Group B is, by far, Euro 2012's group of death. The four nations in this group all have the potential to win the whole thing should they escape this most difficult of opening challenges.
Germany, Denmark, Portugal, and the Netherlands all feature plenty of star power. Even a casual American soccer fan will recognize a handful of names on these four rosters.
If yesterday's Group A was a batch of sides looking to prove their worth, today's slate of matches features teams looking to maintain their status as Europe's near elite.
We begin with the much heralded Germans. Rarely has there been a side with as much rightly deserved praise that has failed to win a major tournament in recent years. Indeed, they have been bounced in back to back World Cup semi-finals and have not tasted European glory since 1996 in England.
A strong team with much to prove, Germany is led by a generous mix of youth and experience. Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil are the prime young firepower while the experienced Bastian Schweinsteiger is the senior man in the midfield. And we certainly cannot dismiss new Arsenal signee Lukas Podolski up front. It's a shame that a player of Mario Gotze's caliber will have to settle on being a substitue on Europe's top ranked squad. If there is a weakness, it lies in Germany's back four. Something that figures to be a common theme in this group.
If there is a team to feel sorry for in thoa tournament it has to be Denmark. They are such a young, energetic side with plenty of upside, but they seem to have gotten hosed in terms of their draw.
The ever confident Nicklas Bendtner has enjoyed a great deal of international success, despite being limited throughout his club career. He figures to be Denmark's main scoring threat. Behind him and lost in the highlights of Gotze, and other young Central European stars, is Christian Eriksen, Denmark's prized youngster and Ajax star. Had the Danes drew into the weaker Group A, I would more than fancy their chances of cruising to the quarterfinals, however, this side might have to fight their way to even one win in this mammoth division.
When you think of Portuguese football, you think of the ever showy Cristiano Ronaldo. He is, indeed, the undisputed superstar of the team. He more than stood out during Real Madrid's La Liga winning season and now Portugal's hopes in Poland and Ukraine rest firmly on him.
Not that he will be working alone, mind you. Mamchester United youngster Nani has a lot to prove on the European stage. Ronaldo's Real Madrid teammates Pepe and Fabio Coentrao bring plenty of chemistry with the Portuguese superstar. While these supporting players will help, should something happen to their main man, Portugal will undoubtedly be sunk.
Finally, the World Cup runners up, the Netherlands. The Dutch would love nothing more than to carry over their success from South Africa into this year's European Championships. They face a difficult road to glory, however, as one mistake can be enough to keep them out of the quarters.
This should be a fun, high scoring group to watch. Every team boasts a wealth of attacking talent, leaving weak points in back. My prediction for the group phase is that Group B will have the most goals scored. While no clear front runners exist, I expect Germany to handle the field and move on with the Dutch clocking in as a close second. Not much has to go wrong for those two to see Portugal or Denmark sqieal into a second place finish and a spot in the quarterfinals, though.
Predicted order of finish:
Germany
Netherlands
Portugal
Denmark
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