411’s UEFA Euro 2008 Staff Roundtable

Posted by Tim O'Sullivan on 06.06.2008

Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Franck Ribery and Miroslav Klose are just four of the stars looking to shine in Euro 2008. Staff thoughts on how the big tournament will pan out, just one click away.


Good day to ye of excellent taste, for you have clicked on the most comprehensive Euro 2008 preview by an English guy named O'Sullivan on an American website.

Before we go anywhere, go to http://en.fantasy.euro2008.uefa.com/ and sign up for Euro 2008 fantasy footy. It'll be a laugh.

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For those who missed it / thought they shouldn't bother, here's the group-by-group previews:

GROUP A

GROUP B

GROUP C

GROUP D

Ian Wright, Matt Snelling, Arnold Furious and Sean Garmer are with me for this one.

Let's get straight to it.



What's your favourite ever European Championship moment?

Tim O'Sullivan: The drama of the Euro 2000 final was incredible, as was Zinedine Zidane's overall performances in the said tournament, Czech Republic v Holland at Euro 2004, Yugoslavia v Spain at Euro 2000, Gazza's goal against Scotland and of course THAT volley from Van Basten, but I can't explain how amazing that England v Holland match was at Euro 96. The peak of my love with the England national team and I can't imagine it ever being topped.

Favourite Moment: England 4 Holland 1 at Euro 96.

Ian Wright: Considering that Ireland has only played in a single European Championships I guess I'm going to have to go back 20 years to pick my favourite moment. There's a couple that springs to mind from way back then even now. One is Ronnie Whelan's flying volley against the USSR in our second match in the tournament but that's eclipsed by a moment from the previous game. In Ireland's first ever match at a major championships against a country that we've historically had a bit of a beef with, there can only be one pick here.

That being said, the Zizu orchestrated England collapse against France last time out was pretty hilarious.

Favourite Moment: Ray Houghten's goal against England in Stuttgart at Euro 88.

Matt Snelling: The World Cup always has those iconic images that everyone can think of but the European Championships less so. Marco Van Basten's goal in '88 is still perhaps the best goal ever to win a final but that's a little before my time. The first European Championship I really recall then was Euro 96 given that it was in England. This is also where I first started to know who players who played outside the Premier League were. Anyway, the absolute highlight was England's 4-1 demolition of Holland, it's still the best I have ever seen England play and that summer Alan Shearer was the best striker in the world. The tournament as a whole was also something that began the process whereby English football truly regained its position within the world. A great moment, a great tournament and a great summer.

Favourite Moment: England 4 Holland 1 at Euro 96.

Writer's note: Sean Garmer doesn't have a favourite moment, so I'll just say Van Basten's goal so it gets a vote.

Arnold Furious: Euro '96 was supposed to be "football coming home". It didn't quite work out that way thanks to Gareth Southgate's penalty miss and those damned efficient Germans. But during Euro '96 England played one of their best games as a team that I've ever seen. It's comparable to the stuffing the England side gave Germany in their own back yard under Sven. Up against a very strong Dutch side England passed the ball and moved off the ball better than any other time I've seen England play. They tore the Dutch to pieces. During an 11 minute spell England netted a remarkable three times. My favourite goal in the game being Alan Shearer's as the Dutch were carved open down the flank before Teddy Sheringham unselfishly fed an unmarked Shearer who blazed the ball into the top hand corner. Great goal. Great memory.

Favourite Moment: Alan Shearer's goal against Holland at Euro '96.


Group stage game you're most looking forward to...

Tim O'Sullivan: It's obviously something from Group C and I guess that'll be Holland v France. Why? Well they're both flawed defensively and both incredibly gifted in the final third.

Top Game: Holland v France.

Ian Wright: 2 good footballing teams, loads of needle. A repeat of the last World Cup final between two sides that also met in qualifying and still have scores to settle.

What's not to love?

Top Game: Italy vs. France.

Matt Snelling: Obviously the rematch of the World Cup final and a clash of 2 of the games super powers will wet the appetite nicely, especially as Domenech is hated in Italy and will probably say something stupid and or insulting in the build up. I think Germany/Croatia can be a great game as well but for pure potential emotion and hatred, the game I most want to see is the Switzerland/Turkey Group A clash. In the qualifying for the last World Cup the two met in a play off which turned into something you would usually see in the stands at a Millwall/Leeds game. The two sets of players kicked the crap out of one another and it led to Swiss defender Stephane Grichting being kicked so hard in the stomach that he needed a catheter inserting. Ouch.

Top Game: Switzerland vs. Turkey

Sean Garmer: I think most of us have this penciled in as the game of the tournament possibly, unless they meet in the Semi's. It just seems that every time that France and Italy play each other you get a memorable game, and I would expect that their group stage will be no different.

