What's clear is that Ukraine is changing. It's taking on the challenges of the future whilst simultaneously rediscovering its past. I have no doubt the region has a bright future ahead of it.
Since the World Cup win in Germany 2006 it's been a difficult time for Italy in the International arena. However in the last two years we have a seen a slow recovery from these dark days with the Mourinho inspired treble at Inter Milan and Napoli's exciting brand of football receiving plaudits around Europe this season.
After the West Indies' defeat at Trent Bridge, questions will be asked about why the tourists are unable to assemble a side that can pose a meaningful threat to the hosts.
The idea that success with England would not be the main priority of an England cricketer may sound strange in today's climate but that fact was before the implementation of central contracts playing for your county was the main job of a cricketer. Turning out for England was a bit of a jolly one enjoyed for a few weeks in the summer and during the winter.
For nearly a year I've been harangued on Twitter by an account dedicated to attempting to point out and prove that Carrick is sh*t. It's been an amusing journey and experience, for I think, and always have thought, that Carrick is a very reliable and good footballer. Needless to say, that a year after its creation the account has a very low follower count.
After the First and Second World Wars, over sixty thousand military amputees came home.
Three years later, Britain hosted the Olympics, and a small hospital in Buckinghamshire put on the world's first 'Wheelchair Games'. Now in 2012, the future of the British forces in Afghanistan is being decided.
Like the phoenix rising out of the ashes, time and time again Beckham has proved he has the capacity to bounce back from difficulties, criticism and scandal without bitterness but with genuine good grace. It is little surprise that, by the tattooed angel on his right shoulder, the text should read "in the face of adversity."
Will I be watching England without Holt? I'd rather mow the lawn thanks.
In the wake of Manchester United's most recent financial statements coupled with a disappointing season on the pitch it is fair to say that their position as the most elite club in the country may be under threat sooner rather than later.
If we've learnt anything since King Kenny's departure from Anfield, it's that the club's fans are, on the whole, slightly detached from reality. That's natural, they were the dominant force in English and arguably European football for a generation.
You'll know by now that we (Manchester City) pulled it off. In the most dramatic scenes ever witnessed. What a rollercoaster. We had it, we lost it, we got it back, we lost it again and right at the death we won it. I went f***ing mental and I don't mind telling you I might have lost it for a little bit.
Monaco is special. It is the symbol of everything Formula 1 is about: beauty, glamour, precision and reward. They have overhauled their pits complex in recent years to be in line with any other leading motor circuit and their marshals are the best in the world. The same can definitely not be said about the Spanish Grand Prix circuit.
Newcastle Falcons have been saved from relegation from rugby's Aviva Premiership while London Welsh are denied their shot at the top flight because of rigid rules that favour the status quo. Is rugby union really as progressive as it thinks?
Matthew safely made it to the summit of Everest in the early hours of Saturday morning. He is now back at Base Camp, resting.
The England cricket team run out at Lords, Jonathan Agnew and Henry Blofeld finally give you something worthwhile to listen to on the radio and rain lashes most of the country. The great British summer has arrived.
Many fans claim to love Manchester United and a lot have followed the team as far back as they remember, myself included. I last travelled to Old Trafford to watch Benfica in November to my first Champions League game. It was a fantastic trip but my adventures look rather insignificant when taking in comparison to that of this globe-trotting man.