The Best of Euro 2012

So there were many highlights of the European Championships, some serious footballing ones and some fun lighthearted ones. So without further ado, let's dive right in.

A Grand Finale

So Spain were once again crowned Champions of Europe on Sunday after a 4-0 win over victory in the Euro 2012 final. I had predicted Germany would win the whole thing but they were overcome by a storming performance by a valiant Italian side. I had thought before the kick off that Italy might be able to edge Spain but that also was not to be. I had not counted on the Spain's effortless switch into a higher gear for the final when previously they had looked to be struggling and short of the fluidity and attacking edge we've all come to know so well. Unfortunately for Italy, it also seemed to be just a game too far for them with first Giorgio Chiellini and then- disastrously after all three subs had been used- Thiago Motta succumbing to injury problems. I thought Italy fought valiantly and at times during the match it looked like they might be capable of pulling something back and they looked brighter once Federico Balzaretti and Antonio di Natale came on but there was only so much they could do against Spain's suffocating endless posession, especially after they went a man down. Its not all doom and gloom for Italy though, I think there's real potential in that squad and they've really restored pride in their national side. Spain were way better than they had been at any point during the rest of the tournament and looked almost back to their 2008-2010 best. Its hard to pick out individual performances when the whole team was excellent but Sergio Ramos looked very strong and seems to have grown a lot as a player, Gerard Pique was also excllent at the back. Jordi Alba looks a hell of a prospect and his run down the wing was just electrifying. The Spanish celebrations were lovely to watch too. It was really sweet seeing them all bring their kids onto the pitch to join in the celebrations, especially watching Fernando Torres unleash his inner princess by joyfully frolicking in the glitter confetti with his daughter. Also a lovely touch were the t-shirts worn by Sergio Ramos and Cesc Fabregas commemorating Miki Roque, Antonio Puerta, Dani Jarque and Manolo Preciado. It was a simple but very touching gesture that along with the strong family presence made the celebrations that bit more meaningful and allowed it to transcend the barriers of football with a lovely personal touch. All in all its been a really good tournament full of both exceptional footbball and wonderful moments, stay tuned for the traditional awards type post...you know players, teams, goals of the tournament, that sort of stuff.

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!

The return of the King

On Monday night Thierry Henry returned to his home. And my what a return it was. I think my neighbours must have wondered what was going on in my house, I went a tiny little bit crazy celebrating. It was quite an emotional screaming and jumping around moment. It was such a special occasion that even my mum was moved to watch the match. It was beautiful, like a fairytale. Within ten minutes of coming into the game he scored the winning goal. It was a trademark Thierry goal too. Lovely movement and a neat, clever little finish. But it in was the moments afterwards, the celebrations that the real magic showed. To see him so inspired, so pumped up and in the moment was so beautiful, so moving, so poetic. My mum put it best I think when she said "Look, he's smiling right up to his eyes." A sight to warm the heart of every gooner watching but also warm the heart of any fan of football. I put it to you that no matter who you support, the story of not only a club legend but one of the best players to ever play in the Premier League returning to a club that represents his spiritual home and then scoring a wonder goal to roll back the years, is still enough to give you a fuzzy little warm feeling in your heart no matter how faint.
Another highlight of the match was my mum's assessment of Andrei Arshavin, "I think that boy needs glasses."

My (Europa) Cup runneth over

As you all know I'm a big fan of the Europa League competition. I just plain love watching it as its full of random players that I like to keep an eye on and I really love to adopt a team in the competition every year. My record in this respect in pretty damn good. Last year I adopted Atletico Madrid. First and foremost for Tomas Ujfalusi, the guy cracks me up no end and I love his hardcore attitude. Secondly Diego Forlan, the man  is a machine. And thirdly Quique Sanchez Flores a man who rocks knitwear like no other. This year I was torn  in the early stages between Napoli (Edinson Cavani oh yeeeeah) and Porto. As I've said previously I've really enjoyed watching Porto in Europe this season. Their passing is incredibly quick, they flow so well as a team and they play beautiful incisive attacking football. the final on Thursday was pretty cagey at first but they totally deserved their win. It was veery fitting that Falcao scored the goal that won them the trophy too given that he has  been far and away the star of this yeear's competition. The rapturous celebrations were pretty special too. I loved the sombrero he acquired from somewhere. And his sweet joint lifting of the trophy with birthday boy Helton. So here's to a great competition this year and this great tradition continuing next year. Roll on the next round of boywatching

A walk down Wembley Way

While I was in London last weekend, I didn't just visit the Emirates. My dad and I went to Wembley for the FA Trophy final. My Dad, you see is a massive Darlington fan and when I was a kid I used to go to all the matches with him. And when they got into the division three (its called league two now) playoffs about ten years ago we went to watch them at Wembley together then. So it was pretty special to go to the new Wembley to watch Darlington together again.

