It’s known as the Panenka technique, but I like to call it the “Just To Say I did.” To many people the Panenka technique is a gigantic and needless risk, but those people don’t understand. Yes, the Panenka raises the stakes of what is already the highest stakes part of soccer, the penalty shootout, but that is the point.
In the biggest story to come out of European football this summer, a Swedish defender was sent off while playing in a ninth-tier match for farting near the opposition striker.
According to The Guardian, Adam Lindin Ljungkvist, the left-back for Jarna SK’s reserve team, was shown a second yellow card for “deliberate provocation” and “unsportsmanlike behavior” after farting in the general direction of opposition striker Kristoffer Linde.
As Poland's stars failed to convert in Poland's match Tuesday, it was a substitute, Jakub Blaszczykowsk, that made the difference. Starting the 2nd half, it took Blaszczykowsk just 9 minutes to impact the game. Poland took a short corner that led to Milik picking out Jakub in the box where he eventually fired a left footed rip that was a top corner seeker. Poland advances to the knockout rounds as 2nd in the group behind Germany where they will face Switzerland. An exciting moment for the Polish as they eliminate Ukraine from the Euros and continue their run.
Potentially one of the biggest roller coaster games to take place in the Euros so far, Spain v. Croatia was a thriller. A 1-1 deadlock would have been broken if Sergio Ramos would have been able to convert from the spot but failed to do so as Danijel Subasic made a strong save to keep Croatia alive. Momentum shifts were evident throughout the game but in the end it was Croatia with the higher inensity and energy that won them the game and Group D.
5th tier Swedish Player, Jesper Hellengren took his chances from about 40 yards out and ended up hitting a beauty that sailed into the corner past the outstretched goalie. A kind of goal that we all dream about came true for this man. What a hit, couldn't have been struck any better. Cheers! Similar to Van Bronckhorst's hit in the 2010 World Cup eh?? Who did it better?
In case you missed it here is the stunner from Dimitri Payet. It was evident from the opening ceremony how much this game and tournament was going to mean to the French players. Tears of pure joy falling down Payet's face is all you need to see to know the meaning of his goal. Romania fought hard as they tied the game up with a penalty in the second half but the French were still searching for a goal and 3 points as regulation end neared.
Birkir Bjarnason's goal wasn't a rocket from 30 yards out or a bicycle kick, but it was a goal that was Iceland's first international tournament goal ever. As about 10% of Iceland's population watched from the stands in Saint-Etienne, the "Ice Men" stole a point from a favored Portugal team. A special moment for this country no doubt, but their special moments may just be starting as the team demonstrated how they can perform on a big stage. Being down 1-0 at halftime, they responded just 5 minutes after the break with a historic goal from Birkir Bjarnason.
Italy have defeated Belgium 2-0, and can you hear that? That deafening silence? That’s the rest of Europe coming to terms with the fact that Italy are once again a team to be reckoned with at a major tournament.
Luka Modric is a player that deserves to be talked about. His leadership and play are key for Croatia to operate as a unit. He demonstrated his "magic" Saturday against Turkey when he helped Croatia grab 3 points and jump to the top of group D. After a high Turkey clearance, Luka Modric came springing down the middle to hit a top spinning volley that skipped past the Turkish goalkeeper. A volley we all dream about, exectuted perfectly by Modric. The fans were so excited that they couldn't help but jump in and celebrate on the pitch with the players too...
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had already planted himself as one of the all time greats, but moments like these showed the world how truly special he was. It is impossible to forget the goal he scored against France in 2012. He sent an acrobatic blast past Hugo Lloris in the 53rd minute which led to mayhem in Kiev. As Sweeden would go on to win the game 2-0, this goal of the tournament would never be forgotten. We are hoping to see epic golazos from the legend in this years Euro Championships!
