European Cup 2012 Tournament Schedule

The European Cup 2012, Euro 2012, starts on June 8. Each fixture, including kickoff times*, is listed along with its game day for the entire tournament. Only one group plays each day so there are two games per day. All times are in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of the United States east coast time (EST). For example, 1600 GMT is the same as 11:00 AM EST.

Group Assignments:

Group A

Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic 

Group B

Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and Portugal

Group C

 Spain, Italy, Croatia, Ireland

Group D

Ukraine, Sweden, France, England

Friday, June 8 (Group A)

Poland v Greece in Warsaw (1600)

Russia v Czech Republic in Wroclaw (1845)

Saturday, June 9 (Group B)

Netherlands v Denmark in Kharkiv (1600)

Germany v Portugal in Lviv (1845)

Sunday, June 10 (Group C)

Spain v Italy in Gdansk (1600)

Ireland v Croatia in Poznan (1845)

Monday, June 11 (Group D)

Ukraine v Sweden in Kiev (1845)

France v England in Donetsk (1600)

Tuesday, June 12 (Group A)

Poland v Russia in Warsaw (1845)

Greece v Czech Republic in Wroclaw (1600)

Wednesday, June 13 (Group B)

Denmark v Portugal in Lviv (1600)

Netherlands v Germany in Kharkiv (1845)

Thursday, June 14 (Group C)

Spain v Ireland in Gdansk (1845)

Italy v Croatia in Poznan (1600)

Friday, June 15 (Group D)

Ukraine v France in Donetsk (1845)

Sweden v England in Kiev (1600)

Saturday, June 16 (Group A)

Greece v Russia in Warsaw (1845)

Czech Republic v Poland in Wroclaw (1845)

Sunday, June 17 (Group B)

Denmark v Germany in Lviv (1845)

Portugal v Netherlands in Kharkiv (1845)

Monday, June 18 (Group C)

Croatia v Spain in Gdansk (1845)

Italy v Ireland in Poznan (1845)

Tuesday, June 19 (Group D)

Sweden v France in Kiev (1845)

England v Ukraine in Donetsk (1845)

Quarterfinals 

Thursday, June 21

1 - Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B in Warsaw (1845)

Friday, June 22

2 - Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A in Gdansk (1845)

Saturday, June 23

3 - Winner Group C v Runner-up Group D in Donetsk (1845)

Sunday, June 24

4 - Winner Group D v Runner-up Group C in Kiev (1845)

Semifinals 

Wednesday, June 27 

Winner quarter-final 1 v Winner quarterfinal 3 in Donetsk (1845)

Thursday, June 28

Winner quarter-final 2 v Winner quarterfinal 4 in Warsaw (1845)

Final 

Sunday, July 1 in Kiev (1845)

Euro 2012 Promo via ESPN

*The above Euro 2012 schedule was modified from this Reuters article.

AMP Summit Speakers Look at Future of News

The following article originally appeared on the Examiner.com website, where you can read more stories.

Social media is changing the world around us. This an accepted fact. However, the Newseum-hosted and YouTube-sponsored AMP Summit 2011 reiterated this truth in a new light. Serial entrepreneur Mark Ecko, former Howard Dean campaign manager Joe Trippi, and former Missouri governor Matt Blunt christened the proceedings with evocative keynote addresses. The speakers augered informative dialogue about a "people-powered" digital revolution, as the event organizer's David All Group website states.

Participants could select one of three tracks - Persuasion, Activation and Engagement - on their yellow brick road to renewed perspective. Peter Cherukuri, a vice president at AOL Huffington Post Media Group, moderated a breakout that addressed in elephant in many newsrooms: What does the future hold? The panel, "The Future of News: Immediate, Social, and Mobile," an Engagement session, tackled the issue with a scalpel.

Prior to the 2008 financial crisis, newsrooms were already cutting staff and struggling to find new ways to monetize their content. More than one speaker intimated a blurring of lines as businesses and non-profit organizations, such as the Red Cross, begin to "function like a news" agency. The resulting double identity raises fundamental questions about journalistic integrity and overlooked stories.

NPR reporter Eyder Peralta alluded to challenges regarding quality of listener-sourced information. While public radio lends itself to crowdsourced news, he recognized "we are still learning" how to vet content. Nevertheless he believes audiences will be able to sort out fact from fiction. "We underestimate the intelligence of the public," Peralta said.

Steve Buttry, social media czar at the Journal Register Company, underscored the looming issue of resources. News outlets must decide how "we can cover this slice and cover it well," Buttry said of story selection.

