Okay since tomorrow kicks off the Euro 2008, and I will be watching (but sadly not betting on because Brett Brando A. isn't in Vegas anymore and B. we aren't speaking to one another) as many matches as possible, I thought I would give my predictions for the tournament.

There are 4 groups with 4 teams each who each play each other once. You get 3 points for a win and 1 point for a tie, and then there are like 25 tie-breakers from there. The top 2 teams from each group move on to the quarterfinals where they play 1 match to make it to the semi-finals and then another match to make the finals, where the final match is played and a champion of Europe is crowned. This tournament happens every 4 years and always comes at the midway point between World Cups (the next World Cup is South Africa 2010 which I WILL be attending).

Okay lets check out the groups:

Group A

Czech Republic
Turkey
Switzerland
Portugal

Group B

Poland
Austria
Croatia
Germany

Group C

Italy
Netherlands
Romania
France

Group D

Spain
Russia
Greece
Sweden

At first glance, Groups C and D are much stronger top to bottom than Group A and B. Which makes it much tougher to predict. In 2004, Greece shocked the world by winning this tournament, so underdogs can and do win this thing from time to time. Switzerland and Austria are hosting the event, so they have a home field advantage to be sure (and they are going to need it).

Group A - I don't think there is anyone in the world who doesn't have Portugal winning this group. They are too skilled to not make it through. The Czech Republic is going through some lineup changes, no Nedved, and no Rosicky really hurts, but my twin brother Jan Koller plays up front for them (he is 6'5, bald, and a bit awkward looking), so I have to like them. Switzerland is an up and coming side who plays excellent defense, which worked very well for the Greeks in 2004. Turkey will be outclassed here I think, they just don't have the depth to compete. My prediction is Portugal winning it and the Czech Republic going through as well.

Group B - This is my least favorite group. It should be called the Blue Collar Group, none of these teams play with any flair or passion. Poland v. Germany is always an entertaining contest however, but let's be honest, the Germans are the far superior side in this group. If they falter, it will be because Croatia stepped up and played their asses off. Croatia beat England in England, so they have some talent, but on the world stage, they sometimes seem to fall short. I just don't see Austria mounting any sort of threat, nor do I think Poland has the offense to go through. Germany will win this group and Croatia will go through as well.

Group C - This is a tough one to call. Let's eliminate Romania right now, they had the misfortune to be thrown to the wolves here. France, Italy, and the Netherlands....are you kidding me? Injuries will play a key role in this group....Cannavaro is out for Italy (who are also the defending World Cup Champions), Viera is out for France, and Babel is out for the Dutch. I think Italy will move on because of their firepower up front, De Natali, Toni, and the others will score too many goals. The battle for second will be epic for sure. The French are probably the underdogs, but again the Dutch always seem to fall short in pressure matches. I know that all of my English friends will be aghast, but I am going with the French here to move forward. I think the veteran lineup comes through in the clutch. One last thing, if you get a chance to watch France, Franck Ribery is the most intriguing dude on the pitch. He has a HUGE scar that runs all the way around his head and he is so fucking fast, its almost dizzying. Trust me, you will be fixated on him when they play.

Group D - This is the most interesting group to watch in my opinion. None of these teams is the clear-cut favorite and all of them have legitimate shots to go through. This group is going to be a fucking war when it's all said and done. Greece are the reigning champions of this tournament, but since then they haven't come close to recreating their previous glory. But these tournaments always bring out the best in sides, so who knows. I have always been a huge fan of Sweden, their best player is one of my favorites, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He is a lanky, 6'7 forward, who is unbelievably skilled. The Swedes are strong and durable, but seem to lack a lot of overall speed I think. Russia is the wild card of the group, they haven't been very strong historically, but the infusion of money into their domestic league saw Zenit St. Petersburg win the UEFA cup. I think a lot of betting men will be backing Russia as the dark horse to go through in this group. Spain is another historically underachieving side. But they always play well in the group stages and then stink up the join in the knock-out rounds. Obviously they have Fernando Torres, who is so fast and so skilled, I think Spain puts it together in this group. I like Spain to win it and Sweden to be the runners-up.

Quarterfinals

Portugal vs. Croatia - I don't see Croatia winning this match, they simply don't have the goal scoring ability up front to match up with Ronaldo and the Portugese midfielders

Germany vs. Czech Republic - This will be a classic pride match, lots of physical play and yellow cards. I would like to say the Czech Rep. can pull off the upset, but let's be realistic...Germany is too strong.