Top Game: France v Italy

Arnold Furious: It'd be really interesting if France v Italy meant something in the final group game. And should it mean something, IE the loser goes home, it'll easily be game of the round. After all it's a repeat of the World Cup final of two years ago and Italy are notorious slow starters in major tournaments. It wouldn't surprise me if the reigning World Champions Italy get an early flight home in the big upset of the groups.

Top Game: Italy v France (Group C – June 17th)


Young Player

Tim O'Sullivan: I know it's a really obvious choice, but I really love this Benzema lad. I watched more Ligue 1 football than ever before last season and it was all because of him. So dynamic and so talented. He's not as direct as the original and best Ronaldo, but I see why there's comparisons. A truly incredible talent that could make a serious name for himself if he gets the chance. Watch out for Samir Nasri and Batefimbi Gomis too.

Prediction: Karim Benzema.

Ian Wright: The obvious pick would be someone already established at or near the top of the European club game so you've got all the usual suspects like Podolski or Fabregas. But I'm taking a bit of a risk by going for a player not guaranteed a starting place in his national side. Ramond Domenech has demonstrated repeatedly over the past few years how reliant he is on the old guard of the French squad despite the fact the those players still around from 1998 and 2000 aren't performing at anything like the level they once did. However there's been so much talk about him moving to a big European club in the Summer this tournament might just give Lyon the chance to add a couple of extra million on top of the already exorbitant fee that's been mentioned in connection with his name.

Prediction: Karim Benzema

Matt Snelling: Karim Benzema. This guy has everything. I earmarked him as someone who could make headlines this summer a while back (cheap plug for the column) and there is nothing to change my mind. He is the ultimate combination of pace, and explosiveness and he will be the type of striking superstar that was missing from World Cup 2006.

Prediction: Karim Benzema

Sean Garmer: I think Karim Benzema could have a big tournament. With all that talent around him I don't know how he won't bag a bunch of goals. Henry may not be doing as well as he usually does, but he will provide a wonderful distraction for the defenses to open things up for him. If France can go far who knows, but I just think this could be his chance to shine.

Prediction: Karim Benzema

Arnold Furious: Bafetimbi Gomis is a name not many people know ahead of Euro 2008. After it's over that might be a different story. He scored twice on his France debut and is included in the squad for the finals ahead of Djibril Cisse and David Trezeguet. I'm not one to argue with Raymond Domenech seeing as his selections generally work out. I'm not saying you should go out there and put money on this kid winning the golden boot or anything but he could well turn a few heads.

Prediction: Bafetimbi Gomis


One to Watch

Tim O'Sullivan: I love seeing players breakout in major tournaments and I can't wait to see who it is this time. Romania's Dica is a really interesting player, Antonio Di Natale is a superb hidden gem of a player, Rafa van der Vaart can finally prove he's more than just Hamburg's best player and Germany have such a good draw that Per Mertesacker could finally put his name alongside the other recognised centre-backs in the world, but my pick is Russia's rapid winger Vladimir Bystrov. I genuinely think this guy could garner big interest from top clubs if Russia do well this summer. Watch carefully though, because he's lightning.

Prediction: Vladimir Bystrov

Ian Wright: A big money move to the Premiership already secured one of the most talked about names in the European game for a couple of years will get his first chance to properly shine on the big stage. The absence of Eduardo means that Croatia have lost their most potent goal scoring threat so the rest of the still highly technically talented squad will really have to pull together and up their games if they are to live up to the dark horse tag that they've been lumped with since, well every tournament since 1996, but in this particular side's case since they turned over England twice. And if they do manage that then this guy will be at the centre of things.

Prediction: Luka Modric

Matt Snelling: I think that at Euro 2008 Croatia will be involved in a couple of potentially fascinating games and it will be interesting to see how Luka Modric, who was outstanding in qualifying will perform on the biggest stage. However I fully expect Germany to have a really strong tournament and go a long way and I think that a key reason for this will be the form of Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez who is a terrific header of a ball and an excellent taker of chances. An unheralded player internationally but I think he is really going to be one to shine and a good outside bet for the golden boot.

Prediction: Mario Gomez

Sean Garmer: I really think that Croatia can get out of their group and though Eduardo won't be playing, Tottenham's new man Luka Modric's magic will be on display. I really like the youngster, I think he could amaze some people that haven't seen him play. Besides he's on my Fantasy team he needs to do well. In all seriousness, who knows they could be a surprise that no one sees coming and it will be because of Modric's play if they do.

Prediction: Luka Modric

Arnold Furious: With the Swiss being the hosts, forget Austria they suck, I might as well select one of their players to keep an eye on as the home fans will naturally expect great things from him. They don't have many star players but one who does stand out with Dortmund striker Alexander Frei. The hopes of the home nation rest on his ability to get goals against strong defences.

