Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Norway. Home of the Vikings, Christmas, and the 2012 European Championships

[Philip Rolfe]

Cheers

30th September 2011

Germany at full strength for decider

German coach Rudi Völler has the liberty of naming as strong a squad as he could possibly have named in preparation for the Nationalmannschaft's Group Seven decider against Bosnia. A win in Berlin on Saturday night will seal Germany's place in Norway next summer, and the talent named has a perfect chance of doing so. Kai Brand once again leads the names, as his goals will doubtless be crucial to any hopes Germany harbour of making progress. The Union Berlin hitman took time out of preparations to speak on the game: "Of course, the Bosnia match is massive, but we are all very confident of success. Then we can relax, and look forward to preparing to play in Norway and succeeding there. But Bosnia is first and most important. We all have faith in Völler and know we can do it." Wolfsburg striker Benjamin Heinrich receives his first ever callup after starting the season quite impressively, but the 23 year old will have work to do to displace the duo of Jermaine Jones and Brand up front. Dortmund's Eugen Bopp, thought to have been an injury doubt, has shown no signs of ill health and is named in a 26 strong party for next weekend's clash. The squad will meet on Monday in Berlin to train at Hertha BSC's training complex for a week before the Bosnia game.

Squad

Gk: Timo Hildebrand (Rostock), Simon Jentzsch (Celtic), Marco Wrzesczinski (Mannheim)

Def: Marco Krause (Bayern Munich), Hanno Balitsch (Leverkusen), Arne Friedrich (Hertha BSC), Tobias Rau (Wolfsburg), Christoph Metzelder (Napoli), Fabian Ernst (1860 Munich), Frank Krüger (Dortmund), Markus Feulner (Bayern Munich), Andreas Hinkel (Leverkusen), Alexander Voigt (1860 Munich)

Mid: Sebastian Kehl (Inter), Peer Kluge (Stuttgart), Dennis Becker (Bayern Munich), Marco Reich (Stuttgart), Christian Rahn (HSV), Eugen Bopp (Dortmund), Clemens Fritz (Leverkusen), Daniel Bierofka (Wolfsburg)

Fwd: Kai Brand (Union Berlin), Benjamin Heinrich (Wolfsburg), Ralf Schuster (Rostock), Marco Vorbeck (Stuttgart), Jermaine Jones (Saarbrücken)

[Philip Rolfe]

Destiny awaits Denmark

A win over Slovakia in Copenhagen on Saturday will see Torsten Dürr's Danish side make the short trip up to Norway next summer. The veteran 60 year old German coach sees this as a final chance to make a lasting impression on Danish football by leading them to their first glory since winning the same European Championships on a sunny day in Stockholm nineteen years ago. The days of Jensen, Vilfort, Laudrup and Schmeichel are firmly in the past, but after a traumatic few years, Denmark finally appear set on success with a strong squad. Many of the names selected in Dürr's latest 26 strong party are on the wrong side of thirty, but have the experience, nous, and quality required to not only claim three points against Slovakia, but do well next summer. Prolific striker Morten Skoubo and captain Kasper Bøgelund are two of the thirtysomething players who will be expected to guide the younger talent, the likes of Morten Rasmussen and Karsten Petersen (by no means inexperienced themselves), through the testing situations of a major tournament. Brondby winger Thomas Kahlenburg, formerly a B international, may make his bow at full international level if Michael Silberbauer doesn't return to fitness, but the fact Dürr has selected him speaks volumes. "Thomas has shown many times in the past he is quality. He assists the forwards, keeps defenders occupied, and will be an asset to any side." Comments from club and country team-mate Peter Madsen.

Squad

Gk: Thomas Sørensen (Bolton), David Sørensen (Brondby), Rune Pedersen (FC København)

Def: Thomas Østergaard (Sunderland), Kim Madsen (Freiburg), Jan Frederiksen (Feyenoord), Jacob Høj (FC København), Martin Laursen (Juventus), Nikolai Hust (AGF), Kasper Bøgelund (Monaco, capt), Carsten Abildgaard (FC København), Kasper Kure Vidkjær (Bremen), Per Krøldrup (Lazio)

Mid: Anders Olsen (Silkeborg), Mads Jørgensen (Millwall), Michael Silberbauer (Rayo), Thomas Kahlenburg (Brondby), Christian Poulsen (Inter), Mads Beierholm (Lyon), Dennis Rommedahl (Liverpool), Claus Jensen (Leeds)

Fwd: Karsten Petersen (Brondby), Jonas D.Schmidt (OB), Peter Madsen (Brondby), Morten Rasmussen (FC København), Morten Skoubo (Utrecht)

[Philip Rolfe]

Moldovan adventure for Giresse's giants

Moldova, with all due respect, isn't perhaps the nicest place to visit on a wet Saturday night in October. Yet a win for Portugal will see them progress to Norway and the European Championships of 2012. Being reknowned as a side who always flatter to deceive, Alain Giresse has had limited success to date, with just the 2007 Confederations Cup to his name. Yet this qualification campaign has shown a different Portuguese side - a new found hunger, with some cracking quality. Giresse explains that the squad he has named has come to fruition: "Like a fine wine, quality takes time to come good. It must be nurtured over periods of time, and when it is right, it can be enjoyed." Certainly, this is the case in the example of Ricardo Quaresma and Hélder Postiga. Many years of gradual progression should, hopefully for Portugal, reap benefits next summer. The squad must achieve victory in Moldova first, and the wealth of experience named by the French legend suggests the Iberians are more than capable of coming through with something to spare. Valencia's Rodrigo Brasao has been named despite suffering from an injured neck, as he is expected to recover in time for the trip to Chisinau.

Squad

Gk: Hugo Pinheiro (Perugia), Hilário (Bahia), Filipe Leao (Liverpool)

Def: Bruno Aguiar (Benfica), Nuno Mata (Deportivo), Alfredo Cardoso (Lyon), Filipe Armando (Birmingham), Lino (Arsenal), Ricardo Costa (Sevilla), Jorge Andrade (Sporting Gijón), Fernando Augusto (Lecce), Hélder Ramos (Braga), Carvalho (Denizlispor), Fernando Meira (Celta), Ricardo Carvalho (Porto)

Mid: Rodrigo Brasao (Valencia), Edgar (Real Madrid), Duda (Bastia), Ricardo Quaresma (Leeds), Alexandre Mário (Oviedo)

Fwd: Lucas (Chelsea), Felipe Oliviera (Nantes, capt), Guilherme Alves (Salernitana), Márcio (Besiktas), Mokas (Bari), Hélder Postiga (Porto)

In brief...

Smith recalled by England, set to break goalscoring record....Savidan, Puygrenier earn French callups....Scott Michie called up by Körner.....Demba Traore in Swedish squad for first time....Charleroi's Michel in for Belgium....

[Philip Rolfe]

7th October 2011

Match Previews

Group One - Denmark vs Slovakia

This Group One decider will see the winner almost guaranteed a place in Norway next year. Denmark will certainly win the group with three points, whilst a win for Ladislav Jurcimek's side could see them steal top spot away from Denmark and Croatia if results go their way. Just under a year ago Denmark won 3-0 in Bratislava courtesy of goals from Christian Poulsen and a Peter Madsen double. Repeating the trick will be sufficient for Torsten Dürr: "Slovakia are a good side. They've surprised many with their consistency. But our position will be determined by ourselves, we can ask for no more." On the team news front, Slovakia might be without star striker Robert Vittek. The Galatasaray hitman, scorer of 29 international goals, has a heel injury and is only rated a 65% chance of starting. Denmark are at full strength and should line up with a back three in a defensive looking side.

Group Seven - Germany vs Bosnia

Group Seven is still absolutely wide open with any two of four sides still able to progress to the final stages next June. Germany, Belgium, Slovenia and Bosnia are all in positions to celebrate come Saturday night, but Rudi Völler's side must be the favourites as they go into this weekend top of the table. The Nationalmannschaft showed they are capable of beating their Bosnian opponents as they won 3-1 in Sarajevo in the reverse fixture, but the Germans have also shown they are susceptible to humiliating defeats at home, in particular to Slovenia. However, everyone in the Germany camp are typically confident about their progression: "We all know what we can do, and what should be done. Going into the last game top is the best position in which we could be, and everyone here knows the quality we possess, and that should be sufficient to get us through" admits Christoph Metzelder. A win for Bosnia might not be enough to see them through automatically, as Belgium have a relatively easy game away to Malta. There might even be a situation where three sides end up on eighteen points, in which case goal difference comes into play. Hoping that Belgium don't maul Malta, Bosnia and Germany have the advantage there. The drama is certainly going to unfold in Group Seven.

Group Four - Sweden vs Faroe Islands

Uno Andersson's Sweden need three points to guarantee themselves a playoff spot, and with a little luck might become the best of the runners-up and take an automatic route through to their Scandinavian rivals Norway and the European Championships. Beating the Faroe Islands should be a breeze, when you bear in mind the minnows haven't found the net for over 400 minutes and have only won three times in eleven years (twice against Luxembourg and once versus Guinea-Bissau). In fact, should Sweden fail to win convincingly then they really do not belong at the pinnacle of European international football. The Swedes are able to welcome back Alexander Farnerud and Kim Kallstrom from suspension, although Zlatan Ibrahimovic misses out with injury. His absence opens the way for a plethora of exhuberant talent awaiting a chance to seize the initiative. Early suggestions show Zlatan Muslimovic is set to play as the most experienced of the choices, but Demba Traore, recently called up for the first time, might have a shout of taking the number nine jersey, especially after a prolific start to the Swedish season with Degefors. Rúni Olsen will lead the Faroes' charge, but there really should only be one outcome in Stockholm.

What might happen at the business end of things.....

Group 1: Denmark win group with victory, anything less and Croatia win group by beating Lithuania. Slovakia may steal into top two with a win.

Group 2: Settled

Group 3: Settled

Group 4: Sweden take second with a win, Greece need to beat Italy and hope for Swedish humiliation.

Group 5: Settled

Group 6: Settled

Group 7: Germany win group by beating Slovenia. A point for Völler's side guarantees a playoff spot. Belgium win group if they win and Germany slip up. Slovenia qualify autmatically with a win and Belgium and Germany defeated, and Bosnia go second if they win, and Belgium and Slovenia lose.

Group 8: Portugal qualify if they win, otherwise Turkey take top spot with three points.

Group 9: Poland seize runners-up place with three points, Czechs ready to pounce if Poles slip.

[Philip Rolfe]

8th October 2011

Germany get through late

A dramatic Group Seven came to a head as Rudi Völler's Germany managed to scrape home to a win, and with it taking top spot and automatic qualification in the final round of games. Opponents Bosnia, marshalled by defensive rocks Asmir Okic and Jasmin Ferhatovic, were tough to break down but fifteen minutes from time Kai Brand rescued his country yet again, for the countless occasion. Ralf Schuster, starting because Jermaine Jones had failed a pre-match fitness test, had the first chance of the game with a header just over Sead Ramovic's goal in the Berlin Olympiastadion. Sebastian Kehl repeated the act five minutes later. Christian Rahn was replaced by Marco Reich on the half hour as the Hamburg man had pulled a hamstring chasing a loose ball. Just before half time Dennis Becker forced Ramovic into an impressive save from a stinging free kick from the talented left foot of the Bayern Munich winger. After a first half of German dominance, it was almost Bosnia who went in ahead with their first shot of the game. Asmir Okic, relieved of defensive duties for a moment, released Daniel Bogojevic. The Frankfurt midfielder hit a low skidding shot which hit the outside of Hildebrand's left goalpost. On the counter attack, Marko Feulner did the exact same thing for the hosts right on the half time whistle. The home pressure increased in the second half, as Schuster again wasted numerous apparently simple chances. With just a quarter of an hour remaining, Berlin native Kai Brand struck the winner on the ground of his bitter rivals. Hanno Balitsch carried the ball forwards, looking for movement. He sent in a wicked cross which Brand gambled on, and with his first chance of the game beat Ramovic and sent Germany through. Mirnel Sadovic might have levelled late on, but his shot missed by a fair distance, and after leading the Group for a fair period of time, Germany have qualified.

Germany 1 (Brand 75)

Bosnia 0

Attendance - 76,210

Referee - Diego Curcic (Serbia & Montenegro)

Germany - Hildebrand, Feulner, Rau, Metzelder, Balitsch, Kehl©, Rahn (Reich 29), Becker, Schuster, Brand, Fritz (Ernst 34)

Bosnia - Ramovic, Mujcin (Music 56), Papac, Okic, Ferhatovic, Bajramovic, Salihamidzic©, Duro, Sadovic, Sistek (Joldic 62), Bogojevic (Fazlagic 56)

[Philip Rolfe]

Belgium safely into playoffs as they maul Maltese

Marc Wilmot's Belgium side safely qualified for the European Championship Qualifying Playoffs with a 7-0 drubbing of Malta in the Ta'Qali, Rabat. It took barely one hundred seconds for the visitors to exert their influence over the game, as Jonathan Blondel was tripped inside the penalty area by Marc Bonnici. Genk striker Kevin Vandenbergh converted the penalty to score only his second goal for his nation. After being prevented minutes earlier, Watford playmaker Blondel himself found the net to double the lead inside ten minutes. Steed Malbranque delivered a cross which arrived perfectly for the former Spurs man to volley past a desperate Joe Micallef. Just four minutes later it was 3-0 and looking like double figures would have been perfectly feasible. Malbranque again was the protagonist - another cross from the Sunderland man found the head of Vandenbergh, who headed in his second. It might have been four immediately, and but for the goalpost Emile Mpenza would have opened his account on the day. Micallef finally found a use for himself, deciding to prevent further humiliation by making a string of fine saves from Blondel, Mpenza, and Vandenbergh amongst others. Yet Mpenza is too talented to miss out on a goalfest, and midway through the first half he pounced on a loose ball to rifle in a fantastic strike from a tight angle. On the stroke of half time Mpenza made it two for himself and five overall with another fantastic left foot attempt - this one a volley perfectly placed into the top corner. The second half started in the same vein. Malbranque, after creating umpteen chances, finally found his name on the ever expanding scoresheet, as Blondel claimed a third assist with Belgium going six up. Only one more goal followed, as Mpenza was the first to complete a hat-trick with another volley, this time from close range. It was the perfect performance from Wilmot's side, who can now look forward to playoff games with Sweden in November.

Malta 0

Belgium 7 (Vandenbergh 2 pen, 13, Blondel 9, Mpenza 26, 45, 76, Malbranque 49)

Attendance - 11,756

Referee - Igor Gorozhankin (Azerbaijan)

Malta - Micallef, Farrugia, Sammut (Grima 51), Spiteri, Bonnici, Caruana, Azzopardi, A.Zammit (M.Zammit 51), Gatt, M.Mifsud©, Schembri

Belgium - Vercarre, Akouz (Poppe 58), Zarbo, Wuytens, Collen, Blondel, Malbranque, Rauw, Mpenza©, Vandenbergh, Janssens (Bernaert 51)

[Philip Rolfe]

Impressive Denmark pave path for future

Denmark became another side to confirm their placement in next summers European Championship Finals in Norway after completing a late but fully deserved 1-0 victory over Slovakia in Copenhagen. Visiting goalkeeper Peter Kunzo was in fine form, as he repeatedly kept out home advances. After just five minutes he held on majestically to a Kasper Bøgelund header, before he was required again to push Peter Madsen's shot wide. The game was all Denmark, as Jørgensen and Silberbauer dictated a rather rapid speed to the proceeedings. Just before half time Kasper Kure Vidkjær let fly with a piledriver from all of thirty yards which worried Kunzo but ended up shaving the goalpost. Slovakia started the second half a little more positively, as they realised they were able to live with Torsten Dürr's side. However, Mads Jørgensen hit a hopeful shot just after the hour which kept the visitors wary of what was possible. With twenty minutes to go Skoubo struck a fine volley which Kunzo did fantastically to beat away. From the resulting corner Denmark scored. Firstly, Kure Vidkjær had a header pushed over, but the second corner gave him a chance he couldn't refuse. He played a neat one-two with Poulsen before slotting the ball into the bottom corner to open his international account. It very nearly sunk the Slovakians. They were in danger of capitulating until Tomas Oravec seized some initiative and dribbled mazily in search of a goal, which he nearly found. Only Christian Poulsen's last gasp slide tackle preserved the 1-0 victory, and guaranteed Denmark will be able to book their flights for the short trip to Norway in June.

Denmark 1 (Kure Vidkjær 69)

Slovakia 0

Attendance - 41,596

Referee - Reha Biçici (Turkey)

Denmark - T.Sørensen, Kure Vidkjær, Bøgelund, Østergaard, Frederiksen, Mads Jørgensen (Jensen 91), Poulsen©, M.Laursen, P.Madsen, Skoubo, Silberbauer

Slovakia - Kunzo, Karhan©, Hrncar, Kral, Konecny, Bazik, Sedlak, Czinege (Janocko 59), Suchy, Oravec, Halenar (Hlinka 69)

[Philip Rolfe]

Round-Up

Croatia have to settle for a playoff place in Group One as a result of Denmark's victory over Slovakia. Zoran Maric's side beat Lithuania by a goal to nil in Split, as Ivan Klasnic reached double figures on his 50th appearance for his nation after eleven minutes. Igor Biscan picked up a yellow card and will be suspended from the first leg of the playoffs next month. Lithuania round off an abysmal campaign in which they picked up two lonely points.

France let their attention slip as Hungary held them to a surprising 2-2 draw in Group Two. Zsolt Low gave the home side a shock lead from the penalty spot after five minutes, and then Imre Szabics doubled the lead after twenty-two minutes. Atilla Simon, a debutant in goal for the hosts, was then dismissed for dragging down Stéphane Dalmat, and Jérome Rothen reduced the lead. France pressured like never before, but Hungary never swayed. Until five minutes from time, when Sidney Govou found a way past Balázs Rabóczki to equalise. Bulgaria strolled past San Marino with late goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Gerasim Zakov in a 2-0 win, whilst Georgia leap-frogged Latvia into third with a 2-1 win in Tblisi. Besik Toedoradze gave the home side the lead after ten minutes, and defender David Lomaia scored his first Georgian goal to double it up before half time. Experienced midfielder Intar Kihrner pulled one back but it wasn't enough for Latvia, whose ambition has served them well, but a lack of quality shone through.

Spain finished an abysmal and humiliating Group Three campaign as they were held at home by Estonia, a 1-1 draw in Elche all but confirming manager Miguel Ãngel Lotina will be stepping down. Mallorca's Gálder Zubizaretta was sent off after sixteen minutes, and Joel Lindpere gave the visitors the lead minutes later. Ten man Spain equalised early in the second half through a rare international goal by Vicente. Also, a strange twist of fate sees David Körner's Scotland qualify automatically as one of the two best second placed sides after they beat Ukraine 1-0 in Kyiv. Mark Burchill grabbed the all important goal at the halfway point in the second half to set off jubilant celebrations north of the English border to qualify for their first major tournament since France 1998 (having qualified for Euro 2008 as hosts).

Italy ended Greek hopes of taking second place in Group Four by taking all three points away from Athens with a 1-0 win. Second half substitute Inácio Piá headed the winning goal in the second half to sink Greece, who, with the quality they have, should have testes Italy far more over the course of the last year. Sweden, as expected, confirmed their place in the playoffs with a comprehensive 4-0 win at home to the lowly Faroe Islands. Louay Chanko opened the scoring early, whilst Kim Kallstrom doubled the lead inside ten minutes. Fredrik Hjelm made it three on the quarter hour, before adding another late in the day. Belarus, with a little luck, might have impressed far more, and signed off with a 3-1 victory over Luxembourg. Venezia's Igor Chumachenko scored his first two goals of qualifying, and Milan star Vitaly Kutuzov made it three kate on. Marc Leweck grabbed the consolation.

England finished Group Five as the only side to preserve a 100% record throughout the competition. A 5-1 win over Armenia at Wembley confirmed their quality, with Michael Owen stealing the headlines with a hat-trick to take him onto 34 international goals, fifth in the all time records behind only Jimmy Greaves, Alan Smith, Gary Lineker, and Sir Bobby Charlton. Steven Gerrard and Matt Piper also scored, as Steve McLaren's side were five ahead by half time. Oumar Condé managed to restore a tiny amount of Armenian pride with a goal at Wembley at the death. Romania also qualified alongside England as the third best runner up with a simple 2-0 win at home to Austria: Parma's Ciprian Marica and Sporting's Marius Niculae with the goals.