Three Down

Well there goes another one. First the Carling Cup, then the Champion's League, Now the FA Cup. Now this isn't a bitter whiny, post (again). This is finding posititves in our predicament. So let's march on.......

The rivalry continues (x2)

Well, well, well. What a difference a week makes huh? Suddenly it all doesn't look so bad.

Perspective

Here it is. I'm finally ready to look back on the Carling Cup. Now we all know how upset I was so lets not dwell on that side of things. But I will share with you my remedy for cup final heartache. Two things. Number one: find somewhere to vent and let it all out. I went into my garden to swear but you screaming and crying are also good, just suit yourslef. Then Number two; ice cream. Lots of it. Prefereably straight from the tub.
Now onto the perspective. Firstly, yes we all know it was a final and a trophy and so on BUT the Carling Cup is the erm...lowest profile out of the competitions we had a shot at. Don't get me wrong I would have loved them to have won it and I'm not belittling the competition. Also lets all take a reality check here, the season isn't over we still have quite away to go, to let one game shape the rest of our season would be foolish in the extreme. They're all professionals they absolutely must get this in perspective and instead of letting it get them down they have to use it to their advantage and let it fire them up. Let this disappointment fuel our other aspirations. Defeat makes the eventual victory taste sweeter so don't let them forget that. 
As cruel as losing the final in that manner was, there are positives to be had there. For a start the fact that we were actually in a final after several seasons of near misses. Also we weren't comprehensively out played or badly beaten. We lost it on one stupid error. Its a problem but one that can be worked on. Another problem that needs to be worked on is the attitude problem that some of our players *cough*fabregas*cough* seem to have. The problem I'm referring to is that in the build up to the final it occasionally seemed that it was being treated as our only chance to win a trophy. What springs to mind was the whole "fabregas has waited so long to captain a final and now he can't" debate. GET OVER YOURSELVES. There are going to be other finals. I believe that wholeheartedly and it goes without saying that they should too.
To finish up I would like to add thatt I have a huge amount of respect for Arsene Wenger's response after the gaame. He said that he didn't blame any player for the defeat. Ass soon as he said it my dad said "its a good job it isn't you because you would have." Followed by, "You probably would have smacked them daft." Thanks Dad.

Broken Heart

The heart is a muscle, it bruises. My heart is very bruised right now. I actually wept after the game. Honestly I did.
Its how close we got that is so agonisingly difficult to take. Once again its dominating for so long then slipping up at 89 minutes.
But I'll have to pick up my heart off the floor and hand it over once again to my boys. My boys who are so very careless with it. I have to. I have to keep believing. And so do they.
Its not the end of the world, we're still in with a chance for three.

on top of the world

Sorry for the delay readers. But finally today I can share with you all the unconfined joy I've been feeling that not even a draw with Leyton Orient could spoil. I've been floating on air for a week. All because Arsenal defied the odds and did the impossible. We beat Barcelona. Oh yeeeeeeaahhhhhh. The boys were no less than inspiring. It was a hell of a game. What a difference a year makes, they put in a mature, committed and aggressive performance. It was glorious to behold we went a goal behind and there was no dropping of heads, no loss of spirits it galvanised them and they upped their game. The pace in midfield was thrilling, the counter attacks were absolutely blistering and there aren't enough superlatives to describe Robin van Persie's performance. Jack Wilshere truly manned up and actually delivered a performance he's threatened for a long time. Alex Song was an absolute colossus, blood and thunder as always. And the boy Chesney, he gets more impressive every time I see him. I think the most important and impressive thing is his confidence, he's willing to get yelly and he actually dominates the penalty box (mind you he is 6"5 but its more than a height thing.) All in all I was very very impressed. Its not just the result its self, its the massive morale boost it'll give to the team.
Moving on to the weekend's result. I know a draw with a team a couple of leagues below isn't ideal but there are two very important positives to take from the game.
1.) Tomas Rosicky finally scored again. Its been a long time coming and damn does he deserve it. It'll do wonders for his confidence and it can only help him find the net again. aaaaaaaand
2.) Ignasi Miquel. He looks like a hell of a prospect at centre half. Such authority in an eighteen year old (!) is incredible. Plus he's cute as hell.