Prediction: Alexander Frei


Star Player

Tim O'Sullivan: Cristiano Ronaldo may have his mind elsewhere, Cesc Fabregas is knackered and Fernando Torres hates the system Spain play, so I'm going to be a bit different and pick Bayern Munich's little genius Franck Ribery. For all his stubbornness, Domenech seems to rate Ribery highly enough to build the team around him. Not totally, but that roaming role behind the strikers is so important and you have to be pretty damn special to be allocated it. Having said that, it wouldn't surprise me if a centre-back took the highest plaudits like Fabio Cannavaro did two years ago.

Prediction: Franck Ribery.

Ian Wright: Much as I loath him and am loath to admit it Cristiano Ronaldo has been imperious this season. He's just in a ridiculous stretch of form where almost everything that he tries to do seems to be going into the back of the net. The pinnacle of his stupidly outrageous scoring vein probably being his back heeled goal in the league against Aston Villa towards the end of the season. Those "big game" doubts were somewhat allayed in the first half of the Champions League final when he scored and ran Essien ragged (though his shoot out antics do serve to continue to throw up doubts over his mentality) but it'll take more than that to tower over everyone else in the coming month. Fortunately for him Chelsea are a tougher side to perform against than most of the national teams in this tournament.

Prediction: Cristiano Ronaldo

Matt Snelling: Given the season he has just had, you would be hard pressed to pick anyone bar Cristiano Ronaldo to be the tournament's star player but that's quite boring and unoriginal, so lets try to be a little different shall we? The last World Cup was dominated by defenders but I think this is the year the attackers strike back. With that in mind I'm going to nominate Frank Ribery. He sparkled in spells in Germany but after a tremendous first season with Bayern I think he has what it takes to light up the Euro's with his pace and directness. A really exciting player with non stop running and who can pretty much do it all, this is the guy to light the (Le)blue touch paper.

Prediction: Frank Ribery

Sean Garmer: This is Ronaldo's time to shine and I believe he will make the most of it. Not to mention he could earn himself a bit more money from either Man U or Real Madrid if he leads his team to the final. His run of form this year has been incredible, and I don't see a reason why it should stop. Sure this Portugal squad doesn't play the same way as United but they are full of talent and that counts for something. I'll be cheering for Ronaldo this time, and hoping he's not in tears like four years ago.

Prediction: Cristiano Ronaldo

Arnold Furious: After the amazing season he's had it's hard to look past Cristiano Ronaldo. Over 40 goals in one season from a player who plies his trade mostly out wide is absolutely astonishing. It's been suggested he isn't a big game player but his goal in the European Champions League final seemed to suggest otherwise. He is red hot going into this tournament and he hates losing. Portugal have a group with no other major teams in it. I can see him controlling games against the weaker sides and setting up Portugal for a good strong run in the tournament.

Prediction: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)


Top Scorer

Tim O'Sullivan: This is a tricky one. With his major tournament record and Germany's route to the semis in his favour, it's really tough to look past Miroslav Klose. However, history tells us it can be a shock winner. Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko could do well in Pavel Pogrebnyak's injured absence, Luca Toni's class, as is Fernando Torres and Cristiano Ronaldo will probably do something annoyingly good, but I'm going to be a pussy and go with the bookies choice, despite his lack of form.

Prediction: Miroslav Klose.

Ian Wright: For the past few tournaments the top scorer in the European Championship has netted 5 times during the tournament. In a weak group and given his habit of always bringing his best game to big tournaments my (quite obvious) pick could reach that total before the second phase.

Hey, he could even get that many against Austria.

Prediction: Miroslav Klose

Matt Snelling: Lies, damned lies, and statistics. In the case of Luca Toni though there is no arguing with the figures from this season: 24 goals from 31 league starts, 10 goals in 11 UEFA cup appearances as well as 5 strikes in 6 of the qualifiers. Won the World Cup in 2006 but never really shined. With 2 excellent wingers/attackers beside him as well as Pirlo supplying the ammunition sit back and watch him wrack them up.

Prediction: Luca Toni

Sean Garmer: I would say Ruud Van Nistelrooy here but, I just have this feeling they are going to bottle it along the way. So I'm going with Luca Toni. He was ridiculous at Bayern Munich this year and he is another that will benefit from having great team around him. Italy will need him to be big if they plan on going far in this one.

Prediction: Luca Toni

Arnold Furious: Both Spain and Germany could potentially score a lot of goals in qualification. Therefore I think either Fernando Torres or Miroslav Klose would be good bets for the golden boot. But you never know with football. After all who picked Greece to win Euro 2004? Well, now that you mention it they were my dark horse pick and I supported them for much of the tournament because of my Greek girlfriend at the time. The only predictable thing about football is how hard it is to predict accurately. But after an upset 4 years ago there's a feeling things might settle down a little in this tournament. I'll go with Torres because he's on good form and playing in a weak group.

