Articles
Ghost of absent Cristiano Ronaldo haunted Euro 2016 final, but Portugal prove they are greater than sum of their parts
Ian Hawkey writes now we know - 'Portugal are no more a one-man team than they are the perpetual nearly-men of international football'.
Euro 2016 final: France, who had fallen to such lows, nearing a restorative high
Ian Hawkey writes in the intervening period since France won the 1998 World Cup, they have had moments - such as in 2010 - that have hurt the soul of the team, and that can be made right in the Euro 2016 final.
Portugal, with memories of 1984 and 2000 fresh, have a score to settle against France
Portugal, losing finalists in 2004, have twice been denied by France at the semi-final stage of the tournament, including one controversial encounter.
Antoine Griezmann makes most of his opportunities against Germany as France continue to rise
‘Grizou’ is the star, alright. He has six goals now, after his double propelled France to a 2-0 semi-final victory and dethroned the Germans. Ian Hawkey reports from Marseille.
Portugal get menacing Cristiano Ronaldo they needed, as Wales simply needed more Gareth Bales
Ian Hawkey offers his takeaways on Portugal's Euro 2016 semi-final victory over Wales, which saw a Cristiano Ronaldo who has been subdued at times this tournament at his determined best.
Euro 2016: France, a cautious side under siege so far, now in need of bold and daring
Ian Hawkey writes 'France will need their most authoritative showing yet to emerge victorious against Germany' and it will take a bold plan from their manager to achieve.
Euro 2016 Wales v Portugal: Not perfect, but neither lucky, Welsh are simply ‘streetwise’
Ian Hawkey writes Wales did not exactly inspire confidence when they set out on their Euro 2016 path, but over time they have become a steely bunch that will trouble Portugal.
Euro 2016 France v Iceland: France need to start against Iceland like they finished against Ireland
Les Bleus have to do better at the start of their quarter-final than they have in previous matches in the tournament, writes Ian Hawkey.
Euro 2016 loses its dark horse in Belgium, but gains a bright underdog in Wales
Ian Hawkey writes 'it was not a fluke' on Friday night as Wales bounded over Belgium and into history with a 3-1 victory that sent them to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
Euro 2016 Italy v Germany: Antonio Conte’s clever calculus to get a world class examination
Ian Hawkey writes for all of Antonio Conte's deft manoeuvring during Euro 2016, whether it is enough to fully compensate for Italy's talent deficiencies will truly be proven against Germany.
Renato Sanches, Portugal’s latest hero, upstages Cristiano Ronaldo in Euro 2016 quarter-final
Ian Hawkey analyses the Euro 2016 quarter-final between Portugal and Poland, focusing on teenage sensation Renato Sanches.
Euro 2016 Belgium v Wales: Axel Witsel, divisive and yet indispensable, dares to be great
Ian Hawkey identifies Zenit Saint Petersburg man Axel Witsel as Belgium's X-factor against Wales, for his exceptional defensive nous that comes with not inconsiderable baggage.
Euro 2016 Portugal v Poland: Stout goalkeeping with Wojciech Szczesny has Poles in prime position
Germany could not score against the Poles in the group phase. Nor could Ukraine or Northern Ireland. Switzerland, beaten via penalty-kicks at the last-16 phase, needed 82 minutes to penetrate the Polish barrier.
After slow start, Antoine Griezmann assumes Euro 2016 role akin to Zinedine Zidane at World Cup ‘98
Ian Hawkey looks at the growing importance of forward Antoine Griezmann to France's hopes of success at Euro 2016, after his two goals against Ireland secured a place in the quarter-finals.
