Euro 2012

Expert analysis of the events in Poland and Ukraine

BotN: Spain joy as Alonso wins Golden Beard

The Back of the Net boys file their final report: Spain 4-0 Italy Spain added yet another title to their bulging trophy cabinet, players and fans erupting in joy as midfield stalwart Xabi Alonso was awarded...
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Analysis: Where Italy went so very badly wrong

Spain seemed all-conquering in the Euros, but Italy had held them in the opener. Why, asks Alex Keble , did they change their tack? Italy's strategy in their opening game of Euro 2012 had more success...
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Plenty of praise to go around in celebrating Spain

Joy aplenty in Spain. Of course, there's the small matter of la Roja retaining the European Championships, making history by winning three successive major tournaments and in doing so becoming the...
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Analysis: How Spain evolved their system during Euro 2012

ZonalMarking.net 's Michael Cox uses FourFourTwo's Euro 2012 StatsZone app to analyse the changes Vicente del Bosque made in his one problem position Throughout their victorious Euro 2012 campaign...
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Analysis: How Spain won – and not as easily as they made it appear

FourFourTwo.com Editor Gary Parkinson uses the Euro 2012 StatsZone app one last time to review a final which wasn't as straightforward as the final score suggests ... In some respects, this was as...
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View from Italy: Tears and misfortune but also pride and joy

Our man in Milan Richard Whittle on the reaction to Italy's Euro 2012 final loss against Spain Twice now in major finals, Italy have had the misfortune of coming up against a team that defines an era...
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BotN: Fans let down as Balotelli fails to behave like performing seal

The Back of the Net view on Germany 1-2 Italy Italy stormed into the final of the European Championships on Thursday night, withstanding a late fightback to record a highly impressive 2-1 victory over...
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Stats Zone: How Italy can counter Spain – and why Del Bosque should drop Silva

ZonalMarking.net 's Michael Cox uses FourFourTwo's Euro 2012 StatsZone app to preview the final between Italy and Spain For the fourth time in the last seven European Championships, the final is...
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Arsenal's Oxlade-Chamberlain issues 'come and get me' plea to parents

The Arsenal youngster is having a Macaulay Culkin moment, according to Back of the Net 's John Foster Youthful winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has issued a desperate ‘come and get me’ plea to his parents...
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BotN: Portugal combat ‘slightly less good Spain’ tag by playing like Spain, but slightly worse

The Back of the Net team report on Spain's penalty shoot-out victory over Portugal Portugal lost out to Spain on penalties after proving to be not quite as good at anything as their rivals. Faced with...
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Stats Zone: Germany's three crucial decisions against Italy

ZonalMarking.net 's Michael Cox uses FourFourTwo's Euro 2012 StatsZone app to analyse the tough choices facing German coach Jogi Low... In an impressive show of Germany’s strength in depth, Jogi...
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View from Spain: Sergio Ramos becomes Spain’s Braveheart

Merciful Zeus, there’s some big man-love (and lady-love) towards Sergio ‘Tarzan’ Ramos in Spain on Thursday – and why shouldn’t there be for a footballer who is such a fine defender, has cojones made of...
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View from Spain: Mourinho hopes to avoid Portugal-Spain punch-up

As a proud Portuguese patriot, José Mourinho's finest achievement so far at the Bernabeu may be the apparent damage he's done to Spanish team morale and unity. Barcelona and Real Madrid have never...
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Ronaldo helps to heal Spain's Clásico scars

It’s been a long time since LLL has had a bit of a blub - at least one it's willing to admit to - but a tear of joy rolled down the blog’s face on Monday when it saw that a temporary truce had been...
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BotN: England lament justice of penalty shootout

The Back of the Net boys report on Italy's triumph over England Plucky England saw their hopes and dreams crushed yet again by penalties, exiting Euro 2012 on penalties in a way that can only be thought...
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Spanish delight as France finished off with considerable comfort

With a squawk, splutter and explosion of feathers, the French chicken was squished under the hooves of the mighty Spanish bull on Saturday night, becoming the latest victims of la Roja over the past few...
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View from Italy: Pirlo's spoon serves up an Italian treat

