blog

The boss was at the Irish game the other night. He was actually there when John O’Shea gave Italy's incredibly unpredictable Bolatelli all the support  he needed to complete his spectacular overhead kick which put the final nail in Ireland's Euro 2012 coffin. I couldn’t sleep that night thinking what would have happened had he simply let go of Bolatelli’s shirt and let him fall. I doubt he would have scored. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

One would have to say that apart from the 30.000 Irish fans it was a dismal tournament for the Irish team. But do we really expect a country of 4 million people to play Jack the Giant killer every time we play against what is invariably a much stronger country? We expect miracles every time our football team steps on the pitch. To be realistic about it, after having the chance to see all the teams I now think it was a massive achievement to even qualify for the tournament. Giovanni Trapattoni’s system may have gotten us to the Euro’s but maybe it would have been better to then take the shackles off and play a more flexible system in the finals. Let the boys in green really show their famous fighting spirit. Ah well, again, hindsight is a wonderful thing.

So who to shout for now? I fancy Germany but I think they will have a real battle on their hands against Greece. I am not a big fan of their ultra careful coach Jogi Loew and I wonder if he has the tactical smarts to break them down. If they get by Greece the only other team I can see giving them trouble is Italy.   

Spurred on by the old warhorse Pirlo I think they have a realistic chance.

Spain? To tell you the truth I am sick to the teeth of Spanish football. Endless running around like headless chickens in front of the goal trying to pass the ball over the goal-line, everyone afraid to take the responsibility to take a shot. They may be world champions but I don’t give them a chance of finishing on top. My money is on Germany if they get past Greece on Friday in what is shaping up to be a really interesting encounter. Why not cook up some Kotopoulo me Dendrolivano or Rosemary Chicken, it’s close to being the national Greek dish and is incredibly simple to make and wonderfully tasty.
 I’m saving the Currywurst recipe 'cause deep down I expect Germany to win so I’m pretty sure I'll get another chance to share it with you.