FanNation

It's been a long time, but it's come to a very important part of the year and I know that the UEFA Champions League Final is tomorrow, but it's almost time for the UEFA EURO 2008 tourney, which is the biggest tourney for the European international teams.  Remember, the winner of the tourney will receive an automatic berth into the FIFA Confederations Cup which will be held in 2009 in South Africa.  Today, I start with Austria, and tomorrow, I will continue in alphabetical order.  So let's get this show on the road.

On June 7, 2008, Austria will make history as they will play in there first EURO as well as they will be the first of two nations to co-host the tourney.  This team has always been strong, but very underrated and always a threat, especially on home ground. 

Strength- The one true strength of this team is how well the players know each other.  Out of 33 players on the Training squads, 19 players play there football in Austria.  With most of them playing with Rapid or Sturm. 

Weakness- this team's weakness is definitely it's lack of a star player.  Without that threat, a team is sometimes nothing, and it may prove to be the case at the end of this tourney.

Player to Watch- Erwin Hoffer, Striker.  This past season for Rapid, Hoffer managed to score ten goals as a 21-year old kid.  I think this kid may bring something explosive to the table for the Austrians.

Prediction: Austria come out and play well in their first match, but still lose.  They lose all real hope, and they end up finishing 4th in Group B.

***Well, I hoped you liked it.  They will get better as soon as the big-name teams begin to appear.  I know them a lot better, and I will have a lot more info on them.  Thank you, as always for reading my blog, until next time, it's been Keeper.

Today is part two of my 16-part series examining the 16 teams that will meet in Austria and Switzerland in the summer.  So, today we will be looking at another Group B team in Croatia.

On June 7, 2008, Croatia will participate in their 3rd European Championship.  The reason the number is so low is not because of lack of talent, but because they were formerly other countries like Yugoslavia.  So without and more background, here are some of the people and things to watch out for when you see them walk on the pitch.

Strength- The Croatians will come into the tourney with a very strong and underrated midfield.  To me, the Croatians have one of the better midfields due to their experience in big games such as World Cups and Euros.  With Dario Srna (Shaktar Donestk), Niko Kranjcar (Portsmouth), and captain Niko Kovac (Red Bull Salzburg), they are very dangerous.  Some of their players may not play with big clubs, but this really doesn't matter.  The rest of the team is pretty good, but watch out for the midfield. 

Weakness- If I had to give this side a weakness, it would be their total lack of depth.  I really think they are a very good, all-around squad, but this may be an issue for them.  If the right players end up injured, Croatia could have a long tourney and not a very good one.

Player to Watch- Ivan Klasnic.  The 28 year-old Werder Bremen striker may just break out and show how good he can be.  If his health holds up, he will be a big asset to his team.  Whether or not he plays, I still believe he will be an inspiration to his team.

Prediction- In a very Central European Group B, I see this side finishing in second and advancing to the Quarter-final stages.

*Once again, thanks and I hope you liked it.  Tomorrow, I will be taking a look at the Cech, I mean Czech Republic.  It's been Keeper and I'm out.