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 4)

Muggaz

on Jun 18, 2004

He spat on some Danish players face.... 3 match ban.... I mean, he is a good footballer and all, but thats not really the kind of image UEFA wants to present to the world.... 3 matches is sufficient...

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 18, 2004

I'm all hyperactive at the moment.....don't ask why! Erm...I did have a comment to make, I can't believe you know goldberg, now I am embarrassed! I even met him!

...there really is somethings I should keep to myself!

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

Yeah i agree totally, let little Ronaldo play! He needs to learn, and it will make him better for Man Utd!

Italy won't make it to the semi's. I actually thought they'd go far to! Have you watched England yet?? What did you think? I don't think Scholes looked on top form perosnally, and Rooney was fab though he needs to curb that temper!

Muggaz

on Jun 18, 2004

I watched the England game....

I think they are right to not get excited yet... The Croation will proove a much harder test than the Swiss... I guess they were really nervous because they needed to win this game...

I really genuinely hope David James gets a clue before the next game... he really needs to take control of that 6 yard box... he really isn't a world class keeper... well, not in the same leage as Cassiles and Toldo at least...

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 18, 2004

I really genuinely hope David James gets a clue before the next game...

He makes me so nervous, he definatly isn't world class, lets just hope the back four protect him enough! Monday seems so far away, I hope they get back on the same form as we were against France, that result should give them confidence though and if we get the right result on Monday, who knows where it could go!

David Seaman

on Jun 18, 2004

David James will be the downfall of England. I knew I shouldn't have retired.

Sally jacobs

on Jun 18, 2004

you should have retired before we played Brazil

. At least you went on to bigger and better things *cough*

Robert Guinness

on Jun 18, 2004

NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Itally just drew (again)! Now I think they'll have to beat the crap out of Bulgaria if they want to pass through (I think, doesn't it go by goals in a tie?). I'm sooo losing faith.

-rob

Robert Guinness

on Jun 18, 2004

Or wait, I guess whoever loses Denmark - Sweden will be knocked out. So Italy only needs a tie against Bulgaria to pass, right? Unless Sweden and Denmark tie, arggggghhh! Go Sweden! Maybe Erick Larsson (celtic) will come through for me big time.

-rob

Sally jacobs

on Jun 18, 2004

Wow sooo confusing, you're right so far, I think Italy will be lucky to get through, I watched the match and they weren't convincing at all, hmmm! Denmark winning to, that didn't help, ahh well, means more excitment!

Robert Guinness

on Jun 18, 2004

By the way, I was wrong about italy going through with a tie. That would give them only three points to a minimum of 4 for Sweden or Denmark. But it's actually a lot more complicated situation that I even thought if Italy wins and Sweden - Denmark tie. Check out this article to see it explained:

Bizarre Situation in Group C

Muggaz

on Jun 19, 2004

David James will be the downfall of England. I knew I shouldn't have retired.

No, I think it's best that you took your pony tail and high tailed it out of the national sqaud...

Letting that goal od Ronaldinho's in the World Cup... that was atrocious!!!

AS for the way Euro is shaping up... Sweden and Italy, 1-1 draw!!! what a game!!! Ibrahimavic's goal was insane!!! It was always bound to happen with Trappatoni bringing on his defenders with 20 minutes remaing!!! why do the Italians insist on being so defensive when they have a good atack???

Denmark vs Sweden is another great game that I wont miss... only the winner will qualify for the next round!!!

BAM!!!

Sally jacobs

on Jun 19, 2004

No, I think it's best that you took your pony tail and high tailed it out of the national sqaud

The championships are great, so many surprises! Italy always play like that, they are to flat. Not willing to take risks, they so won't get through now! Fergies made an offer for the boy Rooney, but I want Gerrad, never satisfied huh!

Sir Peter Maxwell

on Jun 19, 2004

David James will be the downfall of England. I knew I shouldn't have retired.

Thanks for coming on David, I knew you would do as I asked.

Sally jacobs

on Jun 19, 2004

ooooh I'm currently watching the Czech/Holland game, what a match, wow! Sooo many chances, such class playing, I'm very impressed! Davids is just pure class! It's so exciting, I keep stopping typing because it's just chance after chance, ahhh how I love football! Plus we get to see the lovely Stam *sigh*

I hear the Switz are really upset they didn't beat us, apparently they were told they'd get a cow each if they beat us, what an insentive! Hehe!

I'm not sure about England playing the flat back four, I'm really not. We played so much better with the Diamond formation, we just look to rigid, it doesn't give our creative mid field the space they need, it doesn't create as many chances, and it affects our passing game. Having said that I think he'll keep the 4-4-2 for Monday, as we will be playing it safe, I hope I'm wrong, and they go for a win, but as they know a draw will be enough I can't help but think that's what he'll do, we shall see I guess!

Muggaz

on Jun 20, 2004

Czech Holland Game!!! What an absolute corker that was!!! I would have to say I am very happy, It would appear the the Germans are finished!!! It is very early to say that, but the Czechs are playing very well, and I dont think Germany will beat them as convincingly as Holland will need to beat Latvia!!! haha... Dirty Germans are gone!!!! that makes me smile inside...

And it was as I predicted!!! Spain have choked!!! out of the tournament from a Nuno Gomes goal!!! A lot of Melbourne is happy right now as well!!! Melbourne is the second biggest Greek city in the world!!! and the commnuinity is ecstatic with qaulification!!! I thik that is the first time in Portugal have ever beaten their Iberian rivals in a major tournament!!!

Bring on the England vs Croatia game tonight!!! it should be a pleasure to watch!!! Lets see if Rooney can score a hat-trick!!! I also agree with 4-4-2... the diamond formation needs a real creative playmaker... while we have a lot of forward minded players, England has been void of excellent creative playmaking since Gascoigne... even then, he was wishy washy... 4-4-2 is the strength... a wide beckham is a good beckham

Edgar Davids is bloody good isn't he!!! I remember Fergie putting a bid in for him around 2000... a really tenacious and skillful player!!! now we just need the Dutchies to bang 4 past LAavia to make sure the Germans dont qualify!

BAM!!!

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