UEFA under fire due to doctering Euro2012 Live TV-feed

The European football governing body UEFA is under fire because of showing recorded pre-match footage during live football matches of the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. Especially in Germany the outcry has been huge due to two instances where it was been proven that recorded footage had been placed into the live feed.

With the television feed produced centrally by UEFA and then distributed to all official rights holders, the channels themselves do not know what they are getting and if a scene is live or has been added by the live director.

The German state television broadcasters ARD and ZDF, who share the live rights for the Euro2012, had already protested after the first instance when Joachim Löw pinching a ball from a ball boy during his teams Group B match against the Netherlands. But later it was disclosed that the footage was pre-recorded and Löw didn't do such mischief during a high tension football match.

Then came the second instance which to me is even worse. A German female fan is shown crying after Mario Balotelli scores his second of the night against Germany. But again the footage was not live, it had actually been recorded when the German anthem was being played. A total distortion of facts and reality which is dangerous especially with off field football.

UEFA claims it was trying to show "the human story of the game... to translate the emotion and tension of German fans", but had now issued instructions "not to use these reactions again directly in a chain of replays of live action, to avoid any misleading understanding".


Here the footage of the Löw incidence, recorded pre-match & telecast as live

rs1.tv VIDEO: Früh Kölsch SportTalk - Euro2012 Review

Tonight I moderated my own talkshow here in Germany - the Früh Kölsch SportTalk from the Bergische Sportarena in Wermelskirchen from a pub within a sports indoor complex infront of a live audience and on rs1.tv.

The topic tonight was the just concluded 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine with guests on the show being long-time friend and fellow journalist Chris Punnakkattu Daniel, former German international and now Wuppertaler SV coach Hans-Günter Bruns, FC Remscheid manager Mike Zintner and journalist colleague Peter Kuhlendahl from our local newspaper Remscheider General-Anzeiger.

We had a lively discussion about the tournament - the champions Spain, finalists Italy, Germany's performance, the star performers, new things seen at the tournament and much more...

Watch live streaming video from rs1tv at livestream.com

rs1.tv VIDEO: Spanish Champions celebrations in Germany

Last night Spain demolished the Italians 4-0 in the final of Euro2012 and that led to Spaniards across the world celebrating the historic victory of La Furia Roja. The same happened here in Germany, where celebrations went on till late at night.

Here my reports for rs1.tv from the Spanish celebrations in our town

Euro2012 - Final: Spain defend their title in Style!

It is the final of the 2012 European Championships with defending champions Spain taking on Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine; which was also the opening Group C match on June 10 when the match had ended in a one-all draw. Spain had overcome Portugal in a penalty shootout, while Italy had beaten Germany in the semifinals.


FINAL

Spain 4-0 (2-0) Italy
Goals: 1-0 David Silva (14'), 2-0 Jordi Alba (41'), 3-0 Fernando Torres (84'), 4-0 Juan Mata (88')

The old and new champions of Europe are Spain! Spain demolished Italy 4-0 to lift the Euro Cup for the third time. The Spaniards never ever really left a doubt in the final that they are the best side in Europe as Italy could never perform to the level as they did especially against Germany in the semifinals.

Spains combining tiki-taka football was at its best tonight as Italy were simpyl not able to stop the Spanish armada. Spain took the lead in the 14th minute through a lovely combination. Andres Iniesta found Cesc Fabregas free on the right just outside the box, he beats Giorgio Chiellini to the byeline and cuts back a perfect cross to allow David Silva to head in the lead. Italy tried to get back into the game, but Spain just didn't allow them and doubled their lead in the 41st minute when left-back Jordi Alba scored following a brilliant double pass with Xavi Hernandez.

After the break Italy came out attacking with substitute Antonio Di Natale's first touch a header just going over within the first time itself. But that was it for Italy as Spain retook the control over the match. Matters got worse for Italy when substitute Thiago Motta had to go off just four minutes after coming on for a hamstring with no substitute option left. Italy had to play for about half an hour with 10 men only and that was it for them. Spain continued their combination football and scored two late goals through substitutes Fernando Torres and his Chelsea team mate Juan Mata. First Torres scored of a Xavi pass following a Marchisio mistake through which Torres became the first player to score into Euro Cup finals. Then Busquets found Torres free to play in for Mata to finish of the 4-0 victory.


It ended 4-0 for Spain, who showed in the final what they are capable off.

Euro2012 - Final: Spain vs Italy tonight

The final of the 2012 European Championships will be held tonight between defending champions Spain and former champions Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine. Interestingly this was also the opening Group C match on June 10 in which the Italians had surprised the Spaniards and had held them to a deserving draw.

