Comments on: Euro ‘08 Preview–Group B

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:04:32 +0000

I think the fact that Podolski and Klose have done it before at this level and the fact that they’re teammates and have a good idea of what the other will do, they’ll get the starts, but if Podolski comes out flat, I can see Gomez stepping in and replacing him.

I didn’t mention Jansen because I really haven’t mentioned any of the players I thought would be coming off the bench. If I did that, these already long previews would be even longer, so I just go with what I believe the starting lineup will be.

By: Jack

Jack — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:03:24 +0000

Did you really fail to mention Marcell Jansen and Mario Gomez when previewing Germany? Jansen will likely start on the left and Podolski? He’s got little chance of starting ahead of Gomez.

By: Lonnie

Lonnie — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:25:38 +0000

I don’t know about actual points totals or order of finish but my money is on Germany and Croatia to advance. Poland were good in qualifying but were in a weaker pool of teams (Portugal excluded). They beat up the weaker sides and either drew or lost against the more competitive sides in the group. Austria may nick a point off of Poland but anything more will be a big upset.

By: Barney

Barney — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:47:05 +0000

Poland to surprise in this group. Germany to struggle. Austria 4th but you might get to see what a good player Andreas Ivanschitz is – he has been real quality for Panathinaikos.

By: Ivan

Ivan — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:35:29 +0000

For Germany. Odonkor should make the final cut, i’m a big fan but was surprised he managed to get himself into a strong germany squad considering he has had an injury ridden season at Real Betis. Mario Gomez if he gets himself fit will and should partner Klose upfront.

By: Django

Django — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:58:30 +0000

Oh no intent to have you change it, I was just bullshitting more than anything, great previews, keep up the good work.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:27:27 +0000

I've got to be honest with you Damir, I think this will be the third most competitive group of the four, behind Group C and Group A. The final point margins may not truly indicate this, but I think we all know that there is a big gap in quality between the top two teams in the group, Germany and Croatia, and the bottom two, Austria and Poland. The reason I'm excited to watch these games isn't so much for the soccer itself, but for the historical and ethnic backgrounds of the countries involved, which I touched on briefly above. Concerning Poland, you may be right, I may be underestimating them and selling them short, but I just don't see the talent and I don't see where they're going to pick up their points. They're just not good enough to beat Germany or Croatia in my opinion, and I can't see them beating Austria (even though on a neutral field, I'd takae Poland) on Austrian soil. As for your point about home field advantage, you can't even compare Germany and Austria in that regard. Germany is a much, much better team than Austria and could've reached the semi-final of the last World Cup even if it wasn't played in Germany, whereas Austria likely wouldn't have even qualified for this tournament if they weren't a co-host. Home field advantage is significant when it comes to two evenly-matched teams or teams that are close, like Poland and Austria. As I just said, I can see Austria getting a draw in that game and I'm going to go out on a limb and say they pick up a point against Croatia, who is a much better team.

By: damir

damir — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:12:21 +0000

After Group C, I rate this as the most competitive group. Why? Well It's simple, even though Eduardo is out for Croatia they're still able to win games. And that was shown at Wembley (I know Dudu played, but he didn't score). And mate, if you're talking sense, I'd hate to see stupid. Because Poland, with ONE point!? That's just insane. They've been strolling through the qualifications. They have a better chance to advance than Hervatska. Then, Austria with two draws? They're a host nation, so that won't happen. I though Deutschland wouldn't do anything in the '06 WC but home field advantage is a BIG one. Then, check out who's been scoring all the goals for Bayern Munich lately, it's been Luca Tonia and Frank Ribery, no sight of Miroslav Klose. I admire the guy because he can score, but I'm just saying, he's dropped in his performances at the wrong time. I dig their striker core, and apart from a solid, solid midfield, I see a leaky defense. Just because I don't see a lot of conservative play in these match-up's I'm going to go with low points for the teams that advance, even lower than 7.

By: The Gaffer

The Gaffer — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:54:20 +0000

Kartik,

I mean this in the nicest way possible, but you’re nuts!

The host country (or two, in this case) always does better than most people imagine especially with the home field advantage.

Venezuela did better than most people expected in Copa America, just as one recent example.

Cheers,
The Gaffer

By: Kartik

Kartik — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:42:43 +0000

Austria will not get a point