A Commonfan’s Euro 2008 Diary - 08/06/2008 – First impressions of group B
Germany
Germany have almost the same side from the last World Cup, almost the same coaching ideology as the last World Cup and are almost at home , geographically speaking ,like the last World Cup. And I would expect them to almost repeat their performance of the last world Cup – they will play well and make the semis at least.
Germany have almost the same side from the last World Cup, almost the same coaching ideology as the last World Cup and are almost at home , geographically speaking ,like the last World Cup. And I would expect them to almost repeat their performance of the last world Cup – they will play well and make the semis at least.
The coach is no longer there but his ideology and players remainAfter two horror European tournaments, the Germans are finally back with a strong side and have re-discovered their swagger and winning mentality of old. In a closely fought tournament like this, a winning attitude is often the difference between victory and defeat. The Germans have a strong side which plays a busy attacking style based on team work and efficiency. They don’t have any big stars but are solid at every position and are a tough nut to crack. Their biggest star is Michael Ballack who has returned to form at Chelsea this season. His midfield leadership will be crucial to an extended run for Germany in the tournament.
Their opening game against Poland was expected to be a dog fight but Germany emerged with a convincing 2-0 victory which was remindful of their displays at the 2006 WC. The Germans are all fired up and should top the group.
Poland
The Poles were knocked down by a polish born-German. They have no reason to complain though. They have also benefitted from emigrant footballers, most notably the Nigerian born striker- Emmanuel Olisadabe.
They have already over-achieved by qualifying for the tournament and their display against Germany was nothing to be ashamed of. They are a side of no names which has been turned into a fighting unit by the wily old Dutchman – Leo Beenhakker. I would expect the Poles to make their coach proud by beating the Austrians and challenging the Croats for a second round berth.
Croatia
For all the talk about this team being on the verge of a major international breakthrough, the Croats were horrible against arguably the worst side in the tournament - the Austrians. They were lucky to get the win; else they would have done their qualification hopes some serious damage.
Their coach is quite hopeful that his team is capable of much more. I am sure they are, having beaten the English in England to top their qualifying group. But most managers in Euro 2008 are far better than Steve McLaren and their sides will know how to handle the Croats.
Their opening game against Poland was expected to be a dog fight but Germany emerged with a convincing 2-0 victory which was remindful of their displays at the 2006 WC. The Germans are all fired up and should top the group.
Poland
The Poles were knocked down by a polish born-German. They have no reason to complain though. They have also benefitted from emigrant footballers, most notably the Nigerian born striker- Emmanuel Olisadabe.
They have already over-achieved by qualifying for the tournament and their display against Germany was nothing to be ashamed of. They are a side of no names which has been turned into a fighting unit by the wily old Dutchman – Leo Beenhakker. I would expect the Poles to make their coach proud by beating the Austrians and challenging the Croats for a second round berth.
Croatia
For all the talk about this team being on the verge of a major international breakthrough, the Croats were horrible against arguably the worst side in the tournament - the Austrians. They were lucky to get the win; else they would have done their qualification hopes some serious damage.
Their coach is quite hopeful that his team is capable of much more. I am sure they are, having beaten the English in England to top their qualifying group. But most managers in Euro 2008 are far better than Steve McLaren and their sides will know how to handle the Croats.
Croatia has no one in the class of Boban and Suker
In fact, I would go as far as saying that this isn’t the best side to come out of Croatia. Previous sides have boasted of the likes of Boban and Suker – established names at big-time European clubs. The current side has no such pedigree and will find it difficult to go one better.
Austria
Quite simply the poorest side in the tournament. They suffer from a hopeless lack of quality. Their best player is a mediocre member of a mediocre Middlesbrough side. But they put up a valiant fight and would have made the home fans proud. I hope they manage to get at least one point in the group and have something positive to remember about a tournament they had been so excited about.
Sphere: Related Content
Austria
Quite simply the poorest side in the tournament. They suffer from a hopeless lack of quality. Their best player is a mediocre member of a mediocre Middlesbrough side. But they put up a valiant fight and would have made the home fans proud. I hope they manage to get at least one point in the group and have something positive to remember about a tournament they had been so excited about.
4 comments:
podolski sealed it for them... but then generally speaking Germany has always been pretty consistent when it comes to these major championships.
Who you reckon are the favs? For me any team except france!
I think the favs at the start of the tournament were Germany, France, Italy, Holland and Portugal and I will stick with them.
Dont count out the French, dude. They are a resilient side which has a solid defence and with all the talent they have , they will get some goals sooner or later.
yuvraj singh gave man of the match in euro 2008!!! wtf
any guesses
How many people in the stadium actually thought Yuvraj was there as a celebrity and not beacuse he had won some competition for fans - the first prize for which was a chance to present the MoM
Post a Comment