Much has been said. I for one was quite anxious for the tournament. The tournament has reach the Third and final game for the Grouping Stages.
GROUP A.
Portugal
Czech Republic
Turkey
Switzerland.
In Group A, the obvious favorites for me should have been Portugal and Czech Republic to go through. But a twist in fate saw Mr. Reliable, Petr Cech made a saving blunder and handed the Turks a deserving victory, handing them the second spot to qualify.
So, Portugal and Turkey have gone through.
GROUP B
Germany
Croatia
Poland
Austria
The Croatians have already confirmed the participations in Round 2. And, they did it in style. To beat the Germans was one outstanding overall performance and we shall wait their performance as underdogs of the tournament Germany in the other hand, will qualify. It will take another miracle, or another huge blunder, if the Germans lose to Austria, even with their home support.
To go through – Croatia and Germany.
GROUP C
Italy
France
Holland
Romania
Initially, group fav’s were Italy and France. Italy was the Crown Champions of World Cup 2006, but they have not shown their superiority. The absence of Defense Leader and team captain, Mr. Cannavaro at the very last minute, clearly played a major impact to their performance. The obvious error by the referee during the Italy and Romania game also didn’t help. France in the other hand has to blame the coach. Clearly the manager have not shown his tactics works, and the only goal that they scored was because the excellent technical ability of one Thiery Henry. Out of the Group of Death, came the most outstanding team of the tournament : Holland @ Netherlands. Their ability to work on the flanks and counter attacks, cemented the authority. To put 3 pass the Italians with ease, and 4 past France was not an easy tasks. Clearly tactics and technical ability of players have synergized and now they can reap their profits. It has now come to the wire. If Holland plays fair and put their best team on the field, it would be hard for Romania to be through. Nevertheless, I think Coach Van Basten will not put the best team on, as they have already qualified as Group Leaders, the first team to do so, handing Romania a glimpse hope of qualifying. But they still have to beat 2nd team Holland. Italy and France shall battle it out on winner takes all game. No Guts, No Glory
Team to Qualify – Holland and … (I’m sitting on the fence on this one)
GROUP D
Spain
Russia
Sweden
Greece
The defending EURO 2004 Champions were disgraceful. Lost 2 games without even scoring a goal have shown them the exit door. They were brilliant in 2004, but tactics have gone wrong and the results showed. Period. Spain, the most well known underachievers in football world have won 2 games. These results meant they are now through to the second round. Hopefully, they can win their last game to qualify as Group Leaders, hence avoiding the much feared Holland. Swede’s tactics to draw with Spain was a cleaver one, but they didn’t manage to do that. Only a win against the Russians will see them through, but the probability of meeting Holland in the 2nd round shall a force to be reckoned with. Russia have won against Greece, but I think that overall, Sweden was better as proven scoring 2 against Grece, and almost a draw against Spain, while Russia was humiliated 4-1 by Spain.
Teams – Spain and Sweden.
I’ll continue on the second round as teams confirm their qualifications.
End
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