Euro 2008 Preview: Group B

My European Championships preview enters its second stage and this time I look at Group B.

Group B

Austria

Croatia

Germany

Poland

Austria

The co-hosts face a huge task to please the home fans in this year's tournament, as they are on paper the worst team in their group. They face a tough time to avoid finishing with zero points, yet alone qualifying from the groups.

Key Player: Andreas Ivanschitz

The Austrian captain will have to put in a few wonderful displays and inspire the rest of his team to do the same if they are to have a chance. His left foot can be a very dangerous weapon, but the "Austrian Beckham" is the best of, quite frankly, a poor bunch.

Prediction: Group stage

I don't see this being a good tournament for Austrian players and fans alike. I can see any hope for them, not even in their co-host status. I doubt that they would've qualified for this tournament had they not been hosting it.

Bottom of the group without a point, few goals scored and a lot conceded is my prediction for them.

Croatia

England's conquerors have been touted as something of a dark horse with this tournament, with many people thinking of taking a risk on betting for them to win it. And they could be in with a very good chance.

Slaven Bilic has worked wonders at Croatia, and although they may not be the best in terms of skill, they will be very hard to beat.

Key Player: Luka Modric

His comparisons to Johan Cruyff may be a bit early, but there is no doubt that Luka Modric is the creative force in the Croatia team. Teamed with Niko Kranjcar, Modric can open up defences with ease and will create a lot of scoring opportunities for his strikers, as well as scoring one or two himself.

Tottenham's record-equalling signing will be looking to go to White Hart Lane with a European Championships medal around his neck.

Prediction: Quarter finals

After coming second in the group they will come up against a strong Portugal side and will lose in the quarter finals, most probably via extra-time and penalties.

A shame as, with a nicer draw, they could've gone far in this competition.

Germany

The Germans are always in and around the favourite status, and this year is no different. Already three times winners of this tournament, they'll be looking forward to making it four.

And with players the calibre of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm and Michael Ballack, I wouldn't bet against them.

Key Player: Miroslav Klose

The lanky striker is a permanent threat in the air and also seems to get goals in the major tournaments. He has scored five goals in the last two World Cups, the only player to score five or more in successive World Cups, and the five in 2006 was enough to win him the Golden Boot.

He will be in and around the Golden Boot in this tournament as well.

Prediction: Winners

It pains me to say it, but I see Germany as this year's favourites. And I see them fulfilling that tag and winning the tournament.

After winning their group, they will beat Czech Republic in the quarter finals, and get past Portugal in the semi finals. They will meet a strong Spain side in the final, who will bottle it as they get so close to ending their years without a major trophy.

Poland

The tournament is looking bleak for Poland, who in March were defeated by USA 3-0. Their first ever European Championships finals, and I can't see it being one to remember.

There will be no "Senegal in 2002" phenomenon happening here.

Key Player: Artur Boruc

If he puts in some of the displays we know he is capable of from his time with Celtic, Poland may be in with a chance. The Poland No. 1 has proved himself to be a very good shot-stopper, but whether Poland can be as strong at the other end of the pitch remains to be seen.

Prediction: Group stage

Perhaps three points gained against Austria, but I can't see much more then that for this Poland side. No players capable of really changing a game and adding that spark of genius in this Poland squad.