Italy vs. Sweden - Too big a mismatch for Sweden to overcome. Italy rolls through them with little problem.

Spain vs. France - Again, I think France has the experience to make life difficult for the Spanish. France has a knack for disrupting their opponent's flow, and bogs the game down a bit. I like France in the upset here.

Semi-Finals

Portugal vs. Germany - I love Germany here, I think their experience and strength negates the athleticism of the Portugese. It might come down to penalty kicks, but I still like the Germans here.

Italy vs. France - the ride ends for the French here. They played well, but the Italians have too much class and skill for them.

Finals

Germany vs. Italy - Wow, what a classic European matchup! This match will have everything you could want in a final. Again, I find it almost impossible to see a weakness in the Italian side. The age of Lehmann could be a factor in this match, and I really think the Italians take it.

There you go...my prediction for the Euro 2008 is Italy.

How come teams like England and Ireland aren't there? They were at the last World Cup, no? Is there qualifying or something? And, teams like Romania beat them out?

Is this on TV?


I actually like to watch "important" soccer on spanish television. I don't really need the commentary - which I find annoying anyway. The announcers are so much more animated and I love the "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!" howls!

Here are my predictions:

Group A
1. Portugal
2. Switzerland

Group B
1. Germany
2. Poland

Group C
1. Italy
2. France

Group D
1. Spain
2. Sweden

Quarter-finals:

Portugal - Poland
Winner: Poland

Germany - Switzerland
Winner: Germany

Italy - Sweden
Winner: Italy

Spain - France
Winner: France

Semi-finals:

Portugal - Germany
Winner: Portugal

Italy - France
Winner: Italy

Final:

Portugal - Italy
Winner: Portugal



More info for the curious ones: UEFA Euro 2008 Official Site

Winners:

Group A: Portugal.

Group B: Germany

Group C: Netherlands or France.

Group D: España

Group A
1. Czech Republic
2. Portugal

Group B
1. Germany
2. Poland

Group C
1. Italy
2. France

Group D
1. Spain
2. Russia

Semi-finals
Germany - Czech Republic & Italy - France

Final
Germany - Italy --> Italy wins.

Quote:

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Final
Germany - Italy --> Italy wins.

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I wonder if I neighborhood will go nuts like they did when Italy won the World Cup? Probably not. I assume that's a much bigger thing.

They all put out the flags and beeped their cars and everything.

One guy had his flag out so long, it turned into an Ireland flag since the red faded into orange.

It's definitely not as major as the World Cup, Fatman, but there will be some celebration when Italy wins.

Group A
1. Portugal
2. Switzerland

Group B
1. Germany
2. Croatia

Group C
1. Italy
2. Netherlands

Group D
1. Spain
2. Russia

Quarter-finals:

Portugal - Croatia
Winner: Portugal

Germany - Switzerland
Winner: Germany

Italy - Russia
Winner: Italy

Spain - Netherlands
Winner: Netherlands

Semi-finals:

Portugal - Germany
Winner: Portugal

Italy - Netherlands
Winner: Italy

Final:

Portugal - Italy
Winner: Italy

Charlie, trust me on this:

The Netherlands are not going to beat Spain. No way. I don't even think they will qualify for the quarter finals.

As much as I love Italy, their World Cup win was solely based on luck. I don't know what makes you guys think they will win the Euro Cup (unless there is something about Donadoni I don't know). They haven't been on form since... 94 or 96. If anything I'd have my money on Portugal or the Krauts.

The French could probably have a chance if Carla Bruni promised Sarkozy an interesting romp in the Champagne room.

Group A
Portugal
Czech Republic

Group B
Germany
Poland

Group C
Italy
Netherlands

Group D
Spain
Sweden

Portugal Poland - Portugal
Germany Czech Republic - Czech Republic (Upset special)
Italy Sweden - Italy
Netherlands Spain - Spain

Semis:
Portugal Czech Republic - Portugal
Italy Spain - Spain

Final:
Portugal Spain - Spain

I predict a bunch of fruity Euro's flopping when a breeze touches them, cherry bombs and stabbings in the crowd, hot ass Swedish bitches with painted-on jerseys, and 9 goals from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Quote:

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I predict a bunch of fruity Euro's flopping when a breeze touches them

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Take out Euro and it's just like the NBA, no?

