Euro 2012 between Spain and Ireland LIVE on GOAL.com Indonesia.
Teams:
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Alonso (Martinez 64 ‘); Xavi, Silva, Iniesta (Cazorla 80′); Torres (Fabregas 74 ‘).
Reserves: Valdes, Reina, Albiol, Martinez, Juanfran, Fabregas, Mata, Cazorla, Navas, Pedro, Llorente, Negredo.
Ireland: Given; O’Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward; Duff (McClean 76 ‘), Andrews, Whelan (Green 80′), McGeady, Cox (Walters 46 ‘); Keane.
Reserves: Westwood, Forde, Kelly, McShane, O’Dea, Gibson, Hunt, Green, McClean, Doyle, Walters, Lon

Spain 4-0 Republic of Ireland: More agonising than an episode of EastEnders

2012-06-15T11:48:00.002-07:00

Agony. The most horrible thing I’ve seen on TV since that time I accidentally switched over to EastEnders.
Nothing about it was good. From the early goal to the last minute, it was sheer torture.
Spain are undeniably brilliant and we all knew what to expect - but it was still hard to watch.

Five things we learned

1) We failed to panic. As odd as that may sound, there were far too many times when we tried
to play our way out of trouble. Our defenders should have defended in the dumbest way more often, by
simply clearing their lines as quick as possible. Too much confidence on the ball at the back ultimately cost us.

2) Aiden McGeady was the wrong choice. A talented footballer, but too indecisive. On the rare opportunities we got to attack, his dithering on the ball cost us in my opinion. It would have been much better to have gone with the direct, down-the-line approach of James McClean. The roar from the crowd when the Sunderland man came on spoke volumes.

3) Simon Cox is a worthy starting option Not a player many would automatically select for their first XI, but
he battled hard and held the ball up well. His early effort was one of the few highlights we had to cling on to. In the imminent post-Robbie Keane era, he could become an important player for Ireland.

4) We were number 16 in the tournament. There is no denying that we deserved to be there, but at the same time we just weren’t good enough. Expanding the tournament to 24 teams in 2016 will weaken the
competition and lower the level of quality. Regardless, I hope we are there again in four years time - as long as we avoid Spain and let someone else experience what we have had to endure!

5) Torres forget he was supposed to be rubbish. Everyone thought he yesterday’s man, but he was fleet-footed, his movement was clever and his finishing was thunderous. If he stays fully fit, he will be a 20+ goals man for Chelsea next season.

Given hell: Shay made mistakes but still denied the Spanish a total rout

Man of the match

We were spun relentlessly from one side of the pitch to the other, over and over and over again.
The slide passes played behind our back line by Xavi, Iniesta and Silva were sublime and to be perfectly honest, they could have scored another four or five. Thanks to Shay Given, they didn’t. Some of the saves he made were world-class.

Reaction back home

Sometimes, it is heartbreaking to have to face up to reality. We worked hard to qualify, but ultimately we were found out when it really mattered. Players like Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Shay Given have been the heartbeat of the team for more than a decade so they will depart the international scenes as heroes to us all, but now is the time for change.
I would like Marco Tardelli to replace Trapattoni and continue the good work that the duo have begun.
So now, the only thing to do is enjoy the last game and start looking forward to Brazil in two years time!

Italy 1-1 Croatia review: Bilic, Modric and Mandzukic have Croatia believing after draw with Italy

2012-06-15T11:47:00.001-07:00

Two games and it’s already four points in the bag for Croatia.
After the win against the Republic of Ireland in the first match, Croatia were up against former World Cup and European Champions, Italy.
No problem or pressure for Slaven Bilic’s men who came out of the game with a very impressive point, and it could have been more.
Thoughts from "back home" - Super Mario rescued Croatia was how Sportske novosti put it. That’s Mario Mandzukic.

Five things we learned from the performance:

1) First thing first, Bilic still has it. Italy were the better team in the first half, there is no doubt about that whatsoever. Then it came to the point in the match that things needed changing, and well, Bilic was there to change it.
Changing formation and going with a 4-2-3-1 in the second half which seemed to suit Croatia better against the Italians and in the end proved to be the correct decision as they came back to draw.
2) The wing backs. I said after the Republic of Ireland match how good Srna was and he was excellent against the Italians, as was Croatia’s other wing back Ivan Strinic.
They both proved effective in defence as well as in attack. The pair made ten successful tackles in the match, more than the whole Italian team combined. Srna had the second most touches in the match, 83, which was one less than Pirlo, while Strinic was the man that put in a superb cross to assist Mandzukic’s goal.

