MATCH 02 PREDICTION : SPAIN VS RUSSIA

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MATCH 01 PREDICTION : PORTUGAL VS GREECE

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SINGAPORE POOLS ODDS

Competition: 08 PORTUGAL 2004
End of Tournament: 04/07/2004

CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER (Opening Odds)
01:FRANCE -------> 3.85
02:ITALY --------> 5.60
03:HOLLAND ------> 7.80
04:PORTUGAL -----> 6.90
05:ENGLAND ------> 8.50
06:SPAIN --------> 9.00
07:GERMANY -----> 10.00
08:CZECH REP.---> 14.00
09:SWEDEN ------> 28.00
10:DENMARK -----> 36.00
11:CROATIA -----> 38.00
12:BULGARIA ----> 65.00
13:RUSSIA ------> 65.00
14:GREECE ------> 85.00
15:SWITZERLAND -> 100.00
16:LATVIA ------> 150.00

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INTERESTING EURO 2004 FACTS & STATISTICS

Here are some interesting statistics about the squads for Euro 2004 :

Most caps (player): Marcel Desailly, France 115

Most caps (team): Latvia 1,006

Fewest caps (team): Russia 380

Uncapped players: 4 (Valeri Bojinov, Bulgaria; Joey Didulica, Croatia; Moreira, Portugal; Tranquillo Barnetta, Switzerland)

Most goals (player): Patrick Kluivert, Netherlands 40

Most goals (team): Netherlands 149

Fewest goals (team): Croatia 32

Centurions (100+ caps): 6 (Marcel Desailly, France 115; Vitalis Astafjevs, Latvia 102; Frank de Boer, Netherlands 110; Fernando Couto, Portugal 107; Luís Figo, Portugal 104; Stéphane Chapuisat, Switzerland 101)
Note: Lilian Thuram of France currently has 99 caps

Most caps without goal (non-goalkeeper): Theodoros Zagorakis, Greece 89

Youngest player: Igor Akinfeev, Russia (born 8 April 1986)

Oldest player: Jörg Stiel, Switzerland (born 3 March 1968)

Most-represented clubs: Bayern Munich, Juventus 9

Highest percentage based domestically: Italy 100% (23 of 23 players)
Highest percentage foreign-based: Croatia 95.7% (22 of 23 players)
Most represented league: English Premier League 57 players

Most capped player (by team):
Bulgaria – Daniel Borimirov 65
Croatia – Dario Šimic 65
Czech Republic – Karel Poborský 94
Denmark – Thomas Helveg 84
England – David Beckham 68
France – Marcel Desailly 115
Germany – Christian Ziege 72
Greece – Theodoros Zagorakis 89
Italy – Fabio Cannavaro 78
Latvia – Vitalis Astafjevs 102
Netherlands – Frank de Boer 110
Portugal – Fernando Couto 107
Russia – Alexander Mostovoi 64
Spain – Raúl 72
Sweden – Henrik Larsson 74
Switzerland – Stéphane Chapuisat 101

Leading scorer (by team):
Bulgaria – Dimitar Berbatov 19
Croatia – Niko Kovac, Ivica Olic 6
Czech Republic – Jan Koller 27
Denmark – Jon Dahl Tomasson 28
England – Michael Owen 25
France – David Trezeguet 28
Germany – Michael Ballack 19
Greece – Demis Nikolaidis 17
Italy – Alessandro Del Piero 23
Latvia – Marians Pahars 15
Netherlands – Patrick Kluivert 40
Portugal – Luís Figo 31
Russia – Alexander Mostovoi 13
Spain – Raúl 38
Sweden – Henrik Larsson 25
Switzerland – Stéphane Chapuisat 21

Latvia Team Photo 

LATVIA TEAM PROFILE : Latvia aim for more surprises

Having gained just four points in their 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, finishing fourth well adrift of Croatia, Belgium and Scotland, and even been held to a draw by San Marino in Riga in front of a crowd of not much more than 500, Latvia were few pundits' idea of UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers.

Play-off triumph
But from holding Sweden in their opening game, they always looked potential qualifiers, and although they feel to defeats against both Poland and Hungary, those traditionally strong nations were pipped to a play-off place by Latvia. And then Turkey - semi-finalists in the 2002 World Cup - were beaten 1-0 in Riga and then subjected to a stunning comeback in Istanbul to take Latvia into their first major finals since independence.

Counterattacking style
So how did Latvia go from being a team that had never finished in the top three of a qualifying group to a team able to join Europe's elite 16? The key was the counterattacking style adopted by coach Aleksandrs Starkovs, who succeeding Gary Johnson in 2001 after the draw with San Marino. His 4-4-2 formation based around a pressing game and swift breaks paid dividends.

