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Euro 2008 - Matches in Group C

Euro 2008 - Teams in Group C

France

Italy

Netherlands

Romania

Group of death will renew rivalries

Italy and France will meet yet again in Euro2008’s group of death. World Champions Italy may have everything wrapped by the time they play France in their last game, but even if the game is academic for both countries, it promises to be an acrimonious affair, not so much on the pitch, as off it.  France’s irksome coach Raymond Domenech is the man responsible for most of the conflict between the two teams, as he has refused to keep quiet after losing to the Azzurri in the Final of World Cup 2006.  His tirades have targeted everything from Italy’s style of football to their integrity.

The Netherlands and Romania are the least likely of the four to go through to the quarter-finals, but both teams are more than capable of upsetting Italy or France, especially if the former live up to their reputation as slow starters at tournaments.  If Italy do not start Euro2008 in earnest, then the Netherlands could prove fatal to their cause. 

Romania vs France:  France will be confident of winning their opening game notwithstanding recent Romanian resurgence. Under coach Victor Piturca, Romania defeated the Netherlands in qualifying, and they will play with a nothing-to-lose attitude. How Christian Chivu and company contain the likes of Thierry Henry will be fascinating to watch.   Prediction- Romania 0-2 France.

Netherlands vs Italy: Italy will be favourites to win this game, but they cannot afford to rest on their laurels. The Netherlands’ energetic midfield, which consists of Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder amongst others, will keep Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini busy. If Pirlo can stamp his authority on the game, with his characteristic serenity, then Italy will be home and dry. Prediction- Netherlands 0-1 Italy.

Italy vs Romania: If things do not go well for Italy in their opening game, their tie against Romania will be even more crucial. On paper, this looks an easy win for Italy, but Romania will fight until the end.  Prediction- Italy 2-1 Romania.

Netherlands vs France: They last met at a major tournament during Euro2000. The Netherlands ran out 3-2 winners then, but the game was meaningless, as both teams had already qualified for the quarter-final stage.  This time, the game will hold enormous significance. Prediction- Netherlands 1-1 France.

France vs Italy: The re-match of the Final of the most recent World Cup. France have most recently had the better of Italy, beating them 3-1 in Paris in the fall of 2006. However, Italy won the qualifying group eventually. A tight game is on the cards. Prediction- France 0-0 Italy.

Netherlands vs Romania: Romania defeated the Netherlands at home during qualifying. They will stick to the same game-plan that contained the Netherlands so effectively, as the Dutch failed to score against Romania in both qualifying games.  The Netherlands, however, should find a way through this time.  Prediction: Netherlands 1-0 Romania.

Prediction of final standings:

1. Italy
2. France
3. Netherlands
4. Romania

Group C News

• France stand firm behind Domenech (UEFA News)Coach Raymond Domenech has been handed a vote of confidence by the French Football Federation despite a disappointing group stage exit at UEFA EURO 2008â„¢.
• Euro-Novex to begin operating tire-shredder (Budapest Business Journal)Hungarian waste-management company Euro-Novex will begin operating a Ft 2 billion (€8.49 million) in Újszilvas (C Hungary) in the middle of July.
• Transfer Summary: Manchester City (Goal.com)Almost everyone in the football world eagerly awaits the offseason and small window in January that sees the player merry-go-round set into motion. With high-profile moves and dramatic negotiations, transfers often gain an enormous amount of hype and media attention as they unfold.
• Spain bury their demons at glorious Euro 2008 (Gulf Times)VIENNA: After just over three weeks of drama, shocks, comebacks and capitulations, Spain emerged triumphant from Euro 2008 to end decades of consistent failure and launch perhaps a new dawn in international football.
• 'Red fever' grips Spain ahead of Euro 2008 final (AFP via Yahoo! News) Exuberant fans massed in front of giant outdoor TV screens, newspapers splashed red across their front pages and shops closed early as football fever swept Spain ahead of the Euro 2008 final Sunday.