Champions Again

Who would have thought it? The team that can maintain possession better than any other, can regain possession faster and higher up the pitch than the rest actually won the tournament. It really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone but, i fear, too many on our shores will still bury their heads in the sand and ignore the obvious.

Just look at the nonsense spouted by all corners of the English media since England defeated Sweden Convinced yet again that England would win the competition, suddenly Vincente Del Bosque’s side were boring and predictable; no longer the force they once were. When they first said it I laughed at just how ridiculous it made him look but then the rest of the lemmings followed suit without actually engaging their brains first. Each time merely emphasised just how little they actually understand about the game they profess to love.

There is more than one reason why a team should hold on to a football during a match. Of course they do so probing for space, for the opportunity to play the killer pass but what Adrian Chiles and his ilk don’t grasp is the idea of recovery. For us (and by the term ‘us’ I refer to anyone coached to play football in Britain or Ireland) recovery involves someone shouting from the touchline, “Hurry up, get into position, turn and face!” You do so, and get a few quick breaths, before sprinting around after the opposition trying to win the ball back. For Spain, and the many other continental nations, recovery can be done with the ball. It makes perfect sense if you actually take the time to think about it. After a period of pressure your attacking players will be tired and the last thing they need is for their centre backs to be banging the ball long into the channels for them to chase. Instead the back five or six simply keep the ball for five minutes, playing short five yard passes that don’t risk losing possession. Yes, you did read that right I said five minutes. England, during the Euros, struggled to keep the ball for more than twenty seconds meaning that players like Gerrard and Parker were shattered by the hour mark. Two of the Premier League’s finest midfielders were reduced to runners by a system so out-dated its embarrassing and, worse still, was supported by the media until the Italian defeat. 

Lets look at that match in a little more detail to emphasise the point. I lost count of the number of times England were praised for showing ‘heart’ and ‘pride’ as if that is a sign of a great team. Surely those two attributes should be the norm? Spain showed plenty of heart and pride, they fight until the end and are more than prepared to put their bodies on the line. The difference is that they have the technical quality to back it up. Italy (who I thought would struggle to get out of their group) had players on a completely different planet to England like Pirlo and De Rossi. The former singlehandedly destroyed England with his ability to pass and move whilst De Rossi put in as big a shift as any of England’s midfield but, when the time came, had the ability to settle in possession. But England were rigid throughout the game (and the tournament), stubbornly refusing to adapt to counter Pirlo’s threat. The Juventus veteran had so much time on the ball even I could have found the odd pass now and again! Could Roy Hodgson see this? Of course he could! He is a manager with decades of experience but instead of telling a midfielder to step out or, even better, change the system to allow a player to stifle the threat, he insisted on Gerrard and Parker playing basically as two additional centre backs. The Spanish found an even better solution to the Pirlo dilemma - don’t let him have the ball by keeping it yourself! Italy should have annihilated England in that quarter final considering the number of clear chances they created and, when you then consider how comprehensively they were beaten by Spain, it shows the chasm that exists between England and the top table. It’s going to be a long process of change, started at last with the vote taken by the FA in May, but eventually the Home Nations will develop a crop of players comfortable in receiving and passing a football.

