my predictions: Group A

Time flies, can’t believe it was 4 years ago when I traveled around Portugal and ended up in Lisbon. Was completely speechless after the stunning semi-final, Greece - Czech Republic. No words to describe what was on my mind came up…didn’t taste anything…Was half-dead…

First of all, I’d like to remind you that football is a game played by 22 men, the trainers, and capable assistants and not something can be won by a few “star players.” The English football legend Gary Lineker said, “Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and in the end, the Germans always win.” Well put.

Sorry if I sound racist, but IMHO, the Turks eliminate themselves out of the group stage. Occasionally watching the Turkey domestic league matches and international matches that the Turkey squad involves, the players are too short-tempered to control themselves and often cause trouble with the refs. So do their supporters. Must be the toughest match. Hope no Czechs won’t get injured. And be careful before/after the match. If some drunken assholes start fighting, leave the place immediately. STAY OUT OF TROUBLE!

Portugal…like I said, you can’t win with a few selected stars. Deco? Christiano Ronaldo? Just crush’em so that they will lose control automatically. The easiest match to win. The Portguese supporters are basically quite friendly and they are good fellas to share a pint of beer.

I have to say, the Czechs cannot beat Switzerland because of UEFA politics not because of their potentials. With Alexander Frei, Philip Degen(whom I am quite familiar with as they are playing for my favorite German club, BORUSSIA DORTMUND) plus Valon Behrami(SS Lazio - no, I don’t support them), they could go through on their own, however, the implicit rule is, host countries won’t lose backed up by some invisible political (UEFA, in this case)power.

Remember, we, the Czechs ARE a “team.” If someone is missed, there IS always someone to fill in his spot. With or without Rosický doesn’t matter. We’ll just do all we can do. That’s pretty much it.

Overall, my predictions for Group A is:

1. Switzerland
2. Czech Republic
3. Portugal
4. Turkey

No matter whomever you support, BE SAFE and enjoy the match! Ask for the directions at hotels when you are lost and if necessary, tell them to call a cab to your hotel. The receptionists usually speak English, they are pretty much familiar with the area and are more helpful than the local police. Oh and make sure to grab a free match guide provided by the sponsors when you find them at the tourist infomation or fan meeting point. It helps.