But now three weeks later we are in the final and the rematch will be played under different circumstances with both teams having played four matches in-between. La Furia Roja has remained the unbeatable Spain which is still a fact, but they no longer look as invincible as in Euro2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Italian Azzuris meanwhile came into the tournament on the back of another betting scandal and nothing much was expected off them, but coach Cesare Prandelli has put together a squad of experience and young talent which has surprised many in the tournament.

Going into the final to name a favourite is difficult this time around, though Spain remain the better candidate without conceding a goal in the knockout stages since losing to France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup though Italy with their different approach to the game have gained a lot of new admirers.

Spain have the big match experience and coach Vicente del Bosque so far has done little wrong with his squad, when he did as against Portugal in the semifinals he corrected it and it did work towards in the end. Spain's problem is that their tiki-taka football for which they and FC Barcelona were praised over the last few years has become boring and tiring for the fans as they knit their passes together but don't really go for the finish playing sometimes without a real striker. Especially Xavi Hernandez had not shown what he is capable off while Andres Iniesta has at least tried and has shown glimpes of his class.

Italy meanwhile operate differently then in the past. Normally they depended on a strong defence with outstanding defenders and somehow they tried to score a goal to win by that goal. This Italian squad is different, then it does not have those calibre of defenders though having an Andrea Pirlo in midfield, who at 33 is playing like he hasn't for years with Cassano, Balotelli and di Natale causing problems to the rival defenders.

I all wish us a fitting final tonight and be this 31st and last match of Euro2012 be remembered for years...

Früh Kölsch SportTalk: Tomorrow - A look back at Euro2012

On Monday evening, July 2 I will be moderating my SportTalk show here in Germany - the Früh Kölsch SportTalk from the Bergische Sportarena in Wermelskirchen will be once more coming from a pub within a sports indoor complex.

The topic tomorrow night will be the just concluded 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine with guests on the show being long-time friend and fellow journalist Chris Punnakkattu Daniel, former German international and now Wuppertaler SV coach Hans-Günter Bruns, FC Remscheid manager Mike Zintner and journalist colleague Peter Kuhlendahl from our local newspaper Remscheider General-Anzeiger.

It will be live on the Internet (in German) as a livestream from 19.30 CET (18.30 GMT / 23.00 IST) onwards at www.livestream.com/rs1tv


Here the details in German about the talkshow:

Am Montag, den 2.Juli 2012 gibt es den Früh Kölsch SportTalk auf rs1.tv!

An diesem Abend ab 19.30 Uhr wird der 'Früh Kölsch SportTalk' aus der Bergischen Sportarena in Wermelskirchen als Livestream auf rs1.tv übertragen. Es wird 90 Minuten lang vor Live Publikum ( Eintrittskarten auf Anfrage bei der Bergischen Sportarena ) um den Sport aus und um Remscheid herum mit Gästen aus dem lokalen Sport, Journalisten und Sportstars. Aber es wird nicht nur über lokales gesprochen sondern auch um nationalen und internationalen Sport.

In unserer nächsten Sendung am 2.Juli wird die Fußball-Euroameisterschaft 2012 das Thema sein.

Die Gäste der Sendung sind: Hans-Günter Bruns (Trainer, Wuppertaler SV), Mike Zintner (Manager, FC Remscheid), Peter Kuhlendahl (Remscheider General-Anzeiger) und Chris Punnakkattu Daniel (Journalist)


Hier nochmals die wichtigsten Informationen zusammengefasst:


LIVE aus der Bergischen Sportarena in Wermelskirchen
Der Früh Kölsch SportTalk
präsentiert von rs1.tv
Sendungsbeginn: 19.30 Uhr jeweils Montags alle zwei/drei Wochen

Tischreservierung oder zu anderen Fragen, Bitte bei der Bergischen Sportarena melden!

Die nächste Sendung findet am 9.Juli statt. Thema dann Tennis (Wimbledon & die Herren-40 von SC Rot-Weiss Remscheid).

Die darauffolgende Sendung findet Ende-August/Anfang-September statt!

My Euro2012 TV TalkShow: Before the Grand Finale & a first Review

Earlier today I hosted a Euro2012 TV show special in the Allee Center, Remscheid ahead of tomorrows final Spain vs Italy, looking back at the tournament and the disappointment regarding our own German team.

My talk guests were Mike Zintner (Manager, FC Remscheid), Lothar Steinhauer (Youth Coordinator, FC Remscheid), journalist colleague Andreas Dach (Remscheider General-Anzeiger) and the event manager Lars Nöker (Fanmeile Remscheid), who organised the public viewing arena in our city.

rs1tv on livestream.com.

