The Czech Republic vs. The Netherlands
The lovely Radka Kocurova of the Czech Republic may have some difficulty defeating Bouchra van Persie, Yolanthe Sneijder-Cabou, and Sylvie van der Vaart of the Netherlands.
Who should go on to the next round?
CZECH REPUBLIC
18(9.7%)
NETHERLANDS
168(90.3%)
Spain vs. Sweden
Spain's powerhouse team of Nagore Aranburu, Carlota Ruiz, Olalla Dominguez, and Shakira looks likely to sweep the early group stages, but Sweden, represented by Oksana Wilhelmsson, Nina Wernbloom, and Helena Seger, are a potential dark horse in this competition.
Who should go on to the next round?
SPAIN
143(71.1%)
SWEDEN
58(28.9%)
Germany vs. Poland
Tournament favorites, Germany (represented by Sarah Brandner, Silvia Meichel, Lisa Mueller, and Lena Gercke), are almost certain to steamroller the hometown competition. But Poland's Anna Stachurska, karate medalist and general bad-ass, isn't going down without a fight.
Who should go on to the next round?
GERMANY
162(83.9%)
POLAND
31(16.1%)
France vs. Italy
It's unlikely to be as tense a match as previous meetings between these two countries, given the retirement of much of Italy's golden generation, and France's first major outing after the disastrous World Cup 2010 campaign. France's Charlène Suric, Fiona Cabaye, Claire Koscielny, and Tatiana Golovin face off against Italy's Alena Seredova.
Who should go on to the next round?
FRANCE
80(50.3%)
ITALY
79(49.7%)
I'm expecting this round to be fairly easy. Next round tomorrow evening (est. 8:00 PM CEST time).