10.1.2004
European powers prepare for Euro 2004
Most European nations set for Portugal 2004 are scheduling their last friendly fixtures
before the big tournament.
The Italian Football Federation recently announced upcoming matches against the
Czech Republic (18 February), Portugal (31 March) and Spain (28 April).
On the same dates, Greece will correspondingly meet Bulgaria, Switzerland, and the
Netherlands. Greece's coach Otto Rehhagel has intentionally selected a difficult
array of opponents to better prepare for the challenging group he's about to face at Euro 2004.
Curiously enough, Sweden have decided to pick up their game, by sending their
unproven prospects to a friendly tournament in Hong Kong. Going to Asia is an attempt
by coach Lars Lagerbäck to fish out young talent for his Euro 2004 selection.
| 18 February |
Italy - Czech Republic Greece - Bulgaria Germany - Croatia Morocco - Switzerland |
| 31 March |
Portugal - Italy Greece - Switzerland Croata - Turkey |
| 28 April |
Italy - Spain Netherlands - Greece Bosnia-Herzegovina - Croatia Switzerland - Slovenia |
| 28 May | France - Andorra |
| 29 May | Romania - Croatia |
| 2 June | Switzerland - Germany |
| 5 June | Croatia - Slovakia |