EURO 2008 is around the corner and fans awaiting a kick-off of yet another great tournament, its a good time to speak about whats expected from the tournament. The last tournament was filled with surprises with eventual winners Greece as unexpected as it gets. They played their game well of defending like crazy and taking the opportunity to score when it comes.
The opponents will be vary of the Greeks this year but they are a much improved team with Fanis Gekas leading the Bundesliga scorers. The make-up remains the same as a defensive unit but they are much stronger with the new striker's presence.
The Greeks are grouped under Group D where rivals Spain are the favorites to top the group. They have beaten both the World Champs Italy & Runner-up France recently and surely one of the teams expected in the the Semis. The Spanish have always been front-runners in whatever tournaments they play and somehow lose their way in the middle somewhere. I have a feeling that will change this year.
Lets quickly come to the toughest group in the tournament, Group C. Italy, France, Netherlands & Romania. Talk about being set to see at least one former Euro Champ out. World Cup finalists Italy & France will renew their rivalry while don't be surprised if Netherlands brings out a few surprises. It is going to be interesting with Italy well weakened with the injury of Fabio Cannavaro and some new faces in the French squad. Tough one to call from here but this is one group where each game will be worth watching.
Group A is a relatively less heated group with Portugal clear favourites with the hosts Swiss, Czech & Turkey involved. Ronaldo with his already double wins with Man U in the EPL & Champions League, it would be something on his mind to get the 3rd Medal of the Euro'08 with his National Duties. Don't be surprised if he is becomes a contender for the Golden Shoe. Czech could be the only great threats who have always been the dark horses and do have a lot of talent and 'size' in the lineup.
Group B has the co-hosts Austria, Croatia, Germany & Poland. It should be a relatively easier path for Germany through this while the other 3 fighting for the other spot for the quarter-finals.
One interesting thing to notice the presence of very young players. The Italian team has an average age of 29.5 but you see an inflow of young stars in Mario Gomez (22) from Germany and Nani (21), Ronaldo's (23) teammate at Man U. The Swiss team boasts the youngest team on the tournament with an average age of 26.4 years. They also have the youngest player of the tournament in 19-year old striker Eren Derdiyok.
Lots to look forward to and lots of things to happen in the upcoming few weeks. The tournament starts 7th June with the Swiss taking on the Czechs to open the tournament.
aaaa..this was a depressing read..great interesting information that would have excited me had England qualified... *buries head in her arms*
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