Euro Group 2

Austria

Hosts for this edition, but arguably the worst team of this star-studded field. Interestingly, looking at the squad list, I know 1 from every position. Alex Manninger, once a Gunner, Emanuel Pogatetz, who is a Boro player, Andreas Ivanschitz in midfield and perhaps most crucially Ivica Vastic in attack. Perhaps the only team I am writing off is this team, but I believe home ground advantage will ensure them to finish with at least a point.

Croatia

This is the team who stunned everyone by denying England an entry to this big event, despite being through already themselves. Although missing MVP Eduardo, they are still a good team. The Kovac brothers, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka, who had experience in the EPL, are the stars behind the frontline. However, the frontline, despite without Eduardo, looks to be the strongest amongst all areas. Mladen Petric and Ivica Olic are threatening, while Ivan Klasnic with experience from the German Bundesliga should all help supply the goals. The question is whether they will keep the back tight.

Germany

Definite favourites for the group. This is the team rejuvenated by Jurgen Klinsmann, and followed up by able deputy Joachim Loew. Most of the team that finished 3rd in the World Cup 2006 remained. The notable addition is Mario Gomez of Stuttgart, and I believe he will perform rather well. There is not much to say, but they have a good chance of opening the tournament with 3 group wins.

Poland

This is a mystery. How they will perform is a mystery. This is their first time in the Euro Championships. That is pretty a mystery, considering they had been to the World Cup a couple of times. But the star man of the team is not any of the players, but the manager Leo Beenhakker. They have few star players, which include Smolarek and Zurawski, but no matter which keeper they field, it can be expected their matches will be low scoring. Artur Boruc is established as a keeper having been great in the SPL. Tomas Kuszczak is 2nd choice to Man Utd, while Lukasz Fabianski is elevated to 2nd, after Lehmann declared leaving Arsenal. But Boruc should start. The other two is for the future. The future is bright, in defence at least.


On the whole, Germany should sail through, with Croatia most probably following. I don't see a potential Greece team here.