So as you might have heard, the European Championship finals draw was made today. First reaction from an Irish view is quiet tricky. The seeding for the draw meant we couldn't get some really tasty ties like for example Romania v Hungary, Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland or even Ukraine v Russia. We still have some interesting games and group though. So here we go.
Group A:
France
Switzerland
Romania
Albania
The hosts got a very favorable draw as expected. The French seem to be on the rise once more and shouldn't face any issues in winning this group. Who joins them in the last 16 however isn't as clear cut. Switzerland would be many people's favorites to join neighbors France but Romania will definitely have something to say about that. You can't completely rule out Albania either as they make their finals debut. I'll throw my lot behind Romania to get 2nd here.
Group B:
England
Russia
Wales
Slovakia
England came through qualifying with a perfect record and this group is a lot tougher than it first seems. The local derby game with Wales will be tough game and Russia are a solid team while Slovakia had a fantastic start to their qualifying group. I'll go with England and Russia in the top 2 with Wales getting 3rd.
Group C:
Germany
Poland
Ukraine
Northern Ireland
Germany will qualify from this. Behind them like Group A will be tricky to predict. I can't see Northern Ireland getting 2nd which leaves us with Poland or Ukraine. I think Poland have more tournament experience but Ukraine do have a handy squad with some dangerous players. I'll go with Poland to finish 2nd and Ukraine to qualify as one of the best 3rd placed sides.
Group D:
Spain
Croatia
Czech Republic
Turkey
Again the theme seems to be the top seed shouldn't have too much trouble in qualifying. This applies to Spain they should be getting through this group. Croatia I think will get 2nd I quiet like their squad of players but both Czech Republic and Turkey will be dangerous and make it interesting.
Group E:
Belgium
Italy
Republic of Ireland
Sweden
A tough group from an Irish perspective. The strongest pot 2 team in Italy, one of the stronger pot 3 teams in Sweden and the world number 1 ranked side Belgium. A small chance of getting through but hopefully we'll give a better showing than four years ago. Belgium and Italy to make up the top 2 with Sweden 3rd.
Group F:
Portugal
Austria
Hungary
Iceland
Arguably the weakest group of the lot. Portugal got a very handy one here and should really be making through with ease if they have aspirations of going far. Behind them it's another tricky one to call but I'm leaning towards Austria given how strong their qualification was. Iceland will be on a feel good wave and could be a dark horse in this group to sneak into the top 2 but I'll go with Portugal and Austria to go through. Iceland to finish 3rd.
Remove Ronaldo and Portugal are a B side. I've been unimpressed by their last two tournament performances. Remember Austria topped their qualifying group above the Russian Bear and Sweden. They've revived from the 00's decline to be a decent team and Portugal are still trembling from the 0-1 defeat to Albania lol!
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