Euro 2012 - the Final

Spain are European Champions - again! (getty images)

Well, Spain have done it again. As the first team to win three major tournaments in a row, they annihilated Italy. After David Silva's header in the 14th minute, Spain were off never to be caught again. A second goal before half time by Jordi Alba all but sealed Italy's fate. With Balotelli having a bad day again (why did he have to have his good day against Germany?) and reduced to 10 men after their final substitute Motta got injured, Italy fought, but Spain dominated with superior technique and quick passing leading to two more goals by Fernando Torres and Juan Mata. Fantástico!

The party in Spain celebrating their continuing football supremacy over Europe will last for days to come!

Casillas and Spanish King Juan Carlos holding the cup (dpa)

Follow this link to have a look at Spiegel Online for the best pictures of the tournament (and practise your German trying to understand the captions!). Some pics look more like a wrestling match or Kung-Fu Panda...

http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/em-2012-die-besten-bilder-fotostrecke-84284.html


If you don't really care about football, but like looking at football players, here is a collection of the most handsome players of the tournament, selected again by Spiegel Online.  Do you agree?

http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/die-schoensten-em-spieler-fotostrecke-84240.html
(guess who's second...)

Euro 2012 Semi Finals

In the first semi-final Portugal stepped up their game a few notches and gave Spain a run for their money. But despite several chances on either side, and lots of fouls and dives, the match had to be decided by penalties again (at half past midnight local time!). Two initial saves made the shoot out very exciting, but a worried looking Alves used up his confidence when he walked up to the penalty spot at the wrong time. So when it really was his turn, he hit the bar, leaving it to Fabregas to strike the winner. Ronaldo, fifth in line for Portugal, never got a chance to shoot.

With a final score of 4-2 (again!), Spain is in the final of Euro 2012 to defend their title, undoubtedly supported by at least years 8 and 9 of Tomlinscote. Or are you getting bored of the Spaniards winning everything in football?

before the match,obviously...

German fans had high hopes for their team in the second semi-final, despite not having won against their 'Angstgegner' Italy in a major tournament for decades. They started off confidently with several good chances, and managed to keep Pirlo in check. But when Balotelli did his magic and scored after 20 minutes first with his head and shortly after with an ingenious strike, the Germans crumbled and never found back in the game. An extra-time penalty goal by Özil and Neuer's help as a midfielder were too little too late and Italy won deservedly with 2-1, shutting up the supporters on the 'Fanmeilen' around Germany.

Can Italy beat Spain in the final on Sunday?

Euro 2012 - Quarter Finals

So here we have it. England had beaten co-host nation Ukraine to make it through to the quarter finals - much to the joy of our travelling year 7s who were allowed to watch it in the disco room in Germany.

In the first quarter final, Portugal made it through beating the Czech Republic with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scoring their 1-0 winning goal. They will face Spain, who, after an early goal by Xabi Alonso, never really let France into the game, despite some good shots by Ribery and Cabaye. The final score was 2-0 after a penalty for Alonso in injury time, and the reigning Euro and World champions are set to go to the very end!

An extremely strong Italy put an end to England's dreams. Passing just like Spain and finding gaps everywhere, gli Azzurri dominated the game. However, they just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net (without the offside flag up), so the match remained goalless even after extra time. Like so many times before, England went out with a penalty shoot-out with Andrea Pirlo outwitting Joe Hart, and both Ashleys (Young & Cole) failing to score.
True: a win of this weak but brave English side would have been an injustice, but it's a great shame anyway!

'Schland Küchlein

Already in the semi-final (and surely having watched this exhausting match with glee) is Germany after defeating Greece. Cracking the usually solid Greek defence, the Germans created chance upon chance with fast passes. After Lahm (who only scores every four years for Germany) hammered in a first goal, the ban was broken. Greece's equaliser did not stop them, but rose Khedira, Klose and Reus into action: A convincing 4-2 saw them through to the semi-final.

The Iberian neighbours will battle it out on Wednesday, while Germany meets Italy on Thursday. Olé olé olé!

By the way, in Germany people are going crazy with the whole Eurocup mania: Every Biergarten becomes a public viewing spot, there are flags on many cars and even some cakes support the team!

Euro 2012 - Update

Spain have now shown why they are the favourites in this competition: With Fernando Torres finally finding his true form and scoring twice, they thrashed Ireland 4-0. Olé!
As group mates Italy only managed a draw against Croatia, the Spaniards are almost through to the next round.

Germany convinced with beautiful football in the first half: 'Super'Mario Gomez scored twice, turning like a torero (showing his Spanish father's heritance). German fans were singing 'Auf Wiedersehen' already, but
after Van Persie's goal they had to worry not to receive an equaliser towards the end. Still, it remained 2-1 and Germany are leading the group comfortably with two victories. Hurra!

England started very well with Carroll's goal, but defended sloppily after the break leading to Sweden scoring twice. The decision to bring on Theo Walcott changed the game: His look of puzzled elation after hitting the target through five Swedish defenders was great! Later his cross allowed Welbeck to score with his heel and all was done and dusted. What an exciting match!

France could improve on their performance against England and beat host nation Ukraine 2-0. Les Bleus have all to play for in their last match against Sweden, who will be going home anyway. England just need one little point from the last match against Shevchenco's Ukraine to make it through....

Having seen the teams twice now, who do you think is going to win?

Euro 2012 - England

Bravo, England. Magnifique! With a brave disciplined effort the boys achieved a decent 1-1 draw against France, who -although highly praised and 'unbeaten for 21 matches' - maybe could have been beaten on this occasion....

Euro 2012

...and the Euro Cup 2012 is off to an interesting start. Spain, the favourites and reigning world champions only managed a 1-1 draw with Italy, while Germany came out of their first match against Portugal with a lucky 1-0 win. Let's see how England and France play tomorrow afternoon.....
MFL Tomlinscote hope you do support the teams whose languages you are learning (after England, of course).