Euro 2008 Match 1 Reviews

Let's examine the first four days of UEFA Euro 2008 and discuss each team's performance after their first matches...

Group A

To no one's surprise, Portugal and Czech Republic won their opening matches versus Turkey and Switzerland, respectively, however both had considerable difficulty breaking down the defenses of the lesser sides. The Czechs, particularly, had trouble with co-host Switzerland and have to be considered fortunate to garner three points with their 1-0 win. Portugal were able to wear down Turkey in the 2nd half, and scored an injury time goal at the death to pad their performance and take a comfortable 2-0 victory. Wednesday's matches between the pairs of winners and losers figure to determine Group A's fate. A victory for either Czech Republic or Portugal virtually ensures progression through to the knockout stages. Likewise, a loss for either Turkey or Switzerland means no hope of continuing on beyond the group stage. Much is at stake in both Group A matches tomorrow. Look for Portugal and Czech Republic to play to a 1-1 draw, keeping the group suspenseful, while Turkey kills the dream for the hosts, defeating Switzerland 2-0, who will be sorely missing Alexander Frei.

Group B

Germany thoroughly dismantled Poland, leaving the Poles still without a win ever over their rivals to the west. The 2-0 score could have been 5-0, and as a result Germany look like clear favorites to sail through to the quarterfinals. Croatia scored an early penalty against co-hosts Austria and had to play the final 86 minutes on the back foot in holding on for a tight 1-0 win. Austria deserved an equalizer, and it was encouraging to see the team picked by most as the worst participant at Euro 2008 play with such purpose and imagination in attack. The Austrians pushed forward the entire game, and even had some great chances in the final third that they were just unable (and unlucky not) to convert. Now Austria and Poland play in a game with similar meaning as the Switzerand-Turkey game, with the loser being done and the winner holding a slim, albeit unlikely hope for going through. Germany figures to handle Croatia with ease, as their superior height and technical prowess should prove decisive. I forecast a 1-0 win for Austria and a 3-1 win for Germany. However, Croatia will handle Poland in the third match and finish second in the group.

Group C

The Group of Death. Every major tournament has one. Euro 2008 is no exception, with Group C pitting France, Italy and the Netherlands all in the same group. And, not to be outdone, Romania played tenacious football in their opener and held France to a 0-0 draw, the only draw thus far in the tournament's first four days. Romania kept it tight and forced France to get ultra-creative in order to gain a breakthrough, and though the French created chances, they were unable to penetrate the yellow jerseys at the back and paid the price with a share of the spoils. Meanwhile, the eye-opener of the tournament so far came in the second game, where Holland trounced the world champions 3-0. Italy were never in the game against the flowing and confident Dutch, who played with verve and flair in running end to end and hitting the Italians on two beautiful counter attacks. Now the Italians must rebound against the pesky Romanians, while the confident Dutch meet the droopy but adept French. This group is still very much up for grabs, though it is not a stretch to say that the Netherlands look the most impressive of all the teams in Euro 2008 after one match. I see the French bouncing back and drawing with Holland, 1-1, while I see Italy rebounding with a tough 1-0 victory over Romania. This scenario would set up a riveting third match day with France and Italy meeting in a World Cup final rematch with nothing less than progression to the quarterfinal at stake. A juicy scenario that would be indeed....

Group D

If the Dutch look the most impressive after one match, the Spanish are not far behind. Spain opened their Euro '08 campaign with an authoritative stomping of Guus Hiddink-led Russia (never an easy feat), 4-1. Capped by a David Villa hat trick and constant pressure going forward, even in a driving Austrian rain, Spain exhibited the flair and form they are so capable of but so often lacking in major tournaments. The Russians are not hopeless of advancing to the quarters, but they must shore up their defense if they are to settle down in their remaining to matches. Sweden also looked confident and capable in downing the defening European champions 2-0. The Greeks, so known for their pesky defense, finally succumbed to persistent Swedish pressure in the 67th minute to a Zlatan Ibrahimovic strike that is certainly the goal of the tournament thus far. Linking up for a beautiful one-two with Henrik Larrson before lasering a strike home from 22 yards, Ibrahimovic in one moment lifted the Swedes and showcased his stellar ability that has become so popular at the San Siro for Inter Milan. Now the Swedes are in prime position to hold serve in two more matches and make it through to the knockout round. Spain-Sweden on Saturday will be a candidate for best match of the group stage, as two powerful and potent sides meet for an edge in Group D. The Greece-Russia match will once again present a situation where a loser looks done and a winner still has life, and that match is tough to predict. I see the Russians as barely having an edge, and see them gaining a crucial three points that cripples the Greeks and leaves their Euro title defense DOA in the group stage. Spain will defeat Sweden, but not in the same fashion as they did the Russians, and their 2-1 victory will ensure their passage into the quarters.