OTP gives you the lowdown on all the Euro 2012 teams. 10 word description: Unfancied best runners-up in decent form. Need 'good' Zlatan. Coach: Erik Hamren The 54-year-old is well known in Scandinavian football having managed in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Since taking over from Lars Lagerback in 2009, he's given a very good account [.

Xavi, Pirlo, Carrick, Modric... A Tactical And Statistical Analysis of Deep-Lying Playmakers in 2011-12 is a post from: Just Football

With the death of the traditional number 10 many of Europe's top sides have looked to other areas of the pitch for the creative spark, which has seen the rise of the ‘inverted forward' or ‘inverted play-maker,' who dictates the play from wider positions.

I just want to make it clear quickly, that I'm not being petty here; I've got over Chelsea winning the Champions League and this article is not intended to have a dig (I've done that more than enough already), merely to have a look at something, admittedly kind of pointless, that interests me.

Expected, but out of the blue. Kuyt to Fenerbahce is official, not long after initial reports surfaced early this morning.
So, what will you remember most? His hat-trick against United probably leads the list, and rightfully so, but we're not wanting for choices. There's his five strikes against Everton, including two game-winners.

"Ibra resta. Thiago non lo so", said Adriano Galliani according to the Corriere Dello Sport. In English; ‘Ibra stays and Thiago, I do not know'. Indeed, worrying words from Uncle Fester. Speaking of his tthe circus surrounding our Brazilian maestro, Arrigo Sacchi, the former Milan boss summed it up nicely: "Thiago Silva is the best [.

Brendan Rodgers has indicated he will speak to Liverpool's forgotten stars Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani before deciding on their future.
Rodgers was appointed as the Reds' new manager on Friday and is already running the rule over the talent at his disposal at Anfield.
Cole spent the season on loan at French club Lille, while Aquilani returned to his native Italy with AC Milan.

Welcome to Liverpool, Rodgers – it's Top Four or the Door - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Top four may not be a divine right for any club in the premier league given the competition has increased immensely over the past few years. Still the Manchester clubs remain clear favorites, Blue side with their versatile squad plus cash and Red side with their stability.

Brendan Rodgers has admitted the chance to manage a footballing "dynasty" like Liverpool was something that he could not turn down.

Speaking to the South Wales Evening Post ahead of his introductory press conference today Rodgers had this to say about taking over at Liverpool:

"For me, the only way I was going to leave Swansea was for a big club, and I mean a big club.

It can often be as exciting on the pitch, with all the highs and lows a good match can bring. I talk of the transfer market, of course. This summer, however, may not a particularly enjoyable one for Milan. The club's resistance to overtures for Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pato and Thiago Silva is set for [.

Ronaldinho is reportedly up for grabs.

According to reports out of Brazil, the former two-time FIFA World Player of the Year has won a legal dispute against Flamengo over $20 million in unpaid wages and other payments and as a result has been freed from his contract with the club.

Alberto Aquilani is keen to know where he will be playing in 2012/13, but accepts he must wait until Liverpool's managerial situation has been resolved.
The Italy international has been frozen out of the picture at Anfield in the last two seasons, taking in loan spells at Juventus and AC Milan.
It is expected that he will complete a permanent move away from Merseyside this summer, with a number of Serie A sides reported to be keen.

By THOMAS FLOYD

England's quest to capture the European championship has taken another considerable step back.

Frank Lampard has been ruled out for the tournament with a thigh injury that he picked up in training this week, making him the second key player to be forced out of the squad after Gareth Barry had to drop out as well.

The proposal is a simple one. Roberto Mancini can swap one big striker for another. However, some logistics complicate matters quite a bit. Still, it is certainly worthwhile for Manchester City to explore whether or not they can swap promising Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko for Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Micky's post on Sunday: ‘Calling International Gooners', in which he asked why ‘millions of bright eyed and highly intelligent young guns from around the globe discovered their spiritual homes at The Arsenal', led to a fantastic collection of comments. It became very clear there is a great support for Arsenal across the world and that the passion, with which International Gooners (IGs) support the mighty Arsenal, is equal to that of those who are based on British soil.

While we know that this is almost certainly a non-starter, particularly if Harry Redknapp stays at the club, it's interesting to see a number of Premiership sides being linked with Kevin Prince-Boateng this week.

