There are only three more days to go before Euro 2008 begins, and though it’s an abbreviated day in the news, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Euro 2008 News
All of the pre-tournament doping tests have come back negative, which is good news for everyone involved. If anyone has any issues with sobriety, Euro 2008 is less than a month long, and after that, you can go crazy. Not that I’m advocating any such activity, but you know, I’m just saying.
Group A
Co-hosts Austria played a goal-filled practice match on Tuesday, as seven goals were scored between the two sides made up of the squad’s members. Good for their hopes to light up the scoreboard, but it might not be for the defense.
Group C
Italy have replaced the injured Fabio Cannavaro with Fiorentina defender Alessandro Gamberini. The 26-year old Gamberini has two caps for Italy, with his debut coming last October against South Africa.
France played their last warm-up match before Euro 2008, and while it wasn’t their best performance, Raymond Domenech’s side did earn a 1-0 win over Colombia, with Franck Ribery netting a 25th minute penalty.
Romania’s hopes to make noise in Group C have been buoyed by the news that defender Dorin Goian will be fit to play at Euro 2008, and he should be able to play against France next Monday.
Group D
Russia are still sweating over whether or not star striker Pavel Pogrebnyak will be available for Euro 2008. Pogrebnyak was flown to Munich for scans on the knee that he injured in last week’s 2-1 win over Serbia, but even if he isn’t able to play a part in Russia’s tie against Spain, Guus Hiddink has said he won’t be dropping him from the squad.
Have you signed up for the predictions contest over at worldcupblog? They’re also running a kit poll, and it’s in the quarterfinals, so check it out. Speaking of kits, we’ve got them all in one place on SL.
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