by Tim Anderson

Football storms into the El Clásico weekend with Real Madrid nine points behind their La Liga leading Catalan rivals Barcelona. After last weekend´s 4-3 loss to Sevilla, manager Bernd Schuster threw himself to the lions when he said in the post match press conference, “ It will be impossible for Madrid to beat Barcelona next weekend”. The lion, owner Ramon Calderón didn’t wait much longer to finish him off, and promptly installed recent Tottenham sacking, Juande Ramos, to the managerial post the following day.

Barcelona on the other hand, continue to fly high. This month’s fixtures were meant to be the testing time for Pep Guardiola’s men, but they are sweeping all aside, a convincing 3-0 win over Sevilla last weekend was followed by a 4-0 thrashing of Valencia. That leaves the Catalans 6 points clear of second placed Villareal, having conceded just 9 goals in 14 games, while banging 44 in at the other end.

As if the presence of Messi, Xavi and Iniesta wasn’t enough of a threat, long-winging frog maestro Thierry Henry bagged his second hat-trick of his Nou Camp career to make every Madrid fan tremble with anxiety. With their own strike force spending extra time on the recouperation table, anything less than an embarrassment might be considered a success for the Bernabéu boys.

The atmosphere will still be electric, even if this round will be played in Barcelona. The bars will be buzzing, crying, cheering and jumping and it will only get better when the game actually starts!! Stranger things have happened than a Madrid win, and if there is a game to bring out the passion in the players, to test the nerves and to typify the Spanish passion for football, this weekend is it.

The last 5 results:

FC Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid 2005-6
Real Madrid 4-1 FC Barcelona 2006-7
FC Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid 2006-7
Real Madrid 2-0 FC Barcelona 2007-8
FC Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid 2007-8

This month, European Vibe Magazine’s art director and biggest football fanatic Phily McIvor brings us his all-time top ten football-related songs.

6 - Del Amitri – Don’t come home too soon – (Scotland World Cup) 1998

5 – Luciano Pavarotti – Nessun Dorma (Nobody Sleeps) – (BBC theme) World Cup 1990

4 – Andres Calamaro – Maradona – 1999

This month, European Vibe Magazine’s art director and biggest football fanatic Phily McIvor brings us his all-time top ten football-related songs.

10 – Glenn & Chris – Diamond Lights – 1987

9 – Tottenham Hotspur – Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley) – FA Cup Final 81

8 – Liverpool FC – Anfield Rap – Cup Final 88

7 – Collapsed Lung – Eat My Goal [used in Coca Cola ad] – World Cup 98

Yesterday’s results: France 0 – 0 Romania, Italy 0 – 3 Holland

If until last night we hadn’t witnessed a very good game at Euro 2008, we certainly were treated to a classic from Italy and Holland. There was flowing football from both sides right from the start and those who suspected it would be a dramatic match got confirmation after 26 minutes, when Van Nistelrooy scored a controversial opener.

The Real Madrid and Holland striker slotted home a shot cum-great though ball from his clubmate Sneijder, but he looked very clearly offside and even the Dutch players hesitated to celebrate. However, the assistant referee’s flag stayed down and main referee Peter Frojdfeldt signalled the goal stood. The Italy fans were furious, and even more so when the big screens in Berne’s stadium replayed the goal and seemed very much to confirm that a big mistake had been made.

What they had taken into account, though, and I have to admit my ignorance to this, too, was that the horizontal Christian Panucci, knocked over in a collision with his own goalkeeper, counted as a second defending player under the laws of the game. What most people (and I) incorrectly assumed was that being off the field of play would mean the defender was not in the game. However, to prevent defenders stepping off the pitch to play attackers offside, defending players are still considered to be interfering with play if they go behind the goal line. It does seem unfair though, as Panucci was still coming to his senses after Buffon collided with him and left him stunned on the deck.

No controversy about the second goal, just pure class. Sneijer’s excellent finish was just the final touch of one of the best counter-attack goals I can remember seeing. The fact it was against the world champions with one of the world’s strongest defences makes it even better.

Italy threw everything in to it in the second half. They saw that in pure footballing terms they weren’t going to get the better of Holland on the night, so they hassled and bullied and mixed their power and technique. It looked like they might get a reward for their hard work in the second half, but Van Der Sar’s spectacular save followed by another great breakaway goal, Gio Van Bronckhorst’s header finally making it through Zambrotta’s brave attempt to block, were the sucker punch that floored Italy. Holland got their astonishing win.

Despite my plea for goals at half time in the other match, France and Romania couldn’t muster anything and the match ended as the first draw of the tournament. I’ve been telling everyone that Romania were going to mess someone up and they certainly didn’t do France’s chances any good.

I’ve kept up my run of one correct result a day, but I still haven’t got a scoreline right. how are you getting on with your predictions?

