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 3)

Sally jacobs

on Jun 14, 2004

I can't sleep, I have to be up in 5 hours and I'm wide awake, grrrrr! Rooney with the right influence will be great, he needs to leave Everton, they will only hold him back! He got a little over excited bless him, he's only 18 though, just a wee baby, hehe! Who's patronising, hehe!

Muggaz

on Jun 14, 2004

I dont think he should leave Everton just yet... a smaller club like them (hehe, no Toffee would put up with me saying that

) gives him the oppurtunity to play up front and develop when he is young...

We will probably buy him sooner or later anyway... Arsenal cant have him, i cant see him going to Liverpool... so the only option is us!!! hehe... we need some serious striker action anyway... i just dont know if he is the 'World Class' that we need

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 15, 2004

For a while I think that will suit him, less pressure, but soon he will need a bigger football team, to grow that bit more, and I don't think that is to far away!

we need some serious striker action anyway... i just dont know if he is the 'World Class' that we need

Neithers Alan Smith, and unfortunately we've got him, I'm SO ungrateful! I want Gerrard, I'd be very pleased if fergie bought him, dirty scouser or not. I think I'm boring about footy, hmm!

Muggaz

on Jun 15, 2004

I think you are boring all the time... just joking!!! hehehe...

I am really pumped for the Germany - Holland game after all the fuss... What do you think of Owen Hargreaves? he could be another midfield candidate for Fergie to buy!!! i like his style... he doesn't passback to the keeper without looking

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 15, 2004

I think you are boring all the time... just joking!!! hehehe...

Meannnnnn Muggazzzzzzzzz, WAIT...does this mean you're boring to??? hmmm, hehe!

Yes the germany game, I hope you didn't think I was being rude in the other article, just putting another point of view across, I actually agreed with you! Football and politics mixes like me and politics, hehe! Owen Hargreaves, hmmm, not a bad player, not been totally impressed by him yet, he's more solid that totally out there and insane, maybe why he wouldn't backpass without looking, but that may mean he's lacking flare!

Muggaz

on Jun 15, 2004

Yeah - Anyone playing for a German team like Bayern Munich would be naturally rigid!!! Creativity isn't envouraged in the German leagues... just monotonous dicipline

And yes Sally, If you are boring, I have already driven myself to sleep

I was just jokin n00b

I saw that Ruud scored the goal against the Germans! I also cant beleive Latvia did so well agains the Czech Republic!!! man... we have an awesome tournament shaping up...

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 15, 2004

The Holland game was fab! ooooh yes, I have a weird obsession with Stam I just think he's great I'm so gutted we lost him! Are defence has never looked the same, obviously! Ruud was great, wow I love football! The Germans are VERY diciplined, impressive but slightly tiresome!

The tournament is looking a lot more open than I first thought, I thought France would walk it, and every one else would pale into significance, not the case! I'm excited about Thursday, we gots to win!

I know you was jokin n00b! As that would make you as equally as boring, hehe

Muggaz

on Jun 16, 2004

Are you serious about Jaap? he was a good player, but he was the epitome of dutch arrogance, adn he unsettled the team by calling the Neville brothers "busy cu*ts" - no new comer should say that about the Neville brothers - they are a Untied institution ffs!!!

How about the Greeks mate!!! If Spain continue their choking ways, It may very well be Portugal and the Greeks that go through!!! what an upset that would be!!! These groups are fanbloodytastic!!!

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 17, 2004

I'm soooooo serious about Stam, that's the best our defence has ever looked, he was a class player, we won the treble with him baby! I thought he was quite cute to, lol, I'm just plain strange though!

no new comer should say that about the Neville brothers - they are a Untied institution ffs!!!

Yeah they are, United through and through, reliable rather than magnificent though!

I hope they do win the groups, we need a few upsets, not long now, and the almighty England will be playing again! Sooooo excited!

Muggaz

on Jun 17, 2004

I thought he was quite cute to, lol, I'm just plain strange though!

I nominate you for wierdest chick ever... he looks like those statues on Easter Island of those old Incans...

As for last nights result... I am glad Wayne scored!!! the youngest player to score ever in the European Championships!!! and he got 2!!! I will be watching the replay this evening.... the award for funniest name of the tournament surely must go to Bernt Haas.... how funny is that!!!

News also just in... apparently Chelsea have tabled a bid for Stevie G for 30million quid... Why would he go to chelsea? I mean, he wants a game doesn't he??? I want him at United FAAAAARKEN!!!!!

BAM!!!

Robert Guinness

on Jun 18, 2004

England sucks! They're going down. I was for Italy, but now with Totti blamed, I'm not sure if they'll even make it through. I'll tell you one thing for sure though, Spain - Portugal is going to be an exciting game! I can't decide who to go with. I kind of want to see Portugal win cause of the whole "last chance for a generation" thing, but come on....for Spain it's like "will they completely suck with century, too". ...we'll see, should be good!

Check out my article at http://guinness.joeuser.com

-rob

Sally jacobs

on Jun 18, 2004

I'm glad to see you have such loyalty to one team Robert it's always nice to see.

I'll tell you one thing for sure though, Spain - Portugal

Yes I'm looking forward to that one to!

I nominate you for wierdest chick ever...

Awww thank you, hehe! I had a thing for Goldberg at one point to, I bet you don't even know he is, I have very strange taste in men! You not seen the replay yet??? It was an on game, we didn't play as well as we did against the french, and how about there draw, ha! You never know what will happen in footy!

Chelsea can't have him, they think they can throw money at everything, grrrr! he better not sign, Fergie needs to get in there with an offer, I really want him!

a radical

on Jun 18, 2004

yes i especially want to see the outcome of the spain/portugal game! after i all, i betted 100 euros on portugal to win group A and reach at least quarter finals! it should be a good match indeed!~

Muggaz

on Jun 18, 2004

I had a thing for Goldberg at one point to

hahaha... you just solidified your title as wierdest chick ever

The Spain - Portugal game will be the game of the tounament so far... I dont really care who wins... I am more inclined towards Portugal though, because of Ronaldo

I think he should start the game... scholari is insane to bring him of the bench... he can really cause havoc down the wings...

AS for Totti... what an arrogant Pig... the whole of Italy is so ashamed of him right now... and to think their hopes were resting on his shoulders... he wont be able to play again unless Italy make the semi finals!!!

BAM!!!

a radical

on Jun 18, 2004

whats the big deal with totti, what did he do?

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