Biscotti

The Italians had referred to the potential conspiracy as ‘biscotti’. ‘Biscuit’ from the French term for ‘twice cooked’. ‘Biscuit’, for if Spain scored two, and allowed Croatia to score two, then whatever the Azzurri did against the Irish would not matter.

But in the end, the biscuit crumbled.

Greek heroes

They needed to be as strong as Hercules. Strength to perform not twelve, but one task.  They needed to have the courage of Perseus. Courage to fight not mythical characters, but real men. They knew they were weak. They had to make sure that the arrows did not find their Achilles heel.

And just like the 300 at Thermopylae, no one gave them a chance.

Greece went into their final group game at Euro 2012 knowing that only a win would do. But they were up against it. Up against Russia who, just like Xerxes’s Persia had looked all conquering and mighty. The Russians were firm favourites. Only an upset would see Greece through to the quarter finals. An upset that never looked likely to be on the cards.

What next for Italy?

Few understand the complications that go with being a tifosi.

On the one hand, we are not many. Actually, I am yet to meet anyone who supports Gli Azzurri as much as I do. This means that whenever there is success, I am the last one laughing. Just as it was in 2006. When it’s you against the world, the win feels that much sweeter.’

On the other hand, defeat means that I am the only one being laughed at. And when it’s you against the world, that leaves a mightily bitter taste in the mouth.

Spain and Italy play out to a winning draw

It was a dance in Gdansk.

The most awaited tie of the round pitted Spain against Italy. Supporters of both teams were optimistic. The question was who would come out victorious.

In different ways, both teams did.

Vicente Del Bosque sprang a surprise. The question in Spanish newspapers was whether to start Fernando Torres or Alvaro Negredo. Del Bosque went for neither.