Spain, on the other hand, has enjoyed the fruits of that particular labour already. Their golden generation has achieved unparallelled success over the last four years and must be considered one of the greatest teams of all time. To win three major competitions on the spin is remarkable and with the likes of Jordi Alba coming through, and the fact that Xavi, Iniesta and co play in the way that they do, a second World Cup triumph is not out of the question. They don’t panic; they don’t treat an obstacle as an excuse for failure. Losing a player like David Villa simply didn’t affect them and, when you consider the hullabaloo caused by Rooney’s suspension, it shows the difference in mentality. Del Bosque chose to find a solution rather than point out why his team might struggle. He could have played a direct replacement but, instead, opted for something different - the false nine. He was ridiculed for it, in fact Adrian Chiles actually told him it was stupid! Incredibly Del Bosque chose to ignore Chiless of Jordi Alba coming through, and the fact that Xavi, IniestaBosque chose to find a solution rather than point out why his team might struggle. He could have played a direct replacement but, instead, opted for something different - the false nine. He was ridiculed for it, in fact Adrian Chiles actually told him it was stupid! Incredibly Del Bosque chose to ignore Chiles, and other football sages like Robbie Savage and Mark Bright, to persevere and got the success he deserved. My favourite idiot was Steve Parish, the Crystal Palace Chairman, who took to twitter during Spain’s semi final to point out everything that was wrong with the Spanish system. Repeating the, now boring, ‘boring’ mantra he went as far as to suggest a solution to this apparent blight on the football world. Teams, in his esteemed opinion, should be limited to fifteen passes before having to take a shot or the ball would be given to the other team.  Parish would need to be careful; with ideas like that he might soon be appointed Chairman of the FA.

Sunday nights’ final emphasised just how good Spain actually are. Like all great sides they saved their best for when it mattered and comprehensively routed the Italians. Their football, particularly in the first half, was scintillating and their system of play should be admired rather than criticised.

Match Day 2 - Group B

The Group of Death lived up to it's reputation by the end of the second set of matches. The day began with the unfancied Danes, on the back of a victory over the Dutch on Saturday, facing Portugal in Lviv. The Portuguese were under enormous pressure following their narrow defeat to Germany and knew that another defeat today would mean elimination from the competition. 

The pressure, however, seemed to inspire rather than inhibit them and by the half hour mark they had raced into a two goal lead. Pepe struck first, heading home a Joao Moutinho corner, to continue the trend of headed goals from set pieces at Euro 2012. Then, when former Spurs misfit Helder Postiga made it two from Nani’s cross, it looked game over for the Danes. But, just minutes before the break, they got a lifeline when Bendtner headed in at the back post. The second half began slowly with neither side looking eager to commit men forward. Then, with twelve minutes left, Portugal were pegged back by another header from Bendtner who maintained his remarkable scoring record against the Portuguese. A point would have put Denmark on the brink of qualification but, after an astonishing miss by Ronaldo who shot wide when through on goal, substitute Silvestre Varela rescued his captain at the second attempt. After a complete air shot on his weak left side, the Porto man rifled home to secure a much needed three points.

The evening kick off was a highly anticipated clash between old foes Germany and Holland. The Dutch found themselves in a similar position to Portugal after their opening day defeat but the earlier result now meant that defeat, though still clearly unwanted, would not mean elimination just yet. The Oranje started confidently, as they had done at the weekend, but once again failed to find that finishing touch. Van Persie was the main culprit fluffing a glorious chance within the first ten minutes and he was soon made to pay as Gomez, played in by Schweinsteiger, took one touch to control then a second to finish brilliantly. The German striker had come in for plenty of criticism despite his winning goal against Portugal but repaid his managers faith with a brilliant second goal of the night, third of the tournament, beating Stekelenburg from a tight angle. 

The Dutch had no option other than to attack in the second half but, as they did so, the Germans were able to pick holes in their already porous defence. Hummels could, and probably should, have put the match beyond their reach before a wonderful Van Persie strike halved the deficit. But their efforts were in vain as Germany held out for the win that has them on the brink of qualification. Holland, on the other hand, must now hope to become the first team in the history of the Euros to qualify from a group with only three points.  

Match Day 2 - Group A

The second round of results in Group A set up a fascinating conclusion for all four nations. The Czechs responded to their comprehensive defeat by Russia with an explosive start in Wroclaw against Greece. Two goals in the opening six minutes put them in pole position for a vital three points and, despite a Gekas goal in the second half, they held on with relative ease.

Once again Greece looked every bit the weakest side in the competition. Devoid of ideas, slow and cumbersome at the back, the 2004 champions have surely no chance of repeating that feat this year. They were grateful for their consolation to an awful Petr Cech error, who spilled a straight forward through ball into the path of the Greek substitute and providing false hope.

