On the other hand, Croatia have the right blend to really make an impact on this tournament. With the average age of their players being around 29, playing in a number of top leagues throughout Europe, nothing will intimidate these guys and I fancy them to match their exploits at the World Cup ten years ago by getting to the semi-finals at least. Having won both at home and away against England and won the qualifying group with five points to spare, to paraphrase a certain banner, this is their time to become legends.
Hajduk Split attacker Nikola Kalinic could emerge as one of the stars of the competition and he is expected to figure in a big-money move sometime over the summer. I'd love to think Walter would show a bit of interest in his close control, powerful running and eye for goal but I'm afraid the economic realities of our club's current situation rule that out. Never mind, it was an exciting thought...for about three seconds!!!
There will be no love lost between Germany and Poland on Sunday night - is there ever? - and, although the Germans are looking to build on the credibility they rediscovered under Klinsmann at the World Cup, Joachim Low doesn't quite command the same level of respect, whether from his players, opponents or the ever-critical German media. Germany certainly have the players to do well, there is no lack of competition for places, but there doesn't seem to be the same team ethic which has won them so much through the years.
But as they always seem to do, they'll probably stumble through their opening games and be in there with a shout in the latter stages.
What can I say about Poland without getting nasty? Not a lot, if truth be told, but if their goalkeeper concentrates on doing his job, instead of trying to impress or wind up the fans with stupid gestures, he might just earn himself the move he has been hankering after for a while. As they have done in the past two World Cups, Poland impressed in qualifying but bombed when they got to the finals. Defeat in their opener could leave them pissing into the wind
The big worry for the organisers in that this game is being played at Klagenfurt where the Worthersee Stadium only holds 30,000. And with there being a long history of bad-feeling (a slight under-statement?) between Germans and Poles, the likelihood of thousands of ticketless punters roaming around without tickets could be frightening. Look out for TV pics of the Robocop brigade charging around, battering everything in sight, with the footage no doubt resurfacing someday soon as a training film for Greater Manchester Police.
If both Germany and Croatia win their weekend games, a cozy wee draw in midweek would leave them nicely placed, especially as Poland and Austria would effectively be playing to cut each other's throats. Another draw perhaps? Croatia will be far too strong for Poland in the final game, while another non-game between Austria and Germany would be enough to take the Germans through while also salvaging some pride for the co-hosts.
CRYSTAL BALL GAZING
Austria 1 Croatia 3
Germany 1 Poland 0
Croatia 1 Germany 1
Austria 0 Poland 0
Croatia 2 Poland 0
Austria 0 Germany 0
Pld. W D L F A Pts.
Croatia 3 2 1 0 6 2 7
Germany 3 1 2 0 2 1 5
Austria 3 0 2 1 1 3 2
Polland 3 0 1 2 0 3 1