Euro 2016 - Let not the contest be a dull affair

I am not sure whether I shall be able to watch the match tonight or not, but I guess, it won’t be a good idea to watch the match as so far, neither Portugal nor Poland have dished out the sort of football to increase my interest level. Even though, I do want both these teams to come at their very best and glorify the stage, which badly needs the best players of the world to blaze.

Both Portugal and Poland were lucky to advance into the quarterfinals. Croatia and Switzerland played better than Poland and Portugal in the round of 16, but the reality is, the better teams will not clash in the last eight.  

While Cristiano Ronaldo showed the glimpses of his charisma after some frustrating display in the first two group games, Robert Lewandowski, the Polish superstar and pre-tournament favorite to win the golden boot, has not actually managed a shot on target. 643 minutes have passed since Lewandowski scored at a Euros. Lewandowski’s lean patch is a big worry for Poland while Portugal would be hoping for another charismatic display from their talisman CR7.

In one sector, Poland are quite competent than Portugal. Poland’s defence has been solid so far it took an astonishing goal from Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri to breach a defensive unit that had previously not conceded. It was only the third time they had let in a goal in 2016.

Meanwhile,  whenever Jakub Blaszczykowski has scored a goal, Poland have not lost a match. He is Poland’s lucky mascot and so far, he has been the outstanding performer among the players from two teams. The shaky defence of Portugal must be careful about this guy.

This will be Poland and Portugal's third encounter at a major tournament. Poland won 1-0 at the 1986 World Cup and then Portugal enjoyed a 4-0 victory at the 2002 World Cup.

Poland are unbeaten in their past three matches with Portugal (W1, D2).

Their last meeting was a 0-0 draw in Warsaw in February 2012.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - The big guns have failed to live up to the expectations so far

“Euro 2016 has seen some stunning goals, from Luka Modric’s volley against Turkey to Dimitri Payet’s curler in France’s opening game. But the standard of play has been consistently disappointing. In 44 matches before the quarterfinals, only 88 goals were scored. The ratio is the lowest since 1980, when 14 matches featuring eight teams produced just 27 goals”.

I fully agree with this statement. Euro and FIFA World Cup are such tournaments which unleashes some of the finest teams in the history of the game. If I talk about this year’s Euro, then, so far, none of the teams have lived up to the expectations of being great. They were just good, whereas, time and again, this tournament has gifted us majestic units like Germany in 1974, France in 1984, Holland in 1988, Portugal in 2000 and of course Spain in 2008 and 2012. But sadly, we have hardly seen any team to catch the imagination of the fans and critics.

The matches in the group stages were mostly dull affairs and the same can be said about the round of 16 games. Only Belgium seems to have been able to provide us the joy, but still, we can’t come to the conclusion that they can be as great as France 1984 or Holland 1988.

The way, Iceland are progressing and mediocre performers are laughing the last smile, I fear, of a frustrating end to this tournament. The best team might not lift the trophy. At times, such sort of ending of the mega events is quite unacceptable.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Euro 2016 - Iceland shock England

Iceland have sunk England. Courage, passion and unity have been the driving force for them. The ultimate underdogs have thrown the biggest bombshell tonight. The Iceland players and fans will party whole night. What a fairytale!!!

England were one of my favorites to go a long way in this tournament, but I think, Roy Hdgson made some tactical mistakes which cost them the match. Raheem Sterling should not have been a starter and Jamie Vardy should have been playing from the word go. Whereas, Wayne Rooney should have been played as a pure number 10 rather than hovering around in the midfield.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Italy end the Spanish era

Had David de Gea not been there in front of the Spanish goal, Italy would have scored more goals. This Italian side is not only solid defensively, but they are well organized in the midfield which plays a vital role in creating space for the forwards to cash in. Antonio Conte’s philosophy is almost like Marcelo Lippi, who gave enough importance on creative-and-dynamic-play-on-the-midfield. Yes, there is no Andrea Pirlo, but the current crop of Italian midfielders is quite inspired by the legacy created by Pirlo.

