you got to be kidding about the us winning the world cup before england. they wouldnt have won the gold cup last year without help from the refs against canada
However, playing on familiar soil won't be all it takes for Switzerland, that's for sure. Put together with the Czech Republic, Portugal and Turkey, Group A is no easy task. The newly released April FIFA World Rankings have the Czech Republic No. 6 and the Portuguese No. 9. Turkey, meanwhile, finished a strong 7-3-2 in qualifying to advance to this year's tournament. The Swiss certainly won't be the favorite to find a spot in the elimination round, but it will be a nice story to follow them in hopes of seeing another home-supported nation find a joyous opportunity in the European Championships.
Golden Player Watch - Tranquillo Barnetta, M
The midfield is a surefire strength for the Swiss with stability behind the likes of Hakan Yakin, Daniel Gygax and David Degen, but for Switzerland to find any great deal of success, then 22-year old Tranquillo Barnetta must let his playmaking presence be known.
Barnetta showed a bit of his potential back in the 2006 World Cup with a goal and an assist in four games, and since then he has begun to establish himself as a true leader on his national side, striking for two goals in as many games during international friendly play last year. Playing in the German Bundesliga, he has seen his fair share of strong opposition, but his level of play must be raised that much more to create realistic hope for advancement this summer.
Reason Why They Will Advance to Elimination Round
The Swiss definitely have a chance to move past group play in Euro 2008. Czech Republic, one of the strong favorites, were dealt a blow with one of its top players, Tomas Rosicky, being ruled out for the rest of his domestic season and possibly will struggle to be fit for this summer's event. Switzerland will, of course, need three points from one of its games vs. Czech or Portugal, but that's not entirely out of the question.
Group Play Schedule
Switzerland vs. Czech Republic - June 6
Switzerland vs. Turkey - June 11
Switzerland vs. Portugal - June 15
Soaring to No. 6 in the current April FIFA world rankings, this summer is the perfect opportunity for the Czech Republic to make a name for itself as one of the strongest soccer countries in the world. The Czechs suffered a very disappointing result in the 2006 World Cup. They failed to advance to the elimination round, as sleeper Ghana defeated them head-to-head in group play and moved forward with eventual-champion Italy.
In the 2004 European Championship, they earned a successful semi-final appearance. They'll look to improve off this effort this summer, thanks to a very impressive qualifying campaign. They posted 29 points with a 9-2-1 record that moved prohibited favorite Germany to second in the table.
The biggest question for this team forms around the injury to captain Tomas Rosicky and possibly his absence from this tournament. Originally sidelined for over two months, his fitness race will be tracked in detail as the summer approaches. Nicknamed 'the Little Mozart' for his tactical attacking skills in the midfield, the loss of Rosicky would be huge and quite possibly too much to overcome knowing the quality of opponents they'll be facing in this event.
Golden Player Watch - Jan Koller, F
When you think of attacking for the Czech Republic, it's quite clear Jan Koller is at the top of the list. Physically overbearing at over 6'7'', this striker is the all-time leading scorer for his national team with 52 goals in 85 caps.
I still can vividly remember his opening goal for the Czechs vs. the United States in their first round matchup in the 2006 World Cup. Racing down the penalty box, his menacing header smashed through the net and completely thwarted the U.S. within minutes of the match starting. His size and strength make him a very tough cover, but just the same his ball skills has him as one of the finest attackers we'll see this summer.
Reason Why They Will Advance to Elimination Round
A very strong team, Czech Republic will be favored to advance in its respective group this summer in Euro 2008. No doubt the potential loss of Rosicky could make things tricky and open doors for another team to slide in and advance, however you'd be remised if you turn your back to them too soon. And on top of that, if world-class and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech gets back to top form as he was several summers ago for the World Cup, things will be even brighter for this football nation.
Group Play Schedule
Czech Republic vs. Switzerland - June 6
Czech Republic vs. Portugal - June 11
Czech Republic vs. Turkey - June 15
Two years later a more experienced Portuguese side qualified for the World Cup in Germany and further improvement came. After the further success they witnessed in Euro 2004 with Scolari, they continued in that direction. Portugal advanced past group play, knocked off the Netherlands in the Round of 16, they needed penalty kicks to defeat England in the quarterfinal, but fell to France in the semis. Portugal finished in fourth place, dropping a highly entertaining third place game to host Germany.
With impressive showings in both of the last two major tournaments, Portugal is ready to get over that final hump. They enter Euro 2008 as one of the top four favorites. This nation's last three European Championship results are this: In 1996 they reached he quarterfinals, in 2000 they got through to the semifinals and mentioned above, they made it all the way to the final in 2004. If this trend holds form, Portugal will rise to the top and claim glory as Europe's best football nation this June.
