My favorite teams for Euro 2008

What good is an international soccer competition without somehow choosing the order of countries I'm going to root for? Of the sixteen finalists, this is who my favorites are:

1. Switzerland. I'll have to ask my brother Bradley (the designated family geneologist) exactly what percentage of my blood is Swiss. I think it might be one-half. It's obvious because I'm so neutral when it comes to international conflict. UPDATE (6/11): Switzerland is eliminated from Euro 2008 contention. You'll see on the small map below that they have been taken off. Too bad. Go Sweden!

2. Sweden. I think I have some Swedish blood as well. In fact, I know I do because Bradley keeps forcing Swedish traditions on us around Christmastime. One year, we had to write a rhyming riddle to accompany the gifts that we gave. Unbelievable. Update (6/18): Sweden lost to Russia 2-0, so they have also been eliminated. I guess top-tier international soccer isn't in my bloodline after all. Too bad. Sweden's next big game is in September when they travel to Albania for World Cup qualifying. In the meantime, go Spain!

3. Spain. My wife served her mission in Madrid, and we will be visiting this place next year. I have to get myself geared up. Also, I have to list an actual Euro contender in my top three so that I'm not left rooting for my 13th favorite team in the semifinals.

4. Greece. They are defending champions and I liked the YouTube video I posted of their victory in Euro 2004.

5. Germany. I look like a German. My brother-in-law Mike is German. And I picked Germany to win in my fantasy Euro competition.

6. Poland. My favorite international team (the United States) beat Poland 3-0 recently. If the Polish somehow win this thing, it would make the Yanks look really powerful.

7. Russia. I liked how Zenit St. Petersburg cruised through to win the 2008 UEFA Cup.

8. Portugal. If you look at a map, this country is the closest European country to the United States. That means that they are the most American.