In Group Six, Republic of Ireland celebrated qualifying by beating Serbia & Montenegro 3-1 in Dublin in front of a party atmosphere at Lansdowne Road. Mirko Vucinic gave the visitors an undeserved lead in first half stoppage time, but before referee Petteri Kari had time to call a halt to proceedings, Ciarán Keane had struck a contender for the goal of the year to equalise, a blockbuster from fully thirty-five yards. The Manchester United captain put his nation ahead shortly after the hour with a fantastic solo run and shot, before Richie Partridge finished things off in style. World Champions Holland, embarrassingly eliminated, beat Albania 3-1 in a completely uninspiring clash. Eduard Meka put Albania ahead early to pile further humiliation on Ruud Gullit, but he was saved somewhat by Klaas-Han Huntelaar, Arjen Robben, and Yousseff Hersi, who all found the back of Astrit Shala's goalnet.

Group Seven was decided on one dramatic final night. Germany and Belgium carried through to take the top two spots, which meant disappointment for Slovenia, who held up their end of the bargain with a 3-1 win in Azerbaijan. Dejan Robnik, Goran Sukalo, and Bojan Kapic each scored to cancel out Mallorca's Anatolij Ponomarev, who scored after twenty minutes to give Azerbaijan a rare lead. Slovenia will be sad at not qualifying, especially after some promising early results, but rest assured they'll be back to upset the big guns again.

Portugal are also through after winning away in Moldova by a 2-0 scoreline in Group Eight. Edgar got them off to a flying start, and Fernando Meira's goal guaranteed the win and top spot for Alain Giresse's side. Turkey also qualify as a best runner up (level with Scotland and Romania) despite defeat in Moscow. Karen Rylov's first career hat-trick did for the visitors, who could only respond yet again via Akin Ibrahim. Yet despair turned into joy for Mehmet Özturk's side, who, upon discovery of their success, started a wild celebration.

And to Group Nine for the last time. Poland made certain of second place by virtue of a tight 1-0 win against Switzerland in Chorzow. Martin Wysocki stabbed in the all important strike to make sure the Czech Republic cannot make the finals. Norway 2012 will be poorer for their absence, as they showed in emphatic style by destroying Cyprus 4-0. A hat-trick from the veteran Ludek Stracheny followed Milan Baros' tenth for the country, but the likes of Rosicky, Baros, Grygera and Jarolim will not be at the big football celebration.

[Philip Rolfe]

The Final Qualifying Tables:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

************************************************************************************************

European Championship Qualifying - Saturday 8th October 2011

************************************************************************************************

================================================================================================

2011 Tables

================================================================================================

Group 1

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q Denmark 8 2 1 1 6 4 3 1 0 6 1 17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Pl Croatia 8 2 1 1 5 3 3 0 1 4 2 16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Slovakia 8 3 0 1 8 3 1 0 3 3 6 12

4th Wales 8 2 0 2 4 4 1 1 2 3 7 10

5th Lithuania 8 0 1 3 1 4 0 1 3 2 8 2

Group 2

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q France 10 5 0 0 16 1 3 1 1 11 5 25

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Pl Bulgaria 10 4 0 1 9 2 3 1 1 8 4 22

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Georgia 10 3 1 1 7 6 1 2 2 4 6 15

4th Latvia 10 2 1 2 7 9 2 0 3 5 11 13

5th Hungary 10 0 3 2 4 6 1 0 4 3 12 6

6th San Marino 10 1 0 4 3 8 0 1 4 1 8 4

Group 3

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q Ukraine 8 3 0 1 8 3 3 1 0 7 2 19

2nd Q Scotland 8 2 2 0 10 5 3 0 1 8 1 17

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Spain 8 1 1 2 3 6 2 1 1 14 6 11

4th Israel 8 2 0 2 3 5 1 0 3 4 7 9

5th Estonia 8 0 0 4 1 16 0 1 3 2 9 1

Group 4

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q Italy 10 5 0 0 14 2 4 1 0 13 1 28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Pl Sweden 10 4 0 1 12 2 3 1 1 10 3 22

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Greece 10 2 2 1 9 3 3 0 2 9 6 17

4th Belarus 10 2 1 2 6 7 2 1 2 9 7 14

5th Faroe Islands 10 1 0 4 3 14 1 0 4 6 12 6

6th Luxembourg 10 0 0 5 1 22 0 0 5 3 16 0

Group 5

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q England 8 4 0 0 15 1 4 0 0 10 0 24

2nd Q Romania 8 3 0 1 8 2 3 0 1 5 5 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Austria 8 2 0 2 6 4 1 1 2 1 4 10

4th FYROM 8 1 1 2 4 4 0 0 4 1 12 4

5th Armenia 8 1 0 3 2 8 0 0 4 2 14 3

Group 6

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q Ireland 8 3 0 1 5 2 3 1 0 6 1 19

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Pl Finland 8 2 1 1 10 6 2 1 1 5 3 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Holland 8 1 3 0 4 3 2 0 2 6 5 12

4th Serbia & Montengro 8 1 0 3 1 3 1 1 2 5 10 7

5th Albania 8 0 0 4 2 10 1 1 2 2 3 4

Group 7

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q Germany 10 3 1 1 12 3 3 2 0 12 2 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Pl Belgium 10 3 2 0 11 3 2 3 0 14 5 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Slovenia 10 3 2 0 10 4 2 2 1 7 5 19

4th Bosnia 10 2 2 1 11 6 2 1 2 9 4 15

5th Azerbaijan 10 1 0 4 3 11 1 0 4 1 12 6

6th Malta 10 0 1 4 1 18 0 0 5 2 20 1

Group 8

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q Portugal 8 4 0 0 13 2 3 0 1 5 1 21

2nd Q Turkey 8 4 0 0 7 0 2 0 2 8 9 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Russia 8 3 0 1 8 3 1 1 2 4 8 13

4th N.Ireland 8 0 2 2 4 7 0 1 3 4 11 3

5th Moldova 8 0 1 3 5 11 0 1 3 2 8 2

Group 9

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q Iceland 8 4 0 0 9 4 2 0 2 7 6 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Pl Poland 8 4 0 0 9 2 1 1 2 4 4 16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd Czech Republic 8 4 0 0 8 0 1 0 3 4 6 15

4th Switzerland 8 2 1 1 6 4 0 1 3 2 5 8

5th Cyprus 8 0 1 3 0 9 0 0 4 2 11 1

Second Placed Teams

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Q Turkey 6 3 0 0 5 0 1 0 2 4 8 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd Q Romania 6 2 0 1 5 2 2 0 1 3 5 12

3rd Q Scotland 6 1 2 0 6 4 2 0 1 4 1 11

4th Sweden 6 2 0 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 2 10

5th Finland 6 2 0 1 9 5 1 1 1 2 2 10

6th Bulgaria 6 2 0 1 5 2 1 1 1 5 4 10

7th Poland 6 3 0 0 7 1 0 1 2 2 4 10

8th Croatia 6 1 1 1 4 3 2 0 1 3 2 10

9th Belgium 6 1 2 0 5 3 0 3 0 5 5 8

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

Qualifiers to date: Norway(hosts), France, Ukraine, Italy, England, Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, Portugal, Germany, Scotland, Turkey, Romania

Playoff Draw announced

The six nations in the European Championship Qualifying Playoffs didn't have long to wait to discover their next opponents. A draw was held by UEFA after the final round of games to determine the matches to be played in mid November. Marc Wilmots' Belgium must face Sweden, travelling to Stockholm for the second leg, whilst Bulgaria and Finland meet in a clash of two very under-rated sides. Croatia meet Poland in the third and final playoff, with the three winners after two legs joining the thirteen nations already through.

[Philip Rolfe]

30th October 2011

Sweden prepared to fight

Uno Andersson has named a very strong party of twenty-six names to take on Belgium in their double-header playoff starting in just under a fortnight. Helsingborg striker Ola Ambrahamsson is called up for the first time after striking nine goals in his first fifteen games this season, including eight in seven domestically. The 26 year old will have some work to do to displace Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Fredrik Hjelm, both of whom have shown wonderful form for both club and country. Elsewhere, the regualr names of Nils-Eric Johansson, Kim Kallstrom, Kennedy Bakircioglu, and Rami Shaaban will be expected to lead the experienced Swedes through a potentially tricky tie with Belgium. Marc Wilmot's side are well drilled and capable of springing a surprise, something which Swedish captain Kim Kallstrom is all too aware of: "We know Belgium are a good side. Mpenza and Malbranque must be watched carefully. However, I feel we can get a fair result in Brussels, setting us up well for a strong performance in Stockholm on the Wednesday."

Squad

Gk: Rami Shaaban (Sunderland), Toshiyasu Takahara (Helsingborg), Karl Wallgren (AIK)

Def: Olof Mellberg (Stuttgart), Carlos Roldán (ÖIS), Emil Olausson (Halmstad), Patrik Åkesson (Malmö), Frederik Risp (Bolton), Richard Spong (Norwich), Richard Henriksson (IFK Göteborg), Mikael Dorsin (Freiburg), Fredrik Stenman (Las Palmas), Nils-Eric Johansson (Rangers)

Mid: Kim Kallstrom (Leverkusen, capt), Louay Chanko (Bristol City), Fredrik Ljungberg (Napoli), Labinot Harbuzi (Feyenoord), Kennedy Bakircioglu (Rostock), Alexander Farnurud (Arsenal), Bojan Djordjic (Man Utd), Henrik Matsson (Helsingborg)

Fwd: Fredrik Hjelm (Bologna), Ola Ambrahamsson (Helsingborg), Zlatan Muslimovic (Boavista), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Roma), Mans Sörensson (Ipswich)

In brief...

Injured Collen gambled on by Wilmots....Bojinov returns for Bulgaria....uncapped Anatoli Todorov in Bulgarian party....Six uncapped names in Finnish squad....Croatia at full strength....as are Poles....

[Philip Rolfe]

2nd November 2011

Bau ruled out of Euro Champs

Roma and Italy international striker Eder Bau has sensationally today been ruled out of next summer's European Champinships to be held in Norway after damaging the cruciate ligaments in his right knee. The forward, scorer of seven international goals (six of which have come in the qualification process), landed awkwardly during a training session with Roma yesterday morning. Initial scans showed damage to both the anterior cruciate ligament, and further tests have confirmed that damage does indeed require major surgery. The process, and subsequent rehabilitation, will require eleven months on the sidelines for the former Triestina and Galatasaray man. The anterior cruciate ligament is the major player in fluid and correct movement of the knee joint. Damaging or tearing the ligaments can and will impede the slightest of movements, meaning extensive physical exertion is impossible until it is fully healed. 29 year old Bau is said to be "devastated" at not only missing the rest of his club season with Roma, but also the European Championships, which he was so looking forward to. It poses a selection problem for Azzurri coach Francesco Guidolin, who has opted for Bau to lead his line. Initial options may include Alessandro Pellicori, Andrea Rabito, Mattia Rossini, or Denis Pavesi - although with several months left until he must name his squad there is plenty of opportunity for others to shine - for example Napoli's Paolo Mosca may have a claim to press.

[Philip Rolfe]

11th November 2011

Playoff Previews - First Leg

Belgium vs Sweden

By far the highest profile of the three matches, and the loser will be a notable absentee from the tournament to be held in Norway a little over seven months from now. Belgium will feel unlucky to be in this situation after performing admirably in Group Seven, only falling behind Germany. Sweden knew from the outset it would take a lot to finish ahead of Italy, and thus Uno Andersson's side might have expected a playoff situation. They have recent experience of playoff situations, beating Turkey 4-3 on aggregate in a tight decider to reach the 2010 World Cup. However, Belgium also have taken part in knockout international qualification, destroying Norway to reach the same tournament. Since Belgium hold a win over their Swedish opponents from their last meeting at Euro 2004, it may be seen that they have a slight advantage. But important defender Pieter Collen is struggling with injury, and should his partnership with Jan Wuytens be broken up it might open the door for Swedish strikers Ibrahimovic and Hjelm to fully punish the hosts. Three Swedes are all one yellow card away from suspension (Ibrahimovic, Ljungberg, Kallström) and Andersson will be looking to preserve his stars for Wednesday's return match, should they be needed.

Bulgaria vs Finland

Two sides who surprised many during the qualification campaign will slug it out to see who will join the elite of Europe next year. Bulgaria ran France very close in Group Two, and with the attacking prowess of Dimitar Berbatov and Valeri Emilov Bojinov complimented by the creative flair of Martin Petrov and the solid defence of Alexsandar Tunchev they certainly are in with a major chance. Yet Finland have a chance of making waves should they emerge as victors. Mikael Forssell is an immense goalscorer, and just seems to get better and better. Partnered by Juho Mäkelä, they have a potent strikeforce. But they are just the outlet for the rest of the side, as Antti Muurinen explains:"Juho and Mikael have a great scoring record, but without the creative services of Sjölund, Saavolainen, and co, they might not appear as prolific." Unfortunately for Muurinen, Mäkelä is ruled out with a twisted knee picked up in training. Sociedad's Sjölund should play instead. Progressing Bulgarian forward Gerasim Zakov may miss out with a gashed leg, but Bulgaria are otherwise at full strength. Having not met for over decade and a half, the two sides could not go into the game knowing less about each other, which should make for an interesting if cagey game in Sofia.

Croatia vs Poland

Croatia will be hugely disappointed at not qualifying directly. The 2006 World Cup winners have failed to make an impression since, and must overcome Poland to have a chance at restoring their pride. As a rule their matches are not very entertaining, having been involved in five 1-0 scorelines of their six outings in 2011. But their record speaks for itself - however Zoran Maric's squad go about getting their results, they certainly do it. Poland, on the other hand, have massive potential but never utilise it fully. Since a half impressive World Cup in Germany they've done little or nothing. Since, talent such as Mateusz Dobek, Adrian Klimowicz, and Lucas Szymanski has emerged to join established stars - namely Olisadebe, David Klimek, and others. But they will be missing captain Michael Stasiak for the double header, and that may be the deciding factor. Two 1-0 victories for Poland over the Croats in the last two meetings will hold no weight, as they were almost a decade ago. This battle of two Eastern European powerhouses will be intriguing at the least.

[Philip Rolfe]

12th November 2011

Sweden take early advantage in disappointment of a game

Sweden have taken a step closer to joining fellow Scandinavian countries Denmark and Norway in next summer's European Championship Finals with a battling performance to earn a 1-0 win in Belgium. The match will never remain in the memory as a classic, with only four shots at goal throughout the contest, but Uno Andersson will not complain after a strong away performance was rewarded with an away goal. The first half was very much a battling affair, with Alex Farnerud's header over on 22 minutes the only point of actual interest. Tom Soetaers drove straight at Rami Shaaban with five minutes left of the first half, but a poor first half left many amongst the near-50,000 crowd wondering why they had bothered to turn up. The first 45 was better than the second though. For the first half hour of the second half nothing happened. Both sides cancelled each other out, which was only to be expected really. With fifteen minutes to go Zlatan Ibrahimovic escaped for long enough to hit a volley over Silvester Proto's goal. It was enough to open the home side up just in time for a goal. Captain Kim Kallström curled a fantastic free kick from 25 yards out into the top corner to give his side not only a lead, but an away goal. The Leverkusen midfielder had been by some distance the best player on show, and he deserved to score the only goal of a dire and sleep-inducing match. Hopefully both sides will perform far better in four days time.

Belgium 0

Sweden 1 (Kallström 78)

Attendance - 49,958

Referee - Alan Gemmill (Scotland)

Belgium - Proto, Rauw, Zarbo, Van Damme, Wuytens, De Ridder, Janssens (Van der Straeten 64), Malbranque©, Blondel (Buffel 72), Soetaers, Daerden

Sweden - Shaaban, Roldán (Henriksson 64), Dorsin, Johansson, Mellberg, Kallström©, Chanko, Bakircioglu, Ibrahimovic, A.Farnerud, Ljungberg (Djordjic 72)

[Philip Rolfe]

Poland heap misery on Croatia

Home side Croatia failed to live up to any reputation once again as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat to an utterly dominant Poland, who must be disappointed at only scoring the one goal. Emmanuel Olisadebe presented the Polish gameplan from an early stage, running past the left back and curling a shot just over Pletikosa's goal. Just short of the half hour the Nigerian-born striker hammered a shot against the left hand goalpost from a fair distance out. All the while Poland controlled the game, Croatia failed to do anything. Olisadebe again missed a goalscoring opportunity before Mila had a free kick deflected away from the goal. A thoroughly disappointing first half was followed by a lively start to the second, when Croatia's Carevic should really have done better. Dobek's rather hopeful shot went straight into the grateful hands of Pletikosa, and then Olisadebe wasted his umpteenth chance. His inconsistent finishing was punished as he was removed from the field after an hour, replaced by Artur Wichniarek. It would be an understatement to say Olisadebe was annoyed at the decision taken by his manager. It seemed to do the business though. Piotr Pawlowski was able to emerge into the game more and more, showing as much when beautifully teeing up Wichniarek, who sent his chance wide. After over an hour of trying, Poland finally came through with the goal. Pawlowski was found unmarked inside the eighteen yard box, and the Polonia man got up to head in his maiden international strike. Zielinski came very close to doubling the advantage within minutes - Croatia having Pletikosa to thank for keeping them in with a shout. Werder Bremen's 32 year old stopper was needed three more times before the final whistle to keep the deficit at just one. An improvement must arrive if Croatia are to overturn this - and it has to come soon.

Croatia 0

Poland 1 (Pawlowski 69)

Attendance - 64,991

Referee - Ranko Spasojevic (Serbia & Montenegro)

Croatia - Pletikosa, Leko, Neretljak, Simic, Sablic, Babic (Andric 57), Carevic, Vranjes©, Mikic (Sokota 89), Klasnic (Bosnjak 63), Sabolcki

Poland - Wierzchowski©, Bartczak, Bialek (Szymanski 60), Fornalik (Gmitrzuk 89), Klimek, Pawlowski, Zielinski, Klimowicz, Dobek, Olisadebe (Wichniarek 60), Mila

[Philip Rolfe]

Exciting first leg sets up intriguing second

Bulgaria and Finland put on an attacking display on Saturday night in Sofia, and the slender 1-0 advantage held by the home side sets up an intriguing battle in the return game on Wednesday. Aleksandar Mladenov's twelfth minute strike will give Bulgaria an important home lead to take to defend in Helsinki, but if the game in midweek is anything like this then it will be far from a defensive display. A stuttering and staggered opening to the game was settled by Stuttgart's Mladenov, who curled a neat shot into the corner, past Otto Fredrikson. It sparked a Finnish response, in the form of Mikael Forssell's close range header which was somehow pushed out by Vasil Kamburov. Even Sami Hyypia had a crack from distance, but it wasn't to test the Bulgarian stopper. Varese forward Valeri Emilov Bojinov might have done better with a header he put over the crossbar, then Blagoev brought a good stop from Fredrikson. A Berbatov volley was the last attempt of a frantic first half which left fans relieved to have a short break from the action. The second period started in much the same vein. Berbatov rose high above Hyypia, but the Varese veteran did enough to distract the Rostock man enough to see him head wide. As players tired, the action became less fast-paced, but Forssell was still lively enough to draw another quickfire parry out of Kamburov. A final flurry from Antti Muurinen's side was to no avail as the veteran 35 year old keeper was not to be beaten today. The second leg certainly presents some interesting battles - in no small number the Finnish strikers and Vasil Kamburov, who will need to be in just as fine fettle as he was on this occasion.

