First half Analysis

It was an Italy dominated half with Balotelli scoring two goals. A cross by Cassano and a through ball by Montolivo. That is all Mario Balotelli required.
There was a chance for Germany to score with a volley from Sami Khedira, slowed by Buffon and eventually stopped from crossing into the nets by Andrea Pirlo.

Second Half will be an intense one with Germany desperate to make changes.

Events of Germany VS Italy.

38’ Podolski loses a chance to cross.
35’ Balotelli is one on ne… Goes in AND SHOOOOOOOOOOOTS!!!!!!! GOAL BY MARIO  BALOTELLI!!!!! 2-0 ITALY
34’ Khedira takes a volley. Saved by Buffon.
33’ Crossed by Boateng and blocked by Balzarreti. Corner Germany. Ball with Italy.
30’ Italy have a free kick in a promising position. Taken short.
29’ Now Lahm. Kroos takes an early shot which is wide.
28’ Kroos tries to pick out Gomez. Ball now with Buffon.
27’ Foul by Kroos on Pirlo.
26. Great ball from Boateng to Gomez who leaves it for Ozil who smashes it into the hands of Buffon.
25’ Podolski has the ball. Now Lahm. Boateng. Goal kick for Italy. Fans try to get the momentum going for Germany.
23’Germany on the offensive. Boateng has thee ball. Now Khedira. Boateng crosses it. Goalkick for Italy.
22’ Italy on the offensive. Foul by Italy. Free kick to Germany in their own half.
21’Jerome Boateng crosses the ball to Podolski. Shot by Podolski  from a tight angle
20’ Centre for Germany. Germany  the ball.
19’ Italy with the ball. Cassano crosses the ball and Mario Balotelli scores WITH . A TERRIFIC HEADER PAST NEUER!!!!
17’Italy on the counter again. Badruber deals with it. Shot by Cassano, save by Neuer.
16’ Throw in for Germany.Chance for Italy to break. Montolivo forces a save out of Neuer.
15’ Khedira goes wide to skipper Lahm who returns the ball to Khedira. Ball now with Ozil. Cleared away by Balzarettu.
14’ Taken short. Great passing by Italy. Ball now with Germany.
13’ Gomez loses out to the Italian defence.  Foul on Balotelli by Hummels. Free kick Italy.
12’ Boateng’s ball in wins a corner which leads to a shot by Kroos. Ozil has the ball. Podolski goes back to Lahm
11’ Long ball to Balotelli who can’t control it properly.
10’ Khedira tries a shot.. staright into the hands of Buffon.
8’ Pirlo tries for a shot but blocked by the German defence. Throw in Germany.
7’ Italy passing nicely. Foul on De Rossi by Podolski.
6’ Balotelli to chase a loose ball…. Cleared away by Neuer..

5’ Germany passing acuurately. Chance for Khadira! Corner to Germany. Ozil to take. Cleared by Italy. Throw to Germany.

4’ Quick passes by Germany and a rash tackle on Podolski. Corner to the Germans. Sami Khadira almost scored but gobbled up by Buffon.

3’ Germany trying to get their passing momentum going.

2’ Ozil loses out and there is a chance for Balotelli, but the ball is too close to Neuer.

1’ Offensive play by Germany. Schwienstieger with a loose cross. Foul on Badstuber by Balotelli

0’ Kick Off. Centre for Italy.  Quick passing by the defenders of Italy. Cassano gets a chance to run down the flank but loses out to Boateng.

Germany VS Italy

As the 2^nd semi final approaches, I am giving my opinion for who will win the match and by how much.

The German giants will be the favourites with a fairly stronger side than the Italians.
Germany will look to dominate the mid-field with players with great vision and passing skills and accuracy like Mesut Ozil and Schwienstieger. Left back and skipper, Phillip Lahm will look to move forward down the left flank every opportunity. Right full-back Jerome Boateng, with his uncanny ability to cross and pass the ball with both feet, will be the one to feed dangerous crosses into Italy’s penalty area. Passing maestro Sami Khedira will be looking to create goal scoring opportunities for sole strike Mario Gomez, who has his own ability to convert them into goals.

