The Germans are coming.
If you’re walking around Trafalgar Square or outside Buckingham Place this weekend, expect a few more people dressed in Lederhosens or eating Sauerkrauts than you would usually see.
But they are in London for a reason, to witness one of the worlds greatest sporting events.
At 2:45pm ET on Saturday, two bitter rivals from the Bundesliga will square off under the arch at Wembley Stadium.
Ever since Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund defeated Barcelona at Real Madrid respectively, attentions in London switched to what could be a troublesome match up.
Read more: German invasion of London begins as fans of Munich, Dortmund descend on Wembley | ProSoccerTalk
Showing posts with label European Soccer Championship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Soccer Championship. Show all posts
5/25/13
7/1/12
Soccer: Spain erupts in joy after historic Euro 2012 win - by Allen Clendenning and Ciarean Giles
Tens of thousands gathered in central Madrid to watch their team beat Italy 4-0 and shout out “Gol!” more times than they thought possible. Even better for Spain, the country's team became the first ever to win a Euro, then a World Cup and then another Euro.
“We needed this win to counteract the suffering caused by the crisis, which seems endless,” said a smiling Antonio Ferrillo in downtown Madrid as cars drove by with passengers yelling “Espana!, Espana!” as they waved the country's red and yellow flag.
Spain has the highest unemployment rate in the 17-nation eurozone, is immersed in a deepening recession and recently asked for a bailout to prop up its hurting banks.
Note EU-Digest: if each of the players in the Spanish team would give one year of their wages to the Spanish treasury it could certainly make quite a positive dent in the ailing Spanish economy .
Read more: Spain erupts in joy after historic Euro 2012 win - The Globe and Mail
“We needed this win to counteract the suffering caused by the crisis, which seems endless,” said a smiling Antonio Ferrillo in downtown Madrid as cars drove by with passengers yelling “Espana!, Espana!” as they waved the country's red and yellow flag.
Spain has the highest unemployment rate in the 17-nation eurozone, is immersed in a deepening recession and recently asked for a bailout to prop up its hurting banks.
Note EU-Digest: if each of the players in the Spanish team would give one year of their wages to the Spanish treasury it could certainly make quite a positive dent in the ailing Spanish economy .
Read more: Spain erupts in joy after historic Euro 2012 win - The Globe and Mail
European Soccer Championship: Spain reaffirms its dominance by humiliating Italy 4-0
Spain won an unprecedented third straight major international title, including Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. Soccer has never seen one nation dominate an era as this superior Spanish side has in the last four years.
Spain hasn't been knocked out of the European championships since 2004 when it lost in the final group match to Portugal. The Spaniards were last eliminated from the World Cup six years ago, falling to France in the quarter-finals.
Read more: Spain reaffirms its dominance by humiliating Italy
6/29/12
European Soccer Championship: Italy celebrates a magical night against Germany
It was Italy's night against the Germans, on and off the field.
Premier Mario Monti and striker Mario Balotelli gave a much-needed boost to a country suffering for months under harsh austerity measures and embarrassed by a match-fixing scandal in its national sport in which dozens have been arrested.
Then came Thursday. At an EU summit in Brussels, Monti, an economist by trade, led the charge against German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had been resisting ways of easing strains on indebted governments in southern Europe.
To the east in Warsaw, the talented soccer player with a discipline problem led Italy's national team to a 2-1 victory over Germany, propelling them into the finals of the European soccer championships. Balotelli's two goals were so breathtaking to watch — unstoppable, intimidating and elegant — that fans and critics alike were united in awe.
"They may be the bosses of Europe, but in soccer we command," headlined Italy's leading Corriere della Sera.
Read more: Italy celebrates a magical night against Germany - SFGate
Premier Mario Monti and striker Mario Balotelli gave a much-needed boost to a country suffering for months under harsh austerity measures and embarrassed by a match-fixing scandal in its national sport in which dozens have been arrested.
Then came Thursday. At an EU summit in Brussels, Monti, an economist by trade, led the charge against German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had been resisting ways of easing strains on indebted governments in southern Europe.
To the east in Warsaw, the talented soccer player with a discipline problem led Italy's national team to a 2-1 victory over Germany, propelling them into the finals of the European soccer championships. Balotelli's two goals were so breathtaking to watch — unstoppable, intimidating and elegant — that fans and critics alike were united in awe.
"They may be the bosses of Europe, but in soccer we command," headlined Italy's leading Corriere della Sera.
Read more: Italy celebrates a magical night against Germany - SFGate
6/23/12
Spain beats France 2-0 to reach semifinals
Xabi Alonso scored two goals in his 100th international appearance Saturday, leading Spain to a 2-0 win over France and a spot in the European Championship semifinals.