Bulgaria 1 (A.Mladenov 12)

Finland 0

Attendance - 42,368

Referee- John McDermott (Scotland)

Bulgaria - Kamburov, Todorov, Tunchev, Zhelev, Topuzov (Joao Carlos 84), M.Petrov (Dimitrov 56), A.Mladenov, Dimov (Trifonov 56), Berbatov©, Bojinov, Blagoev

Finland - Fredrikson, Wirtanen, Bergholm, Hyypia©, Pasanen, Scheweleff (Savolainen 64), Vayrynen, Riihilahti (Innanen 77), Forssell, Sjölund, Okkonen (Heikkinen 47)

[Philip Rolfe]

15th November 2011

Judgement night looms

For six nations Wednesday night is the most important of the footballing year. The winner of each playoff tie will earn a coveted spot in the 2012 European Championship Finals in Norway. As of now, Bulgaria, Sweden and Poland all go into the second legs holding a single goal advantage, but that may count for little was what is sure to be a dramatic night evolves. Bulgaria travel to Finland with Alexsandar Mladenov's solitary effort from the first leg in the bag. The first leg exhibited much attacking play, and we can expect much of the same in the second leg as both sides will look to seize an early initiative. Juho Mäkelä is still missing for the hosts, who will again start with Daniel Sjölund up front. The Sociedad hitman knows that the fate of his nation rests somewhat upon his performance: "With Juho missing, Mikael cannot be expected to do everything. The manager has faith in me, and I aim to repay that."

Poland return home holding a 1-0 lead from their match in Croatia at the weekend, and are favourites to progress. Zoran Maric's side were utterly pathetic in their non attempts to play football on Saturday, and a similar display will see Poland through comfortably. The scoreline really should have been more convincing, but inconsistent finishing on the part of Poland and Olisadebe in particular meant that everything is still to play for. However, the Ajax man still posesses enough quality to earn another starting berth along the creative and unselfish Varese playmaker Mateusz Dobek. Croatia have everyone available, but it is down to Maric as to how he approaches the game, as the away side.

Sweden will hold all the aces in Stockholm after winning 1-0 away to Marc Wilmots' Belgium, who now have a tricky night ahead. The first leg was not a classic affair, barely watchable at times, but brighter times look apparent for the second leg, as the Belgians will need to take the game to their hosts. Pieter Collen's failure to recover from injury is a blow, but captain Steed Malbranque is confident they have what it takes to succeed: "Belgium have constantly been under-rated throughout the years. We know, quietly confident, that we can cause what would be considered an upset. Sweden have their weaknesses, which we have pinpointed and plan to take full advantage of." Weaknesses maybe, but Uno Andersson's side have their fair set of strengths, not in the least prolific striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Roma striker has made a fine start to the season, and whilst accusations of selfishness and a lazy attitude have always been labelled to him, his record is undeniable. This one is expected to be the most dramatic of the three.

[Brian of Nazareth]

This continues to be excellent work Juni, thoroughly enjoyable, all the work pays off, KUTGW

[BobBev]

Couldn't agree more - this is really first rate

[Philip Rolfe]

Muchos Gracias Señors

16th November 2011

Dramatic Goran seals Croatian path

An amazing end to the qualification campaign saw Croatia somehow steal into the European Championship Finals with a winner with the last touch of the game. It was made even more amazing as Croatia had been under immense pressure throughout, and somehow came up with the goods to qualify on the away goals rule. In just the third minute Emmanuel Olisadebe was up to his old tricks, hitting the post with a neat spin and shot. Two more headers went over before the first talking point of the game. Croatian forward Mihael Mikic made a rash lunge on Polish left back Daniel Bialek, and it was enough for the Leverkusen man to see red. Forced to defend with a deficiency, Croatia's chances had surely gone out of the window. Yet everything Poland tried didn't come off. Olisadebe, Klimek, Klimowicz and Mila all found Pletikosa in fine form throughout the first half, and Croatia were amazingly clinging onto the weakest of threads. After another Polish spell of dominance after the restart, the Slaski Stadion was silenced by Silvester Sabolcki. Croatia were awarded a free kick slightly left of centre outside the penalty area. The 1860 Munich winger curled a stunning effort into the back of the net to level the tie on aggregate. The lead lasted for barely a minute. Sebastian Mila dribbled through the defence, and when closed off he found Zielinski, who managed to get enough on the ball to beat Pletikosa and surely seal Poland's passage. Dobek would have done if Pletikosa hadn't have made an astounding point-blank save minutes later. But the old Polish inconsistency would come back to haunt them yet again. The home support were already celebrating when Croatia were awarded a late free kick. Piling everyone forward, including goalkeeper Pletikosa, it was now or never. Babic hit the ball with venom, but appeared to have over-hit the cross. Arriving at the back post was Goran Sablic. The Rostock centre back beat Dortmund keeper Wierzchowski and sent Croatia through. Poland could not believe it. The full time whistle went whilst everyone tried to gain a grip on the dramatic developments. Ten man Croatia, thoroughly dominated in both ties, somehow qualify!

Poland 1 (Zielinski 64)

Croatia 2 (Sabolcki 63, Sablic 90)

Attendance - 44,979

Referee - Hovane Assadourian (Armenia)

Poland - Wierzchowski©, Bartczak, Bialek (Jasinski 90), Fornalik (Szymanski 63), Klimek, Pawlowski, Zielinski, Klimowicz, Dobek, Olisadebe, Mila

Croatia - Pletikosa, Leko (Andric 32), Vukovic (Neretljak 63), Simic, Sablic, Babic, Carevic, Vranjes©, Mikic, Klasnic (Sokota 63), Sabolcki

2-2 on Aggregate, Croatia qualify on the away goals rule.

[Philip Rolfe]

Finnish dream over as Bulgaria do enough

Bulgaria have reached their first major Finals tournament since the France 98 World Cup, and for the first time since the days of Stoitchkov, Letchkov and company, a new era of hope may have emerged. It required battling and desire to come away from Finland with a 2-2 draw in an entertaining and enterprising match. Finland started the match the brighter of the two - Scheweleff stroked a free kick slightly off target. As was to be expected, Bulgaria were prepared to sit back, but in a tense fashion. Riihilahti gave them food for thought with a header narrowly wide on the half hour. Seven minutes later the visitors got what they came for - an away goal. Georgi Andonov led the breakaway from a corner, sliding a nice ball through to right back Georgi Peev. His first touch was excellent, it allowed him to beat off Bergholm and crash a shot low past Fredrikson and given Bulgaria a 2-0 aggregate lead which could only be overturned by three unreplied Finnish goals. The Strasbourg man had chosen a fine time to open his international account. Desperate to fight back, Finland started the second half with urgency - Wirtanen drawing a good save from Kamburov. With twenty minutes remaining the game was well and truly up for Antti Muurinen and his squad. In their desperation to score, huge gaps were left for Bulgaria to exploit. Dimirat Berbatov released substitute Anatoli Todorov, who composed himself to double the lead and sink Finland. Or so they thought. In immediate response, Wirtanen drove a fierce shot from long range which was deflected into the path of Matti Lähitie. He dribbled past Dimov and scored to reduce the arrears, but three goals were still needed. It started to look possible, especially when Daniel Sjölund had plenty of time to level the game fifteen minutes from time. Bulgaria's nerves had gotten the better of them. Two headers from debutant sub Mika Lappalainen went agonisingly close to going in, but in the end Bulgaria held out to secure their spot alongside the big names next summer.

Finland 2 (Lähitie 71, Sjölund 76)

Bulgaria 2 (Peev 32, A.Todorov 70)

Attendance - 39,711

Referee - Uriah Rennie (England)

Finland - Fredrikson, Wirtanen, Bergholm, Hyypia©, Pasanen, Scheweleff (Savolainen 73), Okkonen (Heikkinen 57), Riihilahti, Forssell (Lappalainen 73), Sjölund, Lähitie

Bulgaria - Kamburov, Andonov, Peev, Topuzov, Tunchev, A.Mladenov (M.Petrov 67), Blagoev, Zhelev, Bojinov (A.Todorov 67), Berbatov©, Dimov

Bulgaria win 3-2 on Aggregate

[Philip Rolfe]

Sweden stroll to success, Belgium bow out

Favourites Sweden let nobody down as they triumphed 2-1 in Stockholm to take a 3-1 overall aggregate scoreline and seal the sixteenth and final spot in next summers Euro Championships. An early start by the home side saw them take hold of the game as quick as possible and destroyed any Belgian enthusiasm. Slightly before the quarter hour mark, Bojan Djordjic struck a half-volley on his weaker foot, but it hammered past Vercarre to give Sweden a necessary lead. A mere twenty minutes had passed, and Sweden were 2-0 ahead. Kallström and Farnerud linked well to release Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and he made his mark upon the game as many had expected the Roma man to. Farnerud himself had a headed chance to make it three, but the Arsenal man was off target. Belgian midfielder Koen Daerden almost found a goal back on half time, but veteran stopper Rami Shaaban did well to pull off a strong right handed save. Sweden, by taking such a strong hold of the game early, had neutralised Belgian advances and placed the thought of failing to qualify utmost in their mind. As a result of winning the psychological battle, the actual game was sewn up. The second half saw more dominance from the side in yellow, but neither Farnerud nor Kallström took chances which came their way. With nine minutes remaining Dries Bernaert rifled a goal back for Belgium, but it was too little, too late. Frode Sirevåg Lindboe called a halt to proceedings after 94 minutes, and once more Belgium had experienced playoff heartache. Sweden, on the other side of the coin, can start preparing for the short trip to Norway, where they will look to make another strong impression in a major Finals.

Sweden 2 (Djordjic 13, Ibrahimovic 20)

Belgium 1 (Bernaert 81)

Attendance - 35,978

Referee - Frode Sirevåg Lindboe (Norway)

Sweden - Shaaban, Roldán, Dorsin, Johansson (Henriksson 86), Mellberg, Kallström©, Djordjic, Bakircioglu, Ibrahimovic, A.Farnerud, Ljungberg (Chanko 73)

Belgium - Vercarre, Rauw, Zarbo (Maury 78), Van Damme, Wuytens, Peeters, Janssens (Bernaert 73), Malbranque©, Blondel, Vandenbergh, Daerden

Sweden win 3-1 on Aggregate

Qualifiers: Norway(hosts), France, Ukraine, Italy, England, Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, Portugal, Germany, Scotland, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Sweden, Croatia

[Philip Rolfe]

17th November 2011

Vacancy: Dutch Managerial Post. Apply Within

Ruud Gullit is now officially unemployed. The Dutch Football Association, after three weeks of deliberating on the future of the former Chelsea and Newcastle man, have decided to terminate the contract of the 49 year old with immediate effect. Just under a year and a half since winning the most coveted sports trophy in the World Cup, Gullit finds himself without a job after guiding the Netherlands to a dismal Euro 2012 Qualification campaign. Just three wins (two of which were against Albania) and twelve points from a possible 24 is below the expectations of a World Champion squad with the talent to do far better. A statement from the Dutch FA read: "The decision has been taken to hereby call the contract of Mr Ruud Gullit null and void from this moment. Mr Gullit has failed to live up to the expectations of the Dutch Football Association and everyone involved in Dutch football, and we feel it is time for a change."

Gullit took over the national job in 2008 after Wim Jansen had been dismissed. A directive was given for him to win the World Cup. With talent the likes of Rafael van der Vaart, David Mendes da Silva, and Ruud van Nistelrooy he achieved it with something to spare. Incomprehensibly, the same set of players failed to finish ahead of Ireland and Finland and in the process were eliminated in the qualification stages. A humiliaition too far, Gullit was dismissed this morning. Early reports suggest former River and Oviedo manager Manuel Pellegrini may be interested in the post, as is Man Utd manager Frank Rijkaard, although to speculate at an early stage would be inaccurate.

In other news, Wales have parted company with Mark Hughes after the legendary former international striker mutually agreed a contract termination. After eleven inconsistent years culminated in other failed qualifying campaign, the 48 year old coach has decided to let someone else have a chance. Furthermore, Spain and Serbia & Montenegro are expected to make announcements on the futures of respective coaches Miguel Ãngel Lotina and Cartsen Unger in the next 48 hours.

19th November 2011

Serbia & Montenegro sack Unger

In brief news, German coach Carsten Unger has been relieved of his position as manager of the Serbia & Montenegron national side. The 47 year old former Nigerian leader bit the dust after a terrible qualifying campaign for Euro 2012.

Elsewhere, Manuel Pellegrini appears to have ruled himself out of the race for the Holland manager's position by today signing a three year contract with Spanish strugglers Alavés. The 58 year-old Chilean, formerly of River and Oviedo, has some work to do in Vitoria, but is confident of turning the tiny unfashionable Basques around.

[Philip Rolfe]

26th November 2011

Varese manager takes Dutch job

In a shock move, the Dutch Football Association have today unveiled Varese manager Philip Rolfe as their new manager. At a press conference the decision to hire the young tactician was greeted with its fair share of shocked cries, but a majority of the Dutch media are in approval of the selection. Englishman Rolfe will continue in his role with Varese, whom he has taken from Serie C1/A in the depths of Italy to become UEFA Cup holders and making fine progress in the European Cup, and combine it with the post of Dutch coach. He said "It's an honour to manager such a prestigious nation. To be able to call yourself manager of the World Cup holders is something to behold, and rest assured, I will do my utmost to retain the trophy in Sweden and Norway in 2014. We have no qualifiers, but I am sure we can prepare properly, as I get to grips with my squad."

The Dutch media are seemingly in approval of the choice. Wim Holters, a journalist with World Soccer, said: "Rolfe has a record with Varese which is almost unrivalled. Turning a team nobody had heard of into a big name club takes some considerable ability. He has also done it by mainly using young players, whom he has developed into superstars. One only has to look at the likes of Stilianos Doukas and Carlos Alberto Viera Dos Santos, and even Andrea Todisco and Gaetano Montanari. If he brings the same ethos to Holland, he'll be popular." Rolfe is believed to have agreed a three year contract, due to expire after the next World Cup.

In brief...

Terry Yorath has been named as Mark Hughes' successor in the Welsh national job. The 61 year old former international will continue to manage Birmingham City whilst taking on the responsibility of managing the principality.

Carsten Unger has been persuaded back by a rather desperate Serbia & Montenegron FA after a lack of interest in the post.

[Philip Rolfe]

Spotlight on....

Javier Portillo

If there is a more complete and consistent scorer of goals in Europe then we are perhaps yet to witness him. 29 year old Spaniard Javier García Portillo is having a wonderful season with Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, and is outshining fellow compatriots Raúl and Fernando Torres at bitter rivals Celtic. At an average of over a goal per game, he is also the top scorer in this season's European Cup.

He joined for a mammoth £17.75m back exactly one year ago from French giants Lyon. Whilst in Lyonnais, Portillo smashed 153 goals in just 175 games, showing form which attracted suitors from around Europe. He agreed a deal to rejoin Real Madrid, who sold him for just £2.8m four and a half seasons before. However, a transfer wrangle between the two clubs meant the deal broke down, and Rangers took their chance. The left footer, who struck an incredible 48 goals in the 2009/10 season to win the ESM Golden Shoe Award, has never been in better form. Therefore it remains incredible that he is yet to be awarded a senior cap by Spain. Jose Antonio Camacho, Víctor Fernández, and now Miguel Ãngel Lotina have somehow decided to overlook the talents exhibited by Porti-gol. It's something which irritates the forward: "I really don't know what I have to do. All I can do is continue scoring, which I have done, and yet I am not given a cap. However, I will not dwell on such matters, as I am sure my time will arrive."

With Spain not present at Euro 2012, his time may arrive sooner than he hopes. Despite Miguel Ãngel Lotina still being in a job, there is much outcry at the decision taken by the Spanish Football Association, and the only way the former Celta boss can appease his critics is to allow the likes of Torres and Portillo to shoot Spain to glory in time for the 2014 in Sweden and Norway. If allowed, Javier García Portillo might just emerge as one of his country's all-time legends.

Profile

Date of Birth - 30th March 1982

Club - Glasgow Rangers

Career Appearances/Goals - 294/248

Previous Clubs - Real Madrid, Lyon

Honours - French League Champion 2007, FIFA Club World Championship 2007, French Cup 2007, 2008, French First Division Player of the Year 2008/09, 2009/10, French Players First Division Player of the Year 2008/09, 2009/10

[Philip Rolfe]

8th February 2012

Europe awaits Finals draw

Just 72 hours seperate sixteen nations and their fate in June's European Championships. At 10am on Saturday morning, Oslo will host a mass media convention of sorts when a majority of the footballing world converge on the Norwegian capital to witness the draw. It will all be hosted by the Oslo City Hall, with the usual artwork making way temporarily for an important part in Norway's biggest logistical operation ever. It will not be a new experience to any of the countries involved, with everyone involved having appeared at least once in the Finals themselves. The ceremony itself is expected to last a toal of three hours: UEFA President Per Ravn Omdal will greet the guests before a show will be put on exhibiting traditional Norwegian culture. Each of the eight stadia to be used will be profiled at specified times throughout, with the actual draw itself proving a climax. Thereafter will follow time for media members to undertake questioning of designated national managers and staff.

[Philip Rolfe]

European Championships set to produce some thrilling football

At the Official draw for the Group Stage of the Norway 2012 European Championships, there were a fair number of surprises thrown into the mix. With no seedings in process, any combination of groupings was possible, and as usual occured. Group One will be very much a Scandinavian affair, with Denmark, Iceland and hosts Norway joined by impressive qualifiers Portugal. Group Two looks to be simple enough for Italy, at least on paper, but Romania, Scotland, and Sweden (whom Italy faced during qualifying) will be nothing further from easy. Group Three appears to be dominated by Eastern European Nations, as Turkey, Ukraine, and Croatia are all drawn together. Tournament favourites France are also in the mix. And Group Four is perhaps the most intriguing, as two potentially explosive matches will happen. England will have to face Germany first up in Stavanger before meeting Republic of Ireland in Lillestrøm. Bulgaria will not be a pushover either. It will certainly be a tournament to pay attention to, as we can expect cracking football throughout, a promise stated by the tournament organisers.

Group One (Ulleval, Oslo, and Lerkendal Stadion,Trondheim)

-----------------

Denmark

Iceland

Norway

Portugal

Fixtures

9.6.12: Norway vs Portugal

11.6.12: Iceland vs Denmark

13.6.12: Denmark vs Norway

14.6.12: Portugal vs Iceland

19.6.12: Norway vs Iceland

19.6.12: Portugal vs Denmark

Group Two (Brann Stadion, Bergen, and Marienlyst Stadion, Drammen)

----------------

Italy

Romania

Scotland

Sweden

Fixtures

10.6.12: Romania vs Italy

11.6.12: Sweden vs Scotland

14.6.12: Italy vs Sweden

16.6.12: Scotland vs Romania

19.6.12: Scotland vs Italy

19.6.12: Sweden vs Romania

Group Three (Bislett Stadion, Oslo, and Kristiansand Stadion, Kristiansand)

-----------------

Ukraine

Turkey

Croatia

France

Fixtures

10.6.12: France vs Croatia

12.6.12: Ukraine vs Turkey

15.6.12: Turkey vs France

17.6.12: Croatia vs Ukraine

20.6.12: France vs Ukraine

20.6.12: Croatia vs Turkey

Group Four (Stavanger Stadion, Stavanger, and Åråsen Stadion, Lillestrøm)

----------------

England

Germany

R.Ireland

Bulgaria

Fixtures

10.6.12: England vs Germany

12.6.12: Bulgaria vs Ireland

15.6.12: Germany vs Bulgaria

17.6.12: Ireland vs England

20.6.12: Ireland vs Germany

20.6.12: Bulgaria vs England

[displaced_seagull]

Bloody hell, I wouldn't fancy our chances in Group 4

Cracking stuff Juni - and I see the names may change, but UEFA's 'big ideas' still stay the same - a show will be put on exhibiting traditional Norwegian culture indeed

[Philip Rolfe]

Cheers Stu

24th March 2012

With time running out until the deadline for squads to be named for Euro 2012, tonights friendly round will present a good opportunity for the sixteen nations to improve their preparation....

France were held by Spain to a 1-1 draw in Albacete. Lotina's side, who will not be present in June, had a very typical Lotina feel to them, to which the fans showed their disgust with their feet. The stadium wasn't even half full. Despite this, Guayre gave them a lead which was only cancelled out late in the day by Newcastle debutant Jean-Christophe Ahmetovic, who might just have played himself into contention for Paul Le Guen's thoughts.

Italy and Germany also shared a 1-1 draw. Alberto Gilardino now seems set to lead the Italian line after another goal continued an impressive international record, and also equalised Kai Brand's seventeenth German goal. Injury-permitting, the Union Berlin forward will be a star this summer, and rest assured many of the big names will show interest in his services. Francesco Guidolin gave debuts to three players - Eugenio Corradi, Gaetano Porro, and Federico Lazzeri. However, highly rated Varese defender Andrea Todisco didn't make it off the subs bench.

