Diagnoses: Peaking too soon

Dutch FA: What happened doc? He was doing so well. He seemed fit, strong and there was an air of confidence about him. 

Doctor: He suffered from a case of peaking too soon, I’m sorry for your loss.  

Dutch FA (KNVB): I don’t understand. peaking too soon? 

Doctor: Yes, its case normally suffered by New-Zealanders when entering a Rugby competition. They do extremely well before the tournament by brushing teams aside and producing outstanding performances. The problem comes from the pressure of the fans, media and coaches to maintain this high standard, that when there is a chance they might lose…they start to panic. 

Dutch FA (KNVB): oh, I see. Maybe next time 

Fair play to Russia who completely deserved there win, at times during the match they completely took control of the match. The defense was well-aware at back and contained them for long periods of time, causing the Dutch to become frustrated and to take there chances from long distances. However, I was bit surprised that the Dutch looked slightly tired and sluggish during extra time compared to the Russians, even though most of there star players got to rest during the third Match day.  

Well done to Guus Hiddink for leading Russia to the semi-finals, which is a fantastic achievement. However, I was annoyed with his antics and celebrations at the end. It is one thing to knock-out your home country but to celebrate in his manner was disrespectful to all the Dutch fans. He could have taken an example from much younger professionals such as Podolski on how to act when you defeat your home nation. 

Club News: James McFadden is reported to have told his agent he wants to leave Birmingham after they were relegated to the Championships. This is understandable, McFadden is in the prime of his career and would want to push his abilities at the highest level. With Celtic reported interested in him and I’m sure a number of Premiership clubs will inquire about his availability.

Bastian Schweinsteiger speaks about his desire to one day play in the Premiership. With his contract at Bayern almost expiring, the move might materialize this summer. He spoke to Sunday Mail: 

"England does have a good appeal as it is one of the world's best leagues. "I've always wanted to play there and we'll see if it happens this year."

If he does move to the English Premiership, I am sure he will be looking to move to one of the big four. I see him as a good addition to the Liverpool squad, who need more goals and supply from the midfield.  

Lots of news about Adebayor but since writing anything down about this will only be repeating what a million other blogs and news articles have said about him. So I move on   To Roma who have signed the other half of Mirko Vucini for a reported 12 million euros from Lecce. I think he was over priced purchase of a striker who only returned 9 goals last season. If Roma do really want to push Inter for the title especially with the appointment of Mourinho, they must make more inspirational signings than Riise and Vucinic. 

To end with Wolfsburg are looking to add to there impressive signings of Barzagli and Zaccardo with an attempt purchase the small-town boy Alexander Hleb. I think the lovely and quite scenery of Wolfsburg and the calmness of Uefa Cup football is exactly what Alex Hleb needs.