Five stories in the 2012 European Championship

Jeff Carroll broke a big story, in the 2012 European Championship.

World Cup may be the world’s largest international football party, but the most difficult? This honor is awarded the European Football Championship, affectionately known as the 2012 European Championship with the current version.

Yes, the game has their favorite among the powers, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. However, this quality, in-depth in this competition, the euro is not above outliers sneak into and steal the trophy. This is the title eight years ago, all the way to the upstart Greek road maintenance and coping strategies. 12 years ago, Denmark, a team of players known as Yugoslavia was expelled from their summer vacation, after the civil war, shocked Germany’s favorite to win the crown.

This version, complete the death of an end to all the Group of death Group – Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark – will no doubt provide the share of drama and quality. With this in mind, here is carried out in accordance with the game story.

A. Spain will enter the history books?

Shares more than the opportunity to become the first repeat of the European championship. Spain – the defending World Cup champion – may also become the first team in three consecutive international competitions require.

Is not it?Much depends on the form and health of its strike force. Villa is still racing, and his recovery time in December sustained a leg fracture. Torres’ struggles have been well documented in the Champions League semi-final, despite Chelsea clinched the target. This may force the manager Bosque rely on untested Valencia striker Soldado or Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente – Height 6 feet 4, will give the team attack elements – Spain unparalleled work is completed.

The crew claimed that the two European World Cup in 2008 and 2010, Xavi, Alonso, Iniesta, Puyol, Casillas hand more. Group C also includes the path of the semi-finals in Italy, Ireland, Croatia, the team appeared to navigation. There is no doubt at this point, the goal of creating history will become more difficult.

Two. Ronaldo to shine on the international stage last?

The Portuguese star, finishing off a brilliant season, the club, one could see him add another gold medal of the European Champions League, he is almost certain that the Real Madrid won the La Liga crown. His 54 goals – and counting – point to a player in his power peak.

Rare moments when he has been on the international stage performance, however. His only goal in the 2010 World Cup in North Korea 7-0 romp. The rest of that game is disappointing.

Of course, experienced similar criticism of Ronaldo, Real Madrid face Barcelona, but the game winner in the Super Derby April 21 slayed Finally, the devil. His two goals in a 6-2 postseason play, maybe Ronaldo is his power, as well as at the international level, to eliminate the vestiges of Bosnia – Herzegovina.

The more important question is whether Ronaldo’s team have enough quality to make him shine. The defense looks solid enough, and Nani on the opposite flank of Portugal’s attack to provide some much-needed balance. But again, the Portuguese seem short of forward options. This weakness, along Germany, Denmark and the Group B into the brutal resettlement combination of the Netherlands may also prevent replication in major international competition, he was electric club form of Ronaldo.

3. Speaking of death group

Opinion, as long as the draw of major events after the announcement, a group of slap in the face with the death of the label group. In this case, the label unfair Unfortunately, four in Group B, although in the FIFA world rankings should pinch your favorite seasoning, in this case, they directed. All four teams currently ranked the top ten. Denmark, it is assumed in the weak group participants, currently ranked ninth and Portugal, the Netherlands, fourth, fifth and Germany’s second.

For reasons beyond the rankings, Germany and the Netherlands are the favorites to go through. Germany, the young genius of attack stability, including Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos, should progress. But this kind of talent, not available elsewhere is nothing that can be taken for granted group. Netherlands just enjoy that can win the 2010 World Cup final, its own form of the game and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie. Above Ronaldo for Portugal reason to believe that it can survive, Denmark has been greater than it is an integral part of a team.

Then, once the group stage after the end of the emergence of the team for their trial or tension encountered weaken the energy at the beginning of their knockout stage? It will make compelling viewing, no matter what happens.

“Spain – the reigning World Cup champions – can also become the first team to claim three international tournaments in a row.”

4.IL trap “, the country of his birth

Early in the sweepstakes before December, the Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni no secret of his desire to avoid Italy, he managed in the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. So, of course, the God of football decided the two countries in the possible significance of the existence of group C with Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia, playing second, Trapattoni will need to come up with his former team, in the third and final The group stage to reach the knockout stage.

This is not the first time the two countries squared been, Italy in 2008 to take over Ireland. Team twice drew during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, although it should be pointed out that Italy eventually punched their ticket in South Africa, while Ireland does not. Trapattoni now have the opportunity to return the favor.