The Italians dominated throughout the match and made Spain took insipid. In the first half, Spain failed to win any tackles, dull in the midfield and created lesser chances. They were undone by the class and tactics of Antonio Conte’s men. And what can I say about Buffon? I am speechless: 5 saves, 2 punches and 1 clean sheet. Age is just a number.

This Italian team is a dangerous unit and the Germans should be careful about them as history says, Germany have never been able to beat Italy in the big tournaments.

Before the tournament commenced, the critics stated, this Italian team is the worst of all times in a major tournament, but one thing we all forget, it’s always a foolish act to underestimate teams like Brazil, Germany, Italy or Holland. These teams always find a way to lift themselves up when it matters the most.

I think, the Spanish era has come to an end. It was coming and I guessed it when Brazil handed them a 3-0 drubbing at Maracana in the Confederations Cup in 2013. It’s time to wake up for the Spanish media and realize the harsh reality.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Copa America 2016 - Lionel Messi, it's too early to quit mate!

Sad day for sports as one of the finest sportsmen of this generation, Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. It's too early to quit Leo. I think football still needs you. Champions don’t quit so easily. They face the toughest challenges and when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

Yes, we all understand and realize your sadness and the reason behind your shocking decision. But should a sportsman decide his fate just on the basis of his emotions. A true champion always balances between the heart and brain and if their heart continues to bleed, their brain keeps them moving forward and in the course of time, the scars in the heart heals. Champions like Pele, Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Paolo Rossi, Ronaldo el fenomeno etc. have conquered the biggest tragedies of life and never  quit so easily, but fought till the end.  

Winning the trophy for the country always means a lot for a sportsman, but sadly, you have always failed to deliver the best when it mattered the most. The dream of becoming a world champion has remained unfulfilled and now, the back-to-back defeats in the Copa America, has hurt you immensely.

Yes, you have failed to become the ultimate legends of the game like Pele and Diego Maradona, but you are not a loser.

If you can, please reconsider your decision.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Copa America 2016 - I have sympathies for Lionel Messi and Argentina, but not for the Argentine fans of Bangladesh

If you can't deliver the best for your country, you're simply great, but not the greatest of all time. Performance at club level matters, but performing for your country on the biggest stage matters the most and winning the World Cup is the ultimate accolade.

The Argentina fans of Bangladesh led by morons named Rajib Hasan and Debobrata or what's his name, I am not sure, are nothing but blind and duffers without any sense of respect for other teams and I'm sorry to say, they lack the appropriate knowledge of soccer, it's history and the definition of greatness.

Sometimes I feel, Argentina loses only for the Bangladeshi fans who trigger premature celebrations even before they lift the trophy. Only the fools do such. And their filthy remarks and disrespect towards Brazil and other teams is absolutely unacceptable.

I respect Argentina and I have my utmost sympathies for Lionel Messi. His tears touched my heart deeply and I wish him the best for the upcoming La Liga season.

But I've no sympathies for their ugly fans. They deserve it and they'll continue to digest the same until and unless they learn how to behave and respect others.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Belgium were too hot to handle

Belgium’s performance was simply brilliant last night. After the defeat against Italy in their opening fixture, the Red Devils have bounced back in style and delivering the sort of football which the fans and critics love to watch. Eden Hazard dished out his best performance while, as usual, Kevin De Bruyne proved why is he rated so highly by the football critics. Zinedine Zidane should be after Kevin.

So far, in my opinion, no teams have lived up to their expectations, except Germany and Belgium. Both these teams have displayed the intent and aggression, which is needed to to lift the trophy in the mega events.

Sadly, the dream run of Hungary ended in despair. They did push hard to stamp their authority, but it was not their night as they lacked the class, talent and temperament when it mattered the most.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Brilliant Germany thrash Slovakia

This is how Germany fare in the knockout stages of the mega-events. The majority of the people in Bangladesh are die hard fans of either Brazil or Argentina, but if one notices the records of Germany, they are a bit better than the Latin American giants. You can experience Brazil or Argentina to choke, but in case of Germany, they neither choke nor give up the fight so easily.

