A couple of weeks ago, Europe’s elite footballing countries took part in an unwanted warm up for the European Championship that will take place this summer in Poland and Ukraine. Germany and France went head to head, as did England and the Netherlands. In other games, Italy took on the United States, Spain played Venezuela, Sweden faced up against Croatia and Portugal traveled to co-host Poland. The games mentioned above showed football fans across the world what might be in store this summer. France traveled to Germany , which they defeated 2-1 and showed the world that they are not afraid of anyone, including the expertly assembled German national team, who many people see as favorites to win the European Championship this summer.
Despite the fact that Germany was playing at home, and their team featured world-class stars such as Mezut Ozil, Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller, they could not beat a technically proficient French team that included Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri. Under this display, France is certainly one of the favorites to lift the European crown on July 1.
The England Netherlands game showed England fans such as myself that it will be almost impossible to win the European Championship. Although there was a huge improvement on the dour, negative football characterized by Capello’s reign, the lack of technical skill among England players is painfully evident.
The United States’s win in Italy showed the world two things: one, that United States has improved a great deal in the last few years, and two, that Italy is certainly no where no near as good as they were in 2006, when they lifted the FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, it also highlights manager Cesare Prandelli’s decision to not select in-form Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli (Super Mario for those of you who have been reading my column these past few weeks). Sweden’s 3-1 win in Croatia showed England fans that Sweden must not be underestimated when the two countries face off in the group stage in the Euro Championship. Portugal’s performance in their 0-0 draw in Poland demonstrated that they are also one of the favorites this summer.
Lastly, European and World champions Spain comfortably demolished Venezuela 5-0 in an absolute romp of the South American country, more famous for producing Miss Universe winners than talented footballers. In the win, Valencia striker Roberto Soldado scored a brilliant hat trick. His goals helped comfort Spain fans, who have been worried at their side’s chances this summer ever since David Villa broke his leg and Fernando Torres became an abominably bad footballer. Based on this display, Spain are the favorites to lift their second European Championship in four years.
