- 27 May 08, 02:44 PM
Welcome to BBC Sport's Euro 2008 blog.
Yep, the champagne may still be flowing in Manchester and Glasgow, not to mention Hull, Doncaster, Stockport and other footballing hotbeds around Europe, but already the focus is shifting towards the international arena.
In little over a week, the European Championships will kick off in Austria and Switzerland as 16 countries begin their quest for the Henri Delaunay Trophy.
For some fans, most notably those with an English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh bent, Euro 2008 will have about as much appeal as a wet weekend in Wolverhampton.
For others, the chance to indulge their love of the beautiful game for a further 23 days now that the domestic seasons are over is too good an opportunity to miss.
Some say the Euros are tougher to win than the World Cup. I'm not sure about that, although it's fair to say the tournament will be devoid of the kind of one-sided affairs that plague some others.
In fact, you could make a case for any of the 16 countries emerging triumphant at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna on 29 June. True, some cases are more convincing than others, but, after the dramatic exploits of Greece in 2004 and the Danes in 1992, it would take a brave person to bet on the outcome with any confidence.
The BBC will, of course, be in Austria and Switzerland to see whether we get another shock winner. TV, radio, online... you know the drill by now. And just like the so-called 'spine' of the team that managers and pundits are so fond of referring to, this blog will be running through everything we do here on the BBC Sport website.
We've recruited some of very best talent to help bring the tournament to life for those not lucky enough to experience it for themselves. Gavin Peacock, Jake Humphrey, Jacqui Oatley, Steve Wilson, John Murray, Paul Armstrong and John Sinnott will all be giving us their thoughts as the action unfolds.
And look out for Paul Fletcher, too. He will clock up hundreds of miles travelling around the host countries, mixing with fans, making friends with the locals and watching some of the best footballers in Europe chase one of the biggest sporting prizes there is. Fletch will bring you up to speed with his plans soon.
In the meantime, check out the profiles of our bloggers - you'll discover one of them is studying for a theology degree in their spare time - and let us know if you'll be one of the millions watching Euro 2008 this summer.
If you have any coverage ideas, feel free to run them past me. I'll be based at the media centre in Vienna from early June and will be happy to pass on your thoughts to my colleagues in TV and radio.
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I can't wait.
There's something about international football tournaments that club football just can't match. Not necessarily the quality of course - it's arguable that club football is better on that front because the players know each other that much better.
But this is what makes international football so much less predictable, not to mention the fact that money plays a completely different role - you can't buy the players you want, which leads to bigger and better personal stories as unlikely heroes emerge.
And the fans. And the fervour. And the atmosphere. And it's always summer for these tournaments too!
Bring it on... I'm personally rooting for the Azzurri to make it a double. They need the boost...
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I`m based in Geneva and it would have been nice to see Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales or N.Ireland in the competition (I`m a Londoner of irish parents who has lived in Scotland for 10 years).
Alas I will have to pick a new team to follow. Germany, Spain, France and Italy are the most obvious candidates although I also like holland and the Czech rep.
I think I will plum for the great under-acheivers - Spain.
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Cant wait for the Euros to start. 23 days of solid football. Im going for Spain to win, they have to click at some time. But the Germans are always around the latter stages of big tournments.
There is always 1 surprise team in these and im going for Russia to get to the Quaters/Semis.
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as every1, i cant wait! its going to be wicked. although i abviously wanted 2 see alteest 1 of our national home teams, it doesnt really bother me as much. personally, as a Man U fan, im going for Portugal, because i dont see why our main man Ronaldo cant mirror his great form into his national team. i just hope he can capitalise on the brilliant season he'z had and put up a great performance; not only to finish this years campaign on a high, but also to carry alot of confidence and maturity in to the next.
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The fact that no British team will be here is not a turn-off for me - Wales never qualify for anything anyway - so I am looking forward to this, though I will also miss seeing England go out on penalties as they usually do.
I hope Austria do well, they are enduring a torrid time right now, way down the rankings and their fans seem to be turning against them. Hopefully they get behind them for the tournament and at least get through the group stage.
As for winners - I'll go for France to beat Germany in the final, with at least one of either Russia or Croatia to make the semi-finals.
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It is very dissapointing that England didn't make it this year, the other slightly dissapointing thing is Romania's group, I did want to see them move on the the knock out stage.....But again, like always, I will back Spain, they proably dissapoint me again as usual. I seriously cannot understand why they do so badly(for the team with so many world class players), but I still 'have' to back them. But with Spain's line up I believe they will do well(I want them to do well)
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A theology degree? From across the pond, I'd have expected a more worthwhile pursuit from you people. Sigh.
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Whilst I'm looking forward to the EURO's to start, I have to remember that England's inability to qualify reminds me that whilst the Premier League is regarded by some as 'the best league in the world', its some what ironic that our national team is no where to be seen at a major international tournament.
