rs1.tv VIDEO: FC Remscheid beat Italian side NFC Orlandina Calcio

It is pre-season time here in Germany. My home town team FC Remscheid played an international friendly yesterday evening against Italian side NFC Orlandina Calcio. And as always encounters between German and Italian sides are intense and hard fought.

Here my report for rs1.tv in German

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

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...

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: 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!

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...

Euro2012: Spain & Italy qualify for quarterfinals, unlucky Croatia go home

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group C teams tonight with their third and final round group matches in the Polish cities of Gdansk and Poznan. Defending champions Spain overcame some anxious moments before winning against Croatia, while Italy follow them into the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win against Ireland


GROUP C

Croatia 0-1 (0-0) Spain
Goals: 0-1 Jesús Navas (88')

Defending champions Spain left it late to beat Croatia by a lone goal to top Group C, while the good Croats are out of the competition. A Jesus Navas strike just two minutes from time sealed the victory for the Spaniards.

Both teams knew that a win would see them through and a draw would most likely only see Spain through with a better goal difference as Italy was likely to beat Ireland. Both sides took a cautious approach with Spain playing its usual possession football, while Croatia relied on counter-attacks.

With Italy leading at the break, Croatia became more adventurous and had their best chance through a Ivan Rakitić header which was blocked by Iker Casillas. Spain looked vulnerable at this point in time and Croatia put more men forward knowing only a win would keep them in the tournament. But with time running out Spain got the knockout punch in the 88th minute when Cesc Fàbregas chipped through for the onrushing Andres Iniesta to run clear and, spotting team-mate Navas alongside him, he played a square pass for the substitute to score and finish off the match.


Italy 2-0 (1-0) Ireland
Goals: 1-0 Antonio Cassano (35'), 2-0 Mario Balotelli (90')

Italy won 2-0 against a fighting Ireland to earn a place in the quarterfinals through goals from striker Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli.

The Irish had the better start into the game, but they couldn't use their chances as Italy looked nervous early-on. The Azzuri needed time to settle down but slowly found their ground but on two occasions Irish defender Sean St Ledger denied them the lead. But in the 35th minute Antonio Cassano would put in a Andrea Pirlo corner across the line with Shay Given getting a touch to the ball, which goes over the line before Damian Duff shots it out.

Italy with the lead looked better, but the Irish would go down without a fight but upfront they once more looked not dangerous enough to challenge their group opponents. Substitute Mario Balotelli acrobatically put in Alessandro Diamanti's corner in the 90th minute to seal a 2-0 victory for Italy.

Euro2012: Croatia hold Italy, Spain trash Ireland

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group C teams tonight with their second round group matches in the Polish cities of Gdansk and Poznan. While Croatia held the mighty Italians to a draw, the Irish got trashed by Spain in an encounter in which the defending champions showed what they are capable off.


GROUP C

Italy 1-1 (1-0) Croatia
Goals: 1-0 Andrea Pirlo (39'), 1-1 Mario Mandžukić (72')

Italy were held to their second one-all draw at Euro2012, this time by the Croatians and like against Spain they went ahead, this time through Andrea Pirlo and an in-form Mario Mandžukić equalised for Croatia.

Italy had the better chances early on, while Croatia missed a few thereafter and again Italy before Andrea Pirlo scored with a beauty of a free-kick in the 39th minute. But Italy could not keep the lead as a reorganised Croatia equalised in the 72nd minute through Mario Mandžukić.


Spain 4-0 (1-0) Ireland
Goals: 1-0,3-0 Fernando Torres (4',70'), 2-0 David Silva (49'), 4-0 Cesc Fàbregas (83')

Defending champions Spain showed what they are capable off by beating the Irish convincingly 4-0 with striker Fernando Torres scoring a brace and further goals from David Silva and Cesc Fàbregas.

