European Championships 2004

European Championships 2004 - Portugal

brief review of the teams

Published on June 10, 2004 By Muggaz In Sports & Leisure

Every two years football fanatics are blessed with excelent tournament's with champion players and quality fans. 2004 is the year of the European Championships, and what a tournament it is shaping up to be.

16 teams, 368 players, and 31 games will decide who the Kings of European football are. The format is four groups of four teams - all pooled according to their qualifying success. The top two teams from each group proceed to the quarter finals, then semi finals, and of course, the final in Lisbon at 'Estadio de Luz' in July 4th. Which team will prevail?

Group A

Greece have drawn a tough group. I dont think they have much chance of progressing to the next stage. Their club football is no comparisson to the great leagues of Europe, and inevitably, their national team suffers. They may have had a chance for the quarter finals in another group, but being drawn with the hosts, and the powerhouse Spain, the greeks will be able to enjoy most of thier summer as spectators

Portugal have had a golden generation of footballers to let them down. Winners of the under 21 world cup a few years ago, they were highly rated going into the World cup in Japan and Korea, however, they failed to impress. Names like Figo (Pictured) deserve to win a major trophy at international level, and with team mates like Rui Costa and Christiano Ronaldo, along with Vito Baia in goals, the home ground advantage may be vital - quarter finals certainty - who knows from there?

Russia impressed everyone in qualifying - the first team to make it certain. Unfortunately being lumped with the home team may come back to haunt them - I am afraid Russia's progression in this tournament rest in other teams abilities to perform or not.

Spain are the perennial under acheivers of world football. Arguably one of the best squads of individuals, with names like Raul, Morientes, Helguera and a keeper like Casillas they have constantly let their nation down. A team that benefits from one of the top, if not the best league in the world, they have always been under immense pressure to succeed - they have tremendous firepower up front, howver, the only thing that is stopping them as a team is probably their individual ego's. Semi finals.

Group B

Croatia surprised the world when they finished 3rd at World Cup 98... there will be no surprises here though, they aren't the team they used to be. While impressive in a recent 2-1 victory over Denmark, the croats have drawn current European champions France in the group, along with England - it's not beyond them to make the quarter finals, it will be very tough though.

England play France in their opening game. I am sure they are looking forward to it immensely. Should they perform well, they will beinstilled with confidence. England, undefeated in qualifying, certainly does have the capacity to go all the way, if they communicate. Led by the illustrious David Beckham (pictured) if he lets his football do the talking, England should make it to the quarter finals. Severley lacking in goals and defense, they can be exposed. Really needs the whole team to stand tall to get anywhere.

France are the current title holders, and whoever beats them can lift the trophy! Simply the best team in the tournament, with superstar individuals like Zidane, Vierra, Pires, Trezeguet, and possibly the best player in the world, Thierry Henry, they will be very hard to beat. The French play a fantastic team game, and their midfield is near unstoppable. For a team to beat them, they virtually have to bypass the midfield entirely, so in short - no one beats them. Expect Henry to kick the most goals for the tournament.

Switzerland are the make wieghts of group D. A 1-0 win over Liechenstein in their final warm up for the tournament will be their last victory for a while. The average wage of the Frenchor English players would be equal to that of the entire Swiss team... the gap in class in to great. The strikers in group B from the other teams will all look forward to this game as a chance to score some goals for their country.

Group C

Bulgaria consider themselves to be underdogs of Euro 2004, and rightly so. They dont have much to lose, and even playing amongst such esteemed company on the pitch is a privelage for them, a young side, however, they lack any depth and will make other teams look better than they should.

