GROUP A
POLAND
The co-hosts are participating in only their second European Championships, having endured a swift exit last time around. However, Poland have lost just two (to France and Italy respectively) of their last 11 friendlies, meaning they head into the tournament in good form. Take into account also the benefits of home support and their placement in the tournament's least menacing group and you would be forgiven for thinking that the Poles have a real chance of reaching the quarter-finals. In Wojciech Szczesny they have a goalkeeper of real quality and further up the field Jakub Blaszczykowski and Robert Lewandowski have enjoyed successful seasons with Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund. Whilst their qualification from the group is far from assured, Poland have a real opportunity to make home advantage account and a positive start against Greece should assure that.
RUSSIA
Russia enjoyed a very successful tournament in 2008, reaching the semi-finals courtesy of an attractive, expansive brand of football orchestrated on the field by Andrey Arshavin and off the field by manager Guus Hiddink. Much has changed in four years, however, with Arshavin suffering a loss of form which has cost him his place in the Arsenal team (he is currently on loan at former club Zenit St Petersburg) and Hiddink long since replaced by former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat. The latest Dutch incumbent of the hotseat is much more pragmatic than his predecessor, evidenced by the Russians impressive concession of just four goals in ten qualifying matches. Indeed, the only thing that hasn't changed an awful lot from 2008 is the spine of the team, which still relies heavily on the same core of players, though youngster Alan Dzagoev offers some hope for the future. On paper, qualification for the knockout stages shouldn't be beyond the Russians but if the old guard fail to perform when it counts then they could well become the first big name casualties of the tournament.
GREECE
It seems an age since Greece's triumph in this competition back in 2004, and it's fair to say a similar outcome on July 1st is unlikely. That's not to say, however, that Greece will be there just to make up the numbers in what is a very open Group A. Following an early exit from the 2010 World Cup, the orchestrator of this nation's finest sporting moment, Otto Rehhagel, made way for Portugese coach Fernando Santos. Having enjoyed success in the country's domestic league, Santos is a good fit for the national side and has made them difficult to beat, guiding them through qualification without defeat. Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Ioannis Fetfazidis are exciting prospects whilst veterans Giorgos Karagounis and Kostas Katsouranis provide a link to the squad that triumphed over the odds in Portugal. If Russia stutter, then the Greeks could take advantage, but much depends on how they start against Poland on June 8th.
CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czechs will approach the tournament thankful that they have been pitted in a group that presents them with the opportunity of qualifying, but they will have to work hard to assure that they do. They qualified for the tournament unconvincingly but recovered in ample time to sweep aside Montenegro in their play-off decider. Coach Michal Bilek will be under pressure from the off if they do not secure a positive result against Russia, and that might make for an uncomfortable tournament for his players. However, Tomas Rosicky's revival at Arsenal and Milan Baros's form for Galatasaray provides some hope, as does the defensive strength offered by goalkeeper Petr Cech and centre-back pairing Roman Hubnik and Tomas Sivok. Still, I fear it's a case of quarter-finals at best for the Czechs, given they are unlikely to top the group.
PREDICTION
1. Poland
2. Russia
3. Greece
4. Czech Republic
GROUP B
HOLLAND
The Oranje are one of the pre-tournament favourites and considering they reached the 2010 World Cup final and were the highest scorers in qualifying, they have every right to be considered as such. They are blessed with remarkable strength in attack, with both Robin Van Persie and Klaas Jan Huntelaar in stellar form for their clubs this season. Arjen Robben also endured a fine campaign for Bayern Munich and despite a difficult term with Inter, Wesley Sneijder remains one of the premiere midfielders on the continent. However, life is not a complete bed of roses for the Dutch, as defensive deficiencies and off-the-field disputes about the style of play (sparked by that performance in the aforementioned final) threaten to derail the ambitions for this summer. Bert van Marwijk has altered his system to accommodate a more attractive style, but that may be at the risk of exposing a defence that does not measure up to that of their major tournament rivals. Johnny Heitinga has enjoyed a fine season for Everton but regular partner Joris Mathijsen has struggled at Malaga, whilst doubts remain over left back Eric Pieters. Nonetheless, Holland should still escape Group B, especially considering their first match pits them against potential whipping boys Denmark. The semi-finals are then a real possibility, where the exploits in South Africa may prove decisive in deciding whether the Dutch can make it two major tournament finals in a row.
GERMANY
Runners-up in 2008 and beaten semi-finalists in the World Cup, Germany are largely expected to make it third time lucky and win the European Championships this summer. The reasons why are clear to see; they boast a young and vibrant team that has grown together under coach Joachim Low over the past four years. Mesut Ozil is very much the engine of the side, as he proved so devastatingly against England and Argentina during Germany's World Cup campaign. Thomas Muller is still very much the key goal threat alongside veteran Miroslav Klose, whilst the Germans also possess great strength in depth with exciting talents such as Mario Gotze and Toni Kroos in reserve. However, one emerging fear for the Germans is the psychological damage that may have been inflicted on their Bayern Munich contingent (8 in total, including key players Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Muller and Schweinsteiger) as a result of their Champions League final defeat. Many will cast their mind back to the Bayer Leverkusen side of 2002 that endured three near-misses in club competitions, coinciding with the national team's comfortable defeat to Brazil in the World Cup final. This may yet prove to be trivial, however, and there is no doubt the Germans are serious contenders to lift the trophy come the end of the tournament.
