Nations : HID Euro 2008

Sweden

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:27:05 +0000

Larsson can still change a game but bringing him back is an act of desperation. Dave Farrar wouldn't waste a penny backing Sweden.

Spain

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:22:24 +0000

Spain have talented players coming out of their ears, and with a relatively easy group it's obvious why they are second favourites to win the Championship. But Dave Farrar is advising a tentative interest in the Spaniards. Read his thoughts here.

Greece

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:39:10 +0000

Dave Farrar reminds us how Greece won Euro 2004 and praises their "bouncebackability" after failing to qualify for the last World Cup. But just how far can they go this time round?

Russia

Fri, 30 May 2008 14:48:23 +0000

Russia has been the focal point of European club football in the last few weeks. Zenit St Petersburg sealed a UEFA Cup victory in Manchester before the Champions League final came to a stunning finale in the depths of the Moscow night. Can an undoubtedly talented national team retain the glare of the spotlight?

Romania

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:57:11 +0000

With a strong defensive line, a wily coach and a collection of versatile performers, the Romanians are not to be underestimated by anyone. Especially the Dutch.

Holland

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:20:37 +0000

In his first managerial job, Marco van Basten has plunged himself firmly into the deep end. The Dutch national side has a history of ego-clashes and in-fighting. Will Euro 2008 be any different? Don't count on it.

Italy

Fri, 30 May 2008 10:56:23 +0000

The World Cup holders had an auspicious start to their qualifying campaign, but recovered to ease through to the finals. Will their tendency to start slowly, and the inclusion of the irascible Cassano, cost them?

France

Fri, 30 May 2008 10:19:35 +0000

In the last decade, performances by French sides at major championships speak for themselves. But there is a definite changing of the guard in the air, and coach Raymond Domenech is presented with the choice between new and old.

Czech

Thu, 29 May 2008 14:33:21 +0000

With Nedved deciding against coming out of retirement for one last hurrah and inspirational skipper Tomas Rosicky out through injury, the Czech Republic will fail to replicate previous Euro performances, says Dave Farrar..

Poland

Thu, 29 May 2008 09:32:49 +0000

Group B favourites Germany and Croatia should be very wary of the threat posed by Leo Beenhakker's Poland after a purple patch in qualifying showed just how well they can perform on their day.

Croatia

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:43:20 +0000

After Slaven Bilic's Croatia dispatched the Three Lions at the home of football, there could be a window of opportunity for the more discerning punter. That's the verdict of our man, Dave Farrar.

Austria

Wed, 28 May 2008 15:55:54 +0000

There have been some awful teams that have dared to represent their nations in the European Championships, says Dave Farrar. But this Austrian side could be setting a fresh standard.

Turkey

Wed, 28 May 2008 15:34:39 +0000

At [3.35], Dave Farrar could not recommend a bet on Turkey to get out of this group enough. But will the omission of Hakan Sukur by Fatih Terim prove to be a masterstroke or a misjudgement?

Sw'land

Wed, 28 May 2008 14:23:27 +0000

Dave Farrar belives Switzerland will struggle to get past the group stages and may even fail to score on home soil, despite the shining light that is Eren Derdiyok. Here's why.

Portugal

Wed, 28 May 2008 13:57:03 +0000

Dave Farrar has plenty of praise and admiration for Portugal's silky-skilled and fleet-flooted forwards such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Quaresma but the absence of a proven goalscorer may prevent them from going all the way