Russia kicked off against co-hosts Poland knowing that a second victory would put them into the knock out stages already. Yet again Advocaat's men started slowly and Poland, spurred on by a fervent crowd in Warsaw, quickly got on top. Lewandowski was dangerous on every attack and Russia relied on the defensive prowess of Ignashevich and Berezutsky to keep the scores level. Then, on thirty-seven minutes and against the run of play, Dzagoev scored his third goal of the tournament. The little playmaker got his head to Arshavin's clipped freekick to put himself on course for the golden boot. The goal lifted Russia and suddenly it was they who looked more likely to score. Polish fans would have been concerned at the start of the second half with their visitors enjoying far more of the play and creating space down the flanks.

Their equaliser came from a counter attack after Arshavin had the chance to put the game out of their reach. His indecision gifted Poland possession and when the ball arrived at the feet of Blaszczykowski he only had one thing on his mind. The captain cut inside two men and fired a wonderful curling shot into the top corner.

Despite spells of pressure from both sides, neither could find a winning goal leaving the group wide open for everyone. Poland and the Czechs will play knowing that the winner will be through regardless of what happens between Russia and Greece. Despite their awful showing so far, Greece can still sneak through by overcoming Advocaat's team in Warsaw.

Ukraine 2 Sweden 1

The final match of the first round of fixtures saw co-hosts Ukraine face Sweden in Kiev. After the group's 'superpowers' had played out a draw earlier in the day, both teams knew a victory would give them a welcome three points in their opening match.

The Ukraine side had a mixture of the old guard and some younger blood in the form of Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka. They started much the better team and looked better in possession then the Swedes, who relied almost entirely on Ibrahimovic for any attacking threat. The first real chance of the half fell to former Chelsea misfit Shevchenko who, reminiscent of his time at Stamford Bridge rather than the San Siro, scuffed his shot wide. Liverpool fans may have been impressed by the Ukrainian number ten who proved adept at linking midfield and attack, before realising it was merely Andrei Voronin minus his ponytail.

Sweden should have been in front just after the half hour when the impressive Ibrahimovic got free of his marker only to head a Seb Larssen's cross against the post when it seemed easier to score.

The enigmatic front man made up for his miss just six minutes into the second period. A ball across the Ukrainian goal wasn't cleared properly and, when Kallstrom turned it goalwards again, there was Ibrahimovic to side foot home. A stunned home crowd demanded a response from their team and they had only to wait three minutes for their demands to be met. Yarmolenko broke free down the right and his cross was met by Shevchenko who headed firmly past Isaksson.

Seven minutes later the game was turned on it's head when Shevchenko scored his second from a corner. As much as his movement was excellent, it has to be said, Sweden's marking was awful. Credit to the Swedes, however, who never gave up and, but for lack of composure by Johan Elmander would have salvaged a point late on. Instead it was the hosts who celebrated a memorable victory and saluted their hero Shevchenko for rolling back the years to put them top of the group.

If they can claim a point against the French in the next match, they will enter the tie with England in a great position to qualify for the knockout stages.

France 1 England 1

With the lowest expectation of any English squad for decades, Roy Hodgson sent out his first competitive eleven to face the French. Two years ago both countries suffered the ignominy of an early flight home from South Africa and, if anything, it looked like the French were in the worst state. Not only had they failed miserably on the pitch, but their squad had followed Patrice Evra's lead in a mutiny after Anelka's expulsion by, then coach, Raymond Domenech.

Now, under the guidance of Laurent Blanc, they look a nation reborn. Unbeaten since a shock defeat by Bosnia in September 2010, Blanc has put a team together that looks capable of getting to the latter stages of the competition. England, on the other hand, have lurched from one problem to the next culminating in the untimely exit of Fabio Capello and the FA's refusal to appoint a successor until just six weeks ago.

As always when two of the more famous sides meet at a tournament, statistics are bandied about to prove this and prove that. We've been told that England haven't beaten the French since 1997 and that, incredibly, France haven't won a match at the Euros without Zidane or Platini. At least Hodgson could be fairly certain neither of those two would be playing in Donetsk.