Some may blame a massive influx of forgein players or managers, but its seems everyone wants to have their cake and eat it!
Steve McClaren was not the right man for the job in the first place, he's a decent number two but not ready for the 'top job' in English football until he's proven himself with silverware, season after season etc.
Is Fabio the best man for the job, propably yes.
Does he deserve time to restore the pride in the English national team that has for so long been tarnished, yes.
Should the media back off him over team selection, yes.
Rather than critise a legend of the game, support him and the team.
Does he bring in the type of discipline that is much needed in a country that has lost its appeal to many but attracted its celebrity status, yes.
Lets remove the 'WAGS' and ill'disciplined players (I am a Chelsea fan but was disgusted with Ashley Cole's infamous 'playground behaviour' earlier this season, and cannot believe Didier Drogba's assault on Vidic during the Champions League final) but these type of incidents highlight the some of the problems this country has.
Rather than all sitting in fancy office's in Soho Square and 'talk the talk' the 'powers to be (I think they were once called....the FA) should take a very hard line with wayward over paid children.
A final thought, I wonder what would have happened if Brian Clough would have been England's manager......
Oh the joy of that thought, BC telling the FA exactly what was wrong with the game, maybe we would not be in this position now...
But alas, as Englishmen we'll never be happy, when its hot we complain its too hot, and when its cold we want it warm.
Move the softies out of the game and put a salary cap on these pre-madona's, along with limiting the number of forgein players in our game, restore law and order (lets take a lesson from another passion of mine, Rugby Union). Bring in discipline and sin-bins to start with and then take it from there.....
Anyway, lets all root for Croatia to win just so we can see what exactly our taxpayers money is going on - Steve McClaren sitting rather uncomfortably on TV!!
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I'm definitely looking forward to it. Hopefully the England players will be watching it too, and vow to pull their fingers out for the WC 2010 qualification.
I would probably like Spain to play well in a major tournament for once. And, for me, Croatia are the dark horses.
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All of the English players should be sent over to watch the matches as a team. After each match they should be made to attend debriefing sessions where they analyse what it is these teams have that they themselves are lacking.
Mc Laren should be tied to a chair and made to watch.
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Living in the Netherlands makes the choice easy of my team for the tournament... The bunting has started going up in the neighbourhood but I can't help but wish the English were there... Oh well, Hup Holland!
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For a welshman its the normal routine for an international tournament of enjoying the football and skills of the players on their own merit, and not some blinkered jingoistic viewpoint where its all about... oooh, lets say England. (To pick a random country that always somehow seems to dominate the coverage of the *cough* "British" broadcasting company) [Bitter!? me!? maybe just a little bit!]
But seriously it'll be a joy to be able to watch the top games featuring the best european teams, without Motson or Lawrenson wittering on about England vs Nobody in particular. Bring on the quality football, and lets just enjoy it for its own sake.
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No British Teams present so I do not care about Euro 2008.
In my opinion it should not be live on BBC
Sport at all especially when there is International Cricket and Rugby. Also there is top level Athletics during this period.
It is a waste of the licence fee that BBC is covering this event is so much depth.
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I actually thought the BBC were going to take Euro 08 seriously. Considering the commentators sent to Switzerland/Austria (Gavin Peacock, Jake Humphrey, Jacqui Oatley, Steve Wilson, John Murray, Paul Armstrong and John Sinnott), however, makes me think that the BBC are NOT taking Euro 08 seriously at all.
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I now have four - actually five - special guides to Euro 2008 and am looking forward to it enormously. If you are a bit older than your average England footie fan, you are used to having to support a surrogate. For me it was Scotland in the 1974 World Cup; anyone playing Scotland in the 1978 World Cup and, personally, Italy for everything else, notably the 1994 World Cup.
I can't believe that the afore-mentioned names are 'commentating' on the games or pontificating. If they are roving reporters, so what? Nothing against any of them and it's a last chance to see Gillingham's favourite son before he becomes a full-time servant of the Lord.
By the way, in one of the guides I have shelled out for, Gary Lineker calls France to win. In another - in a big feature article - he's going for Spain. Is he confused or contractually obliged to go for different sides in different publications?
I'll be cheering Italy and Spain, the latter because their team is just soooo good and packed with utter stars (Villa, Torres, Joaquin) and they must win something one day.
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Cant wait for the Euro 2008, unfortuately their is no home teams there. Would love to have seen Northern Ireland there.
So close, yet so far.
At least we dont have the pundits, spending all the shows talking about how brilliant or bad England are, and how they are going to win it.
They can just sit back and admire the european greats ply their trade.
Come on Spain!!!!! Can you do it this time?
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Sorry guys and girls the Euro without England is like the FA cup without Manchester United so it is going to be difficult to get excited about a competition without one of the major clubs.
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Netherlands of course, my home team!
