2008 Woodie Awards
Soccer fanatics prep for Euro 2008
Alex Capousis
Issue date: 6/5/08 Section: Sports
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Group A (Switzerland, Portugal, Czech Republic and Turkey):
Switzerland: Co-hosts Switzerland automatically qualified and didn't have to play a rigorous qualifying schedule. That however could be their drawback, as a lack of serious match practice could be detrimental to their efforts. Their form at home as of late is sub par losing several matches this year at home to Nigeria, the USA, Japan, and a recent 4-0 mauling by Germany. However, a recent 2-0 win over Slovakia combined with a win over Lichtenstein should be a morale and momentum boost. Switzerland have a young squad (only one player is over 31) and will be relying on defender Phillpe Senderos (Arsenal/ENG) and midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen/GER) to lead the way. Goalkeeping is likely to come from 24-year-old hotshot Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg/GER), with 37-year-old, 2006 World Cup veteran Pascal Zuberbuhler (Neuchatel Xamax/SUI) on the bench if needed.
Survey says: This is my sleeper team. Playing at home in an wide-open group, I wouldn't be surprised to see this team in the semis a la South Korea in the 2002 World Cup (without the dubious officiating). The only question is whether veteran striker Alexander Frei (Broussia Dortmund/GER) can lead a young group of forwards and put the ball in the back of the net on a routine basis. My hunch says yes.
Portugal: Losing Euro 2004 Finalists Portugal have a lot to look forward to this time around. With the emergence of Christiano Ronaldo (Manchester United/ENG) as one of the best players in the world (scoring 42 goals as a midfielder this season), Portugal boasts a scary good group of attacking midfielders and forwards. Midfielder Deco (FC Barcelona/ESP) and fellow forward Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid/ESP) also should contribute up top. Defensively, Chelsea FC duo Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho should anchor the backline, while longtime netminder Ricardo Pereira (Real Betis/ESP) will be in net. Portugal (like their Iberian neighbors Spain) tend to choke and falter late in international tournaments, as of late. Could this be their year?
Survey says: While they certainly have the talent to win it all on paper, I can see this team the benefit of some unlucky breaks. While I think they have world-class offensive talent, and a solid defense, goalkeeping remains their weak link. Ricardo will have to emerge as a world class keeper' in order for this team to take the trophy home. Otherwise, I see them potentially losing in the late stages of the knockout rounds (again).
Czech Republic: Usually a threat in major tournament, the Czechs are looking to rebound from a disappointing group stage exit at the 2006 World Cup. Known for producing talented players, the Czechs will hope to overcome a couple of personeel issues. Attacking midfielder Thomas Rosicky (Arsenal/ENG) is injured and Pavel Nedved (Juventus/ITA) refused to come out of international retirement, leaving the Czechs thin and inexperienced in midfield. However, they do have a world-class goalkeeper in Peter Cech (Chelsea/ENG) and a solid outside backs in Italian based Tomas Ujfalusi (Fiorentina) and Marek Jankulovski (AC Milan). There are also two great attacking options in 6'7'' Jan Koller (FC Nuremburg/GER) and Euro 2004 topscorer Milan Baros (Portsmouth/ENG).
Survey says: With a depleted midfield and an aging squad, I don't see these guys making it out of the group stages. This group is too competitive and I don't think the defense can hold up against potent strikers from the other three teams (especially Portugal). This squad is also considerably older and slower than some. If they're gonna advance, Koller and Baros must score to help the defense and Cech.
Turkey: Usual outsiders, the Turks will be featuring for the first time since Euro 2000 after failing to qualify for the Euro 2004 or the 2006 World Cup. The Turks have a young squad that boast a lot of young attacking talent. Forwards Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough/ENG) and Nihat Kahveci (Villareal/ESP) are very capable of scoring. The midfield also provides considerable attacking punch through Hamit Altintop (Bayern Munich/GER) and Gokdeniz Karadeniz (Rubin Kazan/RUS); yet they still have a solid defensive/holding midfielder in Mehmet Auerillo (Fenerbahce/TUR). Despite sharing time with longtime goalkeeper Rustu Recber (Besiktas/TUR) in the qualifying rounds, Volkan Demirel (Fenerbahce/TUR) is expected to lead and organize an largely unknown and unproven defense.
Survey says: This squad has talent, but can be woefully inconsistent. They'll need to be on top of their game to advance. Their defense and goalkeeping are unproven and weak given the rest of tournament field. Much like the Czech Republic, provided they can get support from the midfield and score, they have a shot to get out of the group.
