David Alaba: Rising to New Heights

Austria's David Alaba thanks a higher power after scoring against the Republic of Ireland.

Austria have snuck under the radar to make it to only their second ever European Championship. they do however have a host of reasons to be optimistic.

One reason is David Alaba, the versatile, defender come midfielder. The Panenka looks at the Bayern Munich man’s career while assessing Austria’s chances at Euro 2016 in France this summer.

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Italy And Conte Ready To Hit the Road To Euro 2016

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Italy seem to be writing themselves off before they’ve even kicked a ball. That is unusual but there have been plenty of distractions on and off the field in to suggest that the 1968 European Championship winners are unlikely to claim their second Euro crown in 2016.

 The Panenka looks at why the Azzurri and everybody else are already calling Italy major outsiders while they prepare for Euro 2016 in France as Antonio Conte says he is ready to get the car out the garage and hit the road.

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Northern Ireland Punching Above Their Weight, Says O’Neill

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It’s been 30 years since Northern Ireland made an appearance at a major tournament. Manager Michael O’Neill already has his starting XI in mind and believes his team can be one of the many teams capable of springing a few surprises at Euro 2016.

The Panenka hears what the former Shamrock Rovers boss has had to say and takes a look back at his career while assessing some of his squad.

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Greatest Games of The European Championships: France 3 Portugal 2, 1984

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The 1984 European Championship in France will be remembered most for one match and in particular, the performances of one man. In the next installment of The Panenka’s series we are taken to another tournament held in France where Les Blues and ‘carre magique’ reigned superior.

 In one of the most exciting matches of the competition’s history, a France team inspired by Michel Platini fought their way to the final via extra time against Portugal in this fondly remembered and nail-biting tie.

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