Re: The Football Topic
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to come to the same conclusion as the bookies, that Spain and Germany are the favorites, followed by Holland, France, England, Italy and Portugal with increasing odds.
If Spain can finally score some goals, they must be nailed on, since a large part of their team consists of players who have rightly dominated world football for years now. On recent history though, it's a biggish 'if'.
I am extremely somber about Dutch chances. Holland will be need a lot of luck, or some outstanding performances from one or more of the players who can turn a game on their own - Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder, Van der Vaart. Sadly, these players rarely show their club form for their country. Van der Vaart is very much second string to Sneijder and will rarely, if ever, be on the pitch at the same time. Huntelaar, who has been scoring goals for fun for the national team for years now, is second string to Van Persie as striker. The two can't play together. Van Marwijk, whom every Dutch fan I know would like to see the back of sooner rather than later, insists on playing De Jong and Van Bommel (Marwijk's son-in-law) as a pair of defensive mids. Sadly, they are useless in the build-up, and Van Bommel is over the top.
A poll on my Ajax forum showed that 74% did not expect Holland to qualify from the group! I have to admit, that astounded me. Potentially, Holland have a very good side, certainly one capable of winning if the right players are picked and play well. However, based on recent form and results, and on the manager's habits, we fear the worst.
There's bound to be some dark horse surprise team, and I don't mean England! 
The French can't really be considered 'dark horses', but they could go further than many think, imo. So could Croatia - maybe. 
I will be supporting Holland, but with no great hopes. I will, therefore, not be surprised if things go t*ts up. I will happily support any team that plays attractive, attacking football, which rules out quite a few for starters. So, Spain or Germany for me, with a personal preference for Spain, due mainly to their Barca players.
Above all, let's hope for no controversy, either on or off the pitch.
Rock On and keep the Faith
Somebody needs to tell him that fines from his bookings and sending offs do not go back to Spanish banks!.... oops, politically incentive joke... I could not resist!
