Cup de la Europa Comenncé Das Weekend
The Euro Cup starts this weekend-- it's just like the World Cup except there is more overt racism, and the fans have free health care.
All of the games will be shown at the George and Dragon, Café Presse, and in your living room via the ESPN family of networks. The Kangaroo and Kiwi will open at 11am to show the late morning game live, and then they will show a replay of the early morning game.
Here to discuss the sixteen-country tournament is Jason McDonald, the editor of the very popular MISL blog prekilust.us.tv.
Are Italy and France destined to meet in another title game?
Nope. First, they're in the same group which makes it very unlikely that they'll meet in the final. Second, Italy and France aren't the most talented teams in the tournament. That being said, Italy's defense (even without Cannavaro) is always tough to crack and their cursed diving in the penalty area (we'll get to you later, Portugal) means they could steal some 1-0 games over more talented teams.
Finally, there is so much parity in the field that someone could make an unexpected run like Greece did, winning the 2004 tournament.
Who could be the Greece of 2008?
The underdog with the best chance to lift the cup is Croatia. They won their qualifying group and should, along with Germany, advance from a group that includes two of the weakest teams in the field.
Portugal is my favorite to win the whole thing, but they aren't an unknown. Cristiano Ronaldo is the most dangerous attacking player in the world. He's also the most effective flopper in the game right now. Just ask the Dutch [Ed: Hey-oh]. Diving aside, Portugal is going to be one of the most entertaining teams to watch. They have nearly as much style as their former colony, along with a pretty solid defense.
With England and Ireland out this year, both of us have decided to latch on to our girlfriend’s teams. We’re rooting for Turkey, and you Poland. Do they have a chance?
Right now, only Austria has longer odds than our adopted countries--and they’re co-host so there's a better chance of a 2002 South Korean-style run. If they get two wins between them, let's toast ourselves and call it a day.
As one of the two host countries, Austria got an automatic bid. Their fans, afraid of humiliation, are petitioning that their team be removed from competition. Should Mariner fans try this?
I wouldn't want to take the Safeco Field experience away from anyone, so maybe they should forfeit the rest of the season and help other teams schedule intrasquad games in Seattle, with the Mariners filling in extra positions. People love $9 beers in centerfield, and I don't think they care if the game counts or not.
Who will finish second?
I've got Spain finishing second, though it would pain me to see them doing well without Raul.
Offsides is a stupid rule.
Without offsides, soccer forwards would all look like Shaq.
Sorry, that wasn’t a question.
