Another Sunday, another draw. This time it is for the European Championship Finals. Here are some initial thoughts on the draw and what might be in store.
Group A Switzerland, Turkey, Portugal, Czech Republic
June 7 – Switzerland vs. Czech Republic, Portugal vs. Turkey June 11 – Switzerland vs. Turkey, Czech Republic vs. Portugal June 15 – Switzerland vs. Portugal, Turkey vs. Czech Republic
Summary The Czech Republic and Portugal will start as the favourites to move on but as one of the co-hosts Switzerland should not be easily discounted. The Czechs have a fine history in this tournament and made it to the final game in 1996, the semi finals in 2004 and were unlucky to be drawn together in a group with co-hosts the Netherlands and eventual winners France in 2000. However, the Czechs would have preferred not to have drawn the co-hosts in the opening game of the tournament.
Portugal is another country that has performed well at the last few European Championships. After going unbeaten at the group stage in 96 the Portuguese went out to the Czechs in the last eight when Karel Poborsky scored the only goal of the game. In 2000 they took winners France to extra time and it needed a golden goal from a Zidane penalty to decide the game. As hosts in 2004 their tournament got off to a poor start when they lost to Greece. Although they bounced back and made it to the final they again faced Greece and lost once more.
Turkey missed out on the 2004 finals although they qualified in 1996 and 2000. There appearance in 1996 was a first at the European Finals and they went winless in three games. Lessons were learned and four years later they made it to the quarter finals where they lost 2-0 to Portugal. Qualification for 2008 consisted of a series of highs and lows. A great start was highlighted by a 4-1 away win against European champions Greece. A series of poor performances and dropped points meant hopes of qualification were rapidly receding before two wins (including a come-from-behind win away against Norway) saved the day.
As co-hosts Switzerland will enter the tournament without the advantage of any competitive matches since the 2006 World Cup. However, Coach Kubi Kuhn will be hoping that his young side can build on a solid performance in Germany last summer. Switzerland made it to last summer’s World Cup after beating Turkey is an ill-tempered play-off game and memories of this are unlikely to have receded by next summer.
Keys Under manager Karel Bruckner the Czechs are the consummate team. Any side that knocks off the Czechs can look forward to going deep into the tournament.
Portugal will be difficult to break down but their progress might be largely dictated by whether or not they can find a reliable international goal scorer.
Which Turkish side will turn up at the tournament?
Switzerland went to the last sixteen in Germany last summer and was knocked-out without conceding a goal. Another strong defence showing – although in 2006 goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbueler seemed to more lucky than good! – and some opportunism in front of goal might generate the kind of momentum that leads to a shock or two.
Group B Austria, Poland, Germany, Croatia
June 8 – Austria vs. Croatia, Germany vs. Poland June 12 – Austria vs. Poland, Croatia vs. Germany June 16 – Austria vs. Germany, Poland vs. Croatia.
Summary Based on performances Germany will not be particularly concerned with their draw. However, with two traditional rivals in Austria and Poland this group will have a derby game flavour and that should be a cause for concern. A re-emerging Croatia side will also be looking to repeat their countries famous win over Germany at the 1998 World Cup in the knock-out stages.
Poland bounced back from a poor start in qualification to move on with room to spare. Surprisingly this will be Poland’s first appearance at the Euro Finals and they will be looking to make it to through the group stage of a major tournament for the first time since 1986. Poland pushed Germany all the way last summer before losing to a late goal. However, it was a poor display and a first game loss to Ecuador that was critical. A win over Austria is mandatory if they are to have a realistic chance to progress.
By knocking out England in group qualifying Croatia lost any chance of sneaking under the radar. Slaven Bilic has created a confident and competent side that should make it to at least the last eight.
Austria have already been labeled as the worst country (performance-wise that is) ever to host a major tournament. They are so bad that a group of Austrian fans started a petition that asked the team to withdraw in order to save face.
Keys Germany has a huge target on their backs and needs to meet their historical rivals Austria and Poland head-on. A slow start might be costly.
