Jun
11
Looking past the first round of play in the 2008 European Championship
Filed Under Euro 2008 | 3 Comments
The first round of play ended with Sweden’s victory over defending champions Greece. Later tonight, the second round of play will begin with two matches from Group A. Let’s go back to review what happened and analyze briefly the chances team have to secure their place in the quarter finals by the end of round 2.
In Group A, favorite Portugal has already recorded one victory of Turkey and with a second one tomorrow against the Czech Republic can secure their ticket to the next round and allow themselves time to rest. The Czechs also have one victory after defeating co-host Switzerland and they also hope to secure their place in the elimination round tonight but they will have to up their game if they hope to take points away from a determined and skilled Portugal squad. They are better off saving their strength for the last game of the group against Turkey. Turkey has an easy game against Switzerland and if they manage to get back to form, they will have no problem earning 3 points. This should essentially bring us to the last game of the group which should decide the second place team.
In Group B, Germany should be able to finish off Croatia and secure a first place finish in the group. Poland should have no difficulty taking full points from lowly Austria which means that the second place will be decided in the last game between Poland and Croatia. After seeing both Croatia and Poland play their first games, I think Poland is the team that will go through behind Germany. They are good; in fact, they are much better than Croatia and this was obvious in their game against Germany. It just happens that the Germans are a fine-tuned soccer machine, like they always have.
In Group C, powerhouses Italy and France are in trouble. The former started the tournament with a shocking loss to the Dutch who as if they borrowed a page from history look poised to take first place in the group leaving either World Cup champions Italy or tournament favorites France out of the competition. Italy is desperate for a win against Romania in 3 days and so is France in their game against Holland. If the French play the same lethargic style of soccer they played against Romania, then the Dutch will run them over easily. Then they will have to wait until game 3 against Italy to decide who will go through but that would only be the case if Italy beats Romania. Otherwise, both Italy and France are in danger of missing out on the quarter finals as I expect Romania will face an indifferent Dutch squad in the 3rd and final game improving their chances of adding 3 points to their tally and securing a second place finish in Group C. The group of death could result in two of Europe’s traditional soccer powerhouses exiting the competition much too early for their liking.
In Group D, defending European champions Greece dug a whole for themselves and unless they are careful in the next two games starting with Russia they may miss their chance to really defend their trophy. In their game against Sweden, Greece lacked the passion and effort of 4 years ago that lead them to the top of Europe. Now, they have two extremely difficult game coming up against the skilled and hungry Spanish team and the desperate Russians who were hammered 4-1 by the Spaniards yesterday. After one game, Spain looks poised to finish first in Group D considering that they should have no problem taking the full 3 points against Sweden. Greece and Russia will fight it out in 4 days to keep their hopes up for a second place finish and a trip to the 2008 Euro Championship’s quarter finals. I think this group might turn out to be more interesting than the group of death.
Stay tuned for the continuation of another exciting European soccer tournament.
yes mostly agree …. will just hold back my comments till tomorrow for the group A and hope your wrong, the swiss played not too bad in the first game, were victim of a questionable referee and mostly them self plus an old habit came back hunting them ….. 90% of good football ain’t worth sh..!!!!
So far, I was right about Portugal and Turkey winning today. Let’s see if my predictions for tomorrow’s games are as good
same old same old….. the boy’s from the mountain once again forgot that a football game last 90 minutes, that attacking for 90% of the game and loosing on counters, still constitutes to loosing!
maybe maybe for the world cup qualifier they can ask in a polite swiss manner all the opposing teams to please leave their goalie at home :-/