UEFA Euro 2012

I have been waiting two years for this.  TWO YEARS!!!  I wish there were large national competitions every year.

Group A-Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic

I don't know a lot about most of the players on these teams.  I know Arshavin, Cech, and Rosicky.  That will show you my leaning towards the Premiership.  I really am not sure who I think is going to be impressive and who will flop.  I see no real contenders in this group.  I think Russia will win the group and Czech Republic will move forward with them.









Group B-GROUP OF DEATH!!!  Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal
This really is one nasty group to get drawn.  You have four very strong teams.

• The Netherlands-Van Persie was the highest scorer in the premiership.  I like Kuyt.  The Netherlands also has De Jong and Robben, who I hate to watch play.  

• Denmark's Poulsen's impressed me in the World Cup.  I like Agger.  Bendtner is usually disappointing, but hopefully he can do better with his patriots.  

• Germany-I am not even going to list the Germans.  They will win.  They are a well-oiled machine that could have taken the World Cup in 2010.  Just look at Schweinsterger.  That is one serious look.  Would you want to go up against that?Two years of experience makes me think they are a serious contender as the champions.  Cara would be ecstatic.  

• Portugal.  With Figo and Simao no longer listed on the squad, I am losing my zeal for them.  Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Pepe, and Quaresma significantly diminish my affection for the team. Ew-Ronaldo Ew.  If he gets punched in the face, I will be looking like Miereles (Picture right, not picture left..Ew Ronaldo Ew.)   I do like Miereles, even though he joined for Chelsea this year. Stupid Chelsea. Stupid, Stupid Chelsea.       

If the Netherlands crumbles I expect Portugal to replace them as second, but I would say Germany will  win the group.

Group C-Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia

Meeting the team in Boston 2011





UEFA EURO 2008 CHAMPOINS

• Spain!!! I love them.  This is my team.  I fell in love with soccer because of them in the 2006 World Cup.  I have even gotten the chance to see them play and meet some of the players last year after their world cup win. Torres is my favorite, despite his lack of goals this year.  Iniesta would be my second favorite.  I actually like all of them.  No real complaints about them.  They work as a team.  They celebrate as a team despite their heated rivalries in the Spanish league.  They are humble.  Their play is beautiful to watch.    In 2008, Torres gave the team the belief that they really could win, and they did.  They took that belief in themselves and brought it to South Africa.  2010, they became champions of the world.  I am doubtful, but I hope they can pull this one out as well.  

2010 WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS

Casillas talking about the awesomeness of Gianluigi Buffon

• Italy-I like the last generation of Italian players much better.  They were very entertaining.  Del Piero is no longer playing, which is sad.  No Inzaghi.  However,Gianluigi Buffon is still there!!!  I love that guy.  he brings pure joy to the game.  Pirlo is still kicking, literally.   Then there are the insane Italians.  Gattuso is still by far my favorite bulldog, and Balotelli is crazy.  Where's Gattuso?  Common, he is the excitement.  I expect there to be less flair and drama but, I am still looking forward to seeing their game.  

• Ireland-I am very very happy to see them in the Euros.  I took it unreasonably personally when Henri prevented them from going to the World Cup, and then France acted like little babies.  What an embarrassment.  The tag line for Ireland going to the tournament was "The Irish are ready to party!"  Hence the appropriate picture right with two of my Favorite Irish players O'Shea and Hunt.  Anyway, the Irish are here and are bringing many of my favorite players that used to be on Reading when they had some beautiful football (Doyle, Hunt, Long).  It will also be nice to watch O' Shea and Keane as well.  I am hoping they advance.  I would like to see Spain and Ireland go forward, but realistically, I think Spain will win the group, followed by Italy.
• Croatia-They have Modric who has been impressive this year.  

Group D-France, Ukraine, England, Sweden

• Ukraine-I am happy to hear that Schevchenko is still playing, and hopefully he'll get more credit now, than he did at Chelsea.  Go Schevchenko, Go.

• Sweden-home to the second craziest footballer-Ibrahimovic.  Lord help that guy.  He is the captain this year, which hopefully will be a good thing.  He often seems to think everything is all about him.  He is infamous for losing his temper.  Then there is Olof Mellburg.  He used to play for Aston Villa. I liked him.  Beard, yes!

•  England-I am not even going to get my hopes up here.  I will root for them just for the sake of Gerard, but I am utterly disappointed in the rest of them.  I dislike John Terry, Ashley Cole, and Wayne Rooney even though I love Manchester United.  I usually tend to feel like the guys pictured left.  What is one to do?

• France- And now to my mentality for every international soccer tournament ever played...Anybody but France.  They are like the Chelsea of the National teams, along with the Ivory Coast.  I despise them.  They bring great players, but let's hope they aren't as embarrassing as they were during the World Cup. Redemption time sons.   Yes Thumbs down Ribery, thumbs down.

I expect France to win this group, and England as second.