Poor starts have cost Poland dearly at the last two World Cups and they can ill-afford a repeat.
Expectations are so low that even one win in the group stage might be considered a success for Austria.
The schedule has been kind to Croatia with an over-matched Austria first. Next up is Germany before what might be a decider against Poland in the last group game.
Group C Netherlands, France, Romania, Italy
June 9 – Romania vs. France, Netherlands vs. Italy. June 13 – Italy vs. Romania, Netherlands vs. France June 17 – France vs. Italy, Netherlands vs. Romania.
Summary As soon as this draw was made the Group of D***h label was applied. No team can be overlooked here.
Romania only lost one game in qualifying and that was once they had guaranteed their spot in the finals. Along the way they beat Netherlands for the first time ever and now look to be fulfilling their potential of a few years ago.
France , insults, Italy, Materazzi, video replay, Zidane, revenge, head-butt, World Cup Final, sisters, Domenech saying something stupid – that is what we have to look forward to for the next six months. At least it won’t be go to penalty kicks – unless they hook up again in the semi final game!
The draw was not kind to the Dutch and then the schedule really put the boot in. Italy followed by France is not what the Dutch would have wanted. The 1988 European Championship remains the only major trophy won by the Netherlands. After this tournament it is unlikely that this will have changed.
Keys As the best-known Romanian players Adrian Mutu and Christian Chivu are going to garner most of the headlines but this squad has a lot more depth than just these two. In any other group Romania would have an excellent chance to move-on but ….
France made it the World Cup Final last summer with one of the oldest squads ever seen at the Finals. It is almost inconceivable that they can repeat while looking to the same core of veterans …or is it?
Italy won the World Cup with a squad of players that were almost all in the prime years of their footballing lives. Donadoni needs to squeeze out another round of great performances before moving on. If he can, then a World and European double is not out of the question.
Goal scoring was a problem during group qualifying and in a number of games the Dutch were only a goal way from embarrassment. Chances have to be converted on a more regular basis or the Dutch may be out of contention before game three.
Group D Greece, Russia, Spain, Sweden
June 10 – Greece vs. Sweden, Spain vs. Russia June 14 – Greece vs. Russia, Sweden vs. Spain June 18 – Greece vs. Spain, Russia vs. Sweden.
Summary This is probably the most open group and a lot of attention will be paid to the amount of grey hair in charge pulling the coaching strings.
The reigning European Champions Greece has bounced back after failing to make the 2006 World Cup Finals. A humiliating home loss to Turkey (4-1) was the only bump on the 2008 road which was then negotiated without too much difficulty.
Spain has now made it to the last fifteen of sixteen major finals and has generated a lot of momentum since starting poorly in group qualifying for 2008. But as we all know Spain’s problems normally start when they reach the finals of a major tournament. The squad is more than solid containing a number of players that could find a place in any team in the world. However, until they win a major final (1964 is so long ago and pretty much discounted) the doubts will remain.
There were a few hiccups along the way for Russia but major tournaments and Guus Hiddink seem to mix very well. Like Spain, Russia has (the Soviet Union did win the first European championship in 1960) rarely delivered on the world stage and one of Hiddink’s challenges is to instill a sense of believe in a squad that has considerable talent.
Sweden has a great record of qualification for major tournaments and is always a difficult opponent.
Keys There will be no element of surprise for Greece this time. The other fifteen countries will be well prepared should Otto Rehhagel opt for a repeat performance of stifling defence and opportunism in front of goal. What can the coach come up with this time?
Hiddink’s ability to chop and change on the fly as needs arise is almost without parallel. Spain needs to finally win a must win game. If they can do that then maybe years of disappointment will melt away.
If Sweden is to drive deep into the tournament then it is probably going to be on the back of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The talent has never been in doubt and from his early season performances for Inter he seems to have now achieved a level of consistency that has previously been missing.
