Did we see the football yet, that will make a difference?

I guess not. Though I wouldn't bet my money on Letland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Russia and Switzerland, I couldn't tell who was the most impressive.

Many teams clearly have possibilities to improve, or to 'grow into the tourney', as we say here.

So, what team was most impressive, apart from Sweden abusing the Bulgarian poor defense?

There have only been two clashes of 'top' teams so far. The big games of France v England and Holland v Germany. For the other fancied teams, its how they cope in the crunch games that really counts. To be honest all that matters at this stage is reaching the last 8. Then the 'real' tournament begins.

France - still brimming with talent, but maybe starting to get predictable.
England - going to be tough to beat but do they have the ability to go all the way
Holland - chaotic. but they've been like that before and come good when it matters
Germany - organised, efficient, but do they have good enough players
Italy - as unpredictable as ever.
Portugal - disappointing. Seem badly managed and dont know what their best team is.
Czech - dangerous but beatable
Sweden - some talent certainly but how will they do against the top teams?
Denmark - tough to beat but nothing to be afraid of
Spain - talented but fragile
The rest - not going to make the last 8.

Greece was impressive, I never expected the Portuguese team to lose. Their offensive just drained in the Greek defense.
Also, I thought Holland would toast our team, but the midfield was pretty much under control, preventing too much pressure on our (IMO) weak defense. Let's see how the Czechs deal with Holland and Germany in this group.
France played kind of an Italian style - England 'played', France had not made much dangerous goal attempts and won in the end. Turning an almost lost game into 3 points is impressive to me.

after 1 match each:
Spain - talented, but Raul needs to improve for this team to go far and Valeron definately deserves to start. Prediction: semi finals
Portugal - Last chance for golden generation, but they won't take it. Bad coaching too.
Prediction: group phase
Greece - Surprising. Well organised, but maybe lacking that bit of extra magic. Prediction: quarter finals
Russia - Levshenko aside there's no creativity. They're done. Prediction: group phase

Group B
France - Talented, but vulnerable if the opponent can take Zidane from the equation by fouling him early and often. Prediction: Champions
England - Down, but not out. Midfield is a problem now, with Butt finished and Scholes injured. Owen's not getting it done, but they've already had France and only the two weaker brothers remain in the group. Prediction: quarter finals
Croatia - No real push forward. Prediction: group phase
Switzerland - Lacing quality. Prediction: group phase

Group C
Denmark - Impressive draw against Italy, but their offense needs too many chances to be effective. Prediction: group phase
Bulgaria - Sweden just finished them off. Prediction: group phase
Italy - Totti is not getting it done and the midfield's playing like a wet paper. Prediction: quarter finals
Sweden - Larsson's back and Europe knows it. Offense looks good and defense looks solid, but Bulgaria collapsed like a house of cards. Prediction: semi finals

Group D
Latvia - Weaker brother, but still quite dangerous. Prediction: group phase
Czech Republic - Latvia nearly surprised them but the good organisation and some individual magic will take them far, if Rosicky learns how to pass the ball. Prediction: finals
Netherlands - Talented in some positions. Fearfully weak in others. Chaotic. Collapse seems just around the corner. Prediction: group phase
Germany - Well organised and Ballack is very dangerous. Prediction: group phase

There have only been two clashes of 'top' teams so far. The big games of France v England and Holland v Germany. For the other fancied teams, its how they cope in the crunch games that really counts. To be honest all that matters at this stage is reaching the last 8. Then the 'real' tournament begins.

France - still brimming with talent, but maybe starting to get predictable.
England - going to be tough to beat but do they have the ability to go all the way
Holland - chaotic. but they've been like that before and come good when it matters
Germany - organised, efficient, but do they have good enough players
Italy - as unpredictable as ever.
Portugal - disappointing. Seem badly managed and dont know what their best team is.
Czech - dangerous but beatable
Sweden - some talent certainly but how will they do against the top teams?
Denmark - tough to beat but nothing to be afraid of
Spain - talented but fragile
The rest - not going to make the last 8.

I would add Greece to the list. Not that they will come much further, but they are in the quarters already with one leg.

I agree with your short conclusions (only this time Col). Only one difference. I don't think Spain is that fragile. IMHO, one of the favourites.

Group D
Latvia - Weaker brother, but still quite dangerous. Prediction: group phase
Czech Republic - Latvia nearly surprised them but the good organisation and some individual magic will take them far, if Rosicky learns how to pass the ball. Prediction: finals
Netherlands - Talented in some positions. Fearfully weak in others. Chaotic. Collapse seems just around the corner. Prediction: group phase
Germany - Well organised and Ballack is very dangerous. Prediction: group phase
Only one team from group D to qualify for the 1/4 finals :crazyeye: ?

So, what team was most impressive, apart from Sweden abusing the Bulgarian poor defense?
You can read my opinion in this thread (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showpost.php?p=1926951&postcount=1). ;)

Only one team from group D to qualify for the 1/4 finals :crazyeye: ?

Ooops :blush:

Germany and the Czech Republic will survive the group phase...

Col's list, ammended... is was released as Open Content, right? :p

France - Dirty players like Vierra can swing it either way
England - Strong defense but will they ever setup a goal?
Holland - Chaotic. Confused.
Germany - Organised, efficient, and prepared
Portugal - Dirty play, bad ref. decisions... could go all the way!!
Czech - Risky, dangerous, or just overrated?
Sweden - With veteran star players in form
Spain - Talented and aggressive; buggy Brazil wannabees
Greece - The dark horse on a high, but can they find enough of the net?