The Germans are my pick to win the tournament and their 100% record in qualifying speaks volumes. Portugal will be no pushovers though, with Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, who practically won La Liga for Real Madrid on his own. Despite this the Portuguese seem to be a shadow of their team from eight years ago, with Ronaldo lacking adequate support.
Germany have matured in the last four years, when they took a very young side to the tournament and were pipped in the final by Spain. They also had a good showing at the World Cup two years later, again being pipped by Spain, this time in the semis after dismantling England and Argentina along the way.
Portugal in contrast, seemed to make little impact at the World Cup and had to rely on the playoffs to qualify for this year's Euros. Being drawn in this group has not helped them whatsoever and I don't expect them to qualify for the quarter finals.
I do feel however that this game will be close, with Germany's know how seeing them over the line, but you can't rule out Portugal who aren't a bad side and you never know in tournament football.
No comments:
Post a Comment