Quarter Finals June 19 – Winner Group A vs. Runner Up Group B, (Game 25) June 20 – Winner Group B vs. Runner Up Group A, (Game 26) June 21 – Winner Group C vs. Runner Up Group D, (Game 27) June 22 – Winner Group D vs. Runner Up Group C, (Game 28)
Semi Finals June 25 – Winner Game 25 vs. Winner Game 26, (Game 29) June 26 – Winner Game 27 vs. Winner Game 28, (Game 30)
Final June 29 - Winner Game 29 vs. Winner Group 30.
Bobby - according to the schedule you have at the bottom Italy and France can't meet in the final, no two teams from the same group can. In fact the final has to be a country from either group A or B against a country from group C or D. I don't know if I like limiting the possible final match ups this early. (is there another way?)
France excels when playing against big teams. Euro 2004 vs. England. they suck when they play against minors, vs. Israel, etc... France should get out of this group, beat Spain again, all the way to the finals. They young blood of Benzima, Nasri, and Ribery will lead the charge.
Group A: Portugal and Czech Republic should go through to the next round, but Turkey might make a serious run for it, while Switzerland could play a spoiler and surprise a few.
Group B: Croatia and Germany will advance from this one. I do not think playing at home will help Austria at all. Poland is a solid squad but do not have the quality of the Croats or the resilience of the Germans.
Group C: Many would pick France and Italy to go through. However, there might be a few surprises in this one. Romania have impressed me and I expect them to go through alongside France. I do not think Italy can repeat what they did at the World Cup and the Netherlands have not imressed me at all.
Group D:
I think Spain and Greece are going through. Spain will not choke again, while Greece have been dominant in their qualifying group since their defeat to Turkey. Sweden played solid football but I don't see them progressing through, while Russia could pull a few surprises but realistically, I don't see them going through.
Last edited by Sleeper000 on December 2nd at 11:49 AM.
fritzs64 - You are correct. They could have done a cross over (Winner A vs. Runner Up D or similar) but the problem becomes trying to equalize rest days as best as it can be done. I will fix the comment which was a bit tongue in cheek although a semi final rematch could go to penalties!!
Last edited by BobbyMcMahon on December 2nd at 12:02 PM.
if there was any doubt about the level and toughness of the euro (compared to the world cup, for instance), it can be silenced with a look at these groups. with the exception of the austria group, which is manageable, you look up and down the table and see solid teams, perfectly capable of putting together a string of performances and making the semis or even the final. this competition is also shorter than the world cup, giving a little more chance for surprises. certainly, the list of first round games whets the appetite daily, we are in for some real treats kiddies!
i would agree? with bobby and disagree with a few of you regarding france. france has never really won anything of note (outside the platini-inspired euro over 20 years ago) without zidane. to me zidane was the heart and soul of that team, without him, france will fail (anyone remember world cup 2002 when zidane was injured???)
that being said the dutch have been sputtering of late as well. should be interesting to see how greece fares this time, they over-achieved last time around, but as bobby points out, tactics will need to be re-adjusted to surprise opponents.
the germans have a fairly easy draw and i agree with one post that we could see the mannschaft back in the final (again!).
how will spain and portugal do? can felipao weave his finals magic again with the portuguese, can the youngsters like nani & co step up or are they still one major tournament away from readiness?
too bad the english (in fact the entire uk) will be watching on tv...frankly, i'm more disappointed the valiant scots, who real
oops, ran out of room...
just saying the scots would have been great to see at the finals, gritty and competitve.
does anyone know how long it's been since no uk team made a major tournament?
no problem, I more just making an observation than trying to correct you. I think especially with this format the best games will be, as usual, in the semi-finals.
I think the finalist from the A/B side will be Germany, who will be pushed by Portugal and Czech Republic.
The other side (CD) is harder to pick, but I see it between Italy, France, and Spain (they have to make a run one of these times).
Who is going to be this years Greece?
Greece-who better to be the new Greece then the old Greece, that said two in row is not likely,
Russia-i doubt it (would need to beat a group C team),
Sweden-don't think so (see Russia),
Romania-with that group,
Poland-no clue,
Turkey-can they get out of group A (yes, but I don't see it), Switzerland-hosts +, Senderos -,
Netherlands- only here because they are in the group of death but if they get out nothing they do should be surprising,
and lastly (sorry Austria)
Croatia- can they beat Germany, they could get two trys.