Group B (Austria, Croatia, Germany, Poland):
Austria: Co-hosting the tournament alongside Switzerland, the current state of the Austrian national team leaves a lot to be desired. The only win amongst their exhibition matches this year (Austria automatically qualified as co-hosts), was a recent 5-1 home win over lowly Malta. They've only won in three of their last 16 matches. Most of the squad come from the Austrian league. Noteworthy exceptions include goalkeeper Alexander Manninger (Siena/ITA), who used to play for Arsenal, and 23-year-old midfield captain Andreas Ivanschitz (Panathinaikos/GRE). Up front, 38-year-old Ivica Vastic (LASK/AUT), will lead the line for the Austrians.
Survey says: When there's a 10,000 strong national petition calls for your team to withdraw from the tournament, you know things are bad. I genuinely feel bad for them, as they have a beautiful country and great infrastructure to host the tournament. I'd love to see this team get a couple of points, but even that would be little short of a miracle. That being said, let's see if the hosts can play spoiler and make things interesting for the other three members of this group.
Croatia: When Croatia qualified by winning their qualifying group, they also caused a bigger shock, knocking out England and allowing Russia to qualify after they barely beat Andorra 1-0. This team is coming off some underwhelming performances at the Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 and are looking to make their mark behind a talented, albeit older team. Stipe Pletikosa (Spartak Moscow/RUS) will be in goal. In front of him will be aging, yet quality defensemen in Dario Simic (AC Milan/ITA) and Robert Kovac (Broussia Dortmund/GER). 36-year-old defensive midfielder Niko Kovac (Red Bull Salzburg/AUT), while Portsmouth, England based Niko Kranjcar should play attacking midfielder. Goal-scoring responsibilities will fall to Germany based Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen) and Ivica Olic (Hamburg SV).
Survey says: On paper, these guys are expected to advance. While they've been bounced in the group stage at their last two major tournaments, my money says they'll get outta this group. I also think these guys could match up well in the quarterfinals, depending on who finishes where in Group A. Though if they come up against a young, high-octane attacking team (Portugal or Germany) I don't give them much of a chance. Simply put, these guys are quarterfinalists.
Germany: After finishing third at the 2006 World Cup, this young and loaded roster is one of the heavy favorites to lift the trophy after winning it Euro 1996. With a great mix of experience and youth, and an attacking flair to this side, there are few, if any excuses if Germany doesn't win this tournament. 38-year-old Jens Lehmann (Arsenal/ENG) will be in goal. Germany boasts a great all around defensive unit with Christoph Metzelder (Real Madrid/ESP) and Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen/GER); in addition to attack minded wingbacks Phillipp Lahm (Bayern Munich) and Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin/GER). The midfield is dominant with captain Michael Ballack (Chelsea/ENG) and Torsten Frings (Weder Bremen/GER) providing attacking options. Up front, goal-machine Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich/GER) will likely partner either youngsters Mario Gomez (VfB Stuttgart/GER) or club teammate Lukas Podolski (Bayern Munich/GER).
Survey says: Of all the heavyweights, Germany are many peoples pick to win it all. They're in the easiest group, have an easier path to the final, and have the best, most balanced squad. Anything less the semi-finals is unacceptable. Also, most of this squad picked up a wealth of experience at the last World Cup, which is a key factor towards why I believe they can win it all.
Poland: Not regarded as one of Europe's heavyweights, Poland are looking to make their presence felt as this is the first time they've qualified for the European Championships. Poland are relying on a squad of experienced players that ply their trade elsewhere in Europe, with the remainder of the squad consisting of largely unknown Polish league players. In net, will be Celtic FC (Scotland) shotstopper Artur Boruc. The defense is led by aging (over 30), yet reliable defenders in Jacek Bak (Austria Vienna/AUT) and Michel Zewlakow (Olympiakos/GRE). The midfield is largely unknown, unproven and Polish based, save for VfL Wolfsburg (Germany) midfielder Jacek Krzynowek. Leading the line for the Poles will be Ebbe Smolarek (Racing de Santander/ESP) and Maciej Zurawski (Larissa/GRE).
Survey says: Poland have some talent, though it remains to be seen about what, if any talent abounds aside from the more established players abroad. I think Poland will do respectably, however, barring a major change in form, I see these guys finishing in 3rd place and not advancing to the next round.
Group C (Italy, France, Netherlands/Holland, and Romania):
Italy: The defending world champions are back, but things may become problematic, as defender and captain Fabio Cannavaro will miss the tournament after rupturing ankle ligaments in a recent practice session. Despite this major blow, the Italians still have what it takes to take home the trophy and overcome this setback. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus/ITA), arguably one of the world's best, is in goal. Defensively, Marco Matterazzi (Inter Milan/ITA) will be expected to lead the defense alongside attacking left-back Fabio Grosso (Lyon/FRA). AC Milan teammates Genarro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo will anchor the midfield for Italy; hotshot striker Luca Toni (Bayern Munich/GER) is expected to partner either veteran Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus/ITA) or Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese/ITA).
