Germany might just capture its fourth Euro title and first since '96 |
For all of you that have seen the Euro commercials on ESPN and have been both intrigued and confused here is a light breakdown of what you might want to watch in this tournament.
For absolutly uninformed starters, the Euro is basically the World Cup part two for European countries only. USA plays in a similar tournament every four years (again in 2015) called the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but really no one cares about that tournament because outside of the US and Mexico, no one in CONCACAF is any good. The Euro garners so much interest because almost all the top tier international squads play in it, excluding of course, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and the US(yes, even the US). Anyways here we go:
Players to Watch:
Christiano Ronaldo, Forward, Portugal
Ronaldo is the best player in the tournament, plain and simple. His footwork is about as immaculate as Lionel Messi from Argentina, but he's just a tad bit less creative. However, what Ronaldo lacks in creativity he makes up with a missile of a shot and a freakish accuracy. His free kicks are other-worldy and his neck muscles are something out of the Alien Vs. Predator movies. Ronaldo has had the misfortune of playing for a Portugal side that hasn't brought up much talent behind him. His fellow forward, Nani is of the same atmosphere, but not stratosphere and the rest of the squad is relatively old. Whether or not Portugal has any success doesn't really rest on Ronaldo, he'll show up embarrass a few defenders and shred twine, but the rest of the squad will need to execute their game perfectly for Portugal to have any chance.
NBA Comparison: Kobe Bryant
NHL Comparison: Steven Stamkos
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Midfielder, Germany
If that name doesn't get you fired up, I'm not sure what will. Schweinsteiger is a fiery mid-fielder who plays with a chip on his shoulder. His effort is unparalleled and he plays with the type of physicality coaches salivate over. I like the German's swagger, but sometimes he takes it to the next level scolding his teammates and getting unnecessary cards and fouls. Germany's pulse starts with this guy. If he is humming, expect the Germans to contend for a championship. I know I'll be repeating his name over and over again every time he touches the ball and I don't think I'm alone.
NBA Comparison: Russell Westbrook
NHL Comparison: Evgeni Malkin
Andres Iniesta & Xavi, Midfielders, Spain
I had to go with two guys here for Spain, it's just a microcosm of Spain's filthy team passing and skill. Xavi and Iniesta are engines out there, controlling Spain with their elite footwork, soft touch and short passing prowess. Both of these guys are undersized at 5'7" but they make up for their lack of strength with freakish quickness and insane awareness. Watching these two make their way up the field with the ball is like watching Michelangelo paint, absolute masterpiece(I get they're playing Poland, but you get the point).
NBA Comparison: Rajon Rondo & Steve Nash
NHL Comparison: Martin St. Louis & Jeff Skinner
Arjen Robben, Midfielder/Forward, Netherlands
Robben is a pure playmaker, with the footwork, ball skills, passing ability and scoring touch to do about everything for his Dutch side. He was a huge reason why the Netherlands made it to the World Cup Final, and he will be the main cog in what is sure to be another deep international run for his country. ESPN ranked Robben 6 spots lower than his teammate Robin Van Persie, but I think they did so incorrectly. Robben can create on his own, and while Van Persie is probably the best pure finisher in the world and has his own set of great skills, Robben makes it all work for the Dutch. Watch him and Wesley Sneijder make magic out there for the boys in orange.
NBA Comparsion: Deron Williams
NHL Comparison: Claude Giroux
Mario Balotelli, Striker, Italy
I'm not sure if Balotelli's skills will completely be exposed due to an aging Italy squad behind him, but if they are, do not sleep on the Italians. Balotelli possess the skills, size and finishing ability to carry a team, and in the Italians case they'll need every bit of him. His height(6-foot-2) and leaping ability make him a major target on set pieces. I just hope that Italy can rally behind him despite their age and get this star the ball, because he can absolutely abuse the twine.
NBA Comparison: Kevin Durant
NHL Comparison: Ilya Kovalchuk
Teams to Watch:
Spain
The defending European and World Champions look to make it three straight. This team is probably the most entertaining squad and certainly still have the firepower for another title. Their core philosophy is quick passing, excellent off-the-ball movement and deadly strikers up front. They push the tempo the instant they touch the ball, and at times their play can be scintillating. Spain keeps coming and coming and once they finally get the ball to their main man(usually the injured David Villa) its over. However, this year it'll probably be a collection of David Silva, Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente. Despite Spain still having all of its core middies and their filthy system, I think the loss of the sure-footed Villa will be a bigger blow than people think. Their group is also tough.
England
The most puzzling team in all of international soccer is once again back it wowing us with their deep roster that rarely lives up to their hype. With Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two games of the tournament it will be up to a talented, but raw pair of strikers in Andy Carroll and Danny Welbeck to carry England through the group. These two should be helped out by veteran Jermaine Defoe and the emergence of Theo Walcott on the wing. The absence of Jack Wilshere could be an underrated deterrent to this squad. On defense it seems like England is older than mankind itself, but that experience could help a relatively inexperienced front. As always England is a team to watch if they can finally break their spell and match their stocked roster with a cup.
Germany
One thing the Germans have could immensely benefit them and that is balance. They're balanced with experienced veterans and seriously talented young guys. Their midfield will most likely consist of Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Thomas Muller and they could be the difference in the tournament for Germany. If they can dominate tempo(this group has the potential to do exactly that: dominate) then the Germans will be crowned champs. But as talented as Muller and Ozil are they are still young and prone to mistakes. Also they might just have the most underrated goaltender in the tournament in Manuel Neuer, who could be another difference maker here with big time-momentum shifting saves.
Predictions:
Group A:
Russia
Czech Republic
Greece
Poland
Group B:
Germany
Netherlands
Portugal
Denmark
Group C:
Spain
Croatia
Italy
Ireland
Group D:
France
England
Sweden
Ukraine
Quarterfinals:
Netherlands over Russia
Germany over Czech Republic
Spain over England
Croatia over France
Semi-Finals:
Netherlands over Spain
Germany over Croatia
Finals:
Germany over Netherlands
Tournament starts on Friday.
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