Wednesday 27 June, 2012
Gazzetta dello Sport sorry for Balotelli ‘King Kong’ cartoon
“Everything, absolutely everything, can be misunderstood,” says Italian paper following complaints.
Nasri apologies to French fans for outburst
The Manchester City attacker verbally attacked a number of journalists after Les Bleus were eliminated from Euro 2012.
Portugal v Spain: the key battles
It’s a mouth-watering Iberian derby in Donetsk tonight with a place in the European Championships decider up for grabs. Here’s where it’ll be won and lost.
The man behind Ronaldo: Coentrao shining in Portugal role
The left-sided player has prospered at Euro 2012 after an underwhelming season at Real Madrid
The Morning Score: Wednesday
Here’s everything you need to know this morning – apart from how to keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet. Sorry, Vicente.
Preview: Counter-punching Portugal prepare Spain ambush
It’s not quite Ronaldo and 10 lads we collected on the way. But Spain will need to keep the Real Madrid man in check tonight in Donetsk.
Germany are afraid of Italy, says Pirlo
“I didn’t practice taking a penalty like that, it just came to me naturally, in the moment,” he said.
Tuesday 26 June, 2012
Après Match: Keane talks Ireland fans and Triggs’ passing
Roy doesn’t pull any punches alongside Adrian Chiles and Gareth Southgate on the ITV panel.
‘He only understands Scottish’ – Capello hits back at Rooney
The Manchester United striker angered the Italian by claiming that players there was no communication problems under Roy Hodgson.
Spain are not boring to watch, insists Iniesta
The Spanish midfielder says he is happy with the team’s style of play.
‘The only thing I strive for is success’ — Jogi Loew keeping his eyes on the prize
The German coach gave a masterclass in setting the tone ahead of the clash with Italy, writes Miguel Delaney in Poland.
Forward thinking: Prandelli vows to attack Germany
‘I prefer to concede on the break than sit back for 20 minutes.’ Said the Azzurri coach.
Phil Brown labels Pirlo ‘homophobic’ for not leaving Serie A
Somebody needs to tell the former Hull City boss the correct meaning of the word.
Stereotyping: Lazio striker Klose acting as German spy
As Miguel Delaney found out, the Germans don’t consider Italians to be lazy. Perish the thought. Very laid back, perhaps, but definitely not lazy.
Opinion: Mourning the last of the 16-team tournaments
We may look back on this summer’s European championships as the end of an era.
Police investigate Twitter racism against England’s penalty-takers
Ashley Young and Ashley Cole were both subjected to abuse on the social networking site after missing penalties against Italy on Sunday night.
Euro 2012 a success, say Euro 2012 organisers
The Ukrainian tournament director has claimed a 25% increase in tourist traffic has proved doubters wrong.
Hodgson defends below-par Rooney
“I think we put a lot of expectation on him,” England manager Hodgson said as the squad arrived back in Manchester yesterday.
Monday 25 June, 2012
Fabregas laughs off Messi comparisons
“It is nonsense. I just play where the coach tells me. I do not think we should talk about it as he is a very different player to me. We’re talking about the best player in the history of football.”
Beckenbauer backs Germany for Euro glory
Germany take on Italy in the semi-finals in Warsaw on Thursday and Der Kaiser reckons his country will face reigning champions Spain for the trophy.
UEFA fine Germany €25,000 for unruly fans
The Euro 2012 semi-finalists have been disciplined for the behaviour of their supporters during the Group B match with Denmark.
Spain won’t be giving Ronaldo any special attention
Xabi Alonso insists the world champions will play their normal game when they come up against Portugal and his Real Madrid team-mate.
Peerless Pirlo and seven other ‘Panenka’ penalties
Last night’s dinked spot-kick was not the Italian midfielder’s first.
Gerrard vows to continue as England captain
The Liverpool midfielder says he and manager Roy Hodgson have already discussed Gerrard’s future with England.
Hundreds attend funeral of James Nolan in Blessington
The 21-year-old was buried in his hometown this morning.
No use practising penalties, insists Germany goalkeeping chief Koepke
Miguel Delaney tried to get a few questions past on of the heroes of ’96 at Germany’s press conference this afternoon.
The Morning Score: Monday
Here’s everything you need to know this morning – apart from how to take a penalty like Andrea Pirlo.
Nick Leeson: On Mick Wallace and his ‘false economy’
The Wexford TD is symptomatic of the move from delayed gratification to credit consumerism which we are still struggling to shake off, writes Nick Leeson.
Sunday 24 June, 2012
VIDEO: England go out on penalties again
Ashleys, Young and Cole, missed from the spot as Italy advanced to the semi-finals.
Analysis: Same old story in Kiev
England going out on penalties, Andrea Pirlo’s brilliance… we saw nothing new tonight, writes Miguel Delaney.
As it happened: England v Italy, Euro 2012 quarter-final
There was just one spot left in the last four and we were in Kiev to find out who would fill it. Catch up on how it went.
Non, je ne regrette rien: Blanc defends negative tactics
The French boss also rued Xabi Alonso’s early goal in Donetsk last night.
Here’s your ‘Mario Balotelli tribute in a crop circle’ pic of the day
An Italian artist has honoured the Manchester City striker in a field in Verona.
Preview: Azzurri should prevail in close contest
England and Italy are likely to serve up the most engaging of the four quarter-finals, writes Miguel Delaney.
Memory lane: Five past meetings between England and Italy
Check out classic goals from Kevin Keegan, Roberto Baggio and a young Paul Scholes.
Opinion: does a manager’s nationality matter in international football?
Based on statistics from Euro 2000 onwards, we assess this much-debated topic.
Podolski: England? Italy? It really doesn’t matter
There’s a not-so-quiet confidence about this German side ahead of their Euro 2012 semi-final.
It’s Sunday so here’s 11 of our favourite pictures from the past 7 days
Check this lot out…



























































