In honor of Erik, I hope I don't step on toes here starting this obvious next thread. (Let me do it justice.)
Portugal: My sentimental favorite to win it all. The host's advantage. The so-called Golden Generation, and yet it's largely been its youth -- particularly in the image of its FC Porto regulars, just off the CL victory -- that have made the difference in this tournament. They've come from behind in the group stage and then against England. They almost play more like Italy than the Italians -- with solid defense and fierce ball control. But with a tournament high 84 shots, they yet have one of the lowest shots-on-target percentages (28%) in the tournament. Therein lies their Achilles heel. Not to mention NT stalwarts, such as Figo, who might questionably help the team more on the bench than on the pitch.
Holland: My bet-my-house favorites to win it all at the start of the tournament. Part aging squad, part youth squad. With question marks at left back and even some at right back. Van der Meyde may be proving why Inter has left him on the bench most of last season, but Robben has picked up the pace. An attacking midfield that knows how to create chances. And certainly the tournament's last of the most dangerous, if not altogether slippery, strikers in Van Nistelrooy. They've shaken off the penalty shoot out curse -- perhaps a must when facing a controlling team that constricts scoring chances like Portugal.
You make the call...
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Portugal: My sentimental favorite to win it all. The host's advantage. The so-called Golden Generation, and yet it's largely been its youth -- particularly in the image of its FC Porto regulars, just off the CL victory -- that have made the difference in this tournament. They've come from behind in the group stage and then against England. They almost play more like Italy than the Italians -- with solid defense and fierce ball control. But with a tournament high 84 shots, they yet have one of the lowest shots-on-target percentages (28%) in the tournament. Therein lies their Achilles heel. Not to mention NT stalwarts, such as Figo, who might questionably help the team more on the bench than on the pitch.
Holland: My bet-my-house favorites to win it all at the start of the tournament. Part aging squad, part youth squad. With question marks at left back and even some at right back. Van der Meyde may be proving why Inter has left him on the bench most of last season, but Robben has picked up the pace. An attacking midfield that knows how to create chances. And certainly the tournament's last of the most dangerous, if not altogether slippery, strikers in Van Nistelrooy. They've shaken off the penalty shoot out curse -- perhaps a must when facing a controlling team that constricts scoring chances like Portugal.
You make the call...