There was, however, one surprise inclusion but it came in the English side. A Hodgson team rarely uses an attack minded winger; preferring to have a hard working player who can tuck into what Roy calls the 'pockets'. Instead Downing was omitted for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showing an unusual but welcome attacking intent. For the French, Blanc played what could be the best front three in the tournament with Ribery and Nasri supporting Benzema.

It didn't take long for the French to settle into their rhythm; passing the ball comfortably through their midfield. England, as expected, sat deep and invited their opponents onto them and restricted space where they could. With Chamberlain as their most obvious outlet, England tried to break with pace when they could and, after just fifteen minutes they should have been in front. Ashley Young found space to thread a superb pass through a static pass and Milner, played onside by the sleeping Evra, went around Lloris before shooting into the side netting.

Growing more confident, England went in front on 30 minutes. Gerrard was given two attempts to deliver a free kick from the right touchline and his second was inch perfect for the unmarked Lescott to head his first international goal. It was the perfect scoreline for a Hodgson team and one which had secured victory for England in his first two matches. On this occasion, however, it wasn't to be. Nasri, who was slowly exerting more influence over the play, found space on the left nine minutes later and, with the English far too deep, was able to take aim and fire low past club mate Hart.

The second half was a cagey affair with England falling deeper and deeper by the minute. Despite this the French had lost a lot of the zest that they had played with before the break and struggled, therefore, to get behind the English lines. As usual the Three Lions had plenty of heart but, more often then not, a lack of quality where it mattered. Chamberlain, for example, showed he had the touches required to unlock defences but too often he received the ball thirty yards from his own goal.

The heat in Donetsk began to play a part as the game entered the final quarter. English players especially were struggling with the pace of the game - despite playing most of it in their own half - and the fresh legs of Defoe and U21 Captain Henderson were needed. It was clear by now that Hodgson was more than happy with a point and soon the French seemed to accept the inevitable too. With matches against Sweden and Ukraine to come, both teams will be hoping that one point here was enough.

Ireland 1 Croatia 3

It had been a decade since Ireland had last played at a major tournament; ten long years since Robbie Keane's injury time penalty had taken Spain to extra time and penalties before the heartbreak of defeat. Few would have thought Mendieta's match winning penalty would be Ireland's last tournament action until taking the field against Slavan Bilic's Croatia in Poznan.

Trapattoni has created an Irish side that pride themselves on clean sheets, five in qualifying, but within three minutes they were behind. After a rousing anthem by the boys in green, it was the Croats who started the more confidently and, despite slipping, Mandzukic was still able to take advantage of some slack Irish defending to head home.

Credit to the Irish, though, as they didn't panic and gradually worked their way back into contention. Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle led the line superbly, running their markers into areas they didn't want to go and creating gaps for Duff and Andrews to run into. And it was Doyle who earned the free kick from which Ireland drew level. The goal was a nightmare for Corluka who first fouled the Wolves man before allowing Sean St. Ledger the space to head home at the back post from McGeady's excellent delivery.

This was fast turning into a fascinating battle with both sides living up to their reputations of being defensively sound, whilst also going in search of goals. It looked likely that the half would end all square until a second lapse in concentration at the back cost the Irish. Modric's shot was blocked but, in the melee that followed, Stephen Ward inadvertently played the ball to Nikita Jelavic. The Everton frontman is renowned for scoring the vast majority of his goals with only one touch and he did it again here to lift the ball over the advancing Given.

Jelavic's goal proved decisive with his team looking far more assured in the second period. Ireland, on the other hand, had lost all belief and rarely looked like troubling Pletikosa in the Croatian goal, especially after Mandzukic got his second within minutes of the restart. Trapattoni will surely be angry that his side conceded twice at the start of a half and once right at the end; such a lack of concentration is fatal at this level.