Last edited by fritzs64 on December 2nd at 12:36 PM.
Group #### Anyone in this group could surprise. Swiss playing at home will be tough to beat. Portugal, the Czechs and Turkey will all be competitive. This group is wide open, although, Portugal and the Czechs seem odds on favorite here.
Group B--Germany and Croatia will be one and two or vice versa. Easiest group to play in and predict.
Group C--Very interesting group all could come out of this. However, the French with Zidane are a great team--without him they merely a good team. I predict the French will finish last in this group. First and second will be between Italy, Holland and Romania. Don't be surprised if Romania comes out of this group. My prediction is Italy and Romania.
Group D--Again a wide open group. All teams will be competitive. Should be Spain and Sweden here, however, I like the Russians coached under Hiddink and Greece will be no pushover.
It will be Germany, Croatia, Italy and Romania/Holland in the final four. From there it's anybody's to win.
Last edited by dynamite_kid on December 2nd at 12:52 PM.
Last time all UK teams missed a major competition was 1994 in the USA. Last time all five teams from the British Isles missed out was I think 1984 in France. That was the first time the Euros had comprised eight teams - before that it was final four with one of the countries hosting.
was it only rep. ireland that made it in '94?
so, over 20 years since all teams from the isles have been absent, pretty sad story, especially since it really looked for awhile that scotland and n. ireland had a good shot, not to mention england who really blew it in spectacular fashion...
anyway, thanks for info, interesting facts!
cheers
ZUCO2 - The fact that they will be there gives them a chance but they would not be in my top five picks of potential winners as it stands at the moment. The problem with picking winners and loser six months before the tournament is that things change.
That's true, Bobby. You make a very good point. Who knows? Maybe Marco Van Basten will quit the national team or a key player will get injured or something.
We shall see! I'm really looking forward to Euro 2008. It's too bad, I don't have the tickets!!
I will use this opportunity to down play my expectations of Portugal in attempt to reverse jinx them into winning.
They have no chance of winning let alone getting out of this group if they don't find a striker and if the Swiss Turks show up. I'm serious they will draw all 3 games or lose 1-0 if they don't find someone consistent. Any coach with any tactical know how and scouting ability can easily employ a strategy of counter attacking stifling game against them and it will be very successful. Let them stretch the field width wise every inch if the guy in the box is a bust their only shot is the midfield scoring screamers from outside the box. Let them control tempo let them cross the ball high all day and counter till you net. Rinse repeat cya next tournament Portugal.
Hey Bobby, I believe that Czechs and Portugal in group 1 , Germany Croatia in 2, Italy France in 3, and Spain Greece in 4.I agree with you that group 4 is wide open but Russia are very young team with little or no experience in the finals and Sweden ride too much on the shoulders of Ibrahimovic, therefore these 2 will not progress.
I believe Italy's chances of winning have automactically been heightened. They always perform well when placed in tough groups. I believe Holland will miss out and Romania might sneak through from the group of death.
I strongly believe this will be Fernando Torres' coming out party. Spain truly has a great team; however, can they concentrate and be the dominate team of the group that they are on paper. Time will tell. Greece is out of tricks, but do not count them out. Especially if Sweden do not play for keeps. Greece should sneak through.
You are absolutely right about Portugal Bobby. They desparately need a goal scorer in the box. Something they have not had since Eusebio. They cannot go far unless they reproduce the speed and confidence they showed against Brazil recently. Czech and Portugal should go through, but as Alves Jay pointed out , After Greece showed, any coach can come up with a reply to their dynamic and talented midfield if there is no bonafide striker. Too bad for Portugal.
Czech and Switzerland to go through.
Prediction: Germany and Spain in the finals.
Spain (champion) So what I can't daydream?
So what do you think of Spains and Portugals chances Bobby?
Last edited by manolo68 on December 2nd at 8:18 PM.