KPB was at the club between 2007 and 2009 and despite his undoubted promise, failed to make an impact.

Welcome to Selecao Bootcamp a Futbolita tradition on the Brazil National Team! Following their 3-1 win over Denmark at the weekend, the Brazilians have arrived in Washington DC to face the USA in a friendly tonight. It has been billed as a test for the upcoming Olympics, and Jurgen Klinsmann hasn't shown signs of taking it lightly.

As in Pato loves the nightlife....

TSG's Serie A expert and Silicon Valley hopeful Eric Giardini on one troubled duckling...

What is there to say about Alexandre Pato?

Pato's real passion: Berlusconi

The AC Milan striker, who currently spends more time on the training table and off gallivanting around Milan with Barbara Berlusconi than on the field at the San Siro, is the most experienced striker on this very young Brazil roster.

The last 24 hours have been particularly hectic for the 16 coaches heading to Euro 2012. They have been busy finalising their squads for the summer football festival and after having done so six Milan players have made the grade. As Sweden's captain, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is Milan's biggest name. He will wear the number ‘10' [.

National team coach Cesare Prandelli has made the Azzurri's roster official, and communicated his list to UEFA.

Compared his previous version, the manager has left out Andrea Ranocchia and Mattia Destro. Doubts remain on the eligibility of Leonardo Bonucci, currently under investigation in the massive betting scandal surrounding Italian soccer this week.

National team coach Cesare Prandelli has made the Azzurri's roster official, and communicated his list to UEFA.

Compared his previous version, the manager has left out Andrea Ranocchia and Mattia Destro. Doubts remain on the eligibility of Leonardo Bonucci, currently under investigation in the massive betting scandal surrounding Italian soccer this week.

National team coach Cesare Prandelli has made the Azzurri's roster official, and communicated his list to UEFA.

Compared his previous version, the manager has left out Andrea Ranocchia and Mattia Destro. Doubts remain on the eligibility of Leonardo Bonucci, currently under investigation in the massive betting scandal surrounding Italian soccer this week.

Italian football is no stranger to match fixing scandals, so it was no surprise this week when police arrested fourteen players in dawn raids in relation to soccer fraud, bringing the arrest tally to over fifty in the past year. Lazio captain Stefano Mauri was among the latest arrests, and although there is no immediate assumption of guilt, Zenit St.

Stefano Mauri, Lazio captain is in the dock for accepting money to fix results

In case you have not been following it, we have the makings of an enormous match fixing scandal enveloping Italian football which might make the original Calciopoli look like a storm in a teacup.

14 players have been arrested which include Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and former Genoa midfielder Omar Milanetto, now with Padua.

Cesare Prandelli trimmed down his squad list from 32 to 25 players for the friendly against Luxembourg on Tuesday evening at Stadio Tardini of Parma. Those that didn't "make the cut" are goalkeeper Viviano, defenders Astori, Bocchetti, Criscito, and midfielders Cigarini, Schelotto, Verratti.

Cesare Prandelli trimmed down his squad list from 32 to 25 players for the friendly against Luxembourg on Tuesday evening at Stadio Tardini of Parma. Those that didn't "make the cut" are goalkeeper Viviano, defenders Astori, Bocchetti, Criscito, and midfielders Cigarini, Schelotto, Verratti.

Brazil has released their jersey numbers for Wednesday night's match against the United States at FedExField, and Neymar has been given the #11 jersey. Alexandre Pato from AC Milan sports the #19, and Hulk, the double scorer from Brazil's 3-1 win against Denmark, gets the #20.
The Brazil roster:
1) Jefferson (GK)2) Rafael3) Thiago Silva (C)4) David Luiz (he is injured and it is likely that he will not play)5) Sandro6) Marcelo7) Lucas8) Romula9) Leandro Damiao10) Oscar11) Neymar12) Rafael (GK)13) Bruno Uvini14) Juan15) Casimiro17) Wellington Nem18) Giuliano19) Alexandre Pato20) Hulk21) Danilo22) Neto (GK)23) Alex Sandro

El holandés Rafael van der Vaart nunca se ha llevado bien con el sueco Zlatan Ibrahimovic ni siquiera cuando fueron compañeros de equipo en el Ajax de Holanda. La relación alcanzo su peor punto cuando el sueco lesiono a Rafael van der Vaart en un partido amistoso en el 2004 entre Suecia y Holanda.