From that point Croatia looked a strong outfit, and may just cause the Spanish and Italians a few problems later this week. Strong defensively, the craft of Modric and Rakitic in midfield, and Jelavic partnered by the imposing Mandzukic up front they can be a match for anyone. For the Irish they have to regroup and try to cut out the defensive errors which proved so costly today.

Spain 1 Italy 1

Day Two had provided a clash of footballing culture in the form of Holland and Denmark. Day Three began in a similar fashion as World Champions Spain met Italy in Gdansk.

There was a time when this match would have pitted two of the best sides in the world against each other but this Italian side is bereft of the star quality of old. What they did have, however, was plenty of heart. Faced by the unusual sight of a a 4-6-0 formation Prandelli's men held firm during a first forty-five minutes of Spanish possession. Despite their dominance with the ball, however, Spain rarely threatened and, if anything, the best chances fell to the Azzurri. The pick of these came the way of Thiago Motta in stoppage time, when Antonio Cassano broke free down the right and his cross was inch perfect for the PSG man. Despite making a firm contact Motta headed straight at Casillas and the teams went into the break level.

Buoyed by their performance in the first half, Italy looked increasingly dangerous in the second period. But it wasn't until the introduction of Di Natale, replacing the erratic Ballotelli, that they made it count. Curving his run to perfection, the Udinese frontman latched onto veteran Pirlo's clever pass, and finished in style. This had clearly not been in the script but the lead didn't last long as Fabregas restored parity from an equally clever pass from David Silva just three minutes later. It has long been a trait of the Spanish style not to panic and this was another example.

From this point it was Spain who looked the more likely to win. Del Bosque finally sent on a striker in the shape of Fernando Torres and the Chelsea man should have scored immediately when put through on Buffon. However, in keeping with his recent form, Torres took a heavy touch and the chance was gone. A second opportunity presented itself in the final ten minutes but this time his chipped effort sailed over the cross bar and Spain had to settle for a point.

Italy had certainly performed much better than many had predicted but that may have been down to the amount of space provided by the attack minded Spanish. For Spain they will be disappointed at their inability to move the ball fast enough in the final third. Whether or not a striker is needed is a question for Del Bosque who knows a win is now vital in their next match to keep the quest for a third straight title on track.

Germany 1 Portugal 0

After the shock of Holland's defeat to Denmark earlier in the day, Germany and Portugal met at the Lviv Arena in Ukraine. Despite the vast array of talent on show the match proved to be a major disappointment with both sides struggling to impose themselves throughout.

It took Ronaldo fourteen minutes to get his first touch and the Real Madrid frontman can rarely have been as ineffectual. At the other end Ozil, so often the creator of Germany's goals, struggled to find the space needed to work his magic. The chances were few and far between with neither goalkeeper seriously troubled until the final minute of the first half. Incredibly it was Pepe, who took a break from trying to look out of position at the back, who struck a shot against the underside of Neuer's crossbar. As everyone braced themselves for yet another goal line debate, UEFA were relieved to see the ball land plum on the line and bounce clear.

Surely the second half couldn't be as bad as the first? Well, actually it could. In what quickly became the worst match of the tournament so far, chances remained at a premium until Mario Gomez rose to head home a deflected cross from Khedira eighteen minutes from time. In truth Gomez had looked as poor here as he had done in the Champions League Final last month but, when the chance came, he didn't disappoint placing his header beyond the outstretched hand of Rui Patricio.

The Germans survived a couple of late scares; firstly when Varela was denied by Neuer, then after Ronaldo broke free down the left and pulled it back for Nani, it was Badstuber who came to the rescue. With that, Portugal's chance had gone and Joachim Loew's men got their championship assault off to a winning start.

Will Germany go all the way this year?

Holland 0 Denmark 1

The highly fancied Dutch suffered a potenitally fatal defeat in their opening match against a dogged Denmark in Kharkiv.