My Euro2012 TV TalkShow: Before the Grand Finale & a first Review

At 11.00 CET (10.00 GMT / 14.30 IST) today I will be hosting a special Euro2012 TV show in the Allee Center, Remscheid ahead of tomorrows final Spain vs Italy, looking back at the tournament and the disappointment regarding our own German team.

My talk guests will be Mike Zintner (Manager, FC Remscheid), Lothar Steinhauer (Youth Coordinator, FC Remscheid), journalist colleague Andreas Dach (Remscheider General-Anzeiger) and the event manager Lars Nöker (Fanmeile Remscheid), who organised the public viewing arena in our city.

Watch live streaming video from rs1tv at livestream.com

rs1.tv VIDEO: Public Viewing - Germany vs Italy, Italian celebrations

Yesterday Germany took on Italy in the second Euro2012 semifinal match and the Italians surprised them as the highly rated Germans lost the match in Warsaw, Poland. Here in Germany there were public viewings across the country with Italians celebrating after the match.

Here my reports for rs1.tv from the public viewing in Remscheid of the Germany vs Italy match and Italians celebrating in the city

Euro2012: Italy upset Germany to reach finals

The 2012 European Championships is now in the semifinals with Germany taking on Italy at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland. Germany were impressive in their 4-2 win against Greece, while Italy needed a penalty shootout to win against England.


SEMIFINAL #2

Germany 1-2 (0-2) Italy
Goals: 0-1,0-2 Mario Balotelli (20',36'), 1-2 Mesut Özil (90+1')

A first half double strike from Mario Balotelli was enough for Italy to upset title contenders Germany 2-1 for themselves to reach the finals of the 2012 European Championships, where they now face defending champions Spain. In the process history did repeat itself as Italy continue to be unbeaten against Germany in official competitions.

Germany coach Joachim Löw made three changes to his starting eleven bringing on Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski and Toni Kroos for Miroslav Klose, André Schürrle and Marco Reus. Especially the induction of Kroos surprised many and the intention was to blokc Andrea Pirlo's area of operation, but for the first time Löw used a counter-strategy instead of relying on the strength of his own team.

Germany made a good start into the match with Hummel's chance following a corner cleared off the line by Pirlo, before a Barzagli/Buffon misunderstanding didn't give Germany the lead. Thereafter Italy slowly settled into the match and twice tested Manuel Neuer in the German goal before a Cassano cross was headed in by Balotelli in the 20th minute. But Germany weren't shocked and played on like before in search for a goal, but conceded a second in the 36th minute off a counter-attack with the strike of the tournament so far by Balotelli.

Germany were two goals down, but not beaten yet as Löw made two changes at the break bringing in Klose and Reus. And initially they created intense pressure on the Italians, who once more weathered the storm with the best effort coming from Reus and Lahm, but on both occasions they missed the target before a Reus free-kick was directed by Buffon against the crossbar. Germany had more of the ball, but they simply couldn't get their game together as they more and more relied on long-balls and crossed, which often didn't bother the Italians, who could have scored more through di Natale and Diamanti off counter-attacks.

In the 90th minute Germany got a penalty when Balzaretti handled in his own area and Mesut Özil took the penalty to give Germany their goal of the night a minute into extra-time, but it simply wasn't enough as Italy won 2-1.

Euro2012: Germany want to overcome Italian trauma

The 2012 European Championships is now in the semifinal stage with Germany taking on Italy at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland tonight to reach the finals. Though Germany have won all their four matches in this competition so far, they now face an opponent in Italy whom they have never beaten in official competitions; but Joachim Löw and his team are confident that they can change the record books for once and all.

In the seven Germany vs Italy matches at Euros and World Cups so far, Italy have won three and the other four matches were drawn. Interestingly the four draws were all in group stage matches at European Championships and World Cups, while the losses were in semifinals and the final of FIFA World Cups. Surely an interesting piece of statistics, but Germany will want to overcome this tonight and create history.

The four draws were a goalless draw at the 1962 FIFA World Cup, another goalless draw at the 1978 FIFA World Cup, at Euro1988 there was a one-all draw and another goalless draw came at Euro1996.

