I'm sitting by the computer with suitcases filling around me. This is my last day, and indeed last article, from beautiful Africa.
Ten great years have past since my family moved to South Africa from Scotland at the back end of the 1998 World Cup but the time is right to move closer to the football I love and the career I chase.
Funnily enough, my final days in a country have once again been spent in front of a television, watching another major tournament.
We're just about half way through Euro 2008 (in matches if not stages) and I think it's fair to say it hasn't let us down.
I'll start in group A, where hosts Switzerland have already been ousted and star studded Portugal lead the way.
I don't want to say too much about the fact Switzerland and Austria both qualified for this tournament automatically, being hosts of this event. It's the only way for small countries to get a slice of the pie and with Scotland always a potential joint host, I'd be silly to criticise.
I think it's clear though that such a move has it's consequences and Euro 2008 is definitely missing another competitive side. Maybe a system where they're is a major host (and that country qualifies) and they make use of a neighbouring countries infrastructure?
One point from what I suspect will be six games for the two host countries is definitely a situation I believe that could use some looking into!
Portugal are through to the quarter finals but I wouldn't say they look like world beaters and certainly haven't impressed like the Dutch. They are though, more than capable of winning this tournament.
The battle for second is a touchy subject. The Czech Republic have been a little disappointing but should have too much for Turkey in the deciding game. Turkey showed their character in fighting back from 1-0 down against hosts Switzerland to win 2-1 and their fans will expect a win.
Sadly, it may well have done them more damage than good. A hard win on a heavy pitch won't have done their legs any favours.
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So Portugal and the Czech Republic to emerge out of group A. You wouldn't have many outside Switzerland and Turkey too surprised by that.
Group B like group A, wasn't exactly hard to predict but I suppose it isn't over till the fat lady sings.
Croatia's thrilling 2-1 victory over Germany was a surprise to many but not to me. I struggled to understand why people had Germany among their favourites for the tournament.
Austria can't wait for a bite at their German neighbours after their display against the Croats. I wouldn't bet on an Austrian result though.
I'm just saying I wouldn't bet on Germany winning Euro 2008 either!
We often see players playing against the country of their birth these days, usually though, they're playing for an adopted nation as they were never in the reckoning for a call up to their own national team.
It is sad though to see Poland starved of a talent like Lukas Podolski. I'm not sure of the whole story and therefore won't go into the subject in detail.
I just hope it's not a case of wanting to play for a more successful country than your country of birth!
Podolski for all I know, may be as Polish as Andy Goram was Scottish. That though is another story.
Croatia and Germany will see the quarter finals at least.
Before the tournament started there was only one group worth talking about and in a way it's lived up to it's billing but in two others, it's been so disappointing!
Group C pits world champions Italy against World Cup runners up France, the magnificent Dutch and the more than capable Romanians.
Holland have been on fire as they thrashed Italy 3-0 and France 4-1. The Dutch are it's said playing total football and you'd be hard pressed to disagree!
They are though perennial underachievers, and I'm just not sure they'll win this tournament. Their attacking skill and potential is probably unmatched in the competition but at the back they are relying heavily on Edwin Van der Sar.
The back line may have performed well up until now but they must win three of the next four games to lift the trophy. Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has played well but in my opinion, I don't think he's a defender.
Andre Ooijer was left out the last two European Championship squads by Frank Rijkaard and Dick Advocaat. I wonder why? There must be a question mark about his ability at this level.
Khalid Boulahrouz is in my humble opinion "dodgy" and with the likes of Mario Melchiot and Wilfred Bouma in reserve, it wouldn't get any better.
I'd love to see the Netherlands win EURO 2008, especially the way they are playing. I just think they are vulnerable and will at some stage slip up. Whether they can grind it out though, remains to be seen.
Italy and France's capitulations at the hands of Holland and they're inability to beat Romania have left them staring down the barrel.
A draw between the world cup finalists and a narrow loss for Romania against Holland, would see the Romanians advance with just two points!
Who'd have predicted that!
Now there's something I would bet on, Holland and Romania to advance!
Finally we move on to group D, where defending Champions Greece are defending no more!
Funnily enough, because they can't defend!
