THE former international footballer Gianluca Vialli, working as a pundit for BBC TV, described Spain as “awesome” and nobody can really argue with that expert assessment, especially coming from an Italian.

Spain's success at Euro 2012 and their 4-0 thrashing of Italy in Sunday's final was the icing on the cake for a tournament which produced plenty of great football and few examples of ill-discipline either on or off the field. A great way to finally end the 2011-12 season.

A selection of headlines from stories in the news. They use English in a way that you might think is intended to confuse but it's all perfectly clear to the native speaker.

Only a dogged never-say-die attitude enabled Roy Hodgson's men to fight back and beat Sweden in their second Euro 2012 game. It certainly wasn't down to talent.

Football Diary

by Patrick O'Connor

LOVE the idea being suggested by a part-time professional league which operates in the north of England.

The Northern League, said to be one the world's oldest professional leagues, is set to introduce “secret shoppers” to spot officials and players who swear during games.