The second that Italy knew that they had finally and deservedly overcome England came when Andrea Pirlo coolly converted his penalty. It was a delicious moment to savour for any football lover and one...
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Analysis: How Stats Zone saw England's exit

How England's quarter-final defeat to Italy was seen by FourFourTwo's completely free Euro 2012 StatsZone app. Penalty defeat may be desperate, but England couldn't call the result unfair....
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BotN: France fail to turn up, turn up, fail to turn up, lose

The Back of the Net team report on Spain's 2-0 Euro 2012 quarterfinal win over France Spain eased into the semi-finals with a 2-0 win over a French side that wasn’t present for the first half and failed...
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Rooney pressuring Pirlo will help England quell Italy's creative threat

ZonalMarking.net 's Michael Cox uses FourFourTwo's Euro 2012 StatsZone app to demonstrate the threat Italy's various creative outlets will cause England in Sunday evening's quarterfinal...
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BotN: Germany put long-suffering fans through five minutes of slight discomfort

The Back of the Net team report on Germany 4-2 Greece Germany saw off Greece 4-2 to book their customary place in the semi-finals, but they had to come through nearly 350 seconds during which the outcome...
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Video: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and a massive golf ball

England's mighty little Ox – although not as little as perspective suggests...
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View from Spain: Puppet talk dominates Spanish face-off with France

LLL had always felt that Spain’s relationship with France was not too dissimilar to that of England and their Gallic neighbours – sort of nice to beat them in sporting events if we can, decent cheese,...
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Eyewitness: In the thick of it in Kiev

FourFourTwo frontline correspondent Eliot Rothwell reports from a McCafe in Kiev... Kharkiv was orange. Kiev was yellow. Travelling around these two Ukrainian cities, the former being the former capital...
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BotN: Ronaldo: “Ronaldo? Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo. Ronaldo-Ronaldo. Ronaldo!”

The Back of the Net gang report on Czech Republic 0-1 Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo delivered the knockout blow for Cristiano Ronaldo against the Czech Republic, to send a jubilant Cristiano Ronaldo...
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Germany stride on as a fearsome unit – not a bunch of individuals

Ahead of Germany's quarter-final against Greece, Stefan Bienkowski looks at the only team to have won all its Euro 2012 games... Ahard-fought victory over Denmark confirmed Germany as Group B winners...
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Analysis: Czechs change their wide play to great effect

Zonal Marking maestro Michael Cox on how Michal Bilek's side changed their game – and reached the quarter-finals... Of the four sides that topped their group, the Czech Republic were clearly the most...
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Five players who have made a name for themselves at Euro 2012

With the group stages of Euro 2012 done and dusted, Gerard Brand names five players we think have made a big impression at the tournament so far... Theodor Gebre Selassie – Czech Republic and FC Slovan...
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Analysis: Modric's Euros prove his suitability for Madrid move

Croatia's Euros adventure is over but their main man may be back on the continent sooner than later, says Alex Keble Two minutes into Spain vs Croatia, Luka Modric got his first taste of possession...
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Gerrard proves he can deliver from deep - but Italian intelligence the real test

ZonalMarking.net 's Michael Cox uses FourFourTwo's Euro 2012 StatsZone app to analyse the action from Poland and Ukraine Roy Hodgson has based his England side around organisation, discipline and...
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BotN: Rooney and oddly apportioned karmic refund see England through

The Back of the Net boys on England 1-0 Ukraine England triumphed over Ukraine to book a quarter-final with Italy thanks to Wayne Rooney but were thankful to see an equaliser ruled out for reasons of karmic...
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BotN: Sweden march on, out

The Back of the Net boys report on Sweden 2-0 France Sweden recorded a majestic 2-0 win over France and sent a warning to the rest of Europe that they would be a force to be reckoned with were they not...
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Stats Zone player watch: England 1-0 Ukraine

