Greece: Mikro 70%
Sweden: Europe 30%
Total Voters: 23
Poll closes: 10 Apr 2008 @ 10:00
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SWEDEN: Europe – “Superstitious”
The manager says: “Veteran campaigners, big hitters, the safe Bon Jovi. Sweden’s greatest ever band! And check that guitar solo, man, it gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. And, what other band could be more apt for Europop 2008?”
Our analyst says: Sweden are playing a confident, highly physical game, looking to overwhem their opponents in midfield and kill off the game quick with early goals. It’s a big change from their traditional play but their manager will be delighted by how well his side are following his tactical plan.
GREECE: Mikro – “Skotose Me”
The manager says: “Greece’s finest – and possibly only – electropop band, Mikro keep it tight and tuneful. We know we’re not favourites for this one but the boys are just keen to get out and show what they can do and hopefully give the fans back home a little pride.”
Our analyst says: Traditional europop tactics from Greece – a flat back four, direct build-ups in midfield, but you wonder where the flair in the side is coming from. They’ll be hoping to punish any signs of overconfidence from the Swedes, looking to nick a goal on the break or from a set-piece.
Coming next: The final two sides to take a bow in Europop 2008 are Spain and Russia. Spain had a middling Pop World Cup and have taken a punt on manager Ben, new to international management and with a chequered record at club level. Fans are said to be cautious. Russia, though, are full of expectation having appointed native son Mitya manager – “he really understands our national game”, said a spokesman. This opener is expected to be a crucial test for both new bosses, with any winner in an excellent position.
Match Report: Germany 0 Poland 0
Germany looked to grind out a result against their traditional rivals, but looked short on ideas though long on energy. The better chances fell Poland’s way, and though a draw is more or less a fair result, it’s Poland who might be more heartened having salvaged a point from what looked like their toughest game. They face Austria next, with Group B wide open after both opening games were drawn. The Germans are left to bemoan their lack of a cutting edge up front – they’ll hope for more luck against the mercurial Croats.
Match Report: France 1 Romania 1
France needed a controversial equaliser to salvage a point against limited but dogged opponents. Conceding a penalty in the first half, and booed by opposition fans throughout the game, a ragged French side eventually drew level thanks to a goal which looked offside to several observers. Romania will be much the happier side after this game – not one for the neutral – with France needing to regroup quickly before matches against Group C’s two other big names: Holland are next.