EURO 2008 - Group A

EURO 2008 is just around the corner, and I am sure that many of you cannot wait for the opening match between Switzerland and Czech Republic, followed by the title hopefuls Portugal vs Turkey. So, just how tough is Group A?

Group A comprises of Czech Republic, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey.

Czech Republic - Definitely one of Europe's finest teams, but always fail to deliver when it is time to do so. Managed by Karel Brueckner whose team has one of the best qualifying results ever in international football, the Czech Republic faces an injury crisis at a time when being injured is not an option. Without Tomas Rosicky, Pavel Nedved and Karel Poborsky, it seems that strengthening the midfield is essential to the Czech if they were to win. However, there is not alot of depth in Brueckner's squad. While the previous stars used to play for big teams, his current midfield seems to be strung by a bunch of misfits.

Many will say that the Czech's main problem now, is creating the goals and while defending is still not too much of an issue, most of the balls will be long in an attempt to use Koller's height and Baros' pace. Without the teeth, Czech Republic looks like a wounded wolf unless they manage to find form in their current midfielders, Matejovsky, Plasil and Polak. A certain Libor Sionko has been hitting form though and he seems like all hope left if the Czech were to make it to the final.

Portugal - One of the tournament's favourite to take the title, Portugal is still reeling from the last Euro championship's defeat by Greece in the final. 4 years on, most of the players then, have since matured into fine players and it is clear to all that they are better, stronger and hungrier than before.

Just a few names and you can see why Portugal are the favourites. Ronaldo, Nani, Simao, Quaresma, Deco, Pepe, Carvalho...a team with flair and skill. Even though it seems Portugal may have it easy, they did concede a fair amount of goals against weaker teams and their ghost could be back to haunt them again in this tournament. Defending, it seems, is still Portugal's problem and lapses of concentration might cost them dearly in this tournament. Still, they will score quite a bit of goals, and this should be enough if it was to see them through to lift the trophy on June the 29th.

Switzerland - As hosts, one would expect them to perform at a level better than they used to be. The main problem being host, is that they qualify automatically. For a B-grade footballing nation, this is trouble. Without the qualifying phase, Switzerland will not be able to fight for the right to be in EURO 2008, and they might under-estimate themselves.

Without any key players except Senderos and Frei, Switzerland will have alot to do to prove that they are worthy of being Europe's best. This stage might be too big for them yet and it does not look as if they are capable of even making it past the Group stages.

Turkey - Never underestimate the Turks. They surprised us before and while Turkey looked like outsiders YET AGAIN, they are still the dark horses in Group A. Qualifying in 2nd place behind Greece, Turkey claimed a 4-1 victory in Athens and put Norway out of the finals with a 2-1 away win. Their football is quick and slick, which is also the cause of their problems.

Turkey likes to play the short passing game, and this has backfired on them on countless occasions. Losing the ball in dangerous positions, they often end up retrieving the ball from the back of their nets. Defending has not been Turkey's problem, losing the ball HAS been the key culprit. Therefore if Turkey are to make it through to the quarter-finals, they will have to buck up a little.

Kicks 4 Kicks! say that Portugal will top Group A with victories against Switzerland and Turkey. A tough draw against Czech Republic, but will still put them on top. Czech Republic will go through as runners-up in the Group, with possibly 2 draws and a victory against Switzerland. Turkey will finish 3rd, losing to Portugal, drawing with Czech Republic and possibly, with Switzerland as well. 4th goes to Switzerland, who may just be the worst team in this tournament with 0 points and maybe, 0 goals.

K4K predicts : Portgual, Czech Republic, Turkey, Switzerland.

(Stay tune for Group B tomorrow!)