Euro 2008 Preview: Group C

My European Championships preview enters its third stage, and this time I look at Group C, dubbed "The Group of Death".

Group C

France

Holland

Italy

Romania

France

One of the favourites for this competition, France are without the midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane through retirement after the last World Cup (who could forget that headbutt).

However, they still have plenty of experience throughout the squad, with the likes of Claude Makelele, Lilian Thuram, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, who is currently trying to recover in time for the opening match against Romania.

Key Player: Samir Nasri

One of many key players in this France squad, many of which I have listed above, Nasri has a big job to do and even bigger shoes to fill. Dubbed "the next Zinedine Zidane", like so many before him, it remains to be seen whether he can fill that void.

The Arsenal-bound man helps provide the perfect balance of skilful youth and vast experience in this strong French squad.

Prediction: Group Stage

I'm going to stick my neck out here and predict France won't get past the group stage. One of the big guns of this group will have to miss out, and although it'll be close, I think Holland will just pip France to qualification. Saying that, France have had some good luck recently, with Ryan Babel and Fabio Cannavaro being ruled out for their respective countries, and that could help them qualify.

Holland

Not quite the "Total Football" they used to be, but until a few days ago I fancied them to win the whole thing.

If the creative players such as Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar are on song, they could find themselves emulating their 1988 counterparts, who were, of course, led by the now coach, Marco van Basten. This could be the perfect leaving present as he heads off to Ajax.

Key Player: Ruud van Nistelrooy

A goal-scorer, simple as that, and goals win matches, winning matches wins you trophies and he could be the man to bring the trophy back to Holland. In a squad oozing talent on the pitch and on the bench, he will be looking to score goals to keep the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Jan Vennegor of Hesselink, and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on the bench.

With odds of 66-1 for him to be top scorer and Holland to win it, that could be a bet worth making.

Prediction: Quarter-Finals

After an exciting and close group stage in which Italy and Holland just pip France to qualify from the group, they will come up against a much fancied Spain squad in the quarter finals, the main reason they are no longer my favourites to win it. Expect a thrilling and open quarter final between those two teams, with Spain winning 4-3.

Italy

The World Champions are, understandably, one of the favourites for this tournament. However, they've been rocked by the injury of their World Cup winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro, so are already a weakened team. Also without Alessandro Nesta and Francesco Totti due to international retirement, this squad is perhaps weaker than the World Cup winning one.

Key Player: Gianluigi Buffon

One of the best in the world, Buffon, on his day, can be nigh-on unbeatable. This could be very important against the likes of Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy in the group stages. If he keeps it steady at the back, you can bet that Luca Toni and Alessandro Del Piero will get enough goals to propel Italy through the group stages.

Prediction: Semi finals

After finishing top of this tough group, they will have the luxury of, on paper, the easiest quarter final, most probably against Sweden. After cruising past them they will face a now hugely confident Spain in the semi final. Italy will fall to Spain, possibly via extra-time, and possibly undeservedly.

Romania

Somewhat dark horses this year, with some people even predicting qualification from their group. I don't see that happening, although they will be very hard to beat and won't roll over and let the big boys dismantle them. Finishing above the Dutch in the qualifications will give them confidence and belief that they can do it again.

Key Player: Christian Chivu

The versatile Romania captain can play anywhere along the back and also in midfield. He was captain of Ajax at the tender age of 17, and has bossed attacks in Italy during his time with Roma and Inter.

Just to give you some idea of how highly he is rated, he has been compared to Paolo Maldini, the greatest Italian defender of all time.

Prediction: Group Stage

They will be hard to beat but will find it impossible to win. Thrown into this ridiculously hard group, they were doomed as soon as their names came out of the hat.

They will go down, bottom of the group, but not without a fight.