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

POLAND V. RUSSIA, BATTLES ON AND OFF THE FOOTBALL PITCH

Fifth day of Euro 2012, the football tournament (or soccer, should you prefer the American terminology) being played at present in Poland and Ukraine, was very eventful, to say the least. Both, on the streets and at the stadiums. Unfortunately, the loaded with history and emotions match between two long enemies, Poland and Russia, was scheduled by UEFA unwittingly on the Russia Day. The worst mistake however, committed the Mayor of Warsaw, Ms. Gronkiewicz-Waltz, by issuing a permission for the Russians to march from the centre of Warsaw to the National Stadium, accross Vistula River. As if the long history of Russian persecution of the Polish nation was not enough to provoke Polish ultras? Let us see what made the atmosphere so tense: the Russian partition of Poland (with Prussian and Habbsburg Empire) at the end of 18th century; 123 years occupation of Poland from 1795 to 1918; ruthless crushing of Polish uprisings throughout 19th century and deportations of millions to Siberia; invasion of Poland by bolsheviks and war of 1919-1921; secret clause to the Ribbentrop - Molotov Pact and back-stabbing Soviet invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939, when the Poles were in the middle of defensive war against nazi Germany; repressions, deportation to Siberia of millions and murder of 22,000 of elite of Polish nation at Katyn, Kozielsk, etc.; the post World War II Soviet domination of Poland (after FDR sold Poland out to Stalin) and, still unexplained (to the conservative Poles, at least) catastrophe of Polish presidential plane at Smolensk, two years ago. In addition, violence of the Russian ultras at Wroclaw Stadium during Russia - Czech Republic game and severe beatings of defenseless stewards. It appears that Polish police, in force of over 6,000 men did a sensible job in Warsaw, after all. It appears also, that the march was marred by a 100 or so of ultras, both Polish and Russian, who were provoking and attacking each other, apparently having contracted the fights online. The final provocation and insult occured at the National Stadium, where the Russians posted enormous flag with a picture of Russian hero of fight against the Poles in XVII century, bearing a huge sign: THIS IS RUSSIA. As if they had to remind the Poles that Warsaw was 123 years under the czarist Russia occupation. Luckilly, it was decided that heavy police presence was necessary at National Stadium, and strong anti-riot police forces were placed in front of the Russian sector.
Regarding the match itself, crdit to players, they outdid themseves and produced a memorable spectacle on the pitch and the best match in Euro 2012 so far, with the goal of tournament scored by Polish captain, Jakub Blaszczykowski, known also as Kuba, one of the three Polish stars of Borussia Dortmund (the creative trio which gave Borussia Dortmund second consecutive championship of Bundesliga and the German Cup trophy). Even though Russia enjoyed majority of possession, the Poles had the edge when it mattered as they had more shots, both on and off target and were more dangerous when it mattered. If not for the Russian goalkeeper and the Russian luck, the Poles could have ended up with a win. In any case, the second youngest team in Euro 2012 is bursting now with confidence, and having much better defense than the Czechs, and more dangerous attack with the hugely talented and versatile Robert Lewandowski, is considered now to be the favorite in confrontation with the Czechs.

Janusz Andrzejewski
The author is a New York based lawyer, publishing a blog on legal and other community subjects. You can contact him by telephone (732-527-2195) or at www.adwokatandrzejewski,com

EURO 2012: SO FAR, SO GOOD

First day of Euro 2012 behind us. Despite small glitches, the atmosphere at the National Stadium in Warsaw, as well as in Wroclaw Municipal Stadium, was as expected, great. The new stadiums looked impressive and were crowded to their full capacity by enthusiastic fans. Except for the incident of Russian fans beating up four Polish stewards in Wroclaw Municipal Stadium, none of the BBC Panorama doctored predictions of racial abuse were fulfilled. The Polish police did not have to intervene. The fan zones in Polish cities, even though enormously crowded, did not produce any incidents of racial nature. However, some problems were reported in Krakow, one day before kick-off of Euro 2012. But despite initial report of racist noises directed at the Dutch black players, during their training session at Wisla Krakow stadium, being a training ground of Holland's national team, (which reports were denied by Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk), the Dutch officials did not file any official complaint. The claims that Wisla Krakow supporters were rather protesting to UEFA that Krakow was not granted any games than racially abusing the Dutch players, were rejected by Mark Van Bommel. Strangely, Van Bommel's father-in-law, coach Bert Van Marwijk, disagreed with claims of racial abuse voiced by his son-in-law. Go figure.
In any case, Euro 2012 kicked off in good fashion. Even the initial match was an eventful one, as opposed to typical boring first game of major football (or soccer, as footbal is strangely called in the US) tournaments, having it all: great start by Polish team and a goal well taken by impressive Robert Lewandowski, after brilliant pass from Kuba Blaszczykowski, Greek come-back in second half, two red cards (one undeserved) and a saved penalty by Polish substitute goalkeeper, Przemyslaw Tyton, on his first touch on the pitch. The 1:1 draw was a just result, even though Poland could have wrapped up the game in the first half, had they converted their opportunities. It seems, that had the Greek player was not red-carded (unjustly), Poland would have easily won the game. Playing against weakened team, the young Poles lost their focus and were punished by Greek veterans.  The second game of the day, Russia v. Czech Republic, played in Wroclaw, was even more impressive, and it ended with Russian lopsided victory: 4:1. Arshavin and his passes were impressive. Apparently, English football does not allow him to show his creativity so well as the biggest stages of international football. Petr Cech's performance was on the other hand quite abysmal. Will the Russians be as much impressive against Poland at National Stadium in Warsaw on June 12, 2012? Come to Warsaw, and see for yourself!

Janusz Andrzejewski

The author of this post is a New York based attorney and a publisher of his own blog on legal and various community subjects. You can contact him by telephone  (732-527-2195) or through his website: www.adwokatandrzejewski.com