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UEFA Euro 2012 USA TV Schedule for group stage - US Television Networks
The European Championship - UEFA Euro 2012 is arguably one of the biggest and toughest National team soccer tournaments in the World. The event occurs every four years alternating on even numbered years with the FIFA World Cup. This year, the massive event will take place in Poland and Ukraine who will co-host the event. Euro 2012 kicks off on June 8th and runs until July 1st.
In the United States the Television rights have been awarded to ESPN. ESPN will show every match LIVE in both English and Spanish on their family of television sports channels. Specifically, the Spanish Language broadcasts will air on ESPN Deportes. The english language broadcasts will air on ESPN AND ESPN2.
In all, ESPN family of channels will combine to televise over 200 hours of live exclusive coverage of the UEFA EURO 2012. All the 31 matches will be available live and in high definition on US Television. In addition, ESPN will offer additional coverage US viewers and listeners on the other ESPN multip-platform channels: ESPN3, WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes Radio and ESPN Mobile TV.
Euro 2012 online in the USA
ESPN will offer all 31 matches live on it's broaband channel ESPN3 in both English and Spanish. Subscribers will be able to view all matches on-demand and in replay. ESPN will offer soccer subscribers of Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Verizon FiOS TV access to all matches on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3 via WatchESPN. Access will be available on tablets via the WatchESPN app.
NBC Sports Group's MLS coverage continues Friday with Houston Dynamo at Seattle Sounders
NEW YORK –March 21, 2012 –The NBC Sports Group’s MLS season coverage continues Friday at 10 p.m. ET on the NBC Sports Network when the Seattle Sounders host the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo have opened the season with two straight wins, while the Sounders scored a 3-1 victory on Saturday against Toronto FC in their MLS season opener, with forward David Estrada scoring the club’s third hat trick in its history.
COMMENTATORS: The team of Arlo White (@arlowhite, play-by-play), and Kyle Martino (@kylemartino, “Between the Benches” analyst) will call the game from CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash. NBC SportsTalk host Russ Thaler (@RussThaler) will host the pre-game, halftime and post-game segments live from the game site, with White and Martino.
NBC Sports Group continues MLS coverage this Sunday with Colorado Rapids at Philadelphia Union
NEW YORK –March 14, 2012 –The NBC Sports Group’s second MLS match of the season kicks-off this Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on the NBC Sports Network when the Philadelphia Union host the Colorado Rapids. The Union experienced a tough 3-1 loss in their opening game in Portland against the Timbers on Monday, while the Rapids are coming off a 2-0 win in their season-opening game against the Columbus Crew at home on Saturday.
Commentators: The team of Arlo White (@arlowhite, play-by-play), and Kyle Martino (@kylemartino, “Between the Benches” analyst) will call the game from PPL Park in Chester, Pa. NBC SportsTalk host Russ Thaler (@RussThaler) and Portland Timbers analyst Robbie Earle will host the pre-game, halftime and post-game segments live from the game site, with contributions from White and Martino.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group A
Key match-ups
Equatorial Guinea vs Libya
This game will not really be interesting because of the public’s expectations. But still, it is expected to get a lot of attention, as it will be the opening match. Of course, anything special from these teams during the course of the encounter can cause spectators to get attached to them and give them more support in their subsequent challenges.
Senegal vs Zambia
Just after the opening match, Senegal and Zambia lock horns. These two countries are expected to lead Group A, and so the score line of this game is likely to be key in determining the outcome of both the Lions of Teranga and the Chipolopolo in the table. A bad result for either side could give more hope to Equatorial Guinea and Libya.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group B
Key match-up
Ivory Coast vs Angola
With Sudan and Burkina Faso not having much to offer, this is the only match-up one can await with impatience. While Ivory Coast have proved that they can be very deadly in attack, Angola can also pride themselves with their unique way of protecting their goal line. It will be Group B’s last game, and with both countries presented with good opportunities to reach the quarter-finals, it is understandable that a draw will surely not do any good to either sides.
Favourites to qualify
Ivory Coast’s strength on paper is just too evident for anyone not to consider them as Group B favourites. With players such as CAF player of the Year Yaya Toure, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Arsenal playmaker Gervinho, the Ivorians will have no excuse available if ever they fail to top their table. Angola’s side is also very powerful defensively, and their sharp attack is anticipated to be the key that will unlock the door to Group B’s second place.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group C
Key match-ups
Niger vs Tunisia
Niger are not a country to overlook. They went from underdogs to surprise package in the qualifiers, stunning South Africa and Egypt along the way. At the same time, Tunisia are expected to gather their forces and impose themselves in Group C. It will be a matter of confidence for one side, and experience for the other.
