Euro 2008 - Groups Analisys
Friday, 06 June 08, 12:34 PM · Comments(7)
In less than 24 hours we will be stuck in front of the telly following every pass, every goal from every match of the Euro 2008.
As I posted previously, OleOle invited me to write the "official" coverage blog for the tournament.
But remember that I'll write what I think, it's going to be my opinion so you're more than welcome to disagree, and even start your own blog to put things the way you think they should be.
For now I'd like to take a moment to analise group by group every team's possibilities and strengths (if I don't know enough abut a team please send your comments to help me)
| GROUP 1 | |
 Switzerland
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I don't expect much from Switzerland. The team has only 3 players that I really have good quality: defender Phillipe Senderos, midfielder Tranquilo Barnetta and forward Alexander Frei. Not enough to take the Swiss team far. |
| A team that still bets on experience. Jan Koller, Marek Jankulovski are a proof of that but the main name is certainly Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech. The Czechs will probably move to the next round of the tournament but I don't see them going past the quarter-finals | |
 Portugal
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The strongest team of the group and oneof the strongest of the competition. Portugal has the best player in the world at this moment Cristiano Ronaldo and along with Hugo almeida, Quaresma, Deco, Nani, Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho the Portuguese want to claim the title they lost to Greece in 2004. I see Portugal getting to the semis but I wouldn't put my money on them to be the Champions |
 Turkey
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Some quality players like Mehmet Aurelio, Hamit Altintop and striker Nihat might not be enough to take Turkey as far as they went in the 2002 World Cup when they finished in 3rd place. They could fight for a second spot in the next stage with the Czechs but it all depends on how they will perform on their first match against Portugal |
| GROUP 2 | |
 Austria
|
A few months ago Austria supporters begged their team to withdraw from the Euro. That's just how bad they are right now. Austria is only participating in the competition because they're co-hosting. Do I need to say anything else? |
 Croatia
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The lost of Eduardo was a huge upset for the Croatians. The Brazilian-born striker played a crucial role in the qualifying stage helping Croatia finish as first of their group. The responsibility of leading the team now lays on 36 year old captain Niko Kovač and forwards Darijo Srna, Ivan Klasnić and Mladen Petrić. |
 Germany
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Germany didn't convince me in the 2006 World Cup but compared to the the problems that the other teams are having with serious injuries the German side looks more balanced and ready to advance. Keep an eye on 22 year old striker Mario Gomez. I don't know if he'll have a chance to play but the half-spaniard kid is good. |
 Poland
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Another team that could cause surprise, specially to Croatia. But the match the Polish fans really want to win is exactly the opening against Germany. They would certainly go back home happy if they win that one. I don't think it will happen but who knows? This is football. |
| GROUP 3 | |
 Netherlands
|
All I can say is that I've seen better and more balanced Dutch squads in the past. Reubben, Van Nilsterooy, Huntelar, Van Pierce: the mid/offense is good but the team has a weak defense and lots of ups and downs. If they can impose their offensive style they can do some damage but if the attack fails to work the team might not resit the tough opponents in the group. |
 Italy
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The lost of Fabio Canavarro might be a problem for the World Champions. But with Luca Toni and Del Pierro playing their best and also counting on stars like Pirlo, Zambrotta, Gattuso... the Azzura is an admirable squad. |
 Romania
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I know, I know... People think I'm nuts when I say that Romania has a great squad. They really do. What many don't realise is that some names are now in the great teams but Chivu, Contra, Radu... they all play very important roles in their teams. And then you have the talent of Adrian Mutu. I'm just saying but I think Romania could have the strength to upset someone in this group. |
 France
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The best midfield and offense in this Euro in my opinion: Makelele, Malouda, Diarra, Ribery, Govou, Nasri for the middle and Anelka, Gomis, Henry and Benzema upfront. The defense has experience with Thuram, Gallas, Evra, Abidal and Sagnol but make some silly mistakes. Still I believe that France is the team to be beat. |
| GROUP 4 | |
 Greece
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The 2004 Euro Champions kept coach Otto Rehagel and some of its main players to try what is almost improbable: a second title. Do you believe they have what it takes? I don't. Not this time. |
| It's all on Zlatan Ibrahimović. But my opinion is that unfortunately the short-tempered Inter Milan's forward might not have the necessary consistency to lead Sweden ahead in the tournament. | |
 Spain
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Everyone's talking about Spain. Torres, Villa, Fabregas, David Silva... are just some of the names in this squad filled with great talents. But Spain always have talents and doesn't get past the quarterfinals. Will they revive the 1964 spirit and take this one? Hmmm... maybe |
 Russia
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Motivated by Zenit's UEFA Cup recent tiltle the Russians brought 6 players from the club into the squad. A team that arrives with very few famous names but that we should keep an eye on. Striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is a name to be remembered. |
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yea, great analysis, Ibrahimovic is a midfielder, ok. Wow
The 2006 World Cup "Group of Death" didn't really live up the hype, but this time around there is gonna be drama. I don't think anyone is getting 9 (or maybe even 7) points in the group.
But as a fan of Italy: having seen Ribery play in 2006 he is the only one on their team who really scares me (knocks on wood). Expect Italy vs. France to be a monster match.
Daniel Morales is a pain in the butt!!! But I already corrected the mistake. If you know sooooo much more than everyone else you should have your own blog. But thanks for calling my attention.
France are strong all over the pitch with good mix of youth and experience in the squad and I think they will win it out. Portugal, Spain and Netherlands are too weak defensively to go all the way and a good defence is needed to win this tournament, look at Greece last time out. I can see Portugal finishing second in Group A to Czechs (having seen opening days matches) and lossing to Germany in the quarters. Germany are solid as usual but not enough goals in them to win. How far Spain will go depends on who comes second in Group C (Spain have enough to top Group D). I think France and Italy will come out of Group C, both of which should have enough to contain the Spanish attack and beat them. Croatia are very under estimated I would not be surprised to see them reach the final. I think Croatia will finish second in Group B and beat Czechs in quarters, assuming Czechs top Group A
Portugal looked pretty solid yesterday. With Scolari leading a very talented team that includes the best player in the world - they could win it all...
7 Comments · Add yours
Very good post. Allez Les Bleus!
France's got a good team but this group is bloody hard! I think Spain has a good chance this time and I think Portugal will collapse!
Good analysis! now every team is strong, first round in Euro is really hard comparing to World Cup, look at the last winner, Greece, no big stars and they defeated all "big" teams, so anything can happen!! now it's time to njoy..