Goal! Croatia's Mario Mandzukic scores the equalizer thanks to an assist from Ivan Strinic

3) Stipe Pletikosa is a very good goalkeeper, ok maybe not something ‘new’ we have learned, but it was a solid performance from the man in between the sticks.
One moment really stood out, when he made a beautiful double save to keep the Croats in the match. In the end it seemed to gain them a point, very good match from the Croatian number one, who made a total of four saves during the game.
4) Croatian fans were naughty. After the Russians were fined and given a suspended six-point deduction for Euro 2016 qualifying, Croatia’s fans may be the next ones in bother.
Not once but twice in the match we saw flares thrown onto the pitch and the match had to be stopped, we saw the likes of Vukojevic and Rakitic trying to get the crowd to quit it, but it didn’t happen. This could land them in trouble with European football’s governing body, UEFA.
5) Maybe we need to start believing. If the Croatian fans didn’t believe in their national heroes before the tournament then maybe this will help them out. They sit with four points from the first two games and with a fantastic chance of advancing from the group that has the reigning World and European champions in it.
It’ll be no easy feat, but what we have learned is to start believing in this team, and start believing in Modric and Bilic when they tell us they don’t fear any team and will qualify from this group.

Man of the match for Croatia - Luka Modric

In the first half even though Croatia were second best Modric’s runs whilst off the ball were just excellent. Always trying to help his team mates out and get into a space.
Also in the second half, when he was moved further up, he controlled the game for Croatia whilst also not letting Pirlo, who was excellent in the first half, go very far forward.
So, for me, as so often for Croatia, Modric was my man of the match.

Euro 2012: England must be aware of Sweden's strengths and weaknesses

2012-06-15T11:46:00.002-07:00

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Sweden squad get reacclimatised during Thursday's training session at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty

1. The enigma that is Zlatan Ibrahimovic

England's biggest problem. Ignore the stats that show he has scored only three times in 15 appearances against English sides, anyone who watched Ibrahimovic against Ukraine on Monday will know that he is Sweden's most dangerous player by a mile. He scored, hit a post with a header and set up a wonderful chance that the substitute Johan Elmander should have converted late on to earn Sweden a point.
This is not the Ibrahimovic that England have come against in the past. He no longer plays as a main striker for his country and instead operates in a deeper role, where he is deployed behind a lone forward and given a lot more freedom. It means that Ibrahimovic is far more involved – he made more passes against Ukraine than the Sweden wingers, Sebastian Larsson and Ola Toivonen, put together and three times as many accurate passes as Ashley Young managed in the same position against France. Ibrahimovic, in other words, is central to everything that Sweden do as an attacking force.
The dilemma for England is how to stop him. John Terry and Joleon Lescott would have a straightforward task if Ibrahimovic was playing as an orthodox centre-forward but they will not want to be sucked out of position and come into midfield areas to pick him up as it would leave space behind them to exploit and mean that the other central defender is left one on one with Markus Rosenberg or Elmander, depending on who starts up front for Sweden.
All of which means that Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard, assuming they start as England's two holding midfielders, will have to be relied upon to track the Milan forward on occasions. There will be other times, closer to the penalty area, when they will need to pass Ibrahimovic on to Terry and Lescott and it is imperative there are clear lines of communication when this happens, which was something that was lacking in the Ukraine defence when Ibrahimovic hit a post with a header. Oleh Gusev, the left-back, and Taras Mikhalik, the central defender, were left looking at each other wondering where Ibrahimovic had come from and who should have been marking him.

2. Set-piece specialists

Sweden conceded from a set piece against Ukraine, when Andriy Shevchenko scored his second of the evening with a superb header at the near post, but Erik Hamren's side carry a major threat of their own from dead-ball situations. They have the tallest squad in the tournament and several players who can deliver a ball on a sixpence to make the most of their height advantage.
Larsson, who was disappointing against Ukraine and may lose his place against England, is well known in the Premier League for his vicious deliveries and shooting prowess from free-kicks but Rasmus Elm, the rising star of Swedish football, is their main man when it comes to set pieces. As well as being decent with the ball at his feet, which he demonstrated when he picked out Ibrahimovic for his header that hit the upright and also with the late chance that he created for Olof Mellberg, Elm has a long throw-in that will make the Olympiysky stadium in Kiev feel like the Britannia at times.
Ibrahimovic is a towering figure and will need to be tightly marked, as will the two central defenders, Mellberg, who is 6ft 1in, and Andreas Granqvist, 6ft 4in. How quickly England react to "second balls" from set pieces will also be crucial; they will certainly need to close down midfielders waiting on the edge of the area much quicker than they did against France.
Should England need further evidence of how dangerous the Swedes can be on set-pieces, the 2006 World Cup provides an unwelcome reminder. England were twice in front against Sweden in their group game in Cologne but were pegged back when Marcus Allback equalised from a corner and Henrik Larsson bundled in a stoppage-time leveller from a long throw-in.

