Euro 2012 - Page 10

joew2005 · #**136** 03-12-2011, 02:12 AM

Group A - Poland, Greece, Russia & Czech Republic.

8 June 2012 - Poland vs Greece / Russia vs Czech Republic
12 June 2012 - Greece vs Czech Republic / Poland vs Russia
16 June 2012 - Czech Republic vs Poland / Greece vs Russia

Group B - Netherlands, Denmarkm Germany & Portugal.

9 June 2012 - Netherlands vs Denmark / Germany vs Portugal
13 June 2012 - Denmark vs Portugal / Netherlands vs Germany
17 June 2012 - Portugal vs Netherlands / Denmark vs Germany

Group C - Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland & Croatia.

10 June 2012 - Spain vs Italy / Republic of Ireland vs Croatia
14 June 2012 - Italy vs Croatia / Spain vs Republic of Ireland
18 June 2012 - Croatia vs Spain / Italy vs Republic of Ireland

Group D - Ukraine, Sweden, France & England.

11 June 2012 - France vs England / Ukraine vs Sweden
15 June 2012 - Sweden vs England / Ukraine vs France
19 June 2012 - England vs Ukraine / Sweden vs France

Quarter-finals
21 June 2012 - Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B
22 June 2012 - Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A
23 June 2012 - Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D
24 June 2012 - Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C

Semi-finals
27 June 2012 - Winner Group A/Runner-up Group B vs Winner Group C/Runner-up Group D
28 June 2012 - Winner Group B/Runner-up Group A vs Winner Group D/Runner-up Group C

Final
1 July 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012

joew2005 · #**137** 03-12-2011, 07:20 AM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...r-draw?cc=4716

Irish handed horror draw
December 2, 2011

The Euro 2012 draw handed Ireland a tough draw against the defending champions Spain, 2006 World Cup winners Italy & Croatia.

Ireland, appearing in the championships 4 the 1st time since 1988, will open against Croatia in Poznan on June 10. Yet it is the games against Spain, winners in 2008 & World Cup victors in South Africa last year, & 1968 champions Italy which will most excite their fans.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men will travel 2 Gdansk 2 face Spain on June 14 & return 2 Poznan 2 play Italy 4 days later.

Group A will be viewed as the easiest of the tournament as hosts Poland find themselves up against Russia, the Czech Republic & Euro 2004 champions Greece.

Surely the toughest group will be B, which sees old rivals Germany & World Cup finalists Netherlands meet. While Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal & Denmark make up the other 2 teams.

England, meanwhile, face France & Sweden while also being drawn in the final Group D with co-hosts Ukraine. Fabio Capello's side will begin their campaign against rivals France, whom they hv not beaten in 5 meetings, in Donetsk on June 11. England hv chosen 2 base their training camp in the Polish city of Krakow but all their group games will now be played in Ukraine.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ogress?cc=4716

Trapattoni upbeat over progress
December 2, 2011

The Republic of Ireland, currently ranked 21 in the world, will be 1 of Euro 2012's outsiders, but manager Giovanni Trapattoni was upbeat aft the draw & pleased 2 be facing his native Italy, alongside Spain & Croatia in Group C.

He told BBC Sport: ''I m happy. It is impossible 2 say which group was better becos we know our position, the ranking. We hv 2 think in football tat all is possible.

''We hv 2 play with the same mentality - obviously all the teams r very difficult. But I m confident.''

Spain boss Vincente Del Bosque saw his side lose 2-1 in August's friendly meeting against Italy & said he was wary of the 2006 World Cup winners.

"Italy hv only just beaten us & they r strong opponents," he told Cuatro Television.

"It will be tough, in the European Championships there r 16 tough teams & every 1 poses their own threat. But the outcome tat I wanted has come 2 fruition [avoiding Germany & playing in Poland]. We hv 2 play a more renowned team like Italy, & 2 teams tat made it thru the play-offs. We will prepare carefully, we hv 2 focus on our own game & get ready."

Croatia boss Slaven Bilic was not so pleased abt the draw in Group C, but still harbours hope of progress.

"It is the cruellest sports championship," he said. "You can't get easy opponents. Of course we hv tough group. We r privileged we r playing against the world champions [Spain], 4mer world champions [Italy] & against the Republic of Ireland. I m big time looking 4ward 2 it. We r not the favs but we hv a chance."

GROUP A REACTION
Greece midfielder Nikos Liberopoulo was pleased with a draw tat saw the Euro 2004 champions up against Poland, Russia & Czech Republic, but warned against complacency. "It is definitely a positive draw but we know how tis can turn in2 a difficult 1," he said. "If we don't prepare well it won't matter if it is an easy draw or a difficult 1."

