afootballreport:

Every passing tournament brings a new kind of coverage.

I don’t know about you, but for me last night was not pretty. Striving for more football to sustain my Euro 2012 fix, I resorted to Beach Football, followed by futsal. Obviously, it just wasn’t the same. Actually, it got ugly. I know the (Beckham-less) Olympics will be here soon, but after Spain lifted yet another trophy I couldn’t help but look back on just how fantastic Euro 2012 was.

But beyond the drama on the pitch, it’s always fascinating to see how coverage on the internet progresses every time a major tournament comes around. In 2010, Twitter and Tumblr took to the World Cup. While both were still in full force, something refreshing popped up on YouTube: KickTV. Only a few months old, KickTV has been something that transcends the type of coverage found on ESPN and the BBC. It’s more intimate and interactive, and the ridiculous amount of all-access, yet fan-centric content is refreshing.

One of KickTV’s main presenters, the easy-going Jimmy Conrad (former United States Men’s National Team player and MLS All-Star), went to Poland and Ukraine to cover the tournament and take in “his first major sporting event as a fan.” The video posted above is a “Best Of” of his right of passage into fandom in Eastern Europe, which is unlike any coverage of a sporting event I’ve seen. I’m predicting big things for KickTV as they continue to grow, and I’ve subscribed to their channel to go along for the ride. [Posted by EB]

As stated above, I’m genuinely fascinated to see what becomes of the KICK TV project.

La Furia Roja vs. Gli Azzurri: Who’s ready for the final?

We have had a truly magnificent Euro 2012. Somehow, the stars aligned in Poland and Ukraine and we had a tournament filled with goals, tactics, and some of the the best football to be found, anywhere. But two nations are into the final, and rightfully so. Pirlo and Balotelli have made Italians proud of their national team once again. For Xavi, Iniesta, Iker, and the rest of the Spaniards, it’s essentially been business as usual. Tiki taka will be the main force at the final, but Italy will do everything in their power to avoid defeat against the Spanish for the second time in the tournament.

Which side do you think will win Euro 2012?

afootballreport:

You’ll never beat the Irish spirit.

Ireland needed a result to prevent themselves from being knocked out of Euro 2012, but Spain were Spain, the best team in the world. Losing 4-0 in the dying minutes of the match, the 25,000 traveling Irish fans did the unthinkable. This was a time for despair. This was a time for utter misery. After all, the Irish were about to ensure that they would not progress beyond the tournament’s group stage.

But the Irish fans did not succumb to such negativity. Instead, they bursted into singing The Fields of Athenry, an old Irish folk song about maintaining dignity and hope when you have nothing else left. The Spanish or the Germans may win Euro 2012, but the Irish will leave this tournament with all the respect in the world. [posted by EB]

Spectacular.