The Big Match
Sweden vs. Spain: Fernando Torres vs. Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Enough said.
| Schedule | ||
| Date | Teams | City |
| June 10 | Spain vs. Russia | Innsbruck |
| June 10 | Greece vs. Sweden | Salzburg |
| June 14 | Sweden vs. Spain | Innsbruck |
| June 14 | Greece vs. Russia | Salzburg |
| June 18 | Greece vs. Spain | Salzburg |
| June 18 | Russia vs. Sweden | Innsbruck |
What the experts say:
John F. Molinaro, Editor, Euro 2008, CBCSports.ca:
I'm probably going to regret this, but I think this is Spain's year.
Like past Spanish teams, this one is loaded with brilliant attackers and creative midfielders, but what separates this side from others is that it has a genuine midfield enforcer in Marcos Senna. The Brazil-born star gives Spain a bit of grit and toughness in midfield, something the Spaniards have always lacked, and I think he could be the difference.
I wrote off the Greeks at the start of Euro 2004, so I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. Greece is a hard-working side that, even though they don't play the most beautiful brand of soccer, always find a way to get results. What's more, they are eager to prove Euro 2004 was no fluke.
Sweden? They're too inconsistent. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is brilliant but I don't think he'll be able to help the Swedes reach the second round.
But for England's incompetence, Russia would not have qualified. Guus Hiddink has worked miracles in the past (with South Korea and Australia) but he won't be able to pull another rabbit out of his hat with this mediocre Russian side.
Predictions: 1) Spain, 2) Greece, 3) Sweden, 4) Russia
Nigel Reed, Soccer broadcaster, CBC Sports:
How many times have we said it before only to be let down once again – by Spain? Alongside England, the Spaniards are arguably soccer’s greatest under-achievers and it’s high time they lived up to the hype and expectation. Group D is theirs for the taking and Fernando Torres could be one of the stars of Euro 2008.
Greece are the defending champions following their shock success in Portugal - don’t expect history to repeat itself but ‘King Otto’ probably has enough weapons in the trunk to lead them into the knockout stages.
Sweden will be their chief rivals – Henrik Larsson may be 36 but, after being persuaded to come out of retirement again, the veteran could form a potent strike-force with Inter’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Russia famously beat England to book their berth at Euro and despite Coach Guus Hiddink’s heroics, it would be a major surprise if the Russians are still a factor after the round-robin.
Prediction: 1) Spain, 2) Greece, 3) Sweden, 4) Russia
Jason de Vos, Soccer broadcaster, CBC Sports:
Greece was the only team in qualifying to break the 30-point barrier, although they did so in the easiest group. Still, winning becomes a habit, and the defending champions will want to show that their results four years ago were not a fluke.
Sweden is always a difficult opponent. Henrik Larsson has been coaxed out of retirement for one last swan song, and I know first hand just what a fantastic player he is. He won’t last 90 minutes, but expect to see him coming off the bench to make a big impact. The only worry for the Swedes is that first choice goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson hasn’t seen much action this year with Manchester City.
Is this the year that Spain will finally go from being a bridesmaid to a bride? A wonderfully talented squad, two fantastic goalkeepers in Casillas and Reina, as well as the powerful strike force of Torres and Villa. If they can keep it tight at the back, this could be the year for Spain.
Russia gained many of their points in qualifying at home, which is not a luxury they are going to have in this tournament. Despite the influence of coach Guus Hiddink, someone has to prop up the table and I’m afraid in this group it is going to be Russia.
Prediction: 1) Spain, 2) Sweden, 3) Greece, 4) Russia
James Sharman, Soccer broadcaster, The Score:
Aside from yours truly, nobody gave Greece much of a chance last time out. I’ve been dining on that meal ticket ever since. Once again Greece is not being mentioned among the favourites, but I have a feeling they’ll do very well this year.
Spain will be the class of the group, and also the tournament. I know, we say that every year, and every year they crush our hopes, but this year will be different. Spain’s top players are all in great form, and they have depth. Iniesta to Fabregas to Torres - get used to it.
Russia has the Guus Hiddink factor working in its favour, but this is also a very young side. Russian football is on the rise, but this Euro will be too early.
As for Sweden, never a bad side, and in this group it will be a great battle for second spot, all to fight for, still…
Prediction: 1) Spain, 2) Greece, 3) Sweden, 4) Russia