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At first look, there aren't a lot of American ties to the 2008 European Championship. Obviously, no American players are in it, and all of the top-of-the-line Europeans in Major League Soccer have long retired from their respective national teams.

The biggest MLS connection to the Euros went up in smoke last November when England was eliminated from qualifying, ruling out any chance of watching David Beckham in Switzerland and Austria. And he can hardly even stomach the Euros: "I literally feel physically sick watching the games," he said last weekend.

But if you think MLS players aren't on pins and needles watching the greatest international soccer tournament in years, think again. Some of them are even more glued to their televisions than others. We tracked down six MLS players, one coach and one alum who have direct ties to the eight Euro quarterfinalists and asked them what they've liked and disliked about their teams.

Sigi Schmid: Germany

The Columbus Crew head coach was born in Tübingen, West Germany, and moved the U.S. when he was 5.

What I've liked about them: Until that win over Portugal, not a ton. They've missed some of that creative element in the midfield with Bernd Schneider out. But Michael Ballack has come to play, and Lukas Podolski is showing he can put a rough club season behind him.

Best moment of the tournament: The win over Portugal, no doubt. Germany didn't play well in the group stage, but once you get to the knockout rounds, experience plays a big factor.

Players who have impressed me most: I think Per Mertesacker is an unheralded hero of this team. Podolski on the left has been an interesting experiment that has worked out well. Torsten Frings has done a good job in that holding midfielder role, but as a playmaker, a lot more responsibility falls on his shoulders.

Will go all the way if... They continue to work together. This team is unified off the field as well as on it, and their confidence is showing. I picked them to win it all before the Euros started and I still think they can do it.

Brad Friedel: Turkey

The former U.S. national-team keeper and current Blackburn backstop spent the 1995-96 season at Galatasaray of Istanbul before coming home to the Columbus Crew for two seasons.

What I've liked about them: Their players are very technical and disciplined, and that comes from coach Fatih Terim, who I know a bit -- he came in as coach at Galatasaray just before I left. He's a known disciplinarian, but he also allows players to express themselves in his system.

Will go all the way if... They score more goals than the other team! They've been doing that, haven't they? I'll say this: This team believes it can go into any game right now and win it. When you win games in a knockout tournament the way they've been winning them, that gives you tons of confidence. You'll feel like, no matter how the ball bounces, things will go your way.

Players who have impressed me most: I like their flair players like Nihat Kahveci and Hamit Altintop. Tuncay Sanli has also been a really hard worker. I've always been an admirer of Emre Belozoglu, too -- he was an up-and-coming 16-year-old during my year at Galatasaray and he was already impressive. Let's hope he gets healthy; the Turks could use him.

Rod Dyachenko: Russia

The D.C. United backup striker was born in Georgiyevsk, Russia, and moved to the U.S. when he was 12.

What I've liked about them: How they've picked up the tempo, especially after getting blown away by Spain 4-1 in that first game. They've definitely picked up the flow.

Key to the tournament: Getting Andrei Arshavin back from suspension. He's crucial -- he's the one who runs the show and makes us click.

Will go all the way if... We stay solid in back. Defense wins championships, and that's what we have to focus on. Greece played that way in 2004, and they won it. I think we're more talented that that team. If we can do that, we can win the whole thing.

Players who have impressed me the most: Arshavin, obviously. But honestly, coach Guus Hiddink is everything. He's the specialist, the guy who takes a mediocre team to a different level. I like our chances against anyone.