by Cracked Pleasures » Sat Nov 24, 2007 4:12 pm
England of course brings tradition to the tournament, and many fans. However, Croatia is an excellent replacement.
Not sure if many qualifying games were broadcasted in South America, but believe me: Croatia has been really impressive in the qualifiers. They did not have an easy group (England is never easy, Israel is especially at home very difficult to beat, and Russia is also never an easy opponent). Despite tough position, Croatia got really excellent results and what's more: they got these results by attacking football, they always tried to attack and it was really a pleasure to see a team play like that.
Honestly, I think Croatia maybe can even become an outsider to win the Euro 2008. If they play the same way as in the qualifiers, then they will be a very tough opponent for even the best teams in Europe.
I think the Euro 2008 line-up is quite interesting. Apart from England all "traditional countries" have qualified, with Czech Republic and Croatia we have two dangerous outsiders, and apart from host nation Austria there is no weak teams in the tournament. I look forward to the Euro 2008. The only thing I fear is that Austria will get embarrassed in every game they play, which may stir up discussions if it is a good idea to have the hosting country directly qualified.
As for the South American qualifiers: I always hope Brazil would miss the World Cup. I don't like them, I dislike their arrogance. Ronaldinho said before the World Cup 2006 that everybody feared Brazil and that only Brazil would be a deserved winner of the cup. Very arrogant to say such things, especially when Brazil then got kicked out before the semi finals.
I don't like the Brazilian team. Argentina however, I do like them. Passionate supporters, great skilled players, attacking football... I hope Brazil fails to qualify while rivals Argentina go to the World Cup.
Is it still 5 South American nations that qualify for the World Cup? In that case, Uruguay should have a more than decent chance!
Last edited by
Cracked Pleasures on Sat Nov 24, 2007 4:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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