Tournament Seeding and the Need for a Fix

With the increased globalization of the game, major tournaments are heading to new lands. Austria and Switzerland hosted Euro 2008, with next year's event heading to Poland and Ukraine. Last year South Africa staged the World Cup with Russia and Qatar on the horizon. While I'm all for spreading the game around the globe (aside for whatever shadiness helped Qatar land the 2022 World Cup), this trend presents a flaw with regards to tournament seeding.

Tournament hosts automatically qualify, which makes perfect sense. If you're hosting a party, you're obviously getting a seat at the table. For countries such as Austria, South Africa and Qatar, this means a rare chance to compete. For the likes of Russia and Poland, it guarantees entry into an event where sometimes they qualify and sometimes they don't. But I think it's absurd that, when it comes time for the draw, the qualifying hosts are further rewarded with unjustified one seeds that throw off the balance of the opening round.

Take last Friday's Euro 2012 draw as an example. The pre-dertermined one seeds were Spain and Netherlands (certainly deserving) along with co-hosts Poland and Ukraine. Instead of one seeds going to, say Germany and Portugal, those two teams ended up in the Group of Death, Group B, with Holland. Where's the fairness there?

Of course, the potential for a Group of Death adds excitement to the draw and creates better opening round matches. But consider that from the trio of Holland, Germany and Portugal, at least one side will miss the knockout round, while among Russia, Greece and Poland, at least one will advance. The quarterfinals get watered down when teams aren't slotted properly.

Although co-hosts double the problem, at least the 16-team Euro field is deep enough to make this less of an issue. But in the World Cup, where there's a large gap between the contenders and the countries that are just happy to be there, giving a one seed to a South Africa or Qatar is absurd. We still have 10 years until Qatar hosts a World Cup. Let's hope there's a change to the seeding system before then.

And with that post, I'm proud to say that I wrote at least one in 2011, one day shy of the anniversary of my last post. Time and energy for blogging are in short supply these days, but I'm determined not to totally abandon my humble Soccer Haus. If you made it this far, thanks for reading!

World Cup 2010: The Future That Never Was

A month prior to the World Cup, Nike unleashed their "Write the Future" campaign, and, like many others, I was pretty awed upon first viewing.



The video pulled in a million viewers a day on YouTube the week it debuted. As I type this, 17.7 million viewers have watched the clip above. All good for Nike, but how did the World Cup work out for the stars of the show? Eh, not so good. To recap:

Didier Drogba: Eliminated in the group stages
Fabio Cannavaro: Eliminated in the group stages
Wayne Rooney: Eliminated in the Round of 16
Frank Ribery: Eliminated in the group stages
Ronaldinho: Never made it to South Africa
Cristiano Ronaldo: Eliminated in the Round of 16

We haven't seen a collection of athletes in an ad campaign flop this badly since the Dan and Dave Reebok commercials prior to the 1992 Summer Olympics. A tough break for Nike, but I have a feeling they'll do just fine.

Update: Apparently the curse extends to Roger Federer as well. At least Kobe Bryant had a good month.

World Cup 2010: Round of 16 Previews- June 29

Paraguay vs. Japan
The most unlikely of the eight round of 16 match-ups takes place Tuesday in Pretoria as Group F winners Paraguay face Group E runners-up Japan. For the winner, it will be their first trip to the quarterfinals. Paraguay got a boost from a 1-1 draw with Italy in their first match. A win over Slovakia and a draw with New Zealand left them atop the group. Japan split its first two matches, defeating Cameroon and falling to Holland. A 3-1 win over Denmark sealed their second trip to the knockout stages in three tournaments.

Japan's prowess on set pieces was impressive against Denmark and they'll need those types of strikes from Keisuke Honda to secure victory. While he has yet to score in the tournament, Roque Santa Cruz is looking healthier and will be the focal point of Paraguay's offense.

So far the Round of 16 has been played at a high level. We might be due for a clunker, and this has the look of one.

