Paying the Penalty

So we're at the semi final stage of Euro 2012 and the drama has been ratcheted up. The last quarter final (England v Italy)  and the first semi final both went to dramatic penalty shoot outs. Similarly dramatic as I've said but vastly differing in a few ways.

Euro 2012 - progress report

I've been a little remiss on my posting lately as HQ is currently slightly chaotic with some DIY happening. But I can assure you i have not been remiss in watchinng the Euros. So the early excitement of the group stages has now given way to the intensity and drama of the knockout stages. So I'm feeling the need to collect my thoughts so far.

Euro 2012 - Impressions so far

The Euros are officially here! Weeks of glorious, dramatic, unpredictable football. And so far its been pretty decent.

Euro 2012 Predictions

Since Euro 2012 is almost upon us, I decided that Sports Wall should dip our toe into the murky waters of predictions. First up I think that The Czech Rep and Russia will get out of their group. I think that the experince within the Czech squad will see them through (hopefully) and I can't see Greece or Poland having enough quality (or consistency) to get through ahead of Russia. Obviously I see Germany and Holland getting through their group but I can see Denmark putting up a spirited challenge. Once again, obviously I see Spain getting through. I'm not completely positive that Italy will join them though. I think its quite likely but I think its going to be very close between them and Croatia, it entirely depends on which Italy actually shows up (awesome 2006 togetherness version or so close yet so far 2010 version?) And finally I can see France getting through and (sigh, eye roll) probably England depending on whether England can actually pull together as a team and manage to not implode. Also depends on if Sweden or Ukraine sufficiently man up to the challenge. As for the overall winner, I've got a feeling for Germany this year, I think that its this squad's time. Player wise I think that Mario Gomez, despite his shoddy Champion's League final will have a good tournament, I'm thinking Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might make a decent impression if he's used correctly and I really really hope Tomas Rosicky has a great tournament. So I know some of them are fairly obvious predictions but based on all the football I watch that is what I think will happen. Comment or tweet if you want to add anything!