UEFA Women's Euro 2013: Groups, Teams, Preview and More

Halfway between the last World Cup and the next one in 2015, the Euro 2013 will decide which is the best women's team in Europe.

Germany has won the last five championships at this event and will be among the favorites to win yet again. However, the 2011 World Cup proved that the squad can be beaten, so each opposing team still has a shot to win it all.

The competition will take place in seven locations around Sweden, ending with the final at Friends Arena in Solna. It is a long way to the championship in July 28, but the next couple of weeks will decide who is the best among the 12 squads in the tournament.

Here is a group-by-group preview of the upcoming event. Click here for a full schedule of every match.

Group A (Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Finland)

The host country got a fortunate draw in Group A without any other real top contenders. Led by former United States coach Pia Sundhage, Sweden has as much talent as anyone in the tournament and should be able to cruise through the opening matches.

Of course, each of the other teams will have a strong chance to at least move onto the knockout stage. Only two spots are guaranteed from each group, but the best two third-place teams also advance.

This will put a lot of pressure on the Italy-Denmark match that takes place on July 13. Either of these teams can make a surprise run deep into the tournament and could go as far as the semifinals, but a loss in this contest would probably end any hope.

Finland will struggle to get any points with three teams clearly superior.

Prediction: 1. Sweden, 2. Denmark, 3. Italy, 4. Finland

Group B (Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Iceland)

After winning this event every time since 1995, it is clear that Germany is the most dominant squad in Europe. That should continue with a great effort by elite goalscorer Celia Okoyino da Mbabi, who will be tough for anyone to stop.

This does not mean the squad will not be challenged, however. Both Norway and the Netherlands reached the semifinals of Euro 2009 and should come back strong in this one as well.

Norway has plenty of experience and features a solid front line of players that can score at any time. The squad should be able to maintain this level better than the Dutch team that has seen more of a drop-off in the past few years.

Iceland is playing as well as it has in its history, although it is still a long way from competing at a high level and should see an early exit.

Prediction: 1. Germany, 2. Norway, 3. Netherlands, 4. Iceland

Group C (France, England, Russia, Spain)

If this was a men's tournament, this would clearly be the group to watch. Unfortunately, Spain is not anywhere near as impressive on the women's side and will struggle along with Russia against the top teams in the group.

Still, the battle between France and England to win Group C will be a good one. Louisa Necib will lead France's offensive effort, while Laura Georges will anchor the defense.

For England, it is all about veteran leadership of Rachel Yankey, Sue Smith and others. Their experience can be all that they need to advance to the quarterfinals.

These teams both have a chance to challenge Germany and others for a title, but they have to make sure not to overlook each other.

Prediction: 1. England, 2. France, 3. Russia, 4. Spain

Predicted Winner: Sweden

While there are a number of good teams in this contest, there are only a few great ones. Germany is certainly one of those, but this seems like the year that the team will be defeated.

Look for Sweden to get a boost from the home crowds to keep winning throughout the tournament. After a great showing at the most recent World Cup, forward Lotta Schelin is ready to continue to lead her team to more victories.

If this squad lives up to expectations, it should not be beaten.

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