Preview: Portugal vs Turkey

One side on the rise while the other in a slow decline. Since the World Cup campaign in 2002, Turkey have not risen to such heights again. A slow decline has been oberserved. On the half of the pitch, we have the Brazil of Europe. I am going to say this will be a Portugal win based on the fact that they have much more match winners in their ranks. Most of that comes from midfield of course. The portugese side has notoriously lower quality strikers. No legendary Turkish striker Hakan Sukur for this tournament.

Players i want to see

Portugal
Cristiano 'i want to play for real madrid' Ronaldo
We have run out of superlatives for this free scoring (8 during qualifiers) midfielder. He will be captaining his nation in this tourney and once again the eyes of the world will be on him to produce the stuff on the big stage which argably he has not done so as much as is needed.

Ricardo Quaresma and Joao Moutinho
Two playes still based in the Portugese League, they are the creative players of the Portugal team. Both are still young. 24 and 21 respectively.

Jose Bosingwa
The new right back for Chelsea. 25 year old. Wanna see why he is so expensive.

Turkey
hmmm...as i go thru the squad list, i struggle any names that raise my curiosity. Familiar names are Emre, Nihat Kahveci, Sanli Tuncay and Hamit Altintop. But there is no upcoming youngsters that i am looking forward to see.

Preview : Switzerland vs Czech Republic

The co-host, Switzerland will kickoff the Euro 2008 with an opening group A match agaisnt Cezech Rep. My take on this game it is a battle of two generation. The Swiss are mainly made up of young players while the Czech Rep is an ageing squad. So how will it swing? Experience or exuberance. Worth to note that the Swiss did not concede a goal during the 2006 World Cup. The young legs, backed by their partisan home crowd might just edge this one. But not to forget, it is a big tournament, so big tourney experience and temperament is crucial. Honestly, this can swing either way. I am going to sit on the fence and say a draw.

Players i want to see
Switzerland
Phillip Degen
New liverpool signing. An athletic, attacking full back who was signed from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer. Has a twin brother. 25 years old.

Tranquilla Barnetta
23 year old midfielder from Bayer Leverkeusen. Nicknamed Quillo. Has Italian passport too.

Valon Behrami
Golden Hair boy who plays for Lazio. Also 23 year old. Albanian origin. Comfortable at both full back and winger. Wears jersey number 85 for Lazio.

Czech Republic
Peter Cech
One of the best goalkeepers in world football. We all know about him. He has 3 records. Numerous clean sheet records and best goalkeeper awards.

Thomas Sivok
One of the few youngsters in the team. Remains to see if he will get a start. A 24 year old midfielder who plies his trade in the Turkish league with Besiktas.

Milan Baros
And be amazed at how this head down running striker somehow gets the goals for his country. 3 goals during qualifiers.

Jan Koller
Top scorer during qualifiers with 6 goals. The 35 year old has scored over 50 goals for his country in 86 matches. Will he add to that tally.

Euro 2008

Group A
Czech Republic
Portugal
Switzerland
Turkey

Group B
Austria
Croatia
Germany
Poland

Group C
France
Italy
Netherlands
Romania

Group D
Greece
Russia
Spain
Sweden