3. Suspect defensively

One major source of encouragement for England should be how easily Ukraine opened Sweden up. Sweden were overrun in midfield for much of the first half and hanging on at the back at times, with only Ukraine's profligacy sparing them in the opening 45 minutes. Hamren was so angry that he described his players as "cowards" for their first-half performance.
It is easy to imagine Danny Welbeck having some joy against Mellberg and Granqvist. Shevchenko is hardly Usain Bolt but a simple give-and-go in the first half enabled him to get away from Mellberg, who will be 35 in September, and he should have done better with the shot that he dragged across the face of the goal.
Mikael Lustig, the right-back who has been criticised for failing to guard the near post when Shevchenko scored his second, has struggled to hold down a regular place at Celtic through a combination of injury and poor form, although it is possible that he will be dropped against England. On the other flank is the Blackburn full-back Martin Olsson, who is quick and likes to get forward but, as a result, can leave space in behind him and the central defender closest to him exposed, which was something that Ukraine exploited in the first half.
It seems likely that Hamren will try to offer more protection to his defence by bringing in Anders Svensson, a more natural holding midfielder, alongside Kim Kallstrom and playing Elm further forward, at the expense of either Larsson or Toivonen. Svensson, who spent four years with Southampton, is a decent player but he turns 36 next month. Whatever happens, England will need much better end product from Ashley Young and James Milner to provide Welbeck and Andy Carroll with the service they need. Otherwise Sweden's shortcomings will count for little.

EURO2012 Match Preview: England vs Sweden; Carroll to start instead of The Ox

2012-06-15T11:45:00.003-07:00

Preview: England played the most lifeless game of the tournament against France. Yes, they go the result they wanted. No, they will not go far if they continue to play like that. Sweden, on the other hand, were poor for most parts of the game against Ukraine. I tipped Sweden to take the 2^ndspot in front of England in my predictions about the tournament. However, they flattered to deceive and were well below par in the first game. That performance led to some in-fighting according to some reports. Captain Ibrahimovic was not pleased by the Swedes letting go the lead and ending up with zero points. He, allegedly, request for the coach to start Elmander for tonight’s game; as he feels more comfortable and supported with Elmander next to him.

Zlatan was not impressed by his team-mates

England need to desert their new found ‘pragmatism’ and attack the Swedes in this game. A negative game was accepted by the fans against a better French side. However, the same would not be tolerated against a rather feeble Sweden side. England do have the ability to take the ball forward and with speed. They have two of the Premier League’s fastest winger in Theo Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain, but so far Theo has not been called upon; and Chamberlain has been asked to do more defensive work than attack. Sweden’s defense was very questionable against Ukraine and England should look to exploit the old centre back pairing. Both Mellberg and Olsson don’t have pace on their sides. England should look to use pace against these two. Wellbeck could play a very crucial part tonight for England.
Team News:
News coming in suggests that Andy Carroll will start at the expense of Oxlade- Chamberlain tonight, as England look to force the issue. This is rumored to be the only change for England tonight. Meanwhile, Sweden might start with Elmander up front, supported by captain Zlatan. No injury worries for either team to report.

Sweden

Isaksson

Lustig – Olsson – Mellberg – Grangvist

Kallstrom – Svensson

Larsson – Ibrahimovic – Elm

Elmander

Carroll

Welbeck

Young – Gerard – Parker – Milner

Cole – Terry – Lescott – Johnson

Hart

England

Key Battle: Mellberg vs Carroll

Andy’s big break

Mellberg was below par in the last game against Ukraine. A player with his experience will look to put that behind him and start fresh tonight. He will be against the giant frame of Carroll; who himself is coming into the game lacking confidence. Carroll had a poor season at Liverpool and was under constant criticism throughout the year. His inclusion in the squad was questioned but England didn’t have many options with Rooney suspended. It is a big opportunity for Andy to silence his critics tonight. Two other heavily criticized strikers, Torres and Gomez, have proved their worth so far. It is time for Andy Caroll now.

