France’s Paradoxical Progress: A Tale of Resilience and Expectation

France’s journey to the quarterfinals of the Euros paints a paradox: a team brimming with world-class talent that has, so far, relied more on fortune than fluency in front of goal. With just three goals to their name—one from the penalty spot and two courtesy of opposition mistakes—they remain enigmatic contenders, both frustrating and formidable.

It took nine minutes for Antoine Griezmann to register the first shot against Belgium, but it was a weak attempt, emblematic of France’s early struggles. By halftime, France had fired nine shots to Belgium’s solitary effort, yet none carried a genuine threat. The attack, led by marquee names like Kylian Mbappé and Marcus Thuram, appeared laborious, lacking the incisiveness often defining French football.

There were flashes of ingenuity: Thuram’s near-post headers, Aurelien Tchouaméni’s long-range effort sailing over, and Mbappé’s determined runs down the left. But these moments were fleeting, swallowed by a malaise of predictability.

Belgium, for their part, countered with verve. Jérémy Doku and Yannick Carrasco were perpetual motion machines, driving their side forward. Loïs Openda’s sharp turn into the box created an opportunity for Carrasco that might have been capitalized upon with better precision. Kevin De Bruyne, ever the orchestrator, nearly caught Mike Maignan off guard with a cunning free-kick masked by a wall of bodies.

A Second-Half Awakening?

After the interval, France added a degree of urgency. The passes zipped faster; the intent was clearer. Mbappé and N’Golo Kanté combined to set up Tchouaméni for a curling effort that finally forced Koen Casteels into a meaningful save. Thuram’s aerial dominance continued but without the finishing touch. And when Mbappé sliced wide after being teed up by Griezmann and Jules Koundé, frustration mounted.

It wasn’t until the 84th minute, after 66 attempts across four matches, that France finally seemed to score from open play—only for it to be revealed as another own goal, Jan Vertonghen inadvertently deflecting Randal Kolo Muani’s strike. It encapsulated France’s campaign: promising build-up, fortuitous conclusion.

The Silent Anchors

Amidst the offensive misfires, France’s defensive solidity has been their bedrock. William Saliba, a colossus in the backline, boasts an impressive record: no goals conceded from open play in his 387 minutes of European Championship football. Against Belgium, he was immaculate, not losing possession even once in the first half.

Jules Koundé, tirelessly patrolling the right flank, covered 10.65 kilometres, recovered possession seven times, and created five chances, including one deemed a "big opportunity." His versatility and energy kept Belgium’s attackers at bay while contributing to France’s forward thrusts.

And then there’s N’Golo Kanté, the quiet heartbeat of Les Bleus. With a staggering 95% passing accuracy, a flawless dribble record, and a knack for delivering key passes, Kanté broke Xavi’s record for the most European Championship appearances without defeat. His influence remains understated yet indispensable.

The Missing Conviction

While the defensive and midfield units have excelled, the frontline has flattered to deceive. The talent is undeniable, but conviction—a ruthless edge—is missing. France’s campaign teeters on the precipice of potential unfulfilled, yet their resilience cannot be dismissed.

For all their flaws, this team’s ceiling remains as high as their pedigree suggests. With quarterfinal opponents looming, France must rediscover the incisiveness that has defined champions of old. If they can, the title is still theirs to claim. If not, their paradoxical journey might end as curiously as it has unfolded.

Note;: Excerpts from The Guardian

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Faisal Caesar 

Spain’s sublime symphony silences Georgia, eyes fixed on Germany

When Spain conceded an own goal early on, a familiar fear gripped the hearts of their supporters—was this the beginning of an accident waiting to happen? But like a high-performance engine merely sputtering before igniting in full force, that momentary misstep dissolved into irrelevance as Spain unfurled a spellbinding performance. Georgia's hopes of an upset were buried beneath a masterclass in precision, flair, and control—a clinic in modern football.  

Goals from Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo demonstrated the seamless marriage of quality, composure, and velocity, marking Spain as clear favourites moving deeper into the tournament. From the outset, it was evident that this Spanish side, blessed with the leadership of Rodri and the electric talents of Lamine Yamal and Williams, would be too much for the lowest-ranked team still standing.  

