Euro 2008 Group Play Review

Now that group play has finished, we know which teams advanced, and what the Quarterfinal matchups are.

In my Euro 08 Preview I predicted who I thought would advance. Lets see how I did.

Group A

My Prediction: Actual:

Portugal          Portugal

Czech Republic Turkey

Switzerland      Switzerland

Turkey             Czech Republic

Portugal played how I thought they would, and I was 15 minutes away from being right about the Czech Republic. If only the Czech could have held on, I would have been right. Turkey was a surprise for sure.

Group B

My Prediction: Actual:

Germany          Croatia

Croatia            Germany

Poland             Austria 

Austria            Poland

I thought that both Croatia and Germany would advance from the group, but who saw Croatia beating Germany when they played? As far as Austria and Poland are concerned, I should have thought my prediction out a little more and realized that with the home crowd behind them, Austria wouldn't finish in last place. 

Group C

My Prediction: Actual:

Italy                 Netherlands

France             Italy

Netherlands    Romania

Romania          France

The group of death really could have gone any way. I decided to go with 2 of the favorites, Italy and France to advance. My prediction was ruined by the combination of the Dutch being sick, and France having Henry and Vieira hurt. Thanks a lot France.

Group D

My Prediction: Actual:

Spain                Spain

Sweden            Russia

Greece               Sweden

Russia              Greece

Spain won the group pretty easily, and I think look like the best team so far. Going into the final games I was correct on which teams were advancing. However, Sweden decided to completely abandon their offense and play for the draw against Russia, and they paid for it. Greece was a big letdown, not even getting a point in group play.

So Lets Recap:

Of the possible 8 teams that could advance to the Quarterfinals, I got 5 of them.

Of the 5 teams that I said could win it all, 4 of the 5 advanced (thanks for nothing France).

Italy gave me a scare, but my pick for Italy over Portugal in the finals can still happen.

Quarterfinal Matchups:

Lets take a look at the upcoming Quarterfinal games.

Portugal vs. Germany

A dream matchup for sure. Portugal played very well its first two games but lost its last game. Germany played its best in the last game. Who will stop Ronaldo? Other then Podolski for Germany, no one is creating chances. Klose is invisible, and it took a free kick for Ballack to wake up. I gotta think Portugal will advance.

Croatia vs. Turkey

A surprising matchup due to Croatia winning group B. Turkey was 15 minutes away from being eliminated, while Croatia won group B pretty convincingly. I think Croatia moves on.

Netherlands vs. Russia

The Netherlands seem to be everyone's new favorite to win it all. I don't know if I can go that far, but I think they cruise through Russia in this one.

Spain vs. Italy

A nightmare matchup if your Italian. Spain proved against Greece that they have the deepest team of anyone in the tournament, and David Villa is playing on another level right now. Italy has always been known as a slow starter in tournaments, and play differently after group play. Even without Pirlo, I gotta say Italy moves on, and the label of underachievers stays with the Spanish.

The team of the tournament so far is a tie between Spain and the Netherlands. Spain easily won their group and proved they are the deepest team. The Netherlands showed their all out attack and dominated two early favorites, Italy and France. Both teams have the ability to go all the way.

Player of the tournament so far is David Villa. He is the leading scorer of the tournament with 4 goals, and was a main reason why Spain won its first 2 games.

What did you think of the teams that advanced? Did you see it coming? What's your prediction for the Quarterfinal matchups? Who is the team of the tournament so far? The player of the tournament?