But I'll be glued to the action when it gets going tomorrow and, with so many nations having a genuine chance of winning it, I'm convinced we'll see a feast of good inventive football, rather than the stifling stuff which has marred so many potentially exciting tournaments. Earlier this week I've tipped the Czech Republic, Portugal, Croatia, Germany, Holland, Italy, Spain and Russia to make up the last eight, leaving the co-hosts Austria and Switzerland, holders Greece and many folks' favourites France on the outside looking in. Whether it works out that way or not remains to be seen but, one thing is certain, once we get down to the knock-out stages, there won't be much between the teams and it is likely that penalty kick shoot-outs will be required on a few occasions. As Rangers fans know only too well, it doesn't get much more exciting than that.
While all the traditionally powerful teams will be in with a shout, I'd like to see a surprise winner, although I'm not sure it would be such a big surprise if the Czech Republic or Croatia were the ones celebrating on June 29. For years the Czechs have punched well above their weight, winning it in 1976, losing out to an Oliver Bierhof 'golden goal' in 1996 and being so unlucky at the semi-final stage four years ago. And Croatia was the real power behind Yugoslavian football for many years, exporting top stars throughout Europe long before the post-Bosman freedom of movement.
I'd love to think one of them would win it but, ultimately, I think they'll have to settle for gallant failure. Germany's hopes could die at the quarter-final stage where failure to win their group would leave them facing the Czechs and, with Spain possibly coming up against Italy in the last eight, I reckon that could be the end of Spanish interest in events. I'm tipping the winner to come out of Group C (Scotland's group!) and it wouldn't surprise me if Monday's Holland v Italy game in Berne turns out to be a dress rehearsal for the Final in Vienna.
As world champions Italy have nothing to prove to anyone but, having diced with elimination in the qualifiers, they have their doubters and by adding the European Championship to their world crown they will have come up with all the right answers. But Holland too are genuine contenders and, without a major title since 1988 and with this being the last big event for so many of their squad, they could be the ones to spoil the Italian party. In the end it could all come down to penalties (heads or tails?) and, as Christian Vieri is not in Donadoni's squad, I'm going for Italy.
With so many top stars on show, there should be no lack of magic moments to refocus on as the tournament unfolds but I'm sure there will be a few new names coming to the fore and quickly jumping to the top of any big club's wish list. Earlier in the week I highlighted Croatia's Nikola Kalinic as one to watch and, if France are to prove me wrong, Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa could suddenly find their transfer values shooting upwards. And look out too for Portugal's Miguel Veloso who was so impressive for Sporting against Rangers at Ibrox (but not so clever in the return leg!).
All the attention will be on Group A tomorrow, with co-hosts Switzerland meeting the Czech Republic, then Portugal facing Turkey and, having already tipped the Czechs and Portuguese to win, nothing has happened over these past few days to prompt me to change my mind. I just hope their opponents push them a bit, force them to produce something close to their best and they do it with a bit of style.
LITTLE BOY BLUE
PS. Those of you who have followed this week's Diary might have been tempted to have a wee flutter on the correct scores I forecast earlier. If you pocket a wedge, please note 25% is my standard commission fee. Grandmaster Suck has my contact details.