Georgia, ranked 74th in the world and 35th in Europe, fought bravely, but their fairytale campaign was always destined to meet an abrupt end here. Credit must be given to Willy Sagnol’s team for their journey to this stage, but Spain’s dominance was absolute from the very first whistle.  

It took Nico Williams all of 50 seconds to glide past Otar Kakabadze and barely 100 seconds more for Fabián Ruiz to unleash Spain’s first warning shot. By the 10th minute, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was already called upon to make the first of his nine saves—a prelude to a long and relentless night. Spain’s grip on the match was evident in every metric: 86% possession and nine shots before Georgia could muster even a single attempt.  

And yet, football is a fickle game. Despite their dominance, Spain momentarily found themselves 1-0 down, and the slightest wobble crept into their rhythm. It was Rodri, Spain’s midfield maestro, who restored order with a stunning strike to level the scoreline. A moment of controversy followed, as Georgia’s coach, Willy Sagnol, argued that Alvaro Morata had interfered from an offside position. VAR disagreed, and the goal stood—much to Georgia’s dismay.  

Spain’s composure remained intact, and soon Lamine Yamal’s artistry came to the fore. Recovering the ball with poise, the 16-year-old prodigy clipped a sumptuous cross for Fabián Ruiz, whose well-placed header gave Spain the lead. Yamal, a constant thorn in Georgia’s side, saw two efforts flash narrowly wide of the posts, signalling that Spain’s intent was far from satisfied.  

With Georgia visibly tiring, their attacks grew fewer and more desperate. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—the lone beacon of Georgian hope—was shut down on the edge of Spain’s box, and before Georgia could regroup, Nico Williams was off like a bullet. With dazzling footwork and audacity, Williams sliced through the Georgia defence and deftly chipped Mamardashvili to make it 3-1, effectively sealing the result. Any lingering doubts were put to rest when Dani Olmo rounded off the scoring with Spain’s fourth.  

Now, Spain’s gaze shifts to their next challenge: a quarterfinal clash with Germany. The prospect is tantalizing, a battle between two heavyweights of European football. This Spanish side, brimming with youthful exuberance and guided by Rodri’s steady hand, is playing with a level of fluidity that evokes the memories of their golden era.  

Germany, though formidable, will need to be at their absolute peak to withstand the storm that is this Spanish squad. Every move, every pass, and every counter must be executed to perfection if they are to halt a team that blends artistry with ruthless efficiency.  

Spain’s performance against Georgia was not just a statement—it was a symphony, played at full volume, warning all who stand in their way: The path to glory demands brilliance, and this Spain is prepared to deliver it.

Note: Excerpts from the The Guardian

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Faisal Caesar 

The Ferrari that stalled: England’s narrow escape against Slovakia

The current England squad is like a Ferrari—glimmering with talent but sputtering in the crucial moments. Throughout the group stage, Gareth Southgate’s men looked devoid of rhythm, resembling a powerful machine that refused to roar into life. Despite their struggles, they scraped their way into the knockout rounds, where in Gelsenkirchen, against a disciplined Slovakia, the engine continued to cough and sputter. But sometimes, football turns on moments of daring. And on this night, Southgate decided to gamble big—a gamble that flirted with disaster before blossoming into triumph. 

This was reminiscent of a moment etched deep in England’s football folklore. In the blistering heat of Naples during the 1990 World Cup, Sir Bobby Robson made a courageous substitution in the quarterfinal against Cameroon. With England trailing 2-1, he withdrew the battle-hardened defender Terry Butcher and threw in Trevor Steven, adding verve to England’s midfield. The switch from a 5-3-2 to a 4-4-2 proved decisive. England clawed their way back, eventually winning 3-2. 

But Southgate’s roll of the dice in Gelsenkirchen was even riskier. With England running out of time and ideas, he pulled off the mercurial Phil Foden—a player capable of producing magic at any moment—and sent on Ivan Toney, a striker who not long ago was on the verge of representing Jamaica. It was an audacious move that raised eyebrows across the stadium. Yet, somehow, Toney slipped into his role like the driver who finally understood how to unlock the Ferrari’s hidden power. 

