EURO 2012: NO MAJOR SURPRISES

Euro 2012 reached the decisive stages. Ahead of us the semi-finals between Spain and Portugal in the first pair, and Italy and Germany in the second. I will go with Spain-Germany final (Spain will win it all), although I think Italy migh still go all the way to the final. A couple of weeks ago, I predicted as my semifinalists Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Unfortunately, the French self-destructed in the game against Sweden, and then had to go against the artists of Spain. Tough luck! They were not ready yet for such a tremendous task, notwithstanding that Laurent Blanc did a very good job with this French team. The biggest disappointment of Euro 2012 turned out to be Holland, but they never could be consistent in two major tournaments in a row, particularly that they always have to deal with inner conflicts in their team. The closest they have come to be consistent were the World Cups in 1974 and in 1978, when they ended as runner-ups, but they self-destructed between those two tournaments, in Euro 1976, despite having then the best team on the planet.
England, as always, were a joke. When will the English media realize that English players are not good enough to win anything? In fact, they are mediocre when they have to play without the creative foreigners, who raise the level of play in English Premier League. How anyone can dream of winning a major tournament in international football (or soccer, as it is called in North America), relying only on players who can play good defense, but they are unable to keep possession of the ball and properly pass? The statistics told the whole story of this English team, in each of the four games England was outpassed, outshot, and chased their opponents for 60%-70% of the play time. I will tell them again, get proper coaches for your kids at the ages of 7 or 8 and teach them the basics of controlling the ball and passing it properly around. However, you have to get coaches for your kids from Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Netherlands or Italy, as English coaches themeselves never aquired the proper technical skills. Only then, in 14-16 years from now, the English might have a shot of winning it all. Until then, dream on England, while neutrals are having a laugh, again at your cost. Poland? Well, it was the second youngest team in Euro 2012, only older than Germany. However, without playing any competitive games in almost three years, they were not able yet to mix it up with the best. They need some more competitive games, and the nearest World Cup qualifications against England, Ukraine, Montenegro, et al. will show what they are built off. Provided, they will get an able coach (like talented but inexperienced Fornalik, or veterans: Lenczyk or Kasperczak). The talents of Lewandowski, Blaszczykowski, Piszczek, Wolski, Szczesny or Tyton should blossom at 2014 World Cup. If they qualify, that is!

Janusz Andrzejewski is a new York based attorney, writing on this blog on legal and community important subjects. You can contact him by telephone at (732) 527-2195, or through his website: www.adwokatandrzejewski.com