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.

Group A

Czech Republic

In a qualification group including Spain, it would be a hard task for anyone to topple them and get through automatically.  So the Czech Republic had to settle for a place in the play offs, which luckily for them they duly progressed through courtesy of a 3-0 aggregate victory over Moldova.

Their best result in the European Championships was finishing as runner up, to Germany, in England in 1996, and they will certainly want to improve on their last showing where they exited at the group stage.  Michal Bilek changed the formation of his side during qualifying, giving more width and creativity throughout.  In what is considered the weakest of the four groups, their is no reason that the Czech's could progress.

Key Man

Crucial to a good showing this year, is the Captain of the national side Petr Cech.  In his fourth major international tournament, the 29-year-old will be eager to make amends for his 2008 showing.  It seemed like his side would be heading through until a late error allowed Turkey to equalise, moments later Nihat bear Cech again and Turkey were heading through.

This time around he heads into the tournament full of confidence, after a potential poor season at club level was transformed by Roberto Di Matteo.  An FA Cup win was eclipsed by the tremendous and somewhat surprising victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.  The two clean sheets in qualifying will also boost confidence, although the sides 2-1 defeat to Hungary in their final friendly will have to be quickly forgotten.

One To Watch

A man that just keeps improving is left back Michal Kadlec, someone who has bounced back from scoring an own goal on his international debut to establish himself as a regular.  Three penalties in qualifying helped him towards a four goal haul that saw him top the scoring charts for his country.  The 27-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star will certainly have to be watched carefully if other sides are to see success against the Czech Republic.

Greece

Greece are part of an exclusive club heading into the European Championships, doing so on the back of an unbeaten qualifying campaign that saw them win seven time and draw three.  A new concept is being revolutionised in the Greek football team at the moment, with the side liking to explore a more direct style than previously seen.

Another exclusive club they are a part of is that of winning sides that have failed to defend their crown, after famously sneaking up and triumphing under Otto Rehhagel in Portugal 2004.  Progression this time though could be slightly more tricky, with the daunting task of facing co hosts Poland first up.

Key Man

Despite being at the ripe old age of 35, Giorgos Karagounis is still something of a regular for the national side.  Helping pull the strings in the middle of the park, he is one of a select few that remain in the squad from that 2004 triumph.

Despite spending much of his career in his home nation he does have European experience from his time at Inter Milan and Benfica, and if Greece are to progress this tine round Karagounis will be crucial.

One To Watch

A name that has graced the gossip columns on many an occasion is that of Sotiris Ninis, a young creative attacking midfielder that is crucial to the Greek's success.  Rehhagel took Ninis to the South Africa World Cup in 2010 but was somewhat reluctant to use the youngster, restricting him to just two substitute appearances.  Current coach Fernando Santos wasted no time in giving him more of a role though, and he hasn't looked back since.

A cruciate ligament injury suffered last year kept him out for a long period, during which it was largely thought that the Greek hopes of qualification would soon go wayward.  However favourite's Croatia, who have followed them from qualifying to the tournament proper, were held aside and they progressed as group winners.  Ninis though is now back providing the spark, the Greeks are no doubt stronger and a more daunting opposition.

Poland

The co hosts have only previously qualfied for the European Championships once, in 2008 when they failed to emerge from the group stages.  They will of course be hoping to fare much better this time round on home soil, but will be hoping their Borussia Dortmund trio will be on top form to do so.

Recent results have breathed confidence into the side, with a 2-1 victory over a young Argentina side followed up with a 2-2 draw against what was strong German opposition.  In order to succeed though our key man, Robert Lewandowski, will have to continue where he left off at club level and provide plenty of firepower.

Key Man

Dortmund's Lewandowski hit 23 goals in the Bundesliga last season, resulting in the player of the year award.  His hat-trick in the German Cup final was a particular highlight, coming as it did in a 5-2 triumph over Bayern Munich.

After taking less than ten minutes to fire his first international goal four years ago, he has gone from strength to strength.  Resulting in links to a number of sides across Europe, particularly in the Premier League.  His fitness in key to Polish success over the next month, he isn't just a goal scorer but someone who can hold the ball up and bring others in to play.