Prediction: Fernando Torres (Spain)




Tim O'Sullivan: This is a more interesting group than folk are giving it credit for and the fight for second is one of the most interesting battles in the group stages. Switzerland have that host aura or whatever and Czech Republic still have a couple of good impact players I guess, but I'm going for Nihat and co. to join Portugal in the quarters.

Prediction: 1st - Portugal; 2nd - Turkey.

Ian Wright: Any group that has one of the host nations in it is automatically lumped with an also ran in it but this group looks particularly weak. The aging Czechs are now a totally spent force who looked dreadful in qualification. Steve Staunton's Ireland were abysmal and we should have beat them at least once in the two games between the sides. The Swiss wouldn't be there if they weren't hosting it and the Turks are no great shakes but should have enough to go through in second place. The super-talented Portuguese side should stroll through with full points here.

Prediction: 1st - Portugal; 2nd - Turkey.

Matt Snelling: This group appears pretty open in my opinion. Obviously Portugal will be favourites given their success in recent tournaments but all is not sweetness and light and they struggled badly in qualifying, not beating any of the other top 3 seeds in their group. Being a host nation is usually good enough to propel you into the knockout stages and Switzerland seem much better placed than Austria to achieve this. They are very, very hard to beat (and very, very boring to watch) not conceding a goal at the last World Cup and I think they could just edge into 2nd place. The Czech Republic team has been brilliant the last few years but I think this is the end of the cycle for much of this generation, and without Nedved now as well as Rosiscky potentially missing I think they will show their age. Turkey are an absolute wild card, who I am really struggling to predict. One think is for certain their group game against the Swiss should be pretty spicy given what happened last time they met.

Prediction: 1st - Portugal; 2nd - Switzerland.

Sean Garmer: I really wouldn't be surprised to see the Czech's at the bottom here. Without Rosicky they are a very different team, that will be without their inspirational leader in Pavel Nedved for the first time in a while. That backline is old and slow, then you look upfront and there is Jan Koller who is still a beast of a man, and Milan Baros who was awful at Portsmouth, but somehow always delivers for the national team. The Swiss are the less worse co-host out of the two. The have Alex Frei to score goals with Tranquillo Barneta moving them along. But then you look at their backline and it includes Senderos, I think that's all I need to say there. Turkey need Altintop if they plan on doing well in this group and hopefully for them Emre and Nihat can be vital in the offensive side of things. It is very obvious that Portugal should get out of this group. They have a stacked side and it is going to be tough to beat them at any point on the field. If they can actually hit their chances we could see some blowouts here.

Prediction: 1st – Portugal 2nd- Turkey

Arnold Furious: The Swiss have never been beyond the opening round but they'll never have a better chance to change that. The Czechs have a wealth of experience but Rosicky's injury will almost certainly harm their chances. They do still have one of the best goalies in the world, which should do them no harm in stopping goals going in. Their back line all play for good teams too. Milan Baros, despite how consistently crap he is at club level, becomes a miracle worker in major tournaments. It wouldn't surprise me if his unconventional partnership with Jan Koller results in a few goals. The Turks I think might be a touch out of their depth. Sukur isn't in the squad and their lack of experience, especially in defence, could cause them problems when they're facing the more dangerous sides in the group. Portugal are my pick for the whole thing and I think they'll have no problems winning this group. Second is anyone's, frankly, and I'll give the nod to the home team with their 12th man in the stands.

Prediction: 1st - Portugal; 2nd - Switzerland.




Tim O'Sullivan: Apparently there will be a lot of Germany fans at this tournament and if you couple that with the fact that they have an insanely easy group, I guess it's normal that they're favourites. I personally think they'll be found out when they meet a really strong team, even if it's as late as the final, but they're obviously sailing through here. Croatia will miss Eduardo a lot, but there's still something about Slaven Bilic that makes me think they'll do something incredible. As for the other two, well Roland Linz and Ebi Smolarek might be worth a look, but aside from that they look hideous on paper.

Prediction: 1st - Croatia; 2nd - Germany.

Ian Wright: Host nations normally do reasonably well at the European Championships and they (or at least one of them in the case of the co-hosted Belgium/Holland tournament) typically reach the semis at least. But unless Italy in 1980 were especially awful then this tournament has the worst host sides in my lifetime so regardless of the possibility of them being swept along on a tide of national pride and the motivation to beat the Germans I can't see Austria contending. Poland will have similar "get the Germans" motivations but just aren't a very good side.

