Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic

[Metaphysical]

Historically it is far from being "the worst group in the history of the universe". Czech Republic, Poland, Russia (former USSR) and Greece have all won major honours before.

Actually the group of death (Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark) have only two more EURO wins combined than group A
(Germany having won 3 of the total 5 championships won in that group compared to the 3 won in the Russia/Poland group). In fact Spain's and Italy's group has as many wins as group A.

I'm not talking about "historically," I'm talking about the football these sides play. they're all fucking awful.

[Metaphysical]

same type if shit we webt through with the world cup. yet no one said shit when it was done in portugal or whatever and they all sucked hairy balls.

it's just not a surprise at all, which is so sad.

[DucdeOrléans]

it's just not a surprise at all, which is so sad.

Well of course it's not the most interesting group for a lot of people but I would not lable the group as "the worst group in the history of universe" or what you wrote. The history involved in that group certainly makes that statement impossible.

Apart from that Russia played the best football together with Spain in the last Euro. The Czech Republic played brilliant football in 2004 as well (where Greece won btw). Both those teams are capable of playing some good football and they have a few very interesting talents. The situation is pretty similar with Poland who also play positive football and have some very interesting talents.

Greece are indeed boring but one must give credit to their defence. As much as I find their football destructive it is interesting to see different playing styles collide.

And yes, it is still the worst group in the EURO's but not as bad as some want to make it. Let's not forget that the host nation is in the group as well which will ensure an amazing support in that group.

[VivaBarca]

The Czech Republic are garbage, I watched them with my own eyes two months ago and if it were not for a scandalous dive then they wouldn't have even made the play-offs. Greece are the dullest team in history, Poland wouldn't have even qualified if they weren't hosting so this group is the most unattractive by far.

Russia
Greece
Poland
Czech Rep

[AnfieldEd]

Yes that's why I give Greece a decent chance to qualify from that group because we are capable of getting points from all the other 3 countries.

[VivaBarca]

Yes that's why I give Greece a decent chance to qualify from that group because we are capable of getting points from all the other 3 countries.

Greece will qualify Ed, don't worry, unless Poland surprise everyone then Greece should have no problem in beating both Poland and the Czechs.

[AnfieldEd]

Greece will qualify Ed, don't worry, unless Poland surprise everyone then Greece should have no problem in beating both Poland and the Czechs.

I think all 4 teams are capable of beating each other, so in that sense it will be an interesting group because any of those 4 can qualify.

[VivaBarca]

I think all 4 teams are capable of beating each other, so in that sense it will be an interesting group because any of those 4 can qualify.

I think Russia are dead certs to qualify, apart from Spain the team I'm most confident about progressing from the groups is Russia. They are a class apart for me.

Will Samaras make Greece's starting XI?

[Wolfe]

this is the worst group in the history of the universe. what an utter shitpile.

and the sad thing is, we can expect more crap like this from now on as they expand the Euros. no more awesome groups packed tightly with Europe's Finest. just lots and lots of blergh.

Metas expectations of Euro groups:
Group A: Germany, England, Netherlands, France
Group B: England, Spain, Germany, England
Group C: Italy, England, Netherlands, Germany
Group D: Spain, Spain, Spain, England

[Metaphysical]

Metas expectations of Euro groups:
Group A: Germany, England, Netherlands, France
Group B: England, Spain, Germany, England
Group C: Italy, England, Netherlands, Germany
Group D: Spain, Spain, Spain, England

absolutely!



but seriously, once they expand, groups like B and C this year will be no more. and that will suck.

[Jenks]

Do we know why they're doing it? To shorten qualifying campaigns I presume?

[VivaBarca]

Do we know why they're doing it? To shorten qualifying campaigns I presume?

Money. Oh, and because more and more countries have joined UEFA. Money. More games on the TV. Money. More countries and fans attending. Money.

[Metaphysical]

Money. Oh, and because more and more countries have joined UEFA. Money. More games on the TV. Money. More countries and fans attending. Money.

this.

[Wolfe]

Had to share this, no matter you won't understand a lot. This is how eager the Polish supporters are nowadays.

Fucking disgrace. Eternal respect for the guy trying to get the chants going.

Our matches will be worthless without the supporters. They were always our 12th man on the pitch, but now it's a pile of motherfucking tossers.

[AnfieldEd]

I really fancy our chances of getting 2nd spot at least in the group stages. I think we can beat Poland and get a draw from the Czech game. Russia will probably beat us, although you never know. But that first game will go either way. Either Poland has stage fright and their players do not perform, thus increasing our chances to win that game. Or Poland will be more motivated by the occasion and perform to their best levels, thus decreasing our chances. So that first game is key.

I'd feel very confident of qualifying if we have 3 points in the bag from the Poland game.

Greece have some decent players in their team now that can give most countries had good game. Tzorvas is a very good goalkeeper. Papadopoulous is an emerging centre back and will be our best defender for the next 10 years. Torosidis and Seitaridis are solid defenders.

Karagounis and Katsouranis are dependable midfielders. Ninis is our most creative player with excellent potential.

In attack though we are very light. I would say Gekas is our most dependable striker and Samaras plays off him. Samaras has ability but not consistency. Christodoulopoulos is a decent striker. But really unlike in defence and midfield we have no really good strikers - just decent ones. At least in Papadopoulous in defence and Ninis in midfield we have two players of real class and real top quality potential.