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Is there really enough demand country-wide for showing anything more than the semis and the final on BBC TV without any British team competing? I doubt it...I don't personally know a single person planning to watch any of the group stage matches. BBC should have spent the money on an improved bid for domestic matches, IMO.
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out come the other British nations slating England now they dont have to be jelous because we are finally as terrible as them.
England get lots of coverage because they are the only team that sometimes qualify for tournaments, get over it!
All british teams are terrible so watching it as an England fan and not having to be dissapointed at the quarter finals will be nice.
Maybe soon Italy... i mean England might win something, no one else in Britain has the slightest chance.
One of the home nations will be there...Poland! they have just as many Polish people in England as English people.
Lets just hope a dark horse like last year wins it.
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Many people from other European countries live in the UK and pay the TV license as well!
I think the BBC is doing a good job by letting us watch the most important football event of the year.
The fact that no British team is involved doesn't make the European Cup less important.
For the complainers, please don't be so bitter, the truth is that none of the British teams deserved to be in the competition.
As from my point of view I will support Italy, which I have to say is always under-rated by the British press; perhaps you should acknowledge the fact that the best football technically by far at the moment is the Italian one.
Obviously you won’t agree with me, but as matter of fact you should just look at who's in charge of England and Ireland.
Good luck Italy.
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I'm gonna back spain to win this one, yes they've never done it before, but i think this is their big chance - if they don't win it this year they will never win it. You look at the big teams - england aren't in it for a start, thats one down. Another will leave in the group stages, one of italy holland and france in the so called "group of death" - i expect this to be france who just don't seem that good anymore. Then you are left with spain, portugal, italy, holland and germany as the potential winners - i do not expect greece to pull off the same 2004 exploits. Holland i reckon will fall short at the quarters, with good attackers but not quite good enough overall team (they will probz have to play spain in the quarters) i think spain will beat them, meeting italy in the semis. Italy are unpredictable - great defense and will be hard to break down, but i think they will be caught out by some of the best attackers in the world - the likes of torres, xavi, iniesta and villa will break through more than once on the night. That leaves spain to play either portugal or germany in the final. Portugal have ronaldo but the rest of the team is not that stunning. Germany are not good on paper, but they do usually grind out the results when they need to, and its near their country - i think they will make the final. Spain will beat germany in the final simply because they are a better team - i believe they have the best attack this year, best goalies, and only second best defense to italy who will not win 2 tournaments in a row. It is spains year this year.
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My overall predictions:
Swiss 1-1 Czech
Portugal 2-1 Turkey
Swiss 1-1 Turkey
Czech 0-2 Portugal
Swiss 0-0 Portugal
Czech 2-1 Turkey
Austria 0-2 Croatia
Germany 3-0 Poland
Austria 1-0 Poland
Germany 1-1 Croatia
Austria 0-1 Germany
Poland 2-2 Croatia
Romania 2-2 France
Italy 1-1 Holland
Romania 0-2 Italy
France 1-1 Holland
France 0-0 Italy
Romania 1-3 Holland
Spain 2-1 Russia
Greece 2-0 Sweden
Spain 4-0 Sweden
Greece 1-1 Russia
Greece 0-2 Spain
Sweden 3-2 Russia
Portugal 2-1 Croatia
Germany 1-0 Czech
Italy 3-0 Greece
Spain 2-0 Holland
Portugal 1-1 Germany (Germany win on pens)
Italy 0-2 Spain
Germany 0-1 Spain
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I hope that the coverage doesn't begin to tell the sob-story of England not making it.
Get to the football, none of the home nations made it. Focus on the teams who did.
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Why is it that everyone's complaining that the EURO will be rubbish this year because England hasn't qualified. If they're not good enough to qualify then they shouldn't participate.
Anyway, there is still plenty of good talent throughout the teams to make it an exciting tournament, with the likes of henry, benzema, makelele for France, toni, del piero, totti for Italy, ballack, schneider, podolski for Germany, torres, iniesta, fabregas for Spain, ronaldo (best player in the world), deco, quaresma for Portugal, cech, rosicky, milan baros for czech republic, the list goes on and on...
As a portuguese myself I will be rooting for Portugal and hope we can actually win the final this time (come on it was Greece).
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Anyone wanting the BBC not to show this or not showing it in the first place is shockingly ignorant and simply isnt a football fan. It is an event which happens every 4 years and brings together the very best in European players. England failed to qualify for a simple reason, they aren't good enough.
Why would you choose not to watch a game of France vs Italy or any game with Spain or Portugal game.
If you don't want to watch as clumsy England with no skill didn't qualify you really really aren't a football fan. I find it unbeleivable that anyone claiming to be a football fan would turn down the chance to watch some actual football being played rather than Englands usual long ball crap. Hopefully Fabio will get us away from it but it will take a long long time, and the problem lies at grass roots level.