In my life I have experienced the weakest German teams to reach the finals of the Euro and World Cups. You can never dare to write them off. Well played Germany. I shall be very happy if you lift the trophy this year.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Antoine Griezmann the hero

During the half time, the Irish were smiling while the French unit was frustrated as their performance was not up to the mark and the crowd in Lyon expressed their displeasure. But the Irish should not have rested on their laurels too much.

The French regrouped themselves well and the equalizer was the product of a typical French build-up play. Anyone who watched or followed the France of 1984, can understand what I am trying to say – some smooth passes in and around the D-box, then spread things a bit, create enough space to pass the ball to the winger and in the mean time, the striker positions himself in the right place as he knows very well where the winger on the wide-flank would send the ball and the end product is, BINGO.

The second goal was due to poor marking by the Irish defenders and they paid the price of leaving Antoine Griezmann free. When Giroud did very well to win the header between the two Irish centre-halves, the Irish man markers should have been careful about Griezmann. France were in the lead and when the big teams gain the momentum, it’s always hard to stop them.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Portgual break Croatia's heart

A Quaresma goal at the fag end of the extra time broke the hearts of Croatia. I feel sad for Croatia. They were breathtaking during the extra time. But luck was not on their side. Well, the winner takes it all. After an ordinary show in the group stages and even today they were not up to the mark, CR7 and his men are in the quarterfinals.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Switzerland bow out despite a brilliant performance

Xherdan Shaqiri’s moment of individual genius brought Switzerland back into the game and I think, they deserved to win the match as in the second half they were a dominant force and outweighed the Polish. But in the penalty shoot-out, the Swiss dreams ended in despair. Moreover, whenever Jakub Błaszczykowski scored a goal, Poland never lost a game. Poland need to lift their game a lot more in the quarterfinals.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Wales advance despite a dull show

Wales' performance was not convincing enough. It was a dull affair where the match was decided by an own goal. Bad luck for Northern Ireland. Gareth McAuley tries to clear it, but can only divert it into the back of his own net.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar 

শুভ জন্মদিন লিওনেল মেসি কিন্তু তোমাকে 'সর্বকালের সেরা' মানতে আমি রাজি নই

আমি মেডিসিন ভালো বুঝি কিন্তু আমার নামের পাশে যদি এমডি কিংবা এম,আর,সি,পি না থাকে এবং ডিগ্রী অর্জন করে কোন রোগের চিকিৎসা ভালোভাবে না দিতে পারলে আমার কোন বেল নাই। আমি নিজেই নিজেকে যোগ্য ভাবতে পারব না যদি না আমার কোন ডিগ্রী না থাকে এবং কঠিন চ্যালেঞ্জ গুলো ফেস করে তার সমাধান না করতে পারি।

একজন ডাক্তার যত কিছুই করুক না কেন, ডিগ্রী না থাকলে তার দাম নেই। তার মনে রাখা উচিৎ,, দিন শেষে সবাই প্রফেসর এবি এম আব্দুল্লাহ, প্রফেসর সাইদ আতিকুল হক, প্রফেসর আজিজুল কাহার, প্রফেসর কনক কান্তি বড়ুয়া কিংবা প্রফেসর খাদিম স্যারদের  কাছেই চিকিৎসা নিতে যাবেন।  

 

আমার যোগ্যতা কতটুকু সেটা এমডি কিংবা এম, আর, সি, পি নির্ধারণ করবে। আজাইরা লাফালাফি এবং বিএসএমএমইউ-এর চাকরি নয়।         

