Effervescent Refractions » Sports

Euro 2008 Predictions

Stephane — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:23:05 +0000

I did fairly well last time around, so I thought it would be fun to try again. My highlight was probably guessing Zidane’s final penalty kick before the competition even started.
I’m expecting a tough contest this year. The big teams are for the most part rebuilding and the small teams are more menacing than ever. If I had to pick the surprise it would probably come from Sweden, whom I believe can make it to semi-finals with the help of Elmander and Ibrahimovic.
I’m also watching out for Russia. Guus Hiddink is a miracle worker.
The so-called “pool of death” will be a blast to watch. The Dutch have an amazing young offense, but their lack of team dynamics and poor defense will probably cost them a spot in quarter-finals. I’m picking Italy and France.
As always, I’ll be rooting for les Bleus, though they aren’t looking as solid as in 2006, especially without Zidane. That said, they’re always a dangerous side against big teams. The defense is becoming old, but I wager they’ll stand their ground well enough. I would have been more confident if Bacary Sagna was in the lineup. I’m hoping to see some good plays from the Ribéry-Benzema duo, and a few surprises from Bafé Gomis. A far as I’m concerned, Henry no longer deserves a place in the starting lineup, I think it’s time to put him aside and let the prolific youngsters do their duty.
Spain and Portugal can both easily win the cup. Both have great young talents – namely Ronaldo and Torres – and solid players all around, but a truly excellent coach is needed for them to all play well together. Scolari has the upper hand.
Germany always has a good side and will probably play a tough semi-final against Portugal. I don’t see them winning the prize, but who knows. I hope Czech Republic puts up a fight on that side of the board, otherwise it might just be too easy for Germany and Portugal to meet.
If Greece makes it past the group stages, I will go Exorcist on everyone around me. That’s not a prediction, it’s a fact.

Au Revoir

Stephane — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 18:34:45 +0000

The greatest act of maturity I’ve seen in the past 24 hours was awarding Zizou the Golden Ball despite his more than inopportune reaction in last night’s game. I see his departure as unfortunate more than any of the many derogatory adjectives used to qualify the event of this final. It very simply saddens me to see him go out in what could have been a moment of glory even in such palpable defeat. Zidane fused with the legends of football yesterday, Panenka’s penalty, Beckenbauer’s broken clavicle, Pelé’s three goals in two World Cup finals (not forgetting the equal achievement of Breitner and Vavá), he equaled the greats and as Didier Deschamps put it so well, “Zidane can imitate anyone, but no one can imitate Zidane”. Soon an explanation will come out about what happened 8 minutes before the concluding whistle, but in the long run it doesn’t matter, if Maradona’s legend can survive, his is more than set in stone.s

Magic

Stephane — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 10:08:45 +0000

Last night’s game between Italy and Germany was beautiful. Football madness has struck nearly every nation in the world, and after the demonstration we saw from both squads, I wonder why some are still unconvinced. I suppose I wouldn’t have much of a problem with it, if I weren’t studying in the United States. But considering the present situation, I can do nothing but idly stand distant from my inner European. My efforts to force some sense into the first social layer surrounding me - through the medium of Pro Evolution Soccer - was simply futile. Now if a World Cup won’t do it, nothing will. I’ll be wearing my French jersey tonight, and hoping for another touch of magic as I sit where I am rightfully fan, the couch of my home in beautiful Europe.

Quickie: An intense, hard-fought match between a French team destined to win and a humble Portugal that lost the game to its single mistake. Who would have predicted this final affiche? History repeats itself… and I’m all for it!

V for Victoire

Stephane — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 22:04:58 +0000

OOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!
ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!!

France is still present. That’s all I’ve got to say.

World Cup Predictions

Stephane — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 15:33:56 +0000

Brazil will not win the World Cup. They will win all three of their group games but will have physical difficulties versus Australia and will concede two goals to Japan. I am positive they will make it at least to the semi-finals, but may be disturbed by a serious injury, an overtime win, overconfidence or defensive/goalkeeping errors. Not only that but the statistics are very unfavorable to them - not a single South American team has won a European-hosted World Cup in 48 years, and this happened only once out of the 17 editions.
Sweden will perform well once again, but will be the unfortunate victim of a difficult game in the final stages (perhaps going to penalty shootouts). Italy will have the same problem and will go out in their now customary horrific way before achieving the semi-finals.
The surprise of this Cup might be Ivory Coast, Japan or Australia. Realistically, I don’t see either of the three winning, but they might get a chance to go up to quarter-finals if not semis. Nevertheless it will be exciting to see if other continents aside from Europe and South America can finally take a share of the cake.
If the U.S. can beat Czech Republic, we might see a fun second round game versus Brazil.
France can win the trophy if they find the prolific offensive combination. Ribéry might be the one to offer such solutions and if so might well become the heir to Zidane. It will be a tough competition for Zizou, but if France makes it to the finals he will score an essential goal (perhaps a penalty kick during the game).
England may also be adorned of a second star on their jersey if Beckham can focus as much on his game as he does on his haircut. Robocrouch may be the one who holds up the offensive line while Rooney recovers.
Whatever the final game is, it will certainly be hard-fought. I am confident we will be watching one of the most exciting cups of the next decade. A new generation of players is taking over and many of them will be reshaping football in the next few years, I’m thinking of players such as Messi, C. Ronaldo, Ribéry, Robinho, Robben, Rooney, and others whose names don’t begin with the letter ‘R’.