Alonso first scored with a thumping downward header in the 19th minute and then converted a penalty in injury time.
"We knew this was the most important match and we played very well,'' Alonso said. "Scoring the early goal really made things easier, so I must say we're happy.''
The win was Spain's first ever over France in a competitive match in seven attempts. Spain will next face Portugal on Wednesday in Donetsk in the semifinals as it bids to win a third straight major title.
Read more: Spain beats France 2-0 to reach semifinals - - SI.com
Alonso first scored with a thumping downward header in the 19th minute and then converted a penalty in injury time.
"We knew this was the most important match and we played very well,'' Alonso said. "Scoring the early goal really made things easier, so I must say we're happy.''
The win was Spain's first ever over France in a competitive match in seven attempts. Spain will next face Portugal on Wednesday in Donetsk in the semifinals as it bids to win a third straight major title.
Read more: Spain beats France 2-0 to reach semifinals - - SI.com
6/20/12
UEFA Euro 2012: Instant Replay Is Not A Luxury Anymore It's A Necessity
Had goal opportunities been subject to instant replay review, there is little doubt video evidence would have overturned this call. Nonetheless, the goal line official positioned several yards from the near post ruled the ball never fully crossed the goal line, preserving England's 1-0 lead.
Conversely, the sideline assistant referee failed to call a proper offside against Ukraine several seconds earlier, raising the total to two missed calls on the attack, one adversely affecting either squad.
As for UEFA, FIFA and other sports governing bodies looking to get the call right, perhaps England-Ukraine is yet another nail in the proverbial coffin in keeping overt video technology out of the world's game.
In 2010, it was opted to fix the problem by adding a fourth and fifth referee. Obviously the results show this has not worked.
In all fairness UEFA and FIFA not only should, but must follow baseball, basketball, American football and hockey in authorizing certain plays, such as scoring chances, to undergo instant replay analysis and review. It is not only a more modern but also more accurate way to referee a game.
EU-Digest
6/19/12
France loses to Sweden 2-0, still advances to Euro 2012 quarters
France advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Championship in unimpressive fashion Tuesday, losing 2-0 to Sweden but going through thanks to England's win over Ukraine.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one of the best goals of the tournament with an acrobatic volley in the 54th minute and Sebastian Larsson added an injury-time goal to give already eliminated Sweden its first points of the tournament.
The margin of victory could have been bigger as France was outplayed for much of the game despite only needing a draw to guarantee a spot in the next round and facing a team with nothing to play for but pride.
The loss ended France's 23-game unbeaten streak but it still finished second in Group D after England beat Ukraine 1-0 in Donetsk. France will face Spain in the quarterfinals but will need a much better performance to give the defending champions much of a challenge.
England finished with seven points, while France had four and Ukraine and Sweden bowed out with three each.
Read more: France loses to Sweden 2-0, still advances to Euro 2012 quarters - Soccer - SI.com
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one of the best goals of the tournament with an acrobatic volley in the 54th minute and Sebastian Larsson added an injury-time goal to give already eliminated Sweden its first points of the tournament.
The margin of victory could have been bigger as France was outplayed for much of the game despite only needing a draw to guarantee a spot in the next round and facing a team with nothing to play for but pride.
The loss ended France's 23-game unbeaten streak but it still finished second in Group D after England beat Ukraine 1-0 in Donetsk. France will face Spain in the quarterfinals but will need a much better performance to give the defending champions much of a challenge.
England finished with seven points, while France had four and Ukraine and Sweden bowed out with three each.
Read more: France loses to Sweden 2-0, still advances to Euro 2012 quarters - Soccer - SI.com
6/17/12
Euro 2012: Holland goes home after Portugal beats them 2-1
After all the speculation about the tortured arithmetic that might decide this group, the sums were simple. Germany and Portugal advance. Hope had arrived for Holland in the shape of Rafael van der Vaart's opening goal, but Cristiano Ronaldo first equalised and then struck the winner in the second half to send his side into a quarter-final meeting with the Czech Republic.
Mark van Bommel may have appeared beside his manager at the press conference on the eve of the match, but the air of solidarity was not to be trusted. In the wake of the two losses by Holland, radical action had not been wiped from the agenda. Van Bommel was ditched and so lost the armband to Van der Vaart, who had not made the starting lineup against Germany.
Portugal, all the same, had too much technique not to command and they could afford a chance that Nani squandered. Shortly after, it was Ronaldo, however, who made his presence felt once again. Nani squared the ball to the Real Madrid attacker on the left and, with the full-back keeling over, Ronaldo came inside to establish a 2-1 lead.