Italy have a number of strikers, that are equally able to convert goal scoring opportunities, like Antonio di Natalie, Andrea Cassano and occasionally brilliant Mario Balotelli.
Italian passing veteran and Juventus player Andrea Pirlo will be the heart beat of all major attacks for the Italians. Cool headed, calm and creative Pirlo is Italy’s only hope for dominating possession.
De Rossi will support Pirlo in the Italian mid-field.

My prediction:
Germany 3- Italy 0

Spain will face the winners of this match in the finals of the EURO CUP 2012 on July 1st.

Beckham left out for series of matches.

London - Former England captain David Beckham has been left out of the Great Britain Olympic football squad by head coach Stuart Pearce.

Beckham said: “Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me.”

“I would have been honoured to have been part of this unique Team GB squad. Like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold.”

According to the Times, Pearce, who watched Beckham play for LA Galaxy in the United States last week, has selected Manchester City defender Micah Richards ahead of him.

Beckham made coach Stuart Pearce’s shortlist of 35 players but was overlooked for the final 18-man squad as one of three players over the age of 23 allowed to compete in the Olympics, reported Xinhua.

Pearce rang Beckham Wednesday night to tell him he wanted more defensive cover in the squad. Richards has been included alongside Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs and Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy as the three over-age players.

Team GB have been drawn in Group A at London 2012 alongside Senegal, Uruguay and United Arab Emirates.

They play Senegal at Old Trafford July 26, the United Arab Emirates at Wembley July 29 and Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium August 1

LATEST TRANSFER MADE: SPANISH LEFT BACK JORDI ALBA HAS BEEN SIGNED BY BARCALONA!!

FC Barcelona have announced, on their official website www.fcbarcelona.com,  that they have reached an agreement with Valencia CF for the transfer of Spanish full-back Jordi Alba. The fee is stated to be €14 million, and a five year contract will be signed by the player, subject to the completion of a medical examination next week. He is currently on national team duty with Spain, at the European Championships.

Alba, now a part of the world's best team

Jordi Alba is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia, but failed to gain a first team spot and departed for Cornella in 2005, from where he moved to Valencia in 2007.

Alba had long been linked with Barcelona as a replacement for Eric Abidal, and other clubs including Manchester United were said to be monitoring his availability.

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Comment below with your opinion of who will win the EURO CUP or if you want any news that is unavailable any where else. New signings, new managers. Anything.

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Germany VS Italy- Semi Final 2

                                                                                                                                                                                                Germany take on Spain in Semi Final 2 of the EURO CUP.

With a stronger side, Germany will be looking to ease past the Italians with an easy win.
Italy will be dependant on their star play-maker and Juventus player, Andrea Pirlo. The master of passes, along with De Rossi, will be looking to dominate the mid-field. However, with players like Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger in mid-field for Germany, it will be difficult for Italy to retain possession.
Italian strikers Mario Balotelli, Cassano and Antonio di Natale will be the men to watch out for.

Balotelli is the danger man

German striker Mario Gomez will be looking to increase his goal tally.


   Gomez will be the sole striker for the Germans

Winger Lukas Podolski will be looking forward to terrorise the Italian defences.
Ozil will be the heart of all attacks into the Italians penalty area. This one... will be a match to watch.


My prediction:
Germany will win 3-0

                                          

                                                                                                                                                    

Penalties

                   Spain win 4-2 on penalties.
Penalty1(Spain,Xabi Alonso): Saved by Rui Patricio after diving to his left.
Penalty1(Portugal,Moutinho):Saved by Casillas after diving to his right.
Penalty2(Spain,Iniesta):Scores
Penalty2(Portugal,Pepe):Scores
Penalty3(Spain,Pique):Scores
Penalty3(Portugal,Nani):Scores while calmly placing it.
Penalty4(Spain,Ramos):Scors
Penalty4(Portugal,Alves): Hits crossbar
Penalty5(Spain,Fabregas):  Scores
Penalty5(Portugal): 

Second Half Analysis

From what we saw in the second half, both the teams had loads of goal scoring chances that they could not convert.  We saw many bookings and tackles and fouls. Overall, it was a boring second half with just one plus point:
SPAIN"S PASSING WAS WORTH WATCHING.
The game will now progress to ET and if required, to the penalty shootout. 

Second Half Live Scores.

