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Talking a good game
3rd June 2008

TALKING A GOOD GAME

?Welcome to the MLS baby!?
The reported remark made by FC Dallas hardman Adrian Serioux to David Beckham after he crudely challenged the LA Galaxy midfielder.

?I don?t really understand why Jason Koumas has not got lots of caps for England. He has certainly got the ability so it?s a mystery to me.?
Former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder Paddy Crerand. He probably doesn?t have many caps for England because he plays for Wales Paddy!

?He?s like the abominable snowman. Much spoken of but never actually seen.?
Archie MacPherson describing Rangers outcast Thomas Buffel.

EURO 2008 PREVIEW

The home nations may not have made it to the European Championships but there is still a feast of football to be enjoyed throughout June. The action kicks off in Austria-Switzerland on Saturday with the Swiss taking on the Czech Republic. Here is a look at which nations are likely to progress to the latter stages of the competition:

GROUP A (Czech Republic, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey)

More than a few punters are backing Portugal to go all the way this year and it is hard to see them finishing anywhere other than top of this group. With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco in their squad they are bound to be offering some of the most exciting attacking football on offer in Austria-Switzerland. Czech Republic looked a decent outfit when they faced the Scots last week but it may be Switzerland with home advantage who nick second spot.

GROUP B (Austria, Croatia, Germany and Poland)

Austria coach Josef Hickersberger has his work cut out if he hopes to guide his team to the knock-out stages. Germany will be strong favourites for top spot but the other three teams are all capable of finishing second. The result when Poland face Croatia on June 16 will play a huge factor in deciding who finishes second.

GROUP C (France, Holland, Italy and Romania)

Poor Romania find themselves stuck in this group of death. Italy may be the favourites to progress from the group but the French will be tough to beat and with Henry and Ribery in their starting eleven they are not to be overlooked. Marco Van Basten will be hoping his hugely talented Dutch squad doesn?t make an early exit along with Romania.

GROUP D (Greece, Russia, Spain and Sweden)

Spain should progress from this group with few problems as they look to end their 44-year trophy drought. The defending champions Greece will be looking to grab the runners-up place but the comeback of talismanic striker Henrik Larsson may spur Sweden to second spot. Russia?s star player Andrei Arshavin is banned for the first two matches so it?s unlikely that Guus Hiddink?s side will make much of an impression on the tournament.

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