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.