Who Will Be In The Final

[AFCA]

The only top contenders here are Germany and Italy, and you forget the most balanced team which is France.

Portugal defense is too weak, and Spain nevers makes through the quarter in official competition.

In fact i agree with the list published by lequipe yesterday :

Top contenders
Germany
Italy
France

Pretenders
Spain
Netherlands
Portugal

Possible surprises
Russia
Sweden
Croatia
Romania

Have L'equipe been watching Euro2008? Croatia? Russia? Sweden? Laughable list of possible surprises if you ask me.

Also, what strikes me about the French is their confidence. I believe it was Toulalan who claimed something along the lines of France being exactly where they wanted to be with the scoreless draw against Romania, and how things would be easier against the Netherlands, because the Dutch give away so much space.

Quite remarkable, although OTOH it was just a first game.

Personally, I don't think France have what it takes to qualify from Group C. And that is not necessarily an insult. They're just in a very tight spot having to play the Netherlands and Italy still.

[squidward123]

the l'equipe list was made before the euros...

[GrosMoulin]

Now i would bet on Germany, Netherlands and Portugal.

Portugal has always this vicious attitude that seem to work.
Germany and Netherlands are pleasant to watch and very impressive.

You can't dismiss Italy... they have the experience for them.

As you said, France is in a very tight spot now and Ribéry and Benzema are mis-used. As long as Domenech is in charge i think all this talent can't express as much as it could.

Spain is the eternal question : good beginning but will they collapse before the end ?

[AFCA]

the l'equipe list was made before the euros...

Even then... Croatia? Sweden? Russia?

Not in a million years (this year :P)

[squidward123]

Then who are your "possible surprises" from the 16 teams?

[AFCA]

Then who are your "possible surprises" from the 16 teams?

Depending on what you'd call a surprise I guess us :D

[Tony Dellbird]

Russia were a definite possible surprise. With the emergence of a totally homegrown side shocking in the UEFA Cup and thrashing Bayern. How could they not be?

[Cris 09]

I guess I would be (horribly) surprised if Greece won it, again!:eek:

[4evermedi]

I would not call it a surprise, but since the thread is "surprise winner"; after recovering from their unimpressive start and the loss to Portugal, Turkey beats the Czechs also and keeps getting stronger thru the tournament and advances to the finals-- similar to their run in the 2002 world cup.
They have the will and the skill to do that. My other pick...Romania.;)

[nido33]

Even then... Croatia? Sweden? Russia?

Not in a million years (this year :P)

it seems your prediction was wrong AFCA,all three teams can still be surprises.

god i hate those dutch fans here underestimating Croatia,i like Netherlands and the way they play but i dream about Croatia kicking your arogant asses in the finals.

[ifonly2008]

ENGLAND!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xe3PLTMye8

[TariboWest33]

Have L'equipe been watching Euro2008? Croatia? Russia? Sweden? Laughable list of possible surprises if you ask me.


Even then... Croatia? Sweden? Russia?

Not in a million years (this year :P)
You are some funny guy :D
What are you, comedian?

[Johannes]

god i hate those dutch fans here underestimating Croatia,i like Netherlands and the way they play but i dream about Croatia kicking your arogant asses in the finals.

I agree, why wouldn't Croatia be able to reach the finals? They already showed us that they can handle pressure and play very good football... They definitely can take Turkey and we know they can own Germany. I do see Croatia being the Greece of this tournie !

[Gandalf The Red]

I agree, why wouldn't Croatia be able to reach the finals? They already showed us that they can handle pressure and play very good football... They definitely can take Turkey and we know they can own Germany. I do see Croatia being the Greece of this tournie !

do not insult the croats, they have far more to their game then greece ever have.

imho it will be Croatia v Holland / Spain.

[glennaldo_sf]

Holland v Holland reserves

[Tony Dellbird]

Holland v Holland reserves

Germany? :p

[drahnier]

Portugal - Italy.

[cromagnum]

it seems your prediction was wrong AFCA,all three teams can still be surprises.

god i hate those dutch fans here underestimating Croatia,i like Netherlands and the way they play but i dream about Croatia kicking your arogant asses in the finals.

GOD i hope that happens..:D netherlands ooze with class but croatia has class players as well..just ask them about danijel pranjic..:cool:

[glennaldo_sf]

Portugal - Italy.

No thank you.

Portugal v Holland I'll take

Portugal - Croatia / Spain - Holland semifinals would be great to see.

[iDiveStevieG]

Portugal/Croatia semi would be fun to watch, along with a Spain/Netherlands. I'm actually hoping Turkey overcome Croatia, but they would surely lose to Portugal in the semis. And I'd love to see my two teams in the semis (spain/holland), but I would have no idea who to cheer for :eek: