Let's Get It Started

Euro 2008 kicks off today with Switzerland facing the Czech Republic and Turkey squaring off with Cristiano Ronaldo. This seems like the perfect time to start documenting our World Cup cycle. let's jump right in and start off with some predictions:

Group A

Portugal

Switzerland

Turkey

Czech Republic

Comments: Portugal is clearly the best team in this group, and a strong contender to win the whole thing. Switzerland gets through on the sheer force of its home field advantage. Turkey is in turmoil, but they steal points against a team so old they should be called Czechoslovakia. 

Group B

Croatia

Germany

Poland

Austria

Comments: I think anyone who loves football owes Croatia a big 'thank you' for not only knocking England down off its imaginary pedestal (seriously, how delusional can an entire Island be?), but also saving us from the pathetic sight of England losing in the quarterfinals in a penalty shootout.  Germany is not as much fun to watch without Jurgen dancing on the sidelines, but they have enough skill for second in the group. Poland is close to making an impact on the world/european stage, but not this year. Austria might be the worst host country of any major tournament ever.

Group C 

Holland

France

Italy 

Romania

Comments: The group of Life is guaranteed to generate some surprises. The Dutch will find their form and finish top of the group (maybe on goal diff), while the French will show that major tournament warmup games mean nothing. The Italians won't recover from the loss of Fabio in time to escape the group, while Romania will put up a fight, but come up short.

Group D

Spain

Sweden

Russia

Greece

Comments: Spain have a great chance to win it all, and I like Torres to be wearing golden boots at the conclusion of the tournament. Sweden has the best fans in Europe and Henrik is good for a goal or two. Thanks to Russia for helping keep England out of the competition, but its 3 and done for Ivan. Greece, your victory in Portugal four years ago was shocking. No such shocks this time around. 

Quarters

Portugal over Germany

Croatia over Switzerland

Holland over Sweden

Spain over France

Semis

Portugal over Croatia

Spain over Holland

Finals

The all Iberian final ends with Scolari claiming the mantle of "Special One"

Portugal over Spain