The key is to control the game. If we have the ball, he’ll participate less and cause us fewer problems. The above quote by Gerard Piqué about Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the semi-final with Portugal summed up Spain’s approach during Euro 2012. In a typically excellent piece by Sid Lowe for the Guardian (from which [...]

England had to come from behind in their second group game against Sweden after initially taking the lead. They led through Andy Carroll’s powerful header, expertly supplied by, club and now also country captain, Steven Gerrard. This was Gerrard’s second assist (fourth chance created overall) of the tournament after supplying the cross for Lescott’s goal [...]

If you haven’t read the review of Italy’s game, you should do it here.  «The kings of two footballing philosophies locked horns in the opening Group C game of Euro 2012: Catenaccio and Tiki-Taka; Italy and Spain.» According to Opta, this was the first time Spain started without a typical striker. They actually came out in a 4-6-0, with [...]