Golden Player Watch - Cristiano Ronaldo, F
Really, did you think it'd be anyone else? The 23-year-old superstar is on top of the soccer world. There aren't enough superlatives to describe the Portuguese striker. He's soccer's version of LeBron James. He does it all, and playing on arguably the world's most popular club team in Manchester United plays its part just the same. If you have seen the Red Devils in the Champions League play this season, you know he can make any defender look silly, from his dribbling and passing skills, to his ability and pace to get up and down the field and set-up himself or others for terrific goals that only he seems to be able to conjure up. He is without a doubt the best footballer in the world heading into Euro 2008.
Reason Why They Will Advance to Elimination Round
Talent. This Portuguese side has the skill to make more than just a three-game impression on this tournament. Surely all the talk will be about Cristiano Ronaldo, but this team has weapons to assist behind their top playmaker. The midfield is very capable behind the trio of Deco, Maniche and Petit. Nine current players on the roster have over 40 caps, so the valuable experience is there, not to mention all of its roster spots have footballers playing in top-flight European domestic leagues. Hoisting the trophy is ideal, but anything less than a semi-final appearance will be viewed as a true disappointment.
Group Play Schedule
Portugal vs. Turkey - June 7
Portugal vs. Czech Republic - June 11
Portugal vs. Switzerland - June 15
The 'Crescent-Stars' are probably the least publicized team in Group A. Clumped in with world football powers Czech Republic and Portugal, as well as home side Switzerland, it's easy for Turkey to mentally install themselves as the true underdogs to open Euro 2008.
Coming off a massive disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup in 2006, as they ironically lost out in a playoff on away goals to Switzerland, of all nations. So frankly, revenge will be on the minds of this Turkish squad when they arrive for play in June. When you add in that Turkey didn't qualify for Euro 2004, this country knows the importance of reestablishing to the world that they are still a strong football nation and can compete with the best in Europe.
Golden Player Watch - Hakan Sükür, F
This local hero has brought great pride to Turkish football. Sükür plays his club ball for home side Galatasaray and has been a demonstrative part for Turkey's ascent in the sport since the early 1990s. He currently is his country's all-time leading goal scorer with 51 and is second in appearances for his country with 112 caps.
Sükür is one of 12 current Turkey national team players to play their club ball domestically. But unlike most other players that will play in Euro 2008, a strong contingent of Turkey's footballers play for club within their own country. A lot of the time high priority and skill players from England, Spain, Italy and France are scattered around the continent playing for Europe's best club teams. And while all nations competing have time to gel as a nation, getting to see your fellow countrymen during club seasons can prove to be very important to establish continuity.
Reason Why They Will Advance to Elimination Round
Turkey has something to prove. Not making it to the final tournament for both Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006, do not underestimate how important it is to be on the main stage for these players. They'll certainly play with a sense of urgency, wanting to make up for lost time and missed opportunities. While I'd likely rank them as the fourth skilled country among Group A's four squads, the smooth play of this team can excel on this level. Turkey's highest FIFA ranking ever was fifth right before they missed out on Euro 2004, and ever since then that number has slipped considerably. These three games are unbelievably important to Turkey, and knowing that we'll see the joy in which its players compete with in the opening round.
Group Play Schedule
Turkey vs. Portugal - June 7
Turkey vs. Switzerland - June 11
Turkey vs. Czech Republic - June 15
The other team to co-host this illustrious event is probably the most unknown of all the soccer nations competing in Euro 2008. Austria has never qualified for the European Championships, however they gained automatic entry by playing host with Switzerland this summer.
The Austria national team currently ranks 102 in the FIFA World Rankings. They are by far the biggest underdog as the tournament approaches, but the minnow of this tournament playing to its own crowd might just have a bigger effect than most expect.
The focus of this team's potential Euro 2008 success will fall on its four-man backline. The defense has shown progress in its friendly matches. Featuring the young Sebastian Prödl and veterans Martin Stranzl and Emanuel Pogatetz, Austria will need to keep higher profile teams at bay if they will want stay in matches during group play with any chance to move forward.
Golden Player Watch - Sanal Kuljic, F
While Austria's defensive tactics will have to be near perfect to taste European success, you have to score to advance into the elimination round. Striker Sanal Kuljic is one of the team's attacking forwards that will have opportunities to do so. Currently playing for home side FK Austria Wein, he has scored seven times this domestic season. Kuljic is one of Austria's more experienced players with 20 caps, having found the back of the net three times for country.
There is also a strong indication fellow striker Roland Linz will be called up and added to the Euro 2008 roster. Linz has been a consistent threat for SC Braga in the Portuguese Liga. If he can regain his top fitness level, he'll likely have a spot waiting for him before June's tournament gets underway.
