In the french camp Patrick Vieira is back in training looking a possibility to start their Monday encounter against Romania. Fabio Cannavaro as he had an operation in his knee but he will remain with the italian squad, as he is the captain and player and manager felt it was important for team spirit. But that should be a tough blow for the world champions as Allessandro Nesta is already out.
Minor injuries seem to be on the everyday news on most teams as the likes of Radoi, Villa, Basinas, Barnetta and Pospech among others are battling to be fit for their respective countries'opening games.
In the opening game I can see the hosts enthusiasm winning the days by beating the Czech Republic. The game between Portugal and Turkey is for me the hardest to predict although Portugal should prevail with a win and potentially a clean sheet. Turkey in my eyes are the most unpredictable team of the tournament with plenty of exciting players going forward and one of the managerial greats in Fatih Terim, "The Emperor", leading them.
In Group B it is a mystery what Austria will present on the pitch against the highly fancied Croatia in a game that might end in a draw should Croatia suffer from opening game jitters. Germany face a tricjy game against low key opponents in Poland but I think the Germans will prevail in a low scoring affair.
Group C, the so-called 'group of death' will probably bring two draws with most teams being overly cautious. Especially the french looked uninspiring in recent friendlies and might be in the end of an upset against Romania, should Adrian Mutu be in the right mood. Holland and Italy in the biggest game of the first matchday with cannavaro absent and with wesley Sneijder being a doubt for the dutch will probably end up in a draw, although luca Toni might fancy his chances against a suspect defence
Group D as well I can't see past two draws in the two games. Greece against Sweden are two teams that play with completely different styles and the greeks might struggle with sweden's usual pace in their build-up play. On the other hand Greece has enough firepower to trouble the swedes. A lot will depend on whether or not Ibrahimovic starts the game. Russia have looked in hot form throughout their build up and with hidding leading them they will prove a tough matchup for the underachievers of Spain. I think this game might be one of the classics of the tournament with the teams sharing the spoils.
Enjoy the games, I will be blogging soon with reaction, match reports etc.
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