Denmark, who had struggled to score goals in qualifying, looked bereft of ideas going forward for long spells, instead relying on set piece delivery for their only real threat. After eighteen minutes they finally unlocked the door as Robben played a clever one-two with Van Persie to get free inside the box. As most waited for the Bayern Munich man to pick his spot he chose, wrongly, to try to square the ball for others. Despite the opportunity being on his unfavoured right foot, you still can't help but wonder whether his disappointment in the Champions League Final last month has affected his confidence in front of goal.

What was starting to look like an exercise in attack against defence, with Sneijder, Robben and Van Persie probing the Danish backline for a way through, was turned completely on its head after a quarter of an hour. Enjoying a rare foray into Dutch territory, Krohn-Dehli reacted fastest to a blocked cross to works his way into a shooting position. His low shot, which went through the legs of Stekelenburg, stunned the Dutch and sparked the Danish support into life. Despite the goal, the remainder of the half followed a similar pattern with Holland keeping the ball and Denmark keeping two well organised banks of four protecting their goal.

For all their pressure, however, on only one occasion did they actually look like scoring. Again it was Robben who picked up the ball from an awful kick out by Andersen, before side footing it against the outside of the post.

The second half saw Holland up the tempo considerably. Inside the first five minutes, Van Persie, Van Bommel, Heitinga and Afellay all had opportunities to score as the pressure built up on the plucky Danes. Eventually, with twenty minutes left, Bert van Marwijk remembered he had a 50 goal striker on the bench and sent Huntelaar on to partner the misfiring Van Persie. His introduction made little difference though as Denmark, marshaled superbly by Agger and Kjaer, held firm to secure a memorable victory and place Dutch qualification under threat. This, after all, was supposed to be their easy match with games against Portugal and rivals Germany still to come. The Group of Death may have found it's victim already.

BBC vs ITV

For many people judging the match coverage is sometimes as important as judging the match itself. For others, the mute button becomes their best friend so it doesn't matter whether its Clive Tyldesley or John Motson commentating; Lineker or Chiles in the studio.

For me, it's not a decision I make based on the sound of someones voice although, occasionally, a commentators style can seriously irk me. For example I have very little time for Jonathan Pearce. I know he has something of a cult following for some but, for me, his over the top rants rarely make a lot of sense and make me cringe. While we're here, I suppose, I may as well start with the commentators. Growing up, the two 'big guns' were Motson and Brian Moore and, I have to say, I loved them both. Motty has become known as the statto of football commentary, and probably played on that for the last few years, but regardless he is still an institution. I'm not sure whether he ever actually said the line but I hope the story about him introducing a matchin the '70s by saying "For those of you watching in black and white, Tottenham are the team in the all yellow strip" is true. The very fact he is still going after forty years says it all.


Brian Moore just had a great commentators voice. As a Liverpool fan I will never ever forgot those immortal words; "Thomas...it's up for grabs now!". Depressingly I didn't even need to look that up and I'm sure many fans have a line from Moore that sticks in their head. What I liked most about him was his ability, much like Sky's Martin Tyler with the title winning Aguero goal, to know when to speak and when to let the football and the crowd take over. A personal favourite of mine was always Barry Davies. Here was a man than covered almost every sport on the box from football to hockey to even the tennis! His agonising "Oooooohhhh no!" as Kopke saved Southgate's penalty is as much a memory of that night as Andy Moeller's embarrassing celebration a few minutes later. 

So what about today's men in the gantry? Well as this is a debate centring on the BBC and ITV, Tyler is unfortunately void which is a shame because he is probably the best. Leaving him aside it's not an easy task to pick someone who will be remembered as fondly in twenty years time as those I've already mentioned. I detest Tyldesley with a passion. I know all commentators will research their match and have countless sheets of information in front of them, but Tyldesley seems to simply read his like an autocue. I'm sure even United fans are tired of his insistence of mentioning the final few minutes at the Nou Camp in every match he does. I'm not suggesting, by the way, that he supports the Red Devils just that he knows that without THAT match he would most likely be an unknown former commentator by now. Besides Motson the best the BBC have on offer is Guy Mowbray. He's not bad but when Lineker says the words "In the commentary box tonight, we have Guy Mowbray" your heart does sink a little as you wonder where Motty is.

