Before I talk about the Euro Cup and that's mostly the discussion today, I'm going to get into how sad hip-hop has gotten or music in general. I woke up from a nap on Saturday and saw the things that trend on twitter. Usually if something is trending on twitter, I click on it and see what's going on if it interests me. I see something that shows Drake being dissed so I'm curious since I'm not a Drake fan whatsoever. I'll never forget when Common dissed and I found out at my job which made me jump around in the break room in joy. Anyway the person that ended up dissing Drake was Chris Brown, who may be my number one most hated artist these days. Nickelback is usually up there as the worst but Chris Brown has really been pushing it. The world of music has gotten so bad that R & B artists want to try making diss records now. It would make no sense to see an artist who's made their career on singing and making dance music to now try to become a rapper when their voice is clearly too high pitched. I'm not posting the link because I only post links that involve things that have talent. Brown can dance which is all great but his IQ is the size of a peanut. I'm not a fan of Drake, but I don't hear Drake breaking down morning television hosts sets. I don't hear him beating up women or making false accusations to wrestlers. This is getting worse and worse for Chris Brown then if you hear his eight lines of garbage, you'll laugh even harder. You could barley understand him then he brings up how he lives life twice. How original that he makes the I live twice line to the guy that made "You Only Live Once" line a trend. This beef is so lame but at least Drake acts like an adult. I didn't want to get into it when these two fought at that club, but after hearing that small verse it went too far. My message from this is if you're a Chris Brown fan, then god help you. I don't care how talented he is or how catchy he is, how can you support an artist like this? When you like or root for someone, its more than just the person and how they perform. I look at the person and see what they do as a human being before I want to go buy a shirt or really support this person. Michael Vick, Kurt Angle, Lil Flip, and Good Charlotte are good examples of me being a fan of someone or a band then totally hating them for their actions as a human being. Its more than just performing and being talented for me when it comes to buying a shirt or any sort of merchandise from a team, band, or person. Hopefully Chris Brown fans realize that and stop supporting this a**hole. I know that won't be the case because everyone is trapped in the world of music and ignoring the true facts but thats your decision. I just move on and live my life doing my best not to be let down by celebrities who constantly let down their fans.
Now today I'll be reviewing the entire Euro Cup. The Euro Cup final will obviously be covered but I'll discuss many things. I'll have my Euro Cup all star team picked out along with top five games and top five goals of the tournament. One other thing I'll post is the top five breakout players who really stepped up that could get signed by a big club although a few of them have already been signed shockingly enough. It won't be that long altogether but I want to make sure to cover the main things of a great tournament.
Euro Cup Final
The true dynasty in sports.
I'm not going to take a lot of time recapping the final. It wasn't much of a final and I think we all get the picture by now how good Spain is. I've called them dull recently and wasn't really interested in watching them, but they really put on a top performance. The passing was there as usual flowing through the midfield but they were really getting after Italy. The defenders were on their heels for the entire first half but Spain's pace eventually punished them. I'm still shocked how Fabergas got that cross off but it was poor marking by Chiellni. He had to come off a few minutes later due to injury which was even worse. Thats poor managing by Prandelli wasting a sub already on an injured player who hasn't been fit all tournament. I understand that Chielini is a top defender but from what I've seen from him in the tournament, he doesn't look fit what so ever. Italy got too caught up in playing Spain's game since Spain had no strikers. Italy's back four was defending up and that was played into Spain's hands when Xavi released Jordi Alba down the left wing. It was so much to watch that play happen because the pass and run was perfectly timed that completely caught Italy off guard. It was well taken and Spain looked to be in control. Italy didn't completely lay down though because they made Casillas work a bit. It was nothing spectacular but Casillas had to make a few saves. It wasn't anything dangerous though because they were clearly getting beaten to every ball by Spain. Cassano looked once again unfit with coming off heart problems while Pirlo didn't get much time on the ball against a very fan Spain defense. Xavi Alosno did his job once again shutting down the attacking central midfielder. The second half was pretty dull with Italy never really showing a sense of urgency then the amount of subs cost them when Thiago Motta got hurt which caused Italy to play with ten men. It all went down hill and Spain pounced on them a few more times. Fernando Torres managed to score a cheap goal at the end then Juan Mata (one of my favorites on Spain) got a deserving goal after just coming off the bench. It was a dominant display by Spain and it was their 3rd straight major tournament win.
