Euro 2008: 10 Reasons Why Germany Will Win Euro 2008

Euro 2008 is one of the most open tournaments we’ve had for a long while but here are just a few good (and some not so good) reasons why I think it’ll be Germany who are crowned European Champions once again.

1. The Draw

Have you seen it? Even if Franz Beckenbauer and David Hasselhoff handed the German team 11 tickets to ‘It’s a Small World’ at Euro Disney they wouldn’t have got an easier ride to the finals than the one that faces them at Euro 2008. A group that contains no-hopers Austria, never-been-here-before Poland and a Croatian side that only had to eliminate Steve McClown’s England will hardly have the Bavarians quaking in their boots.

They’ve managed to avoid Italy, France, Netherlands and Spain all the way to the final too.

Danke Mr Platini.

2. Michael Ballack

The German captain showed signs that he’s getting back to his best with some man of the match performances in the closing stages of Chelsea’s ultimately fruitless campaign. If he plays to his potential the Germans will click. Expect an Andreas Moller-esque celebration when he scores the winning penalty in the inevitable final penalty shoot-out.

3. Penalties

Chances are that the winner of the tournament is going to have to sneak past one of the knock-out games on pens. Since their penalty shootout loss to Czechoslovakia in Euro 76, Germany has not lost a penalty shootout in major international tournaments. That’s 4 wins on the trot.

In fact, the last penalty missed by a German player dates back to the semi-finals of the 1982 world cup when French goalkeeper Jean-Luc Ettori saved Uli Stielike’s shot.

Take heed Messrs. Pearce, Waddle, Batty, Southgate et al.

4. Home from Home

Bordering both Switzerland and Austria, this is as close to a home tournament as it would be if the games were played in the backstreets of Berlin. Tens of thousands of Germans will be in Klagenfurt and Vienna for the group stages with a little jaunt to Basel required for the semi-finals, before the Germans invade Austria again (this time peacefully) for the final.

5. Denmark Aren’t There

Back in 92 Germany we’re absolute stick-ons to win the tournament by the time they reached the final against Denmark. The Danes had only been invited to join the tournament due to conflict in Yugoslavia. But Peter Schmeichel and his men thwarted Germany and caused a massive upset by winning 2-0.

At least there’s no pesky Danes this time round.

6. The Bookies

They don’t often get it wrong do they? The Germans may not be the best team at Euro 2008 but they’re the team with the best chance of winning it. At 4/1 the bookies make them clear tournament favourites and who am I to argue?

7. Everyone Else Is Rubbish

Not strictly true but… you can make a case or the other leading contenders not winning it; France – a shadow of their 98 team, Italy – Cannavarro is a huge loss, Portugal – too reliant on Ronaldo, Spain – chokers, Czechs – no Nedved, Poborsky or Rosicky, Netherlands – dodgy back 4.

Who needs Lineker, Hansen and Lawro with analysis like that?

8. Been There, Done That

They’ve already won the European Championship 3 times, making them the most successful nation in the tourney’s history. It’s been 12 years since Germany won a major tournament. None of that 1996 team have survived into this tournament so it’s time for this squad to grab their own piece of history.

9. Terry Venables Says So

Flicking through my trusty FourFourTwo Complete Guide To… Euro 2008 I notice that the former England boss his tipped Germany to win it.

If it’s good enough for El Tel then it’s good enough for me.

10. They Won’t Miss Their WAGs

Finally… Now I’m not saying they’re ugly. Well not really. But they’re no match for our fine upstanding collection of popstars, models, fashionistas and scallys. No, the scariest thing about German WAGs is just how much they look like their footballing playing millionaires.

It’s really quite worrying eh?

So if the players ever feel a little homesick and are pining for the love of their  WAG, no problem boys – just take a wee look in the mirror and get back on with winning the tournament.

So there you have it. Ten reasons to get on the Germans at 4/1 (888 Sport, Blue Sq, Ladbrokes, Skybet, William Hill) before the tournament kicks off.

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