Poland coach Franciszek Smuda stressed the importance of his team's opening fixture in the group. ""Tis is a good draw, it's not a group of death," he said. "Greece hv a good team. Everything will depend on the 1st game in the group against them & whether we win it."

GROUP B REACTION
Portugal coach Paulo Bento reacted 2 being drawn in a group with Germany, Netherlands & Denmark, by stating his team's intention 2 go out & win every game.

"We said even b4 the draw tat we would be going 2 the finals 2 be competitive, tat we would dispute every game with the objective of winning," Bento said. "We r well aware though tat, very possibly, we hv been put in the toughest group."

Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted were in 4 a serious test. "It is the toughest group. Netherlands & Portugal hv world-class players. We can look 4ward 2 very interesting match-ups. Denmark r always difficult 2 play, a typical 'tournament team'. They hv no fear of big names. Tat is wat makes them dangerous."

Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder stressed the importance of the 2010 World Cup runners-up getting off 2 a winning start. "It is a tough draw, but we know our opponents well," Sneijder said. "It is always important 2 win your 1st match, but with Germany & Portugal as our next opponents, the opener against Denmark will be crucial."

Denmark's 19-year-old star Christian Eriksen reacted 2 the draw on Twitter. "Revenge against Holland is coming. Go Denmark!" he wrote, in reference 2 the Danes' World Cup loss @ the hands of the Dutch in South Africa.

GROUP D REACTION
Fabio Capello believes getting off 2 good start will be key 2 England's progress fr a group including France, Ukraine & Sweden. ''Most difficult will be the 1st game against France. The 1st game is always difficult 2 play becos of the pressure. A result will be very important," Capello said.

France coach Laurent Blanc urged caution, drawing on the lessons learned by the nation's dismal failure in South Africa last summer. "It's a much more complicated group tat it seems. You must remember wat happened in South Africa," he said.

Ukraine coach Oleg Blohkin believes partisan support 4 the co-hosts can help them spring a surprise in the group. "England & France can consider themselves 2 be our group's favourites, it's their right. But we &, I believe, Sweden hv our own view of things," he told AFP.

"We hv experience of successfully playing against France & England. And we will do our best 2 play with dignity in front of our fans. And I believe their support will give us strength in the matches."

joew2005 · #**138** 04-12-2011, 06:30 AM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...2-draw?cc=4716

French fancy their chances
December 3, 2011

It goes without saying French football owes a big debt of gratitude 2 Zinédine Zidane, fr his headers 2 help win the World Cup 2 his silken contribution 2 the Euro 2000 success & even 2 his retribution-filled coup de boule - his 'head-butt' - on Marco Materazzi. Zizou added another reason 4 Les Bleus 2 be thankful 2 him when he produced another coup de boule - which could also mean 'ball trick', honestly, it works in French! - by drawing a clement Euro 2012 group 4 his old mate Laurent Blanc. Friday's L'Equipe featured a cartoon of a quivering France begging Father Christmas - with a sack stocked with goodies such as Germany, Spain & Netherlands - not 2 "give me presents tat r 2 beautiful." Zidane must hv only shaved off the long white beard mins b4 going on stage in Kiev.

The scare-mongering of Friday morning - with France in Pot 4 potentially facing Spain or the Dutch, Germany & Portugal - gave way 2 barely-concealed post-draw relief with a Rooney-less England the most formidable opponent in Group D. 'Les Bleus aren't unhappy' was the view on L'Equipe's website, while the headline on Saturday's hard copy read - roughly translated: 'Thank God 4 Luck'.

Blanc was measured in his response. "We could hv found ourselves in Group B instead of Denmark, & tat would hv been very difficult," he said, referring 2 the Danes' misfortune @ being the Pot 4 side making up the numbers in the inevitable groupe de la mort. "All the coaches hv the same objective: finishing in the top 2. B4 we look @ the respective strengths & weaknesses of tis 1 & tat 1, we hv 2 bear in mind tat the French team has 2 improve. Tat's wat I'm going 2 work on 1st."

Aft a far-fr-convincing qualifying campaign, Blanc is undoubtedly right, though he does seem 2 hv more or less settled on his best starting XI & also must hv in mind the vast majority of his squad 4 the tournament already. A number of them will emerge fr the Premier League season b4 quickly renewing hostilities with on-pitch rivals fr the English top-flight as well as club team-mates in the group's opening encounter on 11 June.