nananananananananana CUP RUN

Its time to 'man up' (metaphorically) and get back to footballing matters. The Gunners cup form continues. In the FA Cup we overcame a gritty, battling Huddersfield side in a great game at the Emirates. My perserverance paid off and Tomas Rosicky returned! I was extremely pleased to see him as always. My ridiculous level of Sport obsession means that quite frequently my family are obliged to share it with me. And in Tomas' case one of the focal points of my obsession is his hair. And so my mum's way of commenting on his return was "I don't know what that boy has done to his hair, he must get bored with it."
And better even than our FA cup progress is the sterling job the boys have done in the Carling cup. We're going to a final! It feels unbelievably sweet to be able to say that after so long. They thoroughly deserve this shot at silverware and showed both fight and skill in overcoming Ipswich. The anticipation levels in HQ are pretty high and will probably reach fever pitch (haha) before the 27th. I'm excited and nervous all at once and I'm still marvelling that we've got there. So all together now... "we're the famous Arsenal and we're off to Wembley...WEMBLEY....WEMBLEY"

More Sporting Thoughts

I'm thinking of making this one a regular feature.
I've been shamefully behind on my football watching of late and I've finally caught up. I watched Match of the Day this morning and the first half of the Leeds match which I missed. Good stuff all round. I was particularly impresed with Arsenal's play at the weekend which had all the hallmarks of the beautiful football us gooners are often spoiled with. Also it made me realise something I'd left off the list of things I love about Robin van Persie. The way that man moves is pure poetry in motion. The shaping of his body when he takes a free kick or a curling shot is remarkable. Its amazing how elegant he is, every single part of him seems to align and each time you could take a perfect snapshot of it. I loved the Leeds match for another reason. It was exciting end to end stuff and extremely competitive which although occasionally stressful is still a great thrill. And even though the last Arsenal goal was greeted with unbridled joy at HQ I did still feel bad for poor Kasper Schmeichel. He's absolutley adorable and seeing him sitting huddled in the net looking for all the world like a little boy lost did tug at my heartstrings.
On the tennis front we've lost some of our harem in Oz. Marcos Baghdatis is out, as is Baby G. So we're left with three Spaniards flying the flag. We're going to cheer on Tommy Robredo for all we're worth against Roger 'Beige' Federer. However we're going to lose one of our boys as our catalan lion David Ferrer takes on the one and only Rafa in one of the other quarter fianls. Honestly I can hardly bear to watch. Divided loyalties does not even cover it.
And finally as massive congrats to the lady lineswoman who officaited Liverpool's game on Sunday and by all accounts did a bang up job. We wholeheartedly support the cause for more ladies in the game. We're first in line. And good luck to the Arsenal tonight. I know we can do it.

FA Cup and Aussie updates

Fourth round people. What a match the other night, the magic of the cup indeed. The boys were absolutely fantastic, they knocked it out of the park and really made me proud. Samir Nasri was superlative, that goal was an absolute peach. And Bacary Sagna. Now I've elucidated on my love for Bac before and once again he's come through with a cracker of a goal and that beautiful smile of his. I've often complained about the FA cup fixture list but five trophyless years have made me warm to it a little. Funny that.
Now to Australia. Our slam chasing matador is through to the third round. Unfortunately Flic has fallen at the second hurdle which robs us of the posibility of a bromantic showdown with Rafa. David Ferrer has prowled his way through (rawrrrrrr.) And Marcos Baghdatis and Baby g are progressing. Wahey.
Now a treat to conclude the post. Carrying on the Emmanuel Eboue theme from the other daay, here's another one of his great moments. 3-2-1 Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhtttttttttssssssss