Saturday

Switzerland V Czech Republic

So the opening game is here and no doubt once the opening ceremony has finished, we can get on with the footy.

The opening match is in Basel as the Swiss take on the Czech Republic it what could be either a drab affair or kicking off Euro 2008 in style.

Switzerland have injury worries, and their preparations are somewhat taken a hit somewhat, striker Blaise N’Kufo, defender Steve Von Bergen and reserve keeper Fabio Coltorti are all ruled out of the competition. Midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta <name of the competition, so far Ed> is an injury doubt. As mentioned their preparations did take a little set back, as th Head Coach’s wife had to be rushed to Hospital. The Coach has stated that the team has taken everything into account and ‘solidarity’ has been injected into the team because of this.

The Czech’s, well they have midfielder Tomas Rosicky out for the whole tournaement, to whom  did really well in World Cup and it caught the eye of Arsenal. Czech legend Pavel Nedved couldn’t be pursuaded to return from retirement to give the team extra flair and creativity in this competition. The Czech’s qualified with Germany and even finished above them in the group so the Swiss have something to watch for, another downside for them is that they have won 6 out of the 7 and only conceeding just one goal.

With everything taken into account I’m going for a Czech win probably 2-0 but I wouldn’t be surprised if Swiss scored given they have the home advantage.

1-2

Portugal V Turkey

The Portuguese have named their new skipper and surprise surprise it’s Cristano Ronaldo, it will be interesting to see how he does and how he leads the team, I suppose he’s that good he could just say ‘give the ball to me’ and that’s it but don’t be fooled they have a few good players within their element.

Portugal has no major injury concerns but do have players from Man United and Chelsea such as Nani, Ronaldo and Carvalho may have a slight fatigue problem. Luis Felipe Scolari has done well in the last 2 major competitions for Portugal with a final in 2004 and a semi final in the World Cup he’ll be wanting to do a lot better and I don’t you can do any better apart from winning it.

Turkey will be put under the cosh from the off in the competition, but you never know that might just work wonders for them for the rest of the competition, toughen them up if you will. I’m sure as Boro fans we would like Tuncay to score a hat trick get completely knackered get subbed and nut Ronaldo (oh I’d celebrate) but more so than likely he will forging what could be a fine partnership with Kazim-Kazim (Richards).

Portugal might just edge this with there extra quality in midfield, as their usual 4-5-1 formation might frustrate Turkey and big players in the maroon might have a little room to work with.

3-2

Sunday

Austria V Croatia

Now it starts to get tough, this game is somewhat difficult to call but Croatia do have this initiative if they start off right (I’m sure us English know) but if stays 0-0 for a while Austria have the home advantage and may nick one if Croatia don’t. A few faces we might recognise in the Austrian camp, ex Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manniger (I know he’s still about I couldn’t believe it either!) Jurgen Macho is still kicking about and who could forget Emanuel Pogatetz who in preparations had a little scare so fingers crossed for Manny showing Europe what he’s truly made of.

Croatia are purely a squad team and rely on each other, they do have good players such as Spurs new signing Luka Modric, Niko Krancar and striker Ivica Ollic could provide the Croat’s with some ammunition. The absence of Eduardo could lose a little flair within the team. Also have good defenders in the team with Man City’s Corluka at right back and AC Milan veteran Dario Simic and fellow oldie Robert Kovac could provide experience and solidness to ensure the flair can flourish.

Croatia to sneak it for me with the attacking options they have.

0-1

Germany V Poland

Well first of all well done to Poland, this is their first appearance in the Euro’s and no doubt they will want to make an impression if it takes them this long to qualify second time round. It’s a shame that they have such a difficult team in their first game in Germany.

To start with they are spoilt for choice with goalkeepers with having Luis Fabianski or Arsenal, Man Utd’s Kuzscack and Rangers Arthur Boruc. After that to be honest with Poland that’s all I’ve got! I know the midfielder Rafal Murawski is a canny player but whether not these ‘danger’ men will inspire them to win and break the virginity of the Euro’s remains to be widely seen.

Germany is probably one of the favourites to win; their League is somewhat smaller than the others ‘like Portugal’ and there are a few players who are involved in the Bundesliga they could be fresher than players who are involved in longer seasons in leagues such as the Premiership and the La Liga.

One unlucky symptom of Poland’s downfall is Germanys striker Miroslav Klose, who is actually Polish and come major tournaments, he seems to score a few goals and be up there with the top scorers so I wouldn’t be too surprised if this time around it was the same.

It would be a safe bet for Germany to win and Klose to be top scorer.

Germany to win here comfortably.

2-0