5 The host to do proud of themselves?

Be said that Poland and Ukraine can not be compared to co-host in the previous game to do any deterioration – Switzerland and Austria – there is any one person has made the group stage, and their record is just a victory and a draw. Of course, the good people in the UEFA has done everything in their power to ensure that does not happen again this embarrassment. Along Greece, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, have been drawn into a ridiculously easy. Ukraine has a little more work to do, France, Britain, Sweden, they will face up to.

Will it be enough? Poland will have hope, Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski and midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski flowers have enough left in the tank by the desired target. (Reporter spelling and pronunciation of his name, will not be sharp.) Ukraine will need to aging, 33-year-old midfielder Anatoly Tymoshchuk and iconic striker Andriy Shevchenko, 35, two in the next few The years roll.

The fans threw paper balls at the players

German federation fined

UEFA fine of 12,550 yuan of the German Football Association, fans threw paper missiles in Portugal player in the European Football Championship game.

Portuguese players in Germany, 1-0 defeat Saturday during the first half of Ukraine, Lviv, and dozens of grapefruit-sized paper ball throwing.

The rules of UEFA national associations for their fans, the venue acts.

UEFA Portuguese Football Federation also fined $ 6,275, because the team is late in the second half.

Polish police stand ready for trouble

Hooligan violence

Polish support more football hooligans violence between Poland and Russia fans willing to do both sides fighting in the European Football Championship, the Minister of Justice warning “idiot” this weekend, there is no shortage.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the police are prepared to severely respond to any violence.

Tusk said in an interview with reporters: “I hope that we will not use force, if necessary, we will use it mercilessly, ZET radio last Friday.

He said that Russian President Vladimir Putin warned him that some Russians could try the attacks on them Tuesday, the Russian authorities in retaliation, but also what to do, what they could do to control their rogue.

RFU calls on fans to show restraint, and behavior in accordance with UEFA rules.

Competition in Warsaw near the center of attention in Russia and Greece, on Saturday night when the Russians more than 20,000 are expected in Warsaw. Fear, some of them may end up in the street fighting with the Poles.

Fans in Poland and Russia on Tuesday in the streets of Warsaw in conflict, their country play. The game, a difficult, by the historical baggage between the two countries in the 1-1 draw at the end. At least in one case, the Polish football hooligans attacked a Russian fight back. The man kicked and beat each other, playing in their midst.

Fighting the thousands of Russians marched to the group in the stadium, waving the national flag and national symbols – as a provocation, some Poles. Scuffle apparently started by the Russian Stadium.

The worst case of violence police fired rubber bullets and tear gas, the young Polish men, attacked one of them with stones and bottles.

200 people have been arrested, Warsaw police spokesman Maciej Karczynski said Friday. Police initially arrested 184 people, most of them Poles, has given rise to more research security camera lens.

In other disorderly conduct, the Russian fans attacked their team first 2012 European Cup stadium steward, June 8 Wroclaw. This prompted a UEFA fine Russian Football Federation (euro) 120,000 ($ 150,000).

The officials said that Russia has more than 20,000 Saturday’s final group game with Greece ticket in Warsaw. Another 3000 Russia is expected to watch the game in a public place, but did not march planned at this time.

“We all know, no shortage of idiots, it is possible on the Polish side of the provocative behavior of the cases, and Russia (side),” Justice Minister Jaroslaw Gowin told reporters Friday.

The court also convicted some of those arrested Tuesday on the fast track trials, although some only suspended for the end.

gowin the key to a suspended sentence, he said, he worried that such leniency would only encourage further violence.

Sikorsky, Minister of Foreign Affairs called on Friday to the courts and prosecutors to deal decisively with rogue bandits. “

Nicklas Bendtner faces discipline

UEFA rules enforcement

UEFA has been accused of misconduct, to reveal the names of his underwear on an unofficial sponsors, celebrate a goal in the Champions Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner.

UEFA said the Turner broke football “doubt the players’ uniforms and equipment. European Football Association, said the disciplinary committee will deal with in the case Monday.

Turner lifted his shirt, and slightly lowered his shorts, exposing through his underpants on the gaming company’s name, after scoring on Wednesday’s second goal in Portugal’s 3-2 loss.

