The Groups
**Group A **
Portugal
Greece
Spain
Russia
Group B
France
England
Switzerland
Croatia
**Group C **
Sweden
Bulgaria
Denmark
Italy
**Group D **
Czech Rep
Latvia
Germany
Holland
Analysis
**Group A **
Portugal will be the focal point of Group A - and the presence of fierce rivals Spain makes it a section packed with rich possibilities.
And with Greece and Russia both experiencing a resurgence, this could be one of the most fiercely fought groups.
Portugal, under the guidance of Brazil’s World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, will be expected to deliver with the inspiration of Luis Figo to call on.
But massive expectations may weigh heavily on a host nation that has suffered under pressure before.
Spain are long-overdue a performance of significance at a major tournament, and in Raul they have a true world star
Greece, however, lie in wait and they beat Spain on their own ground on the way to winning qualifying Group 6.
Russia, unbeaten under coach Georgi Yartsev, possibly lack the individual brilliance to make a real impact.
VERDICT: Portugal and Spain to progress
**GROUP B **
The game between holders France and England on 13 June will go a long way towards deciding the eventual winners of the group.
France are still an outstanding side, despite their no-show at the 2002 World Cup, while England grow in confidence under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
If both sides can steer clear of injuries to key players, they can be regarded as potential champions.
Switzerland have the brilliance of Basle’s Hakan Yakin to call on, but coach Kobi Kuhn’s side are unlikely to last beyond the first phase.
Croatia needed a play-off win against Slovenia to reach Euro 2004 and the golden era of the nation’s football has passed.
VERDICT: France and England to lead the way.
**GROUP C **
Giovanni Trapattoni’s Italy will regard themselves as firm favourites to win this group and move towards their ultimate aim of wiping away the bitter memories of the Euro 2000 final defeat to France on the golden goal.
Trapatonni remains one of the world’s shrewdest coaches, and despite struggling in their qualifying group, they can never be discounted and Christian Vieri remains a force.
The other qualifying place is likely to develop into a Scandinavian battle between Sweden and Denmark
Bulgaria look the weakest of the four teams, but there is little to choose between the other two.
Denmark showed their promise when they beat England at Old Trafford and AC Milan’s Jon Dahl Tomasson is a goalscorer on the highest stage.
Morten Olsen is a clever operator at international level and the Danes know their way around this tournament.
Sweden, once again with the experienced managerial duo of Tommy Soderberg and Lars Lagerback at the helm, will be as stubborn and efficient as ever.
And with Ajax’s gifted Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the attack, they are not without flair.
VERDICT: Italy and Sweden to clinch the top two places.
**GROUP D **
Latvia may have sprung a surprise by beating Turkey in the play-offs, but they can be struck from the record as possible qualifiers from this fiercely competitive group.
Old enemies Holland and Germany collide, not as the superpowers they were, but still among the favourites.
Holland showed their two faces in the play-off against Scotland, dispirited in defeat at Hampden Park but devastating in a 6-0 win in Amsterdam.
But those searching for dark horses are looking in the direction of the seeded Czech Republic, who flew through the qualifiers and sent Holland into the play-offs.
Pavel Nedved takes his place in the elite of Europe, while Borussia Dortmund duo Tomas Rosicky and Jan Koller, plus Liverpool’s Milan Baros, provide the cutting edge.
VERDICT: Holland and Germany to edge out the Czech Republic.
GO HOLLAND :hula:
( BBC SPORT | Football | Internationals | Euro 2004 analysis )
my money is on France and Holland 
mine will be Spain, Holland and France ...
should be intersting..
It might be wishful thinking in some cases, but this is what I would like to see as final result at the end of the group phase:
Group A:
Spain (group winner)
Portugal (runner up)
Group B:
England (group winner)
Croatia (runner up) - A repeat of Frances debacle at the WC would be :k:
Group C:
Italy (group winner)
Denmark (runner up)
Group D:
Holland (group winner)
Czech Republic (runner up) - Yeah, kick those Germans out. 
i would really agree with all the seeding - i would say that possibly one of Germany or Italy could be top seeded rather than Sweden but barring that i think it's all pretty much right.
*Group A. *
Now in this group the local rivalry will be incredible between Spain and Portugal and of course Portugal will have home advantage. I think this inevitably could knock the Spanish out -- Portugal to top the group, with either Russia or Greece second and Spain to finish bottom.
*Group B. *
Hmmm...this is a tough one to predict. Not really worst case sinario but hey let's face it its not exactly easy. The French should easily top the group and go through but it may not be so easy for England - it depends on the way the matches go. Especially if France field a weakened side in their final match against either Croatia or Switzerland - it all depends on how it works out.