Croatia on the other hand. They are a decent side, they play football the way it should be played and do look capable of causing a shock at some point.

Still think Germany will win the group though.

Prediction: 1st - Germany; 2nd - Croatia.

Matt Snelling: This is a pretty good draw for Germany, who must be considered one of the favourites for the whole tournament. While they are still not the frightening force of yester year, young German talent seems to be emerging again and if you can excuse the rampant use of clich?s they are the ultimate nation that knows how to get through tournaments. Croatia were awesome in qualifying but will suffer through the lack of a cutting edge with Eduardo missing. The immense talent of the rest of the team with the precocious talent of Luka Modric should still see them through. Poland were impressive in qualifying and took points of Portugal, but shouldn't have enough star quality to oust Germany or Croatia. Austria, despite being the other host nation will basically see it as achievement not to be embarrassed. They are arguably the weakest of the teams in the tournament and public expectation is ridiculously low. Polls in Austria even suggested that they should be allowed to pull out because of the potential ridicule that will befall their country. Sort of like the UK and the Eurovision song contest.

Prediction: 1st - Germany; 2nd - Croatia.

Sean Garmer: I don't think I need to say anymore about Austria other than their own country tried to get them to pullout of this tournament. Picking between Poland and Croatia is difficult as both have good managers, Croatia is without Eduardo, but they still have plenty to on both sides of the ball. Poland are one of those sides that never seem to fulfill their potential and I think that will be the case for them here. Germany have a powerful side, but I don't think Croatia or Poland are going to lay down for them. With every team possibly beating Austria, this group might be just as tough as any other in the tourney. I'll give Germany the edge due to their veteran experience, but I wouldn't be surprised to see games come down to the wire here.

Prediction: 1st - Germany; 2nd - Croatia.

Arnold Furious: Well, Austria suck. They're currently ranked 92 in the world by FIFA. They have no business being in this tournament. Even their own fans don't want them there. Nevertheless they'll go all out to try and upset the German apple cart. The only other amusement, other than watching them lose heavily, is the possibly of seeing Mad Dog Pogatetz get sent off in a major tournament. Croatia aren't the same team without Eduardo. That untimely and unfortunate leg break will hurt Croatia more than it did Arsenal. Poland aren't great either though and are the one team that even Austria might beat. So Croatia gets second based on a lack of competition for it. Half their team plays in Germany so the showdown with the tournament favourites should be quite entertaining. Germany should by all rights win the group quite easily. Although they do have a habit of throwing away leads even against less able sides.

Prediction: 1st - Germany; 2nd - Croatia.




Tim O'Sullivan: I love football dearly, but not even I can call these group stages down the middle and pretend I care about all the groups equally. Of course, this is the one to watch and I see something dramatic happening. Oh yes, Italy are the world champions and Holland have the likes of Rafa van der Vaart, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Hospital in the ranks, but for the reasons of Roberto Donadoni and defensive problems respectively, I see them saying hello to the plane home. Romania are not being mentioned, but they qualified brilliantly and have some great players in a well structured team. Meanwhile, sorry Spain fans, but France are the team with the strongest squad. Either way, this will be sooooooo much fun.

Prediction: 1st - France; 2nd - Romania.

Ian Wright: Let's get the phrase out of the way. "Group of death". This group has the potential to throw up any number of fantastic matches. Not a single genuinely terrible side amongst the four - all of them typically play good football and with Italy a typically playing with three men up front at the minute all sides will be pushing on when they play.

As to who will get out of the group, Romania are just lacking the requisite class to make it to the knock out phase and it's hard to pick 2 sides from the other 3. The unknown quantity somewhat is France. There's a young generation of hugely exciting players that they could pick and try to add to the established (though possibly fading) quality of their proven winners. Domenech is a terribly conservative coach though and I can't see him being brave enough to pick a side that contains Henry, Benzema, Nasri and Ribery nor possibly breaking away from his established axis of Viera and Makelele. If he is brave however this is a French side that really could do something.

Italy are of course the World Cup holders and even though they'll be missing Cannavaro due to injury and Nesta due to a falling out with Donadoni I think they'll be strong enough to get out of the group.

Holland, weak at the back but so terribly exciting in midfield and up front and I think they'll make it through to the second phase unless France pull off an upset.