England fans, no doubt, will cringe @ the very thought of a Euro reunion with the French aft seeing Zidane score twice in added time 2 switch out the lights @ an English-dominated Estadio da Luz in Lisbon in 2004. Their faith tat Fabio Capello's under-performing men can wreak some sort of revenge will hv been further undermined by a 2-1 friendly defeat 2 the French @ Wembley in November 2010. Of course, you should 'never read 2 much in2 friendlies', but tat hasn't stopped Bacary Sagna doing just tat. "Since our win in the friendly, I've been taking the mickey out of my English team-mates quite a lot, & I count on continuing 2 do tat aft 11 June," the Arsenal full-back said b4 easing effortlessly in2 full anti-Agincourt mode. "Taking on England is always something special when you're French. It's certain tat they'll hv alot of fans there, but we beat them @ home so it's not a problem."

England will certainly enjoy boisterous backing in Donetsk where France's notoriously fickle & not-particularly-numerous group of supporters will again be led by the legendary über-fan Clément d'Antibes & his cockerel. His 1st international game as a fan was England's 1982 World Cup win over France in Spain & - if Blanc is 2 be believed, though he probably shouldn't be - Capello's men will hv the edge when they meet 30 years on. "4 me, England r favourites," Blanc said, though he then gave more insight in2 his real thinking on his team's chances: "We're not facing the current 3 best nations in the 1st round: Spain, the Netherlands & Germany. We've got work 2 do, but we're going 2 see whether we can impose our style."

L'Equipe - equally tellingly - picked out Wayne Rooney, John Terry & Joe Hart as England's key men 4 the tournament. Perhaps Hart will eventually warrant tat accolade, but clearly the French media haven't been paying 2 much attention 2 Chelsea's displays of late while Rooney may well not even get 2 kick a ball - or an opponent - in anger b4 England r on the plane back home. "Tat a player of such class is missing could well be good news," Blanc said, rather under-stating the impact of Rooney's absence, while Blanc's former international team-mate, Bixente Lizarazu, said he believed it was best 2 meet England 1st so tat "we can quickly get in2 the competition".

The encounter with la perfide Albion will undoubtedly hog much if not all the build-up 2 the tournament, but Arsène Wenger sounded a note of caution. "France-England could very well finish as a draw, & it's the 2 other games which will prove decisive," the Arsenal boss told a French radio station. "So we mustn't focus 2 much on tis game but abv all concentrate on winning the 2 others, especially as the opening game is always a cagey 1."

However, Blanc will surely be less concerned abt going on 2 face a Ukraine side tat promises 2 be little different 2 the 1 a 2nd-string Les Bleus XI swept aside 4-1 in a friendly - albeit with some late goals - in Donetsk only last June. Also, L'Equipe's take on Sweden - "The Vikings can beat any1" - looks somewhat less credible following back-2-back defeats in friendlies with Denmark & England than it might hv done had it been formed in the immediate aftermath of the 3-2 win over the Dutch in October tat clinched their spot in the finals as best runner-up.

Still, the French garden is not all roses. The French public seem disenchanted with the side, & a Saturday morning poll in the Paris-based regional paper Le Parisien had 56% of people saying 'non' 2 France's chances of progressing 2 the knockout stages. Tat though could quickly change, but while Blanc & his staff frantically try 2 find a new training camp 4 the team 2 strike in - sorry, train in - aft basing their initial plans in Poland, there is a larger elephant in la chambre: tat of Blanc's contract.

The ex-Bordeaux coach's current deal with the FFF runs out aft the tournament, but FFF president Noël Le Graët has resisted Blanc's calls 4 him 2 make up his mind early, risking a repeat of the situation b4 Euro 2004 when Jacques Santini announced he would be moving 2 Spurs aft the tournament, sucking any motivation fr his already-jaded squad. "If I'm staying, my contract has 2 be extended b4 the Euro," Blanc declared publicly in October, but his boss responded: "Love affairs tat just happen r always the most beautiful."

