With everything still to play for in Group C, there was no chance of Spain taking Croatia lightly in their final group game at the PGE Arena in Gdansk, Poland, despite being tipped as considerable favorites.

In a tournament already renowned for its display of good attacking football, a reversal in the trends of recent European Championships, it was with some surprise that both sides came out fairly conservative, with neither team fashioning any clear chances early on. The best chance should arguably have fallen to Mario Mandzukic, who seemed to be fouled inside the penalty box by Sergio Ramos, but referee Wolfgang Stark did not penalize the Spanish defender much to the ire of the Croatian team and fans.

A lack of urgency plagued the rest of the first half, but with news arriving just before half time that Italy had taken the lead against the Republic of Ireland, a result which, if this match remained a deadlock, would confine Spain to second place in the group and Croatia to an early trip home from the tournament, events were poised for a dramatic upturn in tempo in the second half.

The realization that they would be going out of the tournament seemed to sink in for the Croatians, and they began to show real attacking intent early in the second half. This in turn opened up the game for Spain, who were pushing hard for a goal and a return to the top of the group table, only to be repeatedly denied by fierce Croatian defending.

The best chance of the game so far fell to Ivan Rakitic in the 58th minute when Luka Modric galloped away from his man on the right wing and delivered a pinpoint cross for Rakitic who, despite being unmarked, could only direct his header straight at the waiting Iker Casillas.

Despite facing the prospect of finishing second in the group, and theoretically facing tougher opposition in the quarter-final stage of the tournament, Spain seemed hesitant to push too many players forward in search of a winning goal, preferring to remain defensively disciplined and limit Croatia’s chances as much as possible.

With the minutes running out, Croatia were beginning to throw everyone forward in an attempt to keep their Euro 2012 dream alive, but as is often the way late in games, they were caught on the counter by Spain and substitute Cesc Fabregas lifted the ball over the defensive line for Andres Iniesta, who drew the goalkeeper and slipped a pass to Jesus Navas for the Sevilla player to slip into the unguarded net.

The late goal secured the top spot for Spain, whilst a 2-0 victory for Italy over the Republic of Ireland gave them the second qualifying place, with both teams eager to find out who they will face in the quarter-finals. With both England and France in a position to qualify from Group D, along with co-hosts Ukraine, there is the potential for some mouth watering clashes between Europe’s elite in the next round and all eyes will be on the matches between England and Ukraine and France and Sweden to see who Spain and Italy will face next.

Image Courtesy of  Continental AG & Claudio Villa

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Hamburg, Germany- On April 24, 2012 Bulgaria passed an energy efficiency act and by doing so clearly emphasised the necessity for efficiency in energy use.

During a personal visit from Martin Richard Kristek, CEO of Care-Energy, to the Deputy Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism Valentin Nikolov in Sofia on April 25, Mr Kristek applauded this precedent-setting action and the country’s clear determination to use energy in an efficient and therefore sustainable fashion. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov adopted the new chapter – energy efficiency – on the implementation of EU energy efficiency guidelines.

The same day, Martin Richard Kristek, in his role as managing director and owner of the Care-Energy group of companies, created the company Care-Energy Bulgaria OOD, with its headquarters in Sofia. “I am very proud that Dr. Atanas Kanchev has agreed to take on the position of CEO for this company, and together with Care-Energy Bulgaria OOD, we will do everything in our power to support the objectives set by the government,” said Martin Richard Kristek.

Dr. Atanas Kanchev studied business at the highly acclaimed “D.A. Tsenov” Academy of Economics in Svishtov, held the post of Deputy Minister of Finance in Bulgaria from 2007 to 2009, and holds key positions in finance to this day.

Care-Energy Bulgaria OOD, with its headquarters in Sofia, will take on the responsibility of building and extending the business activities of Care-Energy in Bulgaria as well as in Croatia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. All Care-Energy business activities will be modelled on those practiced by Care-Energy in Germany. This includes an energy trading desk for delivering and supplying electricity, gas and other energy related and environmental products from and within the CEE region to resellers and bulk buyers.