Sweden suffered a setback by way of a 3-0 hammering in Romania. Niculae, Sanmartean, and Cernat grabbing the goals. Olexiy Belik and Andriy Shevchenko both found the net in Ukraine's 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, but England suffered a rare defeat to Portugal. Despite goals from Michael Owen and Cherno Samba, Steve McLaren tasted defeat for the first time as manager as he saw Guilherme Alves give Portugal an early lead, before Hélder Postiga and Lucas scored late on (the latter a penalty) inflicted a defeat.

Finally, Belgium fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to an impressive Denmark. Morten Skoubo and Peter Madsen scored.

[Philip Rolfe]

23rd April 2012

Press write off Portugal chances

With the start of Euro 2012 just forty-seven days away, Europe's footballing press have been working away at the column inches as they attempt to gauge those who will hit the top and those who will fail miserably. It seems Portugal fall into the latter category. Alain Giresse's side may have been one of the best qualifiers, but it seems that is not enough to impress. France's 'Le Foot' state "Despite Portugal's obvious talents and flair, they have a knack of falling over on the big stage. They've shown little to suggest that Norway will be any different of an experience. Also, Alain Giresse is far too inconsistent in his team and tactical selections."

It is a stance taken elsewhere. Establised English group World Soccer, celebrating their fiftieth year in publication this year, say "(Portugal), notorious under-achievers, have to be taken seriously, yet at the same time with a pinch of salt. The likes of Ricardo Quaresma, Hélder Postiga, and Edgar might be match winners, but also blow hot and cold far too often to succeed in a major tournament. If this problem isn't addressed, then put your money elsewhere."

Portugal remain rather quiet on the affair. Coach Giresse has stated that he is "satisfied" with his current preparations, and that "people might be genuinely surprised" come the summer. We'll watch this space.

25th April 2012

Another window of opportunity arises for the sixteen national coaches as they look to finalise the list of twenty-three names to go to Norway in just over thirty days time. The latest international games are covered in our Friendly round-up......

England appear to be in freefall after a second consecutive defeat. After losing at home to Portugal, Steve McLaren's side fell 2-1 in Amsterdam to Holland, who failed to qualify. The Oranje seem to be turning around under new manager, Varese's English tactician Philip Rolfe. A great second half performance saw Jaap de Jong and Dirk Kuijt cancel out Ashley Cole's goal and give McLaren food for thought.

Germany also lost to a side who will not be present in Norway. Spain came out 2-0 winners in San Sebastian through first international goals for David Aganzo and Alberto Pinto. Despite the win, manager Miguel Ãngel Lotina was still the target of terrace abuse as once more he failed to select Javier Portillo, Fernando Torres, or Raúl. Rudi Völler shouldn't be too worried though, as he saw positive signs from a number of the nineteen players used on the night.

France are on the right track after a 2-1 win over Italy in Saint-Denis. A dramatic ending also supplied France with another player who might make a late impact. Didier Soler gave Paul Le Guen's side the lead with a penalty, but Italy thought they were going home with a draw when Matteo Brighi equalised in injury time. But Jérémie Aliardiere, top scorer in the French League, got off the bench to score on his first appearance for the French side in over two years. Italian boss Francesco Guidolin gave debuts to youngsters Roberto Colombini and Andrea Todisco, the latter the first player from his club to earn an Azzurri cap.

Finally, Scotland, Ukraine, Iceland, and Sweden all won their warm-ups, but Republic of Ireland, Denmark, Norway and Portugal were less auspicious, and with time running out many might reach for the panic button.

[Philip Rolfe]

1st June 2012

With the European Championships imminent, every conceivable publication are offering 'the guide to Euro 2012.' Here we present our own version.

BULGARIA

Just happy to be there

Eastern Europeans rebuild in style

The days of Hristo Stoitchkov, Yordan Letchkov, Trifon Ivanov, and more were the subject of many a nostalgic and teary-eyed Bulgarian football fan. A fourth place finish at the 1994 World Cup in the United States offered the belief that maybe Bulgaria were onto something big. Alas, it wasn't to be. Despite some of Bulgaria's biggest names making waves across Europe, the success never materialised in the national side. Euro 2000 saw the end of a generation, and the nations football was left in somewhat of a crisis. Internal bickering and a lack of cohesion saw the national league deteriorate into nothing more than a farce, and Bulgarian sides have long since made an impact in European competition. The national side failed to reach finals tournament after finals tournament.

But with a new decade came new hope. Krassimir Balakov was installed as coach, in hope of tying together some of the talented Bulgarian talents emerging into a unit capable of reaching the big time. His first game in charge - a 1-1 draw with Uruguay - offered hope. Then came the qualifiers for Euro 2012. Balakov got the best out of his side. Well organised with no shortage of flair, wins over France (2-0) and hosts Norway in a friendly presented the new look Bulgaria at their best. They finished second in their group, and overcame a very impressive Finland side to reach their first major tournament in twelve years.

Quite deservedly, Balakov has been hailed a hero. With a squad of players who readily admit they are not the best, he has somehow patched together a team who work for each other and play to their strengths. Just Arsenal's Stilian Petrov plays his club football outside of either Bulgaria or Germany, with the exception of Varese's Valeri Emilov Bojinov. Reserve football in Italy has seen that he will not make the trip to Norway after doing so much to get them there.

Preparation has not been the best. A 3-0 defeat to Russia followed by a goalless draw at home to Poland suggests that Bulgaria are freezing as they prepare to go onto the big stage, but Balakov is not worried: "Results matter little in friendlies. The purpose is to gauge who is good and who is not, as I try to plan our path." He insists that they will find the form which got them to Norway, and that "many a fan will be surprised." A group with Germany, England, and the Republic of Ireland is extremely tough, and if Bulgaria come through that, it will certainly be a surprise.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Kamburov

D.Todorov Zhelev Joao Carlos A.Tunchev

Stilian Petrov

Gargorov Mladenov Blagoev

Berbatov M.Petrov

</pre>

Balakov likes to change his formation as the game suits him. At times a patient 4-4-2 is preferred, but at others, and more regularly, Bulgaria will play a 4-1-3-2 style based on counter attacking. Short passing and pressure is expected of anyone who plays, in order to stifle the opposition.

Veteran stopper Vasil Kamburov will more than likely be the first choice goalkeeper, although he could easily play second fiddle to Todor Kyuchukov, although the former commands his area more effectively. The defence will be weaker for the exclusion of Igor Topuzov. The Frankfurt sweeper offered stability and consistency ahead of Joao Carlos, who will now almost be guaranteed a position alongside Zhivko Zhelev. The 32 year old of 68 caps is refined and useful in the air, despite his deficiencies in the pace department. Aleksandar Tunchev will be the left back, with the position on the opposite flank to be fought between Dimitar Todorov and Kuncho Kunchev, with Todorov expected the get the nod.

Stilian Petrov is pivotal to the side, and usually the first name on the team sheet. His experience will be vital, as will his ability to turn defence into attack by sitting in the defensive midfield role. If he is needed to move into central midfield, Todor Dimitrov can fill in with less class but a more physical nature. Lining up ahead are three very much attack minded performers tasked with aggressive attacking. Emil Gargorov surprises many with a sharp turn of pace and good technique, but is often overshadowed by Aleksandar Mladenov and Dian Kirilov. Mladenov's dribbling can be unstoppable, whilst Kirlilov is the best player to come out of Bulgaria for many a year. Union Berlin have seen him strike seventy goals and create fifty more in just three seasons. How he performs will have an impact on Bulgaria's chances. Krasen Trifonov offers an aerial presence but is not on the class level of those ahead of him.

Up front Dimitar Berbatov will be the focal point. At his best in the air, he will benefit from crosses from both sides. The absence of the creative and nippy Bojinov opens the way for veteran Martin Petrov to have a good end to a poor season. Both Anatoli Todorovs, not related, will offer backup, with the younger of the two (known simply as Anatoli) a possible choice ahead of Martin Petrov. Mladenov can, and has been, play up front.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Atanasov, Daniel D C BGR 21.9.82 29 11 -

- Atanasov, Evgeni GK BGR 25.9.80 31 1 -

- Berbatov, Dimitar S C BGR 30.1.81 31 86 34

- Blagoev, Petar AM C BGR 26.8.80 31 21 -

- Carlos, Joao D C BGR 1.1.82 30 20 2

- Dimitrov, Todor D/DM C BGR 2.8.83 28 29 -

- Gargorov, Emil AM/F LC BGR 15.2.81 31 40 5

- Kamburov, Vasil GK BGR 4.12.75 36 20 -

- Kirilov, Dian AM/F C BGR 6.2.85 27 17 2

- Koemdjiev, Dimitar D C BGR 28.9.79 32 15 -

- Kunchev, Kuncho D RL BGR 27.6.83 28 14 1

- Kyuchukov, Todor GK BGR 6.9.78 33 46 -

- Mladenov, Aleksandar AM/F C BGR 25.6.82 29 65 13

- Petrov, Martin F LC BGR 15.1.79 33 88 25

- Petrov, Stilian DM C BGR 5.7.79 32 55 5

- Petrov, Stoyan DM RC BGR 21.4.87 25 1 -

- Shterev, Georgi GK BGR 2.5.81 31 8 -

- Todorov, Anatoli S C BGR 25.3.83 29 1 -

- Todorov, Anatoli S C BGR 3.6.83 29 5 1

- Todorov, Dimitar D R BGR 17.3.86 26 6 -

- Trifonov, Krasen AM/F L BGR 18.3.86 26 13 -

- Tunchev, Aleksandar D LC BGR 10.7.81 30 44 2

- Zhelev, Zhivko SW/D C BGR 23.6.79 32 68 1

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

CROATIA

They're back

Former World Champs back on track

Having only been a nation for twenty years, Croatia have had quite the footballing existance. An initial show of brilliance in their first tournaments at Euro 1996 and France 1998 were followed by a competent showing in the 2002 World Cup. Then, six years ago in Germany, Ivo Susak led his nation to glory, lifting the World Cup. But qualification this time was a struggle. Only a last minute goal by Goran Sablic secured their place after poor showings in a group they should have qualified from left them in a playoff situation. Their build up has been far from useful - a demoralising defeat to Holland was followed by a half decent draw with Portugal, but it has been nothing near what they would have liked.

Their manager is 51 year old former Montenegrin coach Zoran Maric. Entrusted with the country's footballing hopes after an average World Cup 2010 which saw the demise of Susak, it is an understatement to say his appointment wasn't met with the greatest of receptions. Almost an unknown, he has little to speak of by way of a record, and although determined can lack in the tactical department. He also has shown little desire to introduce youth and life into his squad. Whilst the side of the 1990's revelled with the likes of Prosinecki, Suker, Boksic and Stimac, the side now lacks the quality of the past.

Furthermore, Maric has been criticised for creating what has been labelled as a "boring Croatian side bereft of creativity." In ten qualifiers just eleven goals were scored, with seven conceded. The defensive record can be praised, but the attack looks wafer thin, tired, and lacking. The five forwards named in the squad for this summer, however dangerous they can be, will be unlikely to induce fear in their opponents. The defence can't carry them as far as they hope to go.

The draw hasn't been the kindest either. France, Turkey, and Ukraine all have superior strength in depth and the firepower to succeed. Yet Maric believes they can do well: "Honestly, who expected Croatia to win the World Cup just fourteen years after becoming an individual state? Nobody. We might be underdogs, but we revel in that role, and with the right balance, things will happen." There is truth in what he says. Croatia have always been there or thereabouts, and there is something about them which you cannot rule out. They know what it takes to get the job done. And that, at this level, is priceless.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Pletikosa

D.Simic Tudor Leko Mijatovic

Sabolcki Vranjes Biscan Seric

Klasnic Balaban

</pre>

Maric is a staunch supporter of the 4-4-2 formation. Everyone bar the front two have defensive duties, and are instructed to hit on the break. Off the ball, the two central midfielders drop back and shield the defence.

Stipe Pletikosa will do more than anyone to help the Croatian cause. Whilst Verjan Runje offers a competent role, Pletikosa has wonderful shot stopping abilities and reflexes which are of enormous benefit to his side. Club teammate Dario Simic, the most capped footballer from his country, still holds power over the right back slot, even at the age of thirty-six. Andre Mijatovic has been installed as left back for some time, and does well. If needed, Igor Ostopanj and Mato Neretljak are useful deputies. Igor Tudor and Jerko Leko will prove to be extremely tough to break down, which is clearly reflected in their defensive record.

Captain of the side is Jurica Vranjes. Performing defensive roles are his priority, but watch out for towering headers from set pieces. Alongside him is veteran Igor Biscan, and together the two will make or break Croatia's tournament. If they're on form, they make the side tick. If one is injured, Tudor or Leko may have to move into midfield. Silvester Sabolcki (right) and Anthony Seric (left) are well balanced if not spectacular. Pressing for a place may be Brazilian born winger Eduard da Silva, called into the squad for the first time. A little more mobile, the Dinamo man is an unknown and could be the joker in the pack.

On paper, the attack looks good. Unfortunately for Croatia they are relatively average on the field. Ivan Klasnic is expected to be the man to lead the line, but the Hertha forward has a poor international return. The other place is up for grabs. Logic suggests Bosko Balaban is the man. He has a better scoring record than the other contenders, but can fade in and out. Tomislav Sokota is nearing the end of his career and hasn't featured at all this season for Bayern Munich, and although Dario Zahora is brave he isn't the man needed. Mate Bilic could drop off the front and link to midfield, but Maric has missed a trick in not selecting Dalibor Bogdan. The Varteks man has the qualities which Croatia currently miss and could depend on.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Babic, Marko AM LC HRV 28.1.81 31 18 -

- Balaban, Bosko S C HRV 15.10.78 33 24 11

- Bilic, Dalibor GK HRV 28.10.79 32 - -

- Bilic, Mate S C HRV 23.10.80 31 3 -

- Biscan, Igor D/DM RC HRV 4.5.78 34 79 10

- Klasnic, Ivan S C HRV 29.1.80 32 54 10

- Leko, Jerko D/DM RC HRV 9.4.80 32 17 -

- Mijatovic, Andre SW/D RLC HRV 3.12.79 32 22 -

- Neretljak, Mato D LC HRV 3.6.79 33 7 -

- Ostopanj, Igor D LC HRV 9.11.80 31 2 -

- Pletikosa, Stipe GK HRV 8.1.79 33 67 -

- Raic, Davor GK HRV 25.9.90 21 - -

- Runje, Vedran GK HRV 10.2.76 36 44 -

- Sabolcki, Silvester AM R HRV 12.11.79 32 60 2

- Safaric, Nikola AM C HRV 11.3.81 31 - -

- Seric, Anthony DM L HRV 15.1.79 33 69 2

- Simic, Dario D RC HRV 12.11.75 36 125 2

- Sokota, Tomislav F C HRV 8.4.77 35 46 16

- Tudor, Igor D/DM RC HRV 16.4.78 34 87 -

- Vranjes, Jurica DM C HRV 30.1.80 32 90 5

- Vukovic, Mladen D/DM L HRV 8.6.84 27 3 -

- Zahora, Dario F LC HRV 21.3.82 30 8 -

- da Silva, Eduardo AM RC BRA 17.7.84 27 - -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

DENMARK

Teamwork is the key

Tactical perfection could take the Danes far

Eight years since they were last at a finals tournament, Denmark are back where many say they rightly belong. After the dismissal of Morten Olsen, Jan Mølby was proven to be the wrong choice. Veteran German tactician Torsten Dürr was installed, and after taking his time, he seems to have a team capable of at least reaching the last eight. In previous years the focus had been on teamwork rather than individuals. Whilst Dürr still preaches the benefits of working as a unit, he clearly plays to the strengths of his best players. Moreover, his side is somewhat shaped by the opposition, which has been criticised but works for him.

In a group where they have real potential of qualifying, the prospects are widening. If they can pick up five points from hosts Norway, Iceland, and Portugal, then they should make the knockout phases, with anything then possible. On their day Denmark are a match at the bare minimum for anyone, but they can also collapse and be humiliated. A good warm-up included a win in Belgium, which will have boosted confidence no end. Dürr has a party of players who know each other inside out, and have a unity which they can draw upon in times of need.

Dürr himself will not be drawn into discussion on how his side will do. Alternatively, like former coach Morten Olsen, the preferred topic of discussion has been how they can improve the image of Danish football: "It's important to show Europe that Denmark are not dead. We may have been away, but now is the time to show off our image, by playing good football." Back home, expectation is realistic. Henrik Jensen, a leading Danish sportswriter, explains: "People are generally pleased that Denmark are back in major competitions. Winning in in 1992 means a lot historically, but it isn't used as a marker. Most people would be satisfied if we made it out of the group, and the team take something positive home with them."

"There are some very useful players, who are well organised and shaped by Dürr. If he gets his tactics right, which he invariably does, then anything may happen. Preparation is the key, and rest assured Dürr will have done his work."

The coach trusts his side, which is perhaps the most important thing. He knows who will come through for him, and who to call upon in times of need. He also knows he has players able to produce the spectacular and unpredictable, and if the balance is right, things look good for Denmark.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

T.Sørensen

Bøgelund M.Laursen Østergaard Frederiksen Kure Vidkjær

Silberbauer Jørgensen Poulsen

Skoubo Løvenkrands

</pre>

Torsten Dürr loves his tactics. Everything has to be spot on for this perfectionist. The key to his defensive looking side is the movement provided by wingbacks Kasper Bøgelund and Kasper Kure Vidkjær. Should the two attack and defend effectively, a new dimension is added to the side. Width. Denmark have always relied on with, but Dürr combines it with a useful defensive element which has been their downfall in the past.

Thomas Sørensen is long establised as the number one keeper. Whilst not in the vein of the legendary Peter Schmeichel, he does a sound job nonetheless. But at 35 he can't go on forever. Fortunately, Denmark have good backups, with namesake David Sørensen most likely to be the first choice backup. The three men in the centre of defence have played together on many occasions and know each other well. Continuity between veteran Martin Laursen, talented Jan Frederiksen, and under-rated Thomas Østergaard is important - if one goes missing the other two cover. Dürr will be praying that injuries do not strike. Jacob Høj and the somewhat unknown Leon Andreasen can provide able deputisation, but lack the cohesion the three first choice stoppers have.

The midfield combines defensive tenacity with attacking flair. Captaining the side is Christian Poulsen, who performs the typical Danish role of holding and breaking play up by any means possible. Once this is achieved, Mads Jørgensen and Thomas Silberbauer can show their speed, trickery, and eye for goal. Mads Beierholm will feel harshly done if he fails to get a look-in, and Dennis Rommedahl can still do a job - perhaps best utilised as a substitute.

Morten Skoubo is the undisputed top Danish forward. The Utrecht man is a goal machine, and has a useful international record to date. With the injury to Peter Madsen ruling him out, the onus on Skoubo will be greater. If Peter Løvenkrands is to start alongside him, they'll complement each other well, although the latter's lack of international experience may count against him. Should that be the case, Morten Rasmussen must get his chance. A proven goalscorer, a partnership with Skoubo could be potentially explosive.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Andreasen, Leon D C DEN 23.4.83 29 - -

- Beierholm, Mads AM RC DEN 15.11.84 27 17 -

- Bøgelund, Kasper D/DM R DEN 8.10.80 31 58 3

- Christiansen, Jesper GK DEN 24.8.78 33 - -

- Frederiksen, Jan D LC DEN 20.6.82 29 23 -

- Høj, Jacob D/DM C DEN 24.12.81 30 4 -

- Jørgensen, Mads AM/F RLC DEN 10.2.79 33 52 8

- Kahlenberg, Thomas AM C DEN 20.3.83 29 - -

- Kure Vidkjær, Kasper D/M L DEN 20.7.82 29 9 1

- Laursen, Martin D C DEN 26.7.77 34 73 2

- Løvenkrands, Peter F LC DEN 29.1.80 32 1 -

- Madsen, Kim D RC DEN 13.2.78 34 51 1

- Østergaard, Thomas SW/D C DEN 24.7.78 33 40 2

- Pedersen, Rune GK DEN 9.10.79 32 1 -

- Petersen, Karsten S C DEN 5.3.85 27 1 -

- Poulsen, Christian DM RC DEN 28.2.80 32 74 12

- Rasmussen, Morten S C DEN 31.1.85 27 6 1

- Rommedahl, Dennis AM/F R DEN 22.7.78 33 57 11

- Schmidt, Jonas D. S C DEN 16.6.82 29 - -

- Silberbauer, Michael AM/F RLC DEN 7.7.81 30 9 -

- Skoubo, Morten S C DEN 30.6.80 31 42 18

- Sørensen, David GK DEN 8.9.86 25 1 -

- Sørensen, Thomas GK DEN 12.6.76 35 72 -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

ENGLAND

Defending Champions

McLaren has better side than four years ago

Four years ago England were in euphoria after lifting their first major trophy in forty-two years. Close enough to home soil as possible, a 3-0 victory over Iceland meant former unknown Jamie Peake was the toast of the country as he became only the second England manager ever to triumph at a major tournament. Yet just two years later the old curse struck England yet again. Elimination from a World Cup group containing Belgium, Uruguay, and the United States was a humiliation too far, and Peake was dismissed.

