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Any interest in international soccer doesn't go far and as the United States doesn't get to be a part of it (it's not World Cup year), this years European Championships are something of a non-event for some. However, we realize there are a great many that will be taking interest over this years proceedings, and got to say, have a feeling this could be the most forgettable tournament since it's inception in 1960.

Why ? For one thing looking over the participating nations there's a whole range of unrecognized names such as Iceland, Wales, Albania, Slovakia (even Northern Ireland) and the usual array of illustrious names would seem in short supply.

I remember the last finals in France in 1984, it was possibly the best Euro Final event ever, but this is going to be far detached from the extravaganza of that years competition. Spain as champions are a pale imitation of four years back, Germany should start as favorites, and while other recognized names such as Italy and Portugal will be involved, only France themselves stand out as another nation to win it. Believe the event gets underway this Friday although not sure when the end game occurs.

Team to win - Germany

Surprise team - Croatia


France and Romania to win Group A

England and Russia to win Group B

Germany and Poland to win Group C

Spain and Croatia to win Group D

Belgium and Republic of Ireland to win Group E

Portugal and Hungary to win Group F

Iceland narrowly missed qualification to the last World Cup. Decent side and deserve their place at this years Euros.

Not knowing you at all as a person, Saint, but definitely knowing that you are pessimistic on this forum, your take on the this years tournament doesn't surprise me. Can't speak for everyone, but I'm up for it, and very much looking forward to it. Will be rooting for all the home nations plus the Rep, except........., nah, no exceptions. Roy Hodgson is most likeable England boss for years, and I hope you lot do well for him.

Plenty of room for optimists and pessimists on here! Be dull otherwise.

If nothing else the Euros help fill the close-season gap; but am sure they'll attract loads of support and nationalistic passion. The inclusion of the unfancied, so called 'lesser' teams, just add to the mix. Total predictability wouldn't be a good thing - something we know all about!

As for USA interest, can understand how it's marginal. Suggest FIFA invites them as guests next time round; similar to our Aussie friends and the Eurovision Song Contest!

Here are the votes of the Norwegian Jury.....

marko69 wrote:Iceland narrowly missed qualification to the last World Cup. Decent side and deserve their place at this years Euros.

Not knowing you at all as a person, Saint, but definitely knowing that you are pessimistic on this forum, your take on the this years tournament doesn't surprise me. Can't speak for everyone, but I'm up for it, and very much looking forward to it. Will be rooting for all the home nations plus the Rep, except........., nah, no exceptions. Roy Hodgson is most likeable England boss for years, and I hope you lot do well for him.

Yep so am I.

If all the media reports come true then all I've got to do is swim across the Channel due to the dock workers at Calais coming out on strike , walk from Calais to Marseille due to no petrol being available for the car and public transport not working due to more strikes, and then when I get to Marseille just avoid getting blown up by terrorists.

Sounds just like a normal England away to me.

We always have it so easy!

herforder wrote:We always have it so easy!

What, in regards potential opposition. There's minimal room for dispute. (Or was it regards elements of terrorist risk and inhospitable overseas nations)

Whatever the deal it looks as if there will be second round games before any quarter final events this time due to the layout of the groups so it will be an extended tournament ? If only to simplify things, if were to pick a last four scenario then France, Germany, Spain and / or Croatia / Belgium would seem probable.

No other nations stand out as potential winners. Italy play too defensive although stole the World Cup in 2006 despite being an average team and Portugal are nothing like the force of ten - fifteen years back when names like Gomes, Rui Costa and Figo could put on a show.

Obviously the relevant nation for all concerned would be the English but you got an outdated relic for a team manager who doesn't know what his best starting XI resembles and they always blow out in competitions of this nature sooner or later. Add to that the weighted expectation of the 50 year anniversary World Cup achievement looming large, it's going to be too great a load to carry. Doubtless the usual sub-standard news publications will hype it up for you and expect great things and while they do you no favors, it won't be nothing new.

It would be a fine advertisement as with Greece in 2004 if a largely unrecognized or surprise winner emerged this time around, but the thought of an Albania or Icelandic win is so improbable it's difficult to even put it into words.

For those traveling to France for this years event I wish you a safe (and return) journey.

saint jude wrote:

herforder wrote:We always have it so easy!

What, in regards potential opposition. There's minimal room for dispute.

You fkn crack me up at times!

May be of relevance but just recently FIFA provided their update on World rankings and it made for some bizarre reading. How Germany find themselves in fourth position (behind Colombia and Belgium) is anyone's guess but then further down you'll notice the Cape Verde Islands above more recognized nations such as Norway, Cameroon and even Australia. (?) See link provided.

Regards the Euro 16 issue, Took a look-in yesterday at some of the leading betting companies (Coral, Labrokes, William Hill) and most have the English as fourth favorites behind France, Spain and Germany while Skybet have them as the most likely nation to be eliminated by way of penalties once the event reaches the elimination stages. If there's any truth to the aforementioned ranking system then having the English in # 11 position won't feel some with confidence while Wales could be an outside bet having reached # 26 in the list.

http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ ... table/men/