Sunday, June 8, 2008

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 3 Previews

Group C, "The Group of Death," gets underway with France against Romania and Italy versus Holland.

France vs. Romania
The venue: Letzigrund Stadion, Zurich, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: France have not been at their best in the pre-tournament friendlies. They can't afford to get off to a slow start against Romania with matches against Holland and Italy to follow.
The prediction: The tournament has yet to see an upset and given France's recent form this could be the first. Romania take a 1-0 win.

Holland vs. Italy
The venue: Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Berne, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Both sides come into the game hard hit by injuries. Holland winger Arjen Robben (groin) is the latest Dutch player to head to the bench, joining Robin van Persie and Ryan Babel. Italy are forced to deal with the loss of captain Fabio Cannavaro.
The prediction: As both squads feel their way through modified line-ups, the net result is a 1-1 draw.

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