We’ll start today, as ever, with the gaggle of interesting Euro news that’s floating down the RSS Ganges at the minute, and in no particular order.
First, did you know: Leonardo Bonucci put his hand over Mario Balotelli’s mouth because he said something in English after scoring a belter of a goal against Ireland in their final Group C match yesterday? Which is trussed up as an ‘explanation’ by the paper but on third reading still makes absolutely no sense?
Second, did you know that the Netherlands weren’t terrible because of Bert van Marwijk, but instead, according to Wesley Sneijder, because of a “mole” leaking tactical information to the press (all eyes on Michael Cox)?
Third, there will be no Andy Carroll tonight for England against Ukraine. In his place is the promising young striker Wayne Mark Rooney, who plays for a tidy little club in Salford. Also, manager Roy Hodgson is sending out “positive vibes” over England’s chances this tournament, says Phil McNulty, presumably in between taking bong hits and listening to the Velvet Underground.
Fourth, this is intensely idiotic.
Fifth, it was awfully nice of Paddy Power, the brand name that appeared on Nicklas Bendtner’s underpants after he scored against Portugal—an incident which led to a 100,000 fine on the Danish striker from UEFA—to pay his fine for him. “We don’t believe that Nicklas should be penalised for nothing more serious than wearing his lucky underpants which, in fairness, was only a bit of fun,” they said, yawning while signing over one of hundreds of cheques for the same amount they receive from desperate punters on a daily basis.
Sixth, apparently Balotelli is upset about something involving Prandelli. Or was. I don’t speak Italian.
Seventh, lots of good stuff from good writers. Like Georgina Turner on how there has only been one penalty awarded at these Euros, but there should have been at least three. Or Amy Lawrence on Italy’s “emotional” win last night. Or Jonathan Wilson on how the roots of modern football rest in Ukraine’s verdant soil, or something like that anyway. Or Barney Ronay on how England have become likable again.
Enough of that nonsense, onto club football. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan tells Chelsea to get serious after the West London club punted £4 million in his direction for Victor Moses, which Whelan punted right back.
Chelsea meanwhile are in hot water as news emerged their staff damaged the European Cup.
And this Didier Drogba to Shanghai Shenhua thing has gathered a head of steam, but we’re still only at the “Reports Say” stage.
There are signings in the Bundesliga happening RIGHT NOW.
Canada stuff: Grant Surridge on why Canada needs a footballing enemy.
Per Kroldrup has been linked with Toronto FC. Okay. And an interesting piece on whether the club can learn from the Tampa Bay Ray model.
Some notes and observations from the Montreal Impact’s win over the Seattle Sounders.
How does Barry Robson fit in with the Vancouver Whitecaps?
Bit and bobs anyone? Balo is incredible. The penalty for Croatia against Spain that never was. This is Harry Redknapp’s cell phone. Wheeler ‘n Dealer indeed!
And that, give or take, is the story so far…