One To Watch

One of the man Lewandowski could potentially be linking up with is right back, and Dortmund team mate, Lukasz Piszczek.  Along with Jakub Blaszczykowski, who will sit ahead of him on the right hand side, he forms part of this spine who hail from the Westfalenstadoin side.

A back to back Bundesliga champion Piszczek is another who has been linked with bigger and better things, further proof that Polish football could be moving on to bigger and better things in the future.

Russia

With a league system that is thriving and being given more column inches worldwide, spearheaded by the uber rich Anzhi Makhachkala, it is no surprise that Russia continue to be a force to be reckoned with.  In qualifying it was a shock home defeat to Slovakia that gave them the impetus to qualify, going on an eight match unbeaten run there after.  A convincing 3-0 thumping of Italy in their final warm up will provide plenty of confidence.

After winning the first ever European Championship in 1960 Russia have since gone on to be runner up three times, but you have to go all the way back to Germany 1988 for the last of those occasions.  If Dick Advocaat can equal the last showing of an semi-final place in 2008 the country would be delighted.

Key Man

Their is talent throughout this side, but the man who will most likely be charged with leading the line is Aleksandr Kerzhakov.  That is unless one of the taller forwards, such as Roman Pavlyuchenko, starts in which case Kerzhakov will be one the man providing the ammunition.

A one time young hot shot his venture into Europe with Sevilla didn't reap the rewards, so he is now back in his native Russia with Zenit St Petersburg and back amongst the goals.  Kerzhakov could just feel that these European Championships are a great chance to show people the talent he does possess.

One To Watch

Alan Dzagoev is regarded is one of the best players in Russia, and is a target for many clubs right across Europe.  His four goals in eight qualifying matches in which he featured highlight the talent he possesses, and why he could be key in this tournament.

In his debut season for CSKA Moscow in the top flight he was named best young player, and has gone from strength to strength since.  His presence in the centre of Midfield has become key for Russia, and despite his tender age, he will turn 22 during the tournament, this summer could be massive in shaping the career of one the brightest prospects in Europe.

Transfer flops: Helder Postiga

When a highly rated young striker heads to the Premier League from the continent, it is always a hugely exciting time for which ever side the prodigy chooses. That was exactly the case at Tottenham Hotspur in 2003, when Glen Hoddle brought an exciting Portuguese 21-year-old to White Hart Lane.

That man was of course Helder Postiga, the fleet footed exciting goal getter who arrived from Jose Mourinho's FC Porto for £6.25m. So what next for a young man who was tipped to reach the highest echelons of the football world? Surely a tremendous season in which he captured the imagination of fans worldwide?

Well it didn't exactly go to plan. A season that very much fell below the required standard was followed by a swift return to his native Portugal. After a solitary disappointing Premier League goal, FC Porto returned and rescued Postiga from his English nightmare with Pedro Mendes heading in the opposite direction.

This misguided attempt to conquer England seemed to have a big impact on the front man, and after four seasons back at Porto two loan switched followed. Saint Etienne was first up, quickly followed by a short stint in Greece with Panathinaikos. Sporting Clube de Portugal is where Postiga currently plies his trade, but how different a career this could've been had he been patient while in Portugal and not been so hasty to move on. Such a shame for a man who has an impressive record at international level, scoring 15 goals in 40 games for Portugal.

Transfer flops: Bruno Cheyrou

With a good footballing history behind him, and interest from all over the Europe the future looked rosey for one of many French prodigies.Unfortunately for him, from the moment he arrived at Liverpool the burden imposed upon him was far too great.
Maybe one of the worst statements made by a manager about a new signing was heaped upon his shoulders. This was of course the moment Gerard Houllier described Cheyrou as 'the next Zinedine Zidane.' Huge mistake.

After what was a fruitful pre-season, it rapidly went downhill. Despite making a debut for the French national team shortly after signing in the summer of 2002 for £4.5m. In a four year Anfield career Cheyrou failed to reach even a half century of appearances. And when he did feature he often looked lost on the pitch, unsure of what to do and where his best position was. In short he could perhaps of been a talent wasted, but more than likely he just wasn't up to the demands of the Premier League.

There was however a brief patch when things looked like they could turn round in the 2003/04 season, and he could have an Anfield future after all. Cheyrou's most memorable game was at Stamford Bridge, where a first half strike earned his side a 1-0 victory over Chelsea. A short time later he also bagged a brace at Anfield, as Liverpool defeated Newcastle United 2-1. Could Cheyrou have a future after all?

