Football Radar

Like Poland, Ukraine would certainly have struggled to qualify for Euro 2012 if they were not the co-hosts. Indeed, this is the first Euro finals that Ukraine have qualified for as an independent nation (they also have one World Cup quarter-final to their name from 2006). (more…)

Four years ago in Austria and Switzerland, the best Russian side since the Soviet Union made quite an impression; yet in South Africa two years later, they were conspicuous only by their absence. Does an aging side have what it takes to impress on the international stage once again? (more…)

Slaven Bilic and his team got to Poland/Ukraine via sweet-revenge in the play-offs against their Euro 2008 conquerors Turkey, beating them 3-0 in the first leg in Istanbul and holding firm for a 0-0 draw in Zagreb in the second leg. (more…)

In 2000 they succumbed to a controversial handball decision against France, in 2004 they had it stolen from under their noses by the Greeks and in 2008 they went AWOL when it mattered most against Germany. Will 2012 be the year that the Selecção finally land their first major international trophy? (more…)

The co-hosts, Poland, have had a tumultuous build up to the tournament, falling to the lowest world ranking (75^th) in their history earlier in the year, and battling internal issues alongside a backdrop of public dissatisfaction and a sense of alienation about the make-up of the national side.  (more…)

Giovanni Trapattoni has guided the Republic of Ireland to their first European Championship since 1988. “The Boys in Green” reacted superbly to heartbreak in the World Cup play-off against France in 2010, which was marred by controversy. The Irish easily negotiated a play-off this time around against Estonia, triumphing 5-1 on aggregate. (more…)

The Greek national team is evidently lacking star quality and due to a dearth of young talent developed since Greece’s surprise victory at Euro 2004 they have a somewhat limited pool of players to currently call upon. (more…)