Profligate Bayern Pay The Penalty
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes admitted his side only had themselves to blame after losing the Champions league final to Chelsea on penalties.
"This was not about who won in the penalties," Heynckes told reporters. "This was about us not using our chances to win the game. It is purely our fault that we did not use our many chances."
Guts Leads to Glory for Blues
It was not pretty, but as Frank Lampard observed after Chelsea had won their first Champions League title against Bayern Munich: "We deserved that, we've grafted for that for a long time."
And few deserve it more than him. Lampard turned back the years to produce a composed performance in midfield and help the Blues to a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Bayern after a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena.
Euro 2012 Fantasy Tips: Forwards
The official Euro 2012 fantasy game is on the Uefa.com website and players have 100 million to spend on their 15-man squads. Forwards score four points for every goal, and three for every assist.
Unlimited transfers can be made before the tournament starts.
The most expensive striker in the game is Spain's David Villa at 12 million euros. But after the Barcelona striker suffered a broken leg in December causing him to miss the rest of the season, there must be doubts about just how involved the player will be in Poland and Ukraine. Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente is favorite to begin in the central striker's role and looks value at 9 million.
RVP R.I.P at Arsenal?
It was revealed on Friday that Arsenal have an agreement with the Dutch Football Association that striker Robin van Persie shall be banned from talking to the media while on international duty.
Van Persie has now linked up with the Holland squad ahead of Euro 2012 having sat down for talks over a new contract with the club's chief executive, Ivan Gazidis, and manager Arsène Wenger on Wednesday.
Quicksilver Real Deserve Their Title
Jose Mourinho's feat of topping Barcelona and helping Real Madrid to their first La Liga title in four years should not be understated.
Yes, Barca have shown more frailty under Pep Guardiola than any other season of his reign, and yes, La Liga may no longer be the strongest in the world in terms of depth.
And Real's team was not assembled on the cheap, but when the task is to finish above arguably the best club side ever, it was going to require rich resources.
Interview: Glen Johnson
Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson discusses the club's secret to success in the cups and why he is not expecting England to win Euro 2012 this summer.
Ahead of the FA Cup final with Chelsea on Saturday, Johnson also spoke of the need for goal-line technology...
The World Soccer Facebook Page
Like my Facebook page and get the low-down on Euro 2012 which kicks off next month. I'll be updating the team profiles with provisional and official squads as they are announced. Click here.
Euro 2012: Holland Squad Profile
The Dutch qualified for the tournament at a canter and will be looking to go one better than two years ago when they were beaten finalists at the World Cup. The demanding Holland support will be looking for a little more flair this time around.
Holland Euro 2012 Squad Profile
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Euro 2012: England Squad Profile
Still without a coach after Fabio Capello left in February, England enter the tournament with more questions than answers. Can they cope without the suspended Wayne Rooney in the first two matches? Can they finally make a real impression at a major international tournament? And who will be in the hot seat for the June 11 clash with France?
England Euro 2012 Squad Profile
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Euro 2012: Republic of Ireland Squad Profile
Veteran coach Giovanni Trapattoni will be looking to get one over on Italy who his side have been pitted against in a group also containing Spain and Croatia. Trapattoni has already made it clear that he will opt for experience in Poland and the Ukraine, but it will be a big ask for his side to make it out of the group. Guest author Mike Crocombe previews their campaign.
Republic of Ireland Euro 2012 Squad Profile
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