Gabon vs Tunisia
As hosts, Gabon will have no right to allow themselves to lose any point. But Tunisia are not an easy side, and memories of the two teams’ meeting in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations could make this very game somehow more exciting. Having gone through a goalless draw two years ago, both the Panthers and the Eagles of Carthage will want to achieve something more concrete this time around.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group D
Key match-ups
Ghana vs Botswana
With their attainments in the last few years, Ghana’s young side have proved that they are not a side to underestimate. It will be interesting to see them battling Botswana, who are just making their first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament. But that surely does not mean that they are simply minnows. An impressive qualification run that saw them top Group K is just enough to send the Black Stars a strong warning.
Ghana vs Guinea
The two countries met in the opening match of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, when Ghana were then hosting the tournament. A 2-1 victory for the Black Stars threw the Guineans on the back foot after Day 1, but the story is likely to be different this time around. “Revenge” is not necessarily the keyword in this game; but in any case, the National Elephants have a realistic idea of how dangerous the Ghanaians can be. Thus, we could be in for a game of strategy and techniques.
UEFA Euro 2012 Group of Death: Germany with Portugal & Holland. Who’ll be doomed?
Before the UEFA Euro 2012 final draw, analysts tipped Spain or Germany to lead the eventual “group of death”. The caliber of Italy, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland cannot match the power of Portugal, Denmark and the Netherlands. It’s thus fair to brand Group B as the most difficult table ahead of Group C. Group A and Group D, however, look more even. Poland could try their luck and succeed in reaching the knockout stages as Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic fill the other positions.
Ukraine might have a tougher task since France and England are favorites to clinch Group D’s top two spots. Like in 2008, Sweden may suffer yet another disappointing campaign.
Defending champions Santos to take part in Group 1 as the draw for the 2012 Copa Libertadores was made on Friday
The match-up between Penarol of Uruguay and Caracas FC of Venezuela is the only one to have already been decided corresponding to the first stage of the 2012 Copa Libertadores after the draw was made in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Friday.Penarol, one of the most successful clubs since the installment of the continental competition back in 1960, will entertain the Venezuelans in the inaugurating match at the Centenario stadium of Montevideo on January 25.
Defending champions Santos of Brazil, who boast two of South America's most exciting players in Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso, will take part in Group 1, alongside a team from Peru and Bolivia, and the winners of the first round match-up between a side from Brazil and Colombia.
Manchester United set up dramatic UEFA Champions League Group C finale with Benfica draw
The result means United and Benfica are currently tied for first place in the group on nine points, while third placed FC Basel won 3-2 at Otelul Galati last night to move themselves only one point further back.Benfica took an early lead courtesy of a Phil Jones own goal at Old Trafford, before Dimitar Berbatov equalized before half-time. Darren Fletcher put United in front during the second half, only for Pablo Aimar to equalize a minute later.
It took only four minutes for Benfica to stun the home crowd, when Nicolas Gaitan burst down the right and had his cross deflected into the United net by Jones.
Manchester United vs Benfica is both sides’ crucial chance for Group C’s top spot
Expect Manchester United to be much better armed this time out. The Red Devils showcased their resilience in Lisbon during the first leg. A stunning goal from the evergreen Ryan Giggs saved Manchester United’s from Benfica’s hands after Cardozo put the Eagles in front.
In the end, it was difficult to separate both sides. The heroics of Anders Lindegaard also influenced the final 1-1 result.
Manchester United are now eying victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday night as Darren Fletcher confirmed in a pre-match interview with reporters on Monday:
"You do want to finish top. It give you little perks like having the second leg at home. There are a few aspects to topping the group which benefit you in the long run."
Euro 2012 seeding done as Spain, England, Portugal & France could be in one group
Ukraine and Poland have been seeded due to their status as co-hosts. Spain and the Netherlands complete Pot 1. La Roja and the Oranje are currently superior to any other team in the competition in terms of coefficients.Pot 2 sees Germany, Italy, England and Russia lined up. The Germans boast of showcasing the best football in the world since the past 12 months, the Italians claim to have found their new talisman in the form of Italy’s “problem child” Mario Balotelli, the Three Lions are looking forward to life at Euro 2012 without Wayne Rooney and the Russians want to keep progressing in the world of football.
