If you didn’t already know, everyone agrees, football is more important than tennis. Yes, even Wimbledon.
The public have spoken and here’s the proof. New balls, please! Well, just footballs, thanks.
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Group stages
The Tragedy of Seville: Schumacher’s Charge Crushes France’s Dream
At World Cup 1982 Les blues met Die Mannschaft in a game that will not be remembered for it’s extra-time comeback, tense penalty shootout or array of magnificent players on show, it will be remembered for one ‘tackle,’ if you can call it that, by the German goalkeeper on Patrick Battiston.
In the build up to the second Euro 2016 semi-final, The Panenka looks back at that famous incident in Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizuan, now known as ‘The Tragedy of Seville.’
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Mario?
With one of The Super Mario Brothers out injured and the other severely lacking match sharpness, Die Mannscahft are left in quite a predicament as they prepare to face Les Blues.
The Panenka looks at the problems faced by the 2014 World Cup winners in a tale of two forwards named Mario. Continue reading
Antoine Griezmann: Lyon’s Historic Mistake
The 25-year-old Atletico Madrid striker is the tournament’s leading scorer with four goals, the first Frenchman to hit that milestone at a major tournament since Michel Platini in 1984.
Despite being rejected at youth level by several French clubs because of his size, the cosmopolitan forward appears to be hitting his stride. The Panenka looks at the growth of the man who is undoubtedly Didier Deschamps’ biggest weapon when Les Blues take on Die Mannschaft in the semi-final of Euro 2016
EURO 2016 Semi-Final Preview: Germany vs France
Les Blues are hoping to reach the final of the tournament with a victory over the 2014 World Cup winners.
Fernando Santos, Portugal and the Greece Paradigm
Despite not yet winning a game inside 90 minutes there is something dangerous about the semi-finalists here. Their coach has a history of achieving the unachievable and could be set to reach the unreachable if ‘A Selecao das Quinas’ can defeat Wales at Euro 2016.
The Panenka takes a closer look at the Portugal boss’ team and tactics while paying special attention to the demons of disappointment from Euro 2004 and how that spirit is being resurrected to work in their favor 12 years later. Continue reading
EURO 2016 Semi-Final Preview: Wales vs Portugal
Portugal are aiming to reach their second European Championship final while Wales are entering unchartered waters having never made it this far into a major international tournament before.
Owain Fon Williams: Recording Welsh History In More Ways Than One
Far from the image of the stereotypical footballer, Williams has developed into a talented artist. Through painting, the keeper who plys his trade in The Scottish Premeirship is becoming something of a cult hero.
The Panenka takes a closer look at the Inverness Caledonian Thistle stopper and his hobby.
Deschamps: Iceland are more than set-piece specialists
The Nordic minnows have shocked many at Euro 2016 but the France boss believes they deserve their spot in the last-8 have and have a host of assets in their armory.
Furthermore, the 1998 World Cup winning captain had to defend his actions in an incident when Les Blues last met Iceland in a friendly, just months after being crowned World Champions.
EURO 2016 Preview: France vs Iceland
The winner of this tie will set up a semi-final with either Germany or Italy in Marseille.