The Dutch have worth established over many years, but this occasion asked too much even of them. Portugal, for their part, looked as if their tournament was just starting. All was in their favour, with Van der Vaart's attempt being blocked by the post in the 82nd minute of a night that Portugal can relish.
Holland never gave up and were close to a leveller from Van Persie whose shot went wide. As if piqued Ronaldo then hit the post. Recent issues had left the Dutch in circumstances they could not overcome and they will face quite an inquest in the coming days.
Read more: Euro 2012: Portugal 2-1 Holland | Group B match report | Football | The Guardian
Mark van Bommel may have appeared beside his manager at the press conference on the eve of the match, but the air of solidarity was not to be trusted. In the wake of the two losses by Holland, radical action had not been wiped from the agenda. Van Bommel was ditched and so lost the armband to Van der Vaart, who had not made the starting lineup against Germany.
Portugal, all the same, had too much technique not to command and they could afford a chance that Nani squandered. Shortly after, it was Ronaldo, however, who made his presence felt once again. Nani squared the ball to the Real Madrid attacker on the left and, with the full-back keeling over, Ronaldo came inside to establish a 2-1 lead.
The Dutch have worth established over many years, but this occasion asked too much even of them. Portugal, for their part, looked as if their tournament was just starting. All was in their favour, with Van der Vaart's attempt being blocked by the post in the 82nd minute of a night that Portugal can relish.
Holland never gave up and were close to a leveller from Van Persie whose shot went wide. As if piqued Ronaldo then hit the post. Recent issues had left the Dutch in circumstances they could not overcome and they will face quite an inquest in the coming days.
Read more: Euro 2012: Portugal 2-1 Holland | Group B match report | Football | The Guardian
6/15/12
European Soccer Championship: England fight back to beat Sweden 3-2 in thriller
England survived a 10-minute meltdown to move closer to the Euro 2012 quarter-finals when substitute Theo Walcott scored one goal and set up another to earn a thrilling 3-2 win over Sweden who were eliminated from the tournament.
Walcott levelled in the 64th minute with a fierce shot and he delivered a fine cross 12 minutes from time for striker Danny Welbeck to tuck the ball in with a clever backheel and clinch England's first competitive victory over the Swedes.
Read more: Football: England fight back to beat Sweden 3-2 in thriller | Otago Daily Times Online News : Otago, South Island, New Zealand & International News
Walcott levelled in the 64th minute with a fierce shot and he delivered a fine cross 12 minutes from time for striker Danny Welbeck to tuck the ball in with a clever backheel and clinch England's first competitive victory over the Swedes.
Read more: Football: England fight back to beat Sweden 3-2 in thriller | Otago Daily Times Online News : Otago, South Island, New Zealand & International News
6/12/12
European Soccer Cup: Dutch vow to go down swingin'
"Perhaps we will go out and start a fight now."
Those were the final words Dutch coach Bert Van Maarwijk spoke as he stood up to end his press conference Tuesday, implying that his players were poised to begin smacking each other around during their evening practice at Metalist Stadium.
Van Maarwijk was joking of course, although his comment was also oozing with sarcasm.
There is no doubt it was a parting shot at the 150-plus reporters who had just finished mercilessly grilling he and star midfielder Wesley Sneijder on the eve of their titanic Euro 2012 clash with Germany, their most bitter of rivals.
Heading into Wednesday's titanic do-or-die matchup against Die Mannschaft, a sheet of panic has smothered the soccer-crazed country of Holland in the wake of De Oranje's shocking 1-0 upset loss to Denmark last week.
Read more: Dutch vow to go down swingin' | Soccer | Sports | London Free Press
Those were the final words Dutch coach Bert Van Maarwijk spoke as he stood up to end his press conference Tuesday, implying that his players were poised to begin smacking each other around during their evening practice at Metalist Stadium.
Van Maarwijk was joking of course, although his comment was also oozing with sarcasm.
There is no doubt it was a parting shot at the 150-plus reporters who had just finished mercilessly grilling he and star midfielder Wesley Sneijder on the eve of their titanic Euro 2012 clash with Germany, their most bitter of rivals.
Heading into Wednesday's titanic do-or-die matchup against Die Mannschaft, a sheet of panic has smothered the soccer-crazed country of Holland in the wake of De Oranje's shocking 1-0 upset loss to Denmark last week.
Read more: Dutch vow to go down swingin' | Soccer | Sports | London Free Press
6/9/12
EURO 2012: Germany squeaks by Portugal, Denmark shocks Netherlands
Mario Gomez made a surprise start and headed in the lone goal for Germany on Saturday in a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Group B of the European Championship.Gomez was moments away from being substituted, with Miroslav Klose already waiting on the touchline, when he rose to knock in a deflected cross from Sami Khedira in the 72nd minute.
