Denmark
The Danes performed admirably in
qualification for this years tournament, overhauling Portugal to
qualify automatically. A 3-1 away defeat early on was avenged by a
2-1 home victory, demoting Cristiano Ronaldo and co into second
place. In the group of death though, can Denmark do the same to keep
up hopes of a Quarter Final berth.
When teams head into the European
Championships with a team not expected to perform too admirably,
there is always one team and one tournament pointed out. Denmark
1992. A side who shouldn't have even been at the tournament and
dragged their players off the beaches, going on to triumph against
all odds. Since that occasion they have only managed to get out of
the group stage once, and even failed to qualify last time around.
One significant advantage they could
have, however, is with their coach Morten Olsen. With 12 years
experience with the national team, he no doubt knows he players and
their system inside out. | 2-0 victory over Australia in their final
warm up game will breathe fresh confidence throughout the squad.
Key Man
Man people will point to young Ajax
maestro Christian Eriksen, who at 20-year-old has become an integral
part of both his club and national sides while attracting interest
from the likes of Manchester United. Sports Portal though have gone
a different avenue when, and have selected Nicklas Bendtner as
Denmark's key man.
The young Arsenal striker has spent the
season on loan at Sunderland, performing admirably if not
spectacularly. However the 24-year-old has spoken of his desire to
leave the Emirates this summer, so could use these championships to
fully put himself right in the front of the shop window. A few
decent performances and goals and clubs could be lining up to take
him off Arsene Wenger's hands.
One To Watch
A once promising centre back with the
world at his feet, Simon Kjaer has had something of an unhappy spell
over the last few years. After leaving FC Midtjylland in 2008 at
just 19, he went to Palermo before an unhappy spell at Wolfsburg in
2010/11, this saw a return to Italy but this time with Roma where his
career has begun to get back on track.
An ever present in qualifying,
alongside the main man at the back Daniel Agger, he could be key in
unlikely progression from a very tough group indeed.
Germany
The well oiled machine just starts
getting stronger and more efficient, highlighted by the dominant way
in which they steamrollered their way to the finals. Ten wins out of
Ten with 34 scored and just 7 conceded tells it's own story. The
three time champs will be more than confident of adding to that haul
this time around.
Joachim Loew has a plethora of talent
from which to choose from, particularly in those attacking positions.
Germany usually like to set themselves up with one striker and three
behind in support, but in this case they can easily switch positions
at any time they choose. Making them a very tricky proposition
indeed.
Key Man
Despite Miroslav Klose top scoring in
qualifying, he has been hampered by injuries of late and may not be
at 100% even if he does make it to play a part. For that reason
Mario Gomez will be the man to the lead line; putting the past behind
him and continuing his recent good form.
It has simply been a season of goals,
goals, goals for the Bayern Munich hit man, whilst on the national
front he also contributed his fair amount despite largely playing
second fiddle. With the like of Mesut Ozil et al supplying the
ammunition, it could be a worrying time for any side that steps in
their way.
One to Watch
Another Borussia Dortmund wonder kid is
to now to make another appearance, but this time he will by no means
be a regular starter. Mario Gotze has attracted interest in all
corners of Europe. Due to creative skills that more often than not
leave the opposition perplexed.
He is a two time Bundesliga Champion at
club level, but in the international side he will have to bide his
time and take his opportunity when it comes. He will no doubt be
given game time this summer, it is just up to him to step up and
stake a claim for a regular starters spot.
Netherlands
Another side who often promise so much,
but fall short at the final hurdle. That happened to Bert Van
Marwijk's troops two years ago at the South Africa World Cup, where
after defeating Brazil and Uruguay they found themselves undone by
Spain in the final. With a performance that is unlikely to be
recreated this summer.
A near flawless qualifying campaign saw
nine victories and just one defeat, which came in the final game away
against Sweden. Their talent is there for all to see, but Van
Marwijk faces a healthy dilemma in those attacking positions. Which
on fire striker do you choose? Klaas Jan Huntelaar or Robin Van
Persie?
Key Man
From Sports Portal's choice here it is
clear to see how we would answer the above dilemma, with our key man
in the Dutch team being Van Persie. The phenomenal Arsenal striker
has finally shown his true potential of late, with injures not
plaguing his season.
Together with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen
Robben who will be attacking from further back, defences will have to
on red alert when dealing with the danger. The Netherlands will be
keen to get back to 'total football' after their negative showing on
a world stage v Spain two years ago.
One To Watch
Kevin Strootman has established himself
as one the most consistent performer in the Eredivisie with PSV
Eindhoven; making himself an international regular in the process.
His main attribute in his passing ability, which could be crucial
when feeding Robben and the like this summer.
Manchester United are just one of a
number of clubs mooted to be interested in securing the services of
the 22-year-old, who has said no decision will be made until after
this summers tournament.
Portugal
Qualification started dismally for
Portugal, with a 4-4 home draw with Cyprus quickly followed up by an
away day defeat in Norway. Despite rattling of five consecutive
victories, defeat in Denmark in the final group game relegated them
to the play offs. Up stepped Bosnia who were full of confidence
heading to Lisbon after securing a 0-0 draw on home soil, but any
hopes were soon extinguished as the hosts romped to a 6-2 victory.
Final preparations haven't exactly gone
to plan though, with a 3-1 defeat in their final warm up game against
Turkey denting confidence. Heading into the group of death, and
Germany first up, coach Paulo Bento will have to work to do to rouse
his side and instil some belief.
Key Man
Cristiano Ronaldo is the obvious choice
here, and coming off the back of a terrific season in which he
secured a maiden La Liga title confidence will be at all time high.
This coupled with his 112 goal haul in just 102 league games
highlight just why he so crucial.
Officially the second best player in
the world, behind his pesky Argentine arch nemesis Lionel Messi,
Ronaldo is once again playing with a smile on his face at
international level. Something that could spell disaster for his
opponents.
One To Watch
Despite already being known worldwide,
Sports Portal have opted for Manchester United winger Nani. A man
who certainly isn't shy of confidence, stating last year he could win
this years Ballon d'or and most
recently saying along with international team mate Ronaldo they
represent two of the best wingers in the world.
Along
with this he has recently suggested it could be about time for him to
leave the Premier League and seek a new challenge. This could result
in heightened performances as he seeks to highlight to potential
suitors just why they should invest in him.
