Wow. The draw for the Euro 2008 finals was completed overnight, and it has thrown up some massive fixtures. None more so than those in the remarkable Group C - the circumstances surrounding this group really are astounding. Please note:
1. The Netherlands were grouped with Romania in the qualifying phase.
2. Italy were grouped with France in the qualifying phase.
3. Romania actually topped their qualifying group, above the Netherlands!
4. The recent history between France and Italy in International Tournaments reads:
France 0-0 Italy World Cup Quarter-Final 1998. France advanced on penalty kicks.
France 2-1 Italy A.S.D.E.T in the de Kuip stadium, Rotterdam, Euro 2000 final.
Italy 0-0 France, with Italy claiming the FIFA World Cup for 2006 courtesy of penalty kicks.
5. France, Italy and the Netherlands have all been European Champions.
To say this is a Group of Death is an understatement. Romania are certainly no mugs, and having seen this draw I am now massively excited for what has always been my second favourite international tournament. I'm not sure who will get through from this group - but I fancy the Italy and France in these early days.
I will explore the other groups in a future post, perhaps some time closer to the tournament, however in departing I must comment on the chuckle I had to myself when I spotted Germany, Austria and Poland being grouped together. Anyone up for a World War?
Monday, December 3, 2007
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