But especially the three defeats have been of historic dimensions. The first defeat was in the 1970 FIFA World Cup semifinal, a 4-3 win for Italy against West Germany in extra-time after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match is said to have been one of the best matches in football history and has been termed as the 'match of the century'. Then came the 1982 FIFA World Cup final which a strong Italy won 3-1 against West Germany. The Italians were far superior that night in Madrid to win their third World Cup trophy

And there was the 2006 FIFA World Cup semifinal in Dortmund on July 4, 2006. I personally was there at the stadium to cover the match and it was supposed to be the night that Germany changed history and won their first official match against Italy. But late in extra-time Fabio Grosso and Alessandro del Piero scored for the Azzuri and they went on to win their fourth World Cup title, while Germany's summer fairytale had a harsh end. And a lot of people remember this match and have revenge on the football field in their mind.

The last friendly international between these two sides was on February 9, 2011 which had ended in a one-all draw with Germany being the better side, but Italy getting an equaliser to deny the Germans a win.

Tonight the match starts at 0-0 and the young Germans know that they have it in them to change the history books for once and for all. But Italy will be hoping to keep their track record intact. Spain awaits the winner...

VIDEO - Euro 2012: Germany - an animated history (the Guardian)

Ahead of tonight's semifinal against Italy here the Guardian's animated potted histories with a rather more turbulent than simply being animated, Germany's numerous ups and downs are remembered here by James Richardson.

I hope you like it as much as I do!

VIDEO - Euro 2012: Italy - an animated history (the Guardian)

Ahead of tonight's semifinal against Germany here the Guardian's animated potted by James Richardson looks at Italy, the team who missed the first World Cup finals, but made up for it by winning the next two.

I hope you like it as much as I do!

Euro2012: Spain just about beat Portugal on penalties

The 2012 European Championships is now in the semifinals with Portugal taking on defending champions Spain at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine. Portugal scored a lone goal win against the Czech Republic, while Spain won unconvincingly 2-0 against a weak France.


SEMIFINAL #1

Portugal 0-0,2-4 Spain [on penalties]
Goals: none

In the end Cesc Fàbregas converted the winning spot kick as defending champions Spain beat Iberian neighbours Portugal 4-2 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes in the first semifinal in Donetsk, Ukraine at the 2012 European Championships.

It was often an intense and tension-ridden match, but not of the high quality that many hoped for or even expected as Portugal often was able to deny Spain their needed space while Portugal's attack was dependant on Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani on the wings.

Spain had the first chance of the match through an Álvaro Arbeloa attempt over the goal in the 9th minute. Thereafter the match was mainly played in midfield before Andres Iniesta and Ronaldo had chances on both sides in the first session. Spain coach Vicente del Bosque changed things in the second session with Jesus Navas and Pedro coming for the wings and the tiring Portuguese had especially their problems in extra-time with Spain pressing for a winner, but the match went into penalty shootouts.

The first set of penalties from Xabi Alonso for Spain and Joao Moutinho for Portugal was saved by the two goalkeepers. Thereafter all scored before Portugal's Bruno Alves missed the fourth penalty and then a shaky Cesc Fabregas scored the final penalty for Spain to secure a 4-2 win.

VIDEO - Euro 2012: Spain - an animated history (the Guardian)

Ahead of tonight's semifinal against Portugal here the Guardian's animated potted histories James Richardson talks you through the varied history of the Spanish national side, from their refusal to play in the first 1930 World Cup to glory at last in 2010 and Euro2008, via penalty misery in England and plenty of political interference.

I hope you like it as much as I do!

VIDEO - Euro2012: Andrea Pirlo's Chip Penalty

Italy beat England on penalties last night at the Euro2012 quarterfinals with midfielder Andrea Pirlo the best performer for Italy. The highlight was really the chip penalty from Andrea Pirlo, which some called arrogant others said it was simple brilliance.

Euro 2012: Italy beat England on penalties

The 2012 European Championships is now in the quarterfinals with Group D winners England taking on Group C runners-up Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv. England caused a surprise by topping Group D, while Italy once more proved that they are a tournament team to come through a tricky Group C.


QUARTERFINAL #4

England 2-4 (0-0) Italy (on penalties)
Goals: none

Italy needed a penalty shootout to beat England 4-2 after goalless 120 minutes to reach the semifinals at Euro2012 where Germany will be their next opponent on Thursday. It was a deserving victory for Italy, who played football throughout the match while what England was upto is only known to them.

The match made a great start with Italy's Daniele De Rossi hitting the post just three minutes in and on the other side right-back Glen Johnson should have scored when he got the ball infront of goal, but his weak shot was somehow cleared by Gianluigi Buffon. Thereafter Wayne Rooney could have headed England into the lead, but from then on it was mainly Italy with England taking a very defensive approach and relying on counter-attacks or the class of their strikers, which rarely showed. Italy's best chance before the break fell for Mario Balotelli after a beautiful Andrea Pirlo pass over the English defence but John Terry just about blocked Balotelli's shot.