While Le Graët is likely 2 be nominated 4 an Emmy & a BAFTA 4 tat declaration, he also opened the door 2 a Blanc departure: "Laurent has shown he has all the qualities 2 lead a national team or a big club. I can't stand in his way." On top of his own contract situation, Blanc is unhappy his extended background staff of some 17 people, such as the team chef, hv not been given a share of the €4 million bonus dished out 2 the squad & Blanc's coaching staff 4 qualifying. Blanc is apparently trying 2 convince his players 2 take a lesser share of the pot 2 give 2 those who missed out. If they do, it will show Blanc has rooted out a good part of the self-centred ésprit tat ruined France's World Cup. If not, surely he could always just go 2 Santa Zizou 4 a hand out.

joew2005 · #**139** 07-12-2011, 09:25 PM

Finals Group Phase
8 June 2012 - Poland vs Greece / Russia vs Czech Republic (Group A)
9 June 2012 - Netherlands vs Denmark / Germany vs Portugal (Group B)
10 June 2012 - Spain vs Italy / Republic of Ireland vs Croatia (Group C)
11 June 2012 - France vs England / Ukraine vs Sweden (Group D)

12 June 2012 - Greece vs Czech Republic / Poland vs Russia (Group A)
13 June 2012 - Denmark vs Portugal / Netherlands vs Germany (Group B)
14 June 2012 - Italy vs Croatia / Spain vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
15 June 2012 - Sweden vs England / Ukraine vs France (Group D)

16 June 2012 - Czech Republic vs Poland / Greece vs Russia (Group A)
17 June 2012 - Portugal vs Netherlands / Denmark vs Germany (Group B)
18 June 2012 - Croatia vs Spain / Italy vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
19 June 2012 - England vs Ukraine / Sweden vs France (Group D)

Quarter-Finals
21 June 2012 - Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B
22 June 2012 - Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A
23 June 2012 - Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D
24 June 2012 - Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C

Semi-Finals
27 June 2012 - Winner Group A/Runner-up Group B vs Winner Group C/Runner-up Group D
28 June 2012 - Winner Group B/Runner-up Group A vs Winner Group D/Runner-up Group C

Final
1 July 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012

joew2005 · #**140** 08-12-2011, 08:13 PM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/993883/england's-wayne-rooney's-euro-2012-ban-is-reduced-on-appeal"?cc=4716

Rooney wins appeal against ban
December 8, 2011

Wayne Rooney's ban has been reduced to 2 games on appeal, with the 3rd game suspended for 4 years.

UEFA's Disciplinary & Control Body handed Rooney a 3-match ban aft his petulant kick @ Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovic in England's final Euro 2012 qualifier in October. England had appealed against the severity of the ban.

With no more competitive games 4 England b4 next summer's finals in Ukraine & Poland, Rooney would hv missed the group stage of the tournament. Now he will miss the opening games against France & Sweden & will be available 4 the final group game against Ukraine in Donetsk.

The 3rd game of the suspension will still kick in if Rooney is guilty of violent conduct in the next 4 years. He will also undertake football in the community work as part of the ban reduction.

UEFA said in a statement: "The UEFA Appeals Body has reduced a suspension imposed on England striker Wayne Rooney @ a hearing in Nyon.

"The Appeals Body today decided tat the player's red card during the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier in Montenegro on Friday 7 October should incur a 2-match suspension, with a further 1-game ban 4 UEFA European Championship football only suspended for 4 years, instead of the 3-match ban handed down by UEFA's Control & Disciplinary Body on 13 October.

"Rooney, who will also spend a day supporting a UEFA project as part of the sentence, was sent off in the 74th min of the 2-2 Group G draw in Podgorica. He will be banned 4 England's opening 2 UEFA EURO 2012 matches against France & Sweden but will be eligible 4 the final Group D fixture against Ukraine."

The 3rd game of the suspension will only be activated if Rooney is sent off 4 violent conduct in a European Championships match over the next 4 years. Tat will only encompass next summer's finals & qualifying for Euro 2016.

Club England managing director Adrian Bevington told reporters in Nyon: "It is a positive outcome, Wayne & Fabio r both very pleased. Wayne will now head back 2 Manchester, they r both very satisfied tat they hv had a fair hearing.

"Wayne always made it clear he accepted it was a red card offence & we r very pleased with the outcome. We arrived with the possibility of Wayne Rooney missing the entire group phase so 2 hv him available 4 the final group game against Ukraine is a positive result 4 us & Wayne Rooney as well.''

UEFA originally deemed Rooney's challenge an assault, & the rules state tat carries a "suspension for 3 competition matches or 4 a specified period 4 assaulting another player or other person present at the match".

The FA is thought 2 hv used Andrei Arshavin's 2-match ban 4 an almost identical offence in Russia's last qualifier 4 Euro 2008 as part of its evidence. It also also argued tat Rooney's offence was not comparable 2 tat of Maccabi Tel-Aviv's Yoav Ziv, who was given a 3-match ban 4 kicking his boot @ a linesman against Stoke City in the Europa League.