Denmark suffered a narrow loss to Croatia in the warm up games, however, they qualified reasonably well for the finals. Winners of the tournament in 1996, they cant hope to emulate that feat this time around. Players like Dahl Tomasson can entertain and surprise, but the depth and consitency to

Italy have always been successful on the world stage, and they are the team the ladies love to swoon over. Always contenders, they suffered their greatest national embarrasement when they lost 2-1 to South Korea at the last World cup, of course, they blamed it on the referree - they only had their 'score goal, sit back and defend' mentality to blame. 2 of the best goalkeepers in the world, and the best defense in the world, Nesta, Cannavaro form a great backbone, and Francesco Totti is a great forward player. They should come out on top of this group, and do well

Sweden Is another team made up of male models, although they certainly play good, cohesive football. Henrik Larson will be looking to bow out of the international stage in style, and this Swedish team can turn a few heads. Not really any 'Superstars' in the true sense of the word, just a diciplined team who can throw a spanner in the works, should outclass Denmark to make the quarters.

Group D

The Czech Republic have Pavel Nedved (pictured) - easily one of Europes best footballers last season, and a penchant for surprise. Also previous winners of the event in the 90's they are not a minnow in world football to be taken lightly. Their is a lot of experience in the team, however - the fates of football will decide the Czech's outcome in this tournament - grouped with Germany and the Netherlands, they will have to really turn it on to get to the quarters

Germany were the losing finalists in the last world cup, going down to Brazil 2-0. Famous for their typical German efficiency. This will be Oliver Kahn's last tournament, and the Germans will want him to go out in style. He has been a brilliant goalkeeper, and a German institution. Michael Ballack should rise to the occasion, and Germany will win games from sheer perseverance... not really any flare, just true grit. Semi Finals at least.

Latvia I will really enjoy watching the form of the other three teams in this group when they play Latvia... Were lucky to qualify for the finals, and should enjoy the experience, the defenders wont have too much fun though.

Netherlands have possibly been the greatest under acheivers of late in world football. Too many inflated egos and not enough communication makes a team of superstars near useless. Individual talent can only get you so far. Have not won a major tournament since the glory days of Marco Van Basten and Johan Cryuff, and their preparation has been rather stunted by infighting. Have the skill to go all the way with players like Van Nistelrooy, Davids, and Seedorf, but not the solidarity.

The count down has begun and kick off is in a little over two days - Portugal vs Greece. Its going to be a tiring fortnight for me.

BAM!!!

Comments (Page 1)

Sally jacobs

on Jun 10, 2004

Oooooooh Muggaz I could kiss you for writing this article!!!!! I am so unbelievably excited about Euro 2004, it's beyond belief. I'm going to sleep in my flag...as like a symbol of luck or something, i don't know, sounds good though right??? I've decided that I'm going to turn my footy brain off for the next two weeks, and just have complete, blind faith in England, who wants to be sensible when it comes to footy? That's part of the joy of the game, the blind hope, the joy of winning, the pain of losing, so my prediction for France vs England? Hehe....2-1 to England (remember no footy brain!)! Who are you supporting? You must have a team you'd like to see succeed! Teams of male models huh, hehe, I'm surprised you noticed! No one beats Henry for me, both for footy talent and sex appeal. Theere's a huge gap between teams in this competition, I just hope there's a few surprises, otherwise it's just going to be France all the way through, I think Italy have a chance, but my blind faith, I'll say England, hehe!

Muggaz

on Jun 10, 2004

Sally.... cant you tell from my criticism that I am also an England supporter? hehe... I have to follow my roots... It's so painful being an England supporter though - because I know they have the talent, but they are ever so prone to making stupid mistakes! Like i said in my breif review - it will take a stellar effort from the whole team for them to get anywhere... I just hoe John terry pulls up alright... Jamie Carrgher.. wtf...

Other than England, I support France, but that is just because I love them, and I have been their before!!! and like I have told you, and you certainly understand - Henry is my favorite player (other than Harry Kewell of course!)

I must say - I am glad you like it, it took me a fair while to write, and sen as though no one else here gives a crap, we will just get together and have our own little Euro discussions

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 10, 2004

, yeah we'll have to, it must have took you ages, I was going to do something like this, but probably better that you did it, as mine would have consisted of...ooh he has nice legs, and he's pretty...haha! Nahhh, I'm not that bad, well not quite! It is really painful, sooo painful, because sometimes we just produce fantastic football, and then we think we have it won, and fuk up. We're so arrogant, grrr! We need on form strikers and we may just have a chance, but it is an added bonus to watch the greatness that is France, damn they just play beautiful football!