45' Kick off.
46' Foul on Periera and Pepe takes the free kick.
47' Spain displays a good game of passing and retains possession. Ball now with Bruno Alves.
48' Meireles passes to Nani who delivers a dangerous cross. But the danger is cleared away.
49'Spain, again passes accurately
50' Corber to Spain. Iniests taakes it short.
51' Corner for Portugal. Foul on Alba but Spain have a goal kick.
53' Nani attacks and wins a throw. Substitution for Spain(Nelgedro[off] Fabregas[in])
54' Throw for Spain
55' Spain again display a good show of passing.Ball with Jordi Alba. Now Iniesta. Moutinho wins the ball and Portugal lead a counter attack. The ball is with Coentrao and Portugal have a corner. Nani takes the corner which is a poor one, Throw in for Portugal in their own half.
57' Almeida has a shot at goal but misses.
Ball now with Spain. Rui Patricio gets hold of the ball.
59' Silva is substituted for Navas. Busquets gets a yellow.
60' Pepe and Alonso collide and Pepe is booked.
61'Free kick to Spain.
62' Meireles makes a mistake and there is a free kick to Portugal
63' Ronaldo is on the right flank now and loses out. Spain has Fabregas is challenged by Periera who is booked. The free kick for Spain is form the corner of the penalty area. Xavi to take the free kck and gets a corner. Bad corner by Xavi but the ball is still with Spain.
65' Foul by Spain. Bruno Alves has the ball. Throw in for Spain.
66' Xabi Alonso has a go from his own half and tests GK Patricio. Xavi has a go and his biullet shot is stopped by Patricio.
67' Fabregas goes wide to Navas.
68' Ball with Spain
Foul on Jordi Alba..
69' Ball now with Portugal.Spain lead a counter attack continue their great passing. Good defending by Portugal.
71' Ronaldo is fouled and Portugal have a free kick in a promising position. Ronaldo stands over the ball. His shot is just above the cross bar
73' Foul by Fabregas on Pepe.
Foul by Coentrao. ball now with Jordi Alba. Xavi passes the ball and the ball is with Iniesta.
75' Casillas launches the ball forward and Portugal have a throw conceded. Ball now with Coentrao. Tries to go long Ronaldo. Meireles wins the ball and Nani tries to cross it and wins a corner. The corner is a poor one.
77' Foul by Portugal. Spain has the ball. Shot by Fabregas but the ball is high above the crossbar.
78' Alves clears and Casillas goes long to Alba.
79' Foul on Nani. Free kick to be taken by Miguel which curves into Casillas's hands. Nani commits a fouls on Alba
80' Portugal bring on Oliviera in place of Almeida. Spain have the ball.
81' Portugal on the counter. Foul on Ronaldo by Alonso in a promising position for Ronaldo. Ronaldo gets ready to take it.
83'He  hits it straight into the wall and gets another free kick for hand ball in a more promising position. Arbeloa is booked for hand ball. His hot sails over the bar.
85' Foul by Ronaldo and Alves gets booked. Spain have the ball. Spain substitute Xavi for Pedro Rodriguez.
87' Throw for Portugal.
88' Casillas launches the ball forward. Foul by Portugal.
89' Free kick to be taken by Alonso. Dangerous ball in by him and Portugal are suddenly leading a counter attack. Ronaldo smashes the ball far and wide.
90' There is an added time of 3 mins.
90+1' Navas wins a corner. Alonso to take it. Iniesta gets it and passes it back to the defence and the ball is now with Casillas.
90+2' Miguel gets a yellow for his challenge on Alba.

                                     FULL Time
                                  Portugal Vs Spain: 0-0

Half Time Analysis

An intense first half, full of opportunities for both sides has come to an end. Spain has been playing very rough and has been committing sneaky fouls.
There was an early chance for Spain in the 4th minute when Silva made a chance for Iniesta with a wonderful through ball. But the ball was cleared before Iniesta could reach it.
Then, in the 9th minute, Iniesta dribbled the ball into the penalty box of the Portuguese and set up a chance up for Arbeloa, who side footed the ball with his right foot and narrowly missed the crossbar.
It was in the 11th minute that Iniesta shot at goal but the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar.
Finally, Portugal got a chance to advance down on the left flank in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo who delivered a left footed cross that was too close to the Spanish skipper and keeper, Iker Casillas.