The FA is also thought 2 hv pointed out tat a 3-match ban tat affects games in the finals of a major tournament is a harsher sanction than a suspension of a similar length which would just affect matches in a qualifying tournament.

The ManU striker was joined by England coach Fabio Capello & 4 lawyers as part of an attempt 2 reduce his punishment.

The team included Adam Lewis QC, who has previous experience of chairing Rugby Football Union appeal hearings, a Swiss sports lawyer, plus the FA's own internal solicitor James Bonnington & a representative fr their external lawyers Charles Russell.

joew2005 · #**141** 17-12-2011, 09:22 PM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ympics?cc=4716

Euro stars ruled out of Olympics
December 17, 2011

England players who take part in tis summer's Euro 2012 tournament in Poland & Ukraine will not be selected 2 play 4 Great Britain @ the London 2012 Olympics.

Team GB manager & England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce, who had not initially ruled any1 out, described it as "a sensible football decision".

The self-imposed embargo means the likes of Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere & Phil Jones can abandon any hopes of featuring in front of a home crowd @ the Olympics.

Pearce said: "We hv had discussions as we come now 2 notifying the long list of the players who could potentially be selected & it is important 2 make clear wat we hv agreed regarding England players who will be @ Euro 2012.

"We hv agreed tat any player who boards the plane 2 the European Championship in Ukraine & Poland will not be considered 4 selection 2 Team GB.

"It's a sensible football decision when u consider the demands on players, & it now leaves no room 4 doubt 4 players & their clubs abt next summer & the 2 major tournaments.''

The FA tis week began notifying home associations & players of those on a long list 4 potential selection. Players r asked 2 confirm whether they would be available.

Pearce's announcement will please club managers such as Arsenal's Arsene Wenger & ManU's Sir Alex Ferguson who hv said it would be 2 much 4 players 2 play in both tournaments.

It has also been revealed the Olympic Stadium could hv retractable seating installed over the running track aft the London Games 2 make it more attractive 2 football fans.

West Ham, who r favourites 2 be chosen as the tenants, r looking @ having the retractable seating as part of their new bid 4 the stadium.

joew2005 · #**142** 18-12-2011, 03:32 PM

173 DAYS TO KICK OFF OF EURO 2012

Group Phase
8 June 2012 - Poland vs Greece / Russia vs Czech Republic (Group A)
9 June 2012 - Netherlands vs Denmark / Germany vs Portugal (Group B)
10 June 2012 - Spain vs Italy / Republic of Ireland vs Croatia (Group C)
11 June 2012 - France vs England / Ukraine vs Sweden (Group D)

12 June 2012 - Greece vs Czech Republic / Poland vs Russia (Group A)
13 June 2012 - Denmark vs Portugal / Netherlands vs Germany (Group B)
14 June 2012 - Italy vs Croatia / Spain vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
15 June 2012 - Sweden vs England / Ukraine vs France (Group D)

16 June 2012 - Czech Republic vs Poland / Greece vs Russia (Group A)
17 June 2012 - Portugal vs Netherlands / Denmark vs Germany (Group B)
18 June 2012 - Croatia vs Spain / Italy vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
19 June 2012 - England vs Ukraine / Sweden vs France (Group D)

Quarter-Finals
21 June 2012 - Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B
22 June 2012 - Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A
23 June 2012 - Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D
24 June 2012 - Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C

Semi-Finals
27 June 2012 - Winner Group A/Runner-up Group B vs Winner Group C/Runner-up Group D
28 June 2012 - Winner Group B/Runner-up Group A vs Winner Group D/Runner-up Group C

Final
1 July 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012

joew2005 · #**143** 26-12-2011, 06:02 PM

Latest Uefa/Fifa ranking, updated on Dec 2011.

