I honestly think the French will struggle to qualify from the group stage. They're too old, disorganised and don't seem to be a solid group of mates who respect each other, which I think every successful team needs. They have too many things going against them to make any impact IMO, which is a shame for Hugo Lloris, who I rate as in the same bracket as Cassilas, Buffon and Julio Cesar as the top keepers going. As much as Ivory Coast seem to be the best African hope, I think a lot depends on Drogba, and not on his fitness. It's his mood that determines how his team performs, and too me he's almost too much of a baby too be relied upon on this stage, despite what he's done in Europe and in England. Portugal will suffer as soon as someone either clobbers Ronaldo, or marks him out of the game (which hasn't been unknown), but it'll be an interesting week nonetheless.
I didn't even watch the French game and I understand it was less than impressive, but then they've been awful in groups before. The Dutch/Portugal group could be fun, especially if Ivory Coast make things interesting. Germany certainly came to play, but I hope the Roos can pick things back up.
Hey Che, I said before the competition kicked off that the Argies would do well, in spite of Maradona, and I'd put money on them making the semis. Can't honestly see past Spain or Brazil to actually win the thing, unless they knacker each other out whenever they meet. I also think, like quite a few other folk over here that France and Portugal will struggle to do anything of note. If the Dutch can get Robben fit, then watch out for them as dark horses. Sneijder on his own as an attacking force, is stoppable, but the two of them supplying Van Persie could well be unplayable IMO. All in all, I hope the games start to get a bit less cautious than they have been so far.
Hey D'Art! Who do you fancy in South Africa? Cheers!
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slu...ters&type=lgns Euro: Mutu says outsiders Romania are worth a bet “I am sure people looking to bet might ask if we are worth betting on? I think so, they certainly could do worse,” Mutu told reporters after a two-hour training session.
Well, I usually enjoy watching Spain, but it Is difficult to trust them to be around past the first DE. I'm going to make a point of watching the Dutch as they're interesting and Group C is looking to be the most interesting. I'd be alright if Italy And France stayed down, if you're right about Romania, that's one freakin' tough group! I can't believe Poland and Germany are in the same group Again. It's just too bad that Poland seems to be imploding (loss 3-0 to U.S. and squeaked past a 2nd tier Swiss pro team). Are Turkey and Greece any good?
Hey! Who do you like for Euro '08? I was so bummed about the Boys in Blue. When I heard y'all beat France I thought you'd be in, but that Italy had to get in the way... I'm trying to decide who to root for. -Brasil to South Africa! p.s. I put this audio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNh8-VQcbIY on my itunes and it makes me smile every time I hear it.
