EURO 2008
They look good on paper, but were pretty average in qualifying, barely scraped through. Ronaldo might be pretty tired too by the time the tournament arrives, which would hamper their chances considerably.
Should still be good enough to qualify from the group though.
Just love Euro!
HRVATSKA FOR THE WIN! hahahaha jokes
who do you guys think will progess from the group stage?
mine would be....
Group A: Switzerland and Portugal...
Group B:Croatia and Germany(but i only have one eye)
Group C:Italy, France..
Group D:Greece, Spain
Really broke the bank there, eh?
There'll be a big flop from the big names, I'm picking France for that.
The most talented team at the Championships is Spain, they'll look good, but their path to winning it all is difficult. Will be the best team to watch though.
I hope Croatia get to the semis, but will be happy if we get out of the group stages.
Given the way the draw is set-up, I can see an Italy - Germany final with Italy winning it all.el grapadura2008-05-17 18:15:39
Would like to see Rumania do well but it wont happen....
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro will miss Euro 2008 after tearing ligaments in his left ankle during training.
The Real Madrid defender collided with Giorgio Chiellini in a practice match at Italy's base in Austria on Monday.
After the incident, Cannavaro lay on the pitch for about 20 minutes before being stretchered off.
Fiorentina's Alessandro Gamberini has been called up as his replacement, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon likely to take over the captaincy. <!-- E SF -->
Italy had been in Austria for just six hours when Cannavaro suffered his injury.
A statement issued by the Italian Football Federation said: "The news we feared was confirmed in Baden late on Monday evening.
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"Fabio Cannavaro will say goodbye to our European adventure, before it has even begun.
"The captain has suffered torn ligaments, which happened the moment his foot made contact with the ground. His ankle twisted awkwardly."
Cannavaro, 34, capped 116 times, skippered Italy to 2006 World Cup glory in Germany, winning the World Player of the Year award.
His absence is a serious setback for Italy, who are in Euro 2008's 'Group of Death' with France, the Netherlands and dark horses Romania.
However, the emergence of centre-back Andrea Barzagli, who has produced some assured displays for Italy in the last year, will slightly cushion the blow.
Defender Marco Materazzi is also in the squad while Chiellini and Christian Panucci can play at centre-back rather than full-back.
Italy open their campaign against the Dutch on Monday 9 June in Berne. <!-- E BO -->
????
I don't even remember tha last time the Dutch didn't qualify for EURO, maybe 1984?
They were knocked out in the semis in Portugal, losing 2-1 to Portugal.
The only tournament the Dutch failed to qualify for since 1986 is the World Cup in 2002.el grapadura2008-06-06 16:25:31
I seriously hope the Czechs get far in this tournament, they are a class team. Not having sky for the last few months I haven't been able to watch Arsenal games, and I assume the reason Rosicky isn't in the squad is due to injury? It's a pity Nedved retired, but he was getting on (as was Koller but he is still brilliant).
I actually fancy Romania in that group, I don't think that either the French or the Dutch should scare them, and Italy without Cannavaro is not as complete a team. I think the French will struggle in this tournament, and the Romanians seemed to have found a good formula against the Dutch in the qualifiers so that may serve them well.
As for the Czechs, I think they missed their boat in 2004. Some of their best players are too old now, and while they have decent young talent I think they're still a bit green for tournament play. Picking Switzerland and Portugal to get through from that group.
That's probably right - guess that's what going to Real Madrid does to a defender...
Biggest day of football yet in the comp, can't wait either.
France 2-1 Romania
Holland 0-0 Italy
As for this mornings games, that Roger Guerrerio really impressed me.
it should be worth it.
I did it this morning - got up for the Croatian game, and then stayed up for the German game, after which I trudged off to work. Feel surprisingly fresh right now.