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As the world watches Europe as the nations compete for Ukraine and Poland next year, this past week has helped pave the way for what is hopefully an exciting competition.
As per usual, competitions such as this help to define a players career, with scouts watching closely, competitors even closer and the fans praying for a superstar to break out from the woodwork.
After a lacklustre performance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Azzurri have bounced back in style to top their group undefeated.
Antonio Cassano led the way with a brace against North Ireland, while Gareth McAuley’s own goal sealed their fate for the final time under Nigel Worthington.
It is hoped that Cassano’s recent form, displayed once again against Palermo on the weekend, will set the scene for a more competitive Milan this campaign.
Last years titleholders, amongst juggernauts Roma and Inter, have stood testament to the increasing competitiveness of Serie A after upset losses to traditionally smaller teams.
For all the talk of Calciopoli five years ago, Serie A has taken a steady rise in recent times, with Milan winning the Champions League in 2007 and Inter in 2010.
A blow in the coefficients cost Italy a place to Germany, who this week continued to dominate their Euro qualifiers group in style with a 3-1 win over Belgium.
Mesut Ozil put in a man-of-the-match performance, with his 30th -minute opener showing just why he is regarded amongst the very best in the world.
Elsewhere in Europe, competition favourites Netherlands sacrificed their perfect record after a defeat to an ambitious Sweden. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted once again, solidifying his place at the top of the scoring charts for the qualifying rounds.
‘The Hunter’ has been in superb form as of late, as evidenced in his performance for the national team and at club level.
The former il Diavolo struggled once upon a time to find a regular starting position, but quickly became known as the super sub of Italy with his trademark wonder goals bringing force to a fading team.
Now finding his place in European football, he is amongst the brightest stars on the continent and should his freakish form continue, will be the one to watch alongside Spaniard David Villa at next year’s massive event.
Portugal continued not so much as to struggle, but to book their place at next year’s main event.
Despite an absolute gem of a free kick by Ronaldo against the victorious Denmark, Portugal will need to up their level of performance if they are to qualify.
The Euros without Ronaldo would be difficult to imagine, and a hefty blow to the illustrious competition should his side fail to step it up.
Spain continued its full-fledged assault on Group I as Villa and Silva made it 3 against a poor Scotland performance, save for a consolation penalty from David Goodwillie.
So what does this tell us after a week of group domination?
The competition is fierce, youngen’s are getting noticed and there is every chance in the world that by next years Euro 2012, a new set of players will make their mark in an era dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Watch out for match-winner Huntelaar, Barca striker David Villa and should he make the cut, never count out the relentless Mario Balotelli.
Volatile, gifted, immature, a genius, if the Palermo native can find the appropriate headspace by the time Ukraine and Poland come about, we are going to have a spectacular competition to watch.
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