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.
Group stages
Can Slovakia Be More Than Just Also-Rans At Euro 2016?
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.
Match Preview: England vs Russia
The youthful Three Lions are looking to justify their reputation among the Euro 2016 favorites against Leonid Slutsky’s injury ravaged team.
Match Preview: France vs Romania Euro 2016
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.
Greatest Games of The European Championships: France 3 Portugal 2, 1984
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.
Czech Republic: Vrba Eyes an Upset
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.
Arda Turan Aiming to Save Barcelona Future at Euro 2016 with Turkey
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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Greatest Games of the European Championships: France 4 Yugoslavia 5, 1960
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
Croatia’s Systemic Racism Problem
In the last ten years Croatia have made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The majority of media coverage surrounding the team has been in connection to the racist behavior of their fans instead of the men on the pitch
The Panenka reviews Croatia’s racist history where the unwelcome behavior has not just been limited to the stands but throughout the national football association.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s last stand?
Euro 2016 will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s fourth European Championship and possibly his last. The Real Madrid man has won nearly all there is to win at club level but how has international success eluded him for so long?
The Panenka looks at the three-time player of the year’s record at the European Championships.
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