ঠিক সেরকমই, ফুটবলে সর্বকালের সেরা বিবেচিত হতে হলে বিশ্বকাপ জিততে হবে। সেটা না পারলে ঐ কাতারে জোর করে কাওকে বসানো যায় না। ইতালির রবার্টো ব্যাজিও সেরা কিন্তু যখনই সর্বকালের সেরার কথা উঠে আসে, তখন একজন বিশেষজ্ঞ এবং ফ্যান, যে কিনা ফুটবল ভালোভাবে ফলো করে, তার মুখে সবার প্রথমে পাওলো রসির কথা আসবেই আসবে। কারন ১৯৮২ সালে পাওলো রসির কীর্তি যে তাকে অমর করে দিয়েছে। কিংবা গুইসেপ মিয়েজ্জাকে অটোম্যাটক্যালি সবার ওপরে রেকেহ দিবেন সকল ইতালিয়ান ফুটবল ফ্যান এবং বিশেষজ্ঞ। মিয়েজ্জা যে বিশ্বকাপ ফুটবল জয়ী কিংবদন্তি।    

ক্রিটিক এবং সেন্সিবল ফ্যান; পুসকাস, ক্রুয়েফ কিংবা জর্জ বেস্টের ব্যাপারে ভালোভাবেই জ্ঞাত কিন্তু সর্বকালের সেরার কথা আসতেই তাদেরকে ছাপিয়ে গারিঞ্চা, জিদান কিংবা ব্রাজিলের রোনাল্ডোর কথা সবার প্রথমে মুখ অটোম্যাটক্যালি দিয়ে বের করবেন। পেলে এবং ম্যারাডোনা তো সর্বকালের সেরাদের ও সেরা। এদের দুজনের কথা নাই বা বললাম।  

আচ্ছা, এর কারনটা কি? ক্লাব ফুটবলে ক্রুয়েফ, বেস্ট, পুসকাস  কিংবা জিদানের রেকর্ড অসাধারন কিন্তু তারপরও জিদান কিংবা গারিঞ্চার নামঅটোম্যাটক্যালি মুখে কেন আসে? পুসকাস কিংবা বেস্টের যে বসুকাপ জেতা হয়নি। সর্বকালের সেরা হতে গেলে বিশ্বকাপ জিততে হবে। ক্লাব ফুটবলে অনেক কিছুই করা যায় কিন্তু কে সর্বকালের সেরা সেটা বিশ্বকাপ নির্ধারণ করে।

আমি মেসিকে এই যুগের সেরা মানি। কেন মানবো না? ক্লাব ফুটবলে তার ধারে কাছেও কেউ নেই। মেসির সব সেরা পারফর্মেন্স ক্লাব লেভেলে। বার্সেলোনার হয়ে তার পারফর্মেন্স চোখে লাগার মতো। কিন্তু দেশের হয়ে তার অবদানটা কি? একটা কোপা আমেরিকা দিয়ে কি বিচার করা ঠিক হবে? তাহলে তো এঞ্জো ফ্রাঞ্চেসকোলি কিংবা রুবেন সোসা মেসির চেয়েও সেরা। আমি শুধুই ক্লাব ফুটবল দিয়ে কাওকে সর্বকালের সেরা মানতে রাজি নই। আমার এই মতামত ক্রিস্টিয়ানো রোনালডোর ক্ষেত্রেও প্রযোজ্য। 

গত বিশ্বকাপে গ্রুপ পর্বের ম্যাচের পর মেসিকে কি কিছু করতে দেখা গেছে? ডি মারিয়া দেওয়া একটি পাস জেতা দিতে প্রায় ১১৭ কি ১১৮ মিনিট লেগেছিলো।   জার্মানির সাথে ফাইনালে পুরো ম্যাচেই মেসি ছিলো নিষ্প্রভ। এমন কি ডিয়েগো ম্যারাডোনা পর্যন্ত তার খেলার সমালোচনা করেছেন। অনেকেই বলেন, আর্জেন্টিনা দলটি সেরা নয় তাই তারা মেসিকে সাহায্য করতে পারে না। সর্বকালের সেরা ফুটবলারের আবার সাহায্যের দরকার কি? কই, ১৯৮৬ সালে ডিয়েগো ম্যারাডোনা একটি মাঝারি মানের দলকে  একাই টেনে নিয়ে গিয়েছিলেন ফাইনাল পর্যন্ত। সবশেষে বিশ্বকাপ ও জিতিয়েছিলেন।

