Word on the Tweet: Euro 2012 predictions, pre-match preparations and pulling techniques

Jun 8, 2012 3:45:00 PM

John Heitinga, Joey Barton and Gary Lineker are among the names featured in this edition, as we will anticipate the start of the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine

Yes, the start of Euro 2012 is finally here and us lot at WOTT could not be more excited. So excited, in fact, we cannot even begin to communicte our feelings into words.

It's lucky, then, that we have collated a fine selection of tweets from the footballers around the world to give us a helping hand.

What's in store today, you ask? Well, we have predictions, pre-match preparations, some serious views, a couple of welcomes and... erm, gardening. Oh yes! It's all here.

So, without any further ado, bring it on!

"Here we go: Spain to win, Germany biggest threat. As for England, heart says 'yes', head says 'no'. Top scorer, Benzema"

Footballer-turned-pundit Gary Lineker sets out the stall with his Euro 2012 predictions.

"We arrived in #Charkov. The city where we want to beat #Denmark tomorrow. #Holland #Euro2012"

Simple and effective, just like Netherlands defender John Heitinga's career.

"I am going for Spain and Cristano Ronaldo as top scorer.

"I think England will struggle to get out of the group. To many injuries and suspensions. Hope i am wrong...

"Racist chanting and a ball has not even been kicked yet! Am not being funny but how do countries like this get major champs and world cups?"

WOTT regular Joey Barton has covered all bases with these tweets; uninspired predictions, a thinly-veiled back-handed insult to England and, the far more serious matter of the reported racist abuse towards the Netherlands squad.

"Tell me I didn't see this..the dutch team getting abuse already? The tournament needs to start asap&hope this isn't a sign of things to come"

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand addresses the reports of racist abuse coming from at a small section of the 25,000-strong crowd who watched Netherlands train yesterday.

"How FIFA & UEFA can justify putting major tournaments in countries wid underlying social problems is beyond me!

"Of course every country in the world have social problems, the riots last year, the authorities have just sentenced a group of lads for 90 years between them! So they av been dealt wid, these countries choose to ignore the fact that racial chanting exsist in there country!"

Cardiff City defender, and cousin of England captain Steven Gerrard, Anthony Gerrard doesn't hold back when it comes to the sensitive talking points.

"I hope and believe Denmark will be the big surprise this summer and see Holland, Germany and Spain as the big hurdles to european domination"

Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen prays for a miracle, but then immediately comes to his senses with Germany, Netherlands and Portugal all, potentially, blocking the Danes' path out of Group B.

"Pulling out weeds in the front of the house. #SoooBored"

Crocked Italy striker Guiseppe Rossi is definitely not enjoying missing out on Euro 2012. Deary me.

"Steve Clarke is our new manager from what I'm hearing he is a good man and a good coach. Can't wait to meet him and get started."

West Brom striker Simon Cox has welcomed his new manager Steve Clarke...

"New gaffer in place now.. Roll on 4th July.. #preseason"

...and team-mate Steven Reid joins him.

"Oi oi ladies"

And we finish on Liam "Ridgy" Ridgewell's horrendous pulling technique. *shudders*

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Champions League final - LIVE!

German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will battle it out at Wembley for European glory. Get involved by sending us your thoughts via Twitter or Facebook! Hosted by Mark Doyle.

5:23 PM BST

Right, still plenty of time to go until kick-off, so why not get involved in our Champions League quiz on Twitter? Here's one to start you off:

After tonight, how many Champions League/European Cup finals will Bayern Munich have played in?

5:18 PM BST

Bayern, as already alluded to, are desperate to atone for defeat against Chelsea 12 months ago and one man who knows all about the agony and ecstasy of Champions League finals is former die Roten defender Samuel Kuffour. The Ghanaian beating the ground in fury after seeing his side concede twice in injury time at the end of the 1999 tournament decider against Manchester United remains one of the most memorable images in the competition’s history, so check out our exclusive interview with Kuffour, who would achieve redemption just two years later when Bayern edged out Valencia on penalties.

5:14 PM BST

However, who doesn't feel anything by admiration for Jupp Heynckes? The Bayern coach learned earlier this year that he would be replaced by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola earlier this summer but did he let it affect him? Not a bit, with Heynckes now on the verge of a historic treble. Worth noting, too, that Heynckes, who led Madrid to the title in 1998 before being replaced by Fabio Capello, has never failed to reach the final of any Champions League in which he has taken part.

5:07 PM BST

Klopp, of course, is the new darling of the football media. It’s pretty damn impossible not to love a man who speaks so passionately - and amusingly - about the game. This week alone he admitted that so distraught was he by the news of Gotze’s imminent departure for Bayern, whom he views as the villain in a James Bond movie, that he had to cancel plans with his wife to attend a movie premiere because he didn’t want to have to talk to anyone. Seriously, how could any real football fan not be a 'Klopptomist'?!

5:03 PM BST

We’re still awaiting the confirmed line-ups but if you’re looking for the likely starting 11s, let me point you in the direction of our match preview. Also, if you want an excellent and entertaining analysis of tonight’s fascinating final, well, how does a James Richardson-hosted debate involving Jonathan Wilson and Paulo Sousa tickle your fancy? The prince of puns, a true titan of tactical thinking and a two-time Champions League winner - a veritable dream team, I think you'll agree.

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