PORTUGAL
Portugal will be looking to channel the spirit of Euro 2000, when they got out of a group containing both England and Germany. The chances of qualification at the expense of the latter may be a lot less likely this time around, but the Portugese should not be entirely discounted. Manager Paulo Bento, the youngest coach at the tournament, is inexperienced in comparison to his adversaries but has done much to repair the damage done by Carlos Queiroz's dour reign as manager. Key players, namely Cristiano Ronaldo, have bought into his methods and qualification was assured (eventually) by a thumping 6-2 triumph over Bosnia & Herzegovina. The spine of the side has also endured considerable success over the past two seasons, with several Real Madrid players involved as well as players from former treble winners Porto. The high level of Bento's former charges at Sporting Lisbon also mean the squad will approach the tournament in a state of unity, which counts for much in these type of tournaments. However, this does not lessen the challenge they face in finishing ahead of either Holland or Germany, a feat which will require Ronaldo to be in his most devastating form.
DENMARK
Like Portugal, Denmark will seek to summon the spirit of past triumphs (1992) to achieve success in this group, but it is doubtful that even the likes of Schmeichel and co could do much to alter the Dane's fate. They are by no means a bad side, quite the contrary in fact. Coach Morten Olsen has been in the job for an impressive 12 years and has recently overseen a change in midfield, with more experienced players making way for the likes of William Kvist and Niki Zimling, adding more steel in the centre of the pitch. Christian Eriksen also offers them prodigious attacking talent and the general consensus is that he is ready to make an impact this summer, with the previous World Cup probably coming too soon for him. However, the squad lacks depth and is overly reliant on the inconsistent Nicklas Bendtner, with the attacking reserve providing little optimism. If defeat to Holland can be avoided in the opening game then the Danish support can dare to dream, but even then they will still have to hold their nerve against Portugal and Germany. Best of luck...
PREDICTION
1. Germany
2. Holland
3. Portugal
4. Denmark
GROUP C
SPAIN
Spain are on the cusp of greatness as they prepare to defend the European Championship, which they captured so gloriously in 2008. That success was of course followed by a first World Cup triumph, meaning that La Roja have an opportunity to make history in Poland and Ukraine by becoming the first team to successfully capture three international trophies in succession. Despite their obvious quality, doubts have arisen as to whether they can manage this most daunting of tasks. Key players such as Carlos Puyol and David Villa have been ruled out, whilst other significant figures (Gerard Pique, Pedro, Fernando Torres) are heading into the tournament out of sorts. Many of Spain's first team have also just endured gruelling domestic seasons in which they have played close to 60 games, particularly the Barcelona contingent. These reservations, however, mask the reality that new players have come to the fore since the triumph in South Africa. Players like Santi Cazorla, Fernando Llorente, Thiago, Javi Martinez will seek to establish themselves in the absence of the more senior figures, whilst the previously overlooked Juan Mata and David Silva will seek to finally gain recognition on the international stage. All this points to the Spanish once again being the team to beat, though they will have to be sure to be wary of the perils of finishing behind Italy in their group.
ITALY
Cesare Prandelli deserves much credit for his work thus far as Italy manager, doing much to banish the memory of their dismal effort at the World Cup. Younger players are beginning to become the basis of a country that has previously been over reliant on older heads, with the likes of Antonio Nocerino and Mario Balotelli establishing themselves as key components of the team. The senior figures that remain have been largely reinvigorated, with Andrea Pirlo having enjoyed a fine season for Juventus and Antonio Cassano enjoying a new lease of life at Milan, despite a health scare in November. The chances of an early exit akin to the one experienced in South Africa is unlikely as the team is generally more united now and has improved considerably in key areas such as ball retention and defensive organisation (they boasted the meanest defence in qualifying, conceding only two goals in ten games). Whilst they are unlikely to be contenders to win the tournament, Prandelli will hope to be competitive and reach the knockout stages as he seeks to mould the team into becoming an international force once again.