      

আমার নামের পাশে ডিগ্রী না থাকলে যেমন আমার কোন যোগ্যতা নেই ঠিক তেমনি একজন ফুটবলার বিশ্বকাপ না জিতলে, তাকে সর্বকালের সেরা হিসেবে স্বীকৃতি দেওয়াটা ও ন্যায্য বিচার নয়।

শুধু ক্লাব ফুটবল দিয়ে বিচার করলে জর্জ উয়াহ কিংবা আন্দ্রে সেভচেঙ্কোর নামও সর্বকালের সেরাদের তালিকাতে আসতে পারে। আসলেই কি তারা পেলে, গারিঞ্চা, ম্যারাডোনা এবং জিদনানের কাতারে আসতে সক্ষম?

You decide!!!!    

কিছু ভক্তকুল যখন মেসিকে পেলে এবং ম্যারাডোনার উপরে নিয়ে যায় তখন তদের কথা গুলো বিরক্তিকর ভাবে হাস্যকর এবং অবাস্তব লাগে। ফুটবলের ইতিহাসটা একটু ঘেঁটে দেখ রে বাবা। শুধু বার্সেলোনা এবং আর্জেন্টিনার খেলা দেখলে কি ফুটবল বোঝা যাবে কিংবা তথাকথিত সুশীলদের মতো মৌসুমি ভক্ত হলে হবে কি?

আরে ভাই, মেসি এখনও গারিঞ্চার ধারে কাছেও আসে নাই। পেলে এবং ম্যারাডোনা তো অনেক দূরের জিনিস।

সর্বকালের সেরা হওয়া কি এতই সহজ?   

শুভ জন্মদিন মেসি। 

ধন্যবাদ 

ফয়সাল সিজার 

           

The timing of the tri-series in WI is not right

Australia beat the hosts West Indies in the eighth match to claim a place in the finals of the tri-series. The ninth match of the series will be a do-or-die for West Indies and South Africa. The winner will meet Australia in the finals on Sunday.

So far, the tri-series in West Indies has been worth watching. In an era, when a group of people is pessimistic about the existence of the 50-over format, this series has lived up to the expectations and kept on conveying the message that the future of 50-over format is still secured. There is still life in this format which is largely responsible to keep cricket alive.

The tri-series has offered some exciting matches to remember and the story has not been all the about ball-bashing only. Fans could enjoy some high quality bowling display. The Australian pacers unleashed the reverse swing while the South African and West Indian fast bowlers’ li vely pace and nagging-and-incisive line-and-length were a treat to watch. Meanwhile, the spinners also enjoyed a lot and grabbed plenty of wickets. The tracks tested the technique and temperament of the batsmen and thus, most of the contests were simmering like the 80s and 90s.

But sadly, such an exciting tournament failed to generate enough excitement among the fans. Perhaps, the timing of the series was not the ideal one. When mega events like Copa America and Euro are going on, it’s obvious that cricket will be overshadowed. This tri-series should have been in action either in March, April or May. In fact, in the mid 80s and 90s, most of the tri-series were held during March and April and we all know, how stupendous such tournaments were!

Above all, the Caribbean cricket season used to kick off during March and April and the Calypso beat kept the world moving for almost two months.

But time has changed. These days, March, April and May are booked by the cash-rich Twenty20 Leagues, where cricket gets sold, but pathetically fails to provide the same amount of pleasure like a Sharjah Cup, World Series Cricket or the tri-nation tournaments which used to enrich the game once upon a time.

Had this tri-series been held in March or April, it surely would have created a huge buzz. For the existence of the 50-over format, such tri-series are needed more and there is no need to prolong those Twnety20 Leagues which only delivers shame.

