who will win euro2004? (april edition)

Spain has a huge potential of winning with so many good players but France did very well in qualifications and if they don't repeat the WC 2002 problems they will probably win.

 

I think we can count Germany out. Poor qualifying run, Kahn playing poorly, no good forwards etc.

I think the Dutch can do it, but the favorites have to be France, especailly considering Henry's form this year.

 

My head says, France. My heart (plus the sentimental choice) says, SPAIN.

I went with my heart.....SPAIN!!!

Should be a GREAT tournament, as there are numerous countries capable of winning Euro 2004.

 

Holland or Portugal. France will crash out early.

 

It's wide open this time. I'm biased (brainwashed) but the Azzurri has a favorable opening draw of Group C; several playmakers (Totti, Vieri, Cannavaro) are in fine form; and Trap will 86 the 4-4-2 for a more attack minded formation for the first time since Julius Ceasar crossed the Rubicon. I hope that Italy and Spain meet in the Semi's on June 30. France and Holland in the other. Italy beats Holland in the Final and the Pope grants a day of absolution to all Azzurri faithful!

 

I'm predicting another Italy - France final, with Italy taking it this time. For some reason, I see France breezing through the tourny and falling apart in the final match. Don't know why, just an odd premonition...

 

To turn the question around, exactly why do you think England won't win?

 

I wonder why Sweden is up among the favorites in this poll ??... even the Swedish experts think that Sweden only have a small chance getting past Italy and Denmark in their group play...

Also...Sweden have lost 4 official match in a row starting with the Euro-04 0-1 defeat against Latvia.... and 6 defeats in 7 friendly matches... 1-2 to Albania (ranked 93 at the latest FIFA World Ranking), 0-3 to Norway (away), Egypt (away), Greese (home), Croatia (home) and Tunesia (away)....finally getting a win vs. an England B team 1-0 at home... While e.g. Denmark in the same group have only lost one away match in 2 years, beating both Turkey 1-0 (away) and England 3-2 (away) not long ago (however lost in Spain)...

.

 

i am one of the few that voted for the netherlands. it was based purely on who i want to win. if i were to go with my head then it would be italy

 

Thanks for the reply. I don't think you're trying to bash England but I do disagree with those points. My personal opinion:

1. We've got Terry and Campbell who are both easily as good as (if not better than) Rio.

2. True but this is the best side we've had for years.

3. Irrelevant when you look at our competitive results. Mass substitutions haven't hurt us at all so far (unless you want to blame the Brazil defeat on this.....)

4. Hmmm - maybe. I doubt Becks will have much trouble playing on the right to be honest.

5. Wayne Rooney.

Having said all that, I don't actually believe England will win. But I certainly think we've got just as good a chance as anyone else (with the exception of France, who are the best team at the tournament).

I look at the other supposed contenders and I'm not particularly worried by any of them to be honest.

 

Nice to see a full German squad down 2-nil after 21 minutes to Romania (minus Mutu), hahahha. This further pushes my predicition Germany will be a bust at Euro.

 

dutch form was maddening before euro2000 and look at some of the football they produced at that tourney. In the end tho its better all forgotten

 

After today's friendlies.....

The Netherlands look like a very strong young team. 4-0 against Greece, one of the hottest teams in Europe as an orange friend pointed out. that is, if they don't self-destruct interpersonally or have to go to penalty-kicks .

So, I would bet on either them or France. Portugal may get the home boost, but they have been too inconsistent for the past two years.

 

I agree! Germany's hopes for a successful tournament rests squarely on the shoulders of Michael Ballack. He has not had the best of seasons for Bayern. As a matter of fact, some observers think he was far more decisive during his spell with the Leverkusener than he has been in his two years with the Munchner. Germany's main problem lies in the final third. Kevin Kuranyi is a promising player, but at just 22 years iof age, he cannot be expected to carry the goalscoring burden. Fredi Bobic's goal for Hertha Berlin over the weekend was only his fifth of the season. His form is quite erratic. At this rate, I would not bet against Latvia giving them a run for their money.

 

Re: After today's friendlies.....

In my estimation, Portugal's chance to cover themselves with glory went with Euro 2000. They will play pretty football, but once again suspect temperament in key players may prove their undoing.

 

Spain have a good side and should win it, they are like England, have the TALENT but can't win a trophy

Greece should cause a stir, look out for them.

 

Greece? Don't make us laugh.. they got raped by a B-team of the netherlands 4-0

 

Anything can happen and I'm not going to say France is going to win it for sure, but they have to be considered the favorites of the tournament--yes, I am biased, they're my team...

Pluses:

1-They are loaded with talent--confirmed and emerging--especially in midfield and up front.
2-They have a fairly easy first round group (I really don't see Switzerland and Croatia being much of a threat).
3-They will not repeat the mistakes of WC 2002.
4-They have no major players injured right now (nothing like Pires and Zidane in 2002). I know a lot can happen between now and June 12, but things are shaping up much better than in 2002.

Things that could go against them:

1-They might forget that they don't need to win against England. If they go all out and lose 1-0 just like vs. Senegal in 2002, they might be in trouble.
2-They'll have a tough quarterfinal with either Portugal or Spain.
3-There are some question marks on defense: Lizarazu, Thuram and Desailly have all lost a step (or two) and besides Gallas, the younger players haven't developed as fast and as well as they should have.

Overall though, with Vieira, Makelele, Zidane, Pires, Henry and Trezeguet in form and with Saha and Giuly as great backups, Les Bleus are my pick to win it all.

 

1. Yes, they're loaded with talent, but don't forget that other teams can match the talent they have.
2. Indeed, their group is easy to pass.
3. You don't know if they're going to repeat the mistakes of wc 2002. Unless you have a magic ball
4. "shaping up much better than in 2002" Maybe. But that's not a guarentee that ALL the players can play at full fitness

 

One thing we know if the circus atmosphere that developed before WC 2002 (with player's agents attending practices and players shooting TV commrcials between two practices, etc.) won't be tolerated anymore. That should take care of a lot of the distractions that spoiled their tournament in 2002.

 

First of all NEVA EVA count the Germans off. They've always put it together for the SHOW!!! I'm predicting a France - Italy final and this time I see Italia winning in another classic final. As much as I'd like to see "Les Bleus" win again "Azurri" are on a serious ass mission and the fact that no Italian clubs are in Champion's League or UEFA Cup means they will be well rested. Matter of fact there are no members of the Italian national team playing in matches other than in Serie A, so they should be very fresh for this tournament.

Fonsos