The Sporting Hack

So that’s it for another four years, Spain continued their dominance on the elite level stage and did so in impressive fashion by swatting aside Italy 4-0 in the final. A very big thank you goes to those of you who have kept up to date with Biltcliffe’s Sports Thoughts throughout the tournament to try and gain an alternate perspective of what has been a thoroughly enjoyable tournament. The big winners were: Italy – There was no shame attached to Cesare Prandelli’s side, who were unable to match the rampant Spaniards. Against a backdrop of irregularity in their homeland, the Azzuri displayed a defiance by showing 4-4-2 can work (to an extent) at international level. They’d already given their best in the semi final win over Germany though. The big losers were: Holland – The Dutch have primacy in this area. From World Cup finalists in 2010 to finishing bottom of Group B with zero points, the 1-0 defeat to Denmark set the tone for Bert Van Merwijk’s (right) c...

Ok, the joke’s on me for doing the sensible thing, as an Englishman, and backing the Germans to prosper in this European Championships. Well done Italy and well done Mr William Hill. Tomorrow’s final in Kiev continues an unerring trend – which occurs every eight years - of finalists having met in the group stage (see Holland v USSR in ’88, Germany v Czech Republic in ’96 and Greece v Portugal in ’04) and it was of absolutely no surprise to me. Before that though, there were two contrasting, yet equally enthralling semi finals to enjoy and ‘chew the fat over’, here goes... It was a good semi-final for: Italy – What a turn up for Cesare Prandelli’s side. Gianluigi Buffon is stating a case for being the world’s best ‘keeper at the moment, the chiselled Giorgio Chielleni was back in the fold, Andrea Pirlo (right) was majestically untouchable and Mario Balotelli was...himself (more of that later). The Azzurri have been captivating to watch because they’ve adopted a 4-4...

Firstly I’d like to say that Euro 2012 has so far been refreshing and more than made up for the disappointments of a soggy and damp squib of a World Cup at South Africa 2010. I’m also rather pleased that my £5 bet on Germany to win the tournament is looking ‘steady’. It was a good round for: Italy – The Italians absolutely dominated from beginning to end against England, and, despite the absence of key centre half Giorgio Chiellini, they created enough chances to win three games. It’s at the back that they look so good though, where they have only two goals conceded so far and is their starting point. Portugal – A one man band? It is an easy assumption to make when Cristiano Ronaldo is in such imperious form; however the platform for him to perform has been built by a hard working and selfless midfield behind him. The clash against Spain is mouth-watering and winnable for Paulo Bento’s side. It was a bad round for: France – Never got started against S...

Welcome to the third instalment of Biltcliffe Sports Thoughts review of this summer’s European Championships, the last round of fixtures would see the field halved with only Ireland and Sweden categorically unable to reach the knockout phase. Good end for: Greece – The 2004 winners looked down and out heading in to the final round of group fixtures. Anchored to the foot of the table with just a point to their name, the Greeks needed a) to beat Russia and b) hope Poland did not win. It was left to captain Giorgos Karagounis (right) to snatch the only goal of the game against the unsuspecting Russians and put Dick Advocaat’s men out despite their superior goal difference. Czech Republic – After their opening day mauling at the hands of Russia, this blog hinted that the Czech’s may still be able to progress due to ‘the kinder nature of their group’. Michal Bilek’s side did well to take full advantage, and still had to overcome Poland on their own turf. Petr Jirace...