In search for a man to lead the country into Euro 2012 and beyond, the English Football Association only had eyes for one man. Steve McLaren, long touted as an England manager, finally made the progression. And what a progression. England stormed through an admittedly easy group with a 100% record, becoming one of the first sides to guarantee their place in the finals tournament. The perfect balance had been found in the side, although a lot of credit for that must go to Peake, who took the time to change England around.

Despite such an amazing record, things more recently haven't exactly gone to plan. A controversial shock home defeat to Portugal was followed by a defeat in Holland. What is perhaps more worrying than the defeats are the scorelines. After conceding just three goals in his first eleven games in charge, McLaren's England leaked five in their two warm-up friendlies. This must be rectified if England are to retain their crown as European Champions. The team's biggest strength was, and in many ways still is, the defensive security which made attacking so much more easy and fluent. If the opposition sense a weak link in the side and exploit it, England are in danger of becoming unorganised and losing out when they really should be contenders for winning.

Perhaps too much is being made of recent problems. McLaren has freely admitted that he was "experimenting" with his side during the friendlies, which "possibly created a situation where the players were unfamiliar with each other." But with problems come media pressure. Notoriously hard to please, the English press are waiting for a reason to come down on McLaren. Whilst he is generally a popular figure, there will always be people he cannot please. The decision to leave out Celtic forward Alan Smith, a man on the verge of becoming his country's all time record goalscorer, in favour of veteran Marcus Bent, has not been met with widespread enthusiasm. Daily Telegraph sports writer John Matthews: "Smith is clearly the most natural goalscorer England have at their disposal, with the possible exception of Cherno Samba, and even then he hasn't the experience at the top level. Smith would have guaranteed goals. Now we'll have to see what McLaren has up his sleeve."

Drawn in the most entertaining and intriguing quartet, clashes against Germany and Republic of Ireland are set to be explosive. These must yield a minimum of four points if England are to progress. The key showdown is certain to be the opening game against fierce rivals Germany. A win would give a massive psychological boost to a side who could quite conceivably be celebrating in Oslo at the end of the month.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Fuller

Hargreaves Ferdinand Terry Lake

Dyer J.Cole Thorpe Etherington

Samba Owen

</pre>

As ever, England will be playing a 4-42 formation. Despite its many criticisms, even now, McLaren has found success with it. Perhaps more importantly, he has the talent at his disposal whereas his predecessors were not so fortunate. One central midfielder will be given creative licence whilst the other must hold, which creates the illusion of a diamond. In practice it is far more lucid, with interplay and linking the key.

Tony Fuller has long been the number one choice for the gloves. Still only 25, he has a wealth of experience, and has excellent aerial ability and distribution. Chris Kirkland might offer a larger figure, but is firmly a backup. In central defence, expect captain Rio Ferdinand and John Terry to team up and create what appears to be an unbreachable duo. The two excel both on the ground and in the air, and England are fortunate to have what are considered amongst the elite. Newcastle's Liam Ridgewell, Arsenal's Joleon Lescott, and Millwall man Jonathan Woodgate offer capable backup. Owen Hargreaves takes right back, whilst the non-selection of Ashley Cole opens the door for Arsenal duo Simon Lake or Phil Neville.

The long time problem for England had been the left wing conundrum. Now, they have three to choose from. Matthew Etherington has made the grade, although he might easily be displaced by Gary Perry or Paul Ifill if the situation warrants it. Both men also offer cover for Kieron Dyer on the right wing, as does pacy Chelsea dribbler jamie Paterson. Milan's Joe Cole has the creative freedom he craves, alongside the solid and dependable Andrew Thorpe. Selecting Steven Gerrard might have helped, but he does tend to wander off course at times, a risk McLaren clearly believes he cannot take.

In attack England are blessed with Cherno Samba. The former Millwall prodigy, the subject of much attention after coming to light in the late 1990's and then given further attention from 'success' on the popular managerial PC game Championship Manager, Samba has really come of age. An excellent international record, no matter how short, combined with cracking club form, means he should be a shoo-in for a start alongside Michael Owen. The Liverpool man still commands his place, but McLaren has been more sparing towards Samba when handing out the shirts. He may prefer Marcus Bent, fresh off the back of a free-scoring season with Leverkusen, or Barcelona winger Matt Piper could be given a shout if he wants a man to drop off the front. Pace is the key amongst the four, but whichever combination is chosen, it will more than likely figure in any success England have.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Bent, Marcus S C ENG 19.5.78 34 4 -

- Cole, Joe AM LC ENG 8.11.81 30 72 9

- Etherington, Matthew AM L ENG 14.8.81 30 29 2

- Ferdinand, Rio D C ENG 7.11.78 33 111 4

- Fuller, Tony GK ENG 11.5.87 25 47 -

- Hargreaves, Owen D/DM RLC ENG 20.1.81 31 89 3

- Hutchinson, Jonathan GK ENG 14.4.86 26 - -

- Ifill, Paul AM/F RLC ENG 20.10.79 32 22 1

- Kirkland, Chris GK ENG 2.5.81 31 26 -

- Lake, Simon D/AM L ENG 27.10.87 24 2 -

- Lescott, Joleon D C ENG 16.8.82 29 1 -

- McCombe, Jamie D RC ENG 1.1.83 29 4 -

- Neville, Phil D/M RL ENG 21.1.77 35 66 1

- Owen, Michael S C ENG 14.12.79 32 72 35

- Patterson, Jason AM RC ENG 21.2.86 26 11 2

- Perry, Gary AM RLC ENG 1.6.88 24 1 -

- Piper, Matthew F RC ENG 29.9.81 30 80 18

- Ridgewell, Liam D C ENG 13.9.80 31 1 -

- Robinson, Paul GK ENG 15.10.79 32 15 -

- Samba, Cherno S C ENG 10.11.85 26 7 5

- Terry, John D C ENG 7.12.80 31 56 4

- Thorpe, Andrew M C ENG 6.2.85 27 3 -

- Woodgate, Jonathan SW/D C ENG 22.1.80 32 4 -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

FRANCE

Here we go again

Les Bleus are once more given the tag of favourites

It's time for a major international football tournament. That must mean France are favourites. For the past decade and a half the French have had to put up with the expectation which comes with having such a huge talent base. Having won nothing since Euro 2000, however, has a different kind of expectation. Whilst third place finishes in their last two tournaments is acceptable, many believe that France have under-achieved, and it is Paul Le Guen's task to bring the glory home to the Champs Elysees.

The possibility is very much a probability. France possess the hunger, drive, and experience which is required to win. Unsurprisingly, at least half of the squad have had top level experience in international tournaments. But without their two most experienced players - captain Patrick Vieira and striker David Trezeguet - Les Bleus may take a little time to readjust. The latter's poor season at Barcelona, which coincided with the fabulous scoring run of Jérémie Aliardiere, means he misses out. The omission of Vieira is more of a conundrum. Nobody saw it coming, but Le Guen has been quick to explain his decision.

"Patrick is, and has been, a wonderful player. However, we need to look to the future. I consider Patrick more of a liability than a commodity right now, especially since he has only just returned from a broken wrist. Christophe Bourgeois is mature enough and has the skills to play as well, and establish himself." Yet Le Guen's selections have proven even more baffling when you realise that Didier Soler, William Gallas, and Christian Rivière are also out. Being fair, they all have suspensions to face, which France cannot gamble on.

As a result, the traditional French strength in depth is missing. A majority of the twenty-three men named would have been considered backups to those missing. Fortunately, they are of the class and talent to win the tournament. Much is expected of Thierry Henry, by far and away the most experienced in the party. As for weaknesses, look no further than central midfield. In the absence of Vieira and Soler, France appear lightweight in the most crucial of departments. Whilst Jean-Christophe Ahmetovic is a wonderful talent, he likes to attack, leaving an imbalance in the side.

The draw is relatively favourable. Le Guen will be disappointed if they cannot progress ahead of Croatia, Ukraine, and Turkey. Should they achieve the expected, then the tag of favourites will really start to kick in. But this squad have the capabilities to brush that aside, and everyone else for that matter.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Frey

Sagnol Boumsong Silvestre Escudé

Meriem Ahmetovic Bourgeois Vincent

Henry Govou

</pre>

Former international Paul Le Guen plumps for a pretty basic 4-4-2. As with predecessor Jacques Santini, it is tried and tested, and the French squad are used to it. An attacking game based on short, incisive passing is the plan, with the right winger usually allowed inside for the right back to overlap. The key component is still the central midfield, and it will certainly be interesting to see how Le Guen handles things. Christophe Bourgeois will most likely take the 'Vieira role', with Newcastle's Jean-Christophe Ahmetovic alongside him. Stéphane Dalmat is also very much in contention, as could new call-up Kamel Chafni.

Sebastian Frey will be the goalkeeper of choice for Le Guen. Mickael Landreau and Benoit Benvegnu are quality, but lack the experience of the Inter man. Willy Sagnol is clearly the first choice for the right back spot as Gallas is unavailable, but since Christian Rivière is also out the left back shirt has a couple of contenders. Mikael Silvestre could play there, but since he will more than likely feature at centre back, experienced Julien Escudé should get the nod. Jean-Alain Boumsong is a solid and dependable centre back alongside Silvestre, with Philippe Mexes able to fit seamlessly in.

Youngster François Vincent has emerged as a fine left winger in recent games, and club side Caen might have trouble keeping hold of him as he displays a fantastic array of technical ability this summer. Camel Meriem may appear to be slow, but he is very methodical and creative. If he moves inside, pacy Geoffrey Doumeng can take the role.

A talent of riches is the best description of the French strike force. Thierry Henry should start, but with Anthony Le Tallec offering superior creativity he might get ahead as the second striker. The lead berth is a straight fight between Sidney Govou and Jérémie Aliardiere. Govou is in the form of his life, but arguably Aliardiere is the most in form player at the Championships. Thirty-seven goals and twenty-one assists in the last season mean he is a serious contender. Either man is dangerous.

Le Guen could surpise everyone and move to a 3-5-2 formation to accomodate Ahmetovic in his favoured role, but at such a late stage such an event is unlikely.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Ahmetovic, Jean-Christoph AM C FRA 21.9.90 21 1 1

- Aliardière, Jérémie S C FRA 30.3.83 29 2 1

- Benvegnu, Benoit GK FRA 18.1.85 27 1 -

- Boumsong D C FRA 14.12.79 32 18 -

- Bourgeois, Christophe D/DM C FRA 14.4.88 24 - -

- Bréchet, Jérémie D LC FRA 14.8.79 32 38 -

- Chafni, Kamel AM RLC FRA 11.6.82 29 - -

- Dalmat, Stéphane M C FRA 16.2.79 33 69 12

- Doumeng, Geoffrey AM/F RC FRA 9.11.80 31 9 -

- Escudé, Julien D LC FRA 17.8.79 32 53 -

- Frey, Sebastien GK FRA 18.3.80 32 51 -

- Govou, Sidney F RC FRA 27.7.79 32 38 13

- Henry, Thierry S C FRA 17.8.77 34 125 65

- Landreau, Mickaël GK FRA 14.5.79 33 6 -

- Laurenti, Fabien SW/D C FRA 6.1.83 29 - -

- Le Tallec, Anthony F C FRA 3.10.84 27 16 3

- Meriem, Camel AM RLC FRA 18.10.79 32 35 6

- Mexès, Philippe SW/D C FRA 30.3.82 30 53 3

- Rothen, Jérôme AM L FRA 31.3.78 34 18 2

- Sagnol, Willy D/DM R FRA 18.3.77 35 66 5

- Silvestre, Mickaël SW/D LC FRA 9.8.77 34 83 4

- Vercoutre, Rémy GK FRA 26.6.80 31 - -

- Vincent, François AM RLC FRA 16.1.91 21 5 1

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

GERMANY

Good things come to those who wait

2012 could be the year for the Nationalmannschaft

As one of the international footballing powerhouses, Germany are expected once again to feature as one of the main contenders to lift the European Championship trophy. The difference this year is that a policy of patience looks like it might finally pay off. Since reaching the final back in Euro 2004 only to lose out to Holland, a rebuilding process has been in place. Rudi Völler took his time in finding the right players for the job, and when they weren't there, waiting for them. It showed in their rather poor World Cup and European Championship appearances. A once massive nation appeared to be on the decline.

Yet now, in 2012, the twenty-three men named by Völler to duel with the elite have a fantastic opportunity to achieve victory in Norway. Whereas in the past Germany lacked a goalscorer (what was known as the sturmer krise) the likes of Völler himself, Jurgen Klinsmann, or Gerd Muller, they now have Kai Brand. The Union Berlin striker has a current career record of 0.81 goals per game. A record like that is rarely seen, and it is therefore little surprise that Brand carries the weight and expectation of a nation.

He is seen as the final piece in the jigsaw. He arrived on the scene too late to have a major impact on the World Cup in Brazil, but two years later Germany still have the defence and midfield in place which will serve them so well. Völler has had to deal with frail squads in the past. Now, he admits it was a tough task to narrow his selection down to twenty-three: "Some of the players I have had to leave out would be first choice had they been born elsewhere. Fortunately we are blessed with fantastic players, and consequentially we must achieve positive results."

As with a majority of other nations, their pre-tournament build up has been shaky. A draw with Italy can be taken as a good result, but a defeat to Spain cannot. Yet unlike many others, Germany made hard work of qualifying, so it can be seen as no surprise. Traditionally, the Nationalmannschaft tend to wait until the important games to turn on the class, and this year looks like being no different. Talking of big games, they come no bigger than Germany's opening game - against England in Stavanger. Three draws in their last three meetings shows that it will be very tight, with the winner having a greater chance of qualifying.

The German press know how important it is. Upon the draw back in February, Kicker Magazine ran the headline "Clash of the titans.....again!" before expanding upon its importance by saying "Germany and England will meet in Stavanager with everything on the line. Not only does the game offer points, but crucially a psychological boost to the winners which could prove invaluable."

Back in 2002 people were writing of Germany as "the princes of perseverance." A decade later, the description is more accurate than ever. On paper, their time has come. All that remains is to see if grass is the same as paper.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Hildebrand

Feulner Balitsch Metzelder Berg

Fritz Kehl Becker Rahn

Brand Jones

</pre>

Gone are the days of a German back three. Völler now sticks to 4-4-2, perhaps because it balances Germany far better against a majority of opponents who use the same formation. They still get the spine of the side which came with the old style, with considerably more attacking width, but tend to leave a little more room in the centre of the park than they would like to.

Timo Hildebrand might have lost the gloves in the warm-ups to Marco Wrzesczinski, but his experience and superior handling skills should see him take his place between the sticks come June 10th. Young uncapped stopper Jörg Maier has come to prominence this last few months, and should he be anywhere near the class of his namesake Sepp, he'll be one to consider.

Markus Feulner operates at right back, but his early career spent in midfield gives him an advantage when attacking. A competent passer and marker, he deliveres an awesome cross. Across the park on the left will be club team-mate Holger Berg. The youngster has recently displaced Stephan Kling, perhaps since Berg appears more assured on the ball. Christoph Metzelder and Hanno Balitsch perform central defensive duties well, but will face pressure from emerging Bayern rock Marco Krause.

The hottest midfield talent to come out of Germany in a long time is Dennis Becker. Another to come from the Bayern side of Bavaria, he offers the creative skills and influence that were vacated upon the retirement of Michael Ballack. At only 21, the best years are ahead of him. He partners captain Sebastian Kehl in the middle of the park. Kehl is the quintessential midfield maestro. His anticipation and leadership are second to none, and should he need replacing, Fabian Ernst is not of the same class. On the wings, Christian Rahn (left), and Clemens Fritz (right) do enough. Becker can move out to the left allowing the exhuberant talents of Frank Walz to run free.

Kai Brand will be the main striker. Enough has been written and said of him already, but his aerial ability and rugged determination, not to mention an electric finish, make him a danger. Jermaine Jones should fight off competition from Christian Timm and Ralf Schuster and start alongside the Union Berlin striker.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Balitsch, Hanno D/DM RC GER 2.1.81 31 32 3

- Becker, Dennis M LC GER 10.9.90 21 6 2

- Berg, Holger D/DM L GER 29.7.90 21 3 -

- Bierofka, Daniel AM L GER 7.2.79 33 17 1

- Brand, Kai S C GER 2.5.86 26 27 17

- Ernst, Fabian SW/DM C GER 30.5.79 33 19 -

- Feulner, Markus D/DM R GER 12.2.82 30 22 1

- Fritz, Clemens AM/F R GER 7.12.80 31 4 -

- Grundmann, Sven AM R GER 26.12.85 26 1 -

- Hildebrand, Timo GK GER 5.4.79 33 32 -

- Jones, Jermaine S C GER 3.11.81 30 18 3

- Kehl, Sebastian DM C GER 13.2.80 32 59 2

- Kling, Stephan D/DM L GER 22.3.81 31 9 -

- Krause, Marco SW/D/DM C GER 18.12.89 22 3 -

- Maier, Jörg GK GER 22.2.88 24 - -

- Metzelder, Christoph D C GER 5.11.80 31 90 4

- Ochs, Patrick D LC GER 14.5.84 28 2 -

- Rahn, Christian AM L GER 15.6.79 32 28 -

- Renno, René GK GER 19.2.79 33 - -

- Schuster, Ralf S C GER 4.7.87 24 16 5

- Timm, Christian F RLC GER 27.2.79 33 23 4

- Walz, Frank AM C GER 21.1.90 22 24 3

- Wrzesczinski, Marco GK GER 15.10.85 26 2 -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

ICELAND

Making the most of their limelight

Last time's runners-up return for more

Cardiff. June 29th 2008. England were celebrating winning the European Championships. In the massive celebration and partying, everyone seemed to forget Iceland, who, in their first ever major finals appearance, managed to progress all the way to the final, against the odds of just about anyone with a sane mind. For a nation who had produced the odd quality player here or there - Arnor Gudjohnsen springs to mind - this achievement had massive implications for Icelandic football. The nation started taking the sport really seriously. Positive development can now be witnessed across the country as they firmly believe progress can be made.

Much of the credit due should be to Atli Edvalðsson, the national manager. Turning a team of players ranging from moderately talented to the occasional quality performer and moulding them into a unit capable of beating the likes of Portugal and Russia takes some managerial acumen. Edvalðsson has this in abundance. The 55-year-old has the level of discipline required to coach at this level, whilst having a wealth of experience.

Edvalðsson sees the Championships as an opportunity to publicise Iceland as a nation: "Four years ago we shocked the world by finishing runners-up to England in Scotland and Wales. Now, we return to the European Championships once again, with the aim of repeating the feat. Of course, being realistic, we have to consider the fact that opposition could be stronger. Conditions, although Scandinavian, could be against us. Any number of elements can make or break what we do."

"But it's about far more than that. This should be an opportunity to show that Iceland can be a force to be reckoned with. Just making it here has made enough of an impact. Now, we can raise the stick again. Everything Iceland do on the football field is a progression. To make it to the next level is important. By that I mean the 2014 World Cup. But for now, we focus on the task in hand."

Edvalðsson certainly comes across as confident about his squads chances, if not arrogant about them. Iceland have their strengths, as with anyone. A strong and organised defence is complimented by a team work ethic second to almost none. With Eidur Gudjohnsen still in fine goalscoring form, they have the end product in place. Whilst they may not win the tournament, they have enough to shake things up a little. Although the draw hasn't been exactly kind to them (pitted against Denmark, Portugal, and host nation Norway), they can repeat the extraordinary feats of four years ago.

