The full time whistle has blown on the qualifying matches for France 2016 and we now have our line-up for the finals next summer. England have qualified from Group E with a ‘perfect’ 100% record but UEFA’s statistics from the qualifying matches leave me a little concerned. _____ Premier League statistics often show us that possession isn’t everything. It’s what …
Read More »
On a scale of Manchester City to Newport County, England would be about an Everton. But how would England’s Euro 2016 qualifying opponents fare against English club sides? _____ Ten out of ten for England – they made what looked like an easy qualifying process look exactly that. But have you ever debated how certain international teams would match up against …
Read More »
There’s something very Irish about the way defeat is celebrated. Why does Ireland do this? When it is so capable of victory. We are a country which is enveloped by the English game. We work every week to watch the analytical Gary Neville or the dapper, “I’ve played with everyone” Thierry Henry pass comment over the weekend’s biggest matches. …
Read More »
Israel top Group B in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. But why don’t they play in the AFC with the rest of the Middle East? Well the thing is, they did before. Conor Heffernan explains all. Why do Israel play in Europe? It’s a simple question but one that’s emotionally and politically loaded. Bordering Lebanon in the north, Syria in …
Read More »
Dutch coach Guus Hiddinck finds himself under pressure after his side has lost two of their three opening games in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, with former Oranje legend Ronald de Boer crticising the veteran coach. New Dutch boss Guus Hiddink is under fire as his team have had an atrocious start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. The Oranje have lost …
Read More »
Pundit Arena Because Sport Is Everything