PRLog (Press Release) –
Feb 20, 2008 – Alongside Toni in all formations – apart from the 4-5-1 – Croat Eduardo had an excellent qualifying campaign. Often being deployed as Croatia's sole out-and-out striker, his success came in a system that left his forward partner, Ivica Olic, a long way off the first 11.
Another Croatian casualty is goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, who has been replaced by Gregory Coupet after conceding three goals in the recent friendly against Holland.
Italy back up front
Clicking on the 4-3-3 tab above brings Toni's compatriot Antonio Di Natale into a front three. The Azzurri scored the fewest goals of any team to top their UEFA Euro 2008TM qualifying group, but a 3-1 victory over Portugal during the recent round of friendlies has given their strikers a lift.
Wesley Sneijder is the only Dutch player in most formations, appearing in midfield alongside sole Czech Tomas Rosicky and FC Barcelona's Xavi. The fourth-strongest midfielder is 22-year-old Russian paceman Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, who has beaten the likes of Andre Pirlo, Maniche and Ryan Babel into the CPI first 11.
Double dutch
The back four illustrates just how important it is for defenders to be surrounded by a strong unit. Despite not being household names, Gabriel Tamas and Dorin Goian line up together in both a back four or a back three, graduating from a Romanian side that shipped just seven goals during the entire Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
Spain's Juan Capdevila, meanwhile, highlights the huge value of a scoring defender. Coupled with a solid defensive display, his goal against France in the latest round of friendlies propels him into the first 11 at the cost of Russia's Vassili Berezoutski. Meanwhile a 5-3-2 formation doubles the Dutch contingent by bringing in Johnny Heitinga.
Despite putting three goals past Austria in their friendly game, Germany – who have been tipped to win Euro 2008 – still have no names on the CPI teamsheet. As the second-best goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann, came closest, but as the likes of Thierry Henry, Gianluca Buffon and David Villa can testify, finding a spot in the CPI first 11 has nothing to do with how big your name is…
For more news on the European Football Championship 2008 please visit
http://www.castrolindex.com
