In the group stages, as in most tournaments, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinal knockout stage. So, without further ado, let's introduce the groups!
From a cursory glance, it is quite clear that Group C is the dreaded group of death. Two of the favorites to win the tournament, France and Italy, are in this group, as well as a quality Netherlands side who boast top notch attacking players such as Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Robin Van Persie, Dirk Kuyt, Arjen Robben, as well as Manchester United's Champion's League winner Edwin van der Sar in goal. It is extremely likely that Holland is eliminated here. Italy and France will advance through this group easily.
Out of Group A, the favorites to advance have to be the Czech Republic and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo is simply too good a player, and unless his well publicized transfer to Real Madrid is weighing heavily on his mind, no defense in this tournament can stop him. Joining Ronaldo is the electrifying star winger from Porto, Quaresma and the reliable Portuguese legend Deco. And while Portugal will be dazzling in the attack with their fancy footwork, their defense will be solid as well, marshalled by one of the best in Ricardo Carvalho. If Ronaldo plays to his level, this could well be Portugal's tournament to win - and it would certainly cap Ronaldo's year off with a bang before he whines and manipulates his way into making a move to Real Madrid. Portugal is well set in the RB, CB, and attacking positions, likely employing either the 3-4-3 that Scolari used in leading Brazil to their World Cup success, or a 4-3-3. The midfield of Portugal is the only question mark, as outside of Deco, the options are either unproven youngsters or true veterans. Whatever happens though, if C. Ronaldo imposes himself on these tournaments, there is no stopping the Portuguese team.
The Czech team will be a formidable foe as well, if only because they have the unflappable stalwart between the posts, Petr Cech, who singlehandedly sent Chelsea to the CL Finals over Liverpool with some dazzling saves off shots by Fernando Torres. But in front of Cech will be one of the most solid back 4 in the tournament, led by David Rozehnal. It will be a difficult task for any team to unlock the Czech defense, but if there is one that can do it, it is the creative and pacy Portuguese team. Expect Portugal to win this group, with the Czech Republic coming out of it in 2nd.
In Group B, if one has not been following European international football closely, it might be compelling to simply take a peek at the group and tap Germany and Croatia to advance. However, that would be a dire mistake, as Poland will look to continue their run of good form after steamrolling their way into Euro 2008 by winning Group A over Portugal. I expect Poland to continue their run of good form, advancing to the knockout stages alongside favorites Germany, as Croatia is sent packing, leaving Croatia's Golden Boy Luka Modric to ponder his future as a Tottenham Hotspur.
Group D is a tough call - Spain are emerging as the sexy pick to win the tournament, and it is easy to see why. The attacking options Spain boasts are a who's who list for player of the year awards, led by sensational Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. However, Spain has seldom lived up to the hype, and could be stunningly sent packing after the Group stages if their defense is unable to slow opponents down. Against a team like Russia, who will pack the midfield with 6 men, it will be quite a task trying to get through - though with Torres as the lone man up front, you never know when an unexpected breakthrough might occur. Spain does not like to play long balls over the top of the midfield, as it goes against their technical ability to do so, but against Russia, it might be necessary to do so to eliminate the congestion in the midfield.
Sweden is ostensibly led by the mercurial striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic - who will one day look like the world's greatest in Serie A, and then proceed to lay up two stinkers and get played completely out of the match over Inter Milan's two leg match up with Liverpool in the Champions' League. Other than Zlatan, there is an abundance of talent with Sweden (although their top players are admitedly getting a bit old).
And lest we forget, the title holders, the defending Euro 2004 champions Greece. Often overlooked, they will not be this time, as they will have a target painted on their chests. In a stunning development, look for Spain and Russia to advance, as Sweden is knocked out and Greece is simply outclassed.
In the end though, it will be seen that Portugal simply outclasses the competition on the attack, and I predict Portugal will go through to capture the Euro 2008 championship (although my heart pulls for Spain in support of the Liverpool contingent...Viva Espana!)
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not looking too good there with your group C predictions.
As long as I get Portugal it's all good.
I didn't do enough research on Holland's team - I forgot all about Wesley Sneijder and Rafael Van der Vaart.
Plus, Italy missing Cannavaro is a huge blow, I didn't know he was injured since I don't follow Serie A.