Euro 2012 - Group A.
Russia:
Qualified Group B winners
The Russians topped a group that was at best average but I guess you can only beat what's put in front of you. That said Armenia, Macedonia, Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland aren't exactly challenging in terms of European qualification. A myopic Englsih football follower may say the fact that Bilyaletdinov didn't make the squad means they'll be an in fighting continental mess but I'd suggest that with young players like Dzagoez and established talent like Pavlyuchenko, Pogrebnyak and Arshavin what it really means is that they don't have to pick out of form players on reputation.
With former Dutch and Zenit St Petersburg Dick Advocaat in charge the Russians have a tactically astute manager who is expeienced in the wiley business of international management and he knows how to win things - the recent 3 nil win over Italy shows they'll be a foce to be reckoned with.
Tip - Group A winners
Poland:
Qualified as Co- Hosts
The Poles have long seen their best players declare for Germany and celebrate success off shore but a new generation is coming through that seems to say Podolski and Klose wouldn't be missed.
Borussia Dortmund playmaker Blaszcykowski and striker Lewandowski alondside Arsenal shot stopper Szczesny and Bordeaux's Obraniak have built a spine of a team that have looked solid with narrow wins over Slovakia and Latvia and a thumping of Andorra. Home support and team with a load of Ligue Un and Bundesliga players should be enough to see them past Greece and the Czech Republic for the Quarter Finals.
Tip - Group A - Runners Up
Greece:
Qualified Group F Winners
Nudged Croatia out as top qualifier from their group alongside Israel, Latvia, Malta and Georgia.
the 2004 Champions are unlikely to repeat this feat. Largely built around the ideal of the team the Greeks will need some more individuality to make an impact this time around - Fetfadzidis - The Greek Messi - may have to be trusted for them to have a chance of making it out of the group.
Geogios Samaras and Theofanis Gekas are the best bet for goals but given they'll be feeding off of the scraps the rest of the team can win for them it'll be a surprise to see them in the Quarter Finals.
Tip - Group A - Fourth
Czech Republic
Qualified Group I Runners Up
A less than convincing qualifying campaign that included two losses to Spain and a draw and dubious against Scotland means I can't see the Czechs making it out of their group.
On paper they have a solid side starting with Chelsea's Petr Cech in goal, Rosicky as playmaker and the ageless Baros up front but the Czechs performed below expectations and are rebuilding at the moment - tough to beat but won't have enough to qualify.
Tip - Group A - Third
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