Euro 2008

The group stage of Euro 2008 has come to an end and the knockout stage is here.  We’ve seen some good and some bad.  Here are my thoughts and predictions for the tournament to come.

Let start with the good and my team of the tournament so far.

Netherlands:  They opened up with convincing victories over two of Europe’s premier squads to win their group before the third matches even began.  And then won a game they didn't need to.  I’m not sold on their chances to take the whole tournament, but for the excitement they provided and the skill and ability they showed in the group stage alone, they're my team of the tournament so far.  And special props to Marco Van Basten for his substitutions.

Croatia:  What else can you say, but they earned max points in a group with pre-tournament favorite Germany.  Even when they didn’t need to win the final game to advance to knockout play, they did, and against a Polish team that did need that win.  And hey, how about not having to play Portugal in the first round?  I say boo-ya.

David Villa:  He leads all scorers and his goal in the waning seconds of Spain’s match against Sweden allowed his team to rest some players in their final group match against Greece.  Spain are clearly the class of their group and Villa has led them there.

Now the bad.

Czech Republic:  I was going to single out goalkeeper Petr Cech, but changed my mind.  It was his awful, awful blunder that led to Turkey’s equalizing goal in their third match, but the last goal made the entire team look bad.  Nihat Kahveci’s finish was tremendous, but how in the world was he that wide open?  Simply put, the team choked.

France:  I feel kind of bad (not really) about putting a France in this category because they did play in the group of death and in the last game they played with 10 players.  But talk about a flop.  Three games, one goal and only one point.  C'est terrible!  I don't even know what else to say.  They were bad.  So was Anelka.

Volkan Demirel:  Whether Demirel’s red card was actually warranted is beside the point.  He did something incredibly stupid.  After his team has climbed back from a 2-0 deficit he decides to put a Turkish win in limbo and ultimately eliminates himself from Turkey’s first match in the knockout stage.  However, I will say he provided me with some fantastic thoughts as the official sifted through the mess following the red card.  What if the Czechs were able to score and the game went into a shootout?  A non-goalie playing keeper in a shootout?  That would have been awesome.  Turkey would have lost though and Demirel’s life would then be threatened on a daily basis for many years.

Predictions

Quarterfinals

Portugal vs. Germany

-As balanced as this is on paper I’m taking Portugal.  I think they want it too bad and even though Germany will probably show up to play, I’ll take Portugal.  Plus, their top players will be well rested.  Score: 1-0

Turkey vs. Croatia

-The Turks have shown that their is a reason to play all 90 minutes, but I just have a feeling about Croatia.  I can't really explain it, but I'm going with the those checkered jerseys. Score 1-1 (5-3 on penalties)

Netherlands vs. Russia

-I'm really looking forward to this match.  As you know the Dutch are my team of the tournament so far and Russia played very well against Sweden in their final group match.  I still like the Netherlands to win, but Russia will put up a fight.  Score: 3-1

Spain vs. Italy

-Another mouth watering first round matchup, but I like Spain.  I think Italy will show up in full force this game, but their scoring touch is not quite right so they'll fall short.  Score: 2-1

Semifinals

Portugal vs. Croatia

-Portugal are better as a team and will take this.  It is championship or bust for them and they won't take anyone lightly though until it's over.  Score: 2-0

Netherlands vs. Spain

-This is the hardest pick.  This could be a shootout and it is going to be close.  My gut tells me Spain will win, but I'm going with the Netherlands.  I think it's those orange jerseys. Score: 3-2 (ET)

Final

Portugal vs. Netherlands

-Portugal returns to attempt to finish what they started in 2004 and the Netherlands will try to enact revenge for a 2-1 loss it sustained at the hands of Portugal in the Semifinals of Euro 2004.  But they'll come up short.  I think Portugal will take the crown because they will not let themselves lose for the second time in four years.  Score: 2-1