Spain to edge it

I am coming, finally, to a decision for a prediction of the winner of Euro 2008.

It is hours to go before the spectacle rounds up. As much as I want Jens Lehmann to enjoy a good honour, I think Spain will edge it.

Spain is on the back of nearly a dozen straight victories. Their best player is their supersub till now, Cesc Fabregas, and not the injured David Villa. Villa has only thrived in the group stages, scoring a hat-trick in the first match.

It is Cesc Fabregas who is a real contender to be the player of the tournament. His influential performance against Russia in the semi-finals has outlined his major standing in the squad, and he is certainly one of the players who will be contenders for the top honours both as an individual and with their teams.

I still believe Thierry Henry's best is yet to come. If Wenger can see the light, and Henry see the interest, to come back to Arsenal for a couple of seasons will make this a truly memorable era for modern football. He could go to US when he is 38 years old. I am sure he can still make an impact.

Lehmann hasn't got much clean sheets this tournament. He won't get it in the final either. I am boldly predicting a scintillating match ending in a 3-3 draw. Fabregas may have yet another 2 assists. But Spain to win in extra-time. A better prediction will be a 2-1 or 3-2 victory for Spain, perenial underachievers no more.

Herald the arrival of a new big star.

Russia vs Spain

This is one of the most evenly matched battles we are going to see.

Russia may have lost 1-4 to Spain at the group stage, but Russia with their targetman Arshavin, who introduces a creative side to the Russians' game, they are formidable and had even trumped pre-knockout stage favourites Netherlands.

Russia has already performed over the odds, thanks to Guus Hiddink. Now I am really impressed with this manager, whom I now regard as one of the best international managers in recent history, alongside Luiz Felipe Scolari and Marcello Lippi, with Jurgen Klinsmann also a great manager.

As for the best manager at this tournament... :

1) Guus Hiddink
2) Fatih Terim
3) Marco van Basten

Now to the match.

I think it will be as closely fought as the other semi-final, which as I had predicted, Germany clocked a 1-goal winning margin, in the dying seconds. Fabregas needs to start the game, as he creates opportunities and also shields his defence. He is really a Central Midfielder. Arshavin should spearhead Russia's challenge, as expected. He is turning into the star player of the tournament, with Lukas Podolski and some others among challengers.

Men to watch:

Andrei Arshavin
His contribution to the squad cannot be underestimated. Before he returned for the match against Sweden, Russia looked rather out of sorts. They were whacked by Spain. And then they squeezed laboriously to knock holders Greece out. Then Arshavin returned and outclassed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his counterpart, in the last group game. Then the win against Netherlands, whom had seemed unstoppable. He dictates the tempo and play of the game, and has a knack for creating chances and plundering goals when the time arrives. This is the kind of striker I like; able to score and assist, not like Ruud van Nisterooy and many others.

Cesc Fabregas
He scored the penalty that sent Spain through to the semi-finals of a major competition for the first time since 20 years ago. But make no fuss about that. Whoever else scored the penalty to send a team through is always overhyped as a hero. But Fabregas is starting to push for a spot in the starting lineup, which could cause Xavi Hernandez to be relegated to the bench, as Marcos Senna's defensive shield complements both of these 2 players. He is not a good scorer of goals; make no mistake. But he is really good at sliding the ball through for a teammate to get through on goal. A man to watch, especially if he starts.

Guus Hiddink
His tactical nous has been really impressive. He has a strong case for the best manager award. He has performed some sort of miracle at each of the nations he had coached in, namely South Korea, Australia, and now Russia. Don't include Netherlands, because Netherlands itself is a lready a strong soccer nation, unlike the rest. Guus is inspired by challenges, and that may well be the motivation for such miracles. Arshavin will surely be involved, but whether Russia will play counter-attacks, or any other strategy, we won't be sure. We will, however, be sure that Guus will not get it wrong like Scolari did against Germany.

