Premature eliminations

With the tournament that kicks off today, there are certain countries who don't just expect to be there before the qualifiers started just under a couple of years ago, but who expect to be in the knockout stages and beyond - they expect, almost arrogantly, to be in the quarters as a minimum, with only a final appearance a success. There are as always nations with huge expectations, whether it's because of their past pedigree (Germany) or simply their group or qualifying success (Croatia)... so i'm wondering, who will crash and fall at the first hurdle?

Because someone always does.

In 2004 Spain exited on the goals for ruling, the 5th tie-breaker set by UEFA, leaving eventual winners Greece to enter the knockout phase. In the same tournament, Scandinavian duo Sweden and Denmark played out a 2-2 draw on the final group game, which was enough to see twice European Championship finalists Italy depart prematurely. And in the final group, Germany continued their failure to win a match in the competition since England 96, then via Oliver Bierhoff’s extra-time final winner, as they slumped aside for the Netherlands and Czech Republic to progress, not even lowly Latvia proving fodder for the proud Germans.

Step back four years to Belgium and the Netherlands, and a group with the components Germany, England, Portugal and Romania saw the former, more prestigious two crash out, as said with Germany failing to win a single game, and one Phillip Neville trailing a leg to hand Romania an 89th minute penalty in the curtailing match.

Elsewhere, in England four years prior, Italy were the side of Europe’s elite that failed to reach the last eight, as Czech Republic seeped through on a head-to-head basis. In Sweden 92, England and France fell victim to the running theme; Spain and England the same in West Germany 88; West Germany in France 84; and the Netherlands, England and Spain in Italy 80. Before which only four teams took part in the then inaugural competition.

So it begs the question, who do you think will crash out of Austria and Switzerland 2008 at the group stage? And who will hence cast an anticlimax over their people's high expectations? Also, which underdog will prove the instigators?

Spain and Italy maybe.
Italy could be under pressure as they notorious slow starters in competition and finish always very strongly.
Spain have a difficult group where all 4 teams could qualify.

Spain could be a decent shout. As always.

And one of France or Italy could fall.

The least upsetting, but that i think is bound to happen is the Czech's exit.

france may fall in the grooup of deathe

Czech Republic will not get past the group stages

Please please the frenchies...

I agree with those who say the Czech Republic, it has become clear already that they are not to the standard of the previous two tournaments anymore and lack that key ingredient to Bruckners style of play - a world class playmaker. With Rosicky injured and Nedved a distant memory their attacking force looks like it has no real leader in my opinion, with the ageing Koller simply not as effective as he once was. Baros is a spent force and the likes of Jarolim and Plasil are decent enough yet lack the quality to really see the Czechs compete.

The obvious group for a potential shock early exit is Group C. With one the French Italians or Dutch set to exit, even two if the Romanians can spring a surprise but one exiting is he more likely. Many see it as being Holland with their shaky Defence and their reputation for self destruct but personally i can see a shock occurring and the Italians or the French departing at tje group stages.

well the group of death certainly shouts out for a big name to drop out. With it having france, holland and italy, one of them will not make it to the quarters. i think it will be france, as i have a good feeling about holland in this tournament.

i dont think group A will cause any surprises. Portugal and Czech should progress from that group, with switzerland not putting up any fight, and turkey playgin average.

Group b speaks for itself aswell. Germany and Croatia walkin the groupm with the other 2 not really in contention to qualify.

Group D is a tricky one. Spain will win this group. Then the second place spot could be any of the 3 in my opinion. russia had a good qualifying campaign, as did sweden. Greece are the holders of this title, so maybe they could cause an upset and prevent russia or sweden from qualifying.

but if this were to happen, it wouldnt be the biggest upset. so i'm going to vote for france in the poll.

I can see Turkey being well in contention for taking that Group A runner up spot you know. With the Czechs looking to be mediocre at best and the Swiss with their usual bluntness in the final third, Turkey look to be quite a well organised outfit and have a good tactician in Fatih Terim. The likes of Kazim-Richards and Emre should provide bite from the Midfield and Aurelio is a decent holding player whilst the likes of Nihat and Tuncay are well capable on their day. Providing they remain level headed at the back i think they could pip the Czechs to that place in the Quarters.

Spain is my guess, they always manage to disappoint one way or another

Exactly, that's why being sent off in the group stage wouldn't be a disappointment

The French will fall.

I suppose it's premature then as they are one of the favourites to win it.