Awards of the Day: June 9th

Player of the Day: A tough one, because there are more than a few wearing orange who could be selected, but we’ll give this one to the man between the sticks, Edwin van der Sar. For all the attacking the Dutch brought to the table, he made some great saves and kept the Azzurri from building any momentum.

Team of the Day: Duh.

I’m Too Cool For Rogaine Award: Arjen, to the left. This guy’s hairline is receding at a pace reserved for space flight. Are we sure he’s not 40-something but just looks young? Injury prone with hair like that? Hmm.

Coach of the Day: Marco van Basten. With so many injuries, he prepared and set up his side well. Ajax must’ve particularly liked this one.

It’s Not What You Know But Who You Know Award: To Roberto Donadoni, who isn’t fit to coach a girls U-6 team, yet he was handed the keys to La Nazionale. Why? Because his best friend is the guy who hired him, obviously.

Best Yellow Card: Dorin Goian. For his “professional foul” on Franck Ribery when Franck was steamrolling towards goal. He wasn’t the last man, but he was about to be, as Franck was going to blow by everyone. That yellow may have earned them a point.

The Mario Gomez Award: This one goes to the guy with the most disappointing debut. Today it’s Karim Benzema. Even though neither was bad, they were very ordinary, and with such massive hype surrounding the two, it’s clear they didn’t fulfill hopes or expectations. Though Mario probably fulfilled the hopes of a few ladies.

I Have Faith In My Coach Award: Andrea Pirlo.

“If De Rossi had played then I would’ve been further up the field, but there are 23 of us in the squad and the Coach makes his decisions.”

“We tried to break them down, but in the first half they always doubled up on the wings and blocked us off.”

So he throws Donadoni under the bus along with the two guys who flank him in the Milan midfield. This is what happens when you sit your #10 and best midfielder.

Geritol Award: From the BBC.

Italy’s starting line-up was 31 years and 52 days which is the oldest starting 11 in the history of the competition.

Well, at least they only figuratively crapped themselves today. With those numbers, it’s possible they could’ve actually crapped themselves.

Silver Lining Award: To Philippe Mexes and David Trezeguet. If France keeps playing like this, they’ll damn sure be assured of a spot under the next coach.

Surprising Insight From A Complete Noob Award: Was on a treadmill this morning and nearly fell off when Tommy Smyth said something intelligent that didn’t involve the Scottish National Team or Aberdeen (did you know they’re both playing in the Euros? Me neither). Think it was something along the lines of Domenech needing to inject some creativity from their central midfield. Can’t believe that actually happened.