Then, both teams got equally good, goal scoring opportunities.
Spain dominated the possession and was the better side.

Live Updates- Portugal VS Spain

Kick off at 0'
4' Excellent through ball by Silva. Blocked by Portugal
9' Great play by Iniesta. Arbeloa get a chance at goal but smashes it above the crossbar.
10' A fine shot by Iniesta. The ball sails over the bar.
11' a throw for the Spanish.
12' Iniesta tries a through ball, but not accurate enough.
13' another throw for Spain
14' Ronaldo races down the left flank. he delivers a cross that is gobbled by the skipper Casillas
14' A long ball towards Ronaldo by Coentrao, but not accurate enough.
15'Arbeloa goes down the right flank but loses out to the defenders and concedes a free kick.
16' Ronaldo advances down his flank and wins a free kick at the edge of the penalty area. He hits the ball into the wall but Portugal retains possession.
17' Portugal get a corner kick but waste it. Meireles gets the ball and wins a throw in.
18' Coentrao goes back to Rui Patricio
19' Silva advances down the right. Possession changes hands and Portugal lead a counter attack which breaks down
20' Spain makes some accurate passes.
21' Xavi goes long to Silva who concedes a throw in
22' Spain win possession back and lead an attack. Iniesta has the ball down the left flank. Pique loses out and Portugal win a throw.
23' Ronaldo goes for goal from a distance and misses by miles.
24' Throw for Portugal in Spain's half
25'Foul on Iniesta
26' Cross by Coentrao goes to Ramos who clears it only till Moutinho. Ronaldo plays in an early ball but no-one reaches it.
27' Throw in for Portugal. Ball come to Spain. Xavi goes to Arbeloa and the ball eventually goes to Pique.Almeida passes to Xavi who sets a shot up for Iniesta but the Spaniard puts it wide.
28' Free Kick to Spain in their own half.
29' Throw in for Spain at right back's position
30' Ronaldo take a try at goal, but the shot is just wide, out of the reach of the Spanish GK.
31'Iniesta goes down the left flank and wins a throw in
32' Nani passes the ball to Moutinho. The ball eventually comes back to Spain.
33' Iniesta races down the flank and eventually loses out. Ball still with Spain
34' Throw in for Portugal Nani gets hurt AND is lying on the ground
36' Jordi Alba passes to Xabi Alonso and the ball goes to the Spanish keeper.
37' Spain tries to get the momentum going by passing well. Silva puts one through for Iniesta put the ball is too close and is gobbled up by Patricio
39' Possession with Ronaldo, is fouled and Ramos receives a yello card.
40' Crossed in by Coentrao and cleared by Pique. Ball with Pepe.
41'Ball with Portugal. Foul on Ronaldo by Arbeloa.Silva loses out to the Portuguese. Possession: P-43% S-57%
42' Chance for Almeida but misses.
43' Arbeloa advances down the right and gets a throw in for Spain.
44' Throw in for Spain. Yellow card shown to Coentrao. Foul by Spain.
45' Stoppage time of 1 minute.
45+1' Last chance of the half for Spain through a free kick. But the danger is cleared by Portugal.

                                           HALF TIME

                                                                   Portugal 0 Spain 0
     

The Latest Transfer Gossip!!

BIG RUMOURS AND GOSSIP

Manchester United are increasing their efforts to sign Porto winger James Rodriguez, 20, after having a £30m bid rejected.

Full story: Daily Mail

French winger Florent Malouda, 32, is likely to leave Chelsea after starting negotiations with Brazilian side Vasco da Gama.

Full story: the Sun

Manchester City could move for Brazilian full-back Daniel Alves, 29, after he fell out with Barcelona officials by playing in a friendly without permission.

Full story: Daily Star

Liverpool have not given up hope of winning the race to sign Gylfi Sigurdsson, 22, but will not bow to his wage demands to prevent him from signing for Tottenham.

Full story: The Times 

Arsenal want to offload Denilson, Carlos Vela, Sebastien Squillaci, Andrey Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh, Park Chu-young and Johan Djourou in a attempt to cut the club’s wage bill .

Full story: Daily Mail

But the Gunners are resigned to losing Robin van Persie, 28, after completing the £13m signing of French striker Olivier Giroud from Marseille.

