The Czech Republic’s pedigree in the European Championships is unquestionable. Despite only competing as an independent national for a little over two decades they have managed to qualify for every single tournament. The former Czechoslovakia lifted the European title in 1976 after defeating West Germany on penalties in the famous game that spawned The Panenka.
The Panenka has reached Group E in it’s fact finding mission on France Euro 2016’s coaches. This competitions group of death contains a crime expert and a controversial senator among Belgium, Italy, Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
Despite making three appearances at the World Cup, Northern Ireland have never sent a team to a European Championship. All-time top marksman David Healy and one of the greatest ever players ever, George Best, sadly never graced a major tournament either. The current crop though, under manager Michael O’Neill, will get that opportunity to shine on the big stage in France. Expectations might be none existent so, whatever happens, happens. The boys from the Northern part of The Emerald Isle will no doubt be hungry to spring an upset.
Perennial underachievers of major tournaments, a new era for England beckons with a number of high profile retirements in the recent past. Too good for the qualifiers, but not good enough for the tournament itself is a familiar story for England. However, a new hunger within England’s ranks is becoming very clear. After some surprisingly fantastic performances by English players in an unforgettable Premier League this season it still might prove a little too difficult NOT to allow England to expect glory this time around.
The Panenka moves onto Group D now where it’s managed to uncover some real nuggets of Euro 2016 gold on the coaches of the group that contains holders Spain, Croatia, Czech Republic and Turkey. Care to wager a bet on which boss is getting the beers in?
Romania only conceded 2 goals in their 10 qualifying matches where their defense provided an ample and solid base for them to precede to the tournament in France. Even though they’re not expected to set the tournament on fire with their cautious approach, it is entirely possible that the squad which possesses a mixture of experience and youth might just squeak through to the knockout-stage.
After the so called failure of the experiment in appointing an foreign coach to the England manager post, The FA went full circle and did their best to interview solely British and particularly English candidates. After smarting from the soap opera that was Sven-Goran Eriksson’s reign they opted for the familiar after their first choice option said no.
The Panenka looks at the role of the worst England boss since Graham Taylor as an excuse for England’s failings on the international scene, we are of course talking about Steve McClaren.
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A squad built around the U-20s World Cup side that made it to the Semi-finals has given Austria ever reason to be optimistic after clearing qualification at a canter. They did not qualify for either World Cup 2014 or Euro 2012 but this generation of players who play across The Bundesliga, The English Premier League and more look set to be more than just also rans.
If one thing is for certain, it’s going to be a party for The Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016. Every time The Boys in Green make it to a major final sporting history is made. Whether it be beating Spain on penalties, defeating England or scoring a last minute equalizer, there will never be a dull moment. This Ireland team is capable of making their own history as positivity oozes from the squad.
In The Pananka’s Euro 2016 coach fact file we have Group C containing Germany, Poland, Ukraine and Northern Ireland.
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