Group A - Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Turkey
Switzerland
Diego Benaglio - Hopefully he's no Swiss cheese. (I know, I crack me up, too.)[Getty Images]
What I think: I'm pretty entertained by the fact that Switzerland not only has a national team, but are also co-hosts of this tournament. I mean, doesn't their dedication to neutrality mean they can't choose sides? The crowds at the various non-Swiss games being hosted in Swiss arenas are going to be full of fans holding signs saying things like, "You're both winners to us!" or "We're not getting involved!" Also, according to Wikipedia, 72% of Swiss citizens speak German (or a language that's apparently technically German, but for which even native German speakers need subtitles), 21% speak French, 6% speak Italian, and less than 1% speak Romansh, which, despite the fact that less than 1% of the population speaks it, is still considered one of their national languages. Could communication on the pitch be a problem? All kidding aside, I'm very positive on Switzerland. I've always wanted to go there (and probably pretend I don't speak German just so I don't have to deal with that impenetrable dialect), and the three Swiss guys I shared a class with in Berlin (an Italian- and two French-speakers, so their German was thankfully perfectly understandable) were some of my favorite people I've met on this trip.
Jerseys I would consider buying just for the sake of having the name on my back: Zuberbühler, Spycher, Vonlanthen, Gygax, Derdiyok
The outlook: The Swiss had a pretty strong showing at the World Cup two years ago in Germany. They tied the eventual runners-up France 0-0 and then went on to beat Togo and Korea (both with a score of 2-0) to enter the Round of 16, only to lose to the Ukraine in a shootout after holding them to a 0-0 tie the whole game. That's rough, but playing four games and never giving up a goal is pretty bad-ass. Unfortunately, their history in the Euro isn't as promising. This will be only their third time in the Finals, and their previous two appearances consisted of one tie and two losses each. Their preparations for Euro 2008 have yielded some mixed results: They tied Argentina 1-1, and beat the Netherlands 2-1, which is promising, but they also managed to lose 0-1 to the US, which is kind of sad. All in all, they're a long shot, but they could surprise some people.
Czech Republic
David Jarolím - Telekinetic mind powers at work.
[Getty Images]
The outlook: The 2006 World Cup was pretty rough for the Czechs, who mustered just one win (3-0 against the US) before bowing out in the opening round after subsequent losses to Ghana and Italy. Apparently injuries were a factor then, however, and they seem more than geared up for this upcoming tournament. They certainly qualified with style, beating, among others, Germany 3-0, while missing some of their best players, no less. (Or at least so I've read. I wouldn't know the Czech Republic's best soccer players if they kicked me in the face.) They seem primed for victory. Of course, they seem equally primed for a huge faceplant. Only time will tell, I guess.
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo - My 2006 World Cup boyfriend.
[Getty Images]
What I think: Portugal has the auspicious distinction of having on its roster the only name in the entire tournament I recognize. This is because I'm unabashedly shallow, and spent a good portion of my summer 2006 drooling over the various charms of Cristiano Ronaldo. His is not a face I could easily forget. Oh, and I hear he's pretty good at soccer, or whatever, too. I seem to have this nagging feeling, though, that he was kind of a douche in the World Cup, even though I can't remember the exact incident in question. Wait, was he the guy who purposefully stomped on some other guy's bits? Anyway, since soccer is just my fling sport, I'm not obligated to reflect on what it says about me that I'm drooling over a bits-stomper. So I won't.
Jerseys I would consider buying just for the sake of having the name on my back: Quim, Pepe, Moutinho, Quaresma
The outlook: In 2006, Portugal lost to France in the World Cup semi-finals and then to Germany to finish fourth place overall. They had an even better showing in Euro 2004, which they hosted, where they lost only two games--their first and their last, both against Greece. Unfortunately, that last loss against Greece was in the championship game. After coming so close to winning it all on their own turf four years ago, you would think Portugal would be coming in raring to go and with something to prove. But that doesn't exactly seem to be the case. (I'll admit, it's probably harder to keep the momentum rolling from a defeat that happened four years ago than I'm making it sound.) Portugal struggled mightily in their qualifying games, despite my man Cristiano scoring 8 goals (in how many games, I'm not sure, but it sure sounds impressive). They tied Poland, Serbia, and Armenia, and only solidified their qualification by drawing Finland 0-0. Unfortunately for them, a string of ties hasn't won a Championship yet, so they just have to be better.
Turkey
Hamit Altintop and Nihat Kahveci - Sharing some Turkish Delight.
[Getty Images]
Jerseys I would consider buying just for the sake of having the name on my back: Zuberbühler, Spycher, Vonlanthen, Gygax, Derdiyok
The outlook: The Swiss had a pretty strong showing at the World Cup two years ago in Germany. They tied the eventual runners-up France 0-0 and then went on to beat Togo and Korea (both with a score of 2-0) to enter the Round of 16, only to lose to the Ukraine in a shootout after holding them to a 0-0 tie the whole game. That's rough, but playing four games and never giving up a goal is pretty bad-ass. Unfortunately, their history in the Euro isn't as promising. This will be only their third time in the Finals, and their previous two appearances consisted of one tie and two losses each. Their preparations for Euro 2008 have yielded some mixed results: They tied Argentina 1-1, and beat the Netherlands 2-1, which is promising, but they also managed to lose 0-1 to the US, which is kind of sad. All in all, they're a long shot, but they could surprise some people.
