Bernie’s Sports Focus

Euro 2012
Defending European and World champions Spain had Cesc Fabregas to thank for rescuing a point against Italy in their opening match in the Euro 2012 in Gdansk.

Substitute Antonio Di Natale gave Italy the lead on the hour mark and Spain were relieved when the Barcelona mid-fielder made it 1-1 just minutes later.

The result means that their group is now wide open following Croatia’s win against Ireland.

Hopes of the Irish making it to the next round took a severe blow with a heavy 3-1 defeat to Croatia in Group C.
20,000 Irish fans were stunned when Croatia took the lead in the opening minutes but roared their approval when St Ledger put Ireland level.

That lasted till just before half time when a poor Irish clearance allowed Croatia to forge ahead once again and then extend their lead shortly after the restart.

That win puts Croatia top of their group and well placed to reach the next stage.

England start their Euro 2012 campaign tonight against France in Group D in Donetsk.

England have failed to beat the French in their last five outings and despite a number of key players missing through injury boss Roy Hodgson is confident his side can make it through the group stages.

Also in Group D tonight the Ukraine take on Sweden.

Formula 1
McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix, the seventh different drivier in as many races.
He now leads the drivers championship, two points ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso who could only finish fifth.

There were plenty of celebrations in the pit lane as Romain Grosjean took second place for Lotus with the Sauber of Sergio Perez third.