Euro 2012 UEFA competition rules also prohibit advertising sponsor a player’s uniform.

Last Friday, the Turner in practice, flashed his new Regulation friendly black short top.

Bendtner rebuke from the Danish Football Association, an opponent of gambling company official relations.

Poland’s fast-track trials in progress

Hooligans going to court

The past two years, more than a dozen rogue fast track trial for their role, Poland and Russia faces a passionate European Football Championship game earlier this week, violent clashes have been convicted, the court officials said Thursday.

Tuesday the riots test is to show that Poland is serious violent policy of zero tolerance, co-hosted the 2012 European Championship of Ukraine.

Poland was not only to fast track trials. They have become a common practice, such as the World Cup and other major events. In preparation for Euro 2012, Poland has changed it’s part of the Penal Code, so as soon as possible trial.

Seven Poles on Wednesday convicted 16 people on Thursday, the Warsaw District Court officials said. 23 is part of the assaulting Police “unlawful assembly.” Street, the assembly is considered to be illegal participant joins an obvious intent of violence, they do not seek any official authorization.

From 3-12 months of imprisonment, but many of them are suspended or appeal. Three men, two, three, five-month sentence, Wojciech Malik, spokesman for the Warsaw District Court.

Warsaw District Court officially the Malsin Lochowski said a man assaulted a police officer was fined $ 870.

Joanna Mucha, Sports Minister, said the punishment should be severe, but the Government has no impact on justice system.

Expected in the coming days to further fast track the dozens of trials. Police detained 184 people in the conflict as part of. Before the outbreak of the game, thousands of Russian fans march to the National Stadium, waving the Russian flag, and shouting “Russia, Russia.”

In the quality of Warsaw, the capital of Russian patriotism is provocative Poles, they are still deeply resent during the Cold War, Moscow communism imposed on the expression. Some of the battle is who attacked Russian Polish football hooligans caused.

In addition, a group of young Poles have also attacked the police in the game of bottles and stones, prompting the officers used rubber bullets and tear gas response. Three dozen people injured in the violence – 19 civilians and 17 police officers.

Police detained 156 Poles, 25 Russia, Spain, Hungary and Algeria around the end of a 1-1 tie game between Poland and Russia fighting.

Wednesday, Poland’s Interior Minister said that Russia will face intended to expel them from the state and the lifting of a five-year pilot of their EU visa.

There is no violence in the stadium or in the District of downtown fans.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday night, and said he believes that “the mood of the bad stadium should not affect the excellent relations between the two countries and their citizens,” Tusk website said in a statement.

It added that the two leaders agreed to, the rogue should be prosecuted, irrespective of their nationality.

Ireland eliminated in Group C

Torres scored in each half of the target, to Spain for more than a 4-0 victory over Ireland and the elimination of Ireland from the European Championships.

David Silva and substitute Cesc Fabregas has also made a goal in the second half to four points in Group C, the defending champion, the joint leadership of Croatia.

Spain mainly through its rapid combination of rhythm and scoring opportunities, 26, of course, in the quarterfinals on the team site.

Euro 2008 final goal, Fernando Torres, Spain in advance as early as in the restricted area go past Dunn and sent goalkeeper Shay Given before the camera angles in the fourth minute scurry past Stephen Ward.

“We hope to win in order to create a better impression than Italy,” said Torres, who became Spain’s third-leading scorer, played 95 and 30 target. “The team performance was really good. This is great.”

World Cup champion, sent a traditional striker, was attacked after 6 against, Italian midfielder, Torres began Fabregas.

Our goal is to Spain began an attack against Ireland, Simon Cox also forced the Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, only the second minute a difficult save.

“Unfortunately, the goal three minutes after the second out of the window, your tactical plan, said:” Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni, his team also recognized early in the 3-1 loss to Croatia.

Spain, through the better, to leave Ireland in the chasing. Spain midfielder Xavi Alonso and the use of precise passes through the middle of spoiled by poor finishing, blocks or save every a crack.

“For the vast majority of the time, chasing shadows”, the Irish midfielder Keith Andrews said.

Silva is in the penalty area, and finally converted the continuing threat early in the second half. Manchester City striker gathered around two defenders left foot shot inside the 49 before the ball rolling, and Dunn’s legs and given the scope of showing some patience.

