For the next three weeks, football fans are in for a treat as some of the best players of the day do battle in Portugal. Sounds trite, doesn’t it? Not really: anyone who lived through the monotony of World Cup 2002 knows that the biggest tournaments don’t always live up to the occasion. Two years ago, the football world was almost sent into six weeks of slumber as the traditional giants put in spectacularly underwhelming performances. Only the pyrotechnics of Senegal and the passion of the two hosts, Japan and Korea, saved the collapsed souffle of a World Cup.To a man, the Big Nations disappointed: France, the holders, leading the way, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Italy (the latter two seeking to blame an Asian conspiracy). Even England, who ran out of ideas when faced with a 10-man Brazil, should have done better. Eventually Brazil won, almost embarrassed at the ease with which they beat Germany. But WC 2002’s loss could be Euro 2004’s gain. The big teams come into this tournament seeking to bury the embarrassment and lay some ghosts to rest. There are reputations to salvage, there is honour at stake. Will they be up for it? France are the favourites, and not merely because they have the most talented players on display. They had roughly the same squad in Japan — minus the injured Pires — but were wearied by tough seasons. Zidane looked palpably off colour and it all ended in a shambles with Henry being sent off. This time, France will depend a lot more on the Arsenal trio of Henry, Vieira and Pires, and the momentum they bring with them from a historic, stunning Premiership campaign. These three will also reduce the pressure on Zidane, allowing the maestro time and space to work out his left-sided matrix with Lizarazu at the back and Henry up front. If the team can ride their defensive frailties, little can stop them from reclaiming the trophy. Unless, of course, Italy — whom France could meet in the semis — live up to their potential. The most complete team, they have an explosive forward line, an energetic, organised midfield and a mean, tight defence. Will they miss Paolo Maldini? Probably not, because Nesta and Cannavaro can fill his shoes. We in India are not as exposed to Serie A as we are to La Liga and the Premiership so all we get of Italian teams is from the Champions League. And last year’s final at Old Trafford, between Milan and Juventus, was memorable — and instructive — for the high quality of the defence and midfield. If Italy can get over their traditional hubris, the tournament is their for the taking. These are the two pre-tournament favourites; any other team winning the trophy will be seen as an upset. To be sure, it will be tough for the others. England have a strong midfield and, despite the absence of Rio Ferdinand, an organised defence. But they are prone to be over-cautious (though the favouring of Lampard over Butt is a good sign) and their strike force, in Owen and Rooney, may not be powerful enough over six matches. The hosts will be fired up for the event, if only because it’s the last chance for the Golden Generation (Figo et al) and the first big show for the new kids, Ronaldo and Helder Postiga. In Deco they have an intelligent playmaker capable of dazzling and Ronaldo has shown the appetite for the big occasion. The others are unlikely to pose more than fleeting challenges. Spain are as flaky as their Iberian neighbours and don’t have the expectations of home support to prod them on. Holland could pull off several surprises — and could go far if they don’t exhaust their energies fighting each other. They also seem to be unsure of their best formation — with wingers or without — and the old Kluivert-van Nistelrooy feud could take its toll. The Germans are a shadow of their 2002 team — and are probably still pinching themselves at their fortune in making the final in Yokohama. They have Michael Ballack, and a good finisher in Kevin Kuranyi, but will miss Deisler’s creativity. It’s France, then, with Italy as co-finalists. But it’s just 16 teams, a maximum of six matches to win the trophy — and football’s famous as a funny old game.