FC Bayern and Napoli will Battle at the Allianz Arena in a Vital Clash in Group A
Bayern currently leads the group on seven points with Napoli in second on five points. On Wednesday, if Bayern wins and Villarreal wins, Bayern will qualify regardless of results on the final two match-days. However, if they lose, they will find themselves second in the group and in trouble. Recent form again does not suggest that Bayern will run into trouble. After the match in Italy, Bayern lost to Hanover. In that match, they did lose a man and yet was unlucky to lose. They have since picked themselves up with wins over Ingolstadt in the German Cup and Nuremberg in the Bundesliga by a combined score-line of 10-0.
Dramatic Aaron Ramsey Winner Puts Arsenal Top of UEFA Champions League Group F
Sergio Aguero had given Manchester City victory the previous day with a stoppage time goal, and this time Ramsey stepped up to give Arsenal an equally dramatic victory.The Gunners came into this game two points behind then group leaders Marseille, and now sit top and have given themselves a strong chance of progressing to the knockout rounds.
The first half was a cagey affair, with the biggest chance of note coming when Robin van Persie had a looping header cleared off the goal line by Souleymane Diawara.
Arsenal also created the first scoring chance of the second half when Theo Walcott’s low drive was saved well by Steve Mandanda.
Manchester City facing early exclusion from Champions League group stage contest
Things definitely don’t look good for Manchester City in Group A. Nothing is lost yet, but doom is surely glooming in the horizon. When the draw was made ahead of the UEFA Champions League campaign, Manchester City had very little to celebrate. They didn’t fall in the kindest group. Securing the third spot in the English Premier League last season brought joy to every Sky Blue across the globe. But the team now has to live to expectations in Europe or else accept a miserable fate. Villarreal are expected to provide Manchester City with a tough challenge tonight and ex-La Liga player David Silva knows it.
UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying: 10 things to know ahead of the last games
1) As at now, Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar leads the goal scorers’ chart. The Schalke 04 forward has netted 11 goals for his country in 594 minutes - imposing himself over Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who is 2 goals behind, having played 89 minutes less.2) Sweden’s Kim Källström is presently the top assist maker. The left-footed midfielder has assisted 7 goals in 718 minutes, but he could lose his spot in no time - being followed by 4 players, including his country mate Sebastian Larsson, who all have 6 assists to their names.
3) AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Schalke’s Huntelaar are hitherto the most accurate frontmen in the UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying, with 18 attempts on target each. Barcelona’s David Villa has also showed great energy, but his strikes have somewhat had less effects on goalies, with 17 attempts off target.
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying: From Group A to Group I—teams through & on the brink
Group A
Talking about the DFB Eleven, striker Miroslav Klose stated at a press conference this week that “this has to be the strongest team Germany has had if you look at the available players and talents.” Having scored 28 goals and conceded only 5 in 8 matches, it may be hard for anybody to contradict Klose’s statement.
The Germans have secured the top spot in Group A with 24 points. Turkey and Belgium, who occupy the second and third spot respectively, have been left to vie for the group’s unique play-off finish.
Manchester City handed UEFA Champions League Group of Opportunity
It is a catchy headline, and it is a common them now to use that phrase about the group with the best teams in it in all competitions these days. However, it is not necessarily true in the case of City. The term “Group of Death” implies struggle and an eventual elimination. By this measure, it is Viktoria Plzen who have been handed the group of death. They fill face FC Barcelona, AC Milan and BATE Borisov.
Plzen stand no chance of advancing and frankly will be lucky to get a point. City on the other hand could well have received a fantastic draw.
Regardless of how much money they have, the Citizens must still overcome the stigma of not being a traditional powerhouse. It is not east for example to get players away from Manchester United and Barcelona, simply because players want to join proven winners at the elite level.
2011/12 UEFA Europa League groups revealed: Spurs in Group A with Rubin Kazan
In arguably the most interesting group, Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham Hotspur will have to affront Russian giants Rubin Kazan. Group I could however compete against Group A as the most exciting. 2010 champions Atletico Madrid have been drawn alongside 2011/12 UEFA Champions League playoffs losers Udinese. Meanwhile, 2011 runners-up Sporting Braga fell in Group H with English side Birmingham City.
For Fulham, Dutch contenders FC Twente might also present a tough challenge in Group K. The 12 UEFA Europa League groups have been ranged as follows:
The UEFA Champions League Draw Brings Out a ‘Group of Death’
Recently, Ivica Olic sustained an injury which will keep him out for two months. The Bayern board had varying opinions on whether to spend more cash on a striker. While Jupp Heynckes ruled out any further spending, he must have been relieved to see Mario Gomez return to form. Following today’s draw, Bayern will feel that they need to be at their best to finish at the top of Group A. Manchester City, their English opponents will not be too happy to be paired against four time champions Bayern, 2006 semi-finalists and stylish Villarreal as well as the dangerous Italians, Napoli.