欢迎来到我的部落格

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Euro 08 | 11:09

Ytd's the start of Euro 08. so here's my verdict of each group :

Group A - After Portugal's impressive 2-0 victory over Turkey, they'll be favourites to top the group and ease into the quarter-final. With Cristiano Ronaldo, the most in-form player in the world right now, and stars like Simao, Nani, Deco, Quaresma, and coach Scolari, they'll be one of the favourites to win the tournament. For the Turks, they'll hav their works cut out, as the game against Czech Republic could n should be for the 2nd spot. Czech, on the back of a lucky 1-0 win over Switzerland, will be favourites to the 2nd place. Dun count Swiss out yet - football is round!

Group B - A straight forward group. Germany n Croatia will qualify, but only one question remains - who will top the group? Croatia is regarded as the dark horse of the tournament, but after the injury to their top scorer, Eduardo, their chances is decreased drastically. Germany will top the group. Austria n Poland, just fight for 3rd place to save the blushes.

Group C - The group of death. With 3 of the favourites to win the tournament (France, Holland, Italy) and surprise package Romania, this is the best group to watch if u wan excitement. Holland is known for their Total Football, and with stars like Robben, Van Perise, and old horse Van Nistelrooy, they hav the capability to get themselves out of this group safely. But it's their tendency to self-destruct when the odds are against them that worries their fans. just watch Holland - Portugal game during world cup 06. France is a mix of young n old. Their frontline is perhaps the best in the tournament (Henry, Benzema, Anelka, Nasri, Malouda, Ribery), but they hav just scored 3 times in their last 3 games, after creating dozens of chances... however, coach Domenech will hav to get his tactics right if they were to hav any chances of getting to the q-finals. Italy, world champions, what to say? i dunno them well, but i think they wont get past this grp. Romania wont hav a chance either. Holland n France, best bet.

Group D - Underachievers Spain will be favorites to top the group. however, reigning champions Greece hav promised to continue using their tactics: Art of Defence n Counter-Attack). n that's how greece won the trophy in 2004 - by defending... It may not look nice, but it's effective. Russia's key man will be their coach, Guus Hiddink. His success in each club n country he coached is terrifying. even with Australia in 2006 world cup, he guided them past the grp stage, only to lose to a last min controversial penalty against eventual winners Italy. Russia also beat England during the qualifiers. The last team of the grp, Sweden, is also a force to be reckon with. With stars like ljungberg n ibrahimovic, they can beat anyone on their day. This group is tough too. but my bet is on Spain n Russia.

Expect lots of drama n agony as teams battle out for the coveted trophy this summer. Now who needs England?