Full story: Daily Express

Branislav Ivanovic has told Tottenham’s Luka Modric, 26, to join Chelsea instead of Manchester United or Real Madrid.

Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal have cooled their interest in Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila, 21, after he fell out with France coach Laurent Blanc.

Full story: Metro

Inter Milan are in talks to sign Manchester City’s 27-year-old midfielder Nigel de Jong .

Full story: talkSPORT

Brazil striker Alexandre Pato, 22, fancies a transfer to the Premier League when his AC Milan contract expires in 2014.

Full story: the Sun

Stoke City are interested in signing Houston Dynamo’s 26-year-old central defender Geoff Cameron.

Manchester United to sign new 'RONALDO'

Source: Daily Mail

20 year old James Rodriguez came into his own last term, the impressive winger making an impact after a hit and miss first season at FC Porto. The Colombian international netted 12 goals in 22 league fixtures to help his side past a resilient Benfica side to retain their domestic title.

The speedy wide-man is considered by many as the ‘Next Cristiano Ronaldo’ and perhaps the obvious potential Rodriguez displays is why Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to make such a huge bid for a relatively inexperienced performers.

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken to a more youthful transfer policy in recent seasons and has seen the likes of Javier Hernandez, David de Gea, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling make an instant impact to become crucial members of the Old Trafford first team squad.

Interest in Rodriguez coupled with talk of contract talks between Man United and Nani stalling may well lead some to put two and two together and suspect that Ferguson is willing to replace the Portuguese international this summer.

Ferguson also has the likes of a rejuvenated Luis Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young to call upon as first choice flank options but clearly the Scot has seen enough to warrant a very significant, club record breaking, bid for the FC Porto man

Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp's reign over Tottenham ended after a glorious season for the Spurs. According to the owners of the club, Harry had brought what was new, and they needed a younger manager to execute the new idea provided by Harry Redknapp.
It a was a reign to cherish......

The reign has ended....

EPL Transfer Updates

There has been movement on the transfer window.

There have been several transfers already confirmed.

Here is a list of recent transfers:

Lukas Podolski( FC Koln to Arsenal)

Olivier Giroud( Montpellier to Arsenal)                     
Shinji Kagawa( Borrusia Dortmund to Manchester United)
Other Transfers will be updated as and when they are completed.

Semi Final 1: Portugal Vs Spain

Ronaldo has a huge responsibility on his shoulders

Portugal takes on Spain at the Donbass Arena in Ukraine.

Portugal will be completely depended on their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. If Portugal want to win the Semi Final against  the defending champions Spain, then Ronaldo will have to play like he has never before. The Portuguese captain and left winger has a huge responsibility on his shoulders. Whether he is up to it, only he knows.

Portugal will also be depending on their star winger, Luis Nani. He has always performed in difficult times for Portugal. Manchester United star will surely play a key role, if, Portugal beat Spain. With his skills and play-making qualities, Nani will be the man to watch out for, along with Ronaldo.





Portugal also have a good mid-fielder in the form of Raul Meireles. The Chelsea star will be the originator of all major moves and attempts that Portugal make into Spain's penalty area.


The defending champs, Spain, have a team full of superstars.
With quick thinking play-makers like Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, Spain will dominate the possession
 Centurion Xabi Alonso and fellow play-maker Sergio Busquets will also play a crucial role in the match.

Xavi will look to pull the strings and control the game 

The young play maker has a reputation of accurate passes, quick thinking and never loses his cool.
 

Busquets will look to be the pass master.

Strikers like Fernando Torres, part striker-sum-play-maker Cesc Fabregas will look to score to to get into the playing XI for the final, if they progress.

He will look forward to playing

Iniesta has fellow Barca man Xavi with him in midfield

 
David Silva will terrorise the Portuguese defence from the right wing. He will be up against Fabio Coentrao who is equally good a player.

Silva will look to terrorise the Portuguese defence 

Over all, I think Spain will win the game 2-0.

The analysis of the match will be provided as the game progresses.

The EURO Cup is under way. Analysis of major matches and live scores. I am hungry for more football and will be providing you with a detailed analysis of matches.
Let the best team win and become the champions of the whole of Europe.