In view of the still made clutch stop pushing the Spain goal from Iniesta, Xavi and Fernando Alonso, Arbeloa and Alba guard looking at the camera.

“I have opposed and likely to play out the best side, I will always be against the best,” Ireland defender Sean St. Ledger said.

Ireland Lanka Sealy Elias extended to save in the 75th shooting Robbie Keane, enjoying a brief spell in the second half of the opportunities, which is Torres, that he will continue at Chelsea in the form of a late season in Euro 2012 alternately. Torres ran a pass from Silva, and held the pressure of the Dunn shooting around in the 70th.

“This is why we have him to do what his goals today,” Spain coach Del Bosque said. “This is an exemplary game in many senses, we played a very complete game.”

The goal against Italy, when playing in an unlikely offensive role, received Fabregas, Silva’s corner kick sent in the near side of the far post from the inside of the film was finished 83 rout.

Ireland will be the last game against Italy, of which there are two points need a win to qualify for the quarterfinals. Spain can advance draw against Croatia on Monday.

“To go out looking for a draw, it will be very dangerous,” Bosque said.

UEFA reviewing racism reports

UEFA is investigating reports that the Croatian fans throw a banana in the field and racial abuse in the 2012 European Cup competitions, the Italian striker Mario Balotelli.

UEFA said it is seeking more information alleged in the game (Thursday) in Poznan, Poland, fan behavior.

UEFA appointed anti-discrimination group, it has the “absolute” eyewitness report shows that nearly 300 people directed at Balotelli, who is black monkey chants.

Against racism in European football, piara Powar told the Associated Press of chants than boos, or may be misunderstood. ”

Balotelli has been suspected in the 2012 European Cup match in Italy, the target of abuse.

Croatia, a fine of $ 32K for fans behavior

UEFA fine the Croatian Football Association of the European Football Championship game against the behavior of the fans of Ireland 31,500 dollars.

UEFA said that sanctions be imposed “to set up and throwing fireworks and missiles, and supporters into the venue.”

Croatian fans was overcome, trying to reach coach Slaven Bilic 3-1 win in Poznan, Poland, by the housekeeper.

Croatia, led by 2-1 after Ireland in the Group C match of the kick-off has been delayed with the Croatian fans packed the stadium at one end, and from the fireworks smoke cleared

Jeremy Menez leads triumph

Two goals in the second half gave France the win over Ukraine in Group D.

The players of Ukraine is the first thunderstorm, and then by the French smart football flooded wet.

French victory in a major competition was delayed for nearly an hour of game, a huge downpour, thunder and lightning to beat Ukraine 2-0 on Friday to end a six-year drought.

Jeremy Menez and Cabaye Yohan scored early in the second half of this year France to help first victory in a major competition since the 2006 World Cup semi-final.

“I hope the next victory will not, because I will be long and then fired another six years, the French coach Laurent Blanc said.” “We start shooting targets and have control over the game.”

Zidane head butt, and brought to a close at the 2006 World Cup final red card to France’s golden generation – and France failed to win the European Cup in 2008 and 2010 World Cup.

Blanc hope that Friday’s victory is a sign that France finally able to once again become a strong competitor.

“We scored twice and more,” said Blanc. “We have great potential.”

Friday game in the Donbas Arena has lasted only five minutes, the players on the field under harsh conditions forced to close, until the rain let.

In the first match in a 1-1 draw, with Britain, France, four points in Group D, England and Ukraine compared to many of the same. French also expanded their 23 games unbeaten.

, “Blanc said:” I congratulate my players and Ukraine’s. “This is a good game both teams are trying to attack.”

The two team’s fate will be decided Tuesday, France played Sweden and Ukraine facing England. Was eliminated last Friday, the British lost the Swedes.

For French fans, finally in the 2010 World Cup and European Cup in 2008 after the group stage was eliminated cheering things.

“France may be one of the favorites, Ukraine coach Blokhin said:” through an interpreter. “Some players believe that we have in the quarterfinals, we will have a serious conversation with them …. won the first game, and play so that the second, which is impossible.”

France’s goal is to one-touch passing and movement was once the team logo products.

Franck Ribery is gathered at the left of the ball, sprinted forward, and then set near the restricted area of Benzema. Real Madrid touch mene, cutting and drilling inside the near post left foot low ball.