Watch the football, support the game and you might learn someting from it rather than taking the usual England fans view that we are simply unluckly, you might actually learn something instead of wallowing in ignorance.
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I can't wait for the Euros to start.
I was dissapointed Scotland never made after a really good campaign considering how tough a group it was.It will be great not to listen to the pundits going on about how good or how bad England were.
Just because theres no home nations in the tournament doesn't mean its pointless.Just enjoy the football on display and Europes best players
I think Russia or Croatia are the teams to watch out for.
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Romania mate..trust me watch out for them! Got a cheeky bet that they will survive the group of death, why not?
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Well after living there for a year I have a soft spot for The Netherlands so they will be my team of choice. Just hoping Van Basten gets them playing the sort of football the Dutch team he played in played as opposed to the less than Dutch-esque football they played in their qualifiers.
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I agree with larkybhoy. I thought Scotland were very unlucky not to qualify. They had a tough group and played exceptionally well. England on the other hand deserved all that they got. We had a relatively easy group apart from Croatia and maybe Russia and we messed up completely. Now that we have Capello in we can focus on bolstering the squad with players who deserve a place in the team, not the 'talesmanic' ones that everyone thinks have to be in the squad because of who they are.
Support wise for the tournament, my vote is for Portugal. I know there has been furious rivalry between us and the Portugese but I love their style of play. After the season Ronaldo has had he will be the big one to watch out for, as long as he doesn't pull off any outrageous stunts again. Also Carvalho's strength at the back I'm sure will ensure victory for the Portugese.
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Do I have any coverage ideas?
Just the one.
Don't bother.
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put your money on spain they have to win sometime croatia as an outside bet
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Without England I'm just not interested. How can you get emotionally involved in a competition that doesn't contain "your" team. I won't be watching.
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I'm English, and on balance I'd rather England (or any of the home nations) were playing. But at least we should be spared the usual media circus - hype about how brilliant we are, followed by I-told-you-sos after our first damp squib of a game, and then vitriol when we go out on penalties.
Those of who appreciate it can sit back and enjoy the football - or not! - on its own merits.
Since I'm from Southampton and we're 10% Polish now, I'm thinking of supporting Poland until they're eliminated, then I'm afraid it's back to my usual back-up, Italy.
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I have got a tenner on Russia at 33/1 to win the tournament.
Some might find this crazy but Russian football is on a high at the moment, especially after Zenit's Euro cup win, and alot of their players make up the Russian first eleven.
The last tournament (which Greece won) proved that a well-organised squad, which plays with confidence and players which compliment each other can outplay the teams full of 'superstar' individuals.
Russia have a well-balanced team, and performances like the one against England and Zenit's spellbinding demolition of Bayern Munich shows they have what it takes. Plus they have Hiddink, a master of tournament tactics - I think they will thrash the disfunctional Spain side in their first game and then people will take notice.
My other tips to do well are similarly styled teams such as Croatia (you all know why!), Greece (on an 8 game winning run) and Romania.
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portugueezze...i agree with you about all the fuss concerning england. it still shouldl be a wonderful tournament, and teams should be there based on football alone. Rosicky and totti however will not be playing in the tournament.
I belive it will be higher quality football than we saw the WC2006.
I don't think that Portugal will make it as far as many think. To associate a team with one player is asking for trouble, and you have to look to the rest of the 11 on the field to evaluate if they have a legitimate chance of winning. defenders and keeper? I think they'll fall short of expectations.
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I feel very sad whem I am thinking England is not plying in Euro 2008. Because England is absent from the Euro 2008, I think the tournament may not have grace at all as England football is lovely in the world.
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I'd love to see Spain win but they won't because they are fragile at the back. Sergio Ramos and Puyol have both had really poor seasons and although they will probably look good going forward the likes of Italy and Germany don't let you win 3-2 or 4-3.
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Echoing most other people, I can't wait! Nothing like the excitement about a Summer international tournament! It's always good to see the tournament in a country I've never been to see what things are like there.
As someone born in England to English parents, but having lived in Scotland since I was 6 months old, I'd have loved to have seen either (or preferably both) teams there.
I think this year I'll support Spain, seen as I've been on holiday there so many times and also because on paper they always have such a good team without ever achieving much (sounds like England post '66).
Viva Espana!
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I am currently in Klagenfurt, doing a photoshoot of the town preparing for the invasion of footie fans, typical Austrian efficiency though everything seems to be catered for, unlike Manchester a couple of weeks ago.
Quite a few of the local residents here have expressed concerns though about possible trouble between rival fans especially the Polish and Germans, but they also say that they had wished England would have been here despite their reputation!
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As a half Greek bloke living in a Turkish neighbourhood in Germany I'm thoroughly looking forward to the Euros. Mostly to see if we can do it again (how unbelievable that was!) but also to see top notch football!