Reason Why They Will Advance to Elimination Round
Don't call me a downer, but it's fairly certain Austria will take its three group play matches and bow out gracefully behind its home fans. This would be the most unlikely nation to advance if they indeed shock Croatia, Poland or Germany in Group B.
But hey, all the Austrian team needs to do is channel Greece from four years prior. The 2004 European champions were just as an unlikely winner, so seeing that result happened last time this event was played, anything is possible.
Group Play Schedule
Austria vs. Croatia - June 8
Austria vs. Poland - June 12
Austria vs. Germany - June 16
It's no secret Group B is all about Germany. The heavy group favorites might very well sit atop the table a week, but it'd be silly not to strongly consider this rising Croatia team. The Vatreni were Group E winners in qualifying, five points clear of Russia in second place.
Having failed to advance past round one in both Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup, this summer's tournament appears to be the likeliest of chances for Croatia to pull through and establish themselves as a legit European soccer threat.
During Euro 2008 qualifying, Croatia was a part of the most attention grabbing victory of last year's process. In November 2007, England hosted Croatia in Wembley Stadium, London, needing just a draw to advance and leave Russia out. With the match even a 2-2 late in the second half, a 77 minute strike by Mladen Petric sealed the fate of the home side and sent Croatia into a glorious wave of success with the victory clinching first place in the section.
Golden Player Watch - Niko Kovac/Darijo Srna, M\
This midfield partnership will go a long way in determining the success Croatia have in this year's European Championships. Kovac is the team's captain, a 36-year-old sage who has earned 75 caps and scored 12 goals for his country. Srna, only 25, is his apprentice. Having already appeared in 54 international matches and scored 15 goals and in his prime, his is rapidly becoming one of Croatia's best and most recognizable footballers.
As a whole, Croatia is a very experienced side. They have 12 players on the current roster that have at least 20 caps. Add this to the fact that this group has players spread out playing club football in eleven different countries, and it's clear that Croatia is well on their way to establishing themselves throughout Europe on every stage possible.
Reason Why They Will Advance to Elimination Round
With Austria and Poland amongst the foursome in Group B, Croatia has a very good chance to move forward into the elimination round this summer. Of course, if they drop their game with the Germans, there can be no further slip-ups if they look to progress past the initial three matches.
Croatia has been on this stage numerous times, and with the depth and balance of veteran players and skillful attackers, they'll find two wins from their group schedule and earn a spot in the final eight.
Group Play Schedule
Croatia vs. Austria - June 8
Croatia vs. Germany - June 12
Croatia vs. Poland - June 16
Paired in Group B with long time rivals Austria, as well as Croatia and a Poland team they also faced in group stage in 2006, Germany is clearly the monster favorite to advance. Currently fifth in the FIFA World Rankings, another European Championship could be enough to vault Germany towards the top spot, a place they held in August of 1993 but not since.
Champions of Europe in 1972, 1980 and 1996, the Germans have had a great deal of success in this tournament over the years. However, their last two appearances have left a lot to be desired, failing to advance past the group stage in both 2000 and 2004.
Golden Player Watch - Lukas Podolski, F
Germany's success in the 2006 World Cup was due a lot to the magnificent striking power of forward Miroslav Klose. He captured the Golden Boot and was the top scorer two years back with a tournament-high five goals.
His partner up front in 2006 was young 20-year-old Lukas Podolski. He scored his first-ever World Cup goal and finished the tournament with three strikes. Now age 22, Podolski has taken his game to the next level and will play a vital role for Germany in Euro 2008. Already with 25 goals in just 46 games for the German senior team, it's safe to say the German offense will be in good hands this summer and for years to come.
Reason Why They Will Advance to Elimination Round
Overpowering. Germany has too much to bail out early in this event. Scoring 35 goals in 12 qualifying matches was no mistake; this Germany side could be the strongest attacking unit that will take the field in Euro 2008.
You've already heard about the team's top two strikers in Klose and Podolski, but with news that head coach Joachim Löw has all but ensured a roster spot for fellow forward Kevin Kuranyi, that adds another dimension to be accounted for. The 26-year-old Brazilian born player has raised his game to his utmost peak to find a spot on this year's national side. Fourteen goals scored in the current Bundesliga season, Germany's top flight domestic league, as well as three more in UEFA Champions League and two more in the Germany Cup, the rest of the competition better take note of Kuranyi and the impact he will undoubtedly have for Germany this summer.
Group Play Schedule
Germany vs. Poland - June 8
Germany vs. Croatia - June 12
Germany vs. Austria - June 16
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