When Henrik Larsson says he is available for his country, he is automatically picked to start. When Henrik Larsson starts for his country, he performs admirably. He may have lost a little bit of pace, but the Celtic legend has certainly not lost his footballing brain, his touch or his undoubted class. All three were on show as Sweden deservedly ran out 2-0 winners against Greece in their Euro 2008 Group D match.

For the holders, it was a depressing evening. They barely threatened Sweden and their defence couldn’t hold out for the entire match. Sweden would have been distraught had they not won. The man on loan at Celtic last season, Giorgios Samaras, was introduced at half-time but failed to ignite the Greeks ever-fading attacking flame. He was asked to operate up front on his own for the majority and found it extremely difficult to get involved. The Swedish defence is a tough nut to crack.

Greece didn’t help themselves or Samaras though. After winning the tournament four years ago operating a very defensive strategy, it is no surprise that have gone about their business in the same fashion this time around. However, it doesn’t look like it is going to work in this year’s tournament. They lacked creativity, flair or any attacking threat. At times they were just passing the ball around their defence, producing a negative display that will have no-one putting money on them to win Euro 2008.

Sweden though, looked a much better outfit. Larsson’s strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored what is probably the goal of the tournament so far and if anything, they deserved to win by more. Another quick word on a former Celtic favourite – Mr Larsson. He was the catalyst for everything that his side did well. He was voted the best Swedish player of all time back in 2005 and you can see why. How it would be fantastic to see him in a Celtic shirt again! A model professional and a legend of the game.

Unfortunately though, a current Celtic striker, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink didn’t manage to get onto the pitch in Holland’s 3-0 win over World Champions Italy. It seems that Dirk Kuyt, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie are all ahead of the Celtic man in the pecking order. After what was a fantasic performance by the Dutch, I doubt this will change any time soon. Hesselink is going to have to bide his time and grab his chance when he gets it, there is nothing else he can do at this time. Except hope for injuries to his team mates!

So, mixed fortunes for the current and former Celtic players in the last few days. As for the tournament overall and with consideration to Euro 2008 betting , I fancy Spain to use their impressive display against Russia as a platform to go on and win the tournament. David Villa scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory and his partnership with Fernando Torres is enough in itself to suggest they can win it this time.

No matter who wins it though, let’s hope we continue to see flashes of Larsson’s greatness, start seeing Hesselink in action and watch Samaras start to end some of Greece’s attacking limitations.