There is, however, something I'd like to mention about England not being involved. Yes it is a shame but anyone who watches Premiership football on a regular basis would know that most of the Arsenal team will be playing for France, Liverpool's for Spain and Chelsea's for anyone else; so hey, you're watching English football anyway!:)
Ellas!!!
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Beeb, kindly spare us the halfwit comments from the bitter Anglo Saxons. None of the Gaels are there either, but do we bitch?
The BBC covers thr UK. England is merely a province.
Sport - not jingoistic toss, please.
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The EURO2008 will be amazing.
England and the home nations are disappointed, but clearly none are amongst the best 16 teams of Europe! So please just enjoy the games for what they are, superb spectacles of football.
The winners? Hard one to call, it could be any of them bar the hosts in all fairness.
Portugal, Turkey to make it out of Group A
Germany, Croatia from Group B
Italy, France from Group C
Greece, Spain from Group D
As for the semi's Italy - Spain and Turkey -Croatia
Clever money would be on Spain but don't count out Croatia or Turkey. Portugal's team no doubt will as always run out of steam!
Stupid money says Turkey or Croatia.
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PS I agree with Nasri10's comments 100%, just watch, learn and enjoy!
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Want holland to win, Am british but was born in holland. Got some decent players. Could beat most teams on a good day.
Many liverpool fans want spain to win because of "Torres"
many ManU want portugal to win because of "Ronaldo"
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PPS AMEN kwinquark1!!
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guys can I just say in regards to the argument on the bbc showing euro 2008, didn't the bbc show the african nations without complaints? and I'm pretty sure there was no home nations involved there. I feel this is bitterness can't we all just watch what will be a great competition with great teams, and watch some great football have a pint and enjoy it.
As for the competition I'm struggling to look past portugal, so many great players, and I'm sure the best player in the world would love to get his hands on an international trophy. Outside bets, I would go for russia or croatia, croatia have a great manager and some good players and we all know that guss hiddink always has his team at it.
Sweden also purely for their consistancy, I feel holland and spain will once again fall short. France and Italy with old teams and I just don't really fancy them this time round.
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I think everyone loves European International Competitions in some way. At the World Cup, I said the winners would be Germany. After they got knocked out I picked them for Euro 2008 and I'm sticking with them. Incidentally, I think England will win World Cup 2010. That's the first time I've picked England to win anything. However, I'm picking Germany for this Euro and my outsiders would be Czech Republic and keep an eye on Portugal too.
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Come on portugal!!!! ronalso is going to do something special.
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It is the greatest accomplishment representing your country internationally. You'd get that olympic feeling that the world is watching and indeed they are. Sure the champions league final is watched by many.. but international football in my opinion should be graced as the highest level. Ronaldo a world record breaking goalscorer for Brazil will not be remembered for winning the champions league. Internationally he will be remembered forever for goal scoring. I'm going to embrace this tournement more than ever and one day visit an international football event.
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Croatia
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Home for the entire month of June recovering from a radical prostate cancer surgery so it is great time to watch all the games. Noon and 15:00 here in Ontario, Canada:)
I am from Sweden and think they will do their usual great work in the group stage only to fall in the play-off. Zlatan needs to pick up his game considerably though.
Germany to take it all but it would be nice to see Spain succeed for once.
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Good man Grelsh, nice to see someone more bothered about the sport itself and how its played by real footballers rather than ignorant comments like 'im not watching it, or don't show it as were not in'.
Congratulations to people like us who want to watch every game as its so rarely we can watch games of this level, so well done BBC. Unfortunate about the team theyve chose to present it but we cant have everything can we.
Come on France!
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I have supported Italy for many years and have been delighted generally with its actractive attacking performance.
The only teams that I would like to beat Italy are Brazil and England (my country of birth). Neither are in action in Euro 08.
So, forza Italia!
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I find it interesting that many bloggers question the reason why the BBC is spending so much effort in broadcasting the Euro. In particular i am appalled that people claim that the BBC should not do this as there are no home nations in the competition. Should the BBC also not show the World Cup, if England Scotland and Wales are not in it. I think its time for some people to leave their prides aside and view the event simply for what it is... a celebration of football. Four years ago I was in England and watched the final game for Italy, which led to them failing to reach the quarter finals. One BBC pundit said that he was glad to see the back of the Italians because of their catinaccio approach. Two days later, England were playing catinaccio in order to secure their place in the quarter final. And it was hailed as a excellent performance by the lions. A week later newspapers were claiming that England were denied progress to the semis by the pitch (and the ominous picture of the penalty spot which was, admittedly in bad condition). Portugal took their penalties from th\e same spot. The point being, the British are too proud to admit that they lose fair and square in football.