Spain was clearly the best team of the tournament despite how much I'll praise Germany. It's a shame that we didn't get to see Spain vs Germany because that would be the true matchup of the best. Germans picked a bad time to not show up and it left us wondering. It was great tournament altogether although the knock out rounds could have been better. I only really enjoyed a few of them because half them of were too one sided or boring. The group stage brought plenty of excitement and it will be missed. Here is the rest of the full break down of Euro 2012.
Top Five Games
It held down the number one spot after all.
The top five games didn't really change from the group stage. Only Italy versus Germany was the game that really got me excited while watching. The quarterfinals were either one sided or really lackluster while Portugal vs Spain was poor. The final of every major tournament usually isn't exciting for a casual fan because teams are afraid to take too many risks. The top five games had one change from before but here it is. What makes a tournament like this so great is when you look at the top two games of the tournament, you probably least expect it. Portugal versus Denmark sounds pretty lame yet it brought out so much excitement. The same can be said for England versus Sweden which looked exciting but it was highly unlikely that it would be top five.
1. Portugal 3 Denmark 2- This game really picked up after a dull 30 minutes. Denmark coming back really caught me by surprise because Portugal's defense looked so good against Germany. The Danes are considered an offensively challenged team that win games by effort and keeping teams scoreless. It was shocking to see how they set up that first goal then Bendtner getting picked out again for the 2nd goal. Then who can forget the Cristiano Ronaldo blooper reel with the worst miss of the tournament. He had a rough game but his teammates were picked up all around. Nani had a solid game along with Veloso and Pepe standing out. The winner was shocking to see coming from Varela who had to spin around just to get the shot off. It had so much power on it that it somehow got through and it was crucial win for Portugal. The game had everyone talking and it was a great response from Portugal after the improbable comeback from Denmark. After playing each other once in the last five years dating back to World Cup qualifying, Portugal finally beat them.
2. England 3 Sweden 2- Another high scoring game filled with different twists and turns. It was a pretty dull first half with Andy Carroll scoring the only goal thanks to a great cross by Stephen Gerrard. The 2nd half things finally picked up since Sweden realized that a loss would have them eliminated. They scored a few minutes after the break with a set piece on a broken play. It was a scrappy goal by Sweden with Glen Johnson being credited with the own goal. It wasn't really Johnson's fault because he hustled but he was in the wrong position. The 2nd goal should have been cleared by England but Lescott lost Melberg on a high free kick for the goal. England's back four was breaking down at the worst moment and they needed reinforcements. Theo Walcott came on and the entire game changed. Sweden's old back four couldn't handle his pace and he immediately became a threat. Eventually it showed on the goal sheet with a nice goal that was aided through Sweden's defense blocking the goalie's vision. Walcott is credited with the goal but it should have been saved. He continued to be a problem on the wing and eventually set up the winner to Danny Welbeck who scored a terrific back heel goal. It was a clever finish to put England ahead. Sweden never backed down though and gave England problems the entire 2nd half testing Joe Hart consistently. It was a great comeback by England but it lacked the late minute goal to make it truly better. A weak first half didn't help the cause either but still this game was really fun to watch and deserves the spot.
3. Italy 2 Germany 1- The game would have been higher if it was more competitive. The score line may say it but Italy looked to be in cruise control for far too long to put this over the other two games. The game still had plenty of highlights from Balotelli's two goals and Buffon's saves. It was really interesting to see how open Germany left their defense and were pushing Italy so much on the attack which left them so open. Germany might have forgotten that they were playing Italy not Greece in the first half. They were far too loose defensively and the same can be said in the 2nd half, if it wasn't for some bad finishing by Germany. Still the game had plenty of shots with both goalies making several saves. The game needed to be more close which hurts the grade but Germany did enough to make this game warrant in the top five.