Image Courtesy of    President of the European Council

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Despite Group B containing the likes of Germany, Portugal and Holland, Group C will also show off a number of young stars in Poland and Ukraine this summer. Current holders as well as World Cup winners Spain are the favorites, but they’ll face stiff competition from Italy, Ireland and Croatia in what promises to be a close group.

Jordi Alba (Valencia & Spain)

He is Barcelona through and through, apart from the fact he plays for Valencia. The talented left-back grew up in Catalonia and played for the Barca youth team, but Alba has come to be noticed with his defensive and attacking performances for Valencia in the last couple of years. He’s still only 23 and seems almost certain for a move to Barcelona sooner rather than later.

His international career has only just begun going though, Alba has made 3 appearances for the national team starting last year, but with left-back possibly the only position Spain lacks a definite starter in, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Alba in that position when Spain kicks off against Italy in June.

Iker Muniain (Athletic Club & Spain)

The little 19-year old is being touted as the next big thing, Muniain’s name was known before this season, but two performances against Manchester United in the Europa League really brought him to prominence. He’s not a prolific goal scorer but the winger is creative and quick. He won’t be a starter for Spain this summer, and he might not even make the squad such is the talent flowing through the Spanish ranks, but he made his international debut this year and definitely has a shot at boarding the plane in a few months.

Javi Martinez (Athletic Club & Spain)

Another one of Athletic’s prodigies, Javi Martinez is a little ahead of Iker Muniain. The 23-year old has already made over 100 appearances for the La Liga side and captained the Spanish U21 side to the U21 European Championship title last summer. The defensive midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League and seems destined to become a top midfielder.

His international career is also ahead of Muniain. He’s only made 7 caps, but he made his debut back in 2010, and, like Muniain, may not even make the plane this summer. Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi Alonso & Sergio Busquets is tough competition to get in on but if Martinez does go to the EURO’s this summer, he’s sure to do himself justice.

Fabio Borini (AS Roma & Italy)

Similar to Portugal, there’s not a great deal of youth flowing through the current Italy squad, but if there is one man who could make an impact in a side looking to recover from an embarrassing World Cup campaign, it’s Fabio Borini. The 21-year old never really got a chance to impress at Chelsea, but he has had 9 goals in 19 appearances for Roma this season and has put himself in contention for the Italy squad this summer.

His impact didn’t go unnoticed by his national side, and Borini made his senior debut for Italy this year against the USA. Like others mentioned so far, Borini’s not certain to be on the plane to Eastern Europe this summer, but if Italy are to look towards a more youthful approach, Borini might be the man.

James McClean (Sunderland & Ireland)

Here’s a name who might be more familiar to the majority of readers. Premier League winger, James McClean, has a real chance of going to the EURO’s this summer. He was bought last summer but didn’t make an appearance until Steve Bruce was sacked, making his debut shortly after 2012 began well for McClean. He started his first game on January 1st, and impressed in the victory over Manchester City.

Since then, McClean has gone on to give many defenders issues and has been key to Sunderland’s climb up the table. Like Borini, McClean has gotten one international cap but has put himself in contention and Ireland would be unwise not to take a chance on him this summer.

Sime Vrsaljko (Dinamo & Croatia)

Football Manager fans rejoice! Vrsaljko may be unheard of in real life to many, but in Croatia he and a few other young players have been making waves and giving themselves a chance at a spot in the squad for this summers tournament. Vrsaljko is one of them. The Dinamo right-back has made 45 appearances for his club and this season has broken into the Croatia squad on three occasions.

He’s definitely one for the future but there’s no reason why Sime can’t make the plane this summer, along with a few other starlets.

Milan Badelj (Dinamo & Croatia)

Milan Badelj is 23 but still has a big future ahead of him. The creativity at the hub of Dinamo’s domestic success, Badelj has already surpassed 150 appearances for his club, and has 30 goals to show for it. Like his younger team-mate, Badelj also has three caps for Croatia, but playing further up the field he’s already scored his first goal for the national side.

Badelj is another one of those who could be on the fringes of the squad this summer, but like many other teams, Croatia could look towards youth sooner rather than later, and if they do, Badelj & Vrsaljko may be at the very top of the list.

Image Courtesy of   DSPA / Shutterstock.com

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