The role of co-commentator is sometime undervalued. For me a good assistant, with real football experience, is vital. As much as David Pleat struggles to say any name harder to pronounce than John, he does know his football. The same can be said about Andy Townsend but, with this role, football fans are usually swayed by club loyalty. If you support United, you hate listening to Lawrenson; if you support Spurs, you hate listening to Alan Smith. And if you like football in general, you hate Robbie Savage. Quite often, like Savage (you don't often see those two words together), co-commentators have an agenda. This is their opportunity to make a name for themselves and many have since gone on to be successful after a short spell beside a commentator. No one can tell me Gary Neville signed up to Sky thinking he would never become a coach. It was all part of his plan and, in the studio he is excellent at analysing matches as any seasoned footballer should be. He is, however, awful as a co-commentator mostly due to his weak voice, but I could listen to him discuss tactics all day. Unfortunately Savage is trying to become an Adrian Durham-and I've absolutely no doubt he will succeed because they are both annoying, over-opinionated pond life.

The real battle between the two stations is normally fought in the studios. In many ways this shows the reality of modern day, business driven football. The huge amounts of money that must be spent on this side of a major tournament is staggering; not to mention paying the hotel fees for all the pundits involved. For me this is when the battle is at its fiercest. I like to think of myself, in the words of Brendan Rodgers and Pep Guardiola (again a few words you never thought you would see together), as a student of the game; I'm always learning and eager to hear what those who achieved something in the game have to say. For years the BBC had this sewn up as ITV chose celebrity over football knowledge but now, finally, they have cottoned on. Well, almost. Gary Lineker, 80 caps and 48 international goals, versus Adrian Chile - that guy off Daybreak. Game over. Lineker is a legend and, in my opinion, should give more of his own thoughts during a match instead of just asking the questions. Chiles, on the other hand, should go back to breakfast TV so it's easier for me to avoid him. 


The pundit battle is fascinating though, especially if you can put aside club passion and be objective.

BBC

Hansen is superb. Of course he supports Liverpool but he never claims otherwise. But if you look back over the last ten years of his BBC predictions he has actually backed United for the title almost every time. His analysis is rarely wrong - "You don't win anything with kids" aside - and, had he not suffered so badly with nerves on match days, he probably would have been a fine manager. Lawrenson is always direct with his opinions and has developed his style over the years whereas Shearer, unfortunately, continues to make Pinocchio look increasingly like a real boy.

I'm still convinced that Dixon is onomatopoeic. The powers that be at the BBC seem to like him though, judging by the fact that he is on Match of the Day more often than Stoke, but I just can't warm to him. He never seems sure whether or not what he is saying is right and, if he isn't convinced, why should we be? The three big signings for the Beeb will certainly be interesting. Clarence Seedorf is definitely positive; the man oozes as much class in the studio as he (still) does on the pitch. Klinnsmann has been on before and I have to say, I like him. He always looked like a thinker on the game, even during his playing days, and I look forward to hearing his opinions on his native Germany as they, no doubt, sweep their way towards the final. But the boldest signing by the BBC is definitely Harry Redknapp (unless he changes his mind); although I'm not 100% sure it is the wisest move he has ever made. In fact it might end up on a par with the whole doggie bank account fiasco. As the rejected England candidate every word he utters about Roy's Boys will be scrutinised, repeated and discussed. Is he being smug when he points out flaws in the team? Why doesn't he look happier when his country is winning etc? Mind you maybe he realises that, by the end of summer, he might be looking for an income so it's worth the risk.

Underneath the elite team, the Beeb have also enlisted Niall Quinn (obviously for an insight on his native Ireland and a veteran of Italia '90), David James (for an insight into how to lose concentration at vital moments and a veteran of Euro 2004) and Robbie Savage (a veteran of Dancing on Ice). 

