Just one month

In a month's time we would have known who won Euro 2008.

Team managers are currently submitting the final squads as the first kick-off fast approaches. Their biggest headache is to make the right gamble on who to leave out and who to promote for the final selection.

For the Maltese who love the game there will be one key ingredient missing: England. Although the English clubs are dominating Europe, the national team failed to qualify for this year’s edition. This will definitely have its impact on the intensity with which the event is followed here.

However England's absence from the tournament should not be a reason not to enjoy a feast of football, more so as such championships always spring a surprise. Who would have bet a euro on the chances of Greece winning the 2004 competition? Who would have thought that 1992 would see Denmark triumph?

In the run-up to any major football event, we often read and hear that this is the year of Portugal or Spain. Portugal was close to winning it in 2004, while Spain always seems to stumble on their way. This time round Portugal has this season’s best player. In my opinion, however, the team lacks the flair and dynamism that the Portuguese had in the previous edition.

This year’s hosts are not among the favourites. Switzerland and Austria are rather weak sides, with Austria being the weaker. In fact the Austrian supporters wanted to withdraw their team to avoid humiliation.

Poland can be this year’s surprise. Led by Leo Beenhakker, the team has transformed itself following the 2006 World Cup disappointment. He has managed to build a good squad based on team work and team spirit.

Other teams which might be a surprise are Sweden, Croatia and Romania.

Obviously, one can’t underestimate Germany, who always seem to rise to the occasion. Same can be said of Italy and France, whose rivalry had given life to the final of the 2000 edition and also the final of the last World Cup. Italy and France (together with Holland and Romania) have been drawn together at group stage. They also played each other in the qualifiers. The world champions want to emulate France’s 1998-2000 double. Having France on their way will make it a difficult task.

We will only know in a month’s time.