The defending runners-up Portugal and hosts Switzerland highlight a dangerous Group A
While it lacks some of the star power and name recognition of the other quartets, Group A could emerge as one of the most compelling at the 2008 UEFA European Championships.
Fresh off an emotional Champions League victory with his Manchester United brethren, Cristiano Ronaldo now seeks international glory by leading his Portuguese team up against the likes of Czech Republic, hosts Switzerland and a dark horse Turkish squad. Let's break down the combatants:
Portugal
How they got here: Portugal lost just one game in its qualifying group, the only section with eight teams. Still, the team needed a nerve-wracking 0-0 draw in its final match versus Finland to claim its place in the finals as the runners-up to Poland.
Star power: Ronaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldo. His United campaign couldn't have been any better (42 goals in all competitions) as he solidified himself as one of the greatest players on the planet. During Euro 2008 qualifying, Ronaldo led Portugal in scoring with eight goals and will captain the squad in Switzerland-Austria.
Who they're missing: Central midfielder Maniche was surprisingly left off coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's final 23-man roster. Maniche has an illustrious international career with Portugal, starring at Euro 2004 and being named as a finalist for the Golden Ball at the 2006 World Cup.
Outlook: The Portuguese are the odds-on favorite to capture the group, currently listed at 11/8 in the Bodog Sportsbook. They're heads-and-shoulders above the rest of Group A in terms of pure talent, but have never translated that talent into championships at Euro or the WC. They should be good enough to win the group, but anything past that is a dicey proposition given their penchant for soiling the sheets under pressure.
Czech Republic
How they got here: Along with Germany, the Czechs dominated Group D qualifying and advanced to the finals with ease.
Star power: The Czechs have a lethal striker combo in 6-7 Jan Koller and 6-1 Milan Baros. Arguably the most physically imposing forward duo in the tournament, the pair have combined to score 83 goals for their country. Koller has announced that he'll retire from international football at the end of Euro 2008, so this could be an emotional swan song.
Who they're missing: Gifted Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky was ruled out of the competition after a lingering hamstring injury - he's been on the shelf since January - failed to heal in time. It's a huge blow for the Czechs as Rosicky is both their captain and emotional leader.
Outlook: The Czech Republic has pedigree and vast experience at the highest international levels. A semifinal appearance in 2004 is still in the mind of this veteran squad, one that boasts experience but might not be able to overcome the absences. Aside from Rosicky, the team will miss the legendary Pavel Nedved (the Czech FA was unable to lure him out of retirement) and midfielder Daniel Pudil (broken bone in hand). They're at 5/2 to win the group.
Switzerland
How they got here: Automatic qualification along with co-hosts Austria.
Star power: The Swiss are a young, talented squad with a penchant for defense. Most notable is Philippe Senderos, the 23-year-old center back who stars for Arsenal. He anchored the Swiss backline that shone at the 2006 World Cup, the only unit not to allow a goal in both normal and extra time.
Who they're missing: Injuries have ravaged the squad leading up to the tournament. Hertha Berlin defender Steve von Bergen, 24, is out with a broken bone in his right hand. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Fabio Coltorti was sent home suffering from post-viral fatigue and striker Blaise Kufo was diagnosed with a torn groin muscle.
Outlook: The Swiss are an emerging force on the international scene, thanks in no small part to the airtight defensive system employed by coach Jakob Kuhn. Recent solid performances in 2004 and 2006 with a young squad has many believing this could be the breakout tournament for Senderos et al. At 7/2 to win Group A, Switzerland could be a chic underdog pick for bettors.
Turkey
How they got here: After a brilliant start to the qualifying round, Turkey faltered down the stretch and finished second to group winners Greece. The Turks barely eclipsed Norway and suffered the indignity of a 2-2 draw with minnows Malta.
Star power: Bayern Munich midfielder Hamit Altintop is arguably the finest Turkish player in Europe at the moment, but he's sidelined with a broken foot and hasn't played since late March. Still, he was named to Turkey's 23-man roster and hopes to be in the starting lineup come June.
Who they're missing: Altintop is a huge question mark, as is the shock exclusion of Hakan Sukur. The 36-year-old striker is one of the greatest Turkish players ever, having played for his country in Euro '96 and 2000 as well as the 2002 World Cup. Injuries to defenders Servet Cetin and Gokhan Gonul have also cast doubt on whether either of them will be available for selection.
Outlook: The Turks are the prohibitive long shot in the group, having wowed nobody with their play leading up to the tournament. At 11/2, they'll get some attention for those looking for a dark horse pick, but the injuries and general lack of class throughout the team makes it hard to take Turkey seriously.
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