Beautiful Game: The Pressure-Cooker World of the International Soccer Coach

BY RICHARD STARNES, THE OTTAWA CITIZEN

It is almost always the players who come under the most testing scrutiny at tournaments as prestigious as the Euro Championship.

Nobody is immune. Missing a crucial tackle Viagra in defence; unable to convert chances in attack; failing to take charge in midfield where games are won and lost; committing goalkeeping gaffes. All players must prepare for criticism.

The Full Beautiful Game Column