Group C.
Now in this group the side that wins is simple, that will be Italy. But as for the team that will also progress with them well that's anyone's guess - it could be any of the 3.
*Group D. *
Now this is well and truly the group of death - though having said that i think its pretty simple. I would say the Czeck's to win the group by miles with Germany second. Holland will miss out.
As for the overall tournament well right from the beginning i have thought that the Czeck's will win it and nothing will change my mind on that front i think - they are the best team in the world by absolutely miles at the moment.
Forty something days left and I’m getting excited! 
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I honestly believe that Holland has a VERY good chance of winning this one
my bet goes to france. Did you see with what ease they managed against Holland in the friendly a month back. and they were without their 4 best players then: Zidane, Henry, Pires, Vieira
12 June 2004 - Group A
Portugal 17:00 Greece
Spain 19:45 Russia
13 June 2004 - Group B
Switzerland 17:00 Croatia
France 19:45 England
14 June 2004 - Group C
Denmark 17:00 Italy
Sweden 19:45 Bulgaria
15 June 2004 - Group D
Germany 19:45 Netherlands
Czech Republic 17:00 Latvia
16 June 2004 - Group A
Greece 17:00
Russia 19:45
17 June 2004 - Group B
England 17:00 Switzerland
Croatia 19:45 France
18 June 2004 - Group C
Bulgaria 17:00 Denmark
Italy 19:45 Sweden
19 June 2004 - Group D
Latvia 17:00 Germany
Netherlands 19:45 Czech Republic
20 June 2004 - Group A
Spain 19:45 Portugal
Russia 19:45 Greece
21 June 2004 - Group B
Croatia 19:45 England
Switzerland 19:45 France
22 June 2004 - Group C
Italy 19:45 Bulgaria
Denmark 19:45 Sweden
23 June 2004 - Group D
Netherlands 19:45 Latvia
Germany 19:45 Czech Republic
Nessie chup ho yaar!
The dutchies have a good record in EC’s and WC’s.
Quarter finals (as the minimum) should be do-able.
As long as Holland gives Germany a good beating and the brits don’t win a single match I’m happy
Holland won't do jack****
France are in a different league to the rest and they are the stand-out team. After that you can toss up between England, Spain, Germany and Italy. I think an England/France final is very probable.
shinoo, i dont think Holland will win it.. they have all the super stars individuals but they dont play like a team that often. But i am defintely gonna vie for them if they play against germany because win or lose, holland plays attractive soccer.. not like germans who are usually hell bent on 'wont try to score, wont let score' mantra most of the time...
I think semi final lineup will be spain, france, italy and netherlands.. i would like to give england some chance but they wont get past quarter stage i think.
I don't understand why you two (now three) are giving England such a good chance. They aren't a good team at all. They don't possess class, skill and technique. They can just fight. As the dutch call it, they play fight-football. A technically superior team can easily beat England if they practice a bit on physical strength. Furthermore,without Ferdinand and the Beckham saga England is bound to bow out soon
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by NeSCio: *
I don't understand why you two are giving England such a good chance. They aren't a goof team at all. The don't possess class, skill and technique. They can just fight. As the dutch call it, they play fight-football. A technically superior team can easily beat England if they practice a bit on physical strength. Furthermore,without Ferdinand and the Beckham saga England is bound to bow out soon
[/QUOTE]
England can do better if Beckham performs consistently. But i dont htink he is in right frame of mind these days to do that on consistent basis.
England have a good team ethic, a strong defence, and good set-pieces. Wayne Rooney will provide the flair. Holland have a bunch of big-headed idiots who will as usual under-achieve. What's new?
Holland has flair alright. Only problem (quite a big one) is good team ethic but if they manage to play like they did againt scotland few months ago, Holland will do well.
Let's set up a pool thingie!?
Xtreme, Holland will do better than England :)
(yes, very confident)
with the youngsters coming through, Holland now has a team core consisting of players that are hungry for success. I agree the previous generation was empty.
Now with payers like Vander Vaart, Robben, Sneyder, Heijtinga and Van Persie they have very high quality players.
Their defence seems a bit weak, but their midfield and formidable attack could be enough to tackle any team; only France seems superior on paper
Shinoo, I was thinking about how to start a fantasy league for football. I have a broad concept, let me refine it and perhaps we can play that here too!
^ Excellent Nessie :k:
I’m with you!
I’m betting on Holland though :-p