UEFA Euro 2016 - Some Bold Predictions!

The Euro 2016, the quadrennial international men's football championship of Europe organized by UEFA, is here and it time to make some bold predictions again.

Team to go all the way: England

It has long been storied how England are the consistent under performers for a long time now.
This means, even though people agree they have a strong team this time, no one is explicitly willing to bet on them!

But it's time to go bold!

A crisp analysis of what makes them stand out this time round:

   A line up that matches something Germany were able to put up in 2014 for the Brazil World Cup: A bench as strong as the first team!
England may have had star players every time they marched into a championship, but hardly have they ever managed to build a team that has a world class substitute for each and every position, literally!

   Take a look at this post -Englands Best Starting XI- to know how strong is their bench in comparison to their starting 11!
   So strong it would put the starting 11 of some top teams to shame!

   This factor in itself can be the single biggest factor to get them what they've been waiting for the last 50 years - a major international trophy!
The collective strength of a teams always stands out, be it in sports or businesses!

    But that by no means is to belittle any individual in the Star studded English team going into the Euros this year.


   Lets take a look at the strong individuals in each position:

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart - The now long standing English keeper is Man City's no.1 and ranks amongst the top keepers in the world

Full backs: In Walker and Clyne, the English team have players who can not only cut out star wingers of the opposition team, they can also create havoc with their range of crossing!

Central defense: John Stones is currently one of the most sought after defenders by the topmost clubs in the world, and Smalling has been the bed rock of a rather shaky Manchester United team in the recent seasons.

Defensive midfield: Eric Dier has shown he can not only win games by cutting out threats but also scoring an occasional important match winner - definitely an important cog in the wheel of the trophy challenging Spurs team. If he & the likes of Wilshere, Henderson and Drinkwater can maintain their top form, the likes of Spain and Germany, known for their creative midfielders, may have a difficult time playing their strengths!

Attacking midfield: Dele Alli has single handedly changed games for Spurs and the suprises that he can spring up with can leave even the hardest of defences dumbstruck in awe! (You may want to google his wonder goal in 2015-16 to know what I mean!
And now with Rooney adopting superbly into an attacking midfield role the partnership between Sterling, Wazza and Alli is definitely one of the most fearsome ccurrently in th world.

Strike Force: Kane and Vardy, enough said!

But did I not mention they have a strong bench too?
To measure it up in short - try to make two teams out of the final 23 squad and you can easily make two strong teams!

Also, it is noteworthy that England bring the youngest squad to the Euro 2016!
The blend of youth in Kane, Rashford, Alli, Rose, etc. and the blend of experience in Rooney, Milner, Hart and Cahill makes this team sharp, unpredictable and at the same time strong!


The strengths of each individual and an even stronger team make the perfect recipe, but aren't there enough challengers?

Yes, there are. Germany, France, Belgium and Spain have envious teams too.

So then why England over them?

The answer varies from team to team.
Lets take a look:

Germany:

A great team, but with the mix of ageing stars like Lahm, Shweinsteiger & Gomez and the relatively unproven crop of youngsters like Can, Weigl, Kimmich and Sane, the team has lesser balance than they did in 2014!

France:

With the advantage of being the host nation, France have a real chance. But some positions, like the defense and wings, are not covered as well as other top teams, and this could show up as they progress in the competition!

Belgium:

Belgium have enough star power in most positions, which makes them serious contenders. The likes Curtoiss, Vertonghen, Witsel, Hazard, De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are currently the one of best in their class. But it seems the relative lack of seasoned players may prove the difference in big games for the relatively effervescent youth!

Spain:

With proven winners like Iniesta, Fabregas, Ramos, Pique and De Gea to name a few, they have a strong line up too. But finding the right mix, especially for some positions like the striker and wingers has proven difficult for Del Bosque in the run up to Euros. So if they cannot find it now, they risk even progressing too well!

Amidst all the talk of the teams and star players, what about the coaches?

All the above top teams and some others too have brilliant coachs - Joachim Low, Vincent Del Bosque and Antonio Conte have proven that they can cook up a special recipe at the big stage. Roy Hodgson of England does not seem to fit into that club and poses the most significant risk to England.