Prediction: Paraguay 0, Japan 0 (Paraguay wins on PKs)

Spain vs. Portugal
The battle of Iberia is on as reigning European champions Spain, winners of Group H, face Group G's second-place team, Portugal. After a stunning 1-0 loss to Switzerland in their opener, Spain defeated Honduras and Chile to earn six points. Portugal played a pair of 0-0 draws against Ivory Coast and Brazil, but they had no trouble finding the net in a 7-0 thrashing of North Korea.

Fernando Torres is still battling injuries, but David Villa's play has more than compensated for Spain. His opening brace against Chile was one of the tournament's top strikes. Portugal, however, are still waiting for their top star to bring his A game. Cristiano Ronaldo has been curiously quiet so far, and Portugal will need his best effort to pull off the mild upset.

Sometimes an early scare helps galvanize a squad, and that appears to be happening with Spain. Look for them to keep the momentum going against Portugal.

Prediction: Spain 2, Portugal 1

World Cup 2010: Breaking Down the Groups- Part 2

Well, I didn't exactly set the world on fire with my first set of picks (although I did get USA and England right). Here's hoping for better luck in part two of my group stage breakdown, taking a look at Groups E-H.

Group E
Standings: Holland- 6 points, +3 goal differential; Japan- 3 pts., E; Denmark- 3 pts. -1; Cameroon- 0 pts., -2
Match-ups: Holland vs. Cameroon; Japan vs. Denmark
The situation: Having both posted wins over Cameroon, Japan and Denmark face-off for second-place. While Denmark are the sharper side, Japan have the advantage of advancing with a draw. Barring a highly unlikely set of scores, Holland will top the group regardless of their match with Cameroon.
Prediction: The only group to advance two European teams will see Holland take first, followed by Denmark.

Group F
Standings: Paraguay- 4 pts., +2; Italy- 2 pts., E; New Zealand- 2 pts., E; Slovakia- 1 pt., -2
Match-ups: Paraguay vs. New Zealand; Italy vs. Slovakia
The situation: Despite a pair of lackluster draws, Italy need to only a win in their final match to move on to the knockout phases. But their struggles have allowed Paraguay to seize control of the group; a win over New Zealand will see the South American outfit claim the top spot, and a tie sees them through as well.
Prediction: The Kiwis magic runs out as Paraguay takes first, followed by Italy. The results mean Holland face Italy in the Round of 16.

Group G
Standings: Brazil- 6 pts., +3; Portugal- 4 pts., +7; Ivory Coast- 1 pt., -2; North Korea- 0 pts., -8
Match-ups: Brazil vs. Portugal; Ivory Coast vs. North Korea
The situation: While not technically eliminated, there's no way Ivory Coast are making up nine goals on Portugal. So with Brazil and Portugal assured of going through, it should lead to an open, entertaining match to determine group supremacy. Even with Kaka suspended following an absurd sending off, the world's top ranked team have shown no indication that they'll drop a match here.
Prediction: Brazil stay unbeaten, with Portugal taking second.

Group H
Standings: Chile- 6 pts., +2; Spain- 3 pts., +1; Switzerland- 3 pts., E; Honduras- 0 pts., -3
Match-ups: Chile vs. Spain; Switzerland vs. Honduras
The situation: Chile may sit a top the group with six points, but their position is far from safe. Their failure to improve on a 1-0 scoreline against a weak Honduras side and a Swiss squad that played a man down for much of the match may be their undoing with the goal differential tiebreaker. With Spain and Switzerland both favored, we may see three teams finish with six points. The odd men out would be the first team ever not to reach the knockout stages with five or more points.
Prediction: A win for Spain puts them top of the group, setting up an all-Iberian showdown with Portugal. The punchless Swiss can only manage a draw against Honduras and Chile takes second.

World Cup 2010: Group G Preview

Every World Cup features a "Group of Death," and this year that distinction falls on Group G. Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast are all capable of a deep tournament run, but only two will reach the knockout stages. In a tight group, all three will look to fatten up against the group's weak link, North Korea. Here's my breakdown.