The opener of Scotland/Wales 2008 saw them up against reigning World Champions Croatia. Ninety minutes later, a 3-2 win was theirs. Who is to say that in Trondheim, on the eleventh of the month, Iceland won't replicate the trick against Denmark? Nobody. Iceland still have the surprise factor. They haven't been on the international stage long enough or consistently enough for countries to know everything about them. That could be the ace up Atli Edvalðsson's sleeve.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Hauksson

Ólafsson Bjarnasson Björnsson Sigurdsson

Guðlaugsson Guðmundsson Birgisson Þorvaldsson

Gudjohnsen Jónsson

</pre>

Iceland will play a balanced 4-4-2 formation. The absence of injury and suspension striken captain Joey Gudjonssom will be a massive blow to the side. Not only was his energetic box-to-box work the crux of the side, but he also weighed in with a fair share of goals. How Atli Edvalðsson deals with that will be interesting.

Magnús Hauksson is assured and calm when he dons the goalkeepers jersey. The days of 37 year old Arni Gautur Arason are firmly in the past, but he can offer a wealth of experience should Hauksson be forced to miss any engagements. In the centre of defence Ólafur Björnsson and Tryggvi Bjarnasson can be caught out by pace (although the former is extremely quick, he lacks the anticipation), but generally the duo are tidy and composed. Andri Helgason is useful to have in reserve. Both full backs have plenty of nous and knowledge, and are expected to work for the full ninety minutes. Kristján Ólafsson and Indridi Sigursson will start most games, but Albert Ãsvaldsson could play, with Björnsson moving to left back if the situation requires such action. It is unlikely.

Joey Gudjonsson's absence means Coventry's Stefan Guðmundsson could well start. A lack of first team football might mean traditional substitute Emil Hallfreðsson could join Magnús Birgisson in the engine room. Out wide, Gunnar Heiðar Þorvaldsson (left) and Jakob Örn Guðlaugsson (right) offer pace and the odd goal threat. Einar Einarsson, Orri Freyr Óskarsson, and Haraldur Guðmundsson all offer competency by way of cover.

In attack, Dortmund man Eidur Gudjohnsen offers goals aplenty. His instictive finishing will go a long way to determining Icelandic fortunes. Sævar Jónsson doesn't score the goals, but does his bit on the park. A busy little player, he will always demand attention. Sævar Freyr Alexandersson will score goals, but is an enigma and best used from the bench.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Alexandersson, Sævar Frey F C ISL 15.4.85 27 9 -

- Arason, Arni Gautur GK ISL 7.5.75 37 66 -

- Ãsvaldsson, Albert D RC ISL 9.9.82 29 2 -

- Birgisson, Magnús M/S C ISL 9.4.86 26 5 1

- Bjarnason, Tryggvi D C ISL 16.1.83 29 26 -

- Björnsson, Ólafur D LC ISL 13.6.85 26 7 -

- Einarsson, Einar M R ISL 18.3.89 23 - -

- Gudjohnsen, Eidur S C ISL 15.9.78 33 85 39

- Guðlaugsson, Jakob Örn F RLC ISL 10.6.86 25 34 3

- Guðmundsson, Haraldur D C ISL 13.7.79 32 4 -

- Guðmundsson, Stefan DM C ISL 19.11.85 26 7 1

- Gunnlaugsson, Garðar Berg S C ISL 25.4.83 29 - -

- Hallfreðsson, Emil M/F LC ISL 29.6.84 27 26 6

- Hauksson, Magnús GK ISL 16.12.81 30 21 -

- Helgason, Andri D RC ISL 20.12.83 28 4 -

- Helgason, Helgi Már GK ISL 18.1.83 29 1 -

- Jóhannsson, Ómar GK ISL 2.3.81 31 8 -

- Jónsson, Sævar S C ISL 19.1.83 29 15 1

- Ólafsson, Kristján D RC ISL 26.2.78 34 41 2

- Óskarsson, Orri Freyr M/F RC ISL 1.7.80 31 18 2

- Sigurdsson, Indridi D LC ISL 12.10.81 30 36 -

- Þórhallsson, Andri B D RC ISL 14.9.83 28 15 -

- Þorvaldsson, Gunnar Heiða AM/F L ISL 1.4.82 30 53 3

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

ITALY

Guidolin rings the changes

But does he have the timing all wrong?

Many an eyebrow was raise when Francesco Guidolin named his Italian squad for the 2012 European Championships. Of the twenty-three names, just five players have more than ten international caps. The likes of Alessandro Pellicori, Enrico Lodesani, Luciano Zauri, Luca Toni, and Claudio Cioffi - all of whom played an integral part in Italian qualification - have been omitted from the finals squad. Instead, Guidolin has chosen youthful, talented players charged with performing at the biggest European football stage. It might work, but then again it may not.

It certainly comes as a change from the Guidolin many thought they knew from his Bologna days. In his time at the Dall'Ara, he was known as a manager who would look to experience ahead of youth. The policy was continued somewhat into his early career as Italian manager. But a draw and a defeat in warm-up matches (against Germany and France respectively) showed Guidolin thay perhaps the players he had faith in were not up to the task. Gabriele Marcotti of Corriere Dello Sport explains: "The games against France and Germany showed a tired Azzurri. But at the same time the young and admittedly inexperienced players were the stars. It appears that Guidolin believes that some of the younger prospects can win the tournament for him."

It could well be true. With little pressure on them, and a relatively easy Group Two draw against Romania, Sweden, and Scotland, Italy could progress. They may be inexperienced, but there is an awful lot of talent there. Remember also, that in previous years Italian youngsters have excelled at major tournaments. Roberto Baggio (Italia '90), Alessandro Del Piero (France '98) and Matteo Brighi (Japan/Korea '02) all made an impact upon the tournament. Saying that, the average age of the party is still a peak 28. The likes of Samuele Dalla Bona, Roberto Guana, and Federico Lazzeri are all over thirty, which does something to dispell the myth that Italy have too many youngsters.

Looking at reasons not to back Italy, and they are clear to see. The lack of international experience and continuity between the players at hand, combined with a traditional Italian style where they fail to deliver, could easily lead to failure. Historically, Italy deliver when it is least expected. Popular view this time around is that Italy lack the capabilities to lift the trophy on July 1st. This might just work in Italian favour. The usual fifty-odd million watching back in the peninsula, each of the belief they could be the Azzurri manager, might be caught by surprise by Guidolin's Italy.

Neutral supporters still will not shake the opinion that Italian football is dominated by the ancient catenaccio style. It has been years since an Italian side were in the vein of the Inter Milan sides of the 1960's, and educated football followers will know that. Delightful football, players going into the tournament with no fear, a talented coach - everything is in place for Italy to cause, as Guidolin says, "a surprise, which many would see as huge."

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Buffon

Terzi P.Cannavaro Vianello

Marchionni Bellini

Brighi Dalla Bona

Rossini

Gilardino Pavesi

</pre>

In principle, Guidolin will go with a 3-5-2, which becomes a 5-3-2 in defensive situations. As with many Serie A sides, the wing backs both defend and attack, and the trequartista - this year most likely to be Mattia Rossini - is entrusted with both creativity and goalscoring.

Any one of four goalkeepers could be in place by the opening game against Romania. Gianluigi Buffon has the experience and abilities to warrant his place, but Ivan Pelizzoli will push long and hard. Juventus star Gian Luca Pegolo and Milan's Christian Abbiati would not look out of place either. In defence, Paolo Cannavaro and Claudio Terzi will be on the sheet ahead of most names, offering between them agility, positional sense, and quality defensive attributes. The third spot is up for grabs. Logic tells us that Perugia man Francesco Vianello will slot in alongside Terzi and Cannavaro as his experience, pace, and teamwork are all worthy of a start. Alessio Falanga could also play. Young Varese prodigy Andrea Todisco is quickly turning into a world class performer and could easily play without looking out of place.

Wing backs Gianpolo Bellini (left) and Marco Marchionni (right) have a wealth of experience, meaning they'll know what is expected of them in this side. Chievo's wonderfully gifted wide player Eugenio Corradi has been touted for a spot by many, but might have to bow to experience. In the middle, Matteo Brighi plays as captain and the chief instigator of much that happens. Sam Dalla Bona has grown into the player many expected him to, and should get the nod ahead of the talented passer and dribbler Gaetano Porro, and the creative Roberto Guana.

Mattia Rossini is expected to be the bally-hooed trequartista. Also able to play up front, the Inter man's talents seem endless. At only 23, time is on his side. Should he move up front, which is possible, Guana or Nicola Orru could move in. Alberto Gilardino leads an unusually light Azzurri frontline. His goals will be crucial, as neither Denis Pavesi nor Andrea Rabito look prolific enough. The long term injury of Eder Bau was a blow at the time, and could prove to be even more of one over the coming weeks.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Abbiati, Christian GK ITA 8.7.77 34 2 -

- Amantini, Manuel D RL ITA 26.11.85 26 4 -

- Bellini, Gianpaolo D/DM RL ITA 27.3.80 32 38 -

- Brighi, Matteo DM RC ITA 14.2.81 31 44 6

- Buffon, Gianluigi GK ITA 28.1.78 34 101 -

- Cannavaro, Paolo D C ITA 26.6.81 30 6 -

- Corradi, Eugenio AM RL ITA 23.7.89 22 1 -

- Dalla Bona, Samuele AM C ITA 6.2.81 31 6 -

- Falanga, Alessio D C ITA 25.4.90 22 - -

- Gilardino, Alberto S C ITA 5.7.82 29 9 5

- Guana, Roberto AM C ITA 21.1.81 31 4 -

- Lazzeri, Federico SW/D C ITA 15.10.81 30 2 -

- Marchionni, Marco AM R ITA 22.7.80 31 53 2

- Orrù, Nicola AM/F RL ITA 19.3.88 24 - -

- Pavesi, Denis F C ITA 17.3.86 26 2 -

- Pegolo, Gian Luca GK ITA 25.3.81 31 1 -

- Pelizzoli, Ivan GK ITA 18.11.80 31 9 -

- Porro, Gaetano M RLC ITA 20.2.88 24 1 -

- Rabito, Andrea F RC ITA 11.5.80 32 2 -

- Rossini, Mattia F RC ITA 31.7.88 23 6 1

- Terzi, Claudio D C ITA 9.6.84 27 3 -

- Todisco, Andrea D RC ITA 17.2.93 19 1 -

- Vianello, Francesco SW/D C ITA 18.10.87 24 12 -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

NORWAY

Expectancy arises

Hosts must perform

Eight years since they were last on the big stage of an international tournament, Norway return as hosts. It has been said that if they hadn't have received the vote to host the European Championships, Nils Johan Semb's side might not have been here at all. That is a harsh view to take - Norway have a pretty decent record in friendly matches over the last year, having been over 800 days since they were last in meaningful competitive action. For all their preparation, a pretty decent squad has been compiled, which stands at least a fighting chance of winning in their own back yard.

Such a long time away from competition could be a hinderance. But as Semb has said, many of his squad play regularly at club level, and therefore will be prepared for the rigours of team competition. The squad have a competent flavour of youth and age, and the right combination could set them alight. "Norway have been criticised for playing boring, long ball football under Semb. Whilst defence is still the main focus, there are enough players to ensure that the fans are left pleased." says Norweigan sports reporter Eric Artør.

Yes, the fans. Being the home nation, Norway can count on the traditional home support. Expect colour and passion from the Norwegian public, not only for the home side, but throughout the tournament. The importance of the twelfth man for the hosts has not been underestimated by captain John Arne Riise: "It is not very often that you will play an international tournament in your own country. We have to take as many advantages as we can - from knowing the conditions, to the support of the fans. Any success we have will be a success too for the supporters."

So, apart from having home advantage, what are the Norwegian strengths? A strong defence with attacking tendencies, and a packed midfield which can stifle the midfield. John Carew as the lone striker is a handful, but there is able support. Technical ability is high, and the mental strength and patience (which will be tested) is evident for all to see the pre-tournament victory over Turkey. A wide range of attacking options means that Semb will rarely be worried about goals. However, the defence, which is prone to the odd lapse and attacking foray, can be breached.

The draw has heartened some fans. Denmark, Iceland, and Portugal are all beatable by the standards of the supporters, and in avoiding the favourites they can see progression as a reality. If they can draw on their strengths, and of course, the home support, then they might be able to go through. All of course, with a pinch of luck. Norway expects.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Waters

Wiik Bø Karadas Riise

Larsen Bakke Gamst Pedersen Bolseth Midtsian

Carew

</pre>

Traditionally Nils Johan Sem will prefer a defensive 4-5-1 formation with direct play they key. A switch to 4-4-2 would allow a strike partner for John Carew, which would mean a greater goal threat, but could open up holes in the midfield.

Emil Waters should be first choice goalkeeper. His greater experience, plus playing at a higher level than his competitors, should be enough to secure it. Rune Loven is the able deputy. At right back, Jahn Ove Wiik is very energetic and quick, but at times lacks consistency. Jon Inge Høiland could take his place. In the centre, Kim Bø has had a decent time at Varese which will probably confirm his spot, alongside number one choice Azar Karadas. The Celtic stopper has everything - and an eye for goal. Captain John Arne Riise completes the defence at left back. Øystein Steiro is the main man to fill in.

A five man midfield sees the conventional four joined by the wildcard, Morten Gamst Pedersen. He can score goals - watch out for his set piece mastery - but more often than not blows cold. Options on the wings come from Aleksandar Midtsian, Magne Hoseth, and Rune Larsen. Each are pretty similar. The left wing will be the most contested position, with Midtsian and Hoseth fighting against Simen Brenne, off the back of a fabulous season with Borussia Monchengladbach. Should Brenne play, Gamst Pedersen can play left side. In the middle it is a given that Eirik Bakke will be joined by diminutive battle Rune Bolseth.

As stated, John Carew will be the lone striker. However, if Norway are in need of goals, they can switch to 4-4-2 and utilise the goalscoring exploits of Eldar Hadzimehmedovic - this year's token commentators nightmare. The most natural striker in the squad would expect selection ahead of Christoffer Solvang or Kristian Ystaas.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Baardsen, Espen GK NOR 7.12.77 34 14 -

- Bakke, Eirik AM RC NOR 13.9.77 34 75 13

- Bø, Kim SW/D/DM C NOR 24.9.85 26 27 1

- Bolseth, Rune M C NOR 4.7.80 31 43 -

- Brenne, Simen M/S C NOR 17.3.81 31 4 -

- Carew, John S C NOR 5.9.79 32 81 47

- Evensen, Robert D/M C NOR 28.8.82 29 66 9

- Gamst Pedersen, Morten AM LC NOR 8.9.81 30 37 12

- Hadzimehmedovic, Eldar F RC NOR 10.9.84 27 9 1

- Høiland, Jon Inge D/DM R NOR 20.9.77 34 8 -

- Hoseth, Magne AM/F LC NOR 13.10.80 31 53 3

- Karadas, Azar D C NOR 9.8.81 30 57 2

- Larsen, Rune D/DM RC NOR 5.6.82 29 15 2

- Loven, Rune GK NOR 1.5.86 26 1 -

- Midtsian, Aleksander AM LC NOR 2.10.82 29 4 1

- Mjøs, Fredrik D C NOR 31.5.85 27 - -

- Riise, John Arne D/M LC NOR 24.9.79 32 77 3

- Solvang, Christoffer F RC NOR 16.9.83 28 8 1

- Solvoll, Thomas GK NOR 22.11.80 31 - -

- Steiro, Øystein SW/D/DM LC NOR 18.11.82 29 11 -

- Waters, Emil GK NOR 8.11.83 28 16 -

- Wiik, Jahn Ove D RC NOR 20.5.82 30 32 1

- Ystaas, Kristian F RC NOR 26.2.82 30 4 -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

PORTUGAL

Little can go a long way

Giresse's side can prove the doubters wrong

Alain Giresse's job hasn't been the most secure in the international arena for quite some time. Despite winning the 2007 Confederations Cup and qualifying for every tournament they could have, the Frenchman has found pressure and opposition. Quite why isn't known. Many believe he is tactically inept, others doubt his abilities as a coach. Yet he proves them wrong time and again. Qualifying as one of the most impressive countries, Portugal enter Euro 2012 with an outside chance of victory, even if they won't talk about it.

"We do not really speak of winning..." captain Felipe Oliveira explains. Continuing, "...but we do believe in our abilities taking us as far as possible." The generation game continues for the Iberian side. The likes of Luis Figo, Manuel Rui Costa and others are a distant memory. The class of 2012, the likes of Ricardo Quaresma, Hélder Postiga, and Oliveira himself have the talent to prove the doubters wrong.

However, there are major similarities between this squad and that which consistently failed to perform. The 'golden generation' - those which graduated from the 1989 and 1991 Under-20 World Youth Championships - appear to have a lot in common with this crop of players. A similarly inconsistent style, ranging from unbeatably good to embarrassingly poor, hinders them. This is where Giresse's criticism tends to derive from. Luis Madeiroa, a respected sports writer in his home country, details the situation: "Giresse seems to lack the heart and passion which is expected of him. Everything is fine if he is winning, but if the going gets tough, he hides. No determination, poor man management, and a lack of adaptability means he may be doomed to fail."

In fairness to the former French international, his position is similar to that of his predecessors. John Kowalski, Eckhard Krautzun, and Humberto Coelho before him all perished in less successful tenures. The benefit Giresse has is that he has picked up silverware in the form of the Confederations Cup. This year's draw places them in Group One with Denmark, Iceland, and Norway. On paper, they will be favourites to top the group. From there, it's anyone's guess where they go. With players drawn from some of Europe's top sides - Real Madrid, Valencia, Porto, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all represented - the talent is there.

Whisper it quietly. Portugal, however reluctant to admit it, have a fair chance of seizing glory in Norway. Perhaps more realistic is a place in the final four - which would have to be accepted by even the hardcore of Giresse's critics.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Pinheiro

Augusto Armando Nuno Mata Carvalho

Ricardo Quaresma Mario Fernando Meira Edgar

Hélder Postiga Oliveira

</pre>

4-4-2 is the weapon of Giresse's choice. Unlike the previous managers of the Portuguese, there is a lack of fluidity and movement. There are the capabilities for it, but Giresse strictly adheres to the zonal game. He also has a wealth of experience at his disposal. Captain Felipe Oliveira has 90 caps and is only just 28 years of age.

Hugo Pinheiro is the best goalkeeper at hand, and despite a relatively short international career, he has the class to perform. Liverpool's Felipe Leão is a very good 'keeper, but might lose out. In the heart of the defence, Nuno Mata and Filipe Armando are one of the best pairs around. They are very strong, and have an imposing presence. But they will be done by raw pace, which is why Jorge Andrade will be first choice cover ahead of Lino and Ricardo Carvalho. Flanking the duo are tough-tackling youngster Fernando Augusto at right back, and influential left footer Carvalhp.

Ahead of them on the wings, Ricardo Quaresma and Edgar can be found. Both are exceptionally quick, and importantly weigh in with goals - 36 between them at international level. It is this which puts them ahead of Bruno Aguiar and Rodrigo Brasao. More centrally, Alexandre Mário is full of flair and trickery, and Fernando Meira is the opposite - a tenacious but refined midfielder.

