Luxembourg
A national football first
When Luxembourg step on to the field to play Spain
on May 3, they will be making history.
They go into the European Championships as massive
underdogs and the only aim for the side will be to produce the kind of credible results that have seen their hopes
rise in recent months.
But for a nation with just half a million people, the tournament will be the first major football tournament they
have held.
For that reason, and the fact that they will undoubtably have great support, it will not be suprising if the side's
team spirit leads to some shocks in the group stages.
But they will have to be in good from if they are to have any chance of an upset against their group rivals.
Under-17 giants Spain, Russia who overcame both England and Italy in the elite round and high-scoring Hungary will
prove strong competition for the hosts.
The side do have two shining lights in their younger-than-average squad.
Gilles Bettmer of German club SC Freiburg is the heartbeat of the team's midfield while Miralem Pjanic will be
their biggest threat in front of goal.
Pjanic, who joined French club FC Metz as a 14-year-old, is unpredictable as he spearheads the team's 4-4-1-1 formation. |
