The Sporting Hack

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...

Welcome to the second instalment of Biltcliffe’s Sports Thoughts update of Euro 2012 – the knockout stages beckon. Good week for: Germany – Joachim Low’s men march on towards the quarter finals, dispatching a poor and disorganised Netherlands outfit. Mario Gomez (right) took his tally to three goals for the tournament with a couple of stunning strikes. They should face Poland or Czech Republic in the last eight. They should not be fazed.  Croatia – The Croats are sneaking up on the inside in Group C, having added to their convincing win over the Republic of Ireland with a solid point against Italy. Mario Mandzukic took his goal tally to three for the tournament and a draw against Spain would surely be enough to see Slaven Bilic’s men progress. France – Amid a thunderous evening in Donetsk, the French came through what could have been a real tough evening of it against Ukraine to hold top spot in group D. Despite the disruption and distraction of heavy weat...