[Mark]

Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings

Every day throughout Euro 2008, we will be giving our take on who are the strongest - and weakest - teams in the tournament.

eurosport.yahoo.com wrote:



1 - Italy

Yes, they have lost Fabio Cannavaro, but they came through a similar injury "crisis" with flying colours when Alessandro Nesta was crocked at the World Cup.


2 - France

Any side with the attacking strength to leave out David Trezeguet has to be taken seriously. Lucky they've got Henry, Ribery, Benzema and Anelka, then.


3 - Portugal

You might not know it from this week's media circus, but there is more to this team than Cristiano Ronaldo. Although having him doesn't exactly hurt, either.


4 - Germany

Surprisingly, Joachim Loew's team are the tournament favourites. Unsurprisingly, they are expected to offer ruthless efficiency and a smattering of flair.


5 - Spain

A great squad, but the Spanish have failed on the big stage too many times to count among the absolute favourites, and their group is deceptively tough.


6 - Switzerland

No, really. Home advantage always counts for something, and this is the same team that was a shootout away from the World Cup quarter-finals in 2006.


7 - Croatia

Might just be a touch overrated thanks to their two demolitions of England, but nobody plays with more pride or passion than Slaven Bilic's side.


8 - Sweden

Nobody ever talks about the Swedes, but they never, ever, go out in the group stage, and they boast the brilliant, bonkers Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.


9 - Romania

Watch out for these guys. Have been written off in the 'group of death', but can beat the Dutch and cause problems for the other two, led by the reformed Adrian Mutu.


10 - Netherlands

The simple fact that they are Holland has obscured their worrying lack of quality. Plenty of attacking midfielders, but defensively Van Basten's team is woeful.


11 - Czech Republic

Not the side they used to be thanks to the retirement and Pavel Nedved and injury to Tomas Rosicky. Need to avoid defeat in the opening game.


12 - Russia

Might be fresher than most as the Russian season only started in March, but other than their win over England in Moscow, they did little to impress in qualifying.


13 - Greece

Perhaps it is unwise to write off the defending champs, who were similarly unfancied in 2004. But it's not going to happen again. It just isn't.


14 - Poland

It would be great to see Britain's adopted team make it through a group containing Germany and Croatia but the omens are not good. Polska Bialo-Czerwoni!


15 - Turkey

These chaps were the third best team in the world in 2002 and would love to silence their critics again. Have a tough opener against Portugal, however.


16 - Austria

The Austrians campaigning for their side to pull out were right. They are by far the weakest side on show, and only home advantage can spare them embarrassment.



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

eurosport.yahoo.com | Football | Euro'08 | Article Here!

[Mark]

~~TOP UPDATE~~


Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings


EAfter Sunday's action in Group B, we revisit our ranking of all 16 teams at Euro 2008.

eurosport.yahoo.com wrote:



(Previous ranking in brackets)


1. Italy

Yes, they have lost Fabio Cannavaro, but they came through a similar injury "crisis" with flying colours when Alessandro Nesta was crocked at the World Cup.


2. Germany (4)

Joachim Loew's side showed abundant firepower in brushing aside Poland, with attacking trio Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski looking particularly tasty.


3. Portugal (2)

Played some good football in the opening 2-0 win over Turkey, with goalscorers Pepe and Raul Meireles proving that they are not just about that boy Ronaldo.


4. France (3)

Any side with the attacking strength to leave out David Trezeguet has to be taken seriously. Lucky they've got Henry, Ribery, Benzema and Anelka, then.


5. Spain

A great squad, but the Spanish have failed on the big stage too many times to count among the absolute favourites, and their group is deceptively tough.


6. Sweden (8)

Nobody ever talks about the Swedes, but they never, ever, go out in the group stage, and they boast the brilliant, bonkers Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.


7. Czech Republic (11)

Rode their luck big time against Switzerland, but with that potential banana skin out of the way they are now well-placed to qualify for the group stages.