So the big question. Who will win and face Germany for the highly coveted trophy. I would say the team with the greater desire will win this match. Spain wants to end many years of hurt. Russia wants to emulate Greece, and stun the whole of European football. The best motivator at the Euro tournament is by far Fatih Terim of Turkey. If Spain scores first, they may well go through. But if Russia take the lead in the second half, Spain may start to lose patience and lose. But whatever happens in the first half should not be too significant. This tournament, thanks to Turkey, has witnessed the most important events in the dying moments.

My prediction: 2-1 to Russia, or Spain to draw and win on penalties.

Euro semi-finals

I made no posts about Euro 08 since France was booted out of the competition, but now I am back!

Germany vs Turkey

This is a fight between a good mixture of the traditional style of ugly football and modern style of attacking football, and a united team that is greatly depleted but will be led by a strong determination.

I have a feeling Turkey will make it tight, but it will be like the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. Turkey are too depleted; their star players Nihat Kahveci, Arda Turan andd some others are all unavailable for the game. But it will be a really interesting moment to see a reserve keeper come on as a substitute in an outfield position. And Rustu Recber is the same keeper that faced Germany in 2002, but his counterpart will not be Kahn but Lehmann.

Players to watch:

Hamit Altintop
He is perhaps the most known name in the Turkey team that will be starting the game. A midfielder, he needs to perform at his best to try and contain the attacking midfielders like Ballack or Schweinsteiger or Frings, and try to penetrate Hizlsberger and Rofles who shields the defence.

Torsten Frings
He hasn't shone at this tournament yet, while at first Podolski, then Ballack, then Schweinsteiger stole the limelight. He is capable of scoring goals from distance, as does Phillip Lahm, a wing-back who enjoys going forward. I think Germany coach Loew will play it safe and tell Lahm to stay at his role and not go forward too much, so as the attention is on the others, Frings could surprise with a goal.

Jens Lehmann
Lehmann was a revelation at the World Cup 2 years ago as Germany hosted the big event. This could be his last hurrah and he will be working hard to ensure a clean sheet. It will be tough to break the German defence shall Loew decides on a defensive game, but he should make it a good game with an attacking mentality. Germany will put in goals at the front, but Lehmann could win it for his nation if he produces good saves to deny the Turks.

Soccerproject latest updates

I realised that the primary skills of the players are very important, so I started buying players and selling again. My team spirit is at 56% at the moment, but it should drop to around 40%, then (-10% of current) which happens at end of every season. So it should be around 35%.

Team spirit is very important. I finished the season in a dismal 9th place, with 47 points. I am targetting 5th spot for the coming season, with 55 points. Regardless of how I perform the coming season, I am certain I will be aiming for promotion the season after.

I initially set a three-season plan, but this is the 3rd season and I had made little headway. However, I had made some shrewd signings, but at the expense of the team spirit for the 2nd season in a row. Thus, I will be aiming for top 5, nothing more.

I hope my new signings will do me real proud, and I hope to be able to offload some of my players to decrease my wage bill, which is eating off most of my stadium ticket revenues.

Way to go

France got whacked 1-4 by Netherlands. But Thierry scored, as I expected!

I must admit my predictions went awry. France drew with Romania 0-0, and Henry did not even play. Italy got thrashed 0-3 by Netherlands. Greece was defeated 0-2 by Sweden. But I got the margin corect for Czech vs Portugal and Swizerland vs Turkey. And Spain did win against Russia...

So, I will come up with more predictions!

Turkey vs Czech
If it is a draw, bank on the Czechs to go through because of Petr Cech's heroics. But I think it would be 1-0 to the Turks.

Swizerland vs Portugal
Portugal has secured a place in the knockout stages, so Scolari should be fielding a weakened team against the co-hosts. But their half-hearted display will allow the co-hosts to leave with something, and don't bet against a victory.

Poland vs Croatia
Poland would have to hope that Germany do not win the other match and they would have to win this encounter by some goals. However, they lack enough quality to overcome this Croatian side. It should end in a draw, enough for top spot for the Croats.

