Euro 2008 - an initial impression
June 9th 2008 12:27
So, with John Terry's tears barely dried on his face after one of the most exciting champions league finals for a while, Euro 2008 is now upon us. But, with many of the favourites yet to play, have we learnt anything from the first couple of days?
Group A
We have had a look at all 4 teams in Group A, and Portugal must be the over whelming favourites to win the group. They had little problem overcoming Turkey, and considering the highly rated Quaresma was not even brought on, Portugal's attacking options look particularly impressive. Of course it always helps to have one of the best players in the world in your team, and in Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese certainly have that. To be fair to Turkey though, they did not look a bad side, and perhaps their biggest mistake was being too adventurous against a side that can quickly punish teams on the counter attack. The Turks biggest problems seemed to be at the back, where their towering centre backs lacked pace. Their midfield looked neat and tidy, and in Nihat, they have a striker who will take chances if given the service.
The opening match of the tournament was a bit of a hard luck story for the joint hosts Switzerland, who were unlucky to lose 1-0 to the Czech Republic. The Swiss were particularly unfortunate to hit the bar, but the biggest disappointment may well be the loss of captain and star player Alexander Frei. Without Frei, Switzerland's slim chances of escaping the group stage may well have evaporated. As for the Czechs, they are struggling to be the team of old without the injured Tomas Rosicky and the retired Pavel Nedved. They are still a decent side, and they will be battling Turkey for 2nd place.
Group B
Croatia were one of 2 teams I felt might win the whole competition, but on yesterday's showing an each-way bet may have been more sensible. Aside from an impressive opening 20 minutes when the Croatians looked like they would blow away Austria, the game was finely balanced, and Austria may feel unlucky to have not grabbed a point. After this result it is hard to see a mediocre Austria side going through, especially with Germany still to play. Croatia is a harder team to judge. They have a wonderfully talented midfield, with Modric, Kranjacer and Nico Kovac pulling the strings, a solid if slow defence, and a hugely hard working attacker in Olic. The real test for Croatia will come against Germany, and if they can get through the group they will fancy their chances, having proved they can beat some of the best teams in Europe.
Germany are many people's favourites for the Euros, but I thought yesterday's 2-0 win against Poland flattered them. The Germans will always have a solid spine to their team, and Ballack and Frings make a formidable midfield partnership. They do look like a decent side, but I can see them falling just short this year, as they did in the World Cup. Poland looked a reasonable team, but some kamikaze defending made things easy for Germany in the 1st half. They improved after the break, but never really looked like scoring before Germany's fortuitous 2nd goal. Still, any team managed by the wily Dutchman Leo Beenhakker, a man with over 40 years coaching experience, will be hard to beat, so Croatia and the Austrians should not underestimate Poland.
Group C
The 'Group of Death' kicks off tonight, and will probably make up a lot of people's minds about who will get through. I think France and Holland will just about scrape through, with World Champions Italy in 3rd. The reason for this is that I can't see Italy's make shift defence coping with the attacking power of the Dutch or French. Fabio Cannavaro (injured) and Allesandro Nesta (retired) are both missing, and I'm not sure Metarrazzi and Barzagli can be as effective. The French look strong in every department, but I'm not sure they can win the whole thing, whilst the Dutch may have to rely on their attacking players scoring more than their shaky defence concedes. A word for Romania, who are not a poor side, but have been desperately unlucky to be put in this group. They could still spring a minor surprise, after all they topped their qualifying group ahead of Holland.
Group D
For me, Spain are the strongest team at the Euros, and I can see them lifting the trophy. Yes they are perennial under-achievers, but their team is strong in virtually every position. Spain have one of the best keepers in the world, pacy full backs, a technically sound midfield, and mobile, effective strikers. The one area where they could come undone is in central defence. Puyol is commanding but slow, and Pablo or Marchena both rely on strength rather than pace. Looking at the other sides in Group D, I actually fancy Sweden to finish 2nd in the group. The Swedes always seem to qualify, and they invariably have a solid if unspectacular side. Bringing Henrik Larsson out of retirement for a second time may prove to be a shrewd move. Russia did not convince in qualifying, and I think they can be ruled out after losing the suspended influential playmaker Andrei Arshavin for the first 2 matches. Combine this with an injury to striker Pogrebnyak, and Russia's hopes look bleak. But with Hiddink in charge, they will not be a walk over for anyone. So finally, what about Greece? The reigning champions, but overlooked by most when it comes to picking a winner. Well, Greece have retained their brilliant tactician Otto Rehagel, but the team is ageing, and I cannot see them advancing. For Greece to win the European Championship was an extraordinary upset, so to retain it would be a miracle. However, like Sweden and Russia, they will be solid and difficult to beat.
The Euros have started brightly, and it looks like being a decent tournament. However, just to end on a slightly negative note, we must look at the changed format for the knock out stages. The draw has been split in 2, meaning that teams from Group A and B will play each other until the final, and the same with Groups C and D. Many believe this move has hugely favoured teams like Germany and Portugal, who will fancy their chances of reaching the final without having to play the likes of Holland, Italy, France or Spain. Let's hope Uefa's latest scheme does not overshadow what promises to be a great tournament.