So England got through to the quarter-final, despite only having 43% possession and completing 262 passes out of 321 compared to Ukraine's 386 of 453. But how did the players do individually? Here...
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View from Scotland: Tournaments – the parties we're no longer invited to

Craig Anderson brings the shock news that some Scots wouldn't mind England winning – just the media reaction that would follow... There’s nothing we Scots like more than a party. But there’s nothing...
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BotN: Italy live to use another cliché

The Back of the Net boys report on Italy 2-0 Republic of Ireland ... There were scenes of great relief as Italy overcame the Republic of Ireland 2-0 to book a place in the quarter-finals and earn the right...
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View from Spain: A nervy national night in crunch Croatia clash

For the last half-hour of Monday night's nervous Croatia match, it seemed the only Spaniards not completely bricking it were TV station Telecinco's commentators. “Everything’s OK!” was the message...
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BotN: Spain no longer any good, experts reveal

The Back of the Net team report on Croatia 0-1 Spain Spain scored a late winner to beat Croatia and finish top of Group C, but the win was overshadowed by the news that the European and World Champions...
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View from Italy: Balo's 'Poznan Pivot' shows promise of greatness

Having seen Cristiano Ronaldo join the party, Mario Balotelli picked the perfect moment to make his own grand entrance at Euro 2012. In truth, Balotelli was a little unfortunate to have been relegated...
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Analysis: Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal's greatest threat... and liability?

Zonal Marking editor Michael Cox uses FourFourTwo's Euro 2012 StatsZone app to analyse Cristiano Ronaldo's group-stage performances With two fine goals in yesterday’s crucial win over Holland,...
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Analysis: How to beat Spain (or go down fighting)

Who can stop the champions? Alex Keble uses FourFourTwo's completely free Euro 2012 StatsZone app to analyse the action so far – and suggest teams who could counter the kings... Spain reasserted their...
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Spanish honour at stake in Croatia clash

Monday night’s final Group C match against Croatia really is a win-win affair for Spanish fans – unless of course La Roja lose and are prematurely ejected from Euro 2012 before the side has barely warmed...
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BotN: Germany beat Denmark just because they can

The Back of the Net report on Denmark's desperate defeat to non-gentle giants Germany Germany spitefully defeated Denmark 2-1, knocking the distraught Danes out of the competition and giving boss Joachim...
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BotN: Things starting to look bad for Holland, admits Van Marwijk

Back of the Net report on Portugal 2-1 Holland Holland boss Bert van Marwijk has admitted that his Dutch side have it all to do to secure a place in the quarter-finals after defeat against Portugal left...
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BotN: UEFA hope Greece forget to claim their quarter-final place

The Back of the Net gang report on Greece 1-0 Russia Greece are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, a reluctant tournament spokesman has admitted, but organisers are clinging on to the hope that...
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BotN: Polish celebratory vodka repurposed as misery vodka

The Back of the Net team report on Poland 0-1 Czech Republic Co-hosts Poland crashed out of Euro 2012 on Saturday evening following a 1-0 defeat to the Czech Republic, leaving their manager, players and...
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Absolutely Fabulous... The Euros so far

The Euros have been such a pleasure so far that Absolute Radio's lead commentator Jim Proudfoot couldn't wait to tell Vaishali Bhardwaj all about it... Group A Russia started their Euro 2012 campaign...
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BotN: Ice-cool England dispatch Sweden with ruthless efficiency...

The Back of the Net boys report on Sweden 2-3 England England vanquished ancient foes Sweden in Kiev with a commanding performance that left the result in no doubt whatsoever at any stage. The Three Lions...
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Nasri's drifting from the left makes Malouda irrelevant

ZonalMarking.net 's Michael Cox uses FourFourTwo's Euro 2012 StatsZone app to analyse the action from Poland and Ukraine No-one denies that Samir Nasri is an extremely good footballer, but no-one...
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BotN: Ukraine and 400-year-old God of Thunder unable to stop France