No matter the venue or the roster, Brazil are consistently among the short list of World Cup favorites and 2010 is no different. Much has been made of coach Dunga's move away from the beloved "joga bonito" style in favor of a more rugged, ruthless approach, but if Brazil hoist the cup for the third time in 16 years, no one will complain. Goalkeepers are usually not a focal point of the Brazilian team, but in Inter Milan's Julio Cesar the Selecao have a keeper as sharp as any in the world. The midfield revolves around Kaka and Gliberto Silva and more attention will be paid to them in the absence of Ronaldinho. Even though the competition is stiff, Brazil are still the solid group favorites.

The qualifying campaign for Portugal was far from impressive. Only a late surge saw them through to South Africa, and a stunning 0-0 friendly against Cape Verde raised worries. But anytime one of the world's top players is on your team, there's reason for optimism. Cristiano Ronaldo is that man for Portugal, but recently he's performed better at the club level than for the national side. The loss of his former Manchester United teammate Nani, another training ground causality, weakens Portugal on the wing. A healthy dose of veteran leaders, including Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, sets up the strong possibility of a Spain-Portugal match in the round of 16.

You have to feel sorry for the Ivory Coast and their run of bad luck. For the second straight World Cup, they've been drawn in the Group of Death, having been slotted with Argentina and Holland four years ago. The bad breaks continued, literally, last week against Japan, when star striker Didier Drogba fractured his elbow. While the Elephants haven't completely ruled him out, if he does play his effectiveness will be limited. Without Drogba, though, Ivory Coast have some other big names, including Kolo and Yaya Toure and Drogba's Chelsea teammate, Salomon Kalou. The squad is backed by the veteran leadership of former England skipper Sven-Goran Eriksson, one of two Swedes coaching an African side.

Like the nation itself, not much is known about North Korea, but we do know any progress they make would come as a major surprise. Their World Cup got off to a rough start with some roster shenanigans, as they tried to sneak in an extra striker as goalkeeper #3. Among the players who are allowed to play an offensive role, Jong Tae-Se is the most dangerous.

Prediction: Prior to Drogba's injury, I was prepared to pick Brazil and Ivory Coast. While Drogba is a stud, I think the Elephants will find away to overcome the loss. Barely. Portugal and Ivory Coast play to a draw and finish level on points. The Elephants advance behind Brazil on goal differential.

World Cup 2010: Checking in on UEFA Qualifying

With the club season over, the summer attention turns to qualifying for next year's World Cup. With most nations just past the halfway mark, the race for Europe's 13 slots in South Africa 2010 is taking shape. Nine group winners qualify automatically, while the top eight runners-up will enter four two-legged playoffs for the remaining slots. Here's a look at how the groups stand.

Group 1: Portugal has been one of the biggest disappointments to date, with just one win in five matches. Portugal trails both Denmark and Hungary by seven points, although Portugal does have a game in-hand on the Hungarians. Sweden, with the fewest games played, is also in the mix. Portugal's September 5 trip to Denmark will be a key fixture.

Group 2: The weakest of the nine groups, Greece and Switzerland top the table, three points ahead of Latvia. The Greeks travel to Switzerland on September 5.

Group 3: Northern Ireland are one of the biggest surprises, topping the table with 13 points, but they've played two more matches than second-place Slovakia, which has 12. Poland (10 points in six matches) will also view for top honors. With only eight points through six matches, the favored Czech Republic has work to do.

Group 4: Germany appear in comfortable position with 16 points in six matches. Russia, with 12 points in five matches, should be able to hold off Finland (seven points, four matches played) for second.

Group 5: European champions Spain are perfect in six matches, the best mark of any of the 53 qualifiers. While Bosnia-Herzegovina trail by six points, they're positioned well to take second, four points ahead of Turkey.


Group 6: English fans are giddy over the 15 points in five matches earned by Fabio Capello's men. Croatia and Urkraine will battle for second, with the Croats hosting a June 6 meeting.

Group 7: Serbia are another surprise group leader, two points ahead of 2006 runners-up France. The Serbs are in good shape with two of their next three at home, including a September 9 visit by Les Blues.

Group 8: Despite a home draw to Ireland in their most recent match, Italy are poised to defend their 2006 title. The Irish have yet to lose in six matches, leading third-place by Bulgaria by five points.

Group 9: Holland join Spain and England as the only sides with unblemished marks, and they have more than double the points of second place Scotland (15-7).