Prediction: 1st - Italy; 2nd – Holland

Matt Snelling: Here's where to bust out your ‘group of death' clich?s that always need to be fulfilled come a major tournament. The fact this group contains the winner and runner up from the last world cup as well as Holland means the whole group is going to be ridiculously tight. In most of the group games I can see very little scoring but Holland are my pick to be the tournaments big flops. Yeah you can never discount their individual talent but their defence is terrible and features Wigan's Mario Melchiot as a starter. That's not good. Romania actually beat them in qualifying and I think the big boys will find it hard to just roll them over. In the end though I'm not going to be controversial and I'm going to plump for the 2 World Cup finalists to make it through. Both can consider themselves amongst the favourites and I think both might actually benefit from having to play at a high level right from the outset as they (particularly the Italians) often start tournaments very slowly. Both have a host of big match players who know how to get things done and while the clubs in Serie A may not have had the best seasons conversely many of the Italian players (see Buffon, Toni, Del Piero, Natale, De Rossi, Camoranesi) have been in excellent form.

Prediction: 1st - France; 2nd - Italy.

Sean Garmer I hate groups of death because the wrong pick usually means you are screwed for the rest of the tournament. Romania can be a dark horse with Mutu up front he can score goals and they like to play tight at the back. Their first game is against France and that will be key, if they start out strong and force a draw it will leave the group wide open. France are supremely talented at every position, except that back line worries me some. Thuram is an aging player, Eric Abidal is horrible (hopefully for them, Domenech (who's a bastard) plays Evra instead) Gallas did not have a good season at Arsenal and hasn't convinced me for a while. They good thing with playing him is that he is a force on the set piece. How old is Willy Sangol? He can still play but yeah, anyway at least they look a bit more youthful up front with Ribery, Toualan, and Nasri, Makelele proved he can still play that holding role in the big games, but could still be exploited by any of the other teams here. Henry still scored 19 goals last season for Barcelona, and Benzema is just great. However, that backline and Domenech make me very weary of picking them. I know Holland have a bad backline but their offense going forward has me thinking this could be the year that they break the curse. This is the last year that Van Basten will be managing them, you have to wonder if they are going to play their hearts out for them. I do with Seedorf was still in this squad, having a veteran presence like him helps in big games like these. Italy losing their leader in Cannavaro is a huge blow, and Marco Matti has been bad this season, but Bazga will come in and do a fine job. Pirlo and Gattuso have to play big, as will Perrotta and DiNatalie. Luca Toni has to carry the load here for the Italians if they plan on going far, I don't trust Donadoni, but I can't go against my heritage here.

Prediction: 1st - Italy; 2nd - Holland.

Arnold Furious: Now THIS is an interesting group. The "group of death" as it were. Romania shouldn't have a chance but they weren't given a chance back in 2000 either and still got out of a difficult group that featured both England and Germany (and Portugal). I don't see them upsetting the odds this time around. Cokehead Adrian Mutu is arguably their best player. Italy and France will both come in brimming with confidence after both making it to the World Cup final two years ago. Some of the older Italian players may be gone but they're not lacking in experience with Del Piero and Pannucci along for the ride. They also have a dominating midfield that can hold onto the ball and smother the opposition. France by contrast have an aging midfield and Patrick Viera isn't as good as he used to be. That said their defence is very organised and their attacking options are among the best of any team with a combination of youth and experience (Henry & Anelka). Le Sulk isn't in the best of moods after costing Chelski the Champion's League and Henry has had a weak first season with Barce. Considering how badly France struggling in qualifying they could be ripe for the picking. The Dutch are probably overdue an enormous implosion at a major tournament and yet any team lead by Ruud van Nistelrooy will always score goals. If Arjen Robben shows up Holland might just edge second.

Prediction: 1st - Italy; 2nd - Holland.




Tim O'Sullivan: Never write off the reigning champs who haven't changed anything since their big tournament win four years ago. That would be my advice if I believed it myself. I keep changing my mind about Greece, but right now I see them going out. Like Slaven Bilic, Guus Hiddink has something about him that makes you think his team will do something. Plus, they have some really good players. As for Sweden, well they're shocking. They have nothing but Super Zlat. Nothing. Then there's Spain. Ah, Spain. Will it be their year? Not with that system and those centre-backs. Not for me. They're still awesome though and maybe their heartbreak will arrive a little later this time!

Prediction: 1st - Spain; 2nd - Russia.

Ian Wright: It's unfair to say that Greece's victory 4 years ago was a fluke. The side, though limited in terms of talent, were brilliantly organised and worked incredibly hard for each other. That being said they're going out in the first round here. Sweden for the first time in ages look genuinely poor at the back and flimsy in midfield, and despite the return of Henrik Larsson and the mercurial talents of Zlatan Ibrahimovich up front may not be able to stop Russia from taking second spot.

Spain have as good a squad as anyone in the tournament and on paper should be considered contenders to win the whole thing. But a sensible head says that they'll probably implode in the second round.

Prediction: 1st - Spain; 2nd - Russia.