I see the same this time around, with the failure of the home nations to reach the finals. I think, if anything it is the involvement of the public and the media with the England team that harms it the most. The Greek national team has left the country for a week now, and Rehagel has cautioned everyone, from the players to the journalists that no interfereance with team affairs will be tolerated. You want to know why Greece won the Euro. Because they finally put a person a charge that would't take crap from anyone. Before Rehagel, players who were called to the national squad used to demand to play in the position they wanted or else they would claim an injury or whatever. Rehagel put a stop to that, and from 62nd in the world rankings 8 years ago, Greece is now 10th, one place above England.
As for the Euro, I don't think Greece can manage the feat a second time (although that would be great). All the teams are great and I think a team that will go far is Romania. But the team that gets out of the group including Holland Romania, Italy and France I think will probably win it.
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There are some great teams at this year's Euro 2008 (sorry.. British fans... we will miss you!).
Germany are always tough and strong, The Netherlands have an exciting team, Spain has the greatest names, Portugal the most creative, Russia some exciting new players, France old and wise.
But finally it is Italy who will win the tournament. They are always among the favourites and this year's team is exceptionally talented, strong and balanced. I can't see them miss out.
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Like I said on 606:
Hup, Hup, Holland!
It's gonna be a good one -- also nice that we don't have to be subjected to our inevitable disappoint in a yet another mediocre performance by our average English "stars" :-)
To top the groups:
Portugal
Turkey
Germany
Austria
Netherlands
Italy
Sweden
Spain
To win...
I'd love a Germany - Holland final.
For fear of my apartment being burnt to the floor, I won't say who I think might win... ;-)
It's gonna be a great (Orange!) summer anyway B-)
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May as well continue the predictions...
QF winners:
Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Italy
SF: winners:
Germany, Netherlands
Champions...
? ? ? :-) ;-)
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Holland all the way they have a good squad with some great players like van der sar, wesley snijder, robben, van persie, bouma seedorf. etc. im not dutch im egyptian but im supporting them cause i lived thier 4 a while. go on u dutch!
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"Holland all the way they have a good squad"
We're not great at the back tho...
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For once I cannot whip up any enthusiasm for this tournament. Just doesn't seem to have the same feel with no 'home countries' in it. Won't be watching any of these matches. Looking forward to the start of the domestic season in August!!
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I reckon the Portuguese will be the one of the great suprises of this tournament (along with croatia, russia and czech republic)
All the attention is on the clear favourites like Italy, Spain, Germany and France (and maybe Holland), and many people are saying Portugal have only got 1 good player which is ronaldo, but trust me their are many more, they just don't get recognised because they dont play for the big clubs like man. united, real and barcelona.
We've got the talented young generation of ronaldo, nani and quaresma, the quality midfielders of deco, veloso and simao and a strong defence with the likes of carvalho, ferreira and bosingwa, and a good goalkeeper of ricardo with his best quality of saving penalties (remember Engalnd in 04 and 06) so bring on the germans!
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Forza Italia!
World Champions on merit and will be the hardest team to beat in this tournament.
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I really cannot wait for Euro 2008 to kick off!
Although it is extremely dissapointing that none of our teams from home will be making their way to Switzerland/Austria I believe the tournement is wide open and a host of 10 teams stand a great chance of lifting the trophy. I will be supporting Spain. Why? Well they are well overdue a trophy now and with their talented players such as Fabregas, Torres and Bojan i feel that they will go all the way and finally pick up a bit of silverware. I am looking forward to seeing Croatia play, and the likes of Modric and Rakitic but also seeing the hosts Switzerland play and who knows with fans on their side, i believe they will become the darkhorses of the tournement.
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portugeezer, how can Portugal be dark horses for the tournament? Surely they got to the final of the last Euro's (where they got beat on home soil) and then managed to beat England and reach the semis of the World Cup! This makes them a clear favourite for the competition and if they did manage to win it, I doubt that would surprise many people!
It's going to be Italy though, they are easily the best all round team, strong in all departments and no messing about with fancy tricks and over inflated egos.
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Portugal won't get far and this is coming from a guy who supports them, and I think the very poor qualification and friendlies proves this.
Ah well my predicted final will be Germany - Italy granted its a save (and boring) prediction.
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Goes against my predictions, and I hear he may not play in the first couple of games, but look for look for Andrei Arshavin being waved cheques at this summer after some strong play...
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Come on Spain! I go on holiday there a lot and we both hate Portugal!
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LOL @ post 69
:-D
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cant wait for it to start
france will win or at least get to the final
look at the young players that they have also they have many experience players lik henry viera gallas and thuram who have been at this tournament before and won it.
france v spain final
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Is it true that Steve McClaren will be on the BBC commentry team? If so surely this is an insult to every football loving fan.
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The tournament is not going to be the same without England.
There has hardly been any press attention up until now and that speaks volumes considering this is the second biggest tournament in the world.
I think I speak for the majority of football supporters in this country when I say that there will be a big apathy surrouding this tournament and that viewing figures will be very low
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WATCHING The tournament IN ENGLAND is not going to be the same without England.