We’re just half an hour away from Spain’s debut in the competition as I write this, and it seems people everywhere are waiting to see if the talented lads of La Furia Roja really have something to show us this time. I went for a 2-1 Spain win, though now I’m wondering if Russia will be able to pull anything out of the bag if they lose a goal. I’m looking forward to this, but I’ll be on the train for most of the first half; hope someone’s got a radio… I’m looking forward to seeing Henrik Larsson back in a Sweden shirt for tonight’s game against Greece. How the Hellenes go about defending their title will be interesting.

Luc’s predictions: Spain 2 – 1 Russia, Greece 1 – 1 Sweden

Yesterday’s results: Poland 0 – 2 Germany, Austria 0 – 1 Croatia

Whoopsadaisy… My prediction of Poland making the last 16 seems like the heart ruling the head a little. Some very naïve defending was their undoing and Germany looked very good.

Big Baby Bilic’s side ended up hanging on for their 1-0 victory against the Austrians, but a win is a win.

It’s half time at the moment in the France – Romania game and the score is 0-0. I’m still on for a correct result, but there’s nothing to suggest my predicted scoreline of 2-2 will materialise. I have to admit that I’d be annoyed if it did now, as I’ll be on the train and will miss the whole second half. Can’t see it happening though, it’s been an awful game so far- Romania are happy stopping the French from playing football, the French are not really trying to play football. I hope the Holland – Italy, will see them go for it a bit more. Having said that, I predicted a 0-0 draw…

Luc’s predictions: France 2 – 2 Romania, Italy 0 – 0 Holland

By Khilen Mehta

Russia- Guus Hiddink’s maiden campaign as coach could hardly have had a more dramatic ending as Russia snatched second place in Group E  right at the death. Victory over England in Russia left them needing just six points from their last two games to be sure of qualifying. However defeat to Isreal left England back in pole position. On the final day however, England lost to Croatia and victory of Andorra gave the Russians their route to the tournament. In recent times, Guus Hiddink has made wholesale changes to the the squad in recent times, and the Russia side competing in Austria and Switzerland bears little likeness to the one that traveled to the finals of UEFA EURO 2004 in Portugal.

Manager- Guus Hiddink, I am very happy with the players’ mentality.”

Key Player- Andrei Arshavin will be a big loss as he is suspended for the first two games

Prediction- Will battle it out for second spot with Sweden

Sweden- Sweden qualified in second place in Group F behind Spain, completing the job on the last night of qualifying when they beat Latvia 2-1 and Northern Ireland lost in Spain. Lars Lagerbäck’s side made a bright start, winning their opening four games – including a 2-0 success over section favourites Spain courtesy of goals from Johan Elmander and Marcus Allbäck. Although defeat in Spain put the champagne on ice, a victory over Latvia ensured Sweden qualified for their fifth successive tournament. Sweden are unlikely to make many changes to the habits that have brought them such success. The surprise recall of striker Henrik Larsson, following his retirement from international football, has given Sweden a major boost as the veteran can forge a partnership  with Zlatan Ibrahimović.

Manager- Lars Lagerbäck, “It’s going to be less physically demanding and with more focus on tactical preparations for the coming matches,”

Key Player- Henrik Larsson will lead the line with all his experience

Prediction- All will depend on their result with Russia.

By Khilen Mehta

Netherlands- It´s exactly twenty years since the Dutch last conquered Europe and after their recent form in qualifying, they look confident and full of desire. Besides qualification for Austria and Switzerland, another major positive from the Dutch campaign was the opportunity given to the stars of their 2006 and 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship winning squads to impress at senior level. However these tests will be a big test for the managerial decision of the manager, who has been recently undermined by many key players, including Clarence Seedorf who withdraw from the squad claiming that the conditions were not right for him to perform at his best. Having reached the semi-finals in 2004, they will be hoping to go one better this time.

Managaer- Marco Van Basten, “With more experience, we will have a chance to clinch a major title.”

Key Player- Ruud Van Nistelrooy will be relied upon to score the goals

Prediction- Runners up in group, but beaten quarter finalists

Romania- By far the weakest team in the group, the Romanians stand little chance of qualifying for the quarter finals. Romania confirmed their progress to their first finals tournament since UEFA EURO 2000 with two games to go, with a 2-0 win in Luxembourg completing a run of ten unbeaten games in Group G. Although Romania qualified for the 1984 and 1996 UEFA European Championship finals, they failed to win a match. Their first victory in the finals actually took place in their ninth match, defeating England 3-2 in the UEFA EURO 2000 finals, a result that provided them with a place in the knockout stages of the competition. Unbeaten against the Netherlands in the qualifying stages, Romania will take heart from these performances against the other nations.

Manager- Victor Piţurcă, “we don’t depend upon one player or another”.

