Not a bad start for the Soccer Scribe. Okay, it’s looking difficult for both Italy and Romania to progress from Group C, but a draw in their meeting on Friday will keep both in contention. I’d fancy the Romanians to beat the Dutch – they already did in qualifying – if they have two points by Friday night.
As for the Italians, they will need to beat France inside 90 minutes, something they haven’t done in major competition since the 1978 World Cup. They’re capable of it. That said, it does look like only one of my tips will progress at this stage.
The Swiss fell unluckily last night. Fortune didn’t favour them, but they weren’t up to it in the end. At least they had a go. My other Group A tip, Portugal, are flying, though doubts remain about their potential to win the tournament.
In Group B, Germany and Croatia are well placed to qualify as expected. However, Poland will have a say yet, especially if the Germans beat the Croats and the Poles get something from Thursday’s match in Vienna.
Finally to Group D where champions Greece got off to a disastrous start. The Swedes should give Spain a game, but it looks as if the Iberians will be my only tip to progress here.
As of Thursday afternoon, I’m looking at about 5 tips progressing with a margin of error of plus or minus three. All still to play for and I see no reason to revise my prediction that the Germans will meet the Italians in the final. Not yet, anyway.