But then the smart money still remains on England!

So, do not be surprised to read on July 11th if the news papers are emblazoned with headings like - England lift the trophy, Or, England are Champions of Europe!

If not Euro 2016, World Cup 2018 can surely come to England! They need to keep up the tempo.
Relive World Cup 1966!

Euro 2012 Final - Spain vs Italy- Olympic Stadium, Kyiv

Showdown Time!!!


La Furia Roja vs Azzurri

The general prediction of Germany and Spain reaching the Finals went for a huge toss when Italy stepped up on the big stage in the semi-finals.

Lets try to get a perspective of what the two teams have that gets them to this stage.

Olympic Stadium, Kyiv, Euro 2012 Poland & Ukraine - Final - Italy vs Spain

For Spain, supported by millions of fans across the globe, it's a rather straight forward answer - Attractive football / Attacking football.
But dig a little deeper and you'd find a completely different reason. The team have hardly played an attractive brand of football barring the exception of the group match versus Ireland. So if their trademark style did not get them here, then what did?

The answer to that has been common for most teams at Euro 2012 who have made it past the group stages. It is the team work. The combined effort of the team has seen Spain cover up its weaknesses. The most important being its defense, which definitely is not as strong as is midfield.

Another area of concern for Spain this time round has been the lack of firepower upfront. With a misfiring Torres and the absence of David Villa, Del Bosque found the right key in playing what has been termed as the "Flase 9", a tactic whereby Fabregas, an attacking midfielder, has been employed as the man upfront. Torres too made his impact when given the chance.

So all in all Spain have manged to sail through with a strong team effort and will need to do the same, if they nee to boost their chances of retaining the Trophy.

Key Players:
Captain: Iker Casillas
Defense: Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba

Midfield: Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fàbregas, Xabi Alonso, David Silva

Forward: Fernando Torres

Coach: Vicente del Bosque

To watch out for:

The form of Fabregas and David Silva will be crucial for Spain to make hay. They have been outstanding in this campaign but need to contribute now when it will matter the most. They would Vicente del Bosque's biggest hope.

Goalkeeper Captains to face off in the Finals

For Italy, the underdogs and a major surprise package, their strong teamwork and tactical approach has been the all important lesson for the teams that have not made it through.
Defeating Germany in the semi-final, touted by many to win the trophy, has been a major milestone in itself and only helped them regain their otherwise dwindling Big Boys status. 

Cesare Prandelli has shown super genius by employing his resources most optimally. Pirlo and Balotelli are the two perfect examples. The former touted to be too old to help Italy and the latter too young and ill tempered. But Prandelli has unlocked probably the best out of his boys and that has been the big difference.

Italy will try to stick to their set of rules in the Final too - A strong team ethic, a disciplined defense and a tactical approach to unlock the opponents weaknesses.
A win for Italy in the Final should come as a surprise!

Key Players:
Captain: Gianluigi Buffon
Defense: Giorgio Chiellini

Midfield: Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo

Forward: Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano

Coach: Cesare Prandelli

To watch out for:

The form of Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli will be crucial for Italy to make hay. They have been outstanding for Italy in this campaign and have contributed when it mattered the most. They are Prandelli's biggest hope.

To Predict the outcome of the Final would be a long shot. The 1 - 1 Draw in the Group Stage should be enough reason for that.

We should take comfort in the fact - Spain's 'flair' and Italy's 'tactics'  will ensure that the match will be an interesting Final!

*All Photo Courtesy: Uefa.com

UEFA Euro 2012 - Poland and Ukraine

The biggest footballing event of the year 2012 is finally here!

Sixteen teams come to this showpiece event in Poland and Ukraine after fighting tough battles.
An analysis of the event, the teams and expectations is imperative!

A brief of the Euro 2012 -

The tournament features 16 nations, the last European Championship to do so (from Euro 2016 onward, there will be 24 finalists), and will be held between 8 June and 1 July 2012. Qualification was contested by 51 nations between August 2010 and November 2011 to join the two host nations in the final tournament.