Kolinko's clean sheets
Aleksandrs Kolinko is the regular goalkeeper, and his six clean sheets in Latvia's ten qualifiers were vital to their success. Aleksandrs Isakovs and the Dzintars Zirnis were the full-backs in qualifying, although Olegs Blagonadezdins would have had a place if fit. Igors Stepanovs and the experienced Mihails Zemlinskis held the centre of defence.

Wingers vital
Valentins Lobanovs has a crucial role as the holding midfield player, with Jurijs Laizans and Vitalis Astafjevs also in the centre, important to Latvia's tight game. Imants Bleidelis is on the right wing and Andrejs Rubins on the left, the crucial positions positions with both defensive and counterattacking duties, swiftly moving the ball forward using their considerable pace.

Strike force
Up front, Maris Verpakovskis found prolific form in the latter qualifiers - including against Turkey - with Vits Rimkus as the regular partner. However, Marians Pahars returned to fitness to come on at the end of the second leg in the qualifiers and provides another option, as does Andrejs Prohorenkovs.

Win in Poland
The 0-0 draw with Sweden at the start of qualifying showed the strength of the new tactics, as a visiting onslaught was seen off. The next month, Laizans struck to secure a superb 1-0 win in Poland that took Latvia into first place, and although the trip to San Marino in November 2002 brought back unhappy memories of that previous meeting, Carlo Valentini's last-minute own goal secured a narrow victory.

First setback
When qualifying resumed in April 2003, San Marino were beaten 3-0 in Riga, Prohorenkovs's opener followed by two goals from Bleidelis. June saw the first setback, as Verpakovskis put Latvia- still group leaders - ahead at half-time in Hungary only for the home side to prevail 3-1. Sweden finally established themselves firmly in pole position in September as Poland won 2-0 in Riga, but a 3-1 home win against Hungary four days later with two goals from Verpakovskis and another by Bleidelis kept Latvia in the running.

Qualification sealed
Then in October came the decisive 1-0 victory in already-qualified Sweden, Verpakovskis ending their hosts' 25-match unbeaten qualifying run. Turkey seemed the favourites when paired with Latvia in the play-off draw, but Strakovs' side prevailed in Riga thanks to Verpakovskis and despite falling 2-0 down on 64 minutes in Istanbul, Laizans and Verpakovskis scored two more crucial goals to book what seemed an unlikely berth in Portugal.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Russia Team Photo 

RUSSIA TEAM PROFILE : Russia renewed for finals

Despite their impressive home form and a team including a number of members who have played at the highest level, Russia needed a play-off to reach the finals of UEFA EURO 2004™, squeezing out Wales 1-0 over two legs.

Four-goal tallies
Russia put four goals past the Republic of Ireland, Albania and Group 10 winners Switzerland at home, but were forced into runners-up spot by some disappointing results on their travels, losing in both Albania and Georgia.

Undisputed first choice
Sergei Ovchinnikov is the undisputed first-choice in goal although, when the FC Lokomotiv Moskva man was ruled out of the second leg of the play-off through suspension, debutant Vyacheslav Malafeev of FC Zenit St. Peterburg proved a capable deputy.

Lokomotiv pairing
The key figures in front of goal are captain Viktor Onopko, who is partnered in central defence by Ovchinnikov's Lokomotiv team-mate Sergei Ignashevitch. The 24-year-old has grown in stature as time wears on, and has benefited hugely from a second successive UEFA Champions League campaign with his club.

Full-back roles
A number of players filled in at full-back during the qualifying campaign, with Lokomotiv pair Dmitri Sennikov and Vadim Evseev the favoured duo as the qualifying campaign drew to an end, although coach Georgi Yartsev has a wide variety of other options.

Defensive midfield
In midfield, Aleksei Smertin is the fulcrum, as he operates in a holding position in front of the defence. The remainder of the midfield frequently alters, with former captain Yegor Titov, Aleksandr Mostovoi, Dmitri Loskov and Vladislav Radimov contesting the playmaker's role, while Dmitri Alenichev's versatility means he can either play in the centre or on the left.

Numerous options
Marat Izmailov is occasionally used, either as a winger or in a more advanced role, while Rolan Gusev is a regular on the right and Andrei Kariaka also appeared on the other flank, giving the coach a number of options.

Contrasting strikers
Dmitri Bulykin is the preferred choice up front, as his height makes him a threat to any defence. He is joined by either Aleksandr Kerzhakov or Dmitri Sytchev, both pacy and more creative players who combine well with Bulykin's aerial prowess.