1. Spain (Fifa 1)
2. Netherlands (Fifa 2)
3. Germany (Fifa 3)
4. England (Fifa 5)
5. Portugal (Fifa 7)
6. Croatia (Fifa 8)
7. Italy (Fifa 9)
8. Denmark (Fifa 11)
9. Russia (Fifa 12)
10. Greece (Fifa 14)
11. France (Fifa 15)
12. Switzerland (Fifa 17)
13. Sweden (Fifa 18)
14. Bosnia-Herzegovina (Fifa 20)
15. Republic of Ireland (Fifa 22)
16. Norway (Fifa 25)
17. Slovenia (Fifa 26)
18. Serbia (Fifa 27)
19. Turkey (Fifa 28)
20. Czech Republic (Fifa 33)
21. Hungary (Fifa 37)
22. Israel (Fifa 37)
23. Slovakia (Fifa 40)
24. Belgium (Fifa 41)
25. Armenia (Fifa 46)
26. Scotland (Fifa 47)
27. Wales (Fifa 48)
28. Montenegro (Fifa 51)
29. Co-host Ukraine (Fifa 55)
30. Romania (Fifa 56)
31. Estonia (Fifa 57)
32. Belarus (Fifa 64)
33. Co-host Poland (Fifa 66)
34. Latvia (Fifa 68)
35. Austria (Fifa 70)
36. Georgia (Fifa 73)
37. Albania (Fifa 74)
38. Bulgaria (Fifa 84)
39. Finland (Fifa 86)
40. Northern Ireland (Fifa 88)
41. Lithuania (Fifa 92)
42. FYR Macedonia (Fifa 103)
43. Iceland (Fifa 104)
44. Azerbaijan (Fifa 112)
45. Faroe Islands (Fifa 116)
46. Cyprus (Fifa 127)
47. Luxembourg (Fifa 128)
48. Liechtenstein (Fifa 132)
49. Moldova (Fifa 136)
50. Kazakhstan (Fifa 138)
51. Malta (Fifa 156)
52. Andorra (Fifa 206)
53. San Marino (Fifa 206)

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/ran...ble/index.html

joew2005 · #**144** 21-01-2012, 08:57 AM

Latest Uefa/Fifa ranking, updated on JAN 2012.

1. Spain (Fifa 1)
2. Netherlands (Fifa 2)
3. Germany (Fifa 3)
4. England (Fifa 5)
5. Portugal (Fifa 7)
6. Croatia (Fifa 8)
7. Italy (Fifa 9)
8. Denmark (Fifa 11)
9. Russia (Fifa 13)
10. Greece (Fifa 14)
11. France (Fifa 15)
12. Switzerland (Fifa 16)
13. Sweden (Fifa 17)
14. Bosnia-Herzegovina (Fifa 19)
15. Republic of Ireland (Fifa 23)
16. Norway (Fifa 24)
17. Slovenia (Fifa 25)
18. Serbia (Fifa 27)
19. Turkey (Fifa 29)
20. Czech Republic (Fifa 31)
21. Hungary (Fifa 37)
22. Israel (Fifa 37)
23. Slovakia (Fifa 39)
24. Belgium (Fifa 40)
25. Armenia (Fifa 45)
26. Scotland (Fifa 48)
27. Wales (Fifa 49)
28. Montenegro (Fifa 50)
29. Estonia (Fifa 52)
30. Co-host Ukraine (Fifa 54)
31. Romania (Fifa 55)
32. Belarus (Fifa 65)
33. Co-host Poland (Fifa 68)
34. Latvia (Fifa 70)
35. Austria (Fifa 71)
36. Georgia (Fifa 76)
37. Albania (Fifa 77)
38. Bulgaria (Fifa 83)
39. Finland (Fifa 85)
40. Northern Ireland (Fifa 87)
41. Lithuania (Fifa 93)
42. FYR Macedonia (Fifa 103)
43. Iceland (Fifa 104)
44. Azerbaijan (Fifa 111)
45. Faroe Islands (Fifa 114)
46. Cyprus (Fifa 126)
47. Luxembourg (Fifa 127)
48. Liechtenstein (Fifa 130)
49. Moldova (Fifa 135)
50. Kazakhstan (Fifa 139)
51. Malta (Fifa 156)
52. Andorra (Fifa 206)
53. San Marino (Fifa 206)

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/ran...ble/index.html

joew2005 · #**145** 22-01-2012, 02:23 PM

138 DAYS TO KICK OFF OF EURO 2012

Group Phase
8 June 2012 - Poland vs Greece / Russia vs Czech Republic (Group A)
9 June 2012 - Netherlands vs Denmark / Germany vs Portugal (Group B)
10 June 2012 - Spain vs Italy / Republic of Ireland vs Croatia (Group C)
11 June 2012 - France vs England / Ukraine vs Sweden (Group D)

12 June 2012 - Greece vs Czech Republic / Poland vs Russia (Group A)
13 June 2012 - Denmark vs Portugal / Netherlands vs Germany (Group B)
14 June 2012 - Italy vs Croatia / Spain vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
15 June 2012 - Sweden vs England / Ukraine vs France (Group D)

