Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings

Spain and Germany will contest the final of Euro 2008, but which side goes into the game on top of our Euro Power Rankings?

(Previous ranking in brackets)

1. Spain (3)

Spain really turned on the style in their semi-final victory over Russia, and will go into the final backed by neutrals everywhere. Their slick passing football is a joy to watch, but their unquestionably talented players will have to hold their nerve if they are to secure only a second major championship in their history.

2. Germany (1)

Joachim Loew’s men were second best for the vast majority of their semi-final against Turkey, but managed to stumble into the final thanks to Philipp Lahm’s late strike. They have yet to really convince in this tournament, but the fact that they are in the final is testament to their extraordinary resilience.

3. Turkey (4)

The quality of their performance against Germany, with a squad of just 14, proved that they were more than worthy of a place in the last four, after critics had suggested that their run to the semi-finals owed more to luck than anything else. Turkey’s contribution to the tournament will live long in the memory.

4. Russia (2)

Guus Hiddink’s side thrilled in the 3-1 quarter-final victory over the Netherlands but were distinctly average in the semi-final defeat to Spain. Players like Andrei Arshavin and flying full-back Yuri Zhirkov really caught the eye, but after all the excitement the fact remains that they really impressed in only two matches.

5. Netherlands (5)

Good lord, how did we not see this one coming? Marco van Basten’s men went from majestic to mediocre as Russia ran them ragged. 150,000 orange-clad fans in Basel saw yet another major championship end in heartache, although at least they didn’t lose on penalties this time.

6. Croatia (6)

Slaven Bilic’s men won over neutrals everywhere with their incisive passing style, but having been a minute away from the last four they lost their nerve completely when their quarter-final with Turkey went to penalties. England fans will surely sympathise.

7. Portugal (7)

Terrible defensive errors cost them dearly against a far from vintage Germany side, while the anonymous performance of Cristiano Ronaldo suggested that he might just have to wait for that Ballon d’Or.

8. Italy (8)

Did what they do best for 120 minutes against Spain before allowing a team with an awful record at penalty shootouts to beat them. A run to the quarter-finals is hardly a disgraceful performance (unlike that of, say, France) but the style of football employed by Roberto Donadoni has won the Azzurri few friends.

9. Czech Republic (9)

Took part in the best game of Euro 2004, beating the Netherlands 3-2. Their 3-2 defeat to Turkey will take some beating this time around, but the Czechs are on their way home after a dramatic collapse in Geneva.

10. Romania (10)

Sorry to say it, but Romania blew it when they had the Group of Death at their mercy. Adrian Mutu’s penalty miss against Italy turned out to prove decisive as they failed to cut it against a Dutch reserve side.

11. Switzerland (11)

Performed admirably in their 2-0 win over an admittedly weakened Portugal side, and finally had the luck that deserted them in their first two games. At least co-hosts Austria have followed them out.

12. Sweden (12)

Ancient, plodding and completely outplayed. The Swedes were never at the races against Russia and were deservedly sent packing. The oldest squad at Euro 2008 looked devoid of ideas with Zlatan Ibrahimovic below full fitness.

13. Greece (13)

Ensured they at least found the net before heading home, but three straight defeats add up to a dismal title defence by anyone’s standards. Otto Rehhagel may now choose to bow out with his head held high.

14. Austria (14)

Plucky, and they gave Germany a run for their money for 45 minutes. Although they weren’t as bad as the pre-tournament petition suggested, no goals from open play is a telling story.

15. Poland (15)

A late penalty awarded by Howard Webb led to two dropped points against Austria and the defeat against Croatia completed a damp squib of a tournament for the Poles. Ebi Smolarek, Jacek Krzynowek and Mariusz Lewandowski didn’t turn up.

16. France (16)

No team played worse at Euro 2008 than Les Bleus, who were dull against Romania, overwhelmed by the Dutch and completely self-destructed in their biggest match since the 2006 World Cup final. Madame Guillotine is already hurtling towards Raymond Domenech’s head.

Come back each day as we revise our Euro 2008 rankings!

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