Euro 2008, The ball is round and the game has 90 minutes! Options

[stargelman]

Ok I don't usually like to single out a team as a potential champion, but after today I'm pretty sure the Dutch will win this year.

What do you people think?

[Burnt Sierra]

Hm, my bet is safe for another match, though Holland will be a very different test. I have a feeling Russia may come just a bit short there. They played well tonight though, so they'll be full of confidence, and they are getting better every match.

Pity for Sweden, they have no lack of commitment, but just seem to lack a bit of creativity in the centre. Solid defence, good attack, but there was virtually no service from the midfield to their front men. I still can't understand some of the decisions the Swedish coach makes. He seems to trust too many of the older players, wheras it was quite obvious that the Russians had the pace and energy to overrun then. Some new blood needed there now.

As for tomorrow's quater final between Germany and Portugal, things haven't gotten off to the best start for Germany, with UEFA banning the manager from the touchline and the dressing room. I'd love to see Germany do well here, but if they stick with the same team that started the last three games (ie Gomes in the starting line up) they're going to be in trouble. No way can they play three strikers up front in this one, Portugal will pick them apart. Must be time to go back to a four man midfield, and with some width in the team. Portugal's major weakness defensively is dealing with crosses into the box... surely they must try to exploit that. They haven't doen so far though, they've just relied on the full backs to get forward. It'll be interesting, and if Germany are organised and solid, they'll get chances from the Portugese defence. Here's hoping they don't fall to Gomes. How on earth did he score almost 30 goals in the German league this season? He's looked hopeless...