EURO - 2008

As I am writing this the Euro is well on it’s way and most of the spots available for the quarter finals are filled. Couple of spots are still up for grabs based on the last round matches. The quality of the games have been below par mostly and not many spectacular goals so far. Lets hope the second half of the tounament is better.

Based on what I saw and match results so far, 2 teams that have perennially under achieved on world stage Netherlands and Spain have played the best football. They always flatter to deceive at the latter stages; hopefully one of them wins as they are both playing attractively. Netherlands have a total team game and Spain’s David Villa seems to be in a very good scoring touch. This is a prospective semi final that has potential intrigue.

Portugal looks like they can do one better then last time; much of it hinges on its star players Ronaldo and Deco. So far they have delivered. Germany looked clueless against Croatia, but can move on if they can beat the other co-host Austria. With some Austrian players choosing to play for Germany this could be a chance for the Austrians to go one up on the Germans. German’s defense against Portuguese flair.

France and Italy are fighting for one of the spots between themselves and whoever wins can go though to the next round provided Romania loses or draws their match with Spain. Both these teams have brought ageing players and have paid the penalty looking lethargic so far. My money is on the Italians to get through rather then France to meet Spain.

Croatia and Turkey have already provided some upsets, with Turkey losing the first choice goalkeeper to a red card, I think their chances of going past quarter finals is in jeopardy. Croatia has always been a strong side since their formation as a separate country; their win over Germany should have reminded them of their 3rd place finish in the 1998 world cup. Expect a hard fought rough and tumble game.

Sweden and Russia playoff for the final spot, whoever wins will face Netherlands in the quarter finals. Marco Van Basten is looking for a unique double after having won the Euro as player and is the current manager of the Dutch team.

One thing is certain we will have a new winner as the defending champion Greece is already out of the tournament already.