Euro 2004 has been up and running for one week now in Portugal and it has taken a full seven days for the tournament to properly get underway.
After a poor opening between the Portuguese and Greece a lot was left to be desired. Portugal have had a talented squad who has underachieved for the most part 10 years now, were shocked and looked to have hit a case of stage-fright when opening the competition last Saturday.
Greece overcame them 2-1 and it was not just a simple shock. Nobody had counted Greece to be contenders in Group A but after an excellent display of unity, they came through to upset the hosts. Portugal looked distinctly average and it wasn’t until they ringed the changes did they look capable of anything other than defeat. Rui Costa and Fernando Couto have since been dropped from the starting eleven and after a 2-0 victory over the groups whipping boys Russia, go into today’s (Sunday 20th) game with Spain with every chance of progressing.
Spain meanwhile have had problems of their own. After a convincing win over the Russians they looked impressive against Greece only to let their lead slip in the second half. The Spanish coach has received widespread calls to drop the all-time top scorer in Spain’s history- golden-boy Raul, who has not impressed the critics of late.
So it looks increasingly likely that Greece will qualify from Group A along with the winners from the derby game of Spain and Portugal, England will be awaiting the runners up it seems.
Group B started fantastically. England against France was one of those games that will live long in the memory. Despite the defeat England picked themselves up with a crucial win against Switzerland. Wayne Rooney again received global recognition from his outstanding performance. It still beggars belief that the player will not turn 19 until October later this year.
France meanwhile slipped up and not even Zinedine Zidane could save them this time. Croatia took a point off them after the French looked like dominating the game. They took there foot off the pedal and Croatia showed us what they are capable of (there opening fixture against Switzerland (0-0) has to go down in history as the worst game ever).
France will most probably ending up winning the group with England 2nd if they can hold off the challenge of the Croats. England only need a draw to progress to the quarter-finals. Switzerland and Croatia, although both have every chance mathematically of progressing, look like they’re playing for pride in Coimbra and Lisbon respectively.
Group C has seen one of the favourites for the title almost eliminated at the first hurdle. Italy could be packing their bags to go home if they cannot defeat Bulgaria on Tuesday night. After drawing to Denmark in a very lacklustre encounter they looked like upping their performance again Sweden. After a terrific first-half performance they soon lost the plot and were lucky to only come away with a point.
Sweden have looked the best side in Group C. They thrashed Bulgaria 5-0 in their opening fixture and then held the Italians. They seem to have overcome their title of a "hard-working, well-organised side". In attack they look dangerous. Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are spearheading the frontline. Denmark on the other hand could also qualify if their game with Sweden goes the right way. A draw could be good enough for both Scandinavian nations. Bulgaria are already out after two defeats from two.
The Czech Republic are the only guaranteed quarter-finalists going into the final round of group matches. Following a lucky win over the plucky Latvians (2-1) they completed one of the best comebacks in European football lastnight (Saturday 19th). 2-0 down to Holland after 19 minutes, they came storming back to snatch victory in the 87th minute thanks to Vladimir Smicer.
The Dutch didn’t look anything like the team we know them for after drawing 1-1 with the Germans in there opening game. And now Holland will have to hope results go their way if they are to progress. Germany drew 0-0 with the Latvians and now take on the Czech’s knowing a win will be enough to take them through. Holland play Latvia. Latvia know that a win for them and defeat for the Germans could see them take a surprise runners-up spot in the "Group of Death".
So heading into the final Group games today the possible quarter-finals line-up could be the following:
Greece V England
France V Spain/ Portugal
Sweden V Germany/ Holland
Czech Republic V Italy/ Denmark
England must take heart from what maybe the "easiest" of quarter-final draws should results go there way. The Greeks are already plucking above their weight and winning Group A would be there best achievement in world football. England have their sights set on winning the trophy and should Michael Owen click into gear and Wayne Rooney keep his temperament, football could be on its way home to England.
With one Group game to play I have listed what so far I believe to be the player’s and games of the tournament so far. Should you agree or disagree with my choices or want to tell me your Goal of the Tournament, just EMAILTHE EDITOR with your suggestion.
Game of the Tournament:
Italy 1-1 Sweden
France 2-1 England
Czech Republic 3-2 Holland
Player of the Tournament:
Wayne Rooney, England
Zinedine Zidane, France
Pavel Nedved, Czech Republic
Igor Stepanovs, Latvia
Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Holland