No he couldn't. After two loan spells back to France, Marseille 2004/05 and Bordeaux 2005/06, came the inevitable sale with Rennes swooping. After a three year stay he had a short spell in Greece with Anorthosis Famagusta, before moving back to France with FC Nantes.

Transfer flops: Jean-Alain Boumsong

After a transfer that raised many eyebrows to start off with, it was soon evident that the public were right all along.

In his native France Jean-Alain Boumsong built up quite a reputation, alongside Philippe Mexes at the heart of the Auxerre defence.

However at four years at the club, and with his contract coming to an end Rangers lured Boumsong to Ibrox in the summer of 2004.

Despite his upcoming frailties in England though, he adapted quickly in Scotland and enhanced his reputation.

So much so that Newcastle manager Graeme Souness paid £8m in January 2005, ending his Scottish adventure after just half a season.

However the defensive mistakes began to creep in and it was clear he didn't possess the movement or nous to keep out Premier League strike forces.

After 18 months his unhappy spell came to end, as he moved to Juventus for barely a third of the fee Newcastle paid Rangers.

After another year and half he was on the move again, this time back to France with giants Lyon.
Citing the fact he felt he had more chances of making the French Euro 2008 squad with this transfer.

Boumsong is now playing his trade in Greece, after moving to Panathinaikos during last summers transfer window.

Future Stars - Ioannis Fetfatzidis

After easing in to this new feature with Liverpool defender Martin Kelly, we have now spread our wings further afield to Greece.

Olympiacos' attacking midfielder, who can also operate on the wing, is causing a lot of people to sit up and take note in his native country.

Fetfatzidis joined the Olympiacos academy at 12, rejecting overtures from other Greek giants AEK Athens and Panathinaikos.

He made his debut against Atromitos a little over a year ago, and went on to make his Champions League bow a few days later as a substitute at Standard Liege.

The Greece national team was the next calling, making his under-21 and senior debut's both this year.

This season has seen the youngster feature more for his club, with Olympiacos finally realising his huge potential and rewarding him with a new contract.

Europe's top team swill now have to pay in excess of £10m, Fetfatzidis also seen his wages rise significantly in a contract which now runs until 2015.

His main attributes is his dribbling ability, along with a great technique for someone so young.

If he can continue to improve in this way, Fetfatzidis could be a huge name for Greek football for many a year.

Group B

Argentina - World Ranking 7

It wouldn't be a World Cup without South America's version of Germany (well that's the view if your an England fan anyway). But for much of the qualifying campaign that was the way it seemed like it was going to be, as Argentina slipped in and out of the automatic qualification places. The two time winners though have a few late goals to thank, and after stumbling to a 1-0 win in Uruguay in the final game they sealed qualification.

When the tournament gets underway though one thing is for certain, this side will bear little resemblance to that which took to the field during the qualification phase. Technically they are one of the finest sides around, and with a certain little fire cracker that could walk into any side around the globe they certainly cannot be underestimated. Even with the unpredictable figure that currently occupies the hot seat.

Strengths

Argentina have th ability to dazzle, especially upfront, where La Liga trio Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and the irrepressible Lionel Messi to choose from. Add to that mix Carlos Tevez who has been in spectacular form for Manchester City this season, and the ability to score goals could scare any defence.

They have also chose some more reliable players with the likes of Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze and Walter Samuel all going. However Diego Maradona's selection policy has come under fierce criticism, which leads us onto this sides main weakness.

Weaknesses

When you leave players of the calibre of Esteban Cambiasso out of the side, you would think some quality is in the going to replace him. However, when you hear his replacement is Manchester United and Chelsea flop Juan Sebastian Veron Argentina suddenly become less frightening. The overall age of the squad seems on the high side in place, with people beyond their prime securing selection. Along with Veron (35) you can add Martin Palermo (36), and this seems like it could be a major problem for this side.

Cambiasso will be joined by Javier Zanetti who has also been overlooked in a more baffling selection. These two have been instrumental in the Inter Milan side which has secured a treble, certainties therefore to go to the World Cup. Well not in the eyes of Maradona, who has chosen Jonas Gutierrez amongst several who are clearly lacking in experience. Two players with enormous experience have been left at home, a huge risk.

