Germany: Despite Being 4-1 Euro 2008 Favorites, Skepticism Surrounds Team

The German national team has a great squad, and pool play group it should bulldoze. That's probably the most logical reason why bookmakers have the Germans as the odds-on favorite to hoist the Euro 2008 trophy.

In fact, the bookmakers have set the Germans chances to grab the title at 4:1, the best out of the 16-team field. But yet, although the hype surrounding the Germans, there is equally as much negative from the media.

Many media outlets have reported that the Germans road might just be "too easy" for them to win Euro 2008, stating that with a schedule as easy as theirs, they are due to trip up at some point.

It certainly won't be in group play, as the Germans play Poland, Austria, and Croatia. Poland is winless in their sixteen appearances against "Die Mannschaft," while Austria has not defeated the Germans in 22 years. Croatia hasn't tallied a "W" against Germany since 1998.

I am well aware of Germany's ability to performance in the last two Euro events in 2004 and 2000, but this may be the finest draw a power country has seen in quite some time.

What makes it all the more interesting is that Germany is on the opposite side of the bracket from the "Group of Death" containing Italy, France, and the Netherlands, and Romania for an easy win.

This should put off any difficult match ups until at least the semi finals, so the future looks bright for the German team.

Still, though, despite the favorite status, experts are picking Poland to knock off Germany when they play this Sunday. Although I watched the last two tune-up matches for Germany, in which they looked out-of-sync at times, I can't see Poland notching the historic defeat.

It is estimated that almost two-thirds of the stadium will be filled with German supporters, with another 30,000 Germans watching the big projections from just outside.

Not only does the talent of the German team present several problems for the Polish squad, but the crowd should also tip the scales in Germany's favor.

There are two gigantic question marks for Germany, however, heading into that June 8th clash with Poland. How will the 38-year-old goalkeeper Jens Lehmann hold up?

He has been a backup all season at Arsenal, but says he feels ready and fit to play in Euro 2008. Also, we know that the forward and center midfield is a lock for greatness, but the defense poses a huge problem for the Germans.

Christoph Metzelder, one of Germany's most reliable defenseman in years past, has been nursing an injury the past couple months, but expects to be in full form heading towards Sunday.

If Lehmann and Metzelder can help the majestic forwards, along with captain Michael Ballack, a world-class player in his own right, Germany should steamroll through the group stage.

Check back on Sunday for a summary of Germany's first game against Poland (2:45 ET on ESPN2)