4, Germany 2 Holland 1- I'm sure people may question this game but it had plenty of exciting moments. Germany mostly controlled the game but Holland had their moments of excellence. Both teams were considered favorites going into the tournament. Obviously everything changed with Holland crashing out of the tournament but this game was enjoyable just for the stars and how Holland came back in 2nd half. Germany may have controlled most of the game but Holland never backed down and it made for a great game.
5. Spain 1 Italy 1- It may have ended in a tie but this game was so back and forth that you believed Italy could pull off the upset. Italy never really played too defensive and they looked confident on the ball. Cassano looked like a major threat and Spain didn't seem to create many dangerous chances. It was mostly half chances until the last 25 minutes where Italy seemed to tire out. The goals weren't anything spectacular but it was great passing from Andrea Pirlo and David Silva from their respective teams. This was the first game that made me felt that the tournament truly began. It was a fantastic game where a winner could have easily happened. Spain seemed more likely in the end but Fernando Torres continued to show his poor form.
Top Five Goals
The number one goal wasn't dethroned although if Danielle De Rossi scores that goal against England, then that would be the definite number one. Instead it was untouched but I did find one goal that moved into the top five of the tournament. I could do top ten but that's way too many highlights. Instead I'll do an honorable mention list at the end if you want to check them out. I don't like posting so many video links at once but I'll mention a few that you should check out after my top five.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs France
2. Danny Welbeck vs Sweden
3. Jakub Blaszczykowski vs Russia
4. Phillip Lahm vs Greece
5. Mario Balotelli vs Ireland
A few goals that I'm going to give an honorable mention to. Mario Balotelli goal against Germany will always be remembered. Rafael Van Der Vaart goal against Portugal was in my top five before but it had to get out of the top five for Lahm. One other goal I'll mention is Marco Reus goal against Greece was a great rebound blast. Those goals are the things that I want to mention for you guys to check out if you get the chance.
Top 5 breakout stars
Unlike the games and goals, I'm not going to rank this. I'm just going to give you five guys that really stepped up their game for the tournament. They are mostly young players that people haven't really heard of and that will likely get a nice contract for a new team. Two players in the five that I'll mention have already joined new clubs that are among the best in their respective countries.
Mandzukic mania is running wild!
1. Joao Pereira (Portugal)- Before the tournament, I was criticizing the Portugal defense. I didn't think they would hold up in the former Group Of Death (Group C took that spot) yet they held Germany and Holland to one goal each. Pereira really impressed me because I'll admit that I had no idea who he was until the Germany game where he was really attacking down the right side and shutting down Podolski. He had some other great games against Holland and Czech Republic where he completely shut down his side and made so many runs down the side. He plays for Lisbon right now but I'm expecting him to get a big move with a new club since right backs always being needed.
2. Alan Dzagoev (Russia)- With so many playmakers on Russia, I didn't know much about Dzagoev. He was just a 21 year old attacking midfielder from CSKA Moscow. With Andrei Arshavin usually in that role, I didn't think Dzagoev would take that role yet he would move up to a striker role and really play well. In his first tournament game ever, he scored two goals against Czech Republic with well timed finishes. Then he scored another goal against Poland which was a pretty easy finish but it was well taken. It was a shame to see him get lost in the Greek wall which saw Russia get eliminated but he was very active in the games that I watched when he played. He's so young as well so I'm expecting him to see a lot more of him in the future.
3. Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)- It's no surprise that he's on the list but I don't see how anyone can argue. When it came to Croatia, people only really thought of Luka Modric and Nikica Jelavic were the main guys to talk about. Mandzukic came on the scene with two well headed goals against Ireland to get his name on the scene. That got Italy's attention and they defended him well when he was on the ball. The thing with Mario is that he's so good in the air that he wins all long balls and can do serious damage. He scored against Italy on a great finish off a cross to put Croatia in decent position to go to knockout round. That clearly didn't happen but he worked his tail off against Spain and should have won a penalty off Sergio Ramos. His efforts were awarded with a transfer deal to Bayern Munich which is a huge move for him. He really deserved it and as a Croatian, I couldn't be more proud.
