Sunday, June 15, 2008

Sam's All First Round team

If you're not sure who has a chance to qualify still, soccernet spelled it out nice
here
I think Deyan just about covered most of it, but I'll go ahead and mention a few things he did not.
Surprises:
Turkey has been a pleasant surprise, and if they go on to win today like I think they will, this tournament will be considered a huge success for them.

Romania- Sure they were overlooked, but at this point, you have to say that they are the team who deserve to advance of the other three. They held their ground against two giants, and validated their ranking as #12 in the world.

Croatia - After that horrid display with Austria, the Croats woke up and put themselves in great position to reach the semis.

Disappointments: I won't get into the French.
Luca Toni - see pre-tourney prediction, Germany (especially Ballack, Frings, Klose, their coach), Greece - a poor defense of their title.

And here is my all mid-tourney team.

Defence -
Bouhlarouz - He's been outstanding, I don't think he's been beaten once down the right side, and to think, he was barely included in the squad through Babel's injury.
Goian- A gawky rock at the Romanian back, but will miss the Holland match due to suspension,
Gio - Like his fellow fullback, he's been incredible in defence, and he's gotten forward as well.
Pepe - inclusion by default as I have no Portuguese players.

Midfield - Sneijder, van Der Vaart,- A true joy watching these two combine in the midfield, and when MVB brings on Robben or Robin they are a big orange wrecking ball, LOOK OUT!
Modric - This little Croat is striking fear into the hearts of Arsenal fans everywhere, (haha, if only that were true)
Sionko - In an otherwise disappointing Czech team he's been a bright spot.

Fowards - Podolski, Villa - They've been head and shoulders above the rest, despite old horsey sauce/face van Nistelrooy's solid displays, its his teammates basking in the limelight, Ibrahimovic has also silenced his critics.

Keeper- No one has really stood out, Cech has been solid, maybe the Polish Keeper for those crazy saves vs. Austria, The Turkish guy had a huge save against the Swiss too. Check out the length on his goal kicks, good lord...

Coach - MVB - He can do no wrong for Holland.

Goal of the Tournament - Sneijder vs Italy. It was a perfect team goal, Gio's long ball to find Kuyt, the subsequent cushioned header down, and Sneijder's finish, it just doesn't get any better. Tic - Tac - Toe - KABOOM!

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