For the Tournament Map - Go to Uefa.com

Analysis of the most talked about teams -
The event certainly has a few favorites and a few underdogs, just as all sporting events do. So here we'd try to analyze only the ones that are the most talked about.

Lets begin with the defending champions -
Spain

La Furia Roja Home Jersey - Euro 2012

Overview -
Spain are backed by millions worldwide after their World Cup victory in 2010. Fans like te team for its style of play, which in some way is similar to that of the Spanish club Barcelona. A flowing style of football with emphasis on attacking play.


Key Players -
The players that can turn games and help Spain retain the title: Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva.
Despite such star players, Spain's engine seems to have slowed down over time as other teams seem to have  figured out ways to block these key men and suppress the teams effervescent style. Spain need to find a counter strategy to overcome this situation, if they are to progress to the end.



Next, the runners up at World Cup 2010 -
Netherlands

Euro 2012 - Oranje Home Jersey

Overview -
A strong attacking line up make Holland one of the most fiercest opponents for any team. The team can boast of its attacking line up as probably the best in Europe at the moment. The team has lined up the youngest player in the tournament in Jetro Willems (of PSV), who only recently turned 18.


Key Players -
Robin Van Persie, enough said. That is the kind of sensational form the striker is in. Add to that the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van der Vaart and Klaas Jan Huntelaar, any team that faces them will need to make sure that they line up a strong defense if they wish to survive the firepower of the Dutch.




Germany

Euro 2012 -  Die Mannschaft Away Jersey

Overview -
Germany bring the youngest team in the tournament and yet they have magnificent class. In manager Joachim "Jogi" Löw Germany have a fantastic coach who with his brave decisions and a unassuming knack to pick out the right combinations has got Germany to an altogether different level. Germany's style of play is no less interesting than Spain's, all thanks to the spirited coach.


Key Players -
With stars like Philip Lahm, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski Germany have a strong lineup. If only the team can shore up its defense, they can go all the way in this tournament.



Portugal

Euro 2012 - Selecção Home Jersey

Overview -
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Portuguese line up. Portugal have enough quality to compete at the highest level, but somehow have not managed to get the best out of the players and fight as a team. This tournament provides them a big opportunity to showcase their true strength. They start in the 'Group of Death' and will have the formidable task of competing with Netherlands and Germany to advance to the next stage.


Key Players -
The current best footballer in the world Crstiano Ronaldo along with Nani, Raul Meireles, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao make up a line up that can show enough fire power to yield dividends for the Portugal faithful. But for that they need to act collectively and use each star potential to the best.



France

Euro 2012 -  Les Bleus Home Jersey

Overview -
A one time formidable European powerhouse crumbled at World Cup 2010 in the group stage, thanks to an internal mutiny in the french camp. But things have changed post the World Cup debacle and the team has resurrected under new Coach Laurent Blanc. Walking into the final with an unbeaten run of 21 games would definitely give the team some confidence, but as the coah himself puts it "We are not favourites, Spain, Germany and Netherlands are".


Key Players -
The stars for the Blues are Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri, Yann M'vila, Patrice Evra and Hugo Lloris. In Benz and Ribery, France have one of the most potent attackers of the game. Add the quality of Nasri, M'vila, Evra and Lloris, the team can churn out results, but again, even they need to shore up their defences if they are to survive longer in the competition than the group stage.



Italy

Euro 2012 - Azurri Home Jersey

Overview -
World Champions of 2006 have since then lost the steam and now play with a minnows tag. Though the team have quite a few stars, they still remain to show enough determination and quality to come out of the under performers tag.


Key Players -
Mario Balotelli, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, and Gianluigi Buffon, the stars of the Azzurri need to perform at their top levels to keep any hopes afloat.







England

Euro 2012 - Three Lions Home Jersery

Overview -
The perennial underachievers. Each time an international competition begins, the English media and the Three Lions' faithful claim that this would be their time. But the atmosphere is a little different these time. The expectations are subdued and it would not be difficult to agree that they are not the favourites by any chance to comete for the trophy. Yet many still call them the 'dark horse' for this event. Only time will tell.