16 June 2012 - Czech Republic vs Poland / Greece vs Russia (Group A)
17 June 2012 - Portugal vs Netherlands / Denmark vs Germany (Group B)
18 June 2012 - Croatia vs Spain / Italy vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
19 June 2012 - England vs Ukraine / Sweden vs France (Group D)

Quarter-Finals
21 June 2012 - Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B
22 June 2012 - Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A
23 June 2012 - Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D
24 June 2012 - Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C

Semi-Finals
27 June 2012 - Winner Group A/Runner-up Group B vs Winner Group C/Runner-up Group D
28 June 2012 - Winner Group B/Runner-up Group A vs Winner Group D/Runner-up Group C

Final
1 July 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012

joew2005 · #**146** 12-02-2012, 01:42 PM

116 DAYS TO KICK OFF OF EURO 2012

Group Phase
8 June 2012 - Poland vs Greece / Russia vs Czech Republic (Group A)
9 June 2012 - Netherlands vs Denmark / Germany vs Portugal (Group B)
10 June 2012 - Spain vs Italy / Republic of Ireland vs Croatia (Group C)
11 June 2012 - France vs England / Ukraine vs Sweden (Group D)

12 June 2012 - Greece vs Czech Republic / Poland vs Russia (Group A)
13 June 2012 - Denmark vs Portugal / Netherlands vs Germany (Group B)
14 June 2012 - Italy vs Croatia / Spain vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
15 June 2012 - Sweden vs England / Ukraine vs France (Group D)

16 June 2012 - Czech Republic vs Poland / Greece vs Russia (Group A)
17 June 2012 - Portugal vs Netherlands / Denmark vs Germany (Group B)
18 June 2012 - Croatia vs Spain / Italy vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
19 June 2012 - England vs Ukraine / Sweden vs France (Group D)

Quarter-Finals
21 June 2012 - Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B
22 June 2012 - Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A
23 June 2012 - Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D
24 June 2012 - Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C

Semi-Finals
27 June 2012 - Winner Group A/Runner-up Group B vs Winner Group C/Runner-up Group D
28 June 2012 - Winner Group B/Runner-up Group A vs Winner Group D/Runner-up Group C

Final
1 July 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012

joew2005 · #**147** 23-02-2012, 08:30 PM

Latest Uefa/Fifa ranking, updated on FEB 2012.

1. Spain (Fifa 1)
2. Germany (Fifa 2)
3. Netherlands (Fifa 3)
4. England (Fifa 5)
5. Portugal (Fifa 6)
6. Italy (Fifa 8)
7. Croatia (Fifa 9)
8. Denmark (Fifa 10)
9. Russia (Fifa 13)
10. Greece (Fifa 14)
11. Switzerland (Fifa 16)
12. France (Fifa 17)
13. Sweden (Fifa 18)
14. Bosnia-Herzegovina (Fifa 19)
15. Republic of Ireland (Fifa 20)
16. Norway (Fifa 24)
17. Serbia (Fifa 25)
18. Turkey (Fifa 25)
19. Slovenia (Fifa 27)
20. Czech Republic (Fifa 29)
21. Israel (Fifa 35)
22. Hungary (Fifa 37)
23. Slovakia (Fifa 38)
24. Belgium (Fifa 39)
25. Armenia (Fifa 41)
26. Wales (Fifa 42)
27. Scotland (Fifa 48)
28. Montenegro (Fifa 51)
29. Romania (Fifa 52)
30. Estonia (Fifa 54)
31. Co-host Ukraine (Fifa 59)
32. Belarus (Fifa 67)
33. Co-host Poland (Fifa 70)
34. Austria (Fifa 71)
35. Latvia (Fifa 74)
36. Albania (Fifa 78)
37. Finland (Fifa 79)
38. Georgia (Fifa 81)
39. Northern Ireland (Fifa 86)
40. Bulgaria (Fifa 88)
41. Lithuania (Fifa 93)
42. FYR Macedonia (Fifa 101)
43. Iceland (Fifa 103)
44. Azerbaijan (Fifa 109)
45. Faroe Islands (Fifa 118)
46. Liechtenstein (Fifa 124)
47. Cyprus (Fifa 127)
48. Luxembourg (Fifa 133)
49. Kazakhstan (Fifa 138)
50. Moldova (Fifa 142)
51. Malta (Fifa 159)
52. Andorra (Fifa 205)
53. San Marino (Fifa 205)

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/ran...ble/index.html

joew2005 · #**148** 25-02-2012, 03:28 PM

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/...165025063.html

This is crowd control, Ukraine-style

Football hooligans looking 2 cause trouble @ tis year's Euro 2012 tournament better tread carefully if they r in Ukraine: the hosts hv called in a quartet of fighter jets 2 help quell any disorder.