Winning start
Russia had seemed to be well-placed to secure automatic qualification from the group, having got their campaign off to the perfect start with a 4-2 win against Ireland in Moscow, following up with a 4-1 success against Albania.

Successive defeats
However, their chances were undermined by a 3-1 defeat in Tirana in the reverse fixture, and an unexpected 1-0 loss in Georgia further jeopardised their hopes. Perhaps the turning point of their campaign came in Basel, as two early goals from Alexander Frei put Switzerland in command, but two second-half strikes from Ignashevitch earned Russia a point. A different coach was at the helm for the next qualifier, with Valeri Gazzaev resigning after a 2-1 friendly defeat by Israel in August 2003 and Yartsev appointed on a temporary basis.

Decisive draw
The change did not have any negative impact on the side, as Ignashevitch struck again in Dublin to enable the visitors to take a crucial 1-1 draw from their trip to Ireland, before Switzerland - who went on to win the section - were dismantled 4-1 in Moscow, with Bulykin announcing his arrival on the international stage with a sensational hat-trick.

Headed winner
A 3-1 against Georgia in their final qualifier secured a play-off place for Russia and, although they were held to a goalless draw in the first leg in Moscow, Evseev's first-half header in Cardiff proved the only goal of the tie.


©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Switzerland Team Photo 

SWITZERLAND TEAM PROFILE : Swiss mount the heights

Köbi Kuhn's Switzerland side did not go into the qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2004™ with much of a reputation, but they emerged with considerable credit as Group 10 winners.

Underperforming opponents
Cynics might suggest that Switzerland's success in the group was as much down to their more illustrious peers - Russia and the Republic of Ireland - underperforming dramatically than any inherent brilliance in their squad, but the Alpine nation nonetheless boast the makings of a fine team.

Resurgent nation
A Swiss triumph at the 2002 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and the emergence of FC Basel as a major European force in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League was a good indication that Swiss football was on the up again after a long spell in the doldrums. Fittingly, it was in Basel's Saint Jakob Park that Kühn's side finally won qualification with a 2-0 win against the Irish.

Change of goalkeeper
In goal, the veteran Jörg Stiel has taken over from the experienced Pascal Zuberbühler in more recent qualifying games, but whoever gets the nod in the finals will be able to have faith in a very strong central defensive partnership.

Defensive partnership
Basel's Murat Yakin tends to lead the line in defence with his preferred partner Patrick Müller having forced Liverpool FC's Stéphane Henchoz out of contention over the course of the campaign. However, a tendency to ship a few goals when they have an off day is an indication of the concerns over Kühn's defensive options elsewhere.

Shielding role
Fortunately, the Swiss are able to rely up support from midfield, with PSV Eindhoven Johann Vogel acting as a defensive shield in midfield, to give free reign to the more attack-minded Richard Cabanas and Raphael Wicky, who was in particularly splendid form in that final 2-0 victory in Basel.

Dangerous Yakin
Up front, Basel's Hakan Yakin - brother of defender Murat - is the man to look out for. Playing in a slightly withdrawn role behind a front two, he has plenty of craft about him and a useful knack for scoring goals as well as supplying them. He opened the scoring in the game against Ireland after just six minutes.

Veteran striker
The preferred front two boasts the evergreen Stéphane Chapuisat who has been the mainstay of the Swiss attack for a number of years. Despite approaching his mid-30s, the striker remains a potent threat and, with Yakin's presence guaranteeing some space for the two main strikers to work with, he continues to score goals and cause opposition defences problems.

Young pretender
However, the real danger man during the qualifying campaign was Alexander Frei. A full ten years younger than Chapuisat, the striker has struggled to find the net for his French club side Stade Rennnais FC but cannot stop scoring for Switzerland. He averaged a goal every other game in qualifying, including two in a 2-2 home draw against Russia.

Fluctuating form
Performances in 2003 were not quite on a par with those at the start of their campaign, when a 2-1 win in Ireland marked their rise to the top of their qualifying group. Indeed, there was some cause for concern in the performance in Moscow which saw Kühn's ripped apart by a reinvigorated Russia to lose their only qualifying game of the campaign 4-1.

Team spirit
However, with a good few months to work on their big-match temperament before the kick-off in Portugal, Kühn will be hoping that his side can rediscover the determination - and receive some of the good fortune - that saw them reach the finals.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Sweden Team Photo 

SWEDEN TEAM PROFILE : Looking to clear the finals hurdle

Their defeat to Latvia in their last match when they had already secured top spot in their group may have ended an unbeaten run in all qualifiers that stