What we’ve learned from the group stages at the Euro’s…

It has certainly been a refreshing two weeks of football on show in Austria and Switzerland. Attacking football is being rewarded with the positive results, and barring a few isolated incidents, the crowds are also behaving themselves. But what are the main points one can take away from the early stages of the competition, as we prepare for the knockout rounds…?

Total football is back!
The new version of the Orange is exceeding all expectations, particularly that of one of the heavyweights of football, Johan Cruyff, who was very critical of the Dutch approach and tactics in the games leading up to the tournament. However, Marco Van Basten is showing great tactical nous, and seems to be bringing the best out of his young talented squad. In the three group games they have looked equally comfortable controlling possession and playing high up the pitch, as they have done defending deep and hitting teams with deadly counterattacks. It remains to be seen if this generation has the mental strength to go all the way, just as Van Basten and co did twenty years ago.

Never bet against the wounded Italians…
They just get stronger as the tournament goes on. As in the World Cup, the Italian team produced some unconvincing results in the early stages, but could now easily be counted amongst the favourites. Just like an experience long distance runner, they seem do what’s needed to stay in touch at the beginning of the race, to be ready for a strong finish. If they make it past a tough quarter final against a very technical Spanish team, without the influential midfielders Pirlo and Gattuso, few could bet against them going all the way to the final.

And speaking of Spain…
A lot was said in Spain about Tiki-taka, the controlling, passing football they have become best known for and which served them well in the build up to the tournament. However, they have shown great versatility in the early games, in fact looking far more dangerous on the break. With the skillful midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Silva looking good, David Villa on fire, and Torres waiting to ignite, this could be Spain’s year. The Italian hurdle in the dreaded quarter finals looms large. This should be the pick of the round.

A very Brazilian Portugal could finally do it.
With Big Phil Scolari at the helm, Portugal reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup, and were runners up at the Euro’s four years ago. This squad is undoubtedly stronger all round, with the most convincing central defensive partnership of the tournament in Pepe and Carvalho, a rejuvenated Deco in midfield, and of course worlds best player over the last year or so, Cristiano Ronaldo. They should go all the way to the final once again, as they will surely be too strong for Germany in the quarterfinals, their toughest challenge on route. The feeling is that only they can stop themselves from being champions this year.

But of course, you can't discount the Germans.
They raced out of the blocks and were many bookies favourites, then stumbled against Croatia, and finally qualified for the quarter finals unconvincingly. They have a number of great individuals, and work as a great unit. Ballack on his day is as good as any midfielder in the world, Shwensteiger provides the flair, and the erratic temperament, and in Podolski they have one of the emerging stars of the tournament. They have history and the pedigree behind them, a lot depends on which Germany turns up on match day.

Oh….and England weren’t so bad after all!
The disappointment of not even qualifying for the tournament after being knocked out in the qualifiers doesn’t seem so bad now. We have seen a stylish Croatia win three from three, including a convincing victory over Germany, and Russia have also progressed past the group stages, knocking out the reigning champions on the way. Just makes us wonder what Capello might have done with Gerrard and the rest of the gang at this tournament!