England had been lethargic for much of the game. Schranz’s goal for Slovakia, coming midway through the first half, sent the Three Lions into a spiral of frustration. The midfield looked disjointed, unable to connect with the front line. Kane and company were isolated, their shots few and feeble. The defence, normally reliable, appeared skittish. As the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, the atmosphere grew heavy with a sense of impending failure. 

Then, the electronic board flashed six minutes of added time—six minutes for salvation. Kyle Walker launched a long throw-in, flicked on delicately by Marc Guehi. The ball looped tantalizingly in the air, and there was Jude Bellingham, soaring like Ronaldo in his prime. Time seemed to freeze as Bellingham’s acrobatic overhead kick found the back of the net—a touch of Madrid in the heart of Gelsenkirchen. England were alive, by the skin of their teeth. 

Extra-time began with renewed urgency. Eberechi Eze, who had injected creativity after his introduction, rifled a shot across the box. It found Toney at the far post, who rose with perfect timing to nod the ball back across goal. And waiting, as ever, was Harry Kane, England’s talisman, to drive the header home. From despair to delirium, the turnaround was complete. 

Yet beneath the euphoria lies an uncomfortable truth. England’s performance for much of the match was pedestrian at best. Their midfield lacked bite, their attack was toothless, and their defence wobbled against a resolute Slovakian side. There was no denying that this victory had been snatched from the jaws of defeat, a narrow escape that left Slovakia tasting the bitterness of missed opportunity. 

Southgate’s Ferrari roared to life in the end, but it remains a temperamental beast. The road ahead will demand more than moments of inspiration and bold substitutions. If England is to go further in this tournament, the engine must fire from the outset—not sputter to life in the dying moments.

Note: Excerpts from the The Guardian

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Faisal Caesar 

Germany’s Damp Victory Over Denmark: A Tale of Grit, Controversy, and Unfinished Business

On a tempestuous night in Dortmund, Germany navigated a storm—both literal and metaphorical—to secure a place in the quarterfinals. Their 2-0 victory over Denmark was a tale of early dominance, mid-match uncertainty, and a stroke of luck that tilted the scales. Yet, despite the result, questions linger about whether this German side has the mettle to break their trophy jinx.  

A Fiery Start, a Sputtering Flame

Germany began with a ferocity that seemed destined to overwhelm Denmark. Within the opening 11 minutes, Kasper Schmeichel was called into action no fewer than four times, denying Kai Havertz and Joshua Kimmich while Nico Schlotterbeck saw his header disallowed. The Germans pressed with intent, exploiting spaces and pinning their opponents back.  

But as the minutes ticked by, the sharpness dulled. The killer instinct that had marked their opening salvos began to fade. Denmark, emboldened by their survival, found their rhythm. Christian Eriksen orchestrated from midfield, and Joachim Maehle’s adventurous runs started to ask questions of the German defence.  

The match took an unexpected turn when cataclysmic weather intervened, halting play for nearly half an hour. What should have been an opportunity for Germany to regroup instead left them unsettled. Upon resumption, it was Denmark who looked the better side, carrying the momentum as they probed for a breakthrough.  

Drama, VAR, and a Turning Point

Denmark thought they had found it early in the second half. Joachim Andersen lashed the ball past Manuel Neuer, seemingly giving Denmark a deserved lead. But as the Danes celebrated, VAR intervened. Thomas Delaney was ruled marginally offside in the buildup—a decision so fine it could only be discerned by technology.  

From elation to despair, Denmark’s fortunes were turned on their head. Moments later, the pendulum swung decisively in Germany’s favour. David Raum’s cross glanced off Andersen’s hand in the penalty area, and the VAR official, with forensic precision, deemed it sufficient for a penalty. Kai Havertz stepped up, coolly converting to give Germany the lead. The decision, contentious and clinical, deflated Denmark’s bold resistance.  

Musiala Seals It Amid Danish Regret

Denmark, chastised for their tepid group-stage performances, had shown remarkable improvement. They pressed for an equalizer, but their energy waned as the game wore on. Then, Jamal Musiala delivered the decisive blow. With a trademark moment of brilliance, he settled German nerves, securing a scoreline that belied the balance of play.  