Key Player-Adrian Mutu will be the focal point of everything good for Romania

Prediction- Will fall at the first stage, despite putting up stubborn opposition

By Khilen Mehta

Also known as the group of death, every team in this group has the potential to knock the others out. With 3 previous winners in this group, it will be guaranteed to set the pulses racing with some free flowing, entertaining football.

France- France’s Group B campaign proved more of an ordeal than many would have anticipated although Italy’s 2-1 win in Scotland did them a big favour by making their final game in Ukraine a formality and allowed them to finish second in the group behind the Italians. Following successes in 1984 and 2000,France are the only other country apart from three-time winners Germans to have won the competition more than once. Their manager has dropped many of their ageing stars such as Trezeguet and instead the French will be relying on their new gems, such as Benzema and Nasri to lead them to their third European success. Everybody´s eyes will be on the game between the French and the Italians in this group as France try to avenge defeat in the World Cup final.

Manager- Raymond Domenech, “Experience is helpful, but one competition is never the same as the next.”

Key Player- Thierry Henry will be eager to recover from his Barcelona misery

Prediction- Their age will count against them this tournament, shock early exit

Italy- Replacing Marcello Lippi after Italy’s success at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, coach Roberto Donadoni made a shaky start in qualifying but his team eventually did enough to eventually qualify as Group B winners. They secured qualification both for themselves and France by beating Scotland 2-1 in Glasgow thanks to another goal from Toni and an added-time winner from defender Christian Panucci and a 3-1 win against the Faroe Islands in their final fixture earned them top spot in the section at France’s expense. Having won the European Championships in 1968, the Italians will be hoping to secure a second victory, forty years on from their previous triumph. With only Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti missing from their victorious World Cup squad, Italian fans will be quietly confident.

Manager- Roberto Donadoni,” I think that our ability to use several formations could be one of our strengths”

Key Player- Alessandro Del Piero was the top scorer in this seasons Serie A

Prediction- Defeat in the semi- finals

By Khilen Mehta

Germany- The germans are always said to be one of the favourites in every tournament especially after winning the tournament in 1996. With only a handful of truly recognisable big names, their team spirit and their teamwork are the foundations for their success. After a generally impressive qualifying campagin, which included a 13-0 victory over San Marino, they finished second in their group after drawing their final game with Wales. Germany have not won a match in the final tournament of a UEFA European Championship since winning the competition in 1996. Since then, Germany have played six matches, drawing three and losing three with three goals scored and eight conceded. However with Michael Ballack and Torsten Frings in midfield, their typically robust defense, and Klose scoring the goals upfront, Germany are once again front runners.

Manager- Joachim Low, “Germany are always one of the favourites, but that’s fine. It’s something you have to accept.”

Key Player- Miroslav Klose will be the focal point of every attack

Prediction- Beaten semi-finalists

Croatia- In a competitive Group B, Croatia performed admirably and even managed to knock out group favourites England in the process. With only one defeat in the group against Macedonia, Croatia can boast away victories in Russia and England. The Croatians have a European pedigree and are hungry for success under manager Slaven Bilic. They have qualified for every tournament bar Euro 2000, and were knocked out in the quarter final stages by eventual winners Germany in Euro 96. Up until the end of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2008, Croatia had appeared in the UEFA European Championship on four occasions, and had played 47 matches. In that time, they had won 28, drawn eleven and lost eight with 86 goals scored and 38 conceded.

Manager- Slaven Bilic, “We are good – very good,”

Key Player- Luka Modric will want to impress before playing in the premiership next season

Prediction- Will qualify from their group but then will struggle

By Khilen Mehta

Austria- With only friendly games to prepare themselves for co-hosting the finals, Austria have endured some tough times. Austria fans are so worried about their teams potential performance in the championships that they even petitioned the FA to allow them to withdraw in order to save further embarassment. This is likely to be a major learning curve for the Austrians given the fact that they are playing in their first European Championships. Prior to the finals, Austria have suffered defeats against Germany and the Netherlands and although they previously beat the Ivory Coast, a run of 10 games without victory does not inspire confidence.

Manager- Josef Hickersberger, “I’m convinced we will see a very different national team

Key Player- Roland Linz is a regular goalscorer in the Portuguese League

Prediction- One of the easiest groups, but still not a hope

Poland- They qualified with a game to spare for the Championships when they beat Belgium. Helped by nine goals from striker/winger Euzebiusz Smolarek, this is Poland’s first appearance in the Championships after a previous twelve attempts at trying. Up until the end of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2008, Poland had appeared in all 13 UEFA European Championship qualifying competitions, and had played 90 matches. In that time, they had won 38, drawn 24 and lost 28 of those fixtures with 131 goals scored and 100 conceded.

Manager- Leo Beenhakker, “This is definitely one of the biggest successes of my career,”

Key Player- Euzebiusz Smolarek was a prolific scorer in qualifying

Prediction- Could throw a surprise spanner in the works with their pace