I was thinking back through the history of this European Nations Football Championship (known from now on as Euro ’08) and it has never ceased to amaze me how often the unexpected happens.
In fact, nobody expected the Netherlands in ’88 and I can’t remember even one person hinting to me that Denmark might win in ’92. The Czechs won in ’96 and although they had a terrific team, I don’t think anyone went into the tournament ready to bet the farm on them beating England, France, Italy or Germany. And how about 2004 when Greece won it all? There always seems to be some craziness in the Euro that makes picking an eventual champion such a crap shoot.
Nonetheless…
Let’s take a look at the 16 teams, divided into four groups and see if we can’t pick two quarterfinalists from each.
Group A: You have to love Portugal for one reason: Cristiano Ronaldo. He can score and with Portugal’s back seven, not many will score against this team. I’m going with the Czechs as my No. 2 team although the experts really like Turkey.
Group B: Germany is the clear favourite here and unless they fall asleep should go through unbeaten. Croatia is favoured to come out of the group at No. 2 and I must admit I don’t see enough from Poland and Austria to argue that suggestion.
Group C: The Netherlands is the best team, perhaps even the best team in the event, but they have a whole crew of guys who don’t like each other and a defence that would rather attack than defend. Italy is without Cannavaro and Totti and I’m not sure they can overcome that. France is my No. 2 team. Romania, as good as they are, won’t win a game in the toughest grouping of the four.
Group D: Any team with Xavi, Torres and Villa have enough scoring ability to win the entire event. I’m always a big fan of the Russians and this year, they might be the dark horse pick. Greece, as wonderful as the ’04 story was, just don’t have enough talent and the Swedes could upset Russia to reach the quarters. Although I don’t believe it.
On the top of the draw, I like Germany to beat Portugal in one semifinal and Spain to take out France in the other semi. I think Germany brings the best all-around team to the event, but I sure like Spain.
We’ll take Germany as our winner and if our other predictions don’t come to pass, look out for Russia as the surprise.
And, hey, don’t forget to listen to 92-CITI-FM in Winnipeg every afternoon, Monday-through-Friday, at 4:15 p.m. as Joe Aiello and I bring you all the excitement of Euro ’08 on our daily “River City Sports Euro ’08 Report.”