EURO & KPL standings

Let me start by saying that I feel so disappointed by England's exit...although they didn't really play like semi final material, did they? Seriously... at that level, any team that wishes to be associated to being champions of Europe cannot be playing like that. Basic football like keeping the ball cannot be overlooked. And speaking of basic football... look where that has gotten the Germans... far. Simple football. Basic passing. As for England, they wanted to rely on long-ball tactics, and we all know how that went. They also needed Chamberlain(I accept, Ashley young was poor). I don't see how Germany wouldn't have deflowered them, just like they did in the World Cup, in the semis if they had made it. And so... despite supporting England, am actually happy they were spared humiliation at the hands... or feet of Germany.

Can we talk about racism? All along the English fans have been commended for behaving well during the Euros... well, up until they were eliminated last night. And then.. all of a sudden, black people cant shoot penalties. If you have been following your timelines, well then you will notice that something of the same sort has been happening. Ashley Young and Cole have been criticized for missing their penalties in their loss to Italy. Before the football began, it was there... now that its over, for some teams.. its back. I rest my case.

SPAIN vs PORTUGAL: I'll still stand my ground. The only way to beat Barcelona, sorry Spain, is to pack the midfield. Have enough men in the midfield to neutralize, frustrate and attack. Change the formation if you have to for that game, like Italy did in their opening game against them. Play 3-5-2 if you have to. Speaking of which, I think France failed in their tactics, playing two right backs and Malouda when they faced Spain. Obviously those are wingers, and you're not going to beat Barca like that. Nasri and Alou Diarra would have helped the invisible M'Vila in that game. That said, I think Portugal already have a strategy to beat Spain

GERMANY vs ITALY:
I think Italy will make a worthy opponent against the Germans. They haven't had real competitors all this time. The only image of a threat they faced was a disoriented Dutch team. Italy... they're no push overs. Croatia and Spain will tell you that. Germans... we've all seen them. They were too strong for Portugal, overpowered the Dutch and were too good for the Danes. It looks like a promising encounter.

Elsewhere, the Kenyan Premier League second leg is underway. Tusker, Gor Mahia, City Stars and Ulinzi Stars got off to winning restarts and Tusker are back on top of the table. This is how the top half looks like...

	Team	P	W	D	L	Pts
1	Tusker	16	9	5	2	32
2	Sofapaka	15	10	2	3	32
3	AFC Leopards	15	8	4	3	28
4	Ulinzi Stars	16	8	3	5	27
5	Thika United	16	7	5	4	26
6	Gor Mahia	16	6	5	5	23
7	Western Stima	16	6	4	6	22
8	Karuturi Sports	16	5	7	4	22													More football another time people. Have a nice time

GREAT PLAYERS WIN, GOOD PLAYERS AFFECT GAMES

Lets talk about Cristiano Ronaldo.
Did anyone see his celebration? I think the boy was fondling a pair of imaginary boobs, or telling people that he is a monster. Sublime performance by the guy last night to put his team in the semi finals. That was a brilliant header. And I think he intended to score like that. Remember Croatia versus Spain in their final group game? They had two chances to score with headers but ended up heading straight at Casillas. My point... Ronaldo is a genius. Lets just put Messi out of the picture for a second here. He is class but Ronaldo is class too. How many players can do that? Not many. And that goal was the difference. I read a lot of BBC Sport articles everyday, and one of them had Czech republic manager saying that his team failed in stopping Ronaldo. Yes... this man is hard to keep a mark on. He runs, he jumps, he shoots... sometimes dives but very few can argue about his talent. My friend @DingoKG wanted me to do a piece that recognizes this man's skill... he does. I could say much more to convince, but I know even his haters know too much of him, even Barca players if asked will admit that marking him is hard. Let's not forget he is now joint top scorer in the Euros with 3 goals alongside Gomez(Germany), Mandzukic(Croatia) and Dzagoev(Russia). He led his team well beyond the Dutch with a double and his header against the Czech.

Elsewhere, Germany face Greece. This is supposed to be a great match for Greece. For the rest of us neutrals, Germany is gonna have an easy day on the field. But for the Greek, who are seeking funds for an economic bail out from germany, I hear its a big thing. Loved the cartoon depicting the Greek players wearing German jerseys on (just because the Germans funded them)BBC SPORTS earlier today. I predict a low score. Germany could win this with a one-goal margin.

I personally think the Spain vs France match will be a good match. Both teams can pass the ball around. Spain have a reputation to maintain while the French want redemption from their recent shortcomings.Of course Spain have gelled seeing as most of them play in the same league, so they know each other. France... well, you saw how they played against England and Ukraine. They are not too bad. I foresee a 2-1 win for Spain

England versus Italy. This could be a boring affair. But then again, the midfield battles look promising. Since both teams are practically not flare-playing teams, and they both defend, I see a midfield duel will win or help to win this match.
ENGLAND: Gerrard and Parker. 
ITALY: De Rossi and Pirlo.
Gerrard/Pirlo is the genius who does the fancy delivery. De Rossi/Parker tough tackler who breaks up the beautiful play.
And then they both rely on their wings for speed. I won't predict the score for this one

Before I sign off, a few words about the maestro that is Cristiano Ronaldo aka CR7:

Czech Rep. manager, Michal Bilek: We really prepared hard to cope with Ronaldo, but he is a player of the greatest class
"There have been a few good players but, if we are talking great players, then ronaldo is a great player. Great players can WIN a game, good players AFFECT the game." a former England player when asked about any bright players in the EUROs

In other news... Shinji Kagawa is officially a Manchester United player today. Mark the calendars people. Keep enjoying the games people. More football another time.