Key Man - Lionel Messi

Who else? The Barcelona man hit an incredible 34 goals in La Liga last term, a feat that hadn't been achieved since Ronaldo in 96/97. Messi is simply the best player in the world right now, and while some cynics argue he doesn't perform as well without Xavi and Andres Iniesta supplying him, his class can't be doubted. He is capable of turning a game in an instant, and while he won't win the World Cup alone he could go a long way to deciding it's destiny.

One to Watch - Angel Di Maria

Benfica's 22-year-old winger is one of the most sought after players in the World right now, with every European super power chasing his signature. Di Maria possesses an incredible ability to cross whilst also capable of scoring from seemingly anywhere on the pitch. With a good World Cup though his price will rocket, and then they'll only be one winner. Benfica.

Manager - Diego Maradona

An idol in his native country, Maradona may have to rely on a huge slice of luck if he is to repeat his exploits as a player in this competition. The man involved in the biggest controversy in World Cup history, also scored the best goal in the same game. However he hasn't achieved anything in any level of management, so could have bitten off more than he can chew. One think is for certain though, come July Maradona will still be an idol in Argentina.

Odds - 8/1

Prediction - Semi-final at best, no doubt a talented team but some odd selections mixed with the managers lack of experience will cost them.

Greece - World Ranking 13

Greece could be set for there most successful World Cup in the nations history, all they have to do is score a goal. There only other World Cup campaign was in USA '94, where they were smashed 4-0, 4-0 and 2-0 by Argentina, Bulgaria and Nigeria. With two of those sides also drawn in this group, revenge could be the issue of the day.

It is now six years since Greece shocked the footballing world by triumphing at Euro 2004, and while this side lacks the quality of that team they certainly make up for it in determination.

Strengths

The unity of this side isn't under question, with eight players coming from Panathinaikos. Sotirios Kyrgiakos' form at Liverpool this term should breathe confidence into the backline, and sure them up so a repeat of '94 doesn't ensue. In addition they have some handy strikers that could muscle there way to a goal or two. Angelos Charisteas, the Euro 2004 hero, and Theofanis Gekas, the 2010 qualifying campaigns top scorer, could be key to progress from the group phase.

Weaknesses

There is a lack of real star quality in this side that could ultimately cost them. They can't call on the top leagues in Europe for their players, so have to rely on there own. In addition, in parts they are an ageing side and it remains to be seen whether the fitness levels will be up there to compete.

Key Man - Giorgos Karagounis

Panathinaikos' midfield enforcer is the main man both for club and country. Capable of picking a pass and a shot he can boss a game from the middle, as well as helping out at set pieces.

The Greece captain is now a veteran of the game, with experience at both Inter Milan and Benfica, he will have it all to do to rouse his troops into getting out of Group B.

One to Watch - Theofanis Gekas

Gekas is a goal machine for his country, as he netted 10 goals in qualification for his country. It is a feat that used to be a part of his club play as he scored 20 times in 32 appearance for Bochum, before sealing a big money move to Bayer Leverkusen. However he failed to live up to expectations, and loans to both Portsmouth and Hertha Berlin followed. But despite his troubles at club level, he remains a key player for Greece.

Manager - Otto Rehhagel

A man abound with experience, Otto Rehhagel counts three Bundesliga titles, a Uefa Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup among his greatest moments at club level. However it is certainlt his triumph at Euro 2004 that was his greatest moment, and led to the German beng named Greek of the year following that most unlikely of triumphs. His experience and tactics could be key to Greece escaping the group.

Odds - 125/1

Prediction - Greece will almost certainly break there duck and score in South Africa, but they have it all to do to get out of the group.

Nigeria - World Ranking 21

The largest and, for some time now, they have been considered the strongest of the African teams, but they now face stern opposition for that tag from the likes of Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Nigeria's preperations for the first World Cup held in then African continent hasn't been the smoothest. First they struggled in the African Nations which they were expected to win, a feat that led to a change at the helm with Lars Lagerback coming in. Then the passport problem that almost led to Obafemi Martins transfer to Newcastle, once again reared it's ugly head.

