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Euro 2008 - Matches in Group A

Euro 2008 - Teams in Group A

Czech Republic

Portugal

Switzerland

Turkey

There for Portugal’s taking

Portugal are the obvious favourites to win the group, though it is not completely out of Czech Republic’s grasp to upset the order. Both teams will be thrilled that they are each going to play their opening game against the group’s less fancied sides.  Portugal will open their campaign against Turkey, while the Czech Republic will lock horns with hosts Switzerland.  It will be absolutely essential for both Portugal and Czech Republic to take maximum points before their crunch tie just four days later.

If either Turkey or Switzerland get even a point against the group favourites, then their encounter will hold enormous significance.  As hosts, Switzerland certainly have the advantage of a home crowd cheering them on, so they will be positive of stealing even a surprise win from Portugal or the Czech Republic.

Switzerland vs Czech Republic: If Switzerland are to win this game, they will need to contain the midfield spark of Czech Tomas Rosicky. If they can cut the supply to Milan Baros, then they have a good chance of winning their opening game.

On the other hand, the Czech Republic will be confident of picking up three points.  Switzerland are known for their containing game—as France will remember form the most recent World Cup—but the pace of Baros, and Rosicky’s ability to shoot from distance may be their undoing. Prediction- Switzerland 1-3 Czech Republic.

Portugal vs Turkey:  Portugal have started poorly in recent tournaments. They lost their opening games at both World Cup 2002 and Euro2004.  Both times, there was a twinge of over-confidence in their play.  Turkey are certainly no pushovers, and Luiz Felipe Scolari will have his men focused on the task. As for Turkey, they will see a draw as a fantastic result. If they can stop Cristiano Ronaldo, the man who scored eight goals for his country in qualifying, and get Tuncay Sanli into the game, then they have a chance of getting something from this encounter. Prediction- Portugal 1-0 Turkey.

Czech Republic vs Portugal: Potentially the pivotal tie in the race for first spot. Portugal certainly have more quality than the Czechs, but under Karol Bruckner the Czechs can definitely spring a surprise. If the Czechs contain Ronaldo, then the Portuguese will struggle to find the back of the net. However, Portugal still have the formidable Ricardo Quaresma on the other flank. Prediction- Czech Republic 1-2 Portugal.

Switzerland vs Turkey: Switzerland will be eager to make their mark on the tournament during this game. Both sets of players will remember the brawl that ensued after their World Cup 2006 qualifying play-off. There is bad blood between the two sides. Prediction- Switzerland 1-0 Turkey.

Switzerland vs Portugal: This game may be academic for Portugal, so Switzerland will be optimistic of causing an upset. However, even if Scolari opts to rest his players, it will be tough going for the Swiss. Prediction- Switzerland 0-0 Portugal.

Turkey vs Czech Republic: The Czechs will probably need to win this game to guarantee their progression to the quarter-finals, and they should deliver. Prediction- Turkey 0-2 Czech Republic.

Prediction of final standings:

1. Portugal
2. Czech Republic
3. Switzerland
4. Turkey

Group A News

• Football: UEFA happy with Polish Euro 2012 plans (AFP via Yahoo! News) UEFA gave a thumbs up Wednesday to Poland's Euro 2012 preparations despite jitters about the ability of the Poles and their Ukrainian co-hosts to get ready for the football showcase.
• Football: UEFA happy with Polish Euro 2012 plans (AFP via Yahoo! Canada News)WARSAW (AFP) - UEFA gave a thumbs up Wednesday to Poland's Euro 2012 preparations despite jitters about the ability of the Poles and their Ukrainian co-hosts to get ready for the football showcase.
• Football: France stick with Domenech despite Euro failure (Guardian Unlimited)Raymond Domenech will remain as manager of France, despite his side's miserable Euro 2008 campaign
• Spain shoot to the top of football rankings after Euro crown (EARTHtimes.org)Zurich - Spain shot to the top of the world football rankings for the first time on Wednesday courtesy of its Euro 2008 title won on Sunday. The European championships brought a major shake-up in the rankings issued by the ruling body FIFA, with Arge...
• Coming 3 months decisive for Ukraine's Euro 2012 plans, Platini (People's Daily)Ukraine's ability to co-host Euro 2012 football championships depends on what the country can achieve over the coming three months, visiting UEFA president Michel Platini said here on Thursday. "The next three months will be decisiv ...