Predicted group winners: Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, France, Italy, Holland
Predicted playoff qualifiers: Portugal, Greece, Poland, Russia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Ireland

UEFA Euro 2008: Germany-Portugal Recap

The Germans picked the right time to play their best game of Euro 2008. First-half goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose staked Germany to a 2-0 lead and Michael Ballack grabbed the game winner for the second-straight game as Germany defeated Portugal 3-2. Germany advances to next Wednesday's semifinal against either Croatia or Turkey.

Portugal doubled up Germany in shots (21-10) and shots on goal (10-5), but the quality of German finishing was the decisive factor. The best example came 20 minutes into the game when a well-delivered cross by Jose Bosingwa was clumsily handled by Joao Moutinho in the box. Moments later, Lukas Podolski was charing in the opposite direction, delivering a low cross to Schweinsteiger who buried the game's first goal. With Podolski, Schweinsteiger, Klose and Ballack all contributing to scoring plays, Germany have re-established themselves as a tournament favorite.

Portugal's Euro 2008 campaign will be remembered for the distractions that surrounded the team all month. It's rarely beneficial to have your head coach accept a high profile club job in the middle of the tournament, while rumors swirl about the future plans of your star player. Portugal will of course deny that the situations involving Scolari and Ronaldo contributed to their early exit, yet it will remain the legacy of this Portuguese side.

For Germany they'll enjoy a much needed five-day break before returning to Basel to face either Croatia, who defeated then 2-1 in the group stages, or Turkey.

UEFA Euro 2008: Portugal-Germany Preview

Portugal and Germany get the quarterfinals underway Thursday in Basel. The Portuguese enter with a huge advantage in terms of rest. Having wrapped up Group A last Wednesday, Portugal rested the majority of their starters in a meaningless 2-0 loss to Switzerland. Germany needed a win against Austria Monday to secure advancement and arrive with only two days off.

With Lukas Podolski and Torsten Frings already banged up, conditioning will be a major concern for the Germans. One player who will have the benefit of some rest is Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was suspended for Germany's last game after picking up a red card against Croatia. Schweinsteiger scored two goals when these sides last met, a 3-1 win for Germany in the 2006 World Cup third place game.

German coach Joachim Low will watch another game from the stands after UEFA added a one-game touchline ban to his ejection Monday night. Based on what transpired against Austria, this seemes excessive. Everyone in the German camp agrees with me.

While Cristinao Ronaldo is always the focus for Portugal, the squad has seen a variety of contributors in this tournament, with their five goals coming from five different players. Midfield leader Deco, who has one of the goals, will be pitted against Michael Ballack, two players who may be wearing the same shade of Chelsea blue come August.

The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN, 2:45 pm ET
The prediction: Germany's campaign has looked shaky and with Portugal rested and ready, Scolari's men move on to the semis with a 2-1 win.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 9 Recap

Turkey 3, Czech Republic 2
Switzerland 2, Portugal 0

In a tournament that is quickly becoming a classic, it will be tough to top Turkey-Czech Republic for the best match at Euro 2008. Trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes to play, the Turks seized second place in Group A with three goals in the final quarter hour. The Czechs had built a comfortable lead on goals by Jan Koller in the 32nd minute and Jaroslav Plasil in the 62nd. Arda Turan's 75th minute tally cut the lead in half to set up the frenzied finish.

More stunning than Turkey drawing level was the manner in which they got the goal. Usually reliable goalie Petr Cech dropped Hamit Altintop's 87th minute cross and Nihat Kahveci was there to tap home the stunning equalizer. Just as the crowd was preparing for a historic shootout, Nihat finished up a well-timed run to blast home the 89th minute winner.

There was one final bit of mayhem, one that will hamper Turkey in Friday's quarterfinal. Volkan Demirel earned a stoppage time red card for shoving K oller. Having used up their three subs, Turkey were forced to finish up with a defender in net, comically wearing Volkan's jersey inside-out. Although the Czechs didn't threaten after that, Turkey lose their starting goalkeeper for their next match against Croatia. For the Czechs, it marks the second-straight major tournament where they opened with a win, and then bowed out with two straight losses.