Survey says: Can they win it? Certainly. Will they? I'm afraid not. Losing your captain and best central defender hurts big time, and I don't think their other center backs can step up and fill his cleats. While Italy has a world-class goalie in Buffon, an excellent midfield, and strikers that can score, I see possible defensive woes catching up with them in the final or semi-final.
France: Losing the World Cup final to group members and neighbors Italy gives the French plenty of motivation ahead of the tournament. Also, returning most of their impressive and talent laden World Cup squad makes Group C the "Group of Death". Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet (Lyon/FRA) will be playing in his first major tournament after being a long-time understudy to Fabian Barthez (retired). Experienced centerbacks Lillian Thuram (FC Barcelona/ESP) and William Galas (Arsenal/ENG) will anchor the defense. Aging, yet ever-present defensive midfielders Patrick Viera (Inter Milan/ITA) and Claude Makelele (Chelsea FC/ENG) will provide further defensive assistance. Attacking midfielder Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich/GER) who is a major threat in his own right, should help out the expected and deadly forward partnership of Thierry Henry (FC Barcelona/ESP) and Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea FC/ENG).
Survey says: France could easily win it all. Emerging from the group of death is certainly possible, but it remains to be seen whether this group can emerge as European Champions like they did back in 2000. They have the attacking talent, but will the aging rearguard hold up? They'll make it to the quarterfinals, but from there it's a crapshoot.
Netherlands: With a proud football/soccer tradition combined with a unique, attacking style of play, Holland usually put on a good show at championship tournaments. After losing in the semi-finals of the Euro 2004, it'll be up to veterans Edwin Van der Sarr (Manchester United/ENG), Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord/NED), and Ruud Van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid/ESP) to lead this relatively young team. Van del Sarr and Van Bronckhorst will be in goal and on defense respectively, while Van Nistelrooy will lead a team with a multitude of quality attacking options. In the midfield, Real Madrid FC duo Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben will bringing plenty of heat from the midfield.
Survey says: In any other group Netherlands would be heavy favorites to advance and possibly win the tournament. However, in this "Group of Death" I don't think it'll be the case. I feel while there are a ton of attacking options, the defensive midfield and backline are not what it would take in a tournament of this caliber. In fact, wouldn't surprise me that much to see the Dutch finish in last place, as Romania are no pushovers.
Romania: Little is known about this squad, having the majority of their players based in the Romanian league. However, they have several players that have established themselves abroad, and they won their qualifying group which featured fellow Group C hopefuls the Netherlands (Romania won their home game and got a tie in Netherlands, the qualifying format is double round-robin). Romania has also made impressive showings at both the 1994 World Cup and the Euro 2000. Bogan Labont (Dinamo Bucuresti/ROM) is their probable starting goalkeeper. Defensively, Cosmin Contra (Getafe/ESP) and Christian Chivu (Inter Milan/ITA) are anchoring the defense. The midfield is largely unknown save for attacking midfielder/forward Nicolae Dica (Steaua Bucuresti/ROM). Upfront former Chelsea FC striker Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina/ITA) and 22-year-old Cipran Marica (VfB Stuttgart) will be primarily responsible for the goalscoring.
Survey says: In what is the toughest group by far, I can't see these guys advancing. They do have skilled players spread out across the field. For all I know, this team could pull a Greece circa 2004 and win the tournament. I think they will fare well against Holland, but against Italy and France, it's all unknown. Even if they only get a couple of points, it'll be a success, anything from there woul be gravy.
Group D (Greece, Spain, Sweden, Russia):
Greece: The Red Sox weren't the only sports team to stun the world in 2004. Greece defied 80-1 odds, defeating Europe's greatest en route to winning the Euro 2004. Despite not qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, Greece bagged 31 points in qualification, the most of any team. However, they've had a poor run of form as of late, losing to Hungary away 3-2 before tying Armenia 0-0 in an unofficial exhibition game. Regardless, much of the Euro 2004 squad is back and looking to repeat. George Clooney lookalike Antonis Nikopolidis (Olympiakos/GRE) is the probable starter. Across the back, Euro 2004 all-star Trianos Dellas (AEK Athens/GRE) will likely partner Sotiris Kyrgiakos (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER) in central defense. Greece is expected to utilize a 3-man midfield featuring Euro 2004 veterans Angelos Basinas (Mallorca/ESP), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos/GRE), and Kostas Katsouranis (Benfica/POR). Up front, Euro 2004 hero Angelos Charisteas (Nuremburg/GER) will lead the forward line. Also, expect super-sub Nikos Lyberopoulos (AEK Athens/GRE) to get minutes, as he has a knack for scoring timely, key goals off the bench.