Germany coach Joachim Loew delayed the substitution and Gomez nearly got another goal before Klose finally came on in the 80th and got to play on his 34th birthday.
Denmark secured the first huge surprise of the European Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands on Saturday in Group B.
And it was Michael Krohn-Dehli that provided the lethal finishing that the Dutch inexplicably lacked.
Denmark, seen as the outsider in the toughest group of the championship, can take a huge step to the quarterfinals by beating Portugal in their second game.
“We know the Dutch, they can be very dominating,” Denmark coach Morten Olsen said. “If you get scared of them, they play really good football. I think we played them in the right way.”
“I refuse to throw in the towel,” Van Marwijk said. “We must beat Germany. We have done that before.”
For more: EURO 2012: Germany squeaks by Portugal, Denmark shocks Netherlands
5/31/12
European Soccer: EA Sports Predicts that Germany will Win UEFA Euro 2012
Electronic Arts Inc. today declared Germany the winner of UEFA EURO 2012™ through a tournament simulation using the market-leading gameplay engine that drives EA SPORTS™ UEFA EURO 2012™ on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC.
EA SPORTS™ was able to simulate the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship and test all 16 teams under the same conditions they will face in the weeks ahead. It was determined that Germany will defeat Netherlands 2-1 at Olympic Stadium in Kyiv on July 1 to winThe Henri Delaunay Trophy.
Van Persie finished as the tournament’s top goal scorer with five goals. However, the Dutch lead did not last long as Mesut Özil leveled the score 12 minutes later, setting the stage for the golden goal from Mario Gómez, his fourth of the tournament. Gómez went high into the air between two Dutch defenders on a corner kick by Bastian Schweinsteiger to knock home the winner in the 78th minute, delivering Germany its fourth UEFA EURO championship.
Fans around the globe will compare these results to the real-world tournament as it unfolds beginning June 8.
EA SPORTS has predicted that the Germans will win all three group stage matches, and maintain their form throughout the knockout phase, but it took a Miroslav Klose goal in extra time to propel the Germans past Italy 1-0 in the semi-final.
Germany’s path to the Final included a 3-2 victory over Netherlands in the group stage and a 3-1 victory over Poland in the quarter-final.
Read More: Soccer News: EA Sports Predicts that Germany will Win UEFA Euro 2012 on SoccerNationNews Soccer News
5/10/12
Soccer: Germany, Netherlands on fire ahead of Euro Soccer Championship - by Manesh Upadhyaya
A European soccer championship without Germany just wouldn't feel like a European championship. Prior to this summer's showpiece, Germany qualified for 10 of the 13 European tournaments since its inception in 1960.
Manager Joachim Low will hope to make amends for his side's 1-0 Euro 2008 final defeat to reigning European and world champion Spain. Since that night in Vienna, Die Mannschaft has seen much of its old guard replaced by an influx of young players who have made a name for themselves.
"You can see that this new generation of the last one or two years is extremely young, but very vital, ambitious and target-oriented,” Low told UEFA.com. "And of course [they are] also hungry for success.”
Like Germany, the last major final the Netherlands reached ended in a 1-0 loss to Spain. Manager Bert van Marwijk's squad responded well to defeat by winning nine of its 10 Euro 2012 qualifiers. These results have brought a renewed hope to Oranje supporters, whose hearts were crushed after the 2010 World Cup final.
The team managed to score 37 goals in the process, giving their fans something more to cheer about. Schalke forward Klaas Jan Huntelaar finished as top scorer in the Bundesliga, while Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is on course to achieve the same feat in England, unless Manchester United's Wayne Rooney has his way.
For more: Germany, Netherlands on fire ahead of Euros
Manager Joachim Low will hope to make amends for his side's 1-0 Euro 2008 final defeat to reigning European and world champion Spain. Since that night in Vienna, Die Mannschaft has seen much of its old guard replaced by an influx of young players who have made a name for themselves.
"You can see that this new generation of the last one or two years is extremely young, but very vital, ambitious and target-oriented,” Low told UEFA.com. "And of course [they are] also hungry for success.”
Like Germany, the last major final the Netherlands reached ended in a 1-0 loss to Spain. Manager Bert van Marwijk's squad responded well to defeat by winning nine of its 10 Euro 2012 qualifiers. These results have brought a renewed hope to Oranje supporters, whose hearts were crushed after the 2010 World Cup final.
The team managed to score 37 goals in the process, giving their fans something more to cheer about. Schalke forward Klaas Jan Huntelaar finished as top scorer in the Bundesliga, while Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is on course to achieve the same feat in England, unless Manchester United's Wayne Rooney has his way.
For more: Germany, Netherlands on fire ahead of Euros
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