[krelmatrix]

While I'm squarely behind Germany to win the Euros (it's a foregone conclusion ), I'll definitely be following the Werder players who are playing for some of the other teams. Even outside of the German squad, our group of forwards seem to be rather well represented, especially in Group B. If I'm missing any (incoming/rumored transfers?), please feel free to add them.


Group A

Hugo Almeida - Portugal
- Even though he's probably got Nuno Gomes ahead of him, I expect that Hugo will see a lot of field time. It seems that Portugal is generally regarded to be strong on the wings but weak up front, but hopefully he'll manage to put a few in the net anyways (even if I'll be cheering against Portugal in most of their matches).


Group B

Ivan Klasnić - Croatia
- even with Croatia being the main "competition" for Germany in our group, I can't help but hope Ivan has some success (except for any games against Germany ). With Da Silva out, is he a possible starter up front?

Martin Harnik - Austria
Sebastian Prödl - Austria (he's ours after the tournament so he counts)
- I assume that neither of these youngsters will start, but with Austria being such an underdog with no expectations, I'm sure they will see time on the field. Although honestly, I'm not expecting to see too much of these guys at this early point in their career.


Group C

none


Group D

Markus Rosenberg - Sweden
- I assume he's lower down in the pecking order with both Larsson & Ibrahimović on the squad, but surely he'll see some time as a sub.

2 days till it all begins!

["Eisenfuß" Eilts]

Originally Posted by krelmatrix

W
Group B

Martin Harnik - Austria
Sebastian Prödl - Austria (he's ours after the tournament so he counts)
- I assume that neither of these youngsters will start, but with Austria being such an underdog with no expectations, I'm sure they will see time on the field. Although honestly, I'm not expecting to see too much of these guys at this early point in their career.

I expect both to start.

Harnik played well in the last preparation matches
alongside with Linz and Prödl is Austrias best defender.

2 days till it all begins!

Yeah !!!

[sting-ray]

yes i'm sure they will both start.

but i can't wait for Germany - Austria !

[krelmatrix]

I stand corrected about Harnik & Prödl. But in this case I'm happy to be wrong! This will be fantastic experience for these two, even if Austria will almost assuredly play only 3 matches.

[The Old Lady Hertha]

Proedl will probably be Austria's biggest goalthreat despite him being Center-back.

I don't expect to see Rosenberg to play much, especially when he also has to compete with Johan Elmander.

Hugo Almeida should definitely start over Nuno Gomes.

[LebenslangGruenWeiss]

Even though Austria lost their first match I was impressed by Harnik and Prödl. Prödl is a heading monster and Harnik used his speed very well against the croatian defenders. Too bad his position doesn't exist @ Werder.

[sting-ray]

Prödl can shoot too... he reminds me of naldo in some ways. he took one or two big shots.

[krelmatrix]

Rosenberg came on for the last 12 minutes against Greece for the injured Christian Wilhelmsson. I was having trouble staying awake for the last few minutes of the game (damned allergy medications!), but he didn't appear to do anything noticeable.

I haven't seen any reports about Wilhelmsson' injury, but the way he pulled up in the middle of his run made it look like a pretty bad hamstring injury. I know he's more of a winger whereas Rosenberg has played more of a center role for Werder, but I wonder how this will affect Markus's playing time.

[Wappy]

I am glad to see both Austrians in our team. Harnik is immense... Prodl efficient as well, I wonder if he can fit into the left-back position?
if only we can get Ivanschitz and Kolkmaz

[krelmatrix]

Originally Posted by Wappy

I am glad to see both Austrians in our team. Harnik is immense... Prodl efficient as well, I wonder if he can fit into the left-back position?

Isn't he playing more of a central defense role for the Austrians? I haven't been able to watch Austria's matches up to now so I'm just going off of some positioning charts I've seen.

Prödl drew the penalty in Austria's 1-1 draw with Poland last night, which was successfully converted by Vastic. Unfortunately, he also got his 2nd yellow card of the tournament and will have to sit out against Germany on Monday. Harnik also went the full 90. Based on the report I read, it seemed like he had a couple nice chances but couldn't convert.

I did manage to watch Portugal's match against the Czechs on Wednesday. Almeida came in for the last 10-12 minutes and looked OK (had one dangerous chance called back for offsides), but I'd really like to see him go the full 90 against Switzerland. Hopefully with a weak opponent and the result essentially not mattering in the final standings, Scolari will experiment some and give him the start.