Note: this article is published at Wr8sports on 23/06/2016 The timing of the tri-series in WI is not right

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Iceland create history

Arnór Ingvi Traustason's late winner gives Iceland a historic win against Austria. The Iceland fairytale keeps on going. England will be their opponents in the round of 16. A moment to cherish for Iceland fans.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Iceland create history

Arnór Ingvi Traustason's late winner gives Iceland a historic win against Austria. The Iceland fairytale keeps on going. England will be their opponents in the round of 16. A moment to cherish for Iceland fans.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - It was an extraordinary clash at Lyon

What an extraordinary match it was in Lyon! Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered for his country when it mattered the most. I think, CR7 has always been a victim of harsh criticisms whereas most of his counterparts receive a lot of sympathy from the media. After a bad day at the office against Austria, CR7 was trolled heavily, but tonight, he answered his critics with some high quality soccer display.

In the 50th minute, he caught the ball from Joao Mario’s cross with a backheel to send it past Kirlay into the bottom corner. It was a touch of a genius and much needed one to boost the confidence of his side. You can’t keep this man down long enough. In the second half Portugal were a different unit altogether and when your best player is on song, automatically, the whole team gains the momentum.

I am happy that Hungary has rediscovered their lost touch. They have been absent for a brief period and finally, they are rekindling the glorious past – top-notch footballing display full of attacking flair and passion. The modern day fans have no idea how indebted world football is towards Hungary. After the second world war, they changed the dynamics of world football and it’s good to see them rocking on the big stage again.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Croatia beat Spain

Well done Croatia! Ivan Perisic was the last minute hero and made the holders to taste their first defeat in Euro since 2004. Spain will play Italy in the next round and I think, this time, the Spanish sun will finally set.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Wales down Russia

Wales were all over Russia last night. After watching Gareth bale’s performance for his country, I have started to respect this man. He is carrying the hopes of his nation like a champion. Wake up CR7! Meanwhile, Neither England, nor Slovakia played to win the match. A draw was on the cards as soon as the whistle blew for the kick-off.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Victory for Albania

Albania were unfortunate to lose against Switzerland and then France, but the well-equipped and robust outfit finally achieved what they deserved in their first major competition. The Albanian supporters are similar to the Bangladesh cricket fans – vibrant and passionate and have lit up the atmosphere throughout the tournament so far. The victory against Romania was their first win against the same opponent since 1948, a wonderful achievement which has made the fans and the whole nation proud.

Albania now have the slightest of hopes to advance into the next round. They need to wait till the group phase is over. If Albania do reach the last 16 then they will face the winners of Group B, which contains England and Wales, or the winners of Group C, which includes Northern Ireland.

Romania’s footballing prowess has waned a lot. They were such a brilliant team during the 90s, but suddenly we were not able to notice them either in Euros or in the FIFA World Cups. The current generation has failed to carry on the legacy of Gheorghe Hagi.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - It was a nightmare for Cristiano Ronaldo

It was one of those frustrating nights, which Cristiano Ronaldo would love to forget. He hit the post from the penalty spot, had another goal ruled out for offside and missed the game's other clear opportunity.

Last night, the other ten members of the team fared well, but their efforts went fruitless as CR7’s finish was poor. The Austrian fans taunted him from the stands: “Messi, Messi”.

Portugal passage to the knockout round is still insecure. Until and unless CR7 strikes gold, Portugal can’t dream big in this tournament.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Belgium outclass Republic of Ireland

The way Belgium played today was delightful to watch. I love spectacles and these days, the teams just fail to deliver me such sort of football. Had Belgium’s attacking display had a touch of Brazil’s short-passing-style, it could have been spectacular, but they are more accustomed to European attacking flair and that’s nothing surprising.

They were all over the Irish and left them clueless. They should have scored a few more goals in the first half, but the desire was not there. The hunger for goals could be felt in the second half where the Red Devils tore apart the Irish defence with a rare disdain. The Belgians are one of the teams to watch in this year’s Euro and they made their presence felt.