ITV

Explaining the rules of the game to Chiles will be another star-studded team on ITV. Their boldest move has been well advertised already and I'm sure will be alluded to constantly during each match. Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, locking horns in the battle to see who was the most annoying Premier League great of the last twenty years. Seriously though, these two know a thing or two about midfield play and, despite their more than questionable characters, I like listening to them. United fans aren't quite sure whether they are allowed to like their former skipper since he fell out with Ferguson but he certainly doesn't mince his words. On the other hand, Gunners fans aren't sure whether they should like their former skipper who, like most of their players, has ended up at the Etihad. I'm not too interested in whether they like each other though, just as long as they spend some time talking about the football.

Jamie Carragher will be a interesting one. He has always been described as a football anorak and will have no problem telling the viewers how it is. Obviously the biggest concern with Carragher will be the accent which, when he gets excited, is normally only audible for dogs but he clearly wants to follow the Gary Neville model of retirement soon. I've absolutely no doubt Carra will be a manager at some stage and this is his chance to show people that he knows his stuff. Usually the forgotten man of ITV, Gareth Southgate, is actually quite good too. His work for the FA on grassroots development shows that he is another 'student of the game' and, with the exception of pressure penalties, his advice is normally worth listening to.

Roberto Martinez is definitely a step up from Big Sam for ITV. Allardyce's opinions on Spain's use of Tiki-Taka football would be as useful as asking Nick Griffin to help UEFA sort out Ukraine's racism problem. Martinez, on the other hand, is always engaging and I'm sure he is looking forward to getting as far away from Dave Whelan as possible.

Speaking of which; I'm quite surprised no one thought of inviting Dave. Wonder what the odds are of him popping up on one of the channels before the tournament ends? 

Russia 4 Czech Republic 1

Russia lined up for the kick off to this match determined to show Europe their intentions. Malafeev, a somewhat surprise selection ahead of regular stopper Akinfeev, patrolled the edge of his 18 yard box. Just in front of him was his steady back four led by Ignashevich leaving the remaining six players spaced out along the half way. What appeared a clear signal of their attacking intentions, however, was lost in a nervy opening fifteen minutes as the notoriously slow starting Russians conceded possession far too easily to their Czech opponents.

In fact for the first quarter of the match Advocaat's men looked lost; searching for inspiration from goodness knows where. That was until Dzagoev smashed home the rebound after Kerzhakov hit a post, and from then on the Russians were fantastic. Within ten minutes it was two as Arshavin, showing the form that had most of Europe's elite clubs fighting over him four years ago, released Shirokov with a superb pass. The elegant midfielder, running from deep, as predicted by John Bradley last week, calmly slotted past the advancing Cech and suddenly Russia looked contenders. By half time they should have been out of sight with Denisov and Shirokov pulling the strings and creating chances for their front men. Unfortunately Kerzhakov was having an off night and couldn't find the target no matter how hard he tried.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, with the Czechs bossing possession. Except this time they got a goal for all their hard work through Vaclav Pilar who rounded Malafeev to score, after being put through brilliantly by Plasil. That goal could have unsettled the Russians but, to their credit, they continued to play their own game. Shirokov remained at the heart of everything, creating yet more chances for the misfiring Kerzhakov. The Zenit front man had a strange game up front; torturing the Czech back line with his clever runs and getting himself into fantastic scoring positions. But each time he worked the opportunity his shots became increasingly more wild and never seriously tested Petr Cech.

It looked set up for a nervy last ten minutes before Dzagoev came to life again. The diminutive schemer latching onto a pass from substitute Pavlyuchenko to fire home his second. Within five minutes it was four with the former Spurs man, after receiving a pass from Arshavin, weaving his way into the box before smashing past Cech. Arshavin was putting in a master class and many an Arsenal fan must have been scratching their heads at how he lost his way at the Emirates. 

The final whistle brought an end to an entertaining match which suggested that Russia might just challenge for the ultimate prize. Clearly there are bigger challenges ahead but, after scoring four in their opening match, confidence will be high in the Russian camp.