European Championship C-Group Predictions

It’s almost time for another tournament! This one isn’t as big or as publicized as the other ones, but it’s important nonetheless.

Four teams will be competing for the chance to move on toward their goal of a World Championship berth. And while you may not think C-Group teams have what it takes to make it all the way to the top, don’t forget about Austria, one of the top teams in Europe, was C-Group just a mere five years ago.

Here’s a preview of the tournament:  http://www.efaf.info/text.php?Inhalt=Newsmeldung&ID=1586

There’s not much to go by on these four teams, so it’s hard to say what’ll happen. But I’m going to give it my best shot.

Netherlands vs. Serbia
Best I can tell, the Netherlands haven’t  played a game since the last C-Group tournament, in 2007. They fell to Switzerland 40-8 and Norway 27-0. The same goes for Serbia, who fared a bit better, falling to Austria 59-3 but beating Norway 14-6, before dropping the 3rd Place Game to Switzerland, 32-19.

The glory days of Dutch football is well behind them, but maybe this tournament will mark their resurgence. Serbia is an up-and-coming program and one favorite to win the tournament. Serbia should win this game, but I expect the Netherlands to put up a fight for a while. Close at half time, with Serbia pulling away in the second half. 30-12 final.

Russia vs. Switzerland
Russia recently played their first game in a long time, dominating Belarus 46-0, to qualify for this tournament. They are still a mystery, however. I expect them to become a very good team in the future, if they can stay funded. Switzerland came in third in the 2007 C-Group tournament, defeating the Netherlands 40-8 before falling to eventual championships Austria, 35-7. They claimed the 3rd Place title with a win over Serbia, 32-19.

Russia may be good in the future, but I don’t think they will be now. Switzerland is the veteran team playing at home and should win this game. I’m thinking 34-20.

Should These Come to Pass…
If I get lucky and make the right picks, then I think Russia will beat the Netherlands in a very good 3rd Place Game, and Switzerland will top Serbia, also in a very good game. Frankly, I don’t expect any of the C-Group teams to make it out of B-Group next year, but you never know. The games kick off tomorrow (September 14) and 1:00pm (13:00. I assume that’s Switzerland time).