The defender played a pivotal role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph and won Man of the Match on the 1-0 victory over France in the final. However, his confident displays in the tournament have done little to repair an atrocious reputation.
The Panenka looks at why Los Blancos have a player among their ranks who is hated the world over.
The tiny enclave with a population of just 30,000 gained UEFA membership in May 2013, allowing the British territory to take part in Euro 2016 qualifying and will next be competing for FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification starting in September 2016.
In an interesting twist, local domestic champions, the Lincoln Red Imps recently pulled off a major upset in a UEFA Champions second round qualifier against fellow Brits Celtic with the second leg due to be played next week.
The Panenka looks at a strange mix of football and politics in the British satellite state.
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The hosts reach the final at the Stade de France and face a country whose star player, named Ronaldo, suffers an injury on the day of the final. We’ve been here before, haven’t we?
The Panenka looks at the rumors surrounding another non-performer in the final of a major competition at Saint Denis.
The defender played a pivotal role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph and won Man of the Match on the 1-0 victory over France in the final. However, his confident displays in the tournament have done little to repair an atrocious reputation.
The Panenka looks at why Los Blancos have a player among their ranks who is hated the world over.
Every protagonist in every story has an obstacle to overcome. When the striker emerged from the bench in the final of the European Championships and made history, it seemed like a movie, with the striker playing the central role as the downtrodden hero with something to prove.
From humble beginnings to top dog, The Panenka looks at the struggling career of a striker who’s goal landed his country it’s first ever major tournament win. Continue reading
The former Nantes, Marseille and Juventus midfielder hasn’t had an easy ride during his time as Les Blues coach. From dressing room exiles to allegations of racism, injuries to non-starters, there has rarely been a dull moment in the French dug-out.
The Panenka looks at the big decisions the 47-year-old coach has had to make at Euro 2016.
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With an average age of 28, the nation’s 23-man squad is far from being considered one of the more youthful teams at the tournament. Neither has it been considered as even close to being one of it’s best. It is however a squad with some of the most promising players under that age of 25 at Euro 2016.
Fernando Santos has said that he believes it to be his personal responsibility to guide a new generation of talent into the Portugal team, The Panenka takes a closer look.
The two sides have history and it is Fernando Santos’ men who will be looking to enact revenge for semi-final defeats in both the 1984 and 2000 European Championships.
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.
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
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