predicting euro 2008.

so the groups were picked for euro 2008 and everyone is talking about group C, which is obviously the group of death here. that said, there's a wealth of talent elsewhere in this tournament. 2 teams from each group make it to the next round, making every match extremely important and extremely enjoyable to watch. here's my take on who looks the favorite to make it out of the first round.


Group A: Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Turkey

The Swiss are an up and down team, but very tough to beat when fully healthy. Plus, they're one of the hosts and playing at home always has its advantages. Unfortunately, they're in a very strong group and I don't see how the Swiss will be able to score the goals needed to advance.

The Czechs will be looking to get back on track after failing to make it out of the group stages in Germany 2006. They have talent up and down the pitch, from Cech to Rosicky to Baros.

Portugal are just always strong. They never boast any powerful strikers, but you don't need to when you've got Ronaldo in midfield.

To be honest, I don't know much about Turkey, but to get to this final stage of the tournament is an achievement so this team is no joke. Still, they were unlucky to draw with the Czechs, Portuguese, and the co-hosts.

ADVANCING: (1) Portugal (2) Czech OUT: (3) Turkey (4) Switzerland


Group B: Austria, Croatia, Germany, Poland

I don't rate Austria very highly. They're only here because of being co-hosts. They've had some rough times with their national team as of late and co-hosting seems to be the only option for them featuring in any important tournaments.

Croatia famously knocked off England in qualifying when they didn't really even need to show up, as they were already qualified. That shows you something.

Germany are very strong from top to bottom. Klose is a goal machine wherever he goes and the squad is well coached.

The Poles have some talent, but not enough to break into the top 2.

ADVANCING: (1) Germany (2) Croatia OUT: (3) Poland (4) Austria


Group C: Netherlands, Italy, Romania, France

Holland is quite good, with players like Van Nistlrooy, Robben, Babel, and Sneijder all in good form at the moment with very good clubs. Pity they're in the group of death.

Italy are reigning world champions, but I reckon many teams don't see them as such. Maybe it's because they're cheating divers and their domestic league is plagued by corruption. Still, the team has massive talent, but they're boring as hell to watch. Italy are an embarrassment to the game.

Poor Romania. Really. Any other group might have been fine for them. I can't name one player for Romania at the moment and they had to get drawn into this firefight? They will really struggle to keep up.

France are World Cup runners up, but only through PKs. With talents like Malouda, Henry, Ribery, and Gallas being featured, you always have to be fearful of this team, even if they did lose to Scotland twice. Their strikers have left a lot to be desired, however, with Henry slipping quickly.

ADVANCING: (1) Italy - through cheating (2) Holland OUT: (3) France (4) Romania


Group D: Greece, Sweden, Spain, Russia

Greece are reigning Euro champions, surprisingly. A lot of players came through at the right time for them the last time around. I don't think they'll be as lucky this time around, though they have great team spirit.

Sweden haven't shown me much, but any team with Ibrahimovic has to be taken seriously.

Spain are perennial underachievers. The talent they have is just massive. They probably have more depth than any squad in the tournament, but they can't seem to put it together can they? Puyol, Torres, Villa, Iniesta, Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Raul, my goodness.

Russia narrowly made it to the final stages thanks to England's massive collapse. They beaten some quality teams have have one of the best managers in the business. Never count out the Russkies, especially in this group.

ADVANCING: (1) Spain (2) Russia OUT: (3) Greece (4) Sweden

That gives us a second round with Portugal, Czech, Germany, Croatia, Italy, Holland, Spain, and Russia.