Was it any suprise yesterday when Robin Van Persie decided to make clear his desire to leave the gunners. Now as a gunner I am very dissapointed with Robin's decision and the manner in which he made his feeling known.
Regardless of his feelings as a player he has to remember he is a player and not a coach or the manager, so he has no say on how the club is run. Considering last season was his only full season in 8 years at a club that has supported him 100% through all his injuries this really is a slap in the face for the club he says he loves.
His head has obviously been turned by the money up north and while in one sense that's natural if he had any intention of signing a new deal he would done it long ago. What's clear is Manchester City have been up to their illegal tapping up but Robin who owes Arsenal so muchhas chosen to put the club in a position where they have to sell him. He said he wanted to bring the club back to its glory days and yet he is leaving the club and creating havoc as he goes.
Good riddance to him I say. We dont want another player who has just used the club and who's short term memory means he joins the likes of Nasri and Adebayor as one who now will no longer be remembered fondly by the fans.
Lets hope his injuries do not return as by no means is he anything other than injury prone. Its such a shame that in football there is such as lack of loyalty as money is changing the game.
Good afternoon all
Football history was made last night as Spain won back to back European championships in addition to the World cup they won back in 2010. This truly is a remarkable feat in today's game.
I have been their biggest critic this tournament but last night, Spain had just far too much for Italy to cope with. Fabregas really did justify his selection ahead of one of the recognised strikers. His movement and link up play were exceptional. His part in the first goal was crucial. His well timed run and perfect cross found Silva who did so well to direct his header past Buffon. He has had a great tournament and in my view has improved since his move last summer from Arsenal to Barcelona.
Spain were far more direct last night and cut Italy open for the second in what looks like it will be a combination will be seeing a lot more next season. Xavi found the on rushing Alba who's burst of pace saw him through and he made no mistake, showing great composure. Alba's pace will be a great asset to Barcelona who look to regain La Liga from Real.
I feel the score slightly flattered Spain in the end. The fact that Italy lost Motta at 2-0 to injury was unlucky and Spain were ruthless against the ten. italy gave everything but against this Spain side it just was not good enough.
Spain will take the bulk of this side to the next World cup in Brazil and will be favourites again in my view. The only two sides who could in my view really trouble Spain will be Brazil and Argentina. But both Brazil and Argentina still have a lot of work to do in order to compete against Spain.
Reflecting on what has been a great tournament, I feel the best team did win but I would have been nice to see a bit more from the Spanish a bit sooner. But that's just me being picky. Goal of the tournament was Zlatan's volley for Sweden against France!!! Unbelievable tekkas!!!
Till next time
Good morning all, apologies for the delay but its here now.
We have witnessed in the two semi finals, some quite remarkable performances and unexpected outcomes.
In Wednesday's game I was so impressed with Portugal who in my opinion on the balance of play deserved to go through. They really gave Spain a game. It was only in the second period of extra time that Spain really began to take advantage of some tired legs.
The surprise inclusion of Negredo for Spain was clearly the wrong move. He was woeful, not really sure as to why he was included. I am confused by Del Bosque's reluctance to use Llorente, especially bearing in mind the season he has had. In fact it has been strange that he often has gone without a striker at all. However who I am to judge as Spain are in the final. So they cant be that bad.
Portugal really did not allow the Spanish to play and pressed them all over the pitch. They forced Spain to change it up, with Fabregas who has had an effective tournament for Spain coming on to score the deciding Penalty.
I really felt sorry for Ronaldo as he watched his side go out on penalties. He should have stepped up earlier and not waited for the glory of scoring the last penalty. In truth the game had few chances and Spain have not been conceding many and gave little away in this one. I think Portugal's lack of a decent striker has cost them again. Almeida just is not good enough to trouble the likes of Ramos and Pique. So Spain march on and look to set to make history if they retain the European championships.
Germany are out!. I have to say I was shocked by this one. Even though I was talking with someone about Italy's chances prior to the game, and they did say they thought Italy would progress but I did not hold out much hope to be honest. Guess I was wrong. Super Mario stepped up and how. Love him or hate him he is super talented and proved on the biggest stage of his career to date his ability. Two great finishes from Balotelli. Both with great movement to get himself into the positions to take his chances.
Germany really do seem to be unable to break this pattern of losing against Italy. It just goes to show how much of football is often in the mind. They were unlucky but the german public will be very unforgiving as they were fully expected to reach the final. For me I have never been convinced by Boateng and Badstuber at the back for Germany. They in my opinion are not the greatest defenders and against a half decent centre forward always struggle. I thought that when Boateng was at City, he can be rash and clumsy at times.