But they must take care of their defence. There are loopholes where the clearance and passing from the centre backs are not accurate. The better teams will not fail to utilize those mistakes.

Meanwhile, it was a tough day at the office for The Republic of Ireland. They have not been the same competent unit since the 90s and against Belgium they have a poor track record - They have played against Belgium seven times before in competitive matches; failing to win any of them (D5, L3) - including today. While in the Euros, they won their first game against England way back in 1988, but have failed to win any of their subsequent six games (D2, L4).

Zlatan and his Sweden should have won against this Irish side.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Heartbreaking result for Iceland

Heartbreaking result for Iceland. Hungary are well poised to advance into the next round. It was a thrilling contest.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Spain were looking too good

In the game against the Czech Republic, Spain were in a commendable position in case of possessions, territory and control, but the goals were hard to come by. Everything clicked against Turkey last night. Since David Villa’s departure and the experiment with Diego Costa shelved, a genuine goal scorer was largely missed and that centre forward position was creating a lot of headache for Del Bosque.

Del Bosque cemented the same XI against Turkey and his three men up front – David Silva, Morata and Nolito clicked brilliantly to send a message to me and the rest of the teams that Spain will not surrender their trophy so easily. Even though Fabregas in the midfield is not a convincing one for me, but last night, things looked pretty for La Roja. You need a weaker opponent to get into rhythm. Spain utilized the opportunity quite well.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - It was a disgraceful moment

What happened during the 88th minute was an absolute shame for ‪Euro 2016. The trend of crowd misbehavior continued as the Croatia fans behind the Czech Republic goal threw immense amount of flares onto the pitch which was unnecessary and disturbed the concentration of their team. The Czech team was awarded a penalty and kept themselves alive in this tournament.

Before this match, Croatia have won five of their last eight group games in the European Championships (D2, L1), while the Czech Republic have lost six of their last nine Euro games (W3). Croatia were so dominant and were expected to grab full points, but their end was not a rosy one. I blame the Croatia fans for disturbing their team’s wonderful rhythm.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Eder downs Sweden

Eder was an anonymous in the first half. He completed zero passes in the first and in the early part of the second, he completed two passes, the fewest numbers, and created two chances. Now, he scored the winning goal for Italy. Life is so surprising and unpredictable!

Sweden have been dull as usual here. They had zero shots on target against Republic of Ireland and repeated the same feat here. Zlatan has lost his mojo. Age has taken a toll on him. He himself and his fans must accept the reality.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - The Germans still have not recovered from the second game syndrome

Germany still have not recovered from their second game syndrome. It was a frustrating end to a clash which offered so much of excitement. Statistically the Germans dominated, but they were not at their pristine best and the forwards lacked the focus and intent. And, they should be thankful to Boateng's brilliant defensive acts.

From Poland’s point of view, Milik was so close to score in two consecutive matches. They were so good chances that the night could have belonged to Poland. But in the end, the game was a damp squib!!!

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - First win for Northern Ireland in a major tournament

Northern Ireland have won their first game at a major tournament since beating Spain in the FIFA World Cup 1982. Remember Gerry Armstrong's goal? It was a brilliant goal which stunned the world.

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Faisal Caesar

Euro 2016 - England deliver in the last minute

Roy Hodgon’s two second-half substitutions proved to be a masterstroke. A dead-and-buried England came back to rhythm as Wales struggled to get out of their own half. England dominated the possession and created more opportunities and I think, the Three Lions deserved to win today’s match. Jamie Vardy scored his first goal for England in a mega event and Daniel Sturridge struck at the death to bring an end to the breathtaking climax.

