Playing the favourite game

Ask any football fan and they will quickly come up with the answers: Spain is the current European and World champion,France team,or Les Blues as they are known,are on an amazing 22-match unbeaten run, Germany team boasts of talent-rich midfield trio,Netherlands team is improving but is still unpredictable and has a history of choking under pressure and the England team boasts of some of the best talent in the world but has never achieved much.

What more,there is an able replacement for Paul the Octopus,only this time it is a female Indian elephant who goes by the name Citta.

Sportline catches up with who’s who of Chandigarh football and find out who they are supporting to win the Cup this time,the teams they think will reach the final and lesser fancied teams that can spring a surprise. Last but not the least,the players,who according to them,will leave a lasting impression on the event,to be hosted by Poland and Ukraine between June 8 and July 1.

Harjinder Singh,coach: I will definitely support Spain. I started liking them specially after the 2010 World Cup. After they were beaten in the very first match,they had an amazing run and mesmerised the world with technical game,which basically revolves around possessing the ball. If they maintain the same quality,they can surely make it treble of titles. And remember,they know how to win big tournaments. Inspite of all this,I really don’t believe in predicting winners. Unless and until we watch the teams play two three matches at the league stage,we cannot foretell who has the ability to spring a surprise. Also,there are lots of teams who can upset any big team on their given day. There are lots of talents in Europe who can change the course of the game. Of course there is Xavi Hernandes,Wayne Rooney and Cristaino Ronaldo who add spark to their team but they alone cannot take their team to victory. I will try to catch up with matches that would be shown at 9:30.

SURINDER SINGH,coach: Spain is definitely my favourite team and I will support them to win the title. The Spanish team mostly comprises of players from Real Madrid and Barcelona and these players have won almost everything that is there to offer. Plus,they indulge in the kind of game that you cannot keep your eyes off them. Portugal is another team that can be very dangerous if their players click. They have Cristiano Ronaldo who had a very good outing in the Spanish League. They also have very good chances of winning the Cup. And everyone would be beware of the German team. They have not won a major title in many years and had come close to winning titles but success eluded them. So,the young brigade from the German team should be motivated to go all guns blazing. Portugal and Germany certainly can spring surprises with their attacking football. Cristiano Ronaldo,Xavi Hernandes and veteran players from the England team should really do well in the tournament. I will watch the matches on TV and support my team.

Sandeep Singh,coach: Euro Cup is just like the mini World Cup. All the teams,players try to outperform each other and become champions of Europe. England have the chance to win the title. Since the England team mostly comprises of players from Manchester United,which happens to be my favorite EPL team,I will definitely support them to win the Cup. Steven Gerrard is in good form and Rooney should do well for England this time. Also,they have an able goalkeeper in Joe Hart. I personally feel that England and Spain will reach the final. Portugal is one of the teams that certainly can spring a surprise in the tournament. Remember,they have Cristiano Ronaldo who is one of the best players of the world and a player of big stage. I will definitely watch the matches and also tell the trainees to do the same as they can learn many things from good matches by just watching players in action.

Samuel Lalmuanpuia,Player: For me,Germany is the team to watch out for in the Euro Cup. They have an exciting bunch of young talented players who have done well for the country. Also,they play attacking football which is easy on the eyes. Moreover,they also boast of good defenders. Netherlands is another team who have always played well but never got chance to shine on the big stage. They have a good chance of winning the title. In my opinion,Germany and Netherlands will reach the final. I really like Mesut Ozil who plays for Germany. He did well for Real Madrid last season. He can really help the German team reach the final and win the title also. Like I said before,Netherlands have the ability to upset any big team. They have good players in the form os Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben. Will not miss matches that feature Germany.

Nishu Kumar,Player: I have been following the Germany team for quite some time now and they really look like a fine bet to win the title. They have a fine blend of youth and experience and that should really work in their favour. Spain is another team who can change the course of the game with brilliant team work. They have few experienced players like Xavi,Iniesta and they look the team to beat in the tournament. Portugal is another team that has the players who can beat any team in the tournament. For me,Spain and Germany are the teams who will definitely reach final. I am really looking forward to watch Xavi Hernandes in action. He is the man who can take Spain to victory. Since most of us are fan of the German team,we will try not to miss any matches.