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Group B
Austria:The joint host nation and everyone's prediction as the tournaments whipping boys.This is Austria's first time in the Championships,and boy are they in for a rough ride.But they'll enjoy the experience
Star Man:Emanuelle Pogatetz:A defender who will know more about his opposition than any of his other team mates.
My verdict:Nil goals=nil point=group stage exit

Croatia:The Croatians posess quality all over the park.However,they will miss their exciting striker Eduardo Da Silva through injury.Had of he been available,the Croatian's name would be on the trophy.
Star Man:Luka Modric:Can't wait to see this player.Good vision,a great passer of the ball.Will give defences problems.
My verdict:Quarter final exit.Eduardo's absence will tell.

Poland:The Poles could be the surprise of the group.They play quite well defencively and have a decent playmaker in Smolarek.A good start is needed.
Star Man:Arthur Boruc:The Celtic keeper will be looking for a few clean sheets,but too many frontmen for him to stop.
My verdict:The Poles will face a heartbreaking exit at the expence of Croatia

Germany:The Bookies favourites and they are not wrong.After years of the footballing wilderness,the German's are coming back.Their predicted semi final against the Portuguese could well end that willderness.
Star Man:Miroslav Klose:A deadly striker that can create chances and feeds well off the German Midfield.A possible contender for the golden boot.
My verdict:June 29th will signal the return of German domination of the beautiful game.Winners.

Group C will follow tomorrow.

On 16th June, get ready for the Germans and Austrians fixing the outcome of their final Group B match against each other in the same way that they did at the 1982 World Cup (though perhaps not as blatantly).

By then, they'll both know what result will be needed and will act accordingly.

The Poles are already screaming collusion before a ball has even been kicked.

- Eric

The Austrians are ranked in the high 90s in the world and will be lucky to score a goal, never mind earn a point, in the tournament they are co-hosting. Anything less than a comfortable win by Germany will have UEFA and FIFA on their case.

In 1974 the situation was different----they didn't want East Germany to qualify for the later stages, and Austria were strong enough to make that possible. Won't happen this time.

You're mixing your World Cups up, Carac.

Austria weren't even at the '74 World Cup.

They were at the '78 tournament - but East germany weren't!

In '78, Germany and Austria met in the second round group stages, with Austria winning 3-2, but it didn't matter then as the other 2 teams (Holland and Italy) progressed from that group.

No - what I was talking about was this match from the 1982 tournament (snipped from Wiki):

>>

Let's hope there's no repeat performance this time, and that if there is any whiff of a fix, FIFA will have the guts to boot both teams out unceremoniously.

- Eric

Apologies, Eric. An easy mistake to make, since (IIRC) there were allegations of match-fixing in 1974 as well.

Dunno how you rated Queresma over Ronaldo, Mike. He's the sort of player who just turns it on when he feels like it and sulks far more than Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is more lethal in front of goal, with a lot more pace and better in the air. No competition really.

Player of the tournament for me will be Torres or Ribery.

Group C 'The group of death'

France:Another team not to underestimate.It's possible the French can emerge as winners,but they are in the toughest part of the draw.They will win their group,but face very tough knockout games against Group D's candidates.
Star Man:Frank Ribery.He lit up The last World Cup and will be looking to show his skills in this tournament.Also watch out for France's latest striking sensation,Karim Benzema.Impressed for Lyon in this season's Champions League and will be looking to step up to the International plate.
My verdict:Les Bleus will be feeling blue.Runners up.

Italy:The Azzuri will badly miss their inspirational captain Fabio Cannavaro,though they still have a strong defence and experienced midfield in Pirlo and Gattuso.Discipline is still an achillies heel for the Italians,and this group could well test their discipline.
Star Man:Luca Toni: A prolific goalscorer.The Azzuri's hopes will be resting on his performances.
My verdict:Italy will draw the short straw in this group of death.

Holland:the Dutch only know one mentality,attack!!.Van Basten will be looking to win the tournament as manager,as well as a player when 'The Oranje' won the tournament in 1988.recent injuries and in-fighting have plauged the Dutch.they must win their opening game today to ensure any chance of qualification.
Star Man:Wesley Snijder:The midfield general, playmaker and set piece expert.Gets into scoring positions and reads the game well.
My verdict:Babel and Robben's injuries will prove costly.I can't see them progresssing,Group stage exit

Romania:Another possible dark horse.The Romanians cruised through their qualifying stage,including a victory against the Dutch.Their only European Championship victory to date came against England in Euro 2000.A game Phil Neville would rather forget.The Romanians face three tough games,but are more than capable of scoring goals.
Adrian Mutu:The ex-Chelsea striker has a deadly eye for goal,Feeds well of the midfield,and can create chances himself as well as being Romania's set piece taker.
My verdict:This stage of the tournament needs a shock.The Romanian's can provide that shock.Quarter finals.

Mike_CFC wrote:


[SNIP]

> Portugal:They don't call them the 'Brazil of Europe' for
> nothing,though many cynics dub them Christiano Ronaldo FC.The
> Portuguese posess a dynamic midfield and can score goals from
> all over the park.This could well be Scolari's swansong before
> he moves to pastures new.
> Star Man:No,not Ronaldo,Ricardo Quaresma.A pacy midfielder with
> deadly shotpower,can also play as a second striker.A decent
> contender for player of the tournament.
> My verdict:It will take a VERY good team to stop them.But more
> heartbreak for the Portuguese i'm afraid as they'll turn out
> second best,again.Runners up.


Just found this thread... nice work Mike. I have to say I agree with most of what you've said. HOWEVER... regarding Portugal, my "star man" is Jo?o Moutinho

As for Ronaldo, he won't find another team, either at club or international level, with two players like Tevez and Rooney who work their bollocks off to make him look good. As a consequence, he'll never be quite as good playing for Portugal (or Real Madrid when he finally moves there) as he is for Man Utd.

Cheers Bob.I predicted Portugal as runners up as i thought they would line up against the Germans in the final.This cannot happen as they are scheduled to meet in the semis,should they both win their groups.

Sam:I simply gave Quaresma as my star man as Ronaldo is a no brainer,and i was looking for something a bit more different.I understand Quaresma never played against Turkey.Maybe 'Big Phil' is saving him for the knockout stages.

Group D
Greece:The defending Champions will be looking to be the first Nation to regain the European Championships.Unfortunately for the Greeks,lightning won't strike twice and Greece won't be the word.Coach,Otto Reaghagel has done an amazing job,but faces a tough group.
Star Man:Giorgos Samaras
My verdict:Group stage exit

Russia:If one believes the media then this could be Guus Hiddink's last chance of international glory before he moves to West London.Hiddink has transformed the Russians into an all out attacking team,playing the only way Hiddink knows how.Their opening match with Spain will be a test of how far the Russians can go.
Star Man:Andre Arshavin:The Inspirational skipper will miss the first two games.hopefully for him it won't be a short-lived Euro 2008
My verdict:Group stage exit

Spain:The people's favourites,and they could well do it.The Spanish possess an embarrassment of riches in attack,but lack that cutting edge in defence,But if Torres and Villa have their scoring boots on,it won't matter
Star Man:Fernando Torres:If this man mantains his scoring form from the premiership,then cancel all bets.
My verdict:Portugal broke Spanish hearts in 2004,and it will be de ja vu for the Spanish.Semi finals.

Sweden:The Swedes are the most tricky team to play and will go through their group.They have an experienced coach in Lars Lagerback and the return of Henrik Larsson will inspire them.
Star Man:Henrik Larsson.He's coming out of International retirement,and he means business.
My verdict:Quarter finals.