euro 2008

hello this blog is going to be my predictions for the upcoming euros starting in June.

lets start with group a, where Portugal will be red hot favourites to finish 1st in the group, they’re a team full of pace and flair down the flanks, with wingers such as simao, nani, queresma and of course cristiano ronaldo, their full backs will get forward and support them as much as possible especially bosingwa who can fly up and down the wing all night.

 they have got a decent midfield, i personally would start with joao moutinho who is a really bright prospect, instead of deco who hasn’t performed well for a couple of seasons now, I’m not sure who’s going to play with him maybe veloso and petit, although miereles could come in and do a job for them.

there goalie ricardo is a good player and centre back carvalho will marshall their defence so i don’t expect them to give away any cheap goals.

their major downfall is the lack of quality strikers, nuno gomes is surly to old to be starting, which means that either hugo almeida or helder postiga will be vying for the spot, i think scolari will pick postiga but personally i would pick almeida because he is tall and strong although admittedly not the best finisher but he could do a job.

Prediction: Portugal should finish 1st in group quite comfortably.

czech rep, are a team that is in somewhat of a decline, always known as dark horses i doubt many will call them that this year without the injured roscicky and the retired pavel nedved its going to be tough for them.

the key to their team is jan koller the giant striker who, if given the service, will score goals or flick the ball on for baros who has had a few dodgy years since his days at liverpool.

their defence throughout the years has been pretty shaky when dealing with pace, their full backs are quite good especially ujfalusi, its their centre backs that are particularly bad with newcastle flop david rozehnal being chief culprit, although when you have got a dodgy defence a keeper like cech will minimize the damage done

 Prediction: i expect czech rep. to just about scrape through to quarter finals.

switzerland, joint hosts the swiss have got some good young players but i feel they are 2-4 years away from being able to do something in a major championship.

watch out for young players such as midfielder barnetta, striker derdiyok and arsenal defender djourou.

prediction: outside chance of getting 2nd, most likely to finish 3rd

 turkey are a talented going forward but have got a shaky defence to say the least, like the swiss they need to use this as a stepping stone for the world cup in two years time.

the key to their team is sanil tuncay who has been fantastic for middlesbrough this season and the inconsistent emre who on his day is fantastic, the worrying thing about turkey is their lack of young talent, they are so desperate for talent that they have got London born kazim richards who i doubt could make England’s 5Th string squad.

prediction: expect them to battle for wooden spoon with switzerland