The Back of the Net team report on Ukraine 0-2 France France stamped their authority in Donetsk with an exhibition of free-flowing passing football, but they had to weather an early storm in the form of...
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BotN: Trapattoni pinpoints kick-off as turning point for Ireland

The Back of the Net boys look back on a disappointing night for the Irish... Reflecting on the 4-0 defeat by Spain on Thursday that saw his side exit the tournament, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni...
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Analysis: Lessons from Spain 4-0 Republic of Ireland

Whether you're stuck without a telly or you're following the fallout on a second screen, check FourFourTwo's Twitter commentary during the match for illuminating analysis using the completely...
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Football journalists triumph against under-par Ireland

The Spanish football press has leapt upon the rather flattering notion that Vicente Del Bosque had spent the last few days pondering whether, despite having a fairly decent record as a manager for club...
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BotN: Croatia refuse to give in, grab socially awkward point with Italy

The Back of the Net gang report on Italy 1-1 Croatia Croatia fought back to secure a 1-1 draw with Italy in Poznan, leaving everyone feeling a little awkward. Cesare Prandelli’s Italy dominated the game...
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Analysis: Lessons from Italy 1-1 Croatia

Whether you're stuck without a telly or you're following the fallout on a second screen, check FourFourTwo's Twitter commentary during the match for illuminating analysis using the completely...
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Analysis: Lessons from Holland 1-2 Germany

Whether you're stuck without a telly or you're following the fallout on a second screen, follow FourFourTwo's Twitter commentary during the match for illuminating analysis using the completely...
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BotN: Postiga karaoke triumph the final straw for furious Ronaldo

The Back of the Net boys report on Denmark 2-3 Portugal A late Silvestre Varela goal helped Portugal overcome Denmark in a five-goal thriller on Wednesday night, but star man Cristiano Ronaldo endured...
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Analysis: Flexible midfield partnership helps Germany overcome functional Netherlands

ZonalMarking.net 's Michael Cox uses FourFourTwo's Euro 2012 StatsZone app to analyse the action from Poland and Ukraine Germany’s 2-1 win over Holland was one of the best team displays of the...
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Defiant Del Bosque prepares for aerial battle against Irish

Spain’s dominance of world football over the past four years isn’t simply down to having fairly decent players and not allowing anyone to play with their ball. There’s also a huge amount of insecurity...
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BotN: Van Marwijk identifies Dutch defence, midfield, attack, kit, language as problem

The Back of the Net boys report on Holland 1-2 Germany Holland are on the brink of elimination from Euro 2012 after a devastating defeat by bitter rivals Germany and coach Bert van Marwijk has admitted...
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Analysis: Lessons from Denmark 2-3 Portugal

Whether you're stuck without a telly or you're following the fallout on a second screen, follow FourFourTwo's Twitter commentary during the match for illuminating analysis using the completely...
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Holland face Germany and history with echoes of Euro 80

Having qualified in style for the Euros, World Cup runners-up Holland face the Germans in the second group game with everything on the line. 2012? No, 1980, as a worried Mohamed Moallim explains… The biggest...
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BotN: World’s top statistician begins work on permutations as Poland hold Russia

The Back of the Net gang cast an eye over Poland's entertaining 1-1 draw with Russia A magnificent strike from Poland captain Jakub Blaszczykowski earned Poland a crucial point against Russia, creating...
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BotN: Samaras' failure to score only reinforces Greek belief in Samaras

The Back of the Net team explain some of the curious tactics witnessed during Greece's 2-1 defeat to the Czech Republic Despite a defeat that leaves them on the brink of elimination from Euro 2012...
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Analysis: What England can learn from Ukraine vs Sweden

After a slow start, Ukraine's victory over Sweden was one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far. But what can England learn about the tactics of these two teams, ahead of the games on...
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BotN: Everyone and no-one happy as France and England draw

The Back of the Net boys report on England's 1-1 draw with France France and England finished with honours even in Donetsk as the teams played out a 1-1 draw that left everyone completely satisfied...
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Analysis: Roy should call on ‘horses for courses’ Carroll to capitalise on Sweden frailties