The Czech Republic is one of the 8 who have won the Euro in the past,albeit as Czechoslovakia,in 1976...That's why Anton Ondrus the Slovak sweeper who was their Captain at that time was doing the draw today..... {remember Koloman Goeg,Marian Masny,Frantisek Vesely,Zdenek Nehoda,Ivo Viktor,Antonin Panenka,Jan Capkovic,Jozo Moder}
Otherwise,if the Czechs don't go above Bronze,like in Portugal after ended up Silver in 96 in England,their Coach,Dr. Bruckner will retire and Ivan Hasek{former Coach at Auxerre and player for Sparta Prague etc...} is slated to take over for the WC qualifications.
Otherwise,the Czech have played Turkey 16 times,winning 13 and tied 3,played Swiss 3 times winning twice,loosing ones,and they are aware of the preparations the Portugese will put into the preparations....
The Czechs will have to open the Championship be playing Swiss in Basel,which cuts on their preparation time and Tomas Rosicky's teammate Phillip Sanderos,from Arsenal will play as well for the Swiss..
Currently there are only 2 Czech players,not in the National Team,playing in Swiss League,however,both Slavia and Sparta have some bad experiences with them in the European Leagues...{FC Thun,FC Curych etc...},in last 2 or 3 years...
I think the Czechs will beat Swiss in the opening match,will beat Turkey and at worse tie Portugal to advance to the Q-Final as winners of the round robin group.
They won the Euro in 76,were Bronze in 80,Silver in 96,Bronze in 04 and this time the Coaches' job is on the line.....
I suggest that the Finals will be Czech Republic vs Germany
Group A: Portugal & Switzerland. At least 1 of the host nations will go through, and it has to be the Swiss. They are good enough to pick up at least 4 points, which will be enough in a tight group.
Group B: By far the easiest group. Germany first with Croatia second. Poland will tie/lose against Germany and will lose the decider against Croatia.
Austria is simply too weak.
Group C: Italy first with Romania second. The Italy/France game will be the decider with Romania slipping through with a win in the final game against Holland at Frances expense.
Group D: This is the real group of D***h as all 4 teams could possibly go through. However, its foolish to bet against Otto Rehhagel or Guus Hiddink. Greece first, Russia second.
Quarters:
Germany over Switzerland
Portugal over Croatia
Italy over Russia
Romania over Greece
Semis:
Germany over Portugal
Italy over Romania.
Final: Germany in penalties.
Last edited by cronaldo2008 on December 2nd at 9:49 PM.
This draw was not good for a football lover. Germany is
left alone to go upto the semis and even the final with
hardly anybody to challenge them. On the other hand
we have some potential finalists fighting out in C and D.
If I had a chance to set the fixture I would have set the semi final
as follows
A1/B2 vs C1/D2
B1/A2 vs D1/C2
That would have been cool.
As for group C I think it will be very straight forward,
Italy and France will go through. I think group A and D
are the ones that are open and would be interesting to watch.
The only thing that Turkey proved so far is how incosistent they are. Judging from their form in the qualification matches they will not get out of Group 1, especially with much better sides there such as Portugal, Czech Rep. and Switzerland for that matter. Lets not forget that Switzerland left the Turks at home for the last world cup by beating them.
Last edited by nais768 on December 3rd at 4:05 PM.
Switzerland better then Turkey??? You got to be kidding me. Turkey ended up third place at the World Cup 2002. That's an achievement that Switzerland have never done. Turley will go far, watch and learn!
Hey Bobby, it looks like you really have a bone with the French! Georgia and Italy kept the Scots out not the French- Get over it already.
Guys- The French team will be succeeding out of C and so will the Italians. Why?
France: Domenech (coach) if done with his needs for attention (media and other) has at his disposition the best players in Europe (most of whom play in the Premiership and Spain). The 2006 crew is being replaced by the 19/20 years old crew from Arsenal/Barcelona/Lyon... Of course, if Domenech stops is political/personal vendetta against guys like Mexes...