Prediction: England 0 – 0 Sweden
England may not be as defensive as they were against France, but, I’m still not convinced that they have enough rhythm as a team to score goals. Sweden might be better at set-pieces compared to France and England would probably not sneak a set piece goal again. I expect this to be another dull affair with no goals.
Facts:

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Sweden’s last 10games in EURO
England are undefeated in their last 9 matches in EURO
England have never beaten Sweden in a competitive fixture.
England beat Sweden 1-0 in a friendly in November, which was their first victory over the Swedes since 1968. Meetings in the World Cups of 2002 and 2006 both ended in draws.
Four of England’s five efforts on goal against France came from defenders.

Euro 2012 Comes To Wroclaw

2012-06-15T06:35:00.001-07:00

Euro 2012 Comes To Wroclaw

Something very strange happened in April 2007, when Michael Platini read out the winning bid to host the European 2012 Football Championships. Instead of proclaiming 'Italy', as everyone had expected, or maybe as an outside bet 'Croatia & Hungary', Monsieur Platini, the UEFA president, proudly announced that it was Poland's and Ukraine's joint bid that had clinched it!

Needless to say there was pandemonium on the streets of just about every city in Poland and Ukraine, whose wildest dream had just come true. The celebrations were extra sweet in Wroclaw which has been chosen as one of the host cities for Euro 2012.

With the championship now around the corner, Wroclaw has just about completed its many preparations for the event. The airport and train station are undergoing renovation, and new hotels, roads, and most importantly, the sparkling new Wroclaw Municipal Stadium (Stadion Miejski in Polish), have been built.

The schedule for Wroclaw’s group stage (Group A) games is as follows:

8 June 2012 / 8:45PM : Russia vs Czech Republic
12 June 2012 / 6:00PM : Greece vs Czech Republic
16 June 2012 / 8:45PM : Czech Republic vs Poland

Connecting to the Stadium from:

Wroclaw Airport
Wroclaw’s Copernicus Airport will complete its newest terminal in early 2012, boosting its annual capacity by 3 million passengers. Serving the usual airlines, charter flights, as well as budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz, Copernicus Airport will most likely be your point of arrival in Wroclaw. You can drive directly from the airport to the stadium in about 15 minutes along the newly opened A8 motorway. If you prefer to travel via public transportation, head to the centre via bus no. 406, drop off your luggage at the hotel, and take a bus, tram, or train directly to the stadium.

Wroclaw Railway Station
The central railway station in Wroclaw (Wroclaw Glowny in Polish) is currently undergoing extensive renovation and modernization, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2012. Travelling to the stadium from the central railway station is a breeze since the opening of the stadium’s own dedicated station called Wroclaw Stadion. This means you can jump on a train from the central station and be at the stadium just three stops, or twelve minutes, later.

City Centre - Public Transportation
There are currently several buses and trams which connect the city centre to the stadium, from both the north and south sides. These lines include buses 103, 403, 435 from the north side (exit at Gosławicka stop), and trams 10 and 20 from the south side (exit at Stadion Miejski Lotnicza stop).
However, by May 2012 there will be a much faster and easier connection to the stadium through a dedicated tram stop directly on the stadium’s esplanade north side via tram number 31 PLUS. Along with the train, this will most likely be the most convenient way to reach the stadium.

City Centre - By Car
Like any urban centre, Wroclaw has its share of traffic, and for newcomers, driving around a new city can often be frustrating. This is why, if you are staying in the city centre, it would be much easier to skip renting a car and travel to and from the stadium via tram or train. But if you insist on car travel, it’s worth knowing that route 94 is the easiest way to get to the stadium from the centre.

Outside of Wroclaw - By Car
If you’ll be arriving from outside of Wroclaw by car, it’s very likely you will arrive on the brand new A4 motorway. Transfer to the A8 motorway which encircles the city, and take the dedicated Wroclaw Stadion exit to arrive right at the stadium’s doorstep.

If you're coming to Wroclaw for Euro 2012, you'll no doubt have a million questions. Well a little research around Wroclaw Life will pay off dividends. We've got reviews and photos on all the best accommodation in Wroclaw, and you can even book hotels and apartments via our site. Tips on travel,airport info, and scores of insider reviews on the best bars and restaurantsin town. With funky extras like our Polish language starter kit, weather reports and online map (with exact locations of all the city hotspots, including the stadium) you'll be fully equipped with all the info you need for a fantastic Euro 2012 campaign!

For info on other host cities, go to our sister sites in Warsaw, Gdansk, Poznan, Krakow, Kiev and Lviv, or check out our individual articles aboutEuro 2012 Poland and Euro 2012 Ukraine.