So Germany are through to Sunday’s final of the 2008 European Championships. A last-minute goal, by Phillipp Lahm, finally seeing off a gallant Turkish side. The Turks came into this semi-final, on the back of spirited performances against Croatia and the Czech Republic. Performances that highlighted their depth of team-spirit and fighting qualities. Spirit that was in evidence again tonight, as their equalising goal, eight minutes from time, looked to have secured them a well-earned draw. But tonight they met their match. For this German side have rediscovered a sense of winability. Winability is more than just team-spirit. It’s a […]

There are two minutes left in extra-time, of the Croatia-Turkey, quarter-final, when Croatia’s Ivan Klasnic, puts his team ahead. The Turks are beating the turf in frustration and despair. Whilst the Croatians are going wild with jubilation. Manager Slaven Bilic, with his trademark suit and earring, has raced onto the pitch and joined his players in celebration. He is ecstatic. He thinks his team are through to the semi-finals. But they are not. In time added on for Croatia’s collective celebration, Turkey score. Now it is Croatia’s turn to beat the turf in frustration. They are utterly dejected as they […]

It was the night, when France would put right the wrongs of their sluggish, opening group performance, against Romania. To show that they were a credible threat at this years European championships. So much for that. After their defeat to Holland, coach Raymond Domenech spoke frankly about his team. ‘Certain players did not do what they had to do. The players have to show themselves worthy of wearing the French shirt. Big players have to know how to get over things like this, and to come back.” Well there is no doubt, that the French coach is correct in his […]

So Luiz Felipe Scolari will become the new head coach at Stamford Bridge. Clearly this is a man with the self-confidence, belief and communication skills to thrive on the sporting challenge laid down to him, by the powers that be, at Chelsea. It is interesting to learn that Scolari, has used to excellent effect, the services of an eminent Brazilian sports psychologist, Regina Brandao, to help him succeed. Regina has supported Scolari, during his time as Portugal coach, to help him get inside the mind of his international players. It’s clearly a relationship that has worked exceptionally well for Big […]

So Italy, the reigning World Champions, begin their Euro’ 2008 campaign, in the worst possible way. A three goal defeat to Holland, followed by stories of unrest within the Italian camp. Players, apparently, sending text messages, disrespectful of the manager Roberto Donadoni, with indications that felt they were mentally unprepared, for the Dutch challenge. And of course, the notorious Italian press, have been calling for the new managers head and have even been criticising him, for the tone of his voice! Which in many ways is perfect for Donadoni. We know how the bribery scandals in Italian football, created a […]

There are about eight minutes left in the Spain-Russia, Group D encounter. The Russians are three goals down, when they suddenly snatch a goal back from a corner. Yet, even though there is a chance they can still save the game, they show little or no urgency in hurrying back for the restart. For this is a Russian side, who appeared to have accepted their fate, long before the final whistle. In fact, around the time Spain scored their second goal. It was as if the Russians, simply believed, that they had come up against a superior team, and would […]

It’s days before the 2008 European Championships get underway. After a successful season with Manchester United, you would expect Christiano Ronaldo, to be settled and focused, ahead of Portugal’s campaign. An opportunity for them to try to go one better, than their tame 2004 final defeat, to Greece. But no. All the media focus, is centred around whether Ronaldo wants to go and ply his trade in Spain, with Real Madrid. The European Championships, is the perfect stage for Ronaldo to demonstrate that he is a world star. It is one thing showing your class every week in the Premier […]