Who will finish second?

[Big balls]

Sweden has advanced from 3 groups in a row so I can't make a case against them this year. The 2002 group (Argentina, England, Nigeria) and the 2004 group (Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy) was tougher than this one.

What makes me alarmed is that people doesn't seem to have learned their lesson from 2004 when it comes to Greece. I hope the team doesn't see Greece as some fluke champion because then the EC will be over for us.

I think the thread title is quite weird as well. Spain is the favorite and their midfield must be the greatest in the world. Then it's Torres up top, Casillas in the back. They aren't weak on any position. Spain can be beaten though, Sweden beat them in Stockholm and lead the EC QF group throughout before they pissed the 1st position away in the home game against NI at the end.

I think it's a rather open group. Spain should snatch one spot but I wouldn't be so sure that it's the No.1 spot.

[Icarus_222]

Recently losing to Hungary and drawing Armenia doesn't point to great form, but maybe I'm unfair since I didn't watch anything of those matches and I don't really know the exact circumstances.


The full starting 11 did not play either of these matches because of mild injuries (precautionary measure).

[johnmatrix]

Sweden will find a way to secure second with 6pts. A pair of frustrating 1-0 wins and a loss to Spain.

[AFCA]

I dunno about Sweden, I think they'll finish last. Greece and Russia is an interesting one. I think the game between these two will decide 2nd place.

Spain will probably win the group, but I do not see them as winners of this tourney.

[glennaldo_sf]

No offence guys but I have a feeling this group is going to have the dullest football played. Sweden were very defensive @ the 2006WC, Russia and Greece organized and efficient but nothing too classy.. and Spain, well - we Spain are Spain. ... But this year.... pffft - we've hear that soooo many times before!

Anyhoo.. I say Spain wins the group... and Russia surprises everyone and comes in 2nd. Sweden 3rd and Greece last. Lightening doesn't strike twice as we all know.

[Prawn Sandwich]

and Spain, well - we Spain are Spain. ... But this year.... pffft - we've hear that soooo many times before!

Spain really are the Liverpool of international football ;)

[Samora]

Spain has no real weaknesses and I hope they palce first and win the whole tounament
and finally not be considered as soccer's underachievers

[glennaldo_sf]

Spain has no real weaknesses....

....... Um yes they do... as I've stated before - Spain is Spain.

That is their weakness.

[RibbyBollywood]

Spain will do fine, at this early first round, Holland looks like their big competition and I'd not discount the Greeks in knockout rounds.

It's too bad, some of the teams in groups C and D are not in A and B.

Not knocking the host countries, but real heavyweights are in C and D.

[Marbur66]

Not knocking the host countries, but real heavyweights are in C and D.
It's mostly group C. The only heavyweight in group D is Spain.

[Pichi]

After todays first match, Russia has their work cut out for them to finish in Second.

[RibbyBollywood]

Russia knew they'd lose to Spain in all likelihood and I think they planned for it with their foxey coach.

It's a bit similar to when Australia, Japan and Croatia were drawn into Brazil's group in the world cup, they all knew that one game was big trouble and would need to defeat each other.

Spain may not be perceived in the same manner as Brazil but Spain certainly dominated their world cup group with Tunisia, Saudia Arabia and Ukraine and I expect a repeat of that.

Viva Aragones!

[AlphaOmega]

That has to be the toughest world cup first round group i've ever seen. Spain , Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and The Ukraine. Wow.