Controversies Dominating Euro 2012

Wednesday sees the start of the semi-final stage of Euro 2012, where it is hoped, no more so than at Uefa towers, that on the field activities will start to be the major headline makers.

One of the biggest fears heading into this year's tournament was that racism would hit the headlines, an issue that has been simmering and has occasionally bubbled over since the opener between Poland and Greece.  However, Europe's football governing body has had to issue a number of fines thus far and has come under quite some flack for some of the amounts contained.

Fined

Perhaps the most trivial fine dished out so far was the £80,000 Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner was issued for flashing his 'lucky underpants.'  This of course related to the stunt after his second goal during Denmark's 3-2 group victory over Portugal.  With the words Paddy Power clearly visible on those lucky pants, it was the Irish bookmaker who paid the fine.

The mockery of this, is the near £65,000 Croatia were fined for "the setting-off and throwing of fireworks and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols)."

Many were quick to add their voice to this issue. Is flashing your pants worse than racism?  Clearly the answer is no, and the way in which Uefa seem to be trying to brush these incidents under the carpet is little short of shocking.  The issue was again brought up yesterday, with news the Croats could be facing more action.  Setting off fireworks and the improper conduct of supporters, the displaying of racist banners and symbols, is the reason behind the latest proceedings.  If found guilty, the action taken against them should be hefty.

Another incident involved Russia and Poland supporters, where it is believed that police had to use water cannons and rubber bullets to help bring back a level of peace.  A statement by the police read:

"More than 183 hooligans were caught by the police because of disorders in Warsaw – firstly during the march to National Stadion, secondly in the Fanzone in Plac Defilad Square. Among the kept persons there are fans of both teams – Russian and Polish.

"There are 10 persons who are injured: 7 Polish, 2 Russians and 1 German – their lives are not in danger concerning the information from the medical services."

The latest involves England, who found themselves on the receiving end following the game with Sweden in the group stage.  A fine of just over £4,000 was issued due to the inappropriate behaviour of fans, who attempted a pitch invasion following the victory.

Take-Over

With many of those countries now eliminated, especially those concerning the more serious incidents, maybe we can now see the football take over the headlines.  The tournament has not exactly been mind blowing and full of tremendous football and standout matches.

Hopefully, as we enter the business end of Euro 2012, the hunger will set in amongst the players and coaches, and some superb performances will be exhibited.

England Euro 2012: Over before it's begun?

To say the build up hasn't been ideal would be putting things very mildly indeed, as Englishman we are used to the ruff and tumble world of the national team.  The last few months however have contributed to serve up a stark reminder of how far behind we actually are, in fact the last week could have done that all on it's own.

If we cast our mind back it was the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the captain's armband, for a second time, that led to Fabio Capello stepping aside.  The FA then decided it would wait until the end of the season, or very near to, to appoint his successor.  Giving the new man a month, or thereabouts, to prepare for a major tournament.  Perfect!

The country was swept with Harry Redknapp fever, but it was in fact Roy Hodgson who was given the hot seat.  His squad selection caused debate, two scrappy 1-0 wins did nothing to raise expectation and then the whole injury dilemma kicked in.  For a team well prepared this latter problem would be fairly difficult to deal with, so for England at the moment it must verge on catastrophic.  Not to mention Time Magazine's 'world's most disappointing team' tag, something that is hard to disagree with.

The injury to Gary Cahill is the latest debate, why on earth hasn't Rio Ferdinand been given the chance to join up?  A country once again castrating the new man in the job before he has even been given a fair crack of the whip.  Why not just give him a chance to do things his way and then judge when he has gone?

The Euro's are no doubt a lost cause so it's all about preparing for the World Cup in Brazil 2014, so in that case the selection of Martin Kelly is surely a good one.  Giving the future of English football the chance to travel and be around the squad at a major tournament could be ideal, as it could with the likes of Phil Jones, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Hodgson is causing plenty of debate

In that case why not stand back, with the already low expectations, and judge how our appearance in this competition could help progression in the future.  Why take an ageing Rio Ferdinand who won't be making the trip to South America in two years time?  Let's make a decision to leave some of the ageing stars at home, and blend youth in with this squad.  Those who will be charged with taking the country forward, hopefully, for many years to come.

The recent friendly against Belgium did, however, highlight a huge gulf that does exist.  Hodgson's well organised troops did of course close out the victory, but by having a look at the playmaker of both teams you can see the difference.

Ashley Young v Eden Hazard: minutes played 67-90, passes 7-71, assists 1-0, key passes 3-6, shots 0-4, pass completion 58%-87%.  

Many will point to the assist statistic, but the truth is give away that much against a more accomplished opposition and you will be punished.  And there lies the major problem.

Flair is not something we are overly used to, but will have to become a major feature should we progress.  Can this be brought in two years before the next World Cup?  Roy will certainly have to break a defensive habit that currently exists, but let's sit back and let him go about trying his way.

England - lets not get carried away

Two friendly wins from two, an unbeaten 2011 and a Goalkeeper that is still to taste defeat in a Three Lions jersey in some 16 appearances.  It is easy to see why England fans could get carried away with this sides progress, however that would be way too premature and slightly foolish.  Have we not learned from the past?

In many a tournament during my lifetime the same thing happens, people get carried away in the immediate build up thinking victory is inevitable.  Only for that idyllic scenario to explode, and then flows the criticism.  While from the stats this year point to a roaring success, results haven't always been the best.  And if we are perfectly honest, we still fall way behind a lot of nations worldwide.

Don't get me wrong, I am by no means saying we are down in the doldrums, just that we are a side slap band in the middle of transition.  Players like Daniel Sturridge, Jack Rodwell, Kyle Walker etc, who featured in the two recent friendlies, aren't going to immediately come into the side and turn us into world beaters.  We are building for the future, and just how long did it take Spain to become this unbelievable force that we currently see?

However if we can bed these youngsters alongside more experienced members of this side, there's no dount the future could be bright.  Wayne Rooney is of course the fulcrum of the national team, but will be missing for the group games in Euro 2012, the FAs appeal to Fifa aside.  Scott Parker is arguably the best thing to come out of Fabio Capello's era, he looks a natural and picked up another man of the match award against World Champions Spain.  While Defensively we recently looked solid, it can be up and down and as previously mentioned Joe Hart will be number one between the stick for atleast a decade.  Plus there's always the highly regarded under-21s under Stuart Pearce's leadership.

But that is all the future, let's retract and bring it back to the present.  If the Spain game taught us one thing, it was that we need to be more confortable and controlling when in possession.  Vicente Del Bosque's side pegged England back for the majority of the match, and even the most die hard of fans would have to admit we were, at least, a touch fortunate.  Compared to side's of this quality we simply don't come close, there would certainly be no repeat of this score line if we came up against Spain in more serious circumstances.

Sweden was a different kettle of fish.  A nation we hadn't defeated for over three decades, with a very experimental side put out by the Italian.  Walker proving the stand out performer in the 1-0 win, and perhaps proving a real contender to Glen Johnson who continues to divide opinion.

There aren't many games left until Euro 2012 now, and for once I just hope the usual hype doesn't consume this country once again.  Lay off, lessen the pressure and they could well perform at a good standard, although winning the thing will prove one or two steps too far.