Euro 2012 - Quarterfinal #3 (Spain v. France)

It's my birthday, so I am keeping it short and simple.

Euro 2012 Fearless Predictions - Day 12

After almost two weeks of Euro 2012 excitement we have reached the final round of games in the group stage. Group D takes center stage as France, England and Ukraine battle for the final two remaining spots in the knock-out round. Sweden, by virtue of their two defeats, have already been eliminated. Well let's get to it with our fearless predictions.

Euro 2012 Fearless Predictions - Days 6-8

You could argue I have been lazy, but I would rather say I have been pre-occupied. See, I have traveled down south to the coast of Maryland for the lovely wedding of two good friends from business school. Unable to post any fearless predictions, has clearly left my readers in a loop, but here is recap of what I would have predicted.

Euro 2012 Fearless Predictions - Day 4

Mondays are typically bad and when you compound them with being at the office while the Euro is ongoing, it really does not make for a fun start to the week. Regardless, this is my situation, what is yours? Skipping work, taking a 'sick' day or enjoying the life of being a graduate student and waking up just in time for kick-off? Anyways, here are today's fearless predictions.

Euro 2012 - Group D Preview

Before I jump into the Posts By Panos preview on Group D at Euro 2012, we should all take a step back and respect the spectacle for what it is, the best 16 teams in Europe battling for a continental championship. See in four years in France for Euro 2016, the tournament expands to 24 teams thus diluting the product and ruining what is probably the best month in sports. Regardless, let's get into Group D.

A Way Too Early Look At Euro 2012

Congratulations we have all survived another two year qualifying cycle for a major footballing tournament. This time we have managed to whittle down 53 of Europe's footballing nations to the 16 that will compete in Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. So that only means that Posts By Panos has to give you a way to early look at the tournament.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 14

So the final is set at the Women's World Cup as the United States will play Japan, the tournament's darlings and sentimental choice for the title. However, there is some business to attend to as this afternoon we will have the third place match between France and Sweden.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 13

Semifinal Wednesday does not quite have a ring to it, does it? Well, it doesn't matter because the semifinals for the Women's World Cup take place tomorrow afternoon and we will be a step closer to crowning a new queen in woman's football. So who do we think is going to win, well here are our fearless predictions.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 11

Eight teams are left at the Women's World Cup and this is where the tournament truly gets going. Let's take a look at the first two quarterfinal match-ups and pick our winners in this edition of fearless predictions.

Women's World Cup Panos Power Rankings - Edition #2

With the group stages completed at the Women's World Cup, I must say I have been captivated by the tournament. The level of play has surprised me and the lack of the theatrics that mar that men's game are not on display. The three big favorites still remain in Germany, the United States and Brazil with the only surprise, if you can even call it that, is that Canada were sent home early. Of course with the conclusion of the group stage, there is only one thing left to do . . . here are the PBP Power Rankings, Edition #2.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 9

It appears as if my Fearless Predictions for Day of the Women's World Cup did not post before my flight home from New York City. Regardless, here they are.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 5

Every team has had their opportunity to strut their stuff at the Women's World Cup and at first glance Germany and the United States have been two of the more impressive sides, while Norway and Sweden, the Scandinavian beauties, have struggled against lower-ranked opponents. There is no need to panic, yet, as all teams still have a realistic shot to advance to the knock-out stage. Here are Day 5's fearless predictions.

Fearless Predictions - Women's World Cup - Day 1

Regardless of gender there is nothing more exciting than the opening day of a World Cup. Months of preparation have been building for these moments, where players can become legends and teams can become champions. Wow, if this post could get any more cliche we might as well hire James Earl Jones to provide the voice over. So, why not have some time for our world famous fearless predictions. As always enjoy the matches and remember PBP are not responsible for your gambling wins and losses, although if you do win, we will gladly take a beverage or two. Henrick's gin is always a good start.

Women's World Cup Panos Power Rankings - Edition #1

With a couple days to go before the start of the Women's World Cup it is time for a Posts By Panos tradition as we present the first edition of the Women's World Cup Power Rankings. Enjoy!

Sidenote: Odds are given as a multiplier and were taken from www.betbrain.com

Women's World Cup Preview - Group A

To be completely honest I was preparing to write an article or two on the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the past couple of days until I saw a few matches on television. The level of football played is pretty abysmal, first with the US losing to Panama and then with Canada barely squeezing by Guadeloupe. The only team that has accomplished anything of note is Mexico and five of their players have been kicked off the team due to a tainted blood sample because of some sketchy chicken . . . . . hmm, really who is sketchy here, the Mexicans or chicken? Couple that with the accusations of corruption due to ex-CONCACAF president Jack Warner and you really have the ugly stepchild of the FIFA family. So forget CONCACAF, it's garbage, and to be honest why not give some love to the ladies who play the beautiful game. With the Women's World Cup starting in 11 days, why not give you a special Posts By Panos preview. So let's get to it!

2010 FIFA Puskas Award - Poll Question

After watching the nominees for the 2010 FIFA Puskas Award, which goal deserves your vote?

Here are the goals again - http://www.postsbypanos.com/2010/11/2010-fifa-puskas-award-goal-of-year.html

poll by twiigs.com

FIBA World Basketball Championships - Sweet Sixteen Preview

After a week and a half of round robin basketball action, we have finally entered the knock-out single elimination stage of the FIBA World Basketball Championships. We have had our fair share of disappointments, thank you Canada and surprises, way to go New Zealand. So let's get our perspective on the upcoming matches with some fearless predictions.

FIBA World Basketball Championships - Group D Preview

After a couple days off enjoying the Toronto summertime weather, I am ready to dive back into the FIBA World Basketball Championships with the final group preview. So onto Group D, enjoy!

Poll Question Of The Week - Week #4

poll by twiigs.com

Laurent Blanc's Scorched Earth Policy

Laurent Blanc has a rather large set of cajones. In his first act as the new head coach of the French national team, Blanc has managed to cut all 23 French World Cup players for his first match in charge, a forthcoming friendly against in Norway in Oslo. In one swift kick to French testicles, Blanc has managed to banish, embarrass and ridicule all 23 members of the World Cup squad.

Just a little back story for anyone who has been living under a rock for the past month or so. During the World Cup the French national team went on strike due to discontent in the camp. Reportedly many members of the squad were upset with Raymond Domenech's tactics or lack of tactics and organized a players' revolt. Furthermore, the players were furious that Nicholas Anelka was banished from the team after the second match for speaking his mind towards Domenech. Leave it to the French to go on about revolutions and the such. Regardless, the players' strike was led by captain Patrice Evra and seconded by the many of the older members of the squad, William Gallas, Eric Abidal and Thierry Henry just to name a few. Before their third game of the tournament, Domenech stripped Evra of the captaincy and benched many of the players behind the revolt.

This brings us to today, where the FFF, the French Football Federation, announced their decision due to the recommendation from Laurent Blanc:

"Laurent Blanc proposed, and the council accepted, to retain for the friendly against Norway on Aug. 11 in Oslo none of the 23 players selected by the French Federation for the World Cup in South Africa. Laurent Blanc will announce the list of players selected for the game against Norway on Aug. 5 at the FFF headquarters."

I must say that I am shocked that first of all the FFF would agree to such a drastic measure, and I also must applaud them for backing their coach 100%. In an era in sports where we see the player controlling everything, such as LeBron and the LeBacle, it is refreshing to see an organization not fold to the demand's of the players but rather allowing for the coach to have the upper-hand. Footballers are given a tremendous amount of power, money and fame, and perhaps with this decision, some might sit back and realize it is an honor to wear their nation's jersey rather than just something else that was handed to them.