Most questions ask me to predict what’s going to happen in the financial markets but yesterday, a co-worker asked me about Euro 2008. I know it’s lame to make predictions after a round of games have been played but regardless, here’s my semi-educated take:

Group A: Czech Rep., Switzerland, Portugal, Turkey

• Portugal is the clear favorite here and I’d think they would finish top of this group. They’re loaded with stars in the midfield from Cristiano Ronaldo to Deco to Jol Motinho to Nani. They’re a little weak in the back center line and the main question is besides Ronaldo, who’s going to put the ball in the net.
• Even though Turkey lost their 1st match to Portugal, I pick them to go through. The Czech Republic doesn’t inspire fear, especially as I didn’t see Tomas Rosicky out there on Saturday.

Group B: Poland, Germany, Austria, Croatia

• Germany is the hands-down favorite here to finish top. Michael Ballack is one of my favorite players but besides him, I don’t get the sense that the Germans have a lot of top-notch players but many players just below that top level.
• Both Poland and Austria strike me as weak sides so I’ll go with Croatia to come through to the knock-out stage.

Group C: Italy, France, Holland, Romania

• This is the customary “group of death” (every soccer tournament must have a group of death, overloaded with top teams).  Italy are the reigning world champs but got their asses handed to them by Holland on Monday.  France is one of the top-ranked teams in the world but I personally don’t rate them too highly.  Sans Zidane, they don’t have that “talisman” to bind the collection of talent together.  They seem rudderless at this point as Vierra is too old to exert much influence, Ribery doesn’t seem the leader-type, Makele doesn’t really want to be there and none of the strikers are leaders.
• Holland is my pick to go through.  This team is loaded with talent everywhere except for maybe the back line (which is important).  They have some injury issues but this may be a blessing in disguise as it forces the coach Van Batten to play his least favorite (but talented) players.
• Much as I hate it, Italy is my 2nd pick.  I just hate watching this team play but they seem much more of a team than France.  Just boring as hell.

Group D: Spain, Russia, Sweden, Greece

• Spain is the overwhelming favorite in this weak group.  Spain, along with Holland, are the perennial under-achievers — loaded with talent but never going as far as they should.  I would say Spain is fielding the most talented team in this tournament.
• Russia is my next pick.  As long as someone makes sure the Greeks don’t go through (no offense to any Greeks), I’ll be happy.  They are one boring team.

Knock-out picks coming once the field is settled.