CROATIA
Croatia were desperately unlucky not to reach the semi-finals of the last European Championships, but their chances of bettering their quarter-final berth of four years ago look slim. Since the defeat to Turkey in 2008, the side has been on somewhat of a downward spiral and after six years at the helm, influential manager Slaven Bilic will leave his post at the end of the tournament. Whilst they still possess undoubted quality (Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar, Mario Madzukic, Ivica Olic etc) they are now more vulnerable in defence due to the loss of anchorman Niko Kovac. Some of their top stars are also enduring poor seasons, with Kranjcar and Olic not even regulars at their club sides. The Croats will have to get off to a winning start against the Republic of Ireland and then hope they can match Italy if they are to escape the group, but few will fancy their chances.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Giovanni Trapattoni is somewhat of a polarising figure amongst the Irish public, given his penchant for results-based football, but there is no denying the Italian deserves much credit for guiding the Republic to their first European Championships since 1988. Trapattoni seemed quick to realise the limited ability of the pool of players at his disposal, and thus was quick to go about the task of organising them into a unit that was hard to beat. They were not always convincing in qualifying, but made short work of Estonia in the deciding play-off game. The spine of their team is strong, with goalkeeper Shay Given and Richard Dunne key factors in the strength of their defence, whilst the attacking options are reasonably strong and variable, with Robbie Keane the undisputed starter. The inclusion of youngster James McClean shows that Trapattoni may be willing to take more risks than usual as he seeks to plot an escape out of a difficult group. A positive start against Croatia would create confidence and belief within the squad, but it cannot be denied that the Irish have been presented with a tough task.
PREDICTION
1. Spain
2. Italy
3. Republic of Ireland
4. Croatia
GROUP D
UKRAINE
As the joint hosts, Ukraine will also be hoping that home advantage can prove decisive in their quest to reach the knockout stages. However, their chances look slim at best, with the team looking average at best and without competitive football in two years. Coach Oleg Blokhin is an experienced figure who will ensure that Ukraine are at least organised, but he is their third coach in two years which points to an unstable infrastructure which may hinder their chances of on-the-field success. Andriy Shevchenko remains their attacking spearhead and midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk remains a key figure also which suggests, with both players well over 30, a lack of development. Andriy Yarmolenko is a highly rated 22 year old but it is doubtful he will be decisive in the fate of his country; an early exit beckons.
ENGLAND
England begin a new era under Roy Hodgson at the European Championships and may well thrive in the absence of pre-tournament expectation. After the devastating World Cup defeat to Germany, confidence is low despite an impressive qualifying campaign under the now departed Fabio Capello. Hodgson has picked up the reigns in the quietest of fashions and has already demonstrated his pragmatism by showing his willingness to return to a basic 4-4-2 formation, with an emphasis on organisation and direct, purposeful attacking play. Whilst this may not wet the appetite of the Three Lions support, it is a necessary measure given the drop in quality the national team has endured over the past several years. Wayne Rooney is arguably the one remaining world-class talent, and with him suspended for the first two group games the aim will be to avoid defeat against France and Sweden and then seek to beat Ukraine in the final game. Defeat in the opening fixture could make things difficult but England have enough about them to ensure they qualify without too much trouble, which would leave them in the great unknown of the knockout phases. What happens then is anyone's guess...
FRANCE
Much has changed within the French national team set-up since the World Cup, and that's ignoring the dodgy choice of kit! Laurent Blanc was quick to make his mark on the team, dropping all 23 of the squad that was selected for South Africa, paving the way for a crop of younger players who have since established themselves as key components of the new-look Les Bleus. Though some of the banished players have returned (Franck Ribery, Patrice Evra etc) they are now sharing the dressing room with the likes of Adil Rami, Yann M'Villa and Karim Benzema. Blanc has done well to unite a team that was previously tore apart by egos, with the team now possessing the necessary blend of unity and quality. Benzema in particular looks set to enjoy a good tournament, having arrived off the back of a breakthrough season under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. They should top Group D, though reservations remain over their defence and the long term future of Blanc. If they progress beyond the quarter-finals then the French may sense that the time has come for them to triumph against the odds. How ironic that would be after the chaos of 2010...
SWEDEN
Neither France nor England will have been pleased to be drawn in the same group as perennial banana skin Sweden, and Erik Hamren's side will seek to disrupt the balance in Group D in their final two group games. Considering they start against Ukraine, victory against either England or France could see them spring a surprise and qualify for the quarter finals, a feat last achieved in 2004. If they are to do so, much will depend on which Zlatan Ibrahimovic turns up. The striker is undoubtedly one of the most talented players on the planet but he often elects not to showcase his talents on the big stage. However, a recent tactical shuffle by Hamren has seen him occupy a more withdrawn role, allowing him to make the most of his vision and skill. Sweden have subsequently become a much more fluent side, especially with youngsters such as Ola Toivonen and Rasmus Elm becoming permanent fixtures in the squad. However, the team is as prone to inconsistencies as their mercurial captain Zlatan is, and they will have to be on form to escape a difficult group.
PREDICTION
1. France
2. England
3. Sweden
4. Ukraine
So there you have it, each team analysed in the most (un)thorough of manners. Surely there's nothing more you need to know? No...all that's left is to (try to) enjoy the football! I'll be posting my predictions for the knockout phases once the group stage is done and dusted.
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