Ryan Ross’s Team of the Euro’s Goalkeeper Iker Casillas Casillas displayed some game deciding moments and twinned with great composure throughout the competition he definitely was the pillar for Spain during their quest for a third successive tournament win. Although La Roja’s defence was hard to break down, their Real Madrid keeper was prepared to make the match winning save. Ever reliant, it seemed only right the final was Casillas’ 100th win at international level. Defence Joao Pereira In a […]
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Alessandro Diamanti stepped forward to take the final penalty kick which would secure Italy’s semi-final berth and end England’s dreams. It had taken over 120 minutes to separate Italy and England and it came down to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out. After Diamanti had successfully converted the winning kick, England knew that history had repeated itself. It was to be another tale of tragedy for the English, but Italy could look forward to facing old foes Germany in the […]
A victory over the co-hosts Ukraine on Tuesday left England sitting top of Group D, having knocked France off their perch. Old rivals Italy await them in the next round, due to be played on Sunday. Roy Hodgson will be relieved to have avoided the prospect of playing reigning Champions Spain and England can look forward to the next tie in a confident mood. England will now believe they have a firm chance of reaching the semi-final stage, where a […]
This was an evening which threatened to see England implode in a cloud of smoke and with it their Euro 2012 hopes. Two goals in quick succession had spun the wheel of fate in Sweden’s favour and Roy Hodgson was left looking on with as his men attempted to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. That this outcome did not occur was simply astounding. England’s best qualities came to the fore and an unlikely hero rode to their rescue. […]
Manager: Roy Hodgson Captain: Steven Gerrard Best previous Euros performance: Third, 1968; Semi-Finals, 1996. Qualified via: Winners of Group G FIFA Ranking: 6th Concerns over player fitness. Criticism of the Manager’s ‘dull’ tactics. A national media frenzy regarding a certain defender’s exclusion from the squad for ‘footballing reasons.’ It’s shaping up to be a ‘normal’ summer for England. But then, would it ever be any different? Six months before an international tournament, a national side is expected to arrange appropriate […]
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon This season Buffon has restored his reputation as one of the World’s greatest goalkeepers. He endured a torrid previous 12 months, injuries curtailing his involvement with the Bianconeri. He certainly did not lack motivation to return and there is little doubt he is the Gigi of old. As Juventus remained unbeaten throughout Serie A and finished in top spot; Buffon kept 21 clean sheets in 35 appearances. His finest moment this season was an outstanding near-post save […]
Douglas Maicon scored a sensational goal to secure a 4-2 victory for Internazionale over AC Milan in a thrilling Derby della Madonnina; in a game which also halted Milan’s attempt to retain their league crown. The Nerazzurri were forced to come from behind, after former player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted a penalty and scored a splendid second to grant AC Milan a 2-1 lead. A feisty affair occurred between the Milanese rivals tonight. Scudetto chasing AC Milan knew they had to […]
As the Serie A once more draws to a close, many clubs are nearing the finish line in their respective races. Whether it’s Juventus or AC Milan striving for the Scudetto. Or Novara, Lecce, Genoa and Fiorentina battling to avoided dreaded relegation to Serie B. The most exciting race is that for third place; which will grant Champion’s League football to its respective winner. There are five sides competing in the race for Europe; each with their strengths and weaknesses. […]
A young star who had the world at his feet; Alberto Aquilani was viewed as one of the best players to come through the AS Roma academy. He went on to feature for the Giallorossi before injuries curtailed his involvement. English side, Liverpool FC, gambled upon Aquilani’s fitness when they signed him in August 2009. A disappointing season entailed and the Italian was loaned to Juventus. Whilst playing for the Bianconeri, he displayed an ability to dictate a match’s tempo […]
Fabio Borini was born in Bentivoglio, Italy, on 29th March 1991. His father had brought him up to be an avid Bologna supporter. He joined his boyhood side, aged 9 years old, in 2001 and played for their youth sides. Premier League side Chelsea came hunting for the young Borini’s signature in the summer of 2007; managing to convince the Italian to enhance his development in London. 2008-2009 saw Borini promoted to a starting role in the reserves, leading the […]
Roma head into the Derby Della Capitale in a state of flux. Last week’s limp 4-1 defeat to Atalanta has seen coach Luis Enrique’s authority over the club once more coming into question. His position has not been aided by a poor away form and constant off-field concerns surrounding his vice-captain, Daniele De Rossi. Despite the issues there is optimism for the future and belief that Enrique is still the right man to lead Roma. Roma’s home form has been […]
The jewel in Florence’s crown; Stevan Jovetic is being targeted by Premiership big spenders, Chelsea FC. But what who are the London club looking to sign? Elegance and artistry are two words which best define Jovetic. Leading Fiorentina’s forward line this season, he has sparkled and shown why he is to be considered one of Europe’s best players. Born in Titograd, in the former Yugoslavia in 1989, Jovetic’s early appearances for local side Mladost Podgorica, began to gain attention from […]