8. Romania

Watch out for these guys. Have been written off in the 'group of death', but can beat the Dutch and cause problems for the other two, led by the reformed Adrian Mutu.


9. Croatia (6)

Yes, it's the result that matters and Croatia did at least beat Austria. But the laboured way they went about it suggests they might not be as good as England made them look.


10. Netherlands

The simple fact that they are Holland has obscured their worrying lack of quality. Plenty of attacking midfielders, but defensively Van Basten's team is woeful.


11. Switzerland (6)

The unfortunate defeat to the Czech Republic was a big blow, meaning they are now probably reliant on Turkey taking something off the Czechs if they are to go through.


12. Russia

Might be fresher than most as the Russian season only started in March, but other than their win over England in Moscow, they did little to impress in qualifying.


13. Greece

Perhaps it is unwise to write off the defending champs, who were similarly unfancied in 2004. But it's not going to happen again. It just isn't.


14. Austria (16)

Looked fairly lively against Croatia after conceding that early penalty, and were slightly unlucky to lose. Did a better job than Steve McClaren's England, at any rate.


15. Turkey

Did not ever look like they were going to give Portugal any problems in their Group A opener, and the diving antics of Tuncay Sanli and Nihat Kahveci are unlikely to win them any new friends.


16. Poland (14)

Leo Beenhakker's side can still go through, but must beat Austria and take at least a point off Croatia. But on Sunday's defensively inept evidence, they won't even beat the co-hosts.



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

eurosport.yahoo.com | Football | Euro'08 | Article Here!

[Torque]

Top update. New leader. Well done Netherlands!

Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings

Our Euro 2008 power rankings take on a different look after the Dutch demolition of Italy.



1. Netherlands (10)

A nine-place leap for Marco van Basten's side, who simply dazzled against the world champions. Whether they can sustain their form is another question, but for now they are top dogs.

2. Germany (4)

Joachim Loew's side showed abundant firepower in brushing aside Poland, with attacking trio Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski looking particularly tasty.

3. Portugal (2)

Played some good football in the opening 2-0 win over Turkey, with goalscorers Pepe and Raul Meireles proving that they are not just about that boy Ronaldo.

4. Spain (5)

A great squad, but the Spanish have failed on the big stage too many times to count among the absolute favourites, and their group is deceptively tough.

5. Italy (1)

The only goals Italy conceded at the World Cup were an own-goal and a penalty. They shipped three against the Dutch and looked horribly outclassed. In a hole.

6. France (3)

Arguably in a worse position than the Italians after their dreadful draw against Romania. They cannot afford to lose either to the deadly Dutch or the desperate Azzurri.

7. Sweden (8)

Nobody ever talks about the Swedes, but they never, ever, go out in the group stage, and they boast the brilliant, bonkers Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.

8. Czech Republic (11)

Rode their luck big time against Switzerland, but with that potential banana skin out of the way they are now well-placed to qualify for the group stages.

9. Croatia (6)

Yes, it's the result that matters and Croatia did at least beat Austria. But the laboured way they went about it suggests they might not be as good as England made them look.

10. Romania (8)

A topsy-turvy opening round of fixtures means Group C is wide open - and Romania are right in the mix. Not exactly fun to watch, but they might just be this year's Greece.

11. Switzerland (6)

The unfortunate defeat to the Czech Republic was a big blow, meaning they are now probably reliant on Turkey taking something off the Czechs if they are to go through.

12. Russia

Might be fresher than most as the Russian season only started in March, but other than their win over England in Moscow, they did little to impress in qualifying.

13. Greece

Perhaps it is unwise to write off the defending champs, who were similarly unfancied in 2004. But it's not going to happen again. It just isn't.

14. Austria (16)

Looked fairly lively against Croatia after conceding that early penalty, and were slightly unlucky to lose. Did a better job than Steve McClaren's England, at any rate.

15. Turkey

Did not ever look like they were going to give Portugal any problems in their Group A opener, and the diving antics of Tuncay Sanli and Nihat Kahveci are unlikely to win them any new friends.

