Euro 2008 The Draw is Set
| 8
|
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
|---|---|---|---|
 Switzerland
|  Austria
|  Netherlands
|  Greece
|
 Czech Republic
|  Croatia
|  Italy
|  Sweden
|
 Portugal
|  Germany
|  Romania
|  Spain
|
 Turkey
|  Poland
|  France
|  Russia
|
Looking at all the groups it is obvious that Group C is already the Group of Death. In fact that may be a Super Group of Death. But each of these groups does have it's own appeal.
Group A features the Czech Republic who always seem to impress at some level in international competitions. This group also features one co-host in Switzerland. Don't count the Swiss out as they do have some solid talent and the home field advantage will be in play. Portugal have one of hte brightest young stars in Cristiano Ronaldo so they will be tough. This group also has the team which to me is one of the biggest enigmas in international football in Turkey. Sometimes when I watch Turkey they look like world beaters other times they look like complete crap.
Group B has the obvious weakest team in the tournament in Austria. The group should be dominated by the powerhouse that is Germany. The Germans do face their arch rivals at the international level in Poland so that match should be great fun. Croatia are also in this group and they certainly cannot be counted out after they forced England to sit this one out.
Group C is outrageous. Three real quality teams in Netherlands, France and current World Cup holders Italy. The talent level in this group is tremendous, Robin van Persie, Thierry Henry, Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro and Andrea Pirlo just to name a few. Romania are a decent side but may find they are out of their depths in this group. Any match in this group is a MUST see. Who will advance out of this group may be the most asked question in the days building up to the championship.
Group D has Euro 2004 defending champions Greece but I do not think they will repeat their miracle run to the title, in fact I will be surprised if they advance. The overwhelming favorite in this group has to be Spain so it will be interesting to see if they can finally shake their label of underachievers at the international level. Russia are also in this group and they will be in a tough fight for second place with Sweden who always seem to be there in the group stages.
The tournament itself is being held from June 7 through June 29 and is being broadcast in the United States on the ESPN family of networks, not quite sure how I feel about that yet. Group A will play their matches in Switzerland at St. Jakob Park, Basel and Stade de Geneve, Geneva. Group B will be in Austria at Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna and Worthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt. Group C will see action in Switzerland at Letzigrund Stadion, Zurich and Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf, Berne. Group D gets to play in Austria at Tivoli-Neu Stadion, Innsbruck and Wals Siezenheim Stadium, Salzburg. The Swiss city of Basel and the Austrian city of Vienna will play host to the knockout stages.
It looks like next summer will see a fantastic tournament for the Euro 2008 Championship, I shall be viewing with a great deal of interest, Forza Italia!