No, this egregious flopping in the NBA came over on the boat with the influx of fruity Euro ballers the last few years. Ginobili counts as a Euro too, just 'cause he's not from here.

Quote:

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My point is that The Netherlands is not the great team everyone expects it to be. Bad defenders and the best midfielders are left at home.

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Not too high on your team, eh?

Van Nistelrooy had a great season at Real Madrid, but I'm not too happy with him in the national team. But still one of the best around, without a doubt. And this might become the championship where he will excel.

But in order to win, you have to score more goals than you concede....

Well ... the Swiss were clumsy and lost.

Portugal scores 2nd goal in extra time ... so Turkey will lose this one ...

Czechs move thru against unlucky Swiss. Too bad about Frei.

Portugal cruises past Turkey.

Interesting penalty call against Austria ...

The first half of Austria vs. Croatia has been the weakest game of the three games I've seen so far. Perhaps things will get better in the last 45 minutes. And Austria has been lucky that Pogatetz hasn't gotten a red card, which would have been totally justified...

By "soccer," are we referring to the group of greasy, mullet-wearing professional injury fakers?

I'll take Vatican City over Moldova in 5 games.

Croatia is just playing the shitty game, one touch and down. Austria is trying very hard but haven't shown the skill to finish it off.

End result: Austria vs. Croatia 0:1. What happened to Croatia in the second half? They played very shitty indeed and won the game by luck and a little dose of cleverness. Austria's team was better, but the played too long winded, otherwise they could have scored at least one goal.

I'm looking forward to the second game today. Let's see if the Germans will blitzkrieg Poland.

Wow, when freestylah regains some semblance of sobriety/consciousness/coherence/calmness (*delete as applicable) after the Italy/Netherlands game, I'm sure he'll have to admit that the Oranje did themselves proud against the reigning World Champions.

Sneijder's goal was a classic...

France vs. Romania, on the other hand...

I LOVED the Netherlands/Italy game!!

It was quite exciting!!

So far I've watched all the games except for most of the Germany game. This was the first one where the talent was evident.

Nice!

Germans look like shit and loose accordingly.

Portugal-Germany in the next round would be nice.

This is how it's done:

The Netherlands 4 - France 1

So many players to hate on both teams, but I did enjoy France getting thumped.

Could you name a few from the Dutch squad? Just for my entertainment. Thanks.

van Nistelrooy, Kuyt, van Persie, Robben, ...

I just wish the people who predicted Italy as the winner would explain to me how they reached this conclusion.

I have no explanation to offer, Loop. I really thought that they could/would do better. All players are more than capable of playing at this level and for some reason it just won't work. A huge miscalculation on my part.

I don't know what other people's reasons were.

Loop: I still think the Italian squad is a good one, at least when the proper players are put on the field. And I still don't think Donadoni is a bad coach, but obviously no Lippi. They're not getting any breaks, and that can obviously make a difference over the course of three matches. I think the squad that played Romania can beat the French. Like Ancelotti and now Donadoni, and most fellow Rossoneri, I was/am also in denial about the obvious decline of Gattuso and Ambrosini. Pirlo looks tired too, but he is busting his ass and making a difference, in spurts at least. Camoranesi looks like he needs a long vaca.

I drew Romania and Austria in the Office sweep so I hope they might sneak through into the finals

Italy vs Romania. 1:1

Not a bad match, but if Italy had any hope of winning I'd think they'd at least not end up with a draw.

Not to quibble, but the actual score was 2-1 (Toni was not offside). Bad officiating put an end to that. No excuse, but some other teams HAVE been getting the breaks, which just happens to make them look like a stronger squad for it. Toni could easily have 4 goals now, including the one that was taken back.

The second half of the Turkey vs. Czech Republic match was amazing. Great game.

Maybe they chose them because they were the last World Cup winner?



Coaches just got sent off!!!! Hahahahahahaha !

Germany gets Portugal
Croatia gets Turks.

First one looks great, second one, not so much.

I think the last time I thought Italy was a strong team was back when more than half of AC Milan was signed to Chelsea and Jouventus had the black player that had a heart condition.

I think I'm with Charlie on this one. In the match against Holland, Italy didn't play well, but it wasn't that bad either. Holland was in top shape.
I didn't see much of Romania - Italy, but read in the paper that Italy wasn't great.

