Euro Group C (Group of Death)

France

I idolise this team because of 1 man: Thierry Henry. I think they are favourites. They have always had a solid defence, and I believe Thuram and Gallas could still work out well, with Makelele and Vieira being able shields in front of them. They have improved since the last World Cup, with exciting attacking talents. Thierry, as usual, is the main threat. After a so-so season at Barca, where he was put on the left forward position, Raymond Domenech must put him in the CF position to achieve maximum impact. Benzema would be an able deputy, and could help finish the goals that Thierry would set up. That's how dangerous King Henry is, because if you don't mark him, he will punish you, and if you mark him, you are opening up the gap for Henry to slide a ball through. Of course, Ribery and Nasri will be good performers i the centre of the park. Ribery was an Arsenal target, and Nasri is close to finalising a deal at Arsenal. Expect to trust Arsene Wenger, and perhaps Les Bleus will win the group with maximum points. There is strength in depth, with Toulalan, Lassana Diarra and Malouda on the bench with Anelka. Sagnol and Abidal should do well.


Italy

A shaky defence now that Cannavaro is ruled out. No Nesta, Maldini, both of whom are still solid readers of the game. Materazzi is more likely to scream vulgarities than make a good, clean tackle. Grosso is not a consistent performer. Chiellini should perform above expectations. Luca Toni may be a huge disappointment, but it will be masked by the good form of Alessandro Del Piero. Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso would be able midfielders who could make long range shots, but this midfield will not dominate against the French midfield, where there are 2 extremely effective defensive midfielders, and 2 good attacking midfielders. They have a good chance of the quarter-finals.


Netherlands

The strength lies in the attack. The weakness lies in the defence. As simple as that. Ruud van Nisterooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie. Jan Huntelaar, van der Vaart, Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt. All are attackers, and they together create probably the strongest frontline in this European championships. They have strength in depth in the attack, more than France. However, France's defence is the best in this big event. If they cannot score, they will lose, because their defence looks totally able to concede in every single match they play, unless Edwin van der Sar can produce perhaps 5 great saves every match. Most crucial match will be against Italy. If they can penetrate their defence, they can progress in this competition.


Romania

Weakest in this group, but not in this tournament. They are unlucky to be drawn in this group, after finally being able to qualify for a big event. The most recognisable names are Adrian Mutu and Christian Chivu. They are, however, hardly the best or near the best. Romania may do well to keep the score low, with Lobont in between the posts, but it will be an achievement if they get away with any points. However, if they do, they could well be the factor that decides who progresses and who do not.


This is a real Group Of Death. I expect France to qualify for the quarter finals as group winners. Romania should get a point. I have a feeling it will be from their match against world champions Italy. France should win all their matches. They should get 7 points at minimum, maybe a draw with Italy or Netherlands. Netherlands' match against Italy is most crucial, while France's match with Netherlands should be most exciting.