Euro 2008 – my views and expectations

My take on the upcoming Euro 2008 –

Group – A

Czech Republic – Not having Nedved or Rosicky would hurt them. But with the Turkey and Switzerland for competition, they should scrape through.

Switzerland – Seems like they are there for the experience. Likes of Djourou, Senderos and Derdiyok should benefit a lot. Don’t know much about anyone else in that team. Guess Frei, Valanthen are supposed to be good.

Portugal – The lack of a great goalkeeper and a quality striker may hurt them in the later stages, but they should sail through to top group A. With Croatia and Germany expected for quarters and semis, would be surprised if they are not in the finals this time too.

Turkey – They did well in the 2002 world cup, but can’t see the any of the names of that time in this list. Emre and Nihat could do something. Expecting Czech’s to be the better side.

 
Group – B

Croatia – Eduardo’s absence might hurt. However, if the others can come up and finish off the chances created by Modric and Kranjkar, they could go some way in the tournament. Whatever, may be the case, they look like a good bet for the next round.

Germany – The usual, good squad, easy group…let’s see how far can they go? Expected to face the Czech’s in quarters and Portugal in the semis. Think semis should be assured.

Poland – Good keepers, Smolarek is good…that’s all I know about them. Based on their World Cup performance, think they may not be good enough to challenge Croatia. But that’s just a guess.
Austria – In the Euros only coz they are the hosts. Don’t think they will get as much as a point, maybe getting a goal or two would be enough for them J

 
Group – C

France – Domenech apart can’t see much wrong in the team. Off course Thuram and Gallas being similar may be a problem, but then they went to the finals in the World Cup with the same two. So expecting them to be able to handle that. But with Italy and Netherlands in the group, it may all go down to luck and nothing else.

Italy – I think Oddo should have been in the team, rest seems ok. They are in the toss up for this round, once thru that, Spain/Russia should be relatively easier. If they can top the group, final looks like a realistic possibility.

Romania – Not a bad side at all, with the likes of Chivu and Mutu, but in the wrong group. May hurt the others charge in the group by taking points of them, but can’t see them qualifying for the knockout.

Netherlands – My eternal favorites since I started watching International football. Apart from the defense rest looks fine. Hope they can do something in this edition of the tournament.

Group – D

Sweden – Ageing Larsson and Ljunberg, inconsistent Ibrahimovic, and a keeper who failed to get a chance ahead of England’s u-21 keeper. All this tells me, they are not going to get through this group. But still expect them to be in the hunt, if Spain choke or Russia can’t repeat the usual Hiddink performance. Even then a second round exit at the hand of one of the group C fellows is the best they can ask for.

Spain – Loads of talent, very little team spirit. Hope with the likes of Fabregas pulling the strings and Torres making the run for it, they can get far. They should be topping the group and reach the semis at least, but with the Spaniards you should never expect.

Greece – Despite being the defending champions, I or for that matter most people would be surprised if they make the 2nd round. For the sake of football’s aesthetic appeal I hope they are nowhere near the repeat of their last outing in the Euros.

Russia – Akinfeev and Arshavin should lead the charge for them under Hiddink. Would expect them to be ahead of the likes of Sweden and Greece, but anything more than a 2nd round exit would be over-achievement for them.

Verdict
Mind says – Italy vs Germany final with Germany winning it.

Heart says – Netherlands vs Portugal final with Netherlands winning it.