Kick Off

I have been following football since the turn of the millennium; so I have seen all the major competitions after AD 2000. Euro 2008 is by far the most exciting one I have seen. The first week has been a show of brilliant football. Now since no newspaper wants me to write for them, I’m gonna go ahead and be audacious enough on posting my opinions.

Group A : Portugal, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Turkey

Switzerland are already out after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Turkey. But the Turks have a tough challenge up ahead as they face the Czechs. Portugal have by far been the best side in the group and their qualification is justified. Two years ago, the Czechs would have been formidable opponents with likes of Nedved, Smicer and Poborsky. But in the absence of a stable midfield, the opportunities for Koller and Baros up front are limited. Turkey on the other hand are a young side and have a good striker in Nihat. But their ability to cope up with the pressure is debatable.

Group B : Germany, Poland, Austria, Croatia

Germany look set to qualify from this low profile group. Austria were the lowest rated team but they showed some good form against Croatia although they ended up losing 1-0. Croatia and Poland will be favourites to become the second team to qualify after Germany, but Austria may have a surprise or two up their sleeves.

Group C : The Netherlands, Italy, France, Romania

The Dutch are back! Their confidence must be at an all-time high after routing the world champions 3-0. The French played lacklustre football in their opening game in which Romania made them look even worse than the English. Clearly, they need Thierry Henry to play if they are going to stand any chance of going through. The Italians are a fine squad but their famous defense is showing big leaks in the absence of captain Fabio Cannavaro. Personally, I want the underdogs Romania to go through.

Group D : Spain, Sweden, Russia, Greece

Perennial under-performers Spain started their campaign superbly. Their forwards form probably the most lethal combination in this tournament. The Russian side showed flashes here and there, but their inexperience was obvious. Sweden started off well with Ibrahimovic finally scoring in an international game. The Greeks proved why their Euro 2004 victory was a fluke. The defending champions look like they are going to be the first ones eliminated from that group. My money is on Spain and Sweden going through.

 

Tales from Britannia – IV

Over the last three weeks, I have had a chance to visit many attractions in and around London. Some highlights …

• The Museum of Natural History: A majestic chronicle of life on Earth. Right from huge lifesize skeletons of the early dinosaurs to modern day species that wander on this planet. A rich collection of rocks and mineral specimens. They actually have a Pune connection – two specimens, one from Wagholi and one from Khadakwasla.
• The Tower of London: I am not the kind of person who would enjoy a display of jewellery, but the Crown Jewels mesmerised me. I mean, I have never seen a bigger collection of diamonds and gold in my life. The crux was definitely the Koh-i-Noor diamond. Exquisitely crafted, it literally filled the room with its glory. The Crown Jewels stands testimony to the brilliant craftsmanship and metalwork in medieval Europe.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral : One of the many works of Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul’s is a magnanimous showcase of the wealth of the British Royalty. The architecture and fine sculpture are eye catching. There are some 600 odd steps to reach the topmost gallery of the cathedral from where you get a breathtaking view of London.
• Lord’s : By far, the best moment of my stay here was the view of Lord’s Cricket Ground from the pavilion. I got a chance to be in that famous gallery in the away dressing room where Sourav Ganguly did a Salman Khan. I saw the brilliant view from inside the Media Centre. Definitely, Lord’s is a must visit for anyone who comes here.