The Russian-built MiG 29s - each packing 30mm cannons & air-2-air missiles - will be deployed 2 the football tournament 4 the duration 2 counter any extreme troublemaking.

And just in case the 1,5000mph jets aren't enough, there will also be a pair of helicopter gunships on hand 2 help keep the peace.

"Up 2 4 fighters & 2 helicopters will be constantly keeping watch," Major-General Viktor Hamora of Ukrainian Air Force Command told the Austrian Times.

Hooligans of Europe: u hv been warned.

joew2005 · #**149** 02-03-2012, 06:48 AM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...o-2012?cc=4716

Parker wants to stay skipper for Euros
March 1, 2012

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker hopes he did enough during England's 3-2 defeat against Netherlands @ Wembley on Wednesday night 2 retain the captaincy 4 Euro 2012.

Interim England boss Stuart Pearce handed Parker the armband ahead of the likes of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, who was fav 2 succeed John Terry as skipper of the national team.

Parker made some excellent blocks & tackles in his defensive midfield role against the Dutch & aft the match revealed tat Gerrard was the 1st 2 congratulate him aft his surprise selection as captain.

"Steve was fine. He was the ultra-professional he is," Parker said. "He was the 1st person 2 come up 2 me & congratulate me & said he'd support me. Tat was pleasing. You wouldn't expect anything else fr such a great player.''

Should the FA appoint a permanent successor 2 Fabio Capello b4 tis summer's European Championship, the new man must decide who he 1s 2 be England captain in Poland & Ukraine.

Asked if he would like 2 keep the armband, Parker said: "Of course I would.

"I also understand there's a many a player - no-1 more than Steven Gerrard & a couple of others - who've obviously been there b4 & done it.

"It's going 2 be difficult 4 me but I would obviously relish the chance 2 lead the country out again & take it in2 the Euros.

"Whether that's me or it's not me, I know I'll be fully behind whoever it may be, determined 2 make England succeed.''

Parker said the feeling of captaining England was 2nd only 2 tat he experienced when his children were born.

The 31-year-old added: "It was pretty special, really, a very proud moment 4 me & something as a kid I dreamed of many a time. I could probably speak 4 every boy & every young lad who has the same ambition.

"I never thought it would happen 2 me, so absolutely delighted 2 lead out my country. It's definitely up there, not only in my career but obviously in my personal life, probably behind the birth of my kids. My family r very proud.''

Parker's 1st game as skipper ultimately ended in a last-gasp 3-2 defeat aft England had looked 2 hv salvaged a 2-2 draw.

He said: "We're not sitting there thinking tat with the way we performed, thru maybe just sheer grit & determination & courage, tat we're going 2 go & win a tournament.

"We understand we need 2 work on things, we need 2 get technically better. But we all need 2 be positive & we all need 2 realise tat tonight gives us great hope.

"Coming back fr 2-0 down is massive. It was edgy there & we proved tat we can do it.''

joew2005 · #**150** 06-03-2012, 06:57 AM

94 DAYS TO KICK OFF OF EURO 2012

Group Phase
8 June 2012 - Poland vs Greece / Russia vs Czech Republic (Group A)
9 June 2012 - Netherlands vs Denmark / Germany vs Portugal (Group B)
10 June 2012 - Spain vs Italy / Republic of Ireland vs Croatia (Group C)
11 June 2012 - France vs England / Ukraine vs Sweden (Group D)

12 June 2012 - Greece vs Czech Republic / Poland vs Russia (Group A)
13 June 2012 - Denmark vs Portugal / Netherlands vs Germany (Group B)
14 June 2012 - Italy vs Croatia / Spain vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
15 June 2012 - Sweden vs England / Ukraine vs France (Group D)

16 June 2012 - Czech Republic vs Poland / Greece vs Russia (Group A)
17 June 2012 - Portugal vs Netherlands / Denmark vs Germany (Group B)
18 June 2012 - Croatia vs Spain / Italy vs Republic of Ireland (Group C)
19 June 2012 - England vs Ukraine / Sweden vs France (Group D)

Quarter-Finals
21 June 2012 - Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B
22 June 2012 - Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A
23 June 2012 - Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D
24 June 2012 - Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C

Semi-Finals
27 June 2012 - Winner Group A/Runner-up Group B vs Winner Group C/Runner-up Group D
28 June 2012 - Winner Group B/Runner-up Group A vs Winner Group D/Runner-up Group C

Final
1 July 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012