England’s display in their Group D opener against the French was symptomatic of what fans have already come to expect from the Three Lions under Roy Hodgson. Tactically disciplined and typically spirited...
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BotN: Fairytale for Shevchenko as he scores twice, kills wolf, rescues princess

The Back of the Net gang provide an alternative take on Ukraine's Sheva-inspired comeback against Sweden Matchwinner Andriy Shevchenko has described Ukraine’s win over Sweden as “a fairytale,” after...
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Analysis: Italy's back three plus Spain's false nine equal a tactical spectacle

ZonalMarking.net 's Michael Cox uses FourFourTwo's Euro 2012 StatsZone app to analyse the action from Poland and Ukraine From a tactical point of view, the standout match of the opening round of...
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Analysis: Lessons from France v England

With all the talk ahead of England's Euro 2012 Group D opener against France being of how vastly inferior Roy Hodgson's squad was to that of Laurent Blanc's France, the nature of the match...
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BotN: Ireland defeated as every chance somehow falls to Keith Andrews

The Back of the Net team give their take on Ireland's frustrating 3-1 defeat to Croatia A commanding performance from Mario Manduzkic helped Croatia to victory on a wet night in Poznan, while Ireland...
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BotN: Torres performance vindicates Spain decision to play with no strikers

Back of the Net 's report on Spain's 1-1 draw with Italy It finished one apiece in Gdansk as purists enjoyed the absorbing battle served up by the contrasting tactical approaches of Spain and Italy...
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BotN: Portugal lull Germany into real sense of security

The Back of the Net comedy collective run the rule over Germany's 1-0 win over Portugal Germany started their Euro 2012 campaign with a clinical 1-0 win over Portugal, whose slipshod passing and lack...
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BotN: ‘We’re ranked ninth in the world’, squeak plucky Danes

The Back of the Net gang on the Netherlands' 'shock' 1-0 defeat to Denmark Fresh from their 1-0 giant-killing win over the Netherlands, adorable minnows Denmark have piped up to tell everyone...
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BotN: Ruthless Russians nostalgically crush Czech resistance

The Back of the Net team on Russia's 4-1 opening night victory over the Czech Republic In a performance that was has been praised as devastatingly efficient and historically appropriate, a merciless...
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BotN: Poland vs Greece fails to live up to expectations, thank God

The Back of the Net team give their unique take on the opening game of Euro 2012 - Poland 1-1 Greece The opening match of the European Championships of 2012 completely failed to live up to its billing...
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Why Euro 2012 will rock

From the mind-boggling stadiums to the tension-fuelled grudge games, here are 15 reasons why FourFourTwo can't wait for the fun to start... Anyone can win the trophy A victory by the Republic of Ireland...
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Euro 2012 preview: Sweden

They've forsaken 4-4-2 and found a new role for talisman Ibra, reports Jonathan Wilson New model army: Sweden have changed their form and formation For many years since the mid-’70s, when the influence...
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Euro 2012 preview: France

Rejuvenated since the shame of South Africa, Laurent Blanc's side have momentum and a wealth of attacking riches, says Ben Lyttleton When Laurent Blanc marked his first game in charge by dropping all...
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Euro 2012 preview: England

England expects? Not after preparation ravaged by managerial change, off-field arguments and half a dozen injuries, says James Maw Missing in action: Half of England's team has been ruled out There...
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Euro 2012 preview: Ukraine

The co-hosts have been busy building stadia and rebuilding the team under a legend, says Dan Brennan Ukraine: welcoming the world (well, Europe) The co-hosts’ preparations for Euro 2012 have been inauspicious...
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Tossed coins, tear gas and Three Lions: the fascinating history of the Euros

The rise of the European Championship, from a World Cup afterthought to international football’s toughest tear-up. Take that, Jules Rimet! “For me, the Euros is even harder to win than the World Cup. There...
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Euro 2012 preview: Republic of Ireland

As Ireland make a welcome return to the big stage, Paul Kelly assesses the men in green's chances of causing another upset or two in Ukraine and Poland Believe it or not, this man is Italian... After...
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Euro 2012 preview: Croatia