A lot of people seem to be surprised by the form of Andrea Pirlo but like I have said before he has always been a world class player but just became stale at Milan. His move to Juventus has revitalised him. The way in which he glides and floats his passes all over the pitch looks so effortless. He is awareness and positional sense is second to none. Great players always have time on the ball. Despite attempts to mark him he still is able to find time and space to pick a pass.
So Spain will meet Italy in the final with Italy having exceeded expectations hugely to reach this point. I firmly believe they can go on and win it now. They are a nation who knows how to win major tournaments. My gut feeling is Spain will triump
Spain vs. Portugal
What a tasty encounter we have in prospect. The rivalry between these two neighbours is fierce and add to that Ronaldo, Pepe and Coentrao up against loads of Barcelona players. This one could explode. I would not be suprised if a few players saw red tonight. My worry is the game will become all about who can get an opposition player sent off. So do not be suprised to see lots of players rolling around after being tackled, as well as players from both teams surrounding the ref and demanding cards be shown. It would be a shame with so much attacking flair and talent on display to be talking about anything other than football at the end of the game.
It is a huge game for Ronaldo who could potentially single handedly take his team through to the final. He can leave his make in history if Portugal are able to overcome the Spanish. I really hope he does.
I think the Spanish will just edge this one. They have so much depth, and I can see them dominating possession. If Portugal do not take the chances that come their way on the break then, Spain will eventually break and wear the Portugeese down. Particulalry in midfield Spain have so much and up against Portugals three, who have been good so far this tournament but I fear they are hopelessly out gunned here and ultimately I believe this will prove to be the deciding factor in this one. I shall be rooting for Portugal though as I have very much fallen out of love with Spain, who have become quite boring in this tournament. And in football you just never know what can happen!
Till next time...
Good morning all
Before I get to England, lets start with Saturday's quarter final in which France met Spain.
France really went out with a bit of whimper to be honest. They lacked any real cohesion as a team. I was suprised by the team selection. Blanc chose to opt for Malouda ahead of Nasri.Malouda has been poor for Chelsea. Nasri has been one of the better players for France and they missed his creativity.
France clearly decided to try and defend and then catch Spain on the break. However they offered very little as an attacking threat. On the other hand Spain were really boring to watch. They spent large spells of the game with the ball and yet had little desire to really go for goals against the French. They broke through midway through the first half, an unlikely source for the goal though. It was Alonso who got it with a nice header.
Spain did eventually get a second through a penalty but it was the worst and most boring game of the tournament for me. Spain again started without a striker and they were pretty tough to watch. Just no real cutting edge and they did not seem to be bothered about adding to their first goal. I really hope we see more ambition from the Spanish in the semi final.
So England lose on penalties again!
Apart from a 20 minute spell in the first half, England really did not do much. They were outpassed and were dominated more and more as the game went on. Pirlo was sensational on the night. His passing and movement were a joy to watch. England allowed him far to much space and on another night would have lost the game within the normal time. The gap in technical ability, coupled with England's lack of quality meant that they were relying on heart and hard work to go through ( and Joe Hart). When Young did miss I just knew that was it. Pirlo's penalty was so cheeky but just showed his supreme confidence in his own ability. Most notable absentees on the night were young, rooney, milner and gerrard. England just did not keep the ball. It is always the same as what is needed is a change of philosophy with a move away from this defensive 'hard to beat' approach. Young players with attacking flair need to be encouraged and given the opportunity to express themselves.
How did Henderson get onto the pitch? Based on what? He is shocking and is the first that should be culled from the squad.
Much work is needed and to be honest a manager who can change styles is what is required.