4. Petr Jiracek ( Czech Republic)- I predicted the Czechs to come in last but they clearly proved me wrong. They showed that they have some talent in the striker and midfield positions that weren't Rosicky or Baros. Instead it was Jiracek who I wish I saw more of. I only got to see him against Portugal in a full game but he showed that he lots of ability with the ball despite the lack of pace. He also has a smooth way of scoring even if their was given off of through balls. His goals against Greece and Poland were well taken which put him on the map. He may only play for Wolfsburg and has his old style look but he was the main reason for the Czechs winning the group. I hope to see more of him because I was really pulling for him to make something big happen against Portugal.
5. Jordi Alba ( Spain)- He was already going to be on my list before the final. I've never really heard of Alba before the tournament begin. I wasn't sure how they would fix up their left back issues but it clearly worked. Alba really impressed me with his speed but he never looked like a liability on defense. Even with his lack of side, he was never exposed by teams like France, Portugal, and Italy. His breakout moments was clearly against France when he was causing all problems all game including the assist to Xavi Alonso on a great cross. Then he made some great runs in the final like everyone saw then eventually scored on a great opportunity. Alba's play was rewarded before the semifinal vs Portugal which had him seal a move from Valencia to Barcelona. Its pretty shocking but it shouldn't surprise anyone because when you look like you belong on the Spain national team, you'll have Barcelona and Real Madrid calling you.
5. Jordi Alba ( Spain)- He was already going to be on my list before the final. I've never really heard of Alba before the tournament begin. I wasn't sure how they would fix up their left back issues but it clearly worked. Alba really impressed me with his speed but he never looked like a liability on defense. Even with his lack of side, he was never exposed by teams like France, Portugal, and Italy. His breakout moments was clearly against France when he was causing all problems all game including the assist to Xavi Alonso on a great cross. Then he made some great runs in the final like everyone saw then eventually scored on a great opportunity. Alba's play was rewarded before the semifinal vs Portugal which had him seal a move from Valencia to Barcelona. Its pretty shocking but it shouldn't surprise anyone because when you look like you belong on the Spain national team, you'll have Barcelona and Real Madrid calling you.
Team Of Tournament
These are my official picks for team of the tournament for each position. If the player played in at least three games, he was qualified to make the list just for clarification.
The main men under operation best midfield of the world.
G. Iker Casillas- It was an easy choice although Buffon is right on that list. Casillas made some brilliant saves from the opening game against Italy then of course his best save of the tournament against Croatia (still breaks my heart). Casillas was dominant as expected.
LB. Phillip Lahm- Despite the collapse against Italy, Lahm was fantastic through out the tournament. His goal against Greece was top quality but he performed very well in all group stage games against very tough competition.
CB. John Terry- Terry really kept England together during some tough periods of time during the tournament. His performances against Ukraine and Italy really stood out to me as a true team leader. He may be controversial but in terms of on the field, he'll compete till the end.
CB. Sergio Ramos- It was crazy to see him at center back yet he played there very well. With Puyol out for the tournament, he took the spot and really stepped up as a leader. His performances against Portugal and France defending the likes of Ronaldo and Benzema were top notch. It looked like a tough transition but he really performed well.
RB. Joao Pereira- The tournament didn't really have any right back standouts so it was tough to choose. I chose Pereira who I explained above why he deserved to be a break out star. In terms of right backs, he was really consistent in the tournament.
RM. David Silva- Despite being left footed, Silva would play on right side. His stats may have been quiet in the tournament but his dribbling ability really helped Spain out on the wing. Spain would struggle at times to spread the field but with Silva's wing play and his speed it would be a difference maker. We saw it against Italy in group stage and against France especially how he cause havoc on any defense. Then he got his well deserved goal in the tournament in the final which was a great finish for a player his size. Silva was great all tournament and deserves his praise.
CM. Andres Iniesta- He was a bit quiet in the final but Iniesta really made things go in the tournament. In group stage, he was the main man for Spain with man of the match performances against Italy and Ireland. Then he continued to stay on a consistent pace despite the lack of goals although he was really unlucky against Portugal. Iniesta continues to stay the tone for Spain and far out performed Xavi.
