UEFA European Championship 2008 - Any Shocks On The Way?
As we approach the run in for qualification for next years UEFA European Championship tournament, things are certainly starting to hot up with some of the big names fighting for their lives, and some of the relative under dogs crawling their way to next years tournament. So who is at risk and who is safe?
By far one of the most intriguing of groups is qualifying Group B which see the Scotland team sitting on top of the table, with the mighty Italy and Ukraine trailing in second and third. There are only two teams to qualify from this Group, and with Scotland’s recent “double” over the French, they are certainly in the driving seat. But can they hold their nerve?
There is another interesting tussle in qualifying Group E where England have made up some ground after their indifferent start, with a couple of home wins. Next up are the Russians in what may turn out to be the make or break game for both side. Croatia are pulling away at the top, and it seems as though it will be between England and Russia for the second qualifying place, and the road to riches.
Elsewhere it is sad to see the likes of Belgium, Denmark, Republic of Ireland and Hungary struggling to qualify for a tournament in which many of them were seen as permanent fixtures. It seems as though the masses of money being poured into the game have resulted in some of the weaker national leagues struggling to bring their own players through - unfortunately at the expense of some of the well know national teams.
It will be interesting to see how the qualifying games conclude with so many of the “big teams” struggling to stamp their authority. While there are sure to be some shocks in qualification, there will also be some more shocks when Europe’s elite footballing teams meet next year - bring it on!