Monetizing Content

Journalists often follow the money trail toward a perceived antagonist. Appropriately so panelists pointed a finger in the direction of generating revenue as users increasingly prefer easily accessible online news.

Additionally, content is no longer cheap - it is free. The shift has created more competitors, destabilized gatekeepers and forced "old media" companies to spread their waning wealth around the rapidly growing space of online news production. "The tools of publishing are in everyone's hands" Buttry admitted.

Consequently, future attempts to commodify content will rely on funding from multifarious sources. This could entail niched advertising schemes that hone in on micro payments through paid sites or even online games.

News outlets will continue to pivot in an increasing digital age but users need not worry about missing the most important stories. "If it's important, it will find it's way to you," Cherukuri reassured.

Thankfully, the AMP Summit, an acronym for Activism, Media, and Policy, gave participants more than an excuse to attend yet another tech conference. Rather, the summit created a space for emerging and recognized leaders that to discuss burgeoning issues in their galaxy of the digital universe. But, perhaps more immediately, it served as a great way to wind up as weary practitioners enter the final quarter of 2011.

Writer's note: I would like to acknowledge fantastically creative and passionate team at the David All Group. I was thoroughly impressed with their unmatched organization, especially that of Laura Bolos, during a very busy day.

2011 Women's World Cup Final Report: USA v Japan

This 2011 Women's World Cup final embodied the drama, sorrow, and elation that earned soccer its moniker as "the beautiful game." Abby Wambach, who three matches earlier was branded an injury risk, was in her usual inspirational form with each match. Wambach scored decisive goals in the two preceding matches against Brazil and France. True to form the towering striker scored another crucial goal when her nation needed it: in overtime.

A 0-0 scoreline at halftime foreshadowed the drama to come. Lauren Cheney made way for Alex Morgan who represented the only change in a Starting XI that nearly scored three times in 45 minutes. Morgan strategically imposed her presence as a lead striker with Abby Wambach playing a deeper role. Ultimately, the California native opened her account in the 69 minute.

Japan's Aya Miyama pulled back a goal to keep the match interesting. Her 80th minute contribution left American jaws agape and Japanese fans smiling.

Miyama's effort simultaneously underscored the USWNT's fragile defense. Rachel Buehler, back from one match suspension, flailed at a tricky cross to no avail. Ali Kreiger, who scored the winning penalty against Brazil, was unable to clean up her teammate's error.

The high drama continued with two overtime goals from Abby Wambach and Homare Sawa. Despite the parity in scoreline, onlookers could see Japan was gaining strength.

However, penalty kicks dealt a permanent blow to America's heroines. With two early misses, Saki Kumagai eventually ended the USWNT quest for victory. One camera captured Pia Sundhage's pursed lips and sullen gaze in a moment that conveyed the thoughts of 11 American women standing arm in arm at midfield.

Verdict: A few of USWNT players will probably have rattled nerves they next time they don red, white, and blue. However, the match is an aberration in a tournament where America consistently proved it had heart. Still, Japan deserved to win as the USWNT defense crumbled before imploding during penalties.

Leave comments below sharing your thoughts about World Cup 2011! Keep up with my latest soccer tweets.

Where Is Javier Mascherano?

Monday's much-anticipated El Clasico turned out to be a Barcelona goal fest. In other derbies, the embarrassment would have led to calls for the resignation or sacking of the manager in question. Jose Mourinho's status as a legend is secure so, naturally, this was not an option.

Still, amid the pre-match buzz a formerly high profile name went missing: Javier Mascherano. Since arriving from Liverpool the stalwart Argentine midfielder has been absent from the Barcelona lineup in most competitions. He is still alive, as his Nike spot suggests, but he has already been written off as surplus requirements at the Nou Camp.

Why pay 22 million quid for a bench warmer? Is he merely a bargaining chip for next summer's transfer window? Like Ibrahimovic, Mascherano could be another one season wonder whose legacy could easily be swallowed up in the next six months of la Liga action. Meanwhile, the South American hard man will likely ride the Barcelona pine towards a few league honors.

If Barcelona come for Cesc Fabregas again, Mascherano is a tempting cash plus player option. While Alex Song has been slightly more convincing this season he is by no means a midfielder of Claude Makele's class. Arsenal need trophies and Song could easily be written off as collateral damage to win a title. Moreover, time is not on Arsene Wenger's side as age and Arsenal's patience are working against him.

Surprisingly, Mascherano, whose transfer from Liverpool was notoriously hush hush, has stayed suspiciously silent despite is noticeable absence from the Blaugrana starting XI. A cynical observer could even suggest that his outcast status is mutually understood and consented.