As mentioned, Felipe Oliveira has massive experience for his age, and captains the side. His goalscoring record isn't the greatest, but he can rely on Hélder Postiga to continue his record of better than a goal every other game for Portugal. Guilherme Alves has a battle on his hands to get in, as will Lucas.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Aguiar, Bruno D/M RC POR 10.7.81 30 2 -

- Alves, Guilherme S C POR 13.3.92 20 5 1

- Armando, Filipe D C POR 9.12.88 23 18 1

- Augusto, Fernando D/DM RC POR 23.2.91 21 9 -

- Brasao, Rodrigo AM RC POR 27.3.82 30 30 3

- Cardoso, Alfredo D/AM L POR 15.5.91 21 3 -

- Carvalho D/M L POR 17.6.83 28 49 -

- Daniel GK POR 8.9.80 31 - -

- Edgar AM/F LC POR 7.8.77 34 57 22

- Fernando Meira D/DM C POR 5.6.78 33 72 2

- Jorge Andrade SW/D C POR 9.4.78 34 79 8

- Leão, Filipe GK POR 13.11.83 28 - -

- Lino D C POR 15.9.81 30 5 -

- Lucas F RC POR 25.10.82 29 12 1

- Márcio F RC POR 31.5.83 29 3 -

- Mário, Alexandre AM C POR 4.10.85 26 8 1

- Nuno Mata D/DM RC POR 25.2.83 29 43 -

- Nuno Santos GK POR 9.7.78 33 - -

- Oliveira, Felipe F RC POR 27.5.84 28 90 16

- Pinheiro, Hugo GK POR 20.5.81 31 4 -

- Postiga, Hélder S C POR 2.8.82 29 40 23

- Ricardo Carvalho D C POR 18.5.78 34 8 -

- Ricardo Quaresma AM RL POR 26.9.83 28 62 14

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Look to the past

Previous tournaments offer valuable information for the Irish

Finishing as quarter finalists in Brazil two years ago was an achievement for Ireland. It represented an all time best placement in an international tournament. Mick McCarthy's sixteen year tenure in charge of the Emerald Island side will have presented an awful lot of insight into international football, and by using this, the Irish can play to their strengths. The squad has the same comparable strengths as it did when McCarthy took over from Jack Charlton in 1996, and only the personnel has really changed.

A massive blow is the loss of midfielder Ciarán Keane to suspension. Very much in the Roy Keane mould, he will be an immense loss. The importance of Keane cannot be underestimated. He is the man Ireland would turn to in tough situations. The driving force in the side has been taken away, which presents a conundrum as to how to replace him. Other than that, the squad available to McCarthy is recognisable and similar in talent to that which has always served the Republic well. A strong defence, battlers in midfield, and Robbie Keane scoring in attack. Ireland's all time record goalscorer is also set to win his 100th cap against Bulgaria in Lillestrøm, an honour which he fully recognises:

"Only Stevie Staunton and Ian Harte have reached three figures in caps, and are legends in the true sense of the word. I can't describe the feeling of honour and priviledge I will have if I should reach the hundred mark." Delving into detail about the tournament itself, "There's a feeling of confidence in the camp. Fair enough, we haven't had the best of warm-up games, but we learnt a lot, which is what it is all about. The draw appears tough, but we can overcome adversity, as we always do."

As the Irish continue to make an impact on world football, so do their ever-growing army of fans. Norway can expect a sea of green to arrive in their land come June, and rest assured they will do their utmost to drive their country to glory. Having made it out of the group phases for the last three tournaments, as far back as Germany '06, the consistency is always rising. Whereas before it was viewed as a triumph in itself if Ireland were to progress from the opening round, it is now almost an expectation.

McCarthy has a world class defence, a capable midfield, and goals guaranteed from Keane. Looking back to the past is key for Irish chances. Capitalising on mistakes made was one of their faults in years gone by. Learning from errors will help them progress to the next level. The draw (Germany, Bulgaria, and England) is probably the toughest of them all, but expect the English clash to be a ferocious affair, the likes of which the Irish players feed on. Taking something from that will be all important. It's all in the relatively short story of Irish international football.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Deeney

Reid O'Shea O'Brien Harte

Partridge Foley Sheridan Heffernan Killoughery

Robbie Keane

Doherty

</pre>

Ireland and 4-4-1-1 are synonymous with each other. McCarthy is known to favour one striker linking with the midfield and a lone striker, which more often than not has been Robbie Keane, who still scores more goals than anyone else.

The once secure goalkeeping role is no more. Shay Given is still just about going at the age of 36, but will more than likely be there as cover for Saul Deeley or Joe Brady. Either could start. The centre of defence is far more of a given. John O'Shea is perhaps the most talented Irish defender since Paul McGrath, and the 31 year old has been the driving force for both his country and his club side Millwall. Alongside him is Andy O'Brien, who is aerially solid and assured in almost every other task. Ian Harte is still the first choice left back, and should he play every game will become the most capped player in Irish history. Despite his defensive deficiencies, he is still lethal at dead ball situations. John McDonagh could fight for either side back position, but should lose out to the superior talents of Harte, and Steven Reid at right back.

Ciarán Keane's suspension means a problem in central midfield. Michael Foley Sheridan is the attacking option usually alongside Keane, and is given the licence by McCarthy to let his creativity run wild. Gary Heffernan is the sensible option alongside him, as for what he lacks in passing and tackling, his positional sense is good. In situations where a passer is needed, Michael Keane or Steven Reid could come into the reckoning. Out wide, Richie Partridge can play both sides but will go right, leaving the similarly talented Graham Killoughery to take the left.

Robbie Keane is the goal threat, lining up behind captain Gary Doherty, who can also play at the back,opening the door for both Richard Sadlier and Clinton Morrison, who offer very able backup should the need arise.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

=========================================================================

Squad

=========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Brady, Joe GK IRL 7.7.85 26 1 -

- Deeney, Saul GK IRL 23.7.81 30 15 -

- Doherty, Gary D/S C IRL 31.1.80 32 70 10

- Duff, Damien AM/F LC IRL 2.3.79 33 96 15

- Foley Sheridan, Michael AM C IRL 9.3.83 29 32 2

- Gavin, Jason D C IRL 14.3.80 32 12 -

- Given, Shay GK IRL 20.4.76 36 66 -

- Harte, Ian D L IRL 31.8.77 34 103 9

- Heffernan, Gary M C IRL 23.8.82 29 7 -

- Keane, Michael AM C IRL 29.12.82 29 6 -

- Keane, Robbie F C IRL 8.7.80 31 99 37

- Killoughery, Graham AM L IRL 22.7.84 27 3 -

- McDonagh, John D RL IRL 17.9.79 32 15 -

- McGovern, Brian D C IRL 28.4.80 32 3 -

- Morrison, Clinton S C IRL 14.5.79 33 70 21

- O'Brien, Andy D C IRL 29.6.79 32 57 1

- O'Connor, Mark D C IRL 23.7.79 32 3 -

- O'Shea, John D C IRL 30.4.81 31 84 6

- Partridge, Richie AM RL IRL 12.9.80 31 35 8

- Reid, Steven D/AM/F RLC IRL 10.3.81 31 44 2

- Roche, Barry GK IRL 6.4.82 30 - -

- Rooney, Brian D C IRL 18.9.88 23 4 -

- Sadlier, Richard S C IRL 14.1.79 33 11 5

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

ROMANIA

Last chance saloon

Euro 2012 presents final opportunity for the current generation

After a decade where Romanian football has recovered to a respectable position, the 2012 European Championships offer one last chance at glory for the current squad. The twenty three men named by Marius Lacatus are one of the older squads, and whilst they have a lot of experience, they may lack the quality they once had. Cosmin Contra, for example, may be good enough for Verona at the age of thirty-six, but could find this year a tournament too far.

Performances have generally been good. Beating Sweden in a warm-up friendly last year will give them a boost going into the draw with them, but when it comes to the big sides they tend to fail. Comprehensive defeats to the Czech Republic and England prove that they lack the class when it comes to the big occasion. Cristian Chivu and Adrian Mutu might have sufficient quality, but without the backup they'll be fighting a thankless task.

Lacatus is fully aware of the situation: "Yes, it will most probably be the last chance for a majority of this squad." He says. "But let us not forget there is also a generation of young Romanian footballers who will prosper alongside those who still have something to offer in the future." The likes of Marius Niculae, Chivu himself, and Vlad Munteanu are names who Lacatus talks of. Their extra quality will be needed at times in this tournament, especially since Romania have not named Adrian Mutu.

Mutu and Lacatus had a well publicised falling out last year. Since then, Mutu has been named in the squads, but has had to make do with substitute roles. For a player on the verge of one hundred caps and nearing the all time goals record, this was personal. In situations like this, the coach often wins. Consequently, Europe will be deprived of Mutu's talents, and Romania will have to turn elsewhere for their goals. Most likely Marius Niculae, who has a superior goals to games ratio than Mutu.

Romanian strengths will include a strong tactical shape with heavy defensive influence. Eight men behind the ball in defensive situations is expected, with counter attacks sprung expertly. As previously mentioned, the experience of the players could be a deciding factor in a very tough draw. Alongside Italy, Scotland, and Sweden, Romania are given little or no chance by many pundits. Yet captain Chivu believes differently: "Without a doubt, we can do this. Who can offer me a reason as to why we can't? We have as much of a chance as anyone else."

They may be true words, but in the event, class will tell. Whether Romania have that class, we'll wait and see.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Lobont

Contra Radoi Lupu Chivu Balan

V.Munteanu Codrea Cernat

Luca

Niculae

</pre>

Compared to others, Romania's tactical shape appears to be a complex top-secret design. In action, it is far simpler to comprehend. Apparently imbalanced, the 5-3-1-1 line-up allows a surprise break from the left back position. Usually Daniel Balan, this performer is speedy and energetic. The three central midfielders must defend ahead of attacking, but will create support when needed.

Bogdan Lobont should be the goalkeeper, despite losing his place to Constantin Dumitru in the last two games. Dumitru is the younger option, but Lobont still has better abilities, especially reflexes. A five man defence starts at right back with Cosmin Contra. As his body ages, the speed will disappear, but he is still as technically gifted and determined as ever. Cristian Chivu guides a general three man central defence alongside the wonderfully talented Matei Mirel Radoi and newly-capped Cosmin Lupu. Daniel Balan's spot at left back is assured since he performs the important roles well, and with Chivu, the only real possible replacement, in the middle, Romania will be hoping for an injury free time.

Vlad Munteanu is quick over the ground, which suggests why he covers the right wing. Just inside from him you will find Paul Codrea. The Deportivo midfielder's positioning and agility allows the midfield to be extremely flexible. Florin Cernat is the master of set pieces, although he cannot be compared to the legendary Gheorghe Hagi. His pace is a crucial asset, cemeting his place ahead of veteran Florentin Dumitru and Stefan Costel Grigorie. Sânmãrtean is a decent substitute, but will not start.

Marius Luca has taken the mantle of Adrian Mutu's role of falling behind the striker and playing the forward. With moderate success, he should be confident of his place alongside goalscorer-in-chief, Marius Niculae. Brother George Daniel Niculae and Nicola Mitea will pressure for a start, but will have to make do with bench-warming roles.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Bãlan, Daniel D RLC ROM 18.9.79 32 46 1

- Cernat, Florin AM C ROM 10.5.80 32 34 7

- Chivu, Cristian D LC ROM 26.10.80 31 100 1

- Codrea, Paul DM C ROM 4.4.81 31 49 6

- Contra, Cosmin D/DM R ROM 15.12.75 36 96 4

- Dolha, Emilian GK ROM 3.11.79 32 7 -

- Dumitru, Constantin GK ROM 13.2.88 24 2 -

- Dumitru, Florentin M RL ROM 25.5.77 35 38 -

- Geoane, Tiberiu D/DM RC ROM 18.6.81 30 33 -

- Grigorie, Stefan Costel AM/F RLC ROM 31.1.82 30 30 5

- Lobont, Bogdan GK ROM 18.1.78 34 32 -

- Luca, Marius F RC ROM 21.9.80 31 12 1

- Lupu, Cosmin SW/D C ROM 24.9.79 32 1 -

- Mitea, Nicolae F C ROM 24.3.85 27 2 -

- Munteanu, Vlad AM RLC ROM 16.1.81 31 75 10

- Niculae, George Daniel S C ROM 6.10.82 29 2 -

- Niculae, Marius S C ROM 16.5.81 31 53 26

- Ogãraru, George D R ROM 3.2.80 32 - -

- Panfil, Florian GK ROM 3.1.80 32 - -

- Rãdoi, Matei Mirel SW/D/DM C ROM 23.3.81 31 60 2

- Rosu, Dumitru Laurentiu D/F LC ROM 16.11.76 35 55 12

- Sânmãrtean AM RC ROM 13.3.80 32 58 11

- Serban, Gheorghe D C ROM 20.12.81 30 4 -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

SCOTLAND

Bright times

Good things on the horizon for Scotland

Excluding their automatic qualification for Euro 2008 as hosts, Scottish fans were forced to look back to the 1998 World Cup in France for their last appearance on the international footballing stage. Until now, that is. German coach David Körner took over upon Berti Vogts' retirement back in 2006, and after a slow start the tactician is really impressing. For the first time in a very long time, there is an abundance of talent coming from the country, and Scotland can make a real impression this time.

That may sound strange to footballing fans, who have seen Scotland as a 'joke' in previous years. This year, and for the past two, Körner has excelled in finding and developing some of the hottest talents about. The 40 year old coach has more experience than many at his age, and is wonderfully adept at working out tactics suited to his players. The result - a side perfectly balanced between defence and attack. The qualification results show as much. A comprehensive win in Spain and a battling 1-0 victory in Ukraine were highlights of a rare successful campaign.

Just one defeat in their last sixteen outings is also cause for a positive attitude. The players are gelling as a unit, and are set to peak as individuals. Centre back Lee Wilkie has more experience than most, and commented on the squad he is a part of: "There are some amazing players here right now. The likes of Mark Kerr, Kiegan Parker, Stephen McPhee, Jamie McCunnie - I could go on all day really. As a squad, we believe the time has come to put Scottish football well and truly back on the international map. Rangers, Celtic, and to a lesser extent Kilmarnock and Aberdeen have flown the flag well for the club sides, now we have to do it for the nation as a whole. And we think we can."

Much of the credit must go to Körner. Whilst it is ultimately the players who will perform (or not as the case might be), the coach has the responsibility of collecting a squad of players for the job, and moulding them into a successful unit. Under this criteria, very few coaches and managers around can match the German. The darker days of the past have been left behind as the new Scotland play enterprising and intuitive football, not to mention entertaining. Körner refuses to take all the credit, however: "It is really down to the players. I just pick the side. They are the true stars here."

The draw has seen Scotland end up in Group Two with Italy, Sweden, and Romania. They certainly feel qualification is within their reach, although there are no illusions of how hard it could be. "Any game at a major tournament is hard, as you are playing the elite. Then again, if you have qualified then there is the chance you can also win." says Körner. In a strong Scottish side that appears to know no limits, and have very few evident weaknesses, Scotland could suprise many.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Young

McCunnie S.Caldwell Wilkie McCracken Crainey

M.Kerr Wilson

Maloney

Parker McPhee/Twigg

</pre>

Scotland play with the old traditional German-style 5-3-2 formation, allowing wing backs to attack. The difference here is that David Körner has tweaked the formation to give a more attacking bias, with no conventional holding midfielder in place. Barry Ferguson would be the closest to this in performance, but injury has ruled the captain out.

34 year old Kevin Young has seen it all, and will play the vital goalkeeping role. As good as Paul Gallacher is, Young's handling is superior, and his defence look more solid with him behind them. Lee Wilkie is the rock at the very epicentre of the defence, flanked by fellow centre backs Stephen Caldwell and David McCracken. If looking for weaknesses in the side, it can be said that McCracken and Caldwell can be undone through pace or trickery, but they are strong against big attackers. On the left side, Stephen Crainey is perfect for the wing back job due to his unbelieveable stamina. He is also a set piece wonder - his left foot is one to watch at free kicks. Jamie McCunnie is more attack-orientated, but can defend with the best of them. James Walker and especially Phil McGuire have the talent to come in at centre back, but there are surprisingly few options on the flanks.

Mark Kerr is the real star of the team. The Chelsea man has made the progression from whizz-kid to consistent world-beater brilliantly. He is the man who can turn the game for Scotland with his pace and skill, leaving opponents dazzled. Taking the role usually held by Ferguson should be Mark Wilson. He might lack the bite and all round ability of Ferguson, but can hold his own and is a mean marker. James McFadden or Michael Stewart could come into the reckoning.

Kiegan Parker may drop back to play behind the strikers in the enforced absence of any capable third central midfielders. Shaun Maloney has played recently, allowing Parker to play his preferred front man role, and most expect Körner to stick with this. Which leaves Stephen McPhee and Gary Twigg to fight out the final berth. Both men play in Italy, and have had a tough season in terms of regular football. McPhee has the better scoring record, but both could end up losing out to Mark Burchill, for fitness reasons if nothing else.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Bald, William GK SCO 22.4.83 29 1 -

- Burchill, Mark S C SCO 18.8.80 31 48 15

- Caldwell, Steve D C SCO 12.9.80 31 48 2

- Crainey, Stephen D L SCO 22.6.81 30 24 -

- Creaney, Kevin GK SCO 30.6.84 27 - -

- Gallacher, Paul GK SCO 16.8.79 32 4 -

- Kerr, Mark M C SCO 2.3.82 30 39 8

- Kerr, Stewart F RC SCO 13.6.85 26 2 -

- Knox, Andrew D/DM C SCO 19.2.82 30 - -

- Maloney, Shaun F C SCO 24.1.83 29 2 -

- McCracken, David D LC SCO 16.10.81 30 10 -

- McCunnie, Jamie D/DM R SCO 15.4.83 29 59 2

- McFadden, James DM LC SCO 14.4.83 29 7 -

- McGuire, Phil D C SCO 4.3.80 32 20 -

- McPhee, Stephen S C SCO 5.6.81 30 26 10

- Parker, Kiegan F RC SCO 8.6.82 29 47 14

- Paterson, Jim D/AM LC SCO 25.9.79 32 50 1

- Stewart, Michael DM C SCO 26.2.81 31 3 -

- Twigg, Gary S C SCO 19.3.84 28 35 7

- Walker, James D C SCO 26.9.83 28 10 -

- Wilkie, Lee SW/D C SCO 20.4.80 32 46 3

- Wilson, Mark DM RLC SCO 11.5.82 30 6 -

- Young, Kevin GK SCO 30.11.77 34 41 -

</pre>

[Brian of Nazareth]

England, Scotland and Ireland all in with a reasonable shot it seems. Come one Auld Rivalry final, even though that would mean Scotland boring the frigging hell out of all the fans :/

[Philip Rolfe]

SWEDEN

Midfield maestros

But will the rest of the side perform?

Sweden will look to make a major impact in the first Scandinavian-hosted international tournament since they hosted these very same European Championships back in 1992. Fellow Scandinavian country Denmark triumphed then, and now Sweden aim to do the same in Norway. After struggling to compete in the first decade of the century, a return to good times in the Brazil World Cup presents good signs for them.

In the past, Uno Andersson's sides have been criticised for a lack of style and being too predicable. With good justification. Swedish performances were bland and uninventive, and there was no catalyst for a match winning change. It's totally different nowadays. Sweden possess a midfield with at least six quality match winners, which is exactly what they have missed in the past. The goalscorers were always there - Dahlin, Kennet Andersson, Ibrahimovic - but the service from the midfield became poorer and poorer after Brohlin, Schwarz, and Ingesson disappeared. The current crop are at their career peak, and will not only create goals, but score them too.

Manager Andersson spoke of his talents at the press conference where he announced the party to travel to Norway: "The midfielders we have of use are very good indeed. Many of them have progressed through the age groups together, and by knowing each other they can play effectively. We have wide players, central players, attacking players - but each individual is not limited to one role. For example, Alex Farnerud can play anywhere across the midfield, behind the strikers, or in attack. Very few countries have that versatility amongst their ranks."

Andersson is talking of the likes of Labinot Harbuzi, Farnerud, Bojan Djordjic, and team captain Kim Kallström. All four could well start in Drammen against Scotland, which would strike fear into any opponent. The Swedes will also be without Kennedy Bakircioglu due to a thigh injury he has been unable to recover from in time for selection. The sheer might they possess in this department is frightening, and could push them close to success.

But many Swedes watched on with concern as they crashed to a pre-tournament defeat in Romania by a 3-0 scoreline. On that night, the defensive problems known for a while by many came to light in a very public fashion, and veteran keeper Rami Shaaban was exposed badly. Any opposition for Sweden can look upon the situation with glee. Whilst the midfield and attack are coming to fruition, the defence tends to look frail and old. Add to that the fact that goalscoring machine Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also unavailable with a damaged shoulder, and Sweden could be in a spot of bother.