Now with more stringent age testing, the Nigerian FA is confident nobody is ten years older than they say they are. And with a more experienced side than previous years, this team could well shock a few people at this years tournament.

Strengths

There is a good mix of youth and telent within this side, that has been missing in recent years. Nigeria have always been known to have a team full of youth, but now a blend is in place it could be of a great benefit.

Players like Yakubu, Yobo and Mikel have plenty of Premier League experience, and should this be utilised in the correct way it could go a long way to ensuring progression from the group stage.

Weaknesses

Game plans have led to the downfall of Nigeria in recent years, with unsuccessful African Nations campaigns compounded by a failure to qualify to the 2006 World Cup. Strength and speed aren't qualities that have worked well together for this side, and this one dimensional aspect could be what costs them this time around.

Key Man - John Obi Mikel

An important member of the Chelsea doubled winning side this term following the injury to Michael Essien, Mikel has begun to flourish and live up to his reputation. He has shown that he can pass and tackle well under Carlo Ancelotti, and if he can cut out those odd rash challenges that often blight his game he could well have an excellent summer.

Once to Watch - Peter Odemwingie

Although not one of the more well known players of this squad, Odemwingie has begun to flourish in recent years for his national side. A pacy right winger, he is more than capable of bombing down the wing and wipping in a cross and cutting inside of unleashing a shot at goal. He was arguably Nigeria's best player at both this years African Nations and during qualifying, and if he builds on that in South Africa a lucrative move could follow.

Manager - Lars Lagerback

The former Sweden coach enjoyed a successful nince year spell in charge of his home nation, before failure to qualify for this years World Cup led to his sacking. However following Shuaibu Amodu's sacking at Nigeria after the African Nations, Lagerback beat a host of candidates including Glenn Hoddle and Sven Goran Eriksson to be boss of Nigeria. If he can utilise his vast experience and that of his players, the Super Eagles could be dark horses to cause an upset.

Odds - 100/1

Prediction - It will no doubt be between Nigeria and Greece for the runners up spot behind Argentina, so if they come out on top in that clash they will be through. However they wouldn't progress much further than the first round of the knockout phase.

South Korea - World Ranking 47

Since there great showing when they co-hosted with Japan in 2002(before which they has never won a World Cup group game), South Korea can no longer rely on the tag of unknown quantities. After beating Portugal in the group and Italy and Spain in the knockouts they were undone by Germany, but they failed to follow it up in 2006 as they crashed out at the group stage.

After finishing top of there qualfying group this time though, they could once again be set to spring a few suprises.

Strengths

One thing South Korea have in abundance is an unbelievable team unity and work ethic. Although a common feature of Asian football it is summed by the South Koreans, who can often simply out work you and cause defeat that way.

Goals are also shared around the side, with attack midfield and defence often chipping in. The midfield often backs up the strikeforce perfectly, something that could also work in there favour.

Weaknesses

As already mentioned the tag of being an unknown entity is now more or less gone, with a lot of the squad now playing there trade at big clubs. However if you delve deeper this is restricted to the attack and defence, with five of the eight defenders playin there trade in South Korea, with one in Japan, one South Korea and the other Germany. Only Lee Young-Pyo is well known, but he is now with Al-Hilal.

Key Man - Park Ji-Sung

Undoubtedly the crown jewel of this side, Park sums up all the qualities that make up football in this country. His disciplined and committed style has earned him cult hero status at old trafford, and he often pops with big performances and goals at key times. Park was key to South Korea's qualification, and will hope to take this form with him to South Africa.

One to Watch - Lee Chung-Yong

The 21-year-old has had a great season at Bolton Wanderers following his move to the Reebok last summer, a season that has seen him linked with a summer move to Liverpool. He likes to get forward and grab goals and assists, and could be a key string in the South Korean bow.

Manager - Huh Jung Moo

An unpopular choice in 2007 when Mick McCarthy and Gerard Houllier were linked with the post, he has since gone unbeaten since his appointment and won around the fans. He has been involved with the national side on many occasion, including three as manager, his incredible run could well come to end this summer as he tries to emulate Guus Hiddink's achievements of 2002.

Odds - 250/1

Prediction - They could well struggle to lift themselves off bottom spot of this group, barring some remarkable results just like eight years ago.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow when I will be taking an in depth look at England.