Looking at the match ups a small part of me believes it was fixed. I know UEFA didn't want Spain or Holland knocked out and all the strong teams are playing weak teams. It probably wasn't fixed but...
Slightly surprising draw. I fully expected it to be rigged, but in fact it's pretty open. Didn't particularly want Russia, but could be much worse.
This thread actually should have been opened in Euro2004 section and not here. This tournament has sod all to do with FIFA.
arrogant enough to write off latvia before you even play them. *shakes head and laughs with contempt*
Whoever you are playing against, you step out on the pitch to beat your opponent, don't you? Nobody's writing off anyone...
Put another way, according to the current UEFA seedings (as calculates by BSers here) among the 10 teams, the rankings are #10 v #1 #7 v #3 #4 v #5 #6 v #8 #2 v #9 if I get my count right. Overall, not quite fixed, but pretty remarkably good spread of the highest ranked teams. Only the Croatia-Slovenia tie involves two teams in the top half playing each other.
Scotland barely got in it. It could have easily been Iceland as well. When I first saw this draw, I thought "O, no. Poor Latvia, Poor Scotland. Poor Norway." Anyway, that Wales/Russia draw should be the best over the two games. Go Latvia. Maris! Maris!
I personally feel that the best games will be from Croatia-Slovenia, given that it is "a former Yugoslavia derby." Remember how good Slovenia-Yugoslavia was in Euro 2000? Was one of the most exciting games in a very entertaining tournament. Wales-Russia also looks to be good. I fear Norway will batten down the hatches against Spain, while Scotland will likely do the same against Holland. I agree, don't underestimate Latvia against Turkey. It was surprising that they got this far, and they are the ones with nothing to lose. The Turks will be faced with a lot of pressure to do well in the first game. Should be interesting.
Re: Re: EURO 2004 playoff draw- I'm sure the Welsh and the Scots will disagree about being called "weak" - remember Slovenia from 2000 - one of them could pull it out. My 2 cents, Turkey, Russia and Slovenia win out. And either Holland or Spain or possibly both won't be going to Portugal, with both having extensive histories for being chokers.
I think Spain Vs Norway will be interesting for the clash of styles, and maybe some of the Norwegians will start punching the **** out of each other when they'relosing
yea i hope you guys arent putting money on slovenia because croatia is a safe bet they have never beaten us and thats not about to change.....
We beat Spain in Euro 2000. Seriously, Norway won't be Spain's worst opponents. The weather will be. We play second leg at home around November 20th. Frost bound ground for sure. Most likely also snow. It will be interesting anyway.
Tomvandam True. Slovenia has never beaten Croatia but you know that Slovenia is no longer a punching bag. And Croatian team has lost Suker, Boksic, Boban and other stars. So chances are more event than you think. Especially considering Slovenian excellent playoffs track record (Ukraine and Rumania). I repeat 55% for Croatia, 45% for Slovenia...