CM. Andrea Pirlo- Nobody can deny that he was arguably the best player in the tournament. Pirlo may be old but he showed how he can still dominate the midfield. His performances against Spain (group stage), Croatia, and England were a notch above everyone. It was scary to see how at age 33, his passing is still very accurate and his creativity is outstanding. He continued to work harder and harder even at an age where central midfielders are supposed to fade away.
LM. Cristiano Ronaldo- Ronaldo was a shoe in for this team after some man of the match performances. He was getting massive heat for his below par display against Denmark which led to a true break out game against Holland. In a game where Portugal was still in must win mode, Ronaldo scored two goals and was robbed of a few great quality shots. Then his display against Czech Republic was massive as well. Even though he'll be remembered for not taking the penalty against Spain, he had some strong performances that can't be denied.
ST, Mario Balotelli- This may be a controversial choice but this is well due. Even in games he didn't score, I felt that in games against Croatia and England he did well. He was very active and really made the goal keepers work on numerous occasions. His breakout game was clearly against Germany where he scored twice and really was a problem to defend. Balotelli shared the list of many for golden boot award and he really came alive when Italy needed him.
ST. Mario Mandzukic- It may seem controversial and bias but I really think he deserves it. When you look at strikes that performed at a consistent level, you can't say Mario Gomez because he was benched a few games along with underperforming The strikers really disappointed in the tournament with Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Perisie, and Kazim Benzema really underperforming. Manduzkic played in only three games but in each game he performed very well and really busted his tail. His 3 goals in the tournament tied for the lead and really gave Croatia a great finisher in the tournament.
A few honorable mentions go to the German midfield with the likes of Ozil and Khedria. The same can be said for likes of Luka Modric and Alan Dzagoev who really performed well in the tournament. Buffon was really special in the tournament and would have been my pick if Italy won the tournament. In terms of MVP it's really difficult since Spain played so well as a team. but I would go with Iniesta for creating most of the chances. He did win the award by UEFA which doesn't surprise me because he was in the center of all the attacks.
A few honorable mentions go to the German midfield with the likes of Ozil and Khedria. The same can be said for likes of Luka Modric and Alan Dzagoev who really performed well in the tournament. Buffon was really special in the tournament and would have been my pick if Italy won the tournament. In terms of MVP it's really difficult since Spain played so well as a team. but I would go with Iniesta for creating most of the chances. He did win the award by UEFA which doesn't surprise me because he was in the center of all the attacks.
Final Word/ Plugs
Those were all the things that I wanted to cover and now to all the people that can't stand soccer, congrats it will be a while that I'll do a full edition of soccer again. I'm still always a fan at heart though so you'll see talk about it a bit. I'll still talk about the English Premier League at times along with Champions League and big transfer moves. Soccer will come up as much as UFC would come up that it's going to be a once in the while thing. It has been a really fun Euro Cup and it was great to cover it. Now in terms of future projects, I got a few things. Without a doubt, I'll be covering Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen along with that entire card. This will be the biggest fight of the year most likely ending a great streak of title fights. We've seen Diaz vs Condit, Jones vs Evans, and Dos Santos vs Mir. Some of have been one sided while some people felt robbed when they saw Diaz vs Condit. I didn't feel robbed being a huge Condit fan, it was a great moment but a lot of people love Nick Diaz. I'm pretty sure nobody will be robbed in this fight because it's going to be so personal. Other than that, I'm going to see where it goes. Obviously a lot of pop culture will be talked about with the lack of sports (I'm not talking about baseball, absolutely not). I'll take it week by week but possibly expect less editions until early to mid August when I can start talking about football. This is a sports blog but of course I'll mention some things in pop culture but there is only so much to talk about. I'm not talking about Kim Kardashian being a complete disgrace, it gets stale after a while. Until then, I'll keep thinking of new ideas but on Friday, I'll be talking about Sonnen vs Silva and my true prediction. I wish you all a great week and hope you all celebrate July 4th but please don't end up in a hospital or end up making someone cry.
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