Where is Javier Mascherano? For now, he is at Barcelona. But it is unlikely that he will retain the same address in August of 2011.

How Strong Are You?

There is something indomitable about the human spirit. Surely, we have all heard this assertion in one form or another, however one seldom considers it's truth. History provides no shortage of examples of individuals who are forever etched in our collective memory. From Kyle Maynard to Michael Jordan, moments past and present are saturated with determined people who rose to the occasion when it counted.

The question is: How strong are you?

Juventus Visits Inter Milan

Tonight’s match featured two of storied sides in Juventus and Internaziole. Pre-match previews surely focused on Quagreglia and Sneijder but neither showed up in the first half. Tactically, the match played like chess with the sides trading shots throughout.

The first half left Juventus fans frustrated. The visitors were up to the challenge of playing away from home however the La Vecchia Signora could not take the lead. A Milos Krasic cross found Iaquinta's feet and the net. The goal was called back quickly after the linesman saw the striker was offside. The sides went into half time level and each side hopeful.

In the 57^th minute, Samuel Eto’o imposed his presence with a 90-yard run that beat three defenders and ended with a disappointing lack of support. Two minutes later, Krasic nearly added to his recent form with a blistering shot from 30 yards out. A sprawling Julio Cesar parried the effort wide.

Alessandro Del Piero’s 65^th minute appearance made Quagliarella the primary forward target minute. The introduction infused bianconeri supporters with enthusiasm and his side with confidence but Juventus still lacked the scoring touch.

A 67^th minute Sneijder free kick provided a rare flashpoint as Storari fell victim to Lucio’s misaimed kick. Samuel Eto’o quickly lowered hot tempers and continued proceedings. Quagliarella took issue, after beating a high defensive line, to nearly put his ahead through a firm, low shot.

The 78th minute added to Diego Milito’s goal-scoring frustrations as Estaban Cambiasso chipped a delightful ball over the Juventus defense. The Argentina’s first touch complemented the effort but the second was wanting.

In the 80^th minute, Alberto Aquilani made way for the hard man Momo Sissoko to indicate Juventus’ comfort with a draw. Despite having 60% of the ball possession, Inter obliged to usher the match towards the final whistle quietly.

Starting XI:

Juventus

Storari, Chiellini, Bonucci, Grygera, Melo, Marchiso, Aquilani, De Ceglie, Krasic, Quagliarella, Iaquinta,

Inter Milan

Julio Cesar, Lucio, Chivu, Cordoba, Maicon, Cambiasso, Stankovic, Coutinho, Sneijder, Bianbany, Eto’o

AC Milan v S.S. Lazio Match Report

Roman Club S.S. Lazio hosted AC Milan in a clash with several story lines flowing through the fixture. A resurgent Zlatan Ibrahimovic started for the visitors, Lazio's stadium formerly hosted events during the 1960 summer Olympics, and AC Milan new boy Robinho graced the field. It was a game of two halves with the first proving to be more pedestrian than the second.

After a slow start, the second half was full of flair. In the 66th minute, Ibrahimovic opened the scoring as the Lazio defence were beaten by the Swede's speed. He beat a desperate tackle from the keeper and poked the ball in from 12 yards out. Following a pair of goals in the Champions League Milan supporters will be encouraged seeing his third goal in three matches.

Lazio were not to be outdone. Hernanes sped passed Thiago Silva and Nesta to cross a perfect ball to a streaking Floccari. The 81st minute goal threatened to turn the game on its head as the Romans searched for a second goal.

In the 88th minute, Zambrotta delivered a powerful shot that struck the underside of the bar and bounced out. Moments later, Lazio responded in kind with a Floccari effort that beat Abbiati but trickled just wide.

Robinho's late introduction did not provide the desired impetus as Milan settled for a 1-1 draw. Lazio deserved the resulted. Still, the Rossoneri will have to sort out how they let the game slip away.

Have your say: Is this result the first crack in AC Milan's armor?

Goals:

Ibrahimovic 66'

Floccari 81'

Starting XI

AC Milan

Abbiati, Thiago Silva, Nesta, Zambrotta, Abate, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Boateng, Ronaldinho,

Ibrahimovic

S.S. Lazio

Maslera, Dias, Biava, Radu, Ledesma, Brocchi, Floccari, Hernanes, Foggia, Cavanda, Mauri

Substitutions (In/Out):

AC Milan:

Flamini/ Gattuso 69'

Antonini/Abate 83'

Robinho/Sedorf 87'

S.S. Lazio:

Rocchi/Foggia 74'

Zarate/Mauri 79'

Lichtsteiner/ Cavanda 87'