Here is the Euro 08 French lineup:
Coupet
Sagnol/Gallas/Abidal/Sagna or Clichy- Sorry Thuram but you've done it already...
Toulalan/Nasri or Ben Arfa/ Riberi/Diarra or Makelele
Henry/Benzima
Top defense during qualif and now a brand new breed of offense... It should be fun to watch!
Italy:
The most experienced team which knows how do it. Sure, it doesn't do it pretty but at the end Italy will play France for the final access. Now, this game will be anybody's game but I'm bias thus believe this time France go to the Final and wins it.
I also believe that Romania and Holland will be tough opponents yet France and Italy go through.
Anyway, it should a lot of fun and passionating games! The winner of Group C will make final.
Bobby you mention that Portugal needs an international striker in order for them to have a good chance to go through the group stage. I believe that it is not the striking area that Portugal needs to focus on, but it's midfield. We all know already that Portugal's midfiel is solid but it could do more. Remember Portugal vs Russia for the WC 2006 qualifications? Portugal put on a 7-1 display not because of the strikers, but the midfielders. If I remember correctly, there were goals by Ronaldo, Petit, and Maniche. My point is that Portugal has to stop playing like Arsenal (meaning playing to achieve the perfect play) and start taking chances, goalkeepers are not gods!!!!
Here is my prediction:
Grp A -- Winner Czech , Second Portugal
Grp B -- Winner Germany , Second Croatia
Grp C -- Winner Italy , Second France
Grp D -- Winner Spain , Second Greece
Qtr Finals
Czech vs Croatia -- Winner Croatia
Ger vs Portugal -- Winner Germany
Italy vs Greece -- Winner Italy
Spain vs France -- Winner Spain
Semi Final
Czech vs Ger -- Winner Ger
Italy vs Spain -- Winner Spain
Final
Spain vs Germany -- Winner Geromany
It may look cliche but this is what going to happen LOL
Yep Poos, except Spain is not beating France and keep going to meet italy; then, well France. You're right on Germany but only if they beat Portugal and that's not a given.
Why do people keep on counting Holland out. Sure they had trouble scoring goals and their coach is nowhere near the class of others but their midfielders and strikers are the best. If they can keep their players healthy and if Van Basten doesn't have any bust ups with players there is no reason why they can't win. Van Nistlerooy is garunteed 1 goal in 2 games and so is Van Persie and during qualifying they were working on keeping goals out and with this being Van der Sar's last game Holland should be considered a threat.
Hey Bobby, where is Scotland? Hahahaha...I watched your show last night and when Derek said, Greece will repeat you said NO WAY. Well, guess what you F...g Scott, I will make you eat your words at the end of this Euro. Mark my words
interesting thoughts, comments and predictions. i don't know how you guys map out the entire tournament like that, i can't even decide who will win certain 1st round matches!
although i was (one of the few) fans of greece and enjoyed watching them win in 2004, they will not repeat, quarters looks like a tough hurdle to get past this time, unless nikopolidis magically turns into buffon again!
i wouldn't discount the dutch, but right now, they are not playing particularly well, showing weaknesses which will need to be sorted by june if they are to progress from that tough group, they certainly are good enough, it' just they've showed how mediocre they can be at times, and that has to be a concern. same goes for the french, they have a good squad, but they also lost not once, but twice to scotland (no disrespect intended to bobby or scots) in critical matches, and were it not for scotland tragically losing in georgia could have been watching on tv with their "friends" the english. this team just isn't the same without zidane, it's not just the player, there was an "air" about them with him which seemed to deflate when he wasn't on the pitch. And domenech is an ####. typical arrogant, pompous french fool. sorry. from zizou to zero.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
Thank you to all who take time to visit this blog and especially to those of you who post your comments and thoughts.
PS - If you have questions please post them on the regular Monday blog. I am unable to answer e mails posted to the inbox on this site.
And one more thing. If you have questions or complaints or compliments about programming please contact Fox Soccer Channel or Fox Sports World Canada directly. I have no control over what the stations televise.
