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Germans should win group comfortably

Overview: In the absence of a genuine challenge from the hosts, near neighbours Germany enjoy most of the benefits of 'home advantage'.

Charismatic Jurgen Klinsmann brought a refreshingly positive vibe to the Germans at the World Cup two years ago - transforming the traditionally dull image of the team in his own California dude image.

And though Klinsmann has moved on to be replaced by the foppish Joachim Low - more University professor than surf bum - the style remains the same.

Low, as Klinsmann's assistant, has been largely credited as the architect of the recent transformation in German football anyway.

No doubt he'll continue to play aggressive high-risk football that should make the Germans unlikely favourites among the neutrals.

The main concern is the age and form of some of the key players in that system.

Danger Man: Michael Ballack - Just hitting form at the right time for Chelsea, Ballack is better for his country than he is at club level.

Young Gun: Mario Gomez - The 23-year-old Stuttgart striker was the top scorer in the Bundersliga and is reportedly a target for Arsenal.

Coach: Joachim Low - a rarity in international football, or football of any kind - a popular coach. Low has been a big hit with the fans, the players and the media since he took over from Klinsmann.

Seahorses Odds: 7/2 favourites to win, 8/13 for the group

BDA Sun verdict: Out in the semis.

Croatia could make the semi-finals

Overview: Grossly underestimated by England in the qualifying stages, Croatia could be one of the teams to beat.

Since the break down of the former Yugoslavia they have established themselves as the powerhouse of the Balkans and one of the flair sides of Europe.

They will be without Arsenal striker Eduardo, who suffered that horrific knee injury, but have more than enough talent to compensate.

Spurs bound Luka Modric and Portsmouth's Niko Krancjar are the lynchpins of coach Slaven Bilic's expressive 4-1-3-2 formation.

The danger is that they become the Arsenal of international football - slick passing, stylish football, no end product.

Danger Man: Mladin Petric - one of Bilic's 'three magicians', the Borussia Dortmund striker will need to bear the brunt of the goalscoring responsibility.

Young Gun: Luka Modric - The playmaker is the most revered role in Croatian football and Modric is the latest in a long line of talismanic creators.

Coach: Slaven Bilic - Hardman defender turned coach, Bilic's confidence and charisma was a stark contrast to England's Steve McLaren, who looked disheveled and pathetic under his umbrella by contrast, as Croatia put them out in the qualifiers.

Seahorses Odds: 11/1 for the tournament, 12/5 for the group

Bda Sun verdict: Could make the last four.

Poland needs small miracle to advance

Overview: One of the biggest problems for Poland is that the two best players they have produced in the last decade will be suiting up for Germany.

Both Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski were born in Poland but opted to play for their neighbours instead - where they have been consistent top scorers in major competitions. Unfortunately for Poland, they are desperately short in this area.

Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker has developed a reputation as a minor miracle worker after taking Trinidad to the World Cup and now qualifying the Poles for their first ever Euros, but there's simply not enough goals in this squad.

They may have qualified ahead of Portugal, but qualifying form means little when it comes to business time and Poland just don't have the players to do well in this tournament.

Danger Man: Euzebiusz "Ebi" Smolarek - Nicknamed the Hash bomber after he tested positive for cannabis, Smolarek is the Poles main goal threat.

Young Gun: Jakub Blaszczykowski - a speedy winger who has impressed for Borussia Dortmund.

Coach: Leo Beenhakker - The Dutch veteran who took Trinidad to the World Cup is now working his magic with Poland.

Seahorses Odds: 40/1 for the tournament, 15/2 for the group

BDA Sun verdict: Third in the group.

Austria has two chances - slim and none

Overview: Rarely has a host nation gone into a tournament with so little cause for optimism.

Already dubbed the worst hosts in the history of the European Championships, some of Austria's fans even started a petition to encourage their team to withdraw and save them from humiliation.

Their coach admits it will be a 'world sensation' if they get beyond the group, they have won just once in 11 games and their only half-decent player (Wigan's Paul Scharner) has been axed from the squad for criticizing the coach.

It's fair to say Austria's preparations could have gone better.

A look at their starless squad does little to inspire confidence and any talk of home advantage is almost completely negated by the fact that most of their fans seem to view the side as a national embarrassment.

As the aforementioned petition, entitled 'Let's not embarrass ourselves' points out: "Displays of true skill, on a field taken by our team, occur about as frequently as meteorite impacts."

Could all this hyperbole be a devilishly cunning tactic to lower expectations before a triumphant march to the final?

Nope. They really are that bad.

Danger Man: Andreas Ivanschitz - An attacking midfielder who has been imaginatively dubbed the 'Austrian Beckham' - more because of his haircut than his ability.

Young Gun: Martin Harnik - The 20-year-old Werder Bremen forward - born and raised in Germany - is about the best prospect.

Coach: Josef Hickersberger - In his first spell as national coach, Hickersberger led Austria to their worst ever result - a 1-0 defeat to the lowly Faroe Islands. Back at the helm nearly 20 years later, he is still not highly thought of.

Seahorses Odds: 100/1 to win the tournament, 14/1 for the group.

BDA Sun verdict: Will be lucky to get a point.[[In-content Ad]]

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