So Portugal and Germany now find themselves in the last four, after Greece and the Czech Republic went home at the quarter final stage. In the first quarter final, Portugal left it late to progress but when they did finally break through, it was that man Ronaldo who found the net. Ronaldo is under so much pressure to deliver and this, in his own mind, is the tournament he must leave his mark on. Well, he did not let us down. He pretty much single handedly won the game. He hit the post twice and was just about involved in everything good that Portugal did on the night. In the first half, there was one moment that really stood out; Ronaldo hitting the post. For the skill Ronaldo showed, he deserved a goal. The level of control to bring the ball down and spin the defender was incredible, only to see his shot come back off the post. Ronaldo scored, what for him has become a bit of a trademark goal with his head, deep into the second half. He is so strong in the air but not only that, his movement is just so good. He covered so much ground with the run he made, to actually make contact with the cross. He is leading an average side through the tournament and his determination is so evident, as he seeks to get one over on his rival Messi by achieving international glory. The only other player for Portugal that stood out, was Coentrao at left back. Although he played most of the game on the wing, he spent much of his time getting forward. You could see the understanding he has with Ronaldo, as they play together at club level for Real Madrid. His marouding runs and the way in which he beat players, was really something. He is a top player and it just goes to show the impact a top class full back can have. Well, I did predict the Czechs had too little going forward to trouble Portugal and I was right. Baros and co just did not cut it on the night, as the Czechs offered very little at all and opted to sit back and defend, in the hope they could snatch a goal. Baros has since retired from the international game and about time too. The second match saw Germany survive a brief scare against Greece, to romp home winning 4-1. Germany made some changes bringing in Klose, Schurlle and Reus for Gomez, Muller and Podolski. This was an attempt to bring more attacking flair and movement, in order to break down what would be a stubborn Greek defence. Germany were so good and the way the frontline moved and interchanged positions, proved to be too much to cope with for the Greeks. However, Greece held out for nearly 40 minutes and showed the same resilience and hard work that has got them this far (and so much luck). Then up stepped the captain - The ever reliable Lahm. He let fly after approaching the box unchallenged and he caught the ball so sweetly, it found the far corner beyond the despairing Greek keeper. Lahm has been ever present, both for Bayern and Germany. You could certainly argue he has been and still is, the best right back in world football.
It was 1-0 at half time, mainly down to the fact that Germany squandered so many chances. I know that I was thinking that it was game over and it would become all too easy for the Germans in the second half.
To everyones amazement, Greece levelled it ten minutes into the second half. A great counter attack saw the usually rubbish Samaras, tap in an excellent cross from Salpingidis. This only provoked the Germans into a ruthless onslaught, in which they scored three goals. Khedira connected on the volley to make it 2-1 and it was down hill for Greece after that. Then Klose extended the lead, adding to his impressive collection of international goals. What a great player he has been for Germany in recent times. Germany's next goal came from the debutant Reus. He had an excellent game on the right, as he rifled home the fourth goal, after the ball came back off the keeper following Klose's initial effort. Reus, known as Roll's Reus back in Germany, will play at champions Dortmund next season, after a great season with Gladbach. Greece pulled one back from the spot to restore some pride. Germany advanced and looked favourites to go all the way. Their depth was scary as Muller, Gomez and the so far unused Gotze, all came off the bench. The star of the night for me was Ozil would just pulled all the strings and was at the heart of the German front line. They reaaly do play such good football and I have enjoyed watching them more than any one else so far.
Till next time
So we are down to the last eight!
The first quarter final sees the Czech Republic vs. Portugal. Both sides ended the group stage with two wins and will be full of confidence going into this one. No doubt Ronaldo's form will have the Czechs worried, and rightly so. They have no one who can match him or even mark him. For the Czechs to progress Petr Cech is going to have to have a blinder between the sticks.
For me Portugal will have to much for the Czechs. Not only do I think they will struggle to contain Ronaldo but they also have very little going forward that will trouble Pepe and Alves. Baros just does not cut it any more. Portugal's pace and strength on the break is something I can't see the Czechs having an answer for.
I am predicting a 2-0 win here with Portugal looking really dangerous mainly due the imperious form of one Cristiano Ronaldo!
On another matter Uefa continue to dish out fines for various offences committed by players and team alike. Bendtner was fined 80k for wearing branded underwear and Croatia fined 60k for racist chanting!. Clearly they see racism as the paramount issue at the moment. You do have to wonder what these guys actually get paid for and what logic they use to come to their decisions. Its ludacrisin my view and they just continue to embarrass themselves.
Till next time...
Well...it was not that long ago that England fans and
players alike, were up in arms about Frank
Lampard’s goal-that-never-was against Germany at the World Cup, two years ago in South Africa. Last night however, it was England who were on the end of a shocking decision to disallow Ukraine what would have been a much deserved equaliser. The ball clearly crossed the line and yet even with the pointless extra official, the goal was not given and England survived, even though the player was technically offside when the ball was played through to him. I think all England fans will say that it goes some way to making amends for previous wrong decisions that have gone against England. I suppose you have to ask the rhetorical question, if the goal had been given, could Ukraine have gone on to win the game? It's difficult to say really as England themselves could have scored again and we could go round in circles talking about 'what could have happened'.
For me, the game highlighted again that if you are expecting England to dominate, play great free flowing football and entertain, you will be sorely disappointed. They simply have decided to opt for the hard to
beat approach and are just looking to win games. To be fair to Roy Hodgson and the team, winning games at this level is what matters, so Hodgson is trying to make the team tough to break down and effective at winning games. As Greece have shown this tournament and in the past when they won the Euros, you don’t have to be the best side to win. So, England advance with Rooney and will be a match for anyone as they are dangerous from set plays, will look to frustrate the opposition and nick a goal at the other end. England do not have the players to play the football the fans want but this is not the be all and end all, as it just matters who wins. I also believe that when a draw is all a team needs, you can get caught not knowing how to approach the game for fear of losing whilst also knowing a draw will suffice.