This English team is promising and I repeat, I have faith in this team as since 1990, for the first time, I am observing an England team full of talent and determination rather than some glamorous blokes who only hit the headlines more for non-footballing reasons.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann save the day for France

Albania were resolute enough to keep the French at bay for a brief period. France's performance was frustrating. Dimitri Payet & Antoine Griezmann saved the day for the host.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - There is still hope for Turkey

Turkey are still not out of this tournament yet. Their 2-0 win against the Czech Republic has put them into contention for one of the third-place qualification berths.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - A memorable night for Iceland

I'm happy for Iceland. Their population is 323,002 and they all slept happily last night. CR7 failed to live up to the expectations while playing for his country. ‪

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Well played Hungary

A match between Austria and Hungary doesn’t generate enough interest these days, but the present day football fans have no idea about the glorious past of these two teams. Especially, once upon a time, Hungary were the masters of the game. While, Austria were one of the superpowers of world football, along with Italy, Hungary, Uruguay, Poland and former Czechoslovakia in the 30s and 50s.

Hungary’s footballing prowesses started to wane in the mid 60s and Austria were never the same team again after their fantastic run in the FIFA World Cup 1966. So did the vim of Poland, Russia and Yugoslavia sapped away in the course of time and some of the fans like me still miss their footballing display.

Well played Hungary. Nice to see them win a match in a mega event.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Pale Sweden and Zlatan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's performance was anaemic and will have to play much better than this to lift his team.

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Faisal Caesar  

Euro 2016 - Never dare to write off Italy

You can never dare to write off teams like Germany and Italy and for which, after Brazil, these two teams are one of my most favorites all the time. While Belgium relied on talent and hype, Antonio Conte relied on his underrated and much-criticized squad, tactical approach and team unity.

Yes, team unity. When a squad is united and ready to fight against all the odds, they outclass even the best teams in the world. And the Italians just bring out their best when they are criticized and written off by all. Well played Italy. You have made my day.

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Faisal Caesar 

Euro 2016 - Spain start with a win

A Boateng-like clear by Fabregas saved the day for Spain. It took too long for La Roja to score a goal. Spain badly need a centre forward to get their act together.

The Czech Republic were better defensively, but focusing only on containment can't win you matches. A defensive mind set dents the ambition to win.

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Faisal Caesar 

England v Sri Lanka, 3rd Test, Lord's, day 4 - Sri Lanka's ill luck, Alex Hales' good luck

What is so special about this Alex Hales? I don’t find anything special in his batting. He is just a Twenty20 product and well suited for the bastard offspring of one-day cricket. Some of the fans and experts at the social media have always praised Hales highly, but why? There are better players than Hales in England. A player who gives the opposition so many options while scoring just 94 runs, can’t be regarded as a Test material.

Hales’ composure? What is the definition of composure? How the hell a Twenty20 joker can provide composure? At times, the lady luck is too biased.  

Yeah, yeah, you can say fortune favours the brave or such things are a part of the game and even I endorse such thoughts, but at least the manner of stroke-play and technique do matter while judging a batsman.

Lady luck was not impressed with Nuwan Pradeep’s efforts yesterday. The guy bowled his heart out at Lord’s, but all I can say, he was the victim of some poor umpiring – victim of Tucker’s no ball call for a borderline delivery after dismissing Hales, who was batting on 58 and then the day before yesterday, had Dimuth Karunaratne clung on to a low chance to his left, while Hales was on 19,  at second slip and again on 39, shortly before the close, when he glanced Pradeep down the leg side only for Dinesh Chandimal to grass the chance. Poor fielding by the Sri Lankans, bad luck for Pradeep and lady luck’s flying kiss for Hales.

Alastair Cook went for quick runs as England stretched the lead further more and then declared to allow Sri Lanka to chase 362 runs to win the final Test. Cook declared the innings while batting on 49 and it was an attacking declaration. Would he have done the same if the series was not secured? I don’t think so. In fact, you don’t find such attacking captains these days.

Sri Lanka’s response to Rod Tucker’s poor decision by hanging their national flag on the Lord’s balcony till they were requested to put it down, conveyed the message of their fighting spirit and team unity despite the series of ill-lucks or should I say, poor umpiring made the day quite an eventful one.

The Sri Lankan chase should be a cracking one rather than a damp squib for the betterment of Test cricket.    

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Faisal Caesar