Reasonable goal Brandeis Kemei decision to replace the veteran midfielder Florent Malouda, the former Paris St Germain winger two opportunities, the legs of goalkeeper Andriy Shevchenko of Ukraine Pyatov denied.

“Menes is a need for confidence in the players,” Blanc said. “He is a quick player, this is a game he was very encouraging.”

France’s second objective is another example of the superb team, Franck Ribery and Nasri combining find Benzema. He hopes that the weighted pass to allow Cabaye running on the same angle of the film was finished.

Cabaye increased by almost through the third half-way half-volley hit the right post the middle of the second half of France’s confidence peaked.

Frustrated home fans angry whistles louder and louder, The Nasri time forced a night with curling free kick save from Pyatov, the home fans had already left.

“If we can not win, I whistle, instead of the team,” Blokhin said.

Moments before kick-off, the rain intensified, about 49,000 soaked in Ukraine, a clap of thunder interrupted the national anthem “La Marseillaise” in France handed over after burning.

When the lightning lit up the sky crack, the referee Bjorn Kuibo Si to make rapid decisions in the fifth minute, the safety of the players and wet areas can not continue.

Danny Welbeck scores winner for England.

Walcott finally got his chance in the European Football Championship, he only needs three minutes to make.

Walcott shortly after scoring off the bench, and the establishment of a noble winner Welbeck as an interesting 3-2 win over Sweden United Kingdom rose.

Results from the European Football Championship out of the process of the quarter-finals in Sweden and England. English only need to draw on the co-host Ukraine in the final group game forward.

“As long as my debut in such a high profile on the stage, it just means to me so much,” Walcott said. “This is a very long time to wait, hope there will be more to come by me.”

Walcott ignored the competition is open game of his young Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade Chamberlain in England, but in injury time, they began on the bench Friday in favor of James Milner and Ashley Young.

But waste a half in England leading backward 2-1 fell in urgent need of a victory against Sweden, the coach Hodgson turned Walcott in 61 minutes.

Three minutes later, Walcott and turn distance shooting led a corner of the rapid winger outside the area level in England.

He went on to break into the area, and sent a low cross Welbeck, 78 backheel shhot left past diving Isaacson England, Sweden’s first victory in eight attempts in games.

, “Hodgson said:” This is a very smart finish. “This is a worthy goal, in my opinion, to win the game.”

England get Rooney suspended the next game, but Walcott and Carol will be in a strong performance, Hodgson will have a difficult decision, they will be on the bench.

“We all know that Theo has been, this is the whole team the same rights, the ability of the people on the pitch to make a difference,” said Welbeck. “I am very pleased to Theo.”

Against France 1-1 draw, victory last Friday may silence critics who believe that Britain has become Hodgson, proved it can score goals, too defensive awareness needed.

“We believe that from the first game, we hope to pick it up a bit more offensive,” Walcott said. “If you score three goals, which is the most important.”

Sweden, a part of it, so that the second half of the first to slide the opener after falling 2-1 Ukraine for the second consecutive game. Although the Swedes greatly improve performance, Friday, they once again failed to shut down their opponents defense.

“I think we better team than their Swedish captain Ibrahimovic,” “We have taken the lead 60 minutes in two games, then lost it …. but today we played exactly what we want to play. ”

Features a lot of opportunities for both sides in a game, Carroll has powerful header on 23 minutes, indicating that Hodgson was elected to lead the England half before the start of the tall Liverpool striker. Carol had between two defenders to meet the biography of entering the zone Gerrard, Sweden once again been exposed to the air.

Sweden to fight back the unlikely source of the shot by Olof Mellberg, Joe Hart, England’s Glen Johnson pushed into the net past. As its goal to obtain.

He said after the game, he will quit international football, Mellberg, and then rise to the highest, to meet from Sebastian Larsson’s free kick for a long time, ahead of the Swedes in the 59th .

, “Hodgson said:” This is a blow to the football game. “We are reasonable and comfortable, have a good control of the game at halftime, only to shake our heels.”

Led the English in the restricted area of the Arsenal winger Walcott and then start back in a corner. He shot into the the Isaacson down the wrong road, waving his arms, watching the ball fly into the net.

“They are more effective than we are,” said Sweden coach Eric Hamren. “I am really proud of the players, we show the mentality and attitude, I would like to see … However, in order to win the game, you also need a little bit of luck.”