Iceland Baby Boom After Euro 2016 England Triumph

The small island nation obviously celebrated their historic knockout victory in style.

Iceland has experienced an unusual birth rate spike just nine months after its national football team’s victory over England at Euro 2016, which sent them into the tournament’s quarter-final stage for the first time in their history.

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UEFA blow hot and cold on Kosovo

With the UEFA Champions League Qualifiers in full swing it is worth sparing a thought for the recently crowned 2016 Kosovo champions who were banned from entering the European completion on technical grounds.

The Panenka looks at football in the newly formed country as the 210th member of FIFA. 

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Football in Gibraltar Keeps on Rocking

The tiny enclave with a population of just 30,000 gained UEFA membership in May 2013, allowing the British territory to take part in Euro 2016 qualifying and will next be competing for FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification starting in September 2016.

In an interesting twist, local domestic champions, the Lincoln Red Imps recently pulled off a major upset in a UEFA Champions second round qualifier against fellow Brits Celtic with the second leg due to be played next week.

 The Panenka looks at a strange mix of football and politics in the British satellite state.

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Eder: From Ugly Duckling To Beautiful Swan

eder

Every protagonist in every story has an obstacle to overcome. When the striker emerged from the bench in the final of the European Championships and made history, it seemed like a movie, with the striker playing the central role as the downtrodden hero with something to prove.

From humble beginnings to top dog, The Panenka looks at the struggling career of a striker who’s goal landed his country it’s first ever major tournament win.  Continue reading