Like against Croatia, Ireland conceded an early goal as an opportunistic Fernando Torres used the chaos and lack of speed in the Irish defence to give La Roja the lead. Thereafter Spain toyed with Ireland, but often they did not look for a finish or keeper Shay Given was in the way. Spain did lead, but only by a goal and midfielder Keith Andrews had the best chance for Ireland in the first session.

The pattern remained the same after the breather, but Spain doubled their lead through a David Silva strike in the 49th minute before Fernando Torres scored his second of the night in the 70th minute. Substitute Cesc Fàbregas added a fourth for Spain just three minutes from time to seal a resounding 4-0 win.

Euro2012: Italy hold Spain, Croatia win

The 2012 European Championships kicked-off for the Group C teams tonight with matches in the Polish cities of Gdansk and Poznan. Italy surprised many by holding top favourites Spain to a draw, while Croatia showed their potential in their win against a fighting Ireland.


GROUP C

Spain 1-1 (0-0) Italy
Goals: 0-1 Antonio di Natale (61'), 1-1 Cesc Fàbregas (64')

Reigning World and European champions Spain were held to a surprise one-all draw by former champions Italy in their opening Group C match in Gdansk. It was one of the most anticipated matches of Euro2012 and the match lived-up to its expectations because Italy could match the Spaniards.

Spain wasn't its usual self early on as David Silva tried it long-range as the Italian bothered the Spanish defence time and again with their goalkeeper-cum-captain Iker Casillas having to come to his teams rescue a few times following a Andrea Pirlo shot, Antonio Cassano's low drive from the left and Thiago Mottas header.

But after the break Spain started to show glimpes of what they are capable off as no Italian captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had to defuse chances from Cesc Fàbregas and then Andrés Iniesta. On the other side young Mario Balotelli was free on goal after Sergio Ramos's slip, but Ramos himself incepted Balotelli before he could take an attempt on goal. Soon after Balotelli was replaced by Antonio di Natale and the Udinese striker with his first touch gave Italy the lead in the 61st minute. But it only lasted three minutes as Spain equalised with a great combination at blistering speed as Iniesta first found David Silva, whose perfect through-ball reached Cesc Fàbregas who sloted home past Buffon. Spain looked better towards the end as Italy looked tired, but Spain's best chances were both wasted by substitute striker Fernando Torres who first couldn't beat Buffon and then his effort landed on the goal netting. It ended one-all, a point with which both teams can live.


Ireland 1-3 (1-2) Croatia
Goals: 0-1,1-3 Mario Mandžukic (3',49'), 1-1 Sean St. Ledger (19'), 1-2 Nikica Jelavic (43')

Croatia got the better of a fighting Ireland as the team from the Balkans won 3-1 and showed that they could be a team to look out for while the Irish fans simply celebrated their team being at Euro2012.

Wolfsburg striker Mario Mandžukic gave the Croats a perfect start with a 3rd minute header following a corner. Ireland looked shocked, but they regrouped and got the equalised in the 19th minute off a Aiden McGeady free-kick which defender Sean St. Ledger headed in to the large joy of the Irish fans. But Croatia remained in control and put Ireland under a lot of pressure with their second goal coming two minutes before the break through a Nikica Jelavic strike.

Ireland were still in the match, but another early goal, this time in the fourth minute of the second session again by Mario Mandžukic, this time with a little bit of luck then his shot hit the post and then keeper Shay Given's head to go in and seal the game for Croatia though Ireland were denied a penalty when Robbie Keane was brought down. Thereafter the Croats controlled proceedings and had their chances with the best for Ivan Rakitic, but it went wide. Towards the end Ireland did get some chances but all were wasted by Keith Andrews as they lost 1-3 on their return to the European stage.

Euro2012: Italy name final 23 players squad

Italy have named their 23 players squad ahead of the 2012 European Championships. Italy have been drawn in Group C along with defending champions Spain, Ireland and Croatia.