Austria vs Germany
The Germans have their backs against the walls now, but you can expect they are not going to flop against the lowest FIFA-ranked team in the tournament. A 2-goal victor for the pre-tournament favourites.

France vs Italy
The arch-enemies meet again, this time in dire circumstances. Both teams have aged, but expect Henry to be fitter, and score a brace and inspire the French to victory and the knockout stages. The Italian defence could not even hold off Romania, so what chance do they have against a strong attacking firepower in the French. If the attackers find their form, they have potential to be a match to the Dutch. Bank on Henry and Ribery to combine to devastating effect. Possibly a 4-2 victory for France, as both sides are desperate.

Netherlands vs Romania
Romania may have gotten the better of the Dutch during qualifying, but this side is different. There would be a couple of changes to the lineup, but the Dutch would not worry about the Italians and French making the knowckout stages, since they had beaten them, so it should be another solid victory for the Dutch team. This leads France to second spot and the quarter-finals.

Russia vs Sweden
Guus Hiddink have another chance to prove his miracle skills. But if Ibrahimovic is fit, and Ljungberg finds his form, the Russians have no chance. A narrow victory for the Swedes.

Greece vs Spain
Spain are assured of top spot, and Greece are dead out of the tournament. The spanish will ring a wholesale of changes, so Fabregas should start. We could then see how much strength in depth is in this Spanish team. The reigning champions will not want to exit the competition with no points, so they will be extra motivated. A draw is on the cards.

Couple of predictions

I won't be saying much; just giving some predictions.

France 6-1 Romania

(I am influenced by the game I played; exact score) (Thierry Henry to score a hat-trick, and 2 assists)

Italy 0-0 Netherlands

Spain 2-1 Russia

Greece 0-0 Sweden

Czech Republic 0-2 Portugal

Switzerland 2-2/1-2 Turkey

I will see how many I hit... And if you want, go to http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/ and play their fantasy games. I recommend the Predictor and McDonald Fantasy Football!

Euro Group D

Greece

Shocking champions at the last edition, defeating France, Czech and hosts Portugal in the knockout stages. I believe their defence will remain capable as a wall, and Nikopolidis will be a solid keeper, not the best, but solid. They are one of those teams that function more as a team, so it is perhaps normal to recognise few names in the lineup. Even if you do, you probably hadn't heard of them for the past seasons in club football. But they remain a threat, and they have the quality, as a team, to make the knockout stages.

Spain

Favourites of the group. They have flopped at the big stage numerous times, often ousted at the first knockout stage. They should progress rather comfortably, with Fabregas and Torres providing a good attack, and Casillas with Puyol a good defence. Well balanced team, but they will need to overcome the mental barriers. They won't win the title, but they should be good enough for the semi-finals, if they win the group, and avoid France, who defeated them 3-1 at WC 2006 in the Top 16 round.

Sweden

A shaky team. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a good striker, but requires more consistency. I rate him alongside Turkey's Nihat Kahveci, as strikers that can change things at the group stage, but not beyond it. Freddie Ljungberg is a shadow of his old self since leaving Arsenal, but he should do well to help the goals come.

Russia

Guus Hiddink is the star of this team. He had performed miracles with under-performing national soccer teams, such as South Korea and Australia. He also did well with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. Can he do it one more time? I have a feeling this Russian team will not make the knockout stages. There isn't much talents, and it can already be considered a miracle to see them at a major soccer event, after previous failures. But they should register some points.


This is the most evenly matched group, and any of the teams can make the next round. However, expect Spain to emerge above the rest, and it will be a close and hardly-fought battle between the other 3 teams. All of the teams will finish with points.

