Spain entered Euro 2016 shrouded in controversy and with a hangover from their dire performance at the 2014 World Cup looming large. While many have written off the latest group of La Roja players, is there really much difference between the squad now and the one which lifted the European Championship in 2012?
The Panenka compares Vicente de Bosque’s triumphant 23-man squad of 2012 to that of this summer’s European competition.
At 3PM ET on June 22, Portugal play Hungary in Lyon as Iceland take on Austria Paris in the final round of games in Group E at Euro 2016.
England take on Slovakia in St Etienne while Russia play Wales in Toulouse in Group B where there is still all to play for. Both games kick off at 3PM ET on June 20.
France will face Switzerland in Lille while Albania take on Romania in Lyon. The games will kick of simultaneously on June 19 at 3pm ET.
Iceland’s ascent from the lower reaches of the FIFA rankings to Euro 2016 contenders is no coincidence. It is the result of a well thought out and meticulous plan that has thrust greatness upon a squad of players who have made history by reaching the tournament in France.
Iceland had never qualified for a major tournament in 23 attempts but that all changed when they finished 2nd in qualifying Group A to secure a place at Euro 2016. Victories against Holland and Turkey will live long in the memory of Icelandic football fans as their dreams of reaching a major tournament finally became a reality.
The Panenka looks at the steep and dramatic rise of Group F’s Iceland.
On June 16th 2016 the 102nd meeting between England and Wales will take place at the European Championships. As the Three Lions and the Welsh Dragons prepare to face each other, The Panenka looks at the history of clashes between the two British home nations.
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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.
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.
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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