Coach Cesare Prandelli left out Andrea Ranocchia (Internazionale Milan), Salvatore Bocchetti (Rubin Kazan) and Domenico Criscito (Zenit Saint Petersburg) due to different reasons. The case of Criscito is especially difficult for Prandelli, then the player is said to be involved in match fixing, the Italian police even checked his room at the Italy camp and was then released ahead of the tournament.


ITALY

Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus Torino), Morgan De Sanctis (SSC Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (FC Paris Saint-Germain)

Defenders
Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Federico Balzaretti (US Palermo), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus Torino), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus Torino), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus Torino), Cristian Maggio (SSC Napoli), Angelo Ogbonna (AS Torino)

Midfielders
Daniele de Rossi (AS Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (FC Bologna), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus Torino), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus Torino), Riccardo Montolivo (AC Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (FC Paris Saint-Germain), Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus Torino)

Forwards
Mario Balotelli (Manchester City), Fabio Borini (AS Roma), Antonio Cassano (AC Milan), Sebastian Giovinco (FC Parma), Antonio di Natale (Udinese Calcio)

FC Bayern Youth Cup: India finish fifth

The final of the inaugural FC Bayern Youth Cup was played yesterday (May 24) at the clubs Allianz Arena infront of 800 mainly school students with teams from Austria, China, India, Italy and host nation Germany taking part. The FCB Youth Cup is for boys in the 14 to 16 years age group with country/regional qualifiers held over the last few months to decide who would represent their country at the finals.

The format of the FC Bayern Youth Cup finals was round robin and teams of eight players out of squads of 10 took on each other with each team playing four matches of 20 minutes duration each. In the end the Italians won ahead of the Austrians, who both finished on the same number of points. China, Germany and India finished in third, fourth and fifth respectively.

The Indian team finished last following two draws and two defeats in their round robin league matches though the Indian boys played a good tournament, but after losing 0-1 in a close encounter against Germany they drew two-all against China. A talented India missed numerous scoring opportunities in the tournament which in the end resulted in the Indians finishing last, but the experience should help the boys in their overall football development.

The Indian representative team was put together from close to 1,100 boys who showed themselves to the FC Bayern Munich scouts at the Indian-leg of the FC Bayern Youth Cup in New Delhi and Mumbai last year before the best 10 were chosen from a 11 A-Side match ahead of the India vs Bayern Munich friendly on January 10 in New Delhi.

The FC Bayern Youth Cup has been made possible by FCB partners and sponsors adidas, Audi, Lufthansa, Trentino, UniCredit and Yingli Solar.

Euro2012 Groups are out

The draw for the groups for the 2012 European Championships jointly to be co-hosted by Poland and the Ukraine in June 2012 was carried out on Friday night in the Polish capital Warsaw. The 16 participating teams have been split into four groups of four teams each with the top two sides making it to the quarterfinals.

The toughest of the groups, this tournaments 'Group of Death', is certainly Group B which contains 1988 winners Netherlands, three-times former champions Germany, 1992 surprise champions Denmark and formidable Portugal led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Another group to look forward to is Group D in which co-hosts Ukraine will meet a strong Sweden, a rebuilding France and England, who are under pressure from their own fans to deliver a title at this tournament.

Defending champions Spain have a relatively weaker group, but will need to watch out when they face Italy, Ireland and Croatia. One of the most interesting encounters could be when Italy take on Ireland, who are coached by seasoned Italian Giovanni Trappatoni.

The most balanced, but also the weakest of all groups looks to be Group A in which co-hosts Poland take on 2004 champions Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic. Anyone of those four teams could advance to the knockout stage and cause an upset.


EURO2012 - GROUPS

Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic

Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal

Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia

Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England

VIDEO: Crazy Italian commentary/celebrations in Barca - Milan match

As a commentator and expert I have seen a lot in studios and at grounds. They ask you to be neutral, not show too many emotions. As a friendly producer would always say, be professional.

But in the video below the old gentleman simply goes berserk when AC Milan scores early and then equalises late in the match against FC Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League match last night. A real must watch!