Group A
We have had a look at all 4 teams in Group A, and Portugal must be the over whelming favourites to win the group. They had little problem overcoming Turkey, and considering the highly rated Quaresma was not even brought on, Portugal's attacking options look particularly impressive. Of course it always helps to have one of the best players in the world in your team, and in Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese certainly have that. To be fair to Turkey though, they did not look a bad side, and perhaps their biggest mistake was being too adventurous against a side that can quickly punish teams on the counter attack. The Turks biggest problems seemed to be at the back, where their towering centre backs lacked pace. Their midfield looked neat and tidy, and in Nihat, they have a striker who will take chances if given the service.
The opening match of the tournament was a bit of a hard luck story for the joint hosts Switzerland, who were unlucky to lose 1-0 to the Czech Republic. The Swiss were particularly unfortunate to hit the bar, but the biggest disappointment may well be the loss of captain and star player Alexander Frei. Without Frei, Switzerland's slim chances of escaping the group stage may well have evaporated. As for the Czechs, they are struggling to be the team of old without the injured Tomas Rosicky and the retired Pavel Nedved. They are still a decent side, and they will be battling Turkey for 2nd place.
Group B
Croatia were one of 2 teams I felt might win the whole competition, but on yesterday's showing an each-way bet may have been more sensible. Aside from an impressive opening 20 minutes when the Croatians looked like they would blow away Austria, the game was finely balanced, and Austria may feel unlucky to have not grabbed a point. After this result it is hard to see a mediocre Austria side going through, especially with Germany still to play. Croatia is a harder team to judge. They have a wonderfully talented midfield, with Modric, Kranjacer and Nico Kovac pulling the strings, a solid if slow defence, and a hugely hard working attacker in Olic. The real test for Croatia will come against Germany, and if they can get through the group they will fancy their chances, having proved they can beat some of the best teams in Europe.
Germany are many people's favourites for the Euros, but I thought yesterday's 2-0 win against Poland flattered them. The Germans will always have a solid spine to their team, and Ballack and Frings make a formidable midfield partnership. They do look like a decent side, but I can see them falling just short this year, as they did in the World Cup. Poland looked a reasonable team, but some kamikaze defending made things easy for Germany in the 1st half. They improved after the break, but never really looked like scoring before Germany's fortuitous 2nd goal. Still, any team managed by the wily Dutchman Leo Beenhakker, a man with over 40 years coaching experience, will be hard to beat, so Croatia and the Austrians should not underestimate Poland.
Group C
The 'Group of Death' kicks off tonight, and will probably make up a lot of people's minds about who will get through. I think France and Holland will just about scrape through, with World Champions Italy in 3rd. The reason for this is that I can't see Italy's make shift defence coping with the attacking power of the Dutch or French. Fabio Cannavaro (injured) and Allesandro Nesta (retired) are both missing, and I'm not sure Metarrazzi and Barzagli can be as effective. The French look strong in every department, but I'm not sure they can win the whole thing, whilst the Dutch may have to rely on their attacking players scoring more than their shaky defence concedes. A word for Romania, who are not a poor side, but have been desperately unlucky to be put in this group. They could still spring a minor surprise, after all they topped their qualifying group ahead of Holland.
Group D
For me, Spain are the strongest team at the Euros, and I can see them lifting the trophy. Yes they are perennial under-achievers, but their team is strong in virtually every position. Spain have one of the best keepers in the world, pacy full backs, a technically sound midfield, and mobile, effective strikers. The one area where they could come undone is in central defence. Puyol is commanding but slow, and Pablo or Marchena both rely on strength rather than pace. Looking at the other sides in Group D, I actually fancy Sweden to finish 2nd in the group. The Swedes always seem to qualify, and they invariably have a solid if unspectacular side. Bringing Henrik Larsson out of retirement for a second time may prove to be a shrewd move. Russia did not convince in qualifying, and I think they can be ruled out after losing the suspended influential playmaker Andrei Arshavin for the first 2 matches. Combine this with an injury to striker Pogrebnyak, and Russia's hopes look bleak. But with Hiddink in charge, they will not be a walk over for anyone. So finally, what about Greece? The reigning champions, but overlooked by most when it comes to picking a winner. Well, Greece have retained their brilliant tactician Otto Rehagel, but the team is ageing, and I cannot see them advancing. For Greece to win the European Championship was an extraordinary upset, so to retain it would be a miracle. However, like Sweden and Russia, they will be solid and difficult to beat.
The Euros have started brightly, and it looks like being a decent tournament. However, just to end on a slightly negative note, we must look at the changed format for the knock out stages. The draw has been split in 2, meaning that teams from Group A and B will play each other until the final, and the same with Groups C and D. Many believe this move has hugely favoured teams like Germany and Portugal, who will fancy their chances of reaching the final without having to play the likes of Holland, Italy, France or Spain. Let's hope Uefa's latest scheme does not overshadow what promises to be a great tournament.
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Comment by Robert Kidd
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