For Denmark, the match will be remembered as an opportunity missed. For Germany, it was a victory earned but not entirely convincing.  

Lessons for Germany, a Challenge Ahead

As Germany marches into the quarterfinals, potentially to face Spain, the cracks in their performance cannot be ignored. The early dominance must translate into sustained control, and the nervous lapses that allowed Denmark to dictate large swathes of the game must be eradicated.  

This was a night where luck and controversy played as much a role as skill and strategy. To truly break their trophy jinx, Germany will need more than fortune on their side. They will need to channel the ruthlessness of their storied past, rediscovering the cutting edge that faded as the Dortmund rain poured down.  

For now, the Germans live to fight another day, but the road ahead demands more. A damp victory may suffice in the round of 16, but to lift the silverware, they must burn brighter, fiercer, and with far greater consistency.

Note: Excerpts from the The Guardian

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Faisal Caesar 

Italy’s Campaign Ends in Disarray: A Somber Farewell in Berlin

Eighteen years after their crowning glory in Berlin, where Fabio Grosso’s decisive penalty etched Italy’s name on the World Cup, the Azzurri returned to the same city only to witness the curtain fall on a dismal campaign. Hopes had been cautiously rekindled after a spirited comeback against Croatia, a game that hinted at a resurgence of Italy’s fabled resilience. But those embers were extinguished by Switzerland in a Round of 16 defeat that felt less like a battle lost and more like a campaign that never truly began.  

A Campaign of Flickering Promise

Italy’s journey in this tournament had been a series of fits and starts. They fought back valiantly against Albania after going a goal down, stumbled against Spain in a game marked by disjointed play, and then revived their trademark grit in a thriller against Croatia. Yet, even in their brightest moments, consistency eluded them. The match against Switzerland was the culmination of these struggles—a performance that felt less like a fight and more like a concession.  

Missteps and Mismanagement

Luciano Spalletti’s tenure in this campaign will be remembered as a tale of unfulfilled potential. His decisions—frequent tactical pivots, inconsistent player selections, and an apparent lack of cohesion—invited scrutiny. The Azzurri appeared weighed down by experimentation rather than uplifted by innovation. The fluidity that once defined Italian football gave way to hesitation, and the tactical sharpness synonymous with the Azzurri was dulled.  

Defensive errors were glaring, with players pointing fingers instead of closing gaps. Midfield creativity was non-existent, leaving forwards stranded and starved of service. Italy’s striker went nearly an hour without a single touch in the opposition half, a statistic that encapsulated the team’s attacking ineptitude.  

A Passive Approach to an Active Problem

What was perhaps most disheartening was Italy’s passivity. Instead of taking the fight to Switzerland, they sat deep, defending as though they were nursing a slender lead rather than chasing the game. Their press lacked intensity; their passes lacked purpose. It was a display bereft of the urgency one would expect in a knockout match.  

Switzerland, by contrast, played with clarity and intent. Remo Freuler’s strike before halftime and Ruben Vargas’s finish after the break punctuated a commanding performance. The Swiss were clinical whereas Italy was clumsy, and composed whereas Italy were chaotic.  

A Campaign to Forget, a Future to Confront

Italy’s exit marked the third consecutive tournament in which the defending champions failed to progress beyond the Round of 16—a fate previously endured by Spain and Portugal. For the Azzurri, however, this elimination carries a deeper significance. After missing two consecutive World Cups, this failure raises alarm bells that cannot be ignored.  

If this campaign does not catalyze introspection and reform in Italian football, the consequences could be dire. The cracks in the system are no longer hairline fractures but gaping chasms. From grassroots development to tactical philosophy, Italy must confront its deficiencies head-on or risk further decline.  

Berlin: A City of Contrasting Memories 

Berlin remains a city of stark contrasts for Italian football. It is where they touched the pinnacle of the sport in 2006 and where they bowed out in ignominy in 2024. This dichotomy serves as a stark reminder of the heights Italy can reach—and how far they have fallen.  

For now, the Azzurri leave Berlin with a sense of profound disappointment. If there is to be a brighter future, it must begin with acknowledging the shadows that have engulfed their present.

Note: Excerpts from the The Guardian

Thank You

Faisal Caesar