Czech Republic
David Jarolím - Telekinetic mind powers at work.[Getty Images]
What I think: I had the good fortune to travel to the Czech Republic this semester, and it was delightful. After spending five days in Prague I can focus on the positives (Spacek) and forgive the Czechs for Jagr and Hasek. (Just kidding! I, begrudgingly, admit that those guys are pretty good, too.) That being said, unless something drastic happens, I can't see myself cheering for the Czechs at any point in this tournament.
Jerseys I would consider buying just for the sake of having the name on my back: Čech, Ujfaluši, Matějovský, Vlček
Jerseys I would consider buying just for the sake of having the name on my back: Čech, Ujfaluši, Matějovský, Vlček
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo - My 2006 World Cup boyfriend.[Getty Images]
What I think: Portugal has the auspicious distinction of having on its roster the only name in the entire tournament I recognize. This is because I'm unabashedly shallow, and spent a good portion of my summer 2006 drooling over the various charms of Cristiano Ronaldo. His is not a face I could easily forget. Oh, and I hear he's pretty good at soccer, or whatever, too. I seem to have this nagging feeling, though, that he was kind of a douche in the World Cup, even though I can't remember the exact incident in question. Wait, was he the guy who purposefully stomped on some other guy's bits? Anyway, since soccer is just my fling sport, I'm not obligated to reflect on what it says about me that I'm drooling over a bits-stomper. So I won't.
Jerseys I would consider buying just for the sake of having the name on my back: Quim, Pepe, Moutinho, Quaresma
The outlook: In 2006, Portugal lost to France in the World Cup semi-finals and then to Germany to finish fourth place overall. They had an even better showing in Euro 2004, which they hosted, where they lost only two games--their first and their last, both against Greece. Unfortunately, that last loss against Greece was in the championship game. After coming so close to winning it all on their own turf four years ago, you would think Portugal would be coming in raring to go and with something to prove. But that doesn't exactly seem to be the case. (I'll admit, it's probably harder to keep the momentum rolling from a defeat that happened four years ago than I'm making it sound.) Portugal struggled mightily in their qualifying games, despite my man Cristiano scoring 8 goals (in how many games, I'm not sure, but it sure sounds impressive). They tied Poland, Serbia, and Armenia, and only solidified their qualification by drawing Finland 0-0. Unfortunately for them, a string of ties hasn't won a Championship yet, so they just have to be better.
Turkey
Hamit Altintop and Nihat Kahveci - Sharing some Turkish Delight.[Getty Images]
What I think: Pretty much all I know about Turkey is Döner. But that's more than enough evidence for me to say Turkey rocks. Um, Döner is pretty delicious.
Jerseys I would consider buying just for the sake of having the name on my back: Güngör, Belözoğlu, Gökdeniz, Şentürk
The outlook: The only team in this group who failed to qualify for both Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup, it certainly seems like Turkey's destined to get their asses kicked. Hell, maybe even Switzerland will beat them. Then again, the past doesn't determine everything and this year's national team seems to have some spunk. Or at least they did. They won their first three qualifying games without giving up a single goal, including a 5-0 win against Moldova in which Hakan Şükür scored four goals. Then they seemed to have shat the bed, though, only winning one of their next six, including a loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and a draw against Malta. My hockey sense is reminding me that you don't want to win all of your games going into the big show for fear of peaking too soon, but at the same time the Turks seem dangerously like the European version of the 07/08 Senators. Either way, I really want a Döner now.
Coming Soon: Groups B, C, and D!
Jerseys I would consider buying just for the sake of having the name on my back: Güngör, Belözoğlu, Gökdeniz, Şentürk
The outlook: The only team in this group who failed to qualify for both Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup, it certainly seems like Turkey's destined to get their asses kicked. Hell, maybe even Switzerland will beat them. Then again, the past doesn't determine everything and this year's national team seems to have some spunk. Or at least they did. They won their first three qualifying games without giving up a single goal, including a 5-0 win against Moldova in which Hakan Şükür scored four goals. Then they seemed to have shat the bed, though, only winning one of their next six, including a loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and a draw against Malta. My hockey sense is reminding me that you don't want to win all of your games going into the big show for fear of peaking too soon, but at the same time the Turks seem dangerously like the European version of the 07/08 Senators. Either way, I really want a Döner now.
Coming Soon: Groups B, C, and D!
5 comments:
apparently the english term is "euro cup". reasonable i suppose. thought you should know.
there's a czech player called Čech? that's the best thing ever.
i hate you i want a döner too.
So I graciously give you the link to my blog and you thank me by spamming me? Thanks! Heh.
I always assumed it was called the Euro Cup in English (it is the World Cup, after all) but then the internet started throwing all this "Euro 2008" stuff at me and I got confused. It's so much easier to just call it the EM, even though that means nothing in English.
That really is the best thing ever, isn't it?
I'm sorry I brought döner up. It's too delicious to even think about.
Cristiano Ronaldo is my Ryan Miller of Soccer.
I loved him first.
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