Euro 2008 starts tommorow. In a tournament of this magnitude their will be contenders and pretenders to the title last won by Greece (a real pretender back then, but no more now).
Here are a list of my countries that are real Contenders for the cup:
1) Italy - The Azzurris have always been one of the favourites in any competition they enter and it won't be different this time around especially coming on the back of their conquest at the last world cup held in Germany. They have a bunch of highly skilled individuals that can hold their own against any opponent anyday. The only hitch to their preparation has been the injury to their captain Fabio Cannavaro but I think is absence wont be missed much.
Player(s) to watch: Luca Toni (scores goal for fun), Del Piero (he peaked at the right moment to be selected), Gattuso (combative midfielder that does all the dirty work with grit and determination)
2) Germany - Nobody gave them much chance during the last world cup held in their back yard but this set of youngsters have grown to become a formidable force to be reckoned with and with their inspirational captain , Michel Ballack back to form you would want to rule them out att your peril.
Player(s) to watch: Micheal Ballack (inspires the team and when he finds his rhythm all the other players does too)
3) Portugal: They were beaten finalist last time around but this time a lot of their players have really come of age. All departments of the team are very strong.
Players to watch: Ronaldo (probable world player of the year and if he can bring club form to bear then all opponents are in real trouble), Ricardo Calvarho (the type of defender any coach would love to have in his team).
Pretenders for the Cup:
1) France - On paper they posses skillful players and they were world cup finalist just 2yrs ago with the bulk of the players then still in this team. But I dont expect them to find it easy.
2) Greece - Defending champions. Pundits have called their last win a fluke. But as defending champions they would want to prove a point.
3) Spain - Perenial underachievers. They have the best league but just like England has not been able to translate it to their national teams.
Friday, June 6, 2008
EURO 2008- CONTENDERS AND PRETENDERS
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5 comments:
Hey you are missing out Holland among the contenders. they are a complete side and i think they should be among those u've listed.
i go for Greece defending their title. they will be hard to beat.
Germany has started very well. Am tipping them for the title if Ballack can stay on top of his game throughout the tournament.
Holland vs Italy match of yesternite was a big surprise. I tipped Italy for the tournament but i mite have to reconsider it now with the way they were demolished by Holland.
Greece is the team to beat.
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