In fact, they couldn't score either and with the Russians only narrowly beating the Greeks 1-0 last night, I'd say it'll be bye bye to them too.
Sweden have surprised a few people but why? Sweden are Sweden and always there!
Spain are like the Portuguese and the Dutch. Always amongst the favourites and always out pretty early!
This year though they've joined the above mentioned in the quarter finals already, thanks among others to Valencia's David Villa, who's late late winner last night against Sweden (2-1) was his fourth goal in just two games.
So Spain and Sweden to advance from group D but who'll win the whole thing?
It would be easy to say Spain, Portugal or Holland so I'll say that!
Just don't count out my conquering heroes, Croatia!
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2 months ago
Andrew really nice article. I feel like Spain and the Netherlands both have two many question marks to win this tournament. Spain's style is just killing them slowly and the Dutch are going to run into a team that is going to expose their weak defense.
There is an outside chance that these two could be playing each other in the semi-finals in what would be a fantastic match.
I do like your pick of Portugal. if they can get past some of the distractions I think they are the team to beat.
from 2 months ago
Thanks. Things went a bit pear shaped with tonights results though haha. Portugal losing to Switzerland wasn't on my cards and it certainly wasn't a penalty!
As for Turkey...I can't believe it!!!
2 months ago
My pick of the bunch is Croatia. They play compact football aswell as free-flowing football. They are a match for anyone in the tournament.
As for the game ive just witnessed. I stand up and SALUTE the Turks. This is what football is all about..
from 2 months ago
I said it before the tournament :P It is a long shot still though.
2 months ago
I think the Swiss in particular have been unlucky in this tournament. To lose their best player injured in game 1, and lose to a deflected late goal in game two, was tough on them.
At the same time, they have failed to make their own luck, missing sitters in both games 1 and 2, that could have led to qualification had they gone in.
They have showed enough for me though to suggest they 'deserved' their place in the finals, they might well have qualified anyway, we will never know.
Austria have also been better than I thought they might, and who knows, might even stun the Germans tonight (although I wouldn't put any money on that!).
You can never underestimate home advantage, look at South Korea in 2002 World Cup, and it can transform even very ordinary sides in to potential world beaters. Thats why I personally am still content with the hosts automatic qualifying rule, even with join hosts. Christ, even England do ok in tournaments when we are at home ;-)
2 months ago
My beloved Germans are playing like crap. I thought they were the favorites, but no longer.
2 months ago
i predicted russia will make it throught and they did. in my predictions also, the final is portugal vs Italy where italy will win. i know italy has been playing awfully, but they'll manage to win the tournament somehow. i think the match to watch right now is spain vs italy. the winner might be the early favorite next to holland and portugal.
i'm also anticipating russia vs holland to see if russia can do what italy, france and romania failed to do... my bet is still on italy. but even if they win the euros, they should sack donadoni because when u take world champions, a team that played excellent football under tactician Lippi and has excellent midfielders who know how to maintain possession, and yet the team fails to keep the ball, then the manager is to blame.
2 months ago
i predicted russia will make it throught and they did. in my predictions also, the final is portugal vs Italy where italy will win. i know italy has been playing awfully, but they'll manage to win the tournament somehow. i think the match to watch right now is spain vs italy. the winner might be the early favorite next to holland and portugal.
i'm also anticipating russia vs holland to see if russia can do what italy, france and romania failed to do... my bet is still on italy. but even if they win the euros, they should sack donadoni because when u take world champions, a team that played excellent football under tactician Lippi and has excellent midfielders who know how to maintain possession, and yet the team fails to keep the ball, then the manager is to blame. Anyways, great article!
from 2 months ago
Portugal....hahahhah hhehehe ho ho
Respect those three stars on Germany`s jersey. You have to sweat and go past Brazil and Argentina to get those stars.
Some little media made winker wanker is not going to change the fact that Portugal is a non-entity in football.
2 months ago
I thought that the world`s number one should have left more of a mark dribbling everyone and scoring at least 5 or 6 goals . Portugal should have done better as well with Cristiano Pele on their side and all.
I guess he can only score in strong leagues like EPL. He would not lower himself to score in this silly tourney.
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