Fabricio Coloccini will lead Newcastle back into Europe next season, and of course the Argentine has experience in Europe, having played for AC Milan in the Champions League. Fab Coloccini - looking forward to leading Newcastle back into Europe We're surprised at all the talk about the Europa League not being too good hey we'd much rather be in the Europa League than nothing at all, [.

This has been a fantastic season in Serie A where Juventus ended the season unbeaten winning their twenty eighth Scudetto. AC Milan and Udinese will be playing in the Champions League next season while Napoli, Lazio and Inter will be in the Europa. Novara, Cesena and Lecce were sadly relegated from Serie A to Serie B.

This has been a fantastic season in Serie A where Juventus ended the season unbeaten winning their twenty eighth Scudetto. AC Milan and Udinese will be playing in the Champions League next season while Napoli, Lazio and Inter will be in the Europa. Novara, Cesena and Lecce were sadly relegated from Serie A to Serie B.

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani could still leave Anfield for AC Milan this summer, according to talkSPORT.
The Italy international has been on a season-long loan to the Serie A giants, but failed to reach the required number of appearances to trigger the £6m buyout clause. As part of the loan agreement, had Aquilani reached 25 games AC Milan would have had the automatic option to sign the 27-year-old.

Spain begins preparations for the 2012 UEFA European Championships with a friendly match against Serbia. The match will take place at the AFG Arena in St Gallen, Switzerland with kickoff is scheduled for 17:00 BST time.

Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque

"They have changed their coach, but they are well-known players, playing at Man City, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, CSKA and are spread throughout Europe.

By Matthew Richards

With the European Championships on the horizon, Matthew Richards profiles the tumultuous career of Yoann Gourcuff, who was somewhat controversially called up to the most recent French squad, in part one of a look at his remarkable journey that has taken him from France to Milan, and back again.

AC Milan have confirmed that Manchester City target Thiago Silva is poised to remain with the Serie A runners-up due to the player's own satisfaction at being with the Italian club.

City had hopes to bolster their defense with the addition of the acclaimed Brazilian defender but Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani made it clear yesterday that both the club and the player will do everything possible to honor the current contract.

Brazil's national team are heaving a huge sigh of relief because the Euro Championships are virtually non-existent for them and friendly matches scheduled from now are the equivalent of a "férias" (vacation). Well, at least until the Olympics come around and Brazilians start yelling "Gold Medal for futebol!

En el caso contrario a Arjen Robben tenemos al delantero marfileño Didier Drogba, ganador de la Champions League, apareció en el lugar y momento oportuno, esperó no solo los 90 minutos para buscar la jugada de gol, sino que ademas de meter el balón en el momento decisivo y darle al club del Chelsea el primer titulo de Champions , hizo feliz a millones de aficionados ingleses y de todas las partes del mundo que apoyan al equipo londinense.

By Alan Duffy

They say you can prove anything with statistics and the latest statistical boffinry to throw us a cureveball comes courtesy of statty men and women Infostrada, who have thrown lots of games and facts and figures into a big magical computing machine, with some interesting results coming out the other end.

It will a meeting of European footballing royalty as Real Madrid will play AC Milan at Yankee Stadium on August 8th.

The two clubs need barely an introduction to anyone who follows soccer. Milan holds 18 domestic league and 7 Champions League titles. Real Madrid are no slouch, holding 32 La Liga titles (including the just completed 2011-12 season) and 9 Champions League titles.

AC Milan head into the off season wondering what could have been as they bowed out of the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage against Barcelona and finished second in Serie A behind Juventus by only four points. There is, of course, no shame in being knocked out of Europe by one of the best teams in the world or losing out on the league title to only the third undefeated side in league.

AC Milan head into the off season wondering what could have been as they bowed out of the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage against Barcelona and finished second in Serie A behind Juventus by only four points. There is, of course, no shame in being knocked out of Europe by one of the best teams in the world or losing out on the league title to only the third undefeated side in league.