UEFA Under 21 Championships Team-By-Team Guide

Finland

The minnows have never before qualified for this tournament and it seems highly unlikely that they will be around for very long in this one. Markku Kanerva's team are built around a solid defence, and rely heavily on star strikers Jarno Parikka and Teemu Pukki, while the majority of this team are domestically based and will be looking to attract the attention of some foreign teams.

Everyone's Watching: Jarno Parikka has a brilliant goalscoring record at this level, with 15 goals in 17 appearances. Was HJK's top goalscorer last season, and their coach likened him to legendary goalscorer Raul, and his form has seen him capped for the Finnish senior side.

Most Important Player: Tim Sparv—The Finnish captain, and an ex-colleague of Theo Walcott in the Southampton youth team, Sparv stands tall, literally, on the pitch, at 1.94 metres in height. Very much the dominant heartbeat of this Finnish team.

One For The Scouts: Teemu Pukki—Not many Finns have travelled abroad, certainly the likes of Jari Litmanen and Sami Hyypia are famous examples, but Pukki who features for the Sevilla youth team is certainly one to watch. Pukki, who has featured for the Sevilla first team, has a fine record with the club's reserve team, and at 19 is very much seen as the finest Finnish prospect of this generation.

Chances: The Finns have never qualified for this tournament before, and this group of players will not expect to go far.

Germany

For a side so dominant in international football, it is baffling that the German's have such a poor record in this tournament. But as with all German teams, this side cannot be discounted and are certainly dark horses for this tournament.

This side, led by former international Horst Hrubesch who is in temporary charge until the end of the tournament, boast a number of players who feature regularly in the Bundesliga. Certainly the likes of Manuel Neuer, Andreas Beck, Dennis Aogo, Sami Khedira, Marko Marin, and Mesut Ozil are highly talented, yet experienced prospects who could cause a stir in this tournament.

Everyone's Watching: Mesut Ozil—Though his season may have ended in disappointment with defeat in the UEFA Cup final with Werder Bremen, overall it was a rewarding breakthrough campaign for the diminutive German international. A bright and classy playmaker, Ozil could be one of the tournaments shining lights.

Most Important Player: Andreas Beck—A classy defender who has enjoyed a prosperous campaign with Hoffenheim, and has received full international honours, and is a vital component of his team's defence.

One For The Scouts: Marko Marin—A German international who is regarded as one of its brightest attacking prospects. Standing 5'7", he is capable of terrorising any defences with his mazy runs, and could well prove to be a handful throughout the tournament.

Chances: Outsiders certainly—their team is talented, but much will depend on their match against England which could make or break their campaign.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?