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.
The reigning champions launch their quest to complete a hat-trick of European Championship titles against an adventurous Czech team in a game which should be easy on the eyes.
After some less than ideal preparation for Euro 2016, Die Mannschaft’s focus on the tournament is unwavering. Ukraine meanwhile are realistic in their expectations.
No one is really sure what to expect from Slovakia. Despite looking impressive in a recent 3-1 victory against world champions Germany in a friendly the nation are still certainly tournament underdogs.
The Panenka looks at Slovakia’s chances, the stars of their squad and how the team might line up when they kick off their Euro 2016 campaign against Wales.
The youthful Three Lions are looking to justify their reputation among the Euro 2016 favorites against Leonid Slutsky’s injury ravaged team.
Didier Deschamps’ men are favorites for the tournament and will be looking to get off to a good start against a plucky Tricolori team managed by legend Anghel Iordanescu.
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.
Pavel Vrba knows that his Czech Republic team are Euro 2016 underdogs but his past experience at club level has taught him that an upset is always possible. With an attacking mentality the former Viktoria Plzen boss is looking to make an impact this summer.
The Panenka looks at Vrba, the Czech Republic team and their chances at the summer tournament in France.
Turkey’s ambitions of making an impact at the European Championship will rest largely on their captain. However, the former Galatasaray midfielder has not enjoyed the best of seasons at Camp Nou.
The Panenka discusses whether the player shouldering the majority of his country’s hope in France can bounce back from a difficult year in Spain.
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Like Euro 2016 the inaugural European Championships were held in France. In the next installment of The Panenka’s ‘Greatest Games of The European Championships’ we go all the way back to the first ever tournament in 1960.
There were goals galore in this nine goal thriller as it served up a sign of things to come for the tournament which would be held every four years thereafter. In the city of love Paris hosted one of the best matches in the history of European football. Continue reading
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