Matt Snelling: How many times have you heard the phrase ‘Spain dark horses'? or ‘it must be Spain's year'? Too many, as they always seem to take an amazing group of talents and completely lose the plot. The form of a younger generation of players such as Fabregas (not a guaranteed starter), Casillas, Ramos and Torres suggests they could finally make the break through though. I don't think they will win the tournament, but they should win this group. As for the rest, Greece (amazingly) are the defending champions and I think will nab 2nd place. Russia were not very convincing in qualifying and are almost here by default given that England were even worse. Sweden are perennial qualifiers for big tournaments and are the ultimate overachievers in football yet an aging squad that is heavily reliant on the temperamental Ibrahimovic wont make it out of the group

Prediction : 1st - Spain; 2nd - Greece.

Sean Garmer: Well we come to another hard group. I'll tell you right now, I wouldn't be surprised if Sweden are at the bottom. Bringing back Larsson just screams of desperation, Ljunberg has been awful this season (if he even plays) Zlatan has been on and off, I don't trust that back line and their goaltender hasn't played most of the season. This group of Swedish players just aren't it, if World Cup 06 didn't prove it, this will be a showcase as to why. I want to pick Greece, but their side is extremely old, and yes they have chemistry and what not, but I have a feeling this Russian side is going to tear them apart. I'm not going against Gus Hiddink unless he gives me a reason to do it. Spain are known as the big chokers, and not picking Raul wasn't the smartest choice, but that's why Aragones is a joke. Anyway, I believe they have too much talent here not to make it, they will get by here in spite of their idiot manager.

Prediction: 1st - Spain; 2nd - Russia.

Arnold Furious: Well I don't think anyone expects Greece to repeat the marvellous feat of four years ago. Lightning rarely strikes twice. Spain should win this group easily. They have so much talent in their side from Torres to Fabregas and everyone in between. They may flatter to deceive at major tournaments but they've beaten Italy and France already this year. The big debate for them is whether Raul should have gone. I think he should have gone because he's a big game player and there are at least 4 names in the Spain squad that could have made way. You'd hope that argument didn't overwhelm the tournament like Sven's "Theo Walcott" did two years ago to England. This generation of Spanish players could be the ones who finally push them to the next level. Keep in mind Spain have never been beyond the quarter finals (in either Euros or the World Cup), which is ridiculous for a nation of their sporting excellence. The Swedish, who you'd normally go for as a second team, are taking a really old and tired looking squad with them. Henrik Larsson is now 36. Ibrahimovic is their star player and he'll need to play well but they lack any strength in depth with some of their better players on paper not always getting the job done. With Russia, Hiddink is a great manager but he really doesn't have a lot of players. Thanks to Steve McClaren's ineptitude Russia managed to qualify at England's expense. Both Greece and Russia will play as a team and not utilise the ‘star power' of some other sides. They won't be good enough to beat Spain but both of them could well overcome Sweden and then whoever wins their match could get second. I'll give the nod to the Greeks who probably aren't as hungry as they were 4 years ago but they've got an experience edge.

Prediction: 1st - Spain; 2nd - Greece.


Surprise Package

Tim O'Sullivan: As I noted earlier, I think Romania will get out of the Group of Death alive. That would be good enough to earn this tag.

Prediction: Romania.


Ian Wright: Despite what I said in the group preview they have to, some time, at some point in the future, maybe, perform like they should considering the talent at their disposal and contend for a tournament. Why not this time?

I'm probably going to look foolish doing this but …

Prediction: Spain

Matt Snelling: Right up until Eduardo's horrific injury, this was a nailed on spot for Croatia. Watching them up close and personal in qualifying as they did for England showed what a talented squad they possess, and in Slaven Bilic they have a charismatic coach who has forged a great team unity. Eduardo's absence will be a huge blow though, so for a surprise package I'm actually going to go for Greece. I appreciate how strange it is to make the defending champions the ‘surprise package' but their impressive form in qualifying, and the group they have been placed in offers them a real chance to progress. Defensively very solid, I think the Greeks could once again surprise many who underestimate them.

Prediction: Greece

Sean Garmer: If my predictions go right then that means the two big chokers will meet in the Quarterfinals. I believe the Netherlands has a chance to make it to the Semi's if this happens. Both are talented squads, but I really didn't have a lot of options as believe this could be the only upset if everything I've chosen goes to form. It could happen, so why not?

Prediction: Holland

Arnold Furious: It's hard to pick surprises, what with them being surprises. I don't think anyone would be shocked if Portugal or Spain or Holland did well but none of them have the pedigree to suggest they automatically will. The only team I've picked to progress beyond the groups who've not done so before are the Swiss. The thing about a home crowd is how it will either drive you on or wreck you. I think the Swiss might do ok.

Prediction: Switzerland.