Harry Kewell, as he is your fellow countryman, I'll be nice, yeah....talented player, hehe! Henry is god.....and I don't say that lightly! Ha! The times of the games are going to be really bad for you, you think you can handle the lack of sleep?

Muggaz

on Jun 10, 2004

Sally.... I pretty much operate on 4-6 hours sleep a night anyway... I have it all planned.... I should be able to power nap in between games... the only problem is that I dont have cable TV, and the championships are only available on foxtel! So i guess i will be *forced* to go to the pubs!!!

The only problem is selecting games that I think I can *miss* - Last world cup, i only missed 2 games... that was great though, because it was in pretty much the same Time zone as Australia... I would go to the pub next door to our office, watch the first game, then go home.. chill for half an hour, and watch the other two games for that day... man, this timezone can suck though!!! hehe....

If you remember correctly, France, whilst playing beautiful football, only got to the finals of 2000 because of luck when playing the dutch... and last world cup, they exited first round - that the beauty of Football.... absolutely anything can happen... all it takes is 5 minutes of brilliance from one individual, and a game can turn on its head... personally... I am looking to Joe Cole to provide that brilliance... I hope he gets some good pitch time... an exciting player indeed... where do you fir him in though? Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes are obvious choices... however, you have guys like Butt available as well... Its a pretty good selection dilema for Sven...

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 10, 2004

Forced to go to the pub huh, what a hard life you lead, how ever will you manage??? All the games are on in the evenings here, so it is perfect timing, I'm so excited about Sunday......and nervous, how pathetic is that, actually don't answer that, I'd rather not here it, hehe! 4-6 hours, damn that's not alot at all, though naps are a great thing, I'd be lost without my afternoon naps!

I'm impressed...only two games, that's dedication! I feel I'm going to be sad, and try and miss no games, just to get the full appreciation of the competition, it's not often I get so much football to dribble over, hehe!

In midfield the selection is going to be tough, maybe have cole in a left wing position, we know that we can win and lose games in mid field, and as it's our strongest ares in my opinion, Sven has to make some good choices, it could so go either way...soooooooo nervous, I have a wallchart to keep track, I SO shouldn't admit that, I'm turning into a geek, and you're encouraging me, tut tut!

Muggaz

on Jun 10, 2004

Sally... love of football is not Geekdom!!! in fact... I am finding you extremely attractive right now!!! A woman who loves sport is priceless in my book!!!

I think maybe Scholes or Gerrard on the left side... the team setup england has is not ideal for wingers... with Bridge and Cole in defense, those two guys virtually operate as wingers anyway, and guys like Scholes and Gerrard can always be trusted to track back and defend... they are just really competative, and that is a bit of an edge the english team has... England won the world cup in 66 when they used a right footer on the left hand side, and Stevie Gerrard uses the outside of his right very well - a.k.a Paul Merson... so if he cuts in, England have every chance of controlling the midfield with him and Lampard....

I am looking forward to Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell battling it out with Pires and Henry... you have to say, that is an awesome advantage England has, they play a lot of club football with the superstars!!!! and they know the game...

BAM!!!

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 10, 2004

I've just been reading the paper...I should be in bed sleeping like a baby, but instead you've got me all excited about footy! fergies is after buying Rooney and Gerrard! After we get over the initial reaction that they are dirty scousers, how wicked would it be to have Gerrard in the team, Keane won't be lasting much longer (harsh but true) Scholes needs a partner, and Butt though good, is not up to standard, so I think they'd make a great combination, as for Rooney, not so sure. I'm very fussy about strikers, I think it would be make or break for him, he could play and be totally out of his depth next to van the man, or he could rise to the challenge, his younger brother plays for everton reserves, he's a mid field player, ten times better than Wayne...one to watch for the future me thinks, anyway I'm confusing club footy with the national team, back to the matter at hand!