Key Players -
Wayne Rooney (suspended for the first two games), Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Jhon Terry, Ashley Cole and Joe Hart are top players. Even though England remain a little exposed in their defense, especially due to their injury woes, the old guard of the Three Lions, particularly Gerrard and Lampard need to shoulder huge responsibility and support courageous youngsters like Young, Welbeck and Oxlade Chamberlain to fire the team ahead. A disciplined defensive display and willingness by team members to put their act together can definitely see them go some distance in this tournament.



Though only a few teams have been analysed above, it should be noted that the other teams have fought hard to reach this final showpiece, and hence should not be underestimated. The likes of Greece have shown in the past what they can achieve.
Thus the tournament sure is going to keep the football/soccer lovers throughout the world hooked for the next nearly one month and ensure tremendous entertainment.


To take a long shot at the outcome of the event, I personally feel that though Spain are touted to retain the title, Germany and Netherlands will make it to the Finals of the tournament. Why so?
Read on...

Germany and Netherlands will face stiff competition in the Group of Death, but both should mange to overcome it given the kind of attacking football they play. Beyond that one of them will face more competition as one of them probably might have to face Spain in the semifinals. But yet, the attacking firepower at both team's disposal and the tactical brilliance that they posses should ensure that they beat the favourites, and do so in some style.
In the Final, Germany will have an edge given their flair, the coach's charisma and a superior defense over the Dutch. But yet, the outcome of the Final would be too much to predict and a Dutch win should not come as a surprise. Nonetheless, the mind says - Germany should prevail!

Pepe Guardiola quits Barcelona

A tumultuous week for Barcelona it seems.
First a loss to Real Madrid, then ouster from the Champions League at the hands of a struggling Chelsea and now the Manager/Coach departing. All certainly are major blows for the Catalans.

Photo courtesy: http://www.fcbarcelona.com/

A couple of questions that immediately pop in everyone's mind:

1. Who replaces him?

2. Where will he go from here?

The immediate answer to the first one is Tito Vilanova.
But can the assistant coach fill in the void left in by the head coach?
That only time can tell. (Di Matteo is only one example to prove that.)
Athletic Bilbao main man Bielsa was touted as a replacement for Pep for his tactical and attacking approach to the game, but for now, we will have to wait and see if Mr. Rosell needs to approach Bielsa any time soon!

To answer the second question is rather difficult. The coach himself says that he will walk away from football for sometime and perhaps return later. But his immense success at Barcelona means plenty of clubs await with open arms in each top country.

In Italy both the Milanese clubs have been struggling for quite some time now to find the perfect coach. It had been rumored earlier too that Inter were in private talks with Guardiola to hand him the hot seat and that Guardiola too had expressed interest in taking over the helm.

In England, Chelsea are performing surprisingly well under interim coach Di Matteo, but Abramovich will be on the alert to land in someone of the status and caliber of Joseph Gurdiola.
Besides Chelsea, even Manchester United will be keen to track the developments as Sir Alex Ferguson's age has been a worry for many a pundits.

In France, the newly rich PSG have installed Ancelotti, but if they fail to lift the League 1 title this season than Ancelotti's days will surely be numbered and the club owners would definitely try to turn all the stones in the way upside down to get Pep.

That said,
Another big question that cannot be answered is obviously the fate of Barcelona without Guardiola.
From the exterior it seems that he has left a good enough squad that can still compete for major trophies, but a little deeper analysis will show how the mix of an ageing squad (Xavi, Puyol, Villa, Iniesta, etc) and the lack of enough firepower besides Messi can pull down Barcelona from the heights it has scaled in recent years.

Pep had a chance to achieve at Barcelona what Sir Alex Ferguson did at United. Build and rebuild great squads. It surely couldn't have been better than Barcelona with its enviable and probably the best youth set up in Europe!
He must surely have better ideas for himself!

For now we can only say Good Luck to him and the Clubs, Barca for one and the all the ones awaiting to grasp the opportunity for the rest.