At the same time, Switzerland capped a frustrating nine days on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Portugal. A pair of second half goals by Hakan Yakin led the co-hosts to victory over a Portuguese side resting several top players. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho all taking the evening off, Portugal will have an advantage for Thursday's quarterfinal, likely against Germany.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 9 Previews

We move to the chaos of simultaneous kickoffs for the last round of group stage matches. But in Group A, the focus will be solely on the match in Geneva, where the Czech Republic and Turkey meet for second place and a quarterfinal match against Croatia. Having already locked up the group, Portugal will face a Swiss team playing for pride.

Czech Republic vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Turkey's last-gasp winner against Switzerland set them up to face the Czechs for a quarterfinal berth. Thanks to a new rule, if this game ends in a draw, the teams will immediately head to a shootout. Otherwise it's winner-take-all.
The prediction: The advantage of experience comes into play in high-pressure matches, and that advantage goes to the Czechs. Petr Cech keeps the Turks off the board and sends his side through with a 1-0 win.

Portugal vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Portugal are fortunate to have already wrapped up the group, since all the talk around the camp this week has been about Coach Scolari's move to Chelsea. The Portuguese have gone into full lockdown mode at their team headquarters. A heartbreaking stoppage time goal against Turkey ended Switzerland's hopes of advancing to the quarters.
The prediction: Portugal have nothing to play for, but the Swiss would love to give the home fans a thrill before leaving the tournament. The more-motivated co-hosts earn a 2-1 win.

England: Nice Timing, Chelsea

You have to laugh at the circumstances surrounding Chelsea's announcement today of Luiz Felipe Scolari as their new manager. Hey, it's not like Big Phil's Portugal side were playing in a major tournament or anything. The statement the Premier League and Champions League runners-up released today was highly comical.

"Out of respect for his current role and to ensure minimum disruption to this work there will be no further comment from Chelsea nor from Felipe about his new role until his employment with us commences."

Well, sure, that should keep the questions around the Portugal camp to a minimum. Fortunately for the squad, the results of today's games leaves Portugal's final Group A match meaningless, so most of the Scolari-to-Chelsea talk will have died down by the time Portugal play their quarterfinal match next Thursday.

Despite their timing, Chelsea have made an excellent hire. There was little doubt the Blues would land a top manager, but the hiring of Scolari should squelch the rush of players looking to join Jose Mourinho in Milan- justification for Chelsea making the announcement before the conclusion of Euro 08. With Drogba, Lampard and Carvalho all rumored to have a foot out the door, Scolari gives them an attractive reason to stick around.

And with Portugal's star player still under Scolari's watch, you have to wonder how much he'll encourage Cristiano Ronaldo to pursue a ticket to Real Madrid. After all, that would deprive Scolari's new rival, Manchester United, of their top player.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 5 Recap

Portugal 3, Czech Republic 1
Turkey 2, Switzerland 1

Group A cleared up nicely today with Portugal clinching the top spot while Turkey set up a winner-take-all game against the Czech Republic for second place. Meanwhile co-hosts Switzerland became the first squad eliminated from the tournament.

A lively game in Geneva saw Portugal take a 3-1 result against the Czechs. Deco opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing up a broken play for the early lead. Nine minutes later, Libor Sionko brought the Czechs level on a well-timed header off a corner kick. In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo took over, putting his side ahead in the 63rd minute and then setting up Ricardo Quaresma in extra time for the put-away goal. The result gives the Portugese six points atop the group. Based on the result the day's second game, they are assured of the top spot and will player the Group B runner-up in next Thursday's quarterfinal.

In the second game Turkey became the first team in the tournament to earn a come-from-behind victory as they rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to post a 2-1 win. Hakan Yakin put Switzerland ahead 32 minutes in on a comical play in which the ball came to a complete stop on the rain-soaked turf just in front of the net. But Kobi Kuhn's men could not hold the lead. Semih Senturk evened the match in the 57th minute and Arda Turan finished a counter-attack in extra time to give his side a vital three points.

