We are halfway through the group stage of the Euro this year, and one team has really stood out. I am an unabashed Germany fan, let me clarify right away, and that team is Germany. They are the only team to register two wins so far. They have faced tough opponents - namely Portugal spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, who can be fatal if he wants to, and the Netherlands, featuring stars like Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt. Strangely, though, they are not yet completely assured of a place in the last eight - if they are toppled by Denmark and Portugal win against the Netherlands, the group will be decided on goal difference. But seeing that their next opponent is relative minnows Denmark, that should not be a problem. Not to forget that Denmark beat the second favourites.
Some players have looked great as well. Mario Gomez, Alan Dzagoev and Mario Mandzukic jointly top the scoring charts, the former finally breaking his jinx for his national side in important games. Andriy Shevchenko, no less than 35, scored twice in a come-from-behind win for his host team Ukraine. Fernando Torres was half the scoresheet is Spain's 4-0 thrashing of Ireland.
Notable absentees so far have been Villa, Lampard and Puyol (injury), Gotze and Mata (Bench) and Rooney (Red card in qualifying). All of them would have lit up the games so far. But none is missed quite as much, especially by fans of Barcelona, as Lionel Messi.
Paul the Octopus, watching from up in the heavens, will definitely be amused to see his countless successors trying to emulate his 100% record two years ago. Animals from many countries, including an elephant, monkey and parakeet have tried their hand. But none is quite as iconic as Paul, who created the field of animal predictors of games.
Apart from the lightness, there is the serious issue of racism and fan misbehaviour to consider. Black players of the Dutch team were abused during training and Czech Theo Gebre Selassie by Russian fans during ther opening match. With many countries fielding players who are black or of mixed race, the problem could recur. It doesn't help that the UEFA has stated that players leaving the field due to racist abouse will be yellow-carded. Does that mean they should tolerate it and stay on? Is it their fault they take offence and wish to leave? It is in the hands of the UEFA, the body presiding over the event, and the associations of the national teams, who influence their fans, to stop this age-old problem. Also, supporters have thrown things onto the pitch.
But in terms of winners, nothing is clear. The team with most wins so far has looked tentative and error-ridden in the penalty box. Spain are finding their feet. England and France are yet to play the minnows of the group. Netherlands, who has a mathematical chance, are wounded and will want to give it their all. It is also possible that all these falter when crunch matches loom and a less-fancied team will take the cup home. Who will throw the biggest party come July?
Some players have looked great as well. Mario Gomez, Alan Dzagoev and Mario Mandzukic jointly top the scoring charts, the former finally breaking his jinx for his national side in important games. Andriy Shevchenko, no less than 35, scored twice in a come-from-behind win for his host team Ukraine. Fernando Torres was half the scoresheet is Spain's 4-0 thrashing of Ireland.
Notable absentees so far have been Villa, Lampard and Puyol (injury), Gotze and Mata (Bench) and Rooney (Red card in qualifying). All of them would have lit up the games so far. But none is missed quite as much, especially by fans of Barcelona, as Lionel Messi.
Paul the Octopus, watching from up in the heavens, will definitely be amused to see his countless successors trying to emulate his 100% record two years ago. Animals from many countries, including an elephant, monkey and parakeet have tried their hand. But none is quite as iconic as Paul, who created the field of animal predictors of games.
Apart from the lightness, there is the serious issue of racism and fan misbehaviour to consider. Black players of the Dutch team were abused during training and Czech Theo Gebre Selassie by Russian fans during ther opening match. With many countries fielding players who are black or of mixed race, the problem could recur. It doesn't help that the UEFA has stated that players leaving the field due to racist abouse will be yellow-carded. Does that mean they should tolerate it and stay on? Is it their fault they take offence and wish to leave? It is in the hands of the UEFA, the body presiding over the event, and the associations of the national teams, who influence their fans, to stop this age-old problem. Also, supporters have thrown things onto the pitch.
But in terms of winners, nothing is clear. The team with most wins so far has looked tentative and error-ridden in the penalty box. Spain are finding their feet. England and France are yet to play the minnows of the group. Netherlands, who has a mathematical chance, are wounded and will want to give it their all. It is also possible that all these falter when crunch matches loom and a less-fancied team will take the cup home. Who will throw the biggest party come July?
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