Survey says: Greece doesn't have the defense it did in 2004, but it has considerably more attacking talent. Known for playing with a defensive mentality, Greece still has a solid, but not spectacular defensive unit. Given this and their recent run of form, getting out of the group stage is certainly possible. However I can't see this squad getting past a quarterfinal match-up with someone out of the "Group of Death".
Spain: Always contenders, yet perennial under-achievers, Spain will be looking to win the Euro since beating the former USSR to win it in 1964. Spain boast a wealth of talent and play some beautiful, passing soccer. Though team chemistry has never been ideal, and it should be interesting to see how Spain adjusts, as they've left a few veterans from previous tournament squads at home. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid/ESP) is the undisputed starting goalkeeper. Veterans Carlos Puyol (FC Barcelona/ESP) and Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid/ESP) will two of Spain's first-choice defenders. Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona/ESP) and Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal/ENG) will run the midfield. Despite leaving established stirkers Raul and Fernando Morientes at home, Spain still has two scarily good forwards in Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC/ENG) and David Villa (Valencia CF/ESP).
Survey says: Spain is usually regarded as a European heavyweight and certainly has the talent to succeed and possibly win this tournament. I think the key factor is how much chemistry there is after the omission of several, more established, veteran players; instead of tunring to young inexperienced players on a national team level. If they can gel and play well together, Spain will be a force to be reckoned with in the knockout rounds. I predict they'll falter in the semi-finals.
Russia: Russia comes into the tournament on a recent demolition derby demolishing Kazakstan and Lithuania 6-0 and 4-1 respectfully. They also beat a formidable Serbia side 2-1. Russia also has the luxury of drawing several important members of their squad from 2008 UEFA Cup winners Zenit St. Petersburg. However, the Russians had a tough time qualifying for the tournament, losing a must-win game at Israel 2-1 before backing in after narrowly defeating Andorra 1-0 (Croatia defeated England that same day 3-2, giving the Russians another chance to qualify). Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow/RUS) is the likely starter in goal, though Vyacheslav Malafeev (Zenit St. Petersburg/RUS) also played in the qualifiers and could play in this tournament. The Russian rearguard should be lead by twin brothers Aleksei and Vasili Berezutskiy (both CSKA Moscow/RUS). Konstantin Zyrianov (Zenit St. Petersburg/RUS) and Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow/RUS) should provide stability in the Russian midfield. Up front, Pavel Pongebnyak (Zenit St. Petersburg/RUS) will lead the line with teammate Andrei Arshavin suspended for the first two games of the tournament.
Survey says: Russia historically turn it on when the pressure is off. Unfortunately, this happens when the team has already been eliminated and is playing for pride in their final group stage game. Russia smacked Bulgaria 6-1 in the 1994 World Cup and beat Euro 2004 champ Greece 2-1 in their final group game. While they have an attack-minded squad that I think will cause everyone problems, I think it's another 3-and-out for Russia.
Sweden: After finishing second in their qualifying group behind Spain, the Swedes got a major boost when superstar forward Henrik Larsson (Helsingborg/SWE) announced that he would come out of international retirement for the third time and play for Sweden at the Euro 2008. Given this boost, the Swedes will have an additional attacking power in addition to Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan/ITA) and Johan Elmander (Toulouse/FRA). Andreas Issakson had a rough year for his club (Manchester City/ENG) but should be Sweden's starting goalkeeper. Defensively, Olof Mellburg (Juventus/ITA) and Mikkal Nilsson (Panathinaikos/GRE) will protect Isaksson. In midfield, the versatile Christian Wilhelmsson (Deportivo La Coruna/ESP) and Fredrik Ljungberg (West Ham United/ENG) are expected to lead the way and help out Sweden's talented forwards.
Survey says: While the Swedes have plenty of attacking options up front, their defense is not the youngest and rather slow. With the young and speedy attackers of Spain and Russia looming (Greece's forwards are no cakewalk either) I don't think this will be Sweden's tournament to shine, even with the return of the legendary Henrik Larsson.
Group Stage Predictions (top 2 advance):
A) Switzerland (A1), Portugal (A2), Turkey, Czech Republic
B) Germany (B1), Poland (B2), Croatia, Austria
C) Italy (C1), France (C2), Romania, Holland
D) Spain (D1), Greece (D2), Russia, Sweden
Knockout Round Predictions:
Quarterfinals:
A1 vs. B2 Switzerland def. Poland
A2 vs. B1 Germany def. Portugal
C1 vs. D2 Italy def. Greece
C2 vs. D1 Spain def. France
Semifinals:
Groups A and B: Germany def. Switzerland
Groups C and D: Spain def. Italy
Final:
Germany def. Spain.
Euro 2008 Champions... Germany.
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