I filled out the pool for my sister-in-law and going over the teams I didn't see an all-out favorite, so I took the other way of excluding teams. Italy remained with Germany. And there is the fact that I have my preferences.... No Portugal or Croatia PLEASE!

Loop, I think the black player you mean was Nwankwo Kanu. He played at Inter Milan (not Juve).

Yes, it's Kanu I was talking about.

BTW: has anyone noticed how well Holland plays yet they never win anything?

Well, loop, I beg to differ.

1. They don't play that well. From time to time, they play quite attractively for a few matches and then the level sinks fast. Holland didn't qualify for WC 2002 and we had enough problems to qualify for EC 2004. Under Van Basten, the record looks fantastic results wise, but it was no pleasure to watch the qualification matches against Moldovia, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, etc. A lot of luck and last minute goals.
2. Holland was European Champion in 1988, second in Worldcup 74 and 78, 4th in 1998. And yes, that is a long time ago.

Italy looked average against ten men France for most of the game.

Italy Spain should be lively.

Russia/Sweden winner gets Holland. Yikes!

Any day that connard Domenech tastes defeat is a good day.

For those who watched Holland - Russia yesterday and were surprised by the Dutch 'achievement', I would like to point out that yesterday is the normal level of play. It's boring, undaring, no drive, no passion, nothing. It's what we normally see at matches of the national team.
Last night, we got beaten by an enthousiastic team, who played skillfully and with passion. And they have a Dutch coach.

And I'm glad that Spain beat the Italians. Thursday evening could be great.

Soooo glad no Italians near the final. Today they played for a fucking draw. The worst football. Save for maybe Luca Tony. The Spaniards at least tried to score.

Why everyone is glad that the Italians are not going through??? I know we are loud and very proud when we win but I guess you guys like better the Turks!!!! Muslim and American haters. You guys haven't learned from 911...

What the fuck are you babbling about? Italy played very boring and negative this tournament (much like Arsenal in the 80s). They loose 3-0, draw against Romania, win from France after they injured Ribery and came against ten French players. I don't even want to talk about this night 'performance'. Good riddance.

Yes, I like the Turkish team: passion, drive and a lot of creative skills.

Btw, what has nine-one-one got to do with this?

I think you have confused a football match for international relations. Silly Italian ...

I don't give a shit about their religion, I want to see good football. Not this draw shit. Italians are known for flowing football, but they haven't played it since The World Cup.

I just wanted to see the russkies beat the guido asses.

As a diehard Italy fan, I will defend the very competent defensive game they played tonight. Their offense was another matter. Had it not been for those two yellows, Pirlo might have provided the looping passes he was feeding (the hapless-for-the-series) Toni like crazy against France.

Again as an Italy fan, I cannot see how Toni could be considered to have played well tonight. He was a non-presence. However, Torres, Villa, Santi Cazorla, Fabregas etc. were STOPPED, plain and simple, and I don't know what's better than that besides actually winning. Zambrotta was spot-on and I'll be glad to see him at Milan in 08-09.

The PKs could of course have gone the other way, at which point I could now be looking forward to even more racist rants from Panzer. I'm rooting for Spain.

I actually used to be a big Italy fan (I spent most of my early years there), but nowadays you just gotta accept facts. Italy plays shit. I really wish they'd go back to their old game (circa 94) but I don't see it happening until they stop getting over emotional about nothing (much like the Brits).

Anyhoo- Cosmos is back

Cosmos for the win!

Haven't seen this show in ages.

Thanks, loop. I was too lazy to google this one.

Gooooooool!

Hope the fleet-footed Spaniards prevail over stolid Germany.

Spain runs rough shod over the Germans. Doucheland never looked like they were in the game at all. Lahm off at halftime, probably injured, Ballack injured yesterday in training. Schweinsteiger could not hit a free kick to save his life. Podolski was curiously absent. How many runners up is this for Ballack now?

Torres scored a great goal, but needs to quit diving. Ramos lucky to not get sent off with that head butt. He was taken off immediately after that incident. Senna and Iniesta had cracking games. Downside is the racist Aragones wins.

I agree with redish. Germany started very well (15 minutes); then Aragones switched Silva from left to right and it was Spain that ruled. Schweinsteiger had an off-day, very weak.

I think Silva gave the head butt?!

Quite right, it was Silva, not Ramos, my mistake.

Brautjungfer Ballack, come get your runners up medal.