Euro Group C (Group of Death)

France

I idolise this team because of 1 man: Thierry Henry. I think they are favourites. They have always had a solid defence, and I believe Thuram and Gallas could still work out well, with Makelele and Vieira being able shields in front of them. They have improved since the last World Cup, with exciting attacking talents. Thierry, as usual, is the main threat. After a so-so season at Barca, where he was put on the left forward position, Raymond Domenech must put him in the CF position to achieve maximum impact. Benzema would be an able deputy, and could help finish the goals that Thierry would set up. That's how dangerous King Henry is, because if you don't mark him, he will punish you, and if you mark him, you are opening up the gap for Henry to slide a ball through. Of course, Ribery and Nasri will be good performers i the centre of the park. Ribery was an Arsenal target, and Nasri is close to finalising a deal at Arsenal. Expect to trust Arsene Wenger, and perhaps Les Bleus will win the group with maximum points. There is strength in depth, with Toulalan, Lassana Diarra and Malouda on the bench with Anelka. Sagnol and Abidal should do well.


Italy

A shaky defence now that Cannavaro is ruled out. No Nesta, Maldini, both of whom are still solid readers of the game. Materazzi is more likely to scream vulgarities than make a good, clean tackle. Grosso is not a consistent performer. Chiellini should perform above expectations. Luca Toni may be a huge disappointment, but it will be masked by the good form of Alessandro Del Piero. Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso would be able midfielders who could make long range shots, but this midfield will not dominate against the French midfield, where there are 2 extremely effective defensive midfielders, and 2 good attacking midfielders. They have a good chance of the quarter-finals.


Netherlands

The strength lies in the attack. The weakness lies in the defence. As simple as that. Ruud van Nisterooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie. Jan Huntelaar, van der Vaart, Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt. All are attackers, and they together create probably the strongest frontline in this European championships. They have strength in depth in the attack, more than France. However, France's defence is the best in this big event. If they cannot score, they will lose, because their defence looks totally able to concede in every single match they play, unless Edwin van der Sar can produce perhaps 5 great saves every match. Most crucial match will be against Italy. If they can penetrate their defence, they can progress in this competition.


Romania

Weakest in this group, but not in this tournament. They are unlucky to be drawn in this group, after finally being able to qualify for a big event. The most recognisable names are Adrian Mutu and Christian Chivu. They are, however, hardly the best or near the best. Romania may do well to keep the score low, with Lobont in between the posts, but it will be an achievement if they get away with any points. However, if they do, they could well be the factor that decides who progresses and who do not.


This is a real Group Of Death. I expect France to qualify for the quarter finals as group winners. Romania should get a point. I have a feeling it will be from their match against world champions Italy. France should win all their matches. They should get 7 points at minimum, maybe a draw with Italy or Netherlands. Netherlands' match against Italy is most crucial, while France's match with Netherlands should be most exciting.

Euro Group 2

Austria

Hosts for this edition, but arguably the worst team of this star-studded field. Interestingly, looking at the squad list, I know 1 from every position. Alex Manninger, once a Gunner, Emanuel Pogatetz, who is a Boro player, Andreas Ivanschitz in midfield and perhaps most crucially Ivica Vastic in attack. Perhaps the only team I am writing off is this team, but I believe home ground advantage will ensure them to finish with at least a point.

Croatia

This is the team who stunned everyone by denying England an entry to this big event, despite being through already themselves. Although missing MVP Eduardo, they are still a good team. The Kovac brothers, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka, who had experience in the EPL, are the stars behind the frontline. However, the frontline, despite without Eduardo, looks to be the strongest amongst all areas. Mladen Petric and Ivica Olic are threatening, while Ivan Klasnic with experience from the German Bundesliga should all help supply the goals. The question is whether they will keep the back tight.

Germany

Definite favourites for the group. This is the team rejuvenated by Jurgen Klinsmann, and followed up by able deputy Joachim Loew. Most of the team that finished 3rd in the World Cup 2006 remained. The notable addition is Mario Gomez of Stuttgart, and I believe he will perform rather well. There is not much to say, but they have a good chance of opening the tournament with 3 group wins.