If England have one thing on their side it's that they are willing to put up a fight, and the players we have are used to that with how the premiership works, they get to see both sides of the game, we aren't totally written off yet! I personally think Gerrard and Scholes are the key, but maybe I'm biased!

Hehe...I don't know many lasses who are into their football, but when I discuss it with men, they tend to try and patronize me or not take me to seriously, what do I know, I'm just a ickle lady, right! I think most don't like it, ahhh well I can't help my love for the beautiful game, I'm going to try and sleep now........lol like that;s gunna happen, but I shall try, I'll dream of men in shorts and England lifting the cup, hehe!

Muggaz

on Jun 10, 2004

Thats a shame, because you seem to know what you are talking about!!! when i get into discussion with Pommies about football, they look at me in awe because i know wo much from so far away... I guess i have the internet to thank for that!

I am starting to think the only reason you haven't gone to watch the footy is because you are one of those hooligans, and you have a banning order or something restricting you from leaving the country

Have a good sleep!!! XOXO

BAM!!!

new-age nomad

on Jun 10, 2004

I got one thing to say:

Europeans are hella sexy.

Trinitie

new-age nomad

on Jun 10, 2004

I got one thing to say:

Europeans are hella sexy.

Trinitie

Muggaz

on Jun 10, 2004

I ahve one thing to say.... you are a posting n00b

BAM!!!

Muggaz

on Jun 10, 2004

Apparently David Beckham's voice is going to be used to make all stadium announcements at England's Euro 2004 matches - he comes over the PA really well

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 11, 2004

...I suppose he has to come over something really well....hmmm!

Yeah they took my passport off me, I'm stuck in England for duration sucks huh! I am impressed with you knowledge you seem to be able to have a good debate about football, I seem to just bore people with it! Ahh well...notlong now, yay!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 11, 2004

Sven Sven Sven Goran Eriksson
He`s a lovely geezer
but don`t forget that he`s from Sweden

He has got a spam head
but we don`t really care
the fact that Sven has only got
half a head of hair

Sven Sven Sven Goran Eriksson
He`s a lovely man
and he is the pride of England

Little Micheal Owen
did the Argies with his pace
and handsome Martin Keown
Will scare them with his face

Argie Argie Argie, Argie bargy
they are cheats cheats cheats cheats cheats
{Who`s the guvna}

Sven Sven Sven Goran Eriksson
He`s a lovely geezer
but don`t forget that he`s from Sweden

`ERE Sven should bring back Paul Gasgione
We can`t forget his tears
Well how about Gary Lineker
with his great big ears
even the Queen is demanding that we
bring the world cup home
and she`s asked if David Beckham`s wife
will give her back her throne

England England England we know the score
we beat the crouts 5-1
now thier not singing any more
Scholesey Becks and Gerrard
the Englandboys will score
we lift up the cup
remember Bobby Moore

Stevie Stevie Stevie Stevie Gerrard
he has got some tackle
and he is well hard

Kylie Minogue says the England boys are class
She`s got a lovely smile
and She`s got a lovely aaaaaaaaaaa
Sven Sven Sven Goran Eriksson
He`s a lovely geezer
but don`t forget that he`s from Sweden x3

Sven Sven Sven Goran Eriksson
Sven Sven Sven Goran Eriksson
Sven Sven Sven Goran Eriksson
Sven Sven Sven Goran Eriksson

Muggaz

on Jun 11, 2004

Hahahahha... Thanks for that Sally!!!

You know, we can always hear some random chanting in the back ground on the TV, but half the time I cant understand what they are saying!!! They only chant I know is "Oh Ah Cantona!!!", "KKKKKEEEEEEAAAAAAANNNNNOOOOO!!!" and several involving Robert PIres and his diving habits

BAM!!!

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