CZE vs POR: We already saw, in their previous encounter against the Swiss, how dodgy the Czech defence is. Though Gomes did not seem very prolific, there are other match winners in portugal. Baros might play this game with Pasil being a doubt. The Czechs might switch to a 4-4-2 with Baros and Koller upfront. It all depends on how well Pepe deals with Koller. When Senderos supressed Koller, I don't think it will be a problem for Pepe/Carvalho. I think the Portuguese will win. This is defenitely a match to watch.

I am predicting CZE 1 - 2 POR. The Baros factor might help the Czechs pull one off. But, their sluggish defence will suffer from pacy counter attacks.

SUI vs TUR: The turks lacked adventure in thier game against Portugal. They seemed to stand still when they allowed a centre back run into the box. The swiss at the same time tried everything they could against the Czechs. And the did it well. Comparing these performances, it looks like the home side are going to win it. But, the will badly miss Frei. The fans surely will give them an edge. How will the Swiss deal with the loss of Frei would be the deciding factor. This one is going to be close. I would say SUI 1 - TUR 1

Deco, Ronaldo, Baros, Barnetta, Nihat: Two of them could score.

SUI vs CZE

Prediction: SUI 1 - 3 CZE. Barnetta or Baros might score.

Result: SUI 0 - 1 CZE , Barnetta didnt score but went close twice. Baros didn't play.

The Swiss played better than expected and forced 6 saves from Cech. They attacked when ever possible. The Czech defence was a little dodgy. It was very hard to listen to commenary in Hindi. It was irritating and funny.

POR vs TUR

Prediction: POR 2 - 1 TUR, Ronaldo or Nihat might score

Result: POR 2 - 0 TUR, Ronaldo struck the post from a free kick and Nihat sucked.

It was a decent game until the first half with Portugal dominating most of it. The fact that the Turks played for a draw was evident. Inspite of fielding an attacking formation, they never attacked. One cross field ball from Deco during the first half was terrific. But Simao didn't pass the ball early and wasted a wonderful opportunity. Pepe scored with a wonderful one-two from 6 yards out. It wasn't a counterattack, wasn't a set piece. I don't know what a centerback was doing there. The second goal came late into the second half. By then, the game was really boring. Buildup for the second goal was excellent too.

Today's Predictions:

AUS 0 - 1 CRO ( 1800 hrs CET )

GER 2 - 0 POL ( 2045 hrs CET )

Klose, Podolski, Petric, Olic - Atleast two will score. 

The party is about to begin. Can't wait for the kick off. I decided to write my daily predictions here. The predictions have no reason at all. I just pick who I think will win and give it a random score. Not random actually, but I will not arrive at the score line as a true pundit does because I am not one.

SUI vs CZE ( 1800 CET ): Though the Swiss have not played any qualifier, they might be formidable opponents to the Czechs. Especially, after they gave England a scare when they scored a goal at Wembley. But again, it's England. No wonder they scored. Coming to the Czechs, despite missing Nedved and ever injured Rosicky, they do have the fearsome stature of the ageing Jan Koller. Milan Baros apparently seems to be scoring very well for his country than for any club he plays for. What makes him tick ? Only Karel Brueckner knows. I don't think home support will be of much help for the Swiss.

Prediction: SUI 1 - 3 CZE

POR vs TUR ( 2045 CET ): With lots of quality and Scolari the portuguese are expected to do it on day 1. Turkey shouldn't be underestimated though. They do have quality in the form of the Altintop twins, Nihat and others. Remember that it was Scolari who ended Turkey's run in the 2002 world cup semi finals. Though it wouldn't be an easy job, Portugal would probably win.

Prediction: POR 2 - 1 TUR

Atleast 2 of these would score:

Baros, Ronaldo, Nihat, Barnetta.

And European Championships have never been England's thing. Of the eight tournaments played in the modern format, they have failed to qualify or been eliminated in the group stages six times.

Twenty years ago, England went to a European Championship ranked first in the world after a qualification campaign that had seen them concede one goal and drop one point. They had Gary Lineker, Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley, John Barnes, Bryan Robson and Peter Shilton.

They lost every game.
Pity

Such is Carragher’s devotion to his hometown that he still speaks in old fashioned “Scouse”, which is less a language, more a collection of sniffs, snorts and throat hacking.
LOL. That's true. If you haven't heard Carra so far, try your luck at youtube. Search for his interviews. I' is anythin' bu' English maite.

consider the treatment given by the Czech Republic to their opponents on Tuesday.

When they arrived at the Stadion Eden, the visitors were treated to a proud display of Latvian flags, and a triumphant version of the Latvian national anthem ‘Dievs, svētī Latviju!’ (‘God bless Latvia!’). The welcome would have been enough to bring tears to the eyes of the nation’s most famous resident, medical professional Dr Doom.

All was fine and dandy, except for the fact that the Latvian squad were sitting at home in their tiny Baltic nation discussing flat tax rates and commy politics. The opponents were actually their Balkan neighbours Lithuania.
How irresponsible of the organisers. The incharge later resigned taking full responsibility for the mistake.

England Man Marking at Wembley

Steven Gerrard
Showed his adaptability to be England’s most creative player during the first half in an unfamiliar position on left. Capped display with goal. - rating: 7
What a pity! Associating Stevie G MOTM,MBE with creative play shows the miserable state of English football.

The vibes at the September press conference said it all. The man dubbed 'Avram Who?' responded to questions about his lack of Premier League experience saying: "I remember when Arsene Wenger came to Arsenal. It was 'Arsene Who?'... I understand all the doubts about me but, if I may say, I am not at Day One in football."
Frankly, he took them where Mourinho couldn't - The UEFA Champions league final. That was more than what was expected of him.

A final memory: as Terry crumpled in anguish, only one member of a United contingent containing seven players who have served England alongside him went to his side. Gary Neville, recovering from injury, got his suit soaked and shoes muddied as he ran across the pitch to offer consolation. Only then did United's club captain return to the celebrations. It was an impressive measure of the man.
Putting you country before your club.

"In my philosophy of leadership it was a very bad one because in football 'almost' means defeat and Chelsea almost won the Carling Cup, almost won the Champions League, and almost won the Premier League," said Mourinho. "Almost is nothing."
Hmm ... Strong words.

I hope you liked it ;)