The similarities in the performance to date of the European football nations and the debt crisis are apparent as we reach the middle of the Group stages of the competition. The UK battling France and not getting a result, Germany showing the rest of Europe how to play football and the strongest to date. Greece playing with effort in adversity but bottom of the pile, and unusually, the Netherlands doing worse than expected. Spain and Portugal flattering to deceive and on the roller coaster ride of ups and downs, and Ireland hanging on for dear life. We wait to see how this develops in the knock out stages…..