There has hardly been any press attention IN ENGLAND up until now and that speaks volumes considering this is the second biggest tournament in the world.
I think I speak for the majority of football supporters in this country when I say that there will be a big apathy surrouding this tournament AMONGST ENGLISH FANS and that viewing figures will be very low IN ENGLAND
-----
corrected your post ;-)
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Euro 2008 for me is going to be very depressing. I accept that England didn't deserve to get there having been given another chance by Israel but then fluffing it against Russia was shocking. How then, can we possibly attempt to support another team and be enthusiastic about it. The buzz around the country when England play in a tournament is fantastic and it's very disappointing that it wont be like that again this summer
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Impressive German squad listed on the BBC site. I counted only 4 players NOT playing in Germany. Speaks volumes for the quality of the Bundesleague.
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I just think it is good for this country that we did not qualify. It stuffs up the media who were already planning all there special items and news pieces on England's prospects (no offence BBC). Also, it makes the English players realise what they are missing out on due to their incompetence on the pitch and hopefully it might make them play to their full potential (or at least try-which would be an improvement). England have the potential but are slightly over-hyped by the media. They are nowhere near one of the best teams in the world, but they could be which is the important bit.
As an Italian/French supporter I am rather disappointed that they are in the same group (and with Holland) but stil think they can both repeat their performances in the world cup. it should be an interesting group though...and an interesting tournament.
Of course the Euros are not going to be anywhere close to as enjoyable as they usually are - without watching England fail in the quarters on penalties (again) - but I'm looking forward to seeing some proper football from the moer classy countries.
COME ON FRANCE (AND ITALY)
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I can't wait for the tournament. Don't know who to support but I fancy Germany with the Polish boys Klose and Podolski doing the business for their adopted country.
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The standings ,fixtures..stadiums ,news from Euro 2008 you can find on
europeanfootballchampionship2008.blogspot.com
It's a poll there too "Which country do you think will win the European Championship 2008?" visit the site and vote !!
europeanfootballchampionship2008.blogspot.com
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I think the prospect of no domestic teams in the euro's is great. Among my friends there is alot of debate about who to support, but what i find great is that people will be watching football for the enjoyment of it.
With no national alliegences we can enjoy the thing as a feast of football and not care who wins!
As long as a team who plays entertaining football goes all the way, someone who isn't negative.
So I want anyone but the Italians to win!!!
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As an Englishman living in Switzerland, you can imagine how hyped I was about this tournament last year. Now it's here and England are not in it, the appeal has totally gone. Let's be honest, despite all the marketing, what Englishman really cares who wins a tournament that England (or any of the home nations) are not in??? I couldn't care less who wins it and even the locals are gutted England will not be in it, with all their "star" (I use that term lightly given their abject failure to perform in the Three Lions shirt) and more importantly, all the fans they bring. Sadly, the biggest loser by England's failure to qualify is the tournament itself.
Let's all watch the cricket instead, at least we're winning that now...
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What a sad bunch some of these England fans are. Obviously not football fans just England fans with no interest in the rest of the world and how it plays the game. Perhaps that's part of the reason why England have done so little over the past 40 years.
congratulations to the BBC for the coverage and it will be refreshing to avoid all the jingoistic nonsense that passes for informed football knowledge now England aren't in it.
Anyway I am really looking forward to it - just hope it lives up to expectations. I will be watching all the games as I do for the World Cup and I hope to see some great football although some of the teams appear a little weak. However I thought that the last time with Greece and look what happened. Lets hope its a real festival of football.
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let us good minded brits support our biggest miority group. Come on poland in Euro 2008.
why?
1) There are at least 500,000 in Uk and we like them and they are big part of noughties Britain
2) The Poles are a passionate and romantic lot, despite overcoming huge hurdles in history. They have the blitz spirit..
3) They invented the x ray and briefly turned that mad woman Thatcher into a trade unionist
4) THey like talking a lot about air pressure. Is that anything to do with Copernicus?
5) Their sausages are better than ours.
6) They have some of the most beautiful women in the world.
7) Like us they have spent years being disappointed in your football team
8) Like us,they are country of legends that never give up.. For them Lech Walesa( should have stayed a legend) . For us most of our prime ministers.should have given up before they did.
9) We both are slighlty embarrased by our less savoury national supporters.
10) They are going to beat Germany and Croatia for us
11) Because we have created a fine song to get behind Poland .
please listen
on
www.myspace.com/londontowarsaw
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Anyone else spot lorjred's "pre-madona" misspelling? Too funny to leave alone... the idea of a bunch of Madonna wannabes flouncing around trying to sing Like a Virgin while getting beaten at Wembley...
Spain to win, but Switzerland to qualify from their group.
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Aren't there some miserable chickens on this thread?
England aren't there. Nobody wanted that, but this is a footy festival with all the guys who play in the Premiership! Lighten up.
