Super Euro
June 6, 2008 1:00 PM
Are you as excited as I am for the Euro to start? It's only a day away and it couldn't start any sooner for me. The Euro is probably my favourite tournament of all, even more than the World Cup. Because it is concentrated to the continent of Europe, it just seems to carry that much more passion and presence. These countries know each other intimately, both on the pitch and off. There is culture and history that extends far beyond the soccer field. Having traveled through Europe, I found that one of the most amazing aspects of the continent is how vastly different people and customs can be separated by a few hundred kilometers. I could only wish I was there to witness the clash and camaraderie of the fanatical supporters.
So without further ado, here's my abridged preview to the tournament: my thoughts on each country and their chance of advancing past the group stage.
GROUP A
Czech Republic - This team peaked a few years ago and now have lost much of their lifeblood to retirement. I'm predicting them to really struggle this tournament, needing instead to refocus and concentrate on World Cup qualifying later this year.
Portugal - The class of this grouping, Portugal should carry on with relative ease. However, despite perhaps the strongest midfield in the tournament, questions remain about their back line. Plus, all this talk about Ronaldo moving to Real Madrid may serve as a distraction for the squad, especially without a major opponent to face until the quarters.
Switzerland - This team impressed at the World Cup, holding opponents scoreless throughout their run. But this is a tougher group for them to qualify out of, so they will be forced to open things up a little. Despite solid performances in every match, I just don't see them advancing.
Turkey - Ah, my dark horse team. Turkey rides a wave of emotion in every tournament and I think it carries them out of group A. Greece proved that a passionate, close-knit and opportunistic team can slay the giants, so maybe Turkey will be that team in 2008. Imagine that - Turkey taking a page out of Greece's book!
GROUP B
Austria - Thanks for being such gracious hosts. Not sure when we'll see you at the next major tournament.
Croatia - Another passion-laden team, Croatia enter the tournament with a swagger having knocked out England from the finals. This is a team to be feared by all the big heavyweights and expect them to burst through the group stage.
Germany - The tournament favourites, Germany has most of its players in the Bundesliga, which helps immensely with team cohesion and understanding of tactics. Croatia will be their only scare, but their sights are on much bigger battles in the coming weeks.
Poland - A team that could really surprise, but ultimately will be battling Croatia for the second seed. To say that the Poland-Croatia match at the end of the group stage is going to be a war is a gross understatement.
GROUP C
France - Starting to get up there in age, but they have done a tremendous job of bringing their youth into the fold, and thus have one of the deepest rosters in the tournament. That will serve them well in this group of death, as injuries are surely to play a factor. Although I think they run out of gas later on in the tournament, I do believe they will start strong and cruise to the quarterfinals.
Italy - A huge, huge loss to have Cannavaro out for the tournament, but the team that hoisted the World Cup trophy in '06 is still pretty much intact. They will be tested, but I see them coming out of the group as a feared second seed.
Netherlands - This team always flirts with success and always leaves much to be desired. Unfortunately, they are aging a little as well, and unlike France, their younger replacements don't seem fully capable of taking over. This team will be exciting to watch, but ultimately have drawn the worst group for them. Italy and France are too experience and will tame their attacking ways.
Romania - Also a team that deserved a better draw, Romania are really emerging as a consistent eastern European threat. I'm just not sold that they will have the wherewithal to challenge the pillars at the top of this group.
GROUP D
Greece - The defending champions will always bring drama to the match, but I think their luck has run out this time. Too bad though - I live in the Greek district of Kitsilano and I will miss the excitement and celebration that flooded Broadway in '04.
Russia - Guus Hiddink will bring some much needed stability to this side, and I predict they will just narrowly edge out the Swedes for the second group spot.
Spain - The class of the group and my pick for tournament champs (a little to do with the three Liverpool players on the squad!). Spain need to have a strong tournament showing at some point, and a number of their stars are reaching their prime years right now. Of course, winning the group pits them against the runner-up of the group of death, so it won't be an easy road for the Spaniards.
Sweden - Another team in transition, this team has a number of stars from former tournaments and one particular star - Ibrahimovic - that needs to finally show up to a major tournament. Ultimately I will be rooting for them, but I expect disappointment from a side that never seems to have it all rolling at the same time.
Posted By: Ryan Mckee on June 6, 2008 1:00 PM