Poland

This is a mystery. How they will perform is a mystery. This is their first time in the Euro Championships. That is pretty a mystery, considering they had been to the World Cup a couple of times. But the star man of the team is not any of the players, but the manager Leo Beenhakker. They have few star players, which include Smolarek and Zurawski, but no matter which keeper they field, it can be expected their matches will be low scoring. Artur Boruc is established as a keeper having been great in the SPL. Tomas Kuszczak is 2nd choice to Man Utd, while Lukasz Fabianski is elevated to 2nd, after Lehmann declared leaving Arsenal. But Boruc should start. The other two is for the future. The future is bright, in defence at least.


On the whole, Germany should sail through, with Croatia most probably following. I don't see a potential Greece team here.

Singapore versus Uzbekistan prelude

What a match it shall be! Singapore will need to thrive on this occasion to put themselves in a good position to progress to the next round! This is a home match the Lions simply can't afford to lose!

I have confidence in our Lions.

I believe Aleksander Duric, with his experience, could penetrate the Uzbek backline and score a goal or 2. I believe Khairul Amri could score his trademark free-kick at this crucial time. I believe Lionel Lewis will perform heroics and get a clean sheet.

So, I believe we can fly! I believe we can touch the sky! And so I believe in now that, we will triumph 2 to 0!

Euro Group A

Switzerland

As hosts, the Swiss have an outside chance of making the knockout stages of the tournament. They need to bank on home support AND luck. They will have to rely on veteran Alexander Frei to pump in the goals, but it seems unlikely in a group with Ricardo and Cech, top keepers, providing stiff opposition. Cech is an established name. Ricardo was a star performer at the WC 06. Instead, the Swiss' defence will have to step up a notch. Defenders Senderos and Degen will have to be at their best. Senderos is prone to blips, and he really got to shave off that to aid the hosts' bid for progress, as they will be facing opposition from Klose and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal

Probable favourites for the group. With exciting attackers in the form of red-hot Cristiano Ronaldo and former Catalan Deco, and a stiff defence provided by Ricardo Carvalho and goalie Ricardo, there is reason to be optimistic. If Ronaldo can carry on his form, translate club form to country, Portugal have a good chance on emulating their final appearance when they hosted the competition 4 years ago.

Turkey

Very minor chance of making the quarters. They would have to be able to break down the opponents' defence to have any chance, because they have the weakest defence of the group. Thankfully, they should be able to bank on strikers Nihat Kahveci and Hamit Altintop, both of whom have gathered relative experience and success on the European stage. The Portuguese have a reliable backline, the Czechs have a great goalkeeper, while the Swiss have managed to keep the scores low for the past few years (look at their qualifying campaigns for the WC and this Euro). Turkey is hardly the team that made the semis of the World Cup 2002, but they must not be dismissed. They have a frontline that can match the Swiss and the Czechs', and possibly even the Portuguese.

Czech Republic

I would say this is an ageing team. Jan Koller is imposing but not at all fast. His only chance is to wait in the box for the crosses and passes to come, but at least he provides a good header. This is better than Milan Baros. Baros thrived on the last edition, but what a difference 4 year make! He had been switching clubs like sandwiches, and now I am not even certain where he will settle temporarily at for the next football season. The defence, marshalled by Cech, is strong, but the backline is not quick. Niko Kovac is 35 years of age. That is hardly young. And Jankulovski is also over 30 (I think 33). The Czechs will struggle against the Portuguese, and it will be Cristiano Ronaldo versus Petr Cech. But Deco will be free, and this is where the Czech team may fumble. Tomas Rosicky may find the boots of Pavel Nedved hard to fill, but he may well be the star performer for this team, who will need a good midfield to protect the defence and aid the attack.

Verdict:
I expect Portugal to breeze to the next round, and followed by either Turkey or Switzerland in 2nd. The Czechs, I feel, will flop. My sense tells me that the Turks are more talented and will progress.