England will now face Italy in the quarter finals and with Balotelli and Rooney set to face each other, it looks like this could really be a fixture with some added spice. I fancy England to edge through 2-1.
In the other game France were stunned by the already eliminated Swedes. A team with nothing to play for can prove to be dangerous opposition and this was the case with Sweden. Lead by their inspirational captain Zlatan, they condemned France to a quarter final with holders Spain.
France really did not show up as Clichy was often exposed. Indeed it was Clichy who went missing for the second goal when Larsson lashed home a clinical finish, to finally give the Swedish fans something to cheer at this tournament.
But the real talking point was the goal of the tournament so far by Zlatan. What a goal. It was an amazing volley from just inside the box and he truly is an incredible player. When he is in the mood he can be unplayable, leaving us all wondering why he doesn't get himself into that mind
frame more often. However, he has certainly
matured into his captaincy and seemed to take great pride in leading his team to
victory last night.
France will have to be at their absolute best to beat
Spain, but I just feel that Spain will only get stronger and the best time to
play them has already passed.
Till next time...
Spain waited until 3 minutes before the end of the game
before they secured their passage through to the quarter
finals.Spain really struggled to break Croatia down, mainly due to
their arrogant passing and lack of cutting edge.
I found myself really wanting Croatia to score and for Spain to crash out. It was a great ball from Fabregas who eventually picked the
lock, to allow Iniesta to feed Navas and that was that. Croatia however, had
some great chances. One in particular stands out, when Modric, who was immense all game, delivered a stunning ball with the outside of his boot to find
Rakitic, who missed from 6 yards out with a header! What a miss!
Modric really would not have looked out of place on the Spanish side. He will be an excellent addition to any team if he leaves Spurs this summer. There is talk of Real Madrid wanting him but where would he play??
They already have so much quality in this area. He is top class and I am sure
there will be many teams vying for his signature this summer.
Spain looked suspect at the back particularly in the full
back area, with Alba and Arbeloa looking vulnerable. To be honest I have never
really rated Arbeloa. He lacks pace and is not the greatest defensively either.
Spain in my view got away with reverting to a system with no striker, but this
could come back to haunt them in the latter rounds if they persist with this
tactic.
In the other game Italy managed to get the win they needed.
Balotelli got his goal and almost vented his fury at not starting before having
his mouth covered to stop him. Great finish, but he needs to calm down and build
on that goal. I was glad to see the officials allow Cassano’s goal which clearly
went over the line. It would have been a travesty had it not been
given.
England vs. Ukraine- I think England will prove too strong
for the hosts but you just never can tell with England.
France vs. Sweden- France to beat the Swedes comfortably in
this one.
Last night saw the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2012 European
Championships and about time too! He was immense last night against the Dutch, he literally could have scored 5. I know he was afforded far too much time and space, but last night he was a man on a mission and he was not going to be stopped - he is frightening in this kind of form. It was visibly apparent how much he wanted it. I think the Dutch should blame the Danish fans who wound Ronaldo up a right treat the other night, singing Messi's name! He has a point to prove on the international stage and maybe this could end up being the tournament in which he truly leaves his mark.
One touch in particular, where he took the ball out of the air and span Van der Wiel, was sublime.
Portugal defended so much better than the Dutch, Pepe and Alves along with
Peirera and Coentrao were really solid. The Dutch defence on the other hand were embarrassing. They were left horribly exposed and the lack of quality was so evident. Vlaar and Matijsen were awful and had no protection from the slow and sluggish De Jong, meaning they were unable to handle Portugal who were so effective on the break. There was just one positive for the Dutch and that was
Van der Vaart's great finish. Apart from his curled effort, it's hard to find
any other positives. I feel for their fans as the Dutch really didn't bother to
turn up last night. No matter the formation or the personnel the Dutch chose to
play, it was clear there was no cohesion or any kind of team spirit in the
squad.
Germany progressed as expected but again the Danes put up a real
fight. They had chances to beat the Germans, but in the end were not able to
take any of them and so paid the ultimate price, when Bender ended Danish hopes.
Germany and Portugal advance and will be tough opposition for anyone in the
quarter finals.
Italy vs. Republic Ireland- My prediction, is Italy to win against an already defeated Irish side
Croatia vs. Spain - I think Spain will be too strong and will win this one over the Croats.
Til'
next time..
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