Runner-up

Tim O'Sullivan: More Cristiano Ronaldo tears? Erm, yes please. Remember him after the 2004 final? Wow, that was so incredible. I see it happening again. For me, they're the best team in the left side of the draw, but whoever gets out of the right side will have had to play incredible football and they'll be super-confident.

Prediction: Portugal.

Ian Wright: Like I said in the "Surprise Package" section. I'm feeling brash.

Prediction: Spain

Matt Snelling: Looking at the way the tournament breaks down and then looking at the way I have got groups ending up, Germany have a great chance of making it through to the final. If, as expected they win their group then I have them down to meet Switzerland which should be a fairly straightforward tie. It's then Croatia or Portugal and I think (insert yet more clich?s) that Germany have the experience and mentality to get through. As I have said they are still not a team packed with the legendary names of the past but German football after the last World Cup seems to be on an upward curve again. In Mario Gomez they have a player who can potentially light up the tournament and Klose always seems to turn it on when a big tournament comes around. With a lot of younger, hungrier players complimenting the likes of Michael Ballack (in superb form with Chelsea since Christmas) they also have the geographical bonus that there will be hoards of Germans crossing the border into Vienna for the final. Shades of '38.

Prediction: Germany

Sean Garmer: I think they will be in the final of another major tournament, but we won't see a repeat of the World Cup victory. Not having the experience of Cannavaro could cost them here, and I believe the more youthful side will defeat them here, but the Italians should be happy because they made it this far.

Prediction: Italy

Arnold Furious: They won the World Cup and have a solid team but I can't see the Italians winning back to back tournaments. What they do have going for them to get to the final are two things; team work and cheating. Combined that'll get them to the finals but this squad isn't deserving of back to back tournament wins.

Prediction: Italy


Winners of UEFA Euro 2008

Tim O'Sullivan: They've been shocking in the warm-up matches and I still worry that Raymond Domenech is too stubborn to give his younger stars the chances they deserve in place of the established oldies, but there's still something about them that makes me feel they can win the whole thing. Ribery, Benzema, Gallas, Nasri and maybe even a bit of old-school Henry could make this the summer of France.

Prediction: France.

Ian Wright: It's not just by virtue of the fact that they're probably only going to have one really serious test (Germany) on the way to the final judging by the way the draw has panned out. Portugal are far more than a one man team. Aside from Ronaldo they'll have one of the best defensive pairings in the tournament in Pepe and Carvalho, Deco can still do a job for them and in Simao, Queresma and Nani they have 3 other really talented wingers to choose from.

It feels a little odd tipping them now that the golden generation of Figo, Rui Costa, Couto, etc. have all faded away but I've got a sneaking suspicion that they'll do it.

Prediction: Portugal

Matt Snelling: It's very rare you get a team being able to win the World Cup and then go on to take the European Championship as well but I think Italy can be well placed to emulate France's achievement in 2000. If Italy do get to the final they will in my view have done it the hard way overcoming the likes of Spain and old rivals the French. Given this there are no guarantees of course, but Italy's side looks settled and strong. The interesting case is that in the expected first team half have had tremendous seasons (Buffon, De Rossi, Toni, Panucci, Camouranesi, Di Natale) while the other have had ones to forget (Zambrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso). The team spirit that was forged from the last World Cup is still strong though and in Toni, Camouransei and now the excellent Di Natale of Udinese they have an attacking trio that feels fresh and exciting. An interesting choice would be Alessandro Del Piero who has been in sparkling form this season and who could just provide that little spark, that little x-factor that could be the difference between winning and losing the tournament.

Prediction: Italy

Sean Garmer: Come on, everybody is doing it, ok not everyone, but almost. If they don't make it to the final it will be a huge disappointment to Ronaldo who wants to prove he's the best in the world. Really, they should seeing as they only should probably have to have Germany in their way to get there. This should be a fantastic game to watch, maybe it will be as dramatic as the World Cup Final. I just hope these two make it so we can have a grand clash, where Portugal would have to beat the World Champs to be crowned champions of Europe.

Prediction: Portugal

Arnold Furious: My pick, and I have put my money where my mouth is courtesy of online gambling, is Portugal. Semi-finalists in 2000 and then losing finalists four years ago. Their best players keep getting better. Especially Ronaldo. While other star players of recent years (Ronaldinho for example) don't always turn up for major tournaments or get marked out of them Ronaldo should have enough talent around him to get Portugal moving. A year ago they beat Brazil. Italy gave them a beating back in February and they also got turned over by Greece in March but warm up matches don't mean much. Hitting form and having a solid back line is more important. There are question marks over where some of their forward talent will play but a lot of them are interchangeable, which could lead to some TOTAL FOOTBALL. And I do love that.

Prediction: Portugal


Look out for the columns throughout the tournament.

Thanks to the fellas.

O'Sullivan

Done.