Finally the European Championships begin today from Switzerland and Austria. Here is a look at today’s opening matches:

Switzerland vs Czech Republic 10:30 AM ESPN Classic

*This will be worth tuning into as the opener will bring great nationalistic pride from the Swiss. SWITZERLAND is optimistic though it’s last competitive game goes all the way back to the 2006 World Cup and the round of 16 where they were knocked out on penalty kicks by Andri Shevchenko and the Ukraine.
Keep an eye on TRANQUILLO BARNETTA and Captain ALEXANDER FREI for the Swiss.

The CZECH REPUBLIC, yes we all remember them from 2006 smacking the United States in the World Cup opener. Why was Eddie Lewis and Bobby Convey both playing on the left side of the field? Ok, lost my train of thought.
Can the Czech Republic really do damage in this tournament. I’m not buying it. Retired are Pavel Nedved and Vladimir Smicer yet some familiar names remain like JAN KOLLER and MILAN BAROS who was the leading scorer at the last European Championships in 2004. Baros has not been in great form for the national team but a tournament format could bring the best out of any player. JAN POLAK and TOMAS ROSICKY in midfield are to be watched.

PORTUGAL vs. TURKEY ESPN CLASSIC at 1:30 PM CENTRAL TIME

*This is the game I really want to see…..CRISTIANO RONALDO and PORTUGAL taking on the dangerous TURKEY with legendary coach FATI TERIM.
RONALDO represents Portugal after his greatest season ever and many have picked them to win the tournament. The squad has had a make-over making them meaner and more combative since FELIPE SCOLARI took over. Remember the World Cup debacle with Holland? Shameful, still with players like Ricardo Carvalho, Ricardo Quaresma, DECO, Maniche all in the squad one must respect their chances of winning this tournament.

TURKEY
Like any other team in this tournament one has to be optimistic and needs to get off to a good start. TURKEY as a country have high expectations and their guru- like leader Terim is the focal point of the team. NIHAT up front is fast and skillful and one of the top strikers in Europe. Many of the familiar names are gone but one familiar name YILIDRAY BASTURK is a Terim favorite.

Don’t forget you must watch the GERMANY/POLAND game tomorrow!

*VENEZUELA dumped BRAZIL 2-0 in front of over 50,000 fans last night at Gillete Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
Historic goals come from GIANCARLO MALDONADO and RONALD VARGAS both in the first half…First win ever for the “Vinotinto” over Brazil. Now that is a confidence builder for any national team program no matter who Brazil played.

Finally the European Championships begin today from Switzerland and Austria. Here is a look at today’s opening matches:

Switzerland vs Czech Republic 10:30 AM ESPN Classic

*This will be worth tuning into as the opener will bring great nationalistic pride from the Swiss. SWITZERLAND is optimistic though it’s last competitive game goes all the way back to the 2006 World Cup and the round of 16 where they were knocked out on penalty kicks by Andri Shevchenko and the Ukraine.
Keep an eye on TRANQUILLO BARNETTA and Captain ALEXANDER FREI for the Swiss.

The CZECH REPUBLIC, yes we all remember them from 2006 smacking the United States in the World Cup opener. Why was Eddie Lewis and Bobby Convey both playing on the left side of the field? Ok, lost my train of thought.
Can the Czech Republic really do damage in this tournament. I’m not buying it. Retired are Pavel Nedved and Vladimir Smicer yet some familiar names remain like JAN KOLLER and MILAN BAROS who was the leading scorer at the last European Championships in 2004. Baros has not been in great form for the national team but a tournament format could bring the best out of any player. JAN POLAK and TOMAS ROSICKY in midfield are to be watched.

PORTUGAL vs. TURKEY ESPN CLASSIC at 1:30 PM CENTRAL TIME

*This is the game I really want to see…..CRISTIANO RONALDO and PORTUGAL taking on the dangerous TURKEY with legendary coach FATI TERIM.
RONALDO represents Portugal after his greatest season ever and many have picked them to win the tournament. The squad has had a make-over making them meaner and more combative since FELIPE SCOLARI took over. Remember the World Cup debacle with Holland? Shameful, still with players like Ricardo Carvalho, Ricardo Quaresma, DECO, Maniche all in the squad one must respect their chances of winning this tournament.

TURKEY
Like any other team in this tournament one has to be optimistic and needs to get off to a good start. TURKEY as a country have high expectations and their guru- like leader Terim is the focal point of the team. NIHAT up front is fast and skillful and one of the top strikers in Europe. Many of the familiar names are gone but one familiar name YILIDRAY BASTURK is a Terim favorite.

Don’t forget you must watch the GERMANY/POLAND game tomorrow!

*VENEZUELA dumped BRAZIL 2-0 in front of over 50,000 fans last night at Gillete Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
Historic goals come from GIANCARLO MALDONADO and RONALD VARGAS both in the first half…First win ever for the “Vinotinto” over Brazil. Now that is a confidence builder for any national team program no matter who Brazil played.