I write this with a hopeful, yet heavy heart. To see Iran play in this year’s World Cup was nothing short of breathtaking. Iranians waited 8 long years to be here again, and just as it was then, I was overjoyed watching Team Melli play. It was a memorable tournament, and despite being close to a heat attack a few times and losing my voice, I was proud to be Iranian.

Hosted by Poland and Ukraine, the European Championships proved to be an exciting, unpredictable and entertaining tournament for football lovers everywhere. Here are the hits and misses of Euro 2012: The Netherland’s Disappointing Exit, Prandelli’s Strategic Approach, Pirlo’s Class, Germany’s Consistency and Spain’s Perfection.