Surprise packages at Euro 2008, Slaven Bilic's side know they'll need to be at their best to progress from Group C. Jonathan Wilson previews Croatia. Croatia secured a Euro 2012 place with a play...
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Euro 2012 preview: Italy

With Italian football rocked by allegations of match-fixing, the national team could boost their public by bringing home some silverware. Matt Barker assesses the Azzurri's hopes of repeating the trick...
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Euro 2012 preview: Spain

The World and European champions will unsurprisingly be among the favourites for Euro 2012. Graham Hunter runs the rule over La Furia Roja Spain's golden generation are surely not done lifting trophies...
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Euro 2012 preview: Denmark

Ever hear the one about the team who were 'on the beach' just days before the start of the tournament they were about to win? Oh, you have? Every four years since 1992? Here's Ben Lyttleton...
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Euro 2012 preview: Portugal

Perennial underachievers they may be, but Portugal do still possess perhaps Europe's finest player. Ben Lyttleton assesses A Selecção's chances in Poland and Ukraine Nani, Meireles, Veloso and...
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Euro 2012 preview: Germany

Imagine the old-fashioned German efficiency married to the attacking brio of, say, Holland. No wonder, says Ulrich Hesse , the German fans are loving this team... Germany 2012: Lean, fit, efficient and...
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Euro 2012 preview: Netherlands

They qualified with stylish ease and have a fearsome front four, says Ben Lyttleton , but the Dutch have problems – not least at the back… "You go over there… no, not you…" They’re never happy...
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Euro 2012 preview: Czech Republic

The 1996 finalists, though unfancied, will be looking to cause an upset in Group A. Jonathan Wilson on the Czech Republic The Czech Republic sealed qualification with a play-off victory over Montenegro...
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Euro 2012 preview: Greece

Euro 2008 was something of a damp squib for the champions of 2004 - can they make a splash in Ukraine and Poland? Jonathan Wilson casts an expert eye over Greece Greece are compact, stubborn, pragmatic...
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Euro 2012 preview: Russia

Russia were among the more impressive performers in Austria and Switzerland four years ago, but can they repeat the trick? Dan Brennan casts an eye over Dick Advocaat's side Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko...
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Euro 2012 preview: Poland

Robert Lewandowski will look to give the Poles goals The last European Championship was Poland’s first, but it wasn’t exactly memorable: they were eliminated after taking just a point from their three...
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Euro 2012 previews: All 16 nations assessed

Get the lowdown from FourFourTwo's global experts on the 16 Euro protagonists... Group A Poland • Russia • Greece • Czech Republic Group B Netherlands • Germany • Portugal • Denmark Group C Spain ...
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Brotherly love, goalkeeping crises & refereeing scandals: The A-Z of Ukrainian football

As Euro 2012 draws ever closer, FourFourTwo.com's Eastern European expert Mark Gilbey tells us more about the football history of the two host nations. Here's, Ukraine... A - Andriy Shevchenko...
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Holy wars, miners and underdogs: The A-Z of Polish football

As Euro 2012 draws ever closer, FourFourTwo.com's Eastern European expert Mark Gilbey tells us more about the football history of the two host nations. First, Poland... A - Lech Poznań’s Artjoms Rudņevs...
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VIDEOS Moments that rocked the Euros

Among the many marvellous features in the new FourFourTwo – out now, folks – there's a rundown of the 50 Moments That Rocked The Euros. Among them are the following, lovingly presented in the form...
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Welcome to Lviv, the cradle of Ukrainian and Polish football

At one stage it seemed as though Lviv was perhaps the most doubtful of the four Ukrainian host venues at this summer’s European Championships. After all, preparations could hardly be considered trouble...
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Back of the Net's Euro 2012 previews

The Back of the Net boys examine each participating country in depth... Group A: Poland – It's Not All Fun & Games Russia – Excellent Control There Greece – Cautious Football, Reckless Spending...
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Spotlight

75% of all TV is Bale

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