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Showing posts from June, 2012

Matches To Watch

Game 2 of Group Stage Play 1. Germany vs. Netherlands - Prediction -  Germany over Netherlands - Netherlands need a win in order to keep advancing hopes alive Denmark proved a shock win 2. Sweden vs. England - Prediction - Sweden drawing England - England seemed to sit back against France, look for Sweden to exploit the absence of Wayne Rooney Can the EPL stars deliver? 3. Italy vs. Croatia - Prediction - Croatia over Italy - This game could easily determine which of the two advances with Spain, barring an upset Croatia over Italy

Germany vs. Portugal - Preview

Match Keys Germany - Mario Gomez ability to effectively put Portugal under pressure - Midfielders ability to control Ronaldo and the flow of the game - Use of bench, Klose and company Portugal - Two words, Cristiano Ronaldo.  The success and creativity must be shown early - Outside backs ability to get involved on the attack - Play of young keeper Rui Patricio Prediction Germany over Portugal

Euro Results - Match Day 1

Results Poland 1 - 1 Greece  Russia 4 - 1 Czech Republic  Player Of The Day Alan Dzagoev, 21, became the 2nd youngest player ever to score two goals in a European Championship match.  His talents where seen as he not only tallied two beautiful goals but was a main cog in dominating the flow of the game. Rising star, will he be on the move in the summer transfer market?

Euro 2012 - Group D - Preview

Group D 1. England 2. Sweden 3. France 4. Ukraine England  - FIFA Ranking - 6   If they can get good performances out of keeper Joe Hart and starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain they should advance.  I pick this year as the first time they do not disappoint, with Hodgson at the helm we may see better form. Sweden  - FIFA Ranking - 17    The keys for Sweden's success lies within the player of star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sunderland playmaker Sebastian Larsson.  I give them my vote of confidence to progress over France.  Somewhat of a bold call, yet the Euro's hold many twists and turns. France - FIFA Ranking - 14   France is very good.  This time around I believe they can't win.  I have not seen enough to make me really think this squad has the power to take the group by storm. Ukraine - FIFA Ranking - 52     Co-hosts, they will play extremely motivated.  With national greats Andriy Shevchenko and Andriy Voronin, can they produce shock results?  I say

Euro 2012 - Group C - Preview

Group C Prediction 1.  Spain 2.  Croatia  3.  Italy 4.  Ireland Spain - FIFA Ranking - 1    Spain is the biggest favorite to win this years Euro's.  They can attack, defend, score and pass.  They are what most international sides aspire to.  The only flaw maybe in the fact they have too many good players.  Balancing an attacking vs. defending line up could derail Spain's repeat chances. Croatia  - FIFA Ranking - 8    Croatia is my dark horse.  They do not excel in any of the major categories more so than most of the teams this year, yet they play as a team with a solid core of Luka Modric and younger players such as forward Ivan Perisic and my player to watch Nikica Jelavic.  Croatia has the means to surprise the field and steal the glory from the heavier favorites. Italy - FIFA Ranking - 12    Italy has been under pressure as of the lately match fixing scandal.  Between the off field issues, the lose of defender Domenico Cristcito and the unpredicta

USA: They Need Flair - The Quest For A True #10

George Best - Manchester United Legend      All the remembered national team sides have had one major thing in common: the appearance of a true  number 10.  Diego Maradona is often used as the best example of what a #10 can do for his team.  He provides creativity, flair and a desire to not just play football but entertain.  George Best is my favorite footballer of all time.  His able to electrify any crowd will be remembered until the end of time.  He, like Maradona, had the attributes that embody a #10. With the additional of a player whose form contains the able to skin defenders on the dribble at will while infusing some new ideas, the USA would revolutionize there level of play.  I am not saying that this will be an easy find or one that will be found in the short term but development of more players along the lines of encouraging "flair" and "flash" can spearhead the problem.    When looking at the US teamsheet, it is filled with solid midfielder.  Mich

Group B - Preview

"Group of Death" Group B Prediction 1. Germany 2. Holland 3. Portugal  4. Denmark Germany - FIFA Ranking - 2    Germany looked weak for a lack of a better word against Switzerland last week in a friendly.  However, they were without the core of there squad.  The fire power of Germany is too much to overlook.  With strikers such as Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose the appearance and goals are a plenty.  The youthful midfield anchored by Bastion Schweinsteiger is filled with players such as Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos and starlet Marco Rues just to name a few.  The Germans look poised to make a deep run into the later stages of the competition. Holland  - FIFA Ranking - 4    Still recovering from the World Cup Final defeat, the Dutch have quite the squad.  The biggest strength may turn out to be the largest problem.  Robin Van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar are two of the best forwards football has to offer.  If gaffe