In the second session Italy remained the better of the two sides and though they controlled the ball for most of the time the English defence stood their ground and it was always either Balotelli himself or Pirlo releasing someone for Italy to get chances. Towards the end substitute Antonio Nocerino had a shot, but Glen Johnson's timely block denied the Azzuri the winner; while England had a last chance in regulation time with Rooney's bicycle kick going over.

In extra-time it was once more only Italy in attack. Why England played such negative football is unknown, but Italy continued to press for the winner until the end, but it stayed goalless and penalties had to decide.

It started well for England then Riccardo Montolivo's shot went wide and it seemed their negative strategy would pay-off, but then first Ashley Young fired the ball onto the crossbar and then Ashley Cole's shot was saved by Buffon before Alessandro Diamanti scored of Italy's fifth penalty to seal a 4-2 win.

VIDEO: England v Italy preview with Tancredi Palmeri & Chris Elder

Here comes a funny England v Italy preview of tonights Euro2012 clash with Italian sports journalist Tancredi Palmeri and TV producer Chris Elder on Sports Tonight's! Watch & enjoy...

Euro 2012: Spain beat France to reach semifinals

The 2012 European Championships is now in the quarterfinals with Group C winners Spain taking on Group D runners-up France at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine. Defending champions Spain won Group C without really being convicning and now face France, who disappointed but still came second in their group.


QUARTERFINAL #3

Spain 2-0 (1-0) France
Goals: 1-0,2-0 Xabi Alonso (19',90+1')

Defending champions Spain didn't shine in their 2-0 victory against a hapless France with defensive midfielder Xabi Alonso scoring both goals in his 100th match for La Furia Roja. Spain will now take on Iberian neighbours Portugal in the first semifinal on Wednesday, June 27.

Spain went into the match knowing that they have never beaten France in a competition and interestingly the French were also the last side to beat Spain in a tournament, then at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

France coach Laurent Blanc send a defensive side onto the field to try and block the Spaniards and it initially seemed to work, but upfront there was no French presence. One mistake by Mathieu Debuchy and Andres Iniesta found Jordi Alba free on the left, he crosses the ball across the face of the goal for Xabi Alonso to head in Spain's lead in the 19th minute. France did recover from this setback, but they were only once really dangerous infront of goal through a Cabaye freekick. Otherwise Spain played their tiki-taka football and the French were running after them.

Things looked to change after the break as France became a little better, had more believe but Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema often were on their own upfront as Spain cleverly kept the French often away from their goal but they themselves also didn't exert too much pressure on the French goal of Hugo Lloris. In the end the match was heading for another typical 1-0 for Spain when substitute Pedro was brought down by Anthony Réveillère and Xabi Alonso sealed the victory for Spain.

But Spain were far from their best, the French didn't really challenge them but most likely Portugal will be a tougher opponent in the semifinals in what could be a mouth-watering clash amongst the neighbours.

Joachim Löw's gamble & Germany's young talent

When the information was coming through yesterday afternoon that Joachim Löw is set to make three changes upfront in his attack against Greece in the Euro2012 quarterfinal, it took many by surprise but I said to colleagues and friends, this is what Löw needs to do to break down the Greek defence. And in the end it paid off.

Germany coach Joachim Löw surprised many with the four changes to his starting eleven. Jerome Boateng as expected returned into his right-back position for Lars Bender, but Löw changed three of his four attacking players with only Mesut Özil retaining his place. Marco Reus started for Thomas Müller on the right, André Schürrle started for Lukas Podolski on the left and Miroslav Klose upfront for Mario Gomez. The gamble would pay-off then these players would create a lot of problems for the Greek defence.

Post-match Joachim Löw said, "I had a feeling after three wins that we had to make some changes to breathe some fresh life into the team. The time was ripe to do something different."

It showed that Löw has trust on his bench players to deliver when called into action and the depth in talent that Germany currently has, then many around the world will have seen little of André Schürrle and Marco Reus except if they follow the German Bundesliga closely.

If a young talent to impress at Euro2012 from Germany was named before the tournament, then it always was about Borussia Dortmund teenager Mario Götze, but Germany these days has numerous youngsters in the team who can deliver when needed. Not only the first eleven are strong, but in theory all 23 players can spring into action when needed.

Especially Marco Reus showed last night what a talent he is as Reus has done all season at Borussia Mönchengladbach, which has earned him a dream transfer to his home town club Borussia Dortmund for over 17 Million Euros.

One can only hope that more will be seen from the highly talented German team at Euro2012...