With Portugal safely through, their game Sunday against Switzerland is meaningless, other than providing the Swiss one last chance to delight the home crowds. With Turkey and the Czechs level on points and goal differential, the winner of their match will take second, with a shootout to decide matters if the game ends in a draw.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 5 Previews

We move to the second round of group play games. Group A's two opening day winners, the Czech Republic and Portugal, meet in the early game, while the two losers, Switzerland and Turkey, will look to avoid elimination in the nightcap.

Czech Republic vs. Portugal
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Both teams enter the game 1-0-0, but the Portuguese look far more likely to win Group A following a solid 2-0 win over Turkey. Czech goalie Petr Cech knows Cristiano Ronaldo quite well from their Premier League clashes and he'll need every bit of that knowledge to keep his side on level terms.
The prediction: The Czechs were fortunate take all three points from their opener. They won't be as fortunate this time as Portugal wins 2-1.

Switzerland vs. Turkey
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: There's some recent ugly history between these two sides. In November 2005, the Swiss defeated Turkey in a two-legged playoff for a 2006 World Cup berth, setting off scenes of mayhem in Istanbul on and off the pitch. Both sides have downplayed the impact the incident will have on Wednesday's game.
The prediction: The Swiss were the more attractive of these two sides in their openers, but the loss of Alexander Frei significantly hampers their offensive abilities. But with the backing of the home crowd, they should have enough to eke out a 1-0 win.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 1 Recap

Czech Republic 1, Switzerland 0
Portugal 2, Turkey 0

Euro 2008 got underway and the start couldn't have gone much worse for the co-hosts Switzerland. The Swiss fell 1-0 to the Czech Republic in a game dominated by the home side. Despite outshooting their opponents 11-2, Switzerland got burned in the 70th minute when Vaclav Sverkos beat an offside trap to slot home the only goal of the game. More devastating than the defeat was the loss of team captain and leading scorer Alexander Frei, who was taken off with an injury late in the first half. After tearing a knee ligament, Frei's tournament is finished.

In the second game, Portugal flashed style and skill in a convincing 2-0 win over Turkey. The Portuguese could have easily put the game away in the first half; they had one goal disallowed on a close but correct offsides call and Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by a fingertip save by Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demirel. In the second half, a sharp give and go sprung Pepe loose for the first goal in the 61st minute and substitute Raul Meireles clinched the win in the 90th minute.

Portugal will face the Czechs Wednesday with the winner seizing control of Group A. Switzerland's game against Turkey becomes an elimination game, with the loser effectively out of the tournament.

UEFA Euro 2008: Day 1 Previews

Euro 2008 kicks off tomorrow with a pair of games from Group A. It's Switzerland versus the Czech Republic in the tournament opener and Portugal-Turkey in Game Two.

Czech Republic vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Czech experience versus Swiss youth. With these two sides expected to battle for second behind Portugal, a good start to the tournament is crucial.
The prediction: The home crowd inspires the Swiss, but the Czechs force a 1-1 draw.

Portugal vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Is Cristiano Ronaldo ready to put his stamp on this tournament and continue a magical year? Or will the constant swirl of Real Madrid rumors be the distraction that gives Turkey an opening for an upset.
The prediction: Portugal are one of the few teams coming into this tournament without injury concerns. They get off to a good start with a 2-0 win.

UEFA Euro 2008: Portugal Team Preview

The squad: Portugal were the only nation to reach the semis at both Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup. They will long rue their failure to capture Euro 2004 on home soil, losing the final 1-0 to unfancied Greece. Portugal's qualifying run was unimpressive, finishing second behind Poland in a weak Group A after winning only 7 of 14 matches.

The players: Cristiano Ronaldo is among several key players who ply their trade in the English Premier League. The Manchester United striker is joined up front by fellow Champions League winner Nani, while Chelsea defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferrreira man the back. Playmaking midfielder Deco may be joining them in England next season after receiving permission to leave FC Barcelona. If Portugal find themselves in a penalty shootout, goaltender Ricardo Pereira is among the world's best in those scenarios.

The schedule: vs. Turkey (6/7); vs. Czech Republic (6/11); vs. Switzerland (6/15)

The prediction: The draw sets Portugal up for a run to the semifinals where they'll be sent home by the Germans.