If Sweden are to do anything this summer, they simply must rectify the problems opened up by Romania - whom they face in Group Two alongside the Scots and Italy. And how they know it.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Shaaban

Eriksson Johansson Mellberg Dorsin

Ljungberg Harbuzi Kallström Djordjic

Farnerud Hjelm

</pre>

Despite injury problems threatening to tear up his best laid plans, Uno Andersson still has the strength in depth to maintain a 4-4-2 system based on a mixture of direct and incisive passing, and a zonal marking system which sometimes works against them.

Rami Shaaban must be close to retirement, but will start this tournament. Whether the 36 year old of 86 caps finishes it is another question. His handling is good, and he is the only capped keeper in the squad. But Japanese born stopper Toshiyasu Takahara is showing good signs and might make a breakthrough. At right back, Jacob Eriksson will play despite preferring a central role, as his average pace shows. That said, he has done well when asked of him, and tackles well. Much the same can be said of the left sided equivalent, Mikael Dorsin. Richard Henriksson offers competition in both cases. Centrally, Nils-Eric Johansson is the more capable defender. He is aerially commanding and always knows what he is doing, which is more than can be said for the ageing Olof Mellberg. Frederik Risp is waiting in the wings.

The midfield is the strong point. Despite losing Kennedy Bakircioglu to injury, they are still awesomely strong. Kim Kallström captains the side, and scored and creates a surprisingly high number of goals considering he is used in a defensive role. This allows Feyenoord's Labinot Harbuzi to push on. He is an expert finisher and dazzling dribbler who could prove vital to Swedish success. Bojan Djordjic has electric pace and crossing, but perhaps more importantly has become a regular at club side Manchester United. Stefan Ishizaki and Fredrik Ljungberg contest the right wing spots. Whoever starts is expected to make attacking contributions.

In the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexander Farnerud is expected to figure largely. He is truly capable of turning a game with his goals. Another Zlatan born of Bosnian origin is Zlatan Muslimovic, but he might fall behind Frederik Hjelm. Bologna's bullish striker has a good international record. Outsider Ola Abrahamsson has plundered thirty goals for Helsingborg this past season, and might yet make a play for the starting role.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Abrahamsson, Ola S C SWE 1.8.85 26 - -

- Andersson, Christoffer D/DM/F RL SWE 22.10.78 33 44 -

- Antonsson, Mikael D C SWE 31.5.81 31 3 -

- Djordjic, Bojan AM LC SWE 6.2.82 30 35 3

- Dorsin, Mikael D/DM LC SWE 10.6.81 30 49 -

- Eriksson, Jacob SW/D RC SWE 13.3.84 28 27 -

- Farnerud, Alexander AM/F RLC SWE 1.5.84 28 72 22

- Harbuzi, Labinot AM C SWE 4.4.86 26 16 2

- Henriksson, Richard D RLC SWE 10.5.82 30 27 -

- Hjelm, Fredrik S C SWE 22.5.91 21 5 3

- Ishizaki, Stefan AM RC SWE 15.5.82 30 32 4

- Johansson, Nils-Eric D C SWE 13.1.80 32 80 -

- Källström, Kim DM C SWE 24.8.82 29 74 13

- Ljungberg, Fredrik AM RLC SWE 16.4.77 35 90 15

- Mellberg, Olof SW/D C SWE 3.9.77 34 81 1

- Muslimovic, Zlatan S C SWE 6.3.81 31 4 -

- Pettersson, Patrik GK SWE 17.12.83 28 - -

- Risp, Fredrik D C SWE 15.12.80 31 11 1

- Sandkvist, Jonas GK SWE 6.5.81 31 - -

- Shaaban, Rami GK SWE 30.6.75 36 86 -

- Sörensson, Måns S C SWE 20.5.86 26 4 1

- Takahara, Toshiyasu GK JPN 18.10.80 31 - -

- Westerberg, Erland F RLC SWE 26.1.84 28 2 -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

TURKEY

How times change

Turkey follow traditional rise and fall style

Not much may be seen of June 29th 2002. Turkey were eliminated from the World Cup by joint hosts South Korea. It was their last game at a major international tournament (excluding the Confederations Cup[/b]. The qualification draw for 2012 was generally kind in performance, after looking tricky on paper. As a result, Turkey make their first appearance in the European Championships since Euro 1996, a fact which takes some time to believe.

In many ways though is it perfectly explainable. Turkey seem to follow a 'rise and fall' style approach. Rising throughout the late 1990's and early 2000's to prominence, the generation who succeeded then needed replacing. The time it took saw a dip in Turkish football. Now, Mehmet Özturk, having been given a second opportunity to succeed, might have found the formula. A consistent goalscorer has been found at last in the form of Akin Serhat, but his traditional partner in crime, Akin Ibrahim, is not travelling to Norway through a combination of injury and suspension. It is a massive blow for a tandem who were on each others wavelength so well.

Legendary Turkish forward and top all time goalscorer Hakan Sukur, now a football pundit, offered his views on the strikeforce: "Serhat is a wonderful forward. He is technically superb, which is a must for modern forwards, and has a lethal finish. His partnership with Ibrahim flourished in recent times, and it will be very interesting as to how Özturk approaches the situation concerning his replacement."

The Turks travel to Norway in far from the best of spirits. Without a win since last September, rumours of a training ground bust up between defenders Engin Suat and Bayram Zeki are rife. Apparently stemming from a rough tackle by the former, a massive fight broke out in their Istanbul training camp before they set off. With the squad divided, preparation could have been a lot smoother. In a tough (but winable) group alongside France, Croatia, and Ukraine, Turkey have to be at the top of their game should they make an impression in Norway.

They have the squad to do well enough. The defence is secure, the midfield creative, and the strikeforce has been discussed. A problem is clearly the lack of strength in depth and not enough world class winners. The party of twenty three are not the most experienced of players, but can surprise their opponent on the day with an apparent defensive mentality, but a hidden attacking agenda. That will be the key - how Turkey can perform on the day.

As inconsistent as ever, Turkey can win 5-0 or lose by the same scoreline. If they can patch over the cracks forming, then they stand a far better chance than many have stated. An evident over-riding and burning ambition amongst the squad cannot be underestimated, and could be the trump card.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Fevzi

Adem Sonkaya U.Dogan D.Dogan

Fink Basturk K.Izzet Yilmaz

Serhat Baris

</pre>

Özturk preferrs to use a defensive 4-4-2 formation which can surprise the opponent by drawing them in and then pouncing on the counter attack. It requires pace on the flanks and quick thinking (and feet) in the hub of the side. If everyone stays fit, Turkey have that.

Featuring in goal is Tuncay Fevzi, just ahead of Taylan Aydogan, most likely because of his greater all round package. In defence, the two main men will be in the middle. Fatih Sonkaya has absolutely everything - pace, strength, guile, and experience. Quite why Roda and Samsunspor are the only clubs to pick him up is baffling. Alongside him is Umut Dogan, a slightly inferior clone of Fatih. Older brother Demiz Dogan is a quality left back, but is slightly over aggressive at times. Right back Adnan Adem completes a quartet who are all brilliant jumpers. Engin Suat and Bayram Zeki - the duo at the heart of the squad split - are both good players and could ironically end up alongside each other at one time or another.

Yildiray Basturk is key to the side. The aforementioned quick thinker at the heart of the team, his experience and creativity is required beyond all comprehension. No-one in the squad possesses the abilities the 1860 Munich man does, and should be be ruled out then the side are in trouble. Emre Belozoglu is suspended so Kemi Izzet gets the big break older brother Muzzy once did, and looks to be more adaptable than the former Chelsea and Leicester man. Looking wide, Mahmut Yilmaz is tricky and quick but lazy at times, and on the right German-born Stephan Fink offers far more. Watch out for his set piece mastery. Karadeniz Gökdeniz is badly under-used and must feature at some point. He has more determination alone than the rest of the side. It could rub off on others if used well.

Akin Serhat is a dangerous striker in every sense of the word. His goals will be important to his country. Long shots are a speciality of the Galatasaray man. Partnered by any one of three, Sari Baris is most likely to get the nod as he fills Akin Ibrahim's role better than Nihat Kahveci or Bastan Furkan.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Adem, Adnan D/DM RC TUR 15.9.87 24 8 -

- Aydogan, Taylan GK TUR 27.5.83 29 2 -

- Baris, Sari S C TUR 14.2.90 22 3 -

- Bastürk, Yildiray AM C TUR 24.12.78 33 81 13

- Dogan, Deniz D/DM L TUR 20.10.79 32 17 -

- Dogan, Umut D C TUR 31.5.82 30 21 1

- Fatih, Koyun D RC TUR 13.4.81 31 10 -

- Fevzi, Tuncay GK TUR 14.9.77 34 11 -

- Fink, Stephan AM RLC TUR 8.8.85 26 10 1

- Furkan, Bastan F C TUR 14.9.82 29 7 -

- Gökdeniz, Karadeniz M RLC TUR 11.1.80 32 6 -

- Gökhan, Göktan AM/F L TUR 24.1.82 30 5 -

- Gökhan, Tokgöz GK TUR 22.4.79 33 - -

- Hüseyin, Özdemir SW/D/DM C TUR 4.4.82 30 1 -

- Izzet, Kemi M C TUR 29.9.80 31 9 2

- Kerem, Inan GK TUR 25.3.80 32 - -

- Nihat F RC TUR 23.11.79 32 44 7

- Serhat, Akin S C TUR 5.6.81 30 52 21

- Sonkaya, Fatih D LC TUR 1.7.81 30 64 -

- Suat, Engin D C TUR 10.6.83 28 8 -

- Vedat, Kurt M C TUR 3.11.86 25 - -

- Yilmaz, Mahmut AM/F RL TUR 6.10.79 32 11 1

- Zeki, Bayram D C TUR 3.9.82 29 6 -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

UKRAINE

Good signs

Leonenko's Ukraine could surprise

Victor Leonenko is one of the brightest managerial talents about. The 42 year old former international striker will lead the Ukraine side he took over at the start of qualification into only their second European Championship Finals. Unlike in 2004, this time they actually stand a very competent chance of at least progressing from the Group Phase. Finishing top of a qualifying group ahead of Scotland and Spain is no mean feat, and such is the class at Leonenko's disposal he felt it possible to leave out the country's greatest ever player, Andriy Shevchenko.

The 35 year old has more caps than any other from his nation (110) and more goals (67). Off the back of a fine season with Marseille, he looked forward to a last chance at International glory, stating back in April: "This summer gives me one last opportunity to make it on the only real stage I haven't been successful. At club level I have done it all, but there is one gap - winning something with my country." That last chance has been taken away, much to the surprise of everyone in the Ukraine, and many around Europe. Giving fair credit to Leonenko, he has been quick to explain the choice:

"I feel we do not need (Shevchenko). Olexiy Belik will lead the forward line, and has the credentials to be superb for us. Then, any one of the other four strikers I have here can partner him. This tournament is about team success, not individual success. If we were to win, Shevchenko would most likely claim a lot of the glory. Whilst that is not the reason for his omission, I do believe we can succeed without him. Remember, he is old, and could be unreliable."

Even though much of what Leonenko has said is true, Ukraine could still have benefitted from having Shevchenko in the party, if only to offer his undoubted experience and talents if needed. Leaving him out is a bold step towards the future, one the Ukraine have needed to take for a long time. The current crop of performers are mature, and either at their peak or older, which suggests they have enough knowledge of what it will take to win.

Coming away with the trophy is perhaps too ambitious. For all their strengths, they are at times too defence minded, and do lack the world class performers other countries have. They stand a fair chance of progressing out of their group ahead of France, Croatia, and Turkey, but from there on in it will be a struggle to achieve glory - something which Shevchenko could have provided.

How they line up

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Zavgorodniy

Tymoschuk Kotov Yaxmanitskiy Baltacha Nesmachny

Smalko Lisitskiy Koszakow

Kovalenko

Belik

</pre>

Ukraine are one of only two sides to play the 5-3-1-1 formation (Romania being the other), Leonenko prefers it as it allows his defensive format to work well, and allow the strong attacking bias in his players to be expressed economically.

Sergiy Zavgorodniy will take the goalkeeper's jersey after making a late break for the position ahead of Dmytro Kozachenko, who is more experienced but has not been in the best of form. Zavgorodniy offers capable handling and efficient distribution. Anatoliy Tymoschuk is one of the stars of the side at right back. The Bordeaux man has incredible workrate and decision making in a side which can sometimes lose its shape. On the left is Andriy Nesmachny, in a similar vein to Tymoschuk. There will usually be three centre backs, big Eugene Kotov, Sergei Baltacha, and Volodymyr Yaxmanitskiy. All three are decent if not brilliant, but offer more solidity than backups Olexiy Levchenko and Olexandr Taran.

A three man midfield is biased to the right to allow Nesmachny to attack down the right. Andriy Smalko, a left footer, is deployed on the right to cut inside and allow similar advances from Tymoschuk. Vitaliy Lisitksiy is quite under-rated in the centre of midfield, and but for Bogdan Shersun's injury might not have even played at all. Yuriy Koszakow completes the triad of battlers in the middle. Sergiy Valyaev offers creativity if required, as does Sergiy Startsev.

Serhiy Kovalenko will most likely fill in the spot vacated by Shevchenko. He isn't in the same class, but does a good job, especially off the ball. Alongside him is Olexiy Belik, a real striker. Ferocious finishing, powerful play, he has every attribute required for a goalscorer.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

========================================================================

Squad

========================================================================

No Name Position(s) Nat Born Age Caps Gls

------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Balabanov, Kostyantyn S C UKR 13.8.82 29 10 -

- Baltacha, Sergei D/DM LC UKR 28.7.79 32 39 4

- Belik, Olexiy S C UKR 15.2.81 31 39 21

- Koszakow, Yuriy DM C UKR 11.1.86 26 3 -

- Kotov, Eugene D C UKR 10.8.78 33 38 -

- Kovalenko, Serhiy S C UKR 10.5.84 28 35 10

- Kozachenko, Dmytro GK UKR 11.1.82 30 19 -

- Levchenko, Olexiy D/DM LC UKR 4.3.87 25 2 -

- Lisitskiy, Vitaliy DM C UKR 16.4.82 30 13 1

- Melaschenko, Olexandr S C UKR 13.12.78 33 29 3

- Nesmachny, Andriy D L UKR 28.2.79 33 70 1

- Petrenko, Maxym F RLC UKR 25.1.86 26 6 2

- Shyschenko, Sergiy AM/F LC UKR 13.1.76 36 60 9

- Smalko, Andriy DM L UKR 22.1.81 31 69 6

- Startsev, Sergiy AM C UKR 21.8.87 24 - -

- Sviderskiy, Vyacheslav D RL UKR 1.1.79 33 25 1

- Taran, Olexandr D C UKR 20.11.81 30 8 -

- Tymoschuk, Anatoliy D/DM RLC UKR 30.3.79 33 76 10

- Valyaev, Sergiy AM RLC UKR 16.9.78 33 49 4

- Yaxmanitskiy, Volodymyr SW/D C UKR 4.2.77 35 75 2

- Zavgorodniy, Sergiy GK UKR 10.8.84 27 1 -

</pre>

[Philip Rolfe]

Stadia

Ulleval Stadion, Oslo - Capacity: 30,000

Brann Stadion, Bergen - Capacity: 35,000

Bislett Stadion, Oslo - Capacity: 19,000

Stavanger Stadion, Stavanger - Capacity: 17,000

Lerkendal Stadion, Trondheim - Capacity: 21,000

Marienlyst Stadion, Drammen - Capacity: 12,200

Kristiansand Stadion, Kristiansand - Capacity: 15,000

Åråsen Stadion, Lillestrøm - Capacity: 15,000

Schedule

June 9th - June 20th: Group Stages

June 23/24: Quarter Finals

June 27th: Semi Finals

July 1st: Final

8th June 2012

Norway prepares

Final preparations are in effect for the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Europan Championships. The 45 minute spectacular will depict the theme of this year's tournament - progression - through traditional Norwegian elements such as fire, Vikings, fishing (the major trade of the country), travel, Christmas, and the Norwegian colours red and blue. The Ulleval Stadion in Oslo is expected to be full, awaiting the opening game of the tournament, hosts Norway versus Portugal. Over 5,000 volunteers, actors, children, artists, and locals will participate in the event, at a cost of over £1m.

On the footballing front, Norway and Portugal will meet in the late afternoon in what should be an open affair. Portugal like to attack, which will suit the Norwegian approach of defence and counter attacking. Both squads are at full strength, which is a benefit to everyone. At the pre-match press conference, both managers once again re-iterated their hopes for the tournament, and the match on Saturday evening.

Coach of the host nation, Nils Johan Semb: "We can go far considering we are hosts. Not everything will be easy, but we can use what we can to our advantage. To our detractors, I say that we have the talent to at least uphold the pride of the nation.

Alain Giresse, of Portugal: "People can dismiss Portugal in the same way they always have: that we are not in the right mindset for a major finals. But we can do the unexpected. There are very few reasons why we cannot make at least the Semi Finals. However, the opening game is a must-win, not only for the points which are on offer, but also to show those who do not believe in us that we are a force to be reckoned with."

[Doctor Who]

Excellent stuff

Come on Denmark

[Philip Rolfe]

Apologies for the massive inactivity. I've been really busy, but now I can get this going again.

-----------------

9th June 2012

Portugal ruin Norwegian party

In the much anticipated and long awaited opening match of the 2012 European Championships, Portugal sent the partisan home crowd away disappointed by defeating the hosts 2-0 in an entertaining match which will hopefully set the trend for the rest of the month. The game was played in good spirit, and the football flowed from end to end.

Portugal could hardly have made a better start to the game. From the kickoff, Norway attacked but lost possession. Right back Fernando Augusto searched out captain Felipe Oliviera along the right side of the field, and the Besiktas man controlled the pass before setting off on advance towards the Norway goal. A near post cross was read by Hélder Postiga, and the Portuguese dangerman headed in at the near post. The game became even more interesting minutes later, as a fine Norway move culminated in Eirik Bakke's cross being headed home by John Carew. Unfortunately for everyone Norwegian, the Valencia striker was adjudged offside by the English officials. Despite 'Alieu's' protests, the decision stood - and was well justified as well.

Portugal were not affected by the swiftness of Norway's response, and instead carried on from where Postiga had taken them. A marauding run from Oliveira ended with him being forced wide and eventually delivering a poor cross, before Emil Waters made a good save to prevent Postiga doubling his headed tally. As the game reached the half hour mark Norway had their own spell of pressure, involving a positive but long winded attack which finally broke down into nothing as a result of indecision on the part of Morten Gamst Pedersen. It was to prove a fatal mishap. Portugal took possession and doubled the lead. Ricardo Quaresma, offering an overlap for Oliviera, delivered a sweeping cross behind the home defence perfect for Real Madrid veteran Edgar to tap in from six yards.

With the two goal cushion in place, Portugal started to sit back, content with their lot. However, it allowed Norway to attempt a response, which might have come to some fruition but for some wayward finishing from Carew. The second half started with Norway in control, with fresh legs in the form of Jon Inge Høiland. Alain Giresse was forced into rethinking his gameplan a little when Magne Hoseth hit the post with a free kick (also with his first touch), as the host nation were coming closer and closer to reducing the lead. Edgar wasted a chance to sew the game up with an unusually hurried effort wide of the goal twenty minutes from time. Waters made another stop from Postiga as Portugal kept control of the game in the crucial final stages; Lucas having the final chance in injury time, but the scoreline remained 2-0.

Portugal responded to their critics in the best style possible - by beating the host nation on the opening day of the European Championships. They have a good chance of progressing now, whilst Norway still have a tough task at hand. Before the game, the opening ceremony took place, with the usual display of colour, lights, and pyrotechnics. Unfortunately for the home crowd, Portugal provided the fireworks on the football field.

Ulleval Stadion, 9th June 2012

Norway 0

Portugal 2 (Hélder Postiga 2, Edgar 32)

Attendance - 29,988

Referee - S.Blacker (England)

Norway - Waters, Wiik, Steiro (Riise 65), Bø, Karadas, Ystaas (Høiland 45), Evensen©, Gamst Pedersen, Carew, Midtsian (Hoseth 54)

Portugal - Pinheiro, Augusto (Fernando Meira 75), Carvalho, Felipe Armando (Jorge Andrade 65), Nuno Mata, Mario (Lucas 65), Ricardo Quaresma, Brasao, Hélder Postiga, Oliveira©, Edgar

Man of the Match: Hélder Postiga (Portugal)