As for the moaning minnies who want more cricket and rugby, well - der - rugby world cup on ITV and Six nations on the Beeb. Club rugby and the cricket on Sky. You don't want to fork out for Sky, Test Match Special is pretty sweet and you can watch the (award winning) highlights on Five.
I like football. I'd love England to be there, but they are not. We messed up, but I'm not going to cut off my nose to spite my face. I watched the 1976 penalty shoot-out between Czechoslovakia and West Germany and it was transcendent. Footy without England is still great.
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agree have to support spain.
think about supporting poland, but whatever
it is all about the beautiful game. listen to our song
www.myspace.com/londotowarsaw
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One to watch out for that no has mentioned (for very good reasons) is Italy's Cassano.
The lad's moody, stroppy, annoying, uglier than Tevez, mouths off more than Rooney on a bad day, got fatter than Ronaldo mark I, failed miserably at Real Madrid, fought with every coach he's ever played for... but he is very, very good and right now he's in brilliant form, he's been amazing for Sampdoria and seems to have climbed a few steps on the maturity ladder too.
I think he'll be one of the stars if he's given a proper chance, up there with the big names.
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Glad to say I'll be in Austria for most of the group phase so will only have to rely on Brittish coverage from the quarter finals onwards. Long overdue for another German triumph, fingers crossed. Incidentally I'm sorry to see Italy left Pippo Inzaghi out.
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I was very disappointed to read somewhere on the BBC site that there is no chance that Greece will win this Euro 2008 and they should be happy if they go to the second phase. Apparently "lightning" only happens once they said. May I remind the person who wrote this that Greece, did win Euro 2004 AND they have gathered the most points that any other team for the Euro 2008. They have 31 points and the second closest is 29.
So, give as a chance!! Be fair!!
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To kristianowall (no. 25):
You made one mistake: In the quarter finals it will not be "Greece - Italy 3:0" but "2 : 0".
;-)
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I am actually quite annoyed by the English Propaganda and the way that the Greeks Euro 2008 chances are being portrayed.
We are ranked 8th in the world after beating Portugal yet AGAIN last month 2-1 and yet we are still being written off as a second-class team.
We may not have the Cristiano Ronaldo's and Fernando Toress's of this world but world class players do not necessarily make a world class team as you England fans may remember; watching the so called "golden generation" disintegrate into nothingness.
Failing to qualify for the world cup with the Euro 2004 veterans was certainly a dissapointment but with a clear out of the old and the inbringing of the new with top players like Fanis Gekas (top scorer in the bundesliga last season), liberopoulos (top scorer in the greek league) and a host of young talented players such as Ninis, Amanatidis and Katsouranis its no surprise we finshed our Euro 2008 qualifiers on the most amount of points out of every single team in Europe.
Our defensive mentality is still in place with Rehaggel somehow managing to make sure if someone on the opposition's team has the ball, 2 players are closing him down immediately, but our attacking flair is 3 times what it was in 2004 with Charisteas only playing a part time role. Gekas, Liberopoulos and Amanatidis have certainly shown that they have what it take to compete at top international level and have scored an abundance of goals for us.
Now realistically I can see us getting out of the group stages to face one of either France, Holland or Italy and as a realist I can't see us beating Italy as they are a superior version of us. However, the attacking styles of France and Holland suit us perfectly and if our recent performances are anything to go by, I can't see us losing to either of them.
In conclusion, however, I would just like to ask the BBC to show us Greeks a bit more respect in their coverage of us and perhaps analyse not only the players but the whole team performances as it is this lack of insight that the pundits seem to possess.
John Tsopanis 15
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I love International Football.
I think Euro 08 winners will come from Group C as they will have to work very hard to get through that group they will be very well prepared as to spain and portugal who got easier groups and therefore wont take the first games as serious and therefore may slip outer their game.
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Why does everybody keep saying that croatia and russia have a great chance of winning it. Just because they knocked out a useless team in england. England are not the superpower that you English build them up to be. They are a less than average team. Everybody thats not English will tell you that. I was glad when Slaven Bilic put ye in your place by telling you that Croatia are a better team. He was right and Croatia are also very average. In my opinion both Russia and Croatia wont get out of their groups. Its very easy for you to blame Steve McClaren but the fact is the England players are not good enough. McClaren is the most succesful manager in Middlesbrough's history
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http://www.myspace.com/londontowarsaw
come on poland
go wherever others fear to tread.
please lovely english people. stop supporting teams that you think will win and support a team you have a connection with.
We now have the most educated and attractive catering staff ever.
we can now get stuff around the house done at a reasonable price by hard working decent honest peopke.
a lot of the best doctors are now Polish
aniah, gosia, marek, jacek, magda are becoming popular children s names.
krakpw is a beautiful. we are going there a lot( maybe too much)
instead lets have a celebration of Anglo tolerance and diversity
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