16. Poland (14)

Leo Beenhakker's side can still go through, but must beat Austria and take at least a point off Croatia. But on Sunday's defensively inept evidence, they won't even beat the co-hosts.

Source

[Mark]

here's the top after a full 4 days matches!

~~TOP UPDATE~~


Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings


Was David Villa's hat-trick enough to move Spain to the top of the Euro Power Rankings? Click here to find out.

eurosport.yahoo.com wrote:



(Previous ranking in brackets)


1. Netherlands (10)

A nine-place leap for Marco van Basten's side, who simply dazzled against the world champions. Whether they can sustain their form is another question, but for now they are top dogs.


2. Spain (4)

A superb performance against Russia will see Luis Aragones's side installed as one of the tournament favourites - but haven't we seen this kind of thing from Spain before?


3. Germany (2)

Joachim Loew's side showed abundant firepower in brushing aside Poland, with attacking trio Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski looking particularly tasty.


4. Portugal (3)

Played some good football in the opening 2-0 win over Turkey, with goalscorers Pepe and Raul Meireles proving that they are not just about that boy Ronaldo.


5. Italy (1)

The only goals Italy conceded at the World Cup were an own-goal and a penalty. They shipped three against the Dutch and looked horribly outclassed. In a hole.


6. Sweden (7)

Struggled to break Greece down, but doesn't everyone? Claimed maximum points without ever really impressing, but came through thanks to the brilliance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.


7. France (3)

Arguably in a worse position than the Italians after their dreadful draw against Romania. They cannot afford to lose either to the deadly Dutch or the desperate Azzurri.


8. Czech Republic (11)

Rode their luck big time against Switzerland, but with that potential banana skin out of the way they are now well-placed to qualify for the group stages.


9. Croatia (6)

Yes, it's the result that matters and Croatia did at least beat Austria. But the laboured way they went about it suggests they might not be as good as England made them look.


10. Romania (8)

A topsy-turvy opening round of fixtures means Group C is wide open - and Romania are right in the mix. Not exactly fun to watch, but they might just be this year's Greece.


11. Switzerland (6)

The unfortunate defeat to the Czech Republic was a big blow, meaning they are now probably reliant on Turkey taking something off the Czechs if they are to go through.


12. Austria (14)

Looked fairly lively against Croatia after conceding that early penalty, and were slightly unlucky to lose. Did a better job than Steve McClaren's England, at any rate.


13. Turkey (15)

Did not ever look like they were going to give Portugal any problems in their Group A opener, and the diving antics of Tuncay Sanli and Nihat Kahveci are unlikely to win them any new friends.


14. Poland (16)

Leo Beenhakker's side can still go through, but must beat Austria and take at least a point off Croatia. But on Sunday's defensively inept evidence, they won't even beat the co-hosts.


15. Russia (12)

Yikes. How did England lose to this lot? Guus Hiddink has a job on his hands if he wants to maintain his brilliant tournament record. He can start by dropping the hapless Denis Kolodin.


16. Greece (13)

Just a horrible performance from the defending champions. They might not have been as useless as Russia or as porous as Poland, but how can you forgive such negative football?



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

eurosport.yahoo.com | Football | Euro'08 | Article Here!

[Mark]

~~TOP UPDATE~~


Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings


Turkey move up six places in the Euro Power Rankings after their incredible win against the Czech Republic.

eurosport.yahoo.com wrote:



(Previous ranking in brackets)




1. Netherlands (1)

Two games into the tournament and both the world champions and their World Cup final opponents have been vanquished in style by Marco van Basten's cavalier side. Seven goals scored and just one conceded so far - is there a better team in Austria and Switzerland? Electrifying.



2. Spain (3)

Another false dawn? A stuttering performance in their second game has once again cast doubts over Spain's ability to perform at major tournaments. At least they have David Villa, whose injury time winner against Sweden was his fourth of Euro 2008 so far.



3. Portugal (2)

It would be unwise to draw too many conclusions from their 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, for which Luis Felipe Scolari made eight changes. But they have lost vital momentum ahead of a probable quarter-final against Germany.



4. Croatia (4)

Booked their place in the quarter-finals with a famous victory over Germany - one which Slaven Bilic hailed as a better achievement than beating England. A far better performance than the laboured to victory against Austria on the opening day.



5. Germany (5)

Oh dear. After such a promising performance on the opening day, Joachim Loew now has a job on his hands to lift his troops following their shock 2-1 defeat to Croatia. Still likely to qualify though.



6. Turkey (12)

True, they had some luck, and they will have to replace the suspended Volkan against Croatia in the last eight. But for now they can bask in the afterglow of perhaps the most dramatic comeback in European Championship history.



7. Sweden (7)

You have to feel sorry for the Swedes, who acquitted themselves well against Spain, only to lose concentration - and a point - late on. At least Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was absent for the second half, will be fit for the decider against Russia.



8. Romania (8)

Undoubtedly more entertaining in their second game of the tournament, Romania very nearly reaped huge rewards for their endeavour against Italy. Adrian Mutu will have sleepless nights for weeks to come over that penalty miss if they fail to progress. Still all to play for.



9. Russia (9)

A vast improvement on their opening round performance, Guus Hiddink's side are now very much in with a shout of qualification after Konstantin Zyrianov's goal downed Greece in a surprisingly entertaining game.



10. France (10)

Things are starting to look bleak for Raymond Domenech after his side's heavy defeat to the Netherlands. One point from two games is not good enough for the World Cup finalists and it could be a quick aller-retour for Les Blues unless they can beat Italy in their final game.



11. Italy (11)

Another disappointing performance against Romania has done little to ease Italian fears of an early exit. And had Gigi Buffon not pulled off the save of the tournament to deny Adrian Mutu from the spot, it could have been so much worse. Have it all to do against the French.



12. Austria (12)

Ivica Vastic's late equaliser against Poland prolonged the co-hosts' involvement in the tournament for another round of games, although victory over Germany is now needed to seal a spot in the quarter-finals. On their way out.



13. Poland (13)

A late penalty awarded by Howard Webb led to two dropped points against Austria and now means the Poles will have to beat Croatia and hope Germany slip up against the co-hosts if they are to stand a chance of going through.



14. Czech Republic (6)

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.



15. Switzerland (16)

Like the Czechs, they are only down this low because they are out. 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.



16. Greece (15)

The reigning champions are out and few will be sorry to see them head home, even if they did manage to provide far more entertainment in their defeat to Russia than in their dour opener against Sweden.



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

eurosport.yahoo.com | Football | Euro'08 | Article Here!

[Torque]

TOP UPDATE

Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings

(Previous ranking in brackets)

1. Netherlands (1)

Even their reserves are brilliant. The Dutch succeeded where France and Italy both failed, beating a Romania side with much more to play for than them. It is just plain scary to see the likes of Robben, Van Persie and Huntelaar in the second-string.

2. Spain (2)

Completed the group stage with a third consecutive win and reinforced what we already know - they have tonnes of depth in midfield but they had better hope their first-choice defenders stay fit.

3. Portugal (3)

It would be unwise to draw too many conclusions from their 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, for which Luis Felipe Scolari made eight changes. But they have lost vital momentum ahead of the quarter-final against Germany.

4. Italy (4)

Brushed France aside without ever excelling, but Roberto Donadoni's men have survived their near-death experience and are starting to believe in themselves. Ominous stuff if you're Spanish, although Pirlo and Gattuso both picked up suspensions.

5. Croatia (5)

Croatia's performance and victory against Poland showed the depth of coach Slaven Bilic's squad. With a 100% record, they will be strong favourites for Friday's quarter-final clash with Turkey in Vienna.

6. Germany (6)

Joachim Loew has essentially the same team as Jürgen Klinsmann but the Germans are nowhere near as dynamic as two years ago. Surely Mario Gomez won't start when they face Portugal in Basel on Thursday.

7. Russia (9)

Suddenly, Guus Hiddink's men look like they could give the mighty Dutch a game. Still frail at the back, but such is the intensity of their high-tempo play it might not matter. Plus, that Andrei Arshavin's player.

8. Turkey (7)

True, they had some luck, and they will have to replace the suspended Volkan against Croatia in the last eight. But for now they can bask in the afterglow of perhaps the most dramatic comeback in European Championship history.

9. Czech Republic (10)

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 (11)

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 (12)

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 (8)

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 (15)

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 (13)

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 (14)

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 has 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.

Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

One thing I don't understand: how the hell Greece got 13th place? They are the most disappointing team. They played like crap and got 0 points!!!

[Torque]

TOP UPDATE

Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings

Turkey's thrilling victory over Croatia put them into the Euro 2008 semi-finals, and also sent them shooting up our Euro Power Rankings.

(Previous ranking in brackets)

1. Netherlands (1)

Even their reserves are brilliant. The Dutch succeeded where France and Italy both failed, beating a Romania side with much more to play for than them. It is just plain scary to see the likes of Robben, Van Persie and Huntelaar in the second-string.

2. Germany (6)

After stumbling through the group stage they spluttered into life in the 3-2 quarter-final win over Portugal, thereby providing a timely reminder that you write the Germans off at your peril.

3. Turkey (7)

They may have led matches for only nine minutes of the competition, but Turkey have reached the semi-finals through a combination of grit, spirit and a laudable refusal to admit defeat. Suspensions to key players could cost them against Germany though.

4. Spain (3)

Completed the group stage with a third consecutive win and reinforced what we already know - they have tonnes of depth in midfield but they had better hope their first-choice defenders stay fit.

5. Italy (4)

Brushed France aside without ever excelling, but Roberto Donadoni's men have survived their near-death experience and are starting to believe in themselves. Ominous stuff if you're Spanish, although Pirlo and Gattuso both picked up suspensions.

6. Russia (7)

Suddenly, Guus Hiddink's men look like they could give the mighty Dutch a game. Still frail at the back, but such is the intensity of their high-tempo play it might not matter. Plus, that Andrei Arshavin's a player.

7. Croatia (5)

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.

8. Portugal (3)

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.

9. Czech Republic (10)

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 (11)

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 (12)

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 (8)

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 (15)

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 (13)

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 (14)

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 has 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.

Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

[Torque]

Top Update. New Leader!

Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings



Oops, they did it again. Long-time power rankings pacesetters the Netherlands have crashed out early from yet another tournament.

(Previous ranking in brackets)

1. Germany (2)

After stumbling through the group stage they spluttered into life in the 3-2 quarter-final win over Portugal, thereby providing a timely reminder that you write the Germans off at your peril.

2. Russia (6)

Guus Hiddink isn't bad at this management lark. After a hapless opening defeat against Spain, Russia have improved with every game and genuinely outplayed the Netherlands. The brilliant Andrei Ashavin's return from suspension has kicked the Russians into overdrive.

3. Turkey (3)

They may have led matches for only nine minutes of the competition, but Turkey have reached the semi-finals through a combination of grit, spirit and a laudable refusal to admit defeat. Suspensions to key players could cost them against Germany though.

4. Spain (4)

Completed the group stage with a third consecutive win and reinforced what we already know - they have tonnes of depth in midfield but they had better hope their first-choice defenders stay fit.

5. Italy (5)

Brushed France aside without ever excelling, but Roberto Donadoni's men have survived their near-death experience and are starting to believe in themselves. Ominous stuff if you're Spanish, although Pirlo and Gattuso both picked up suspensions.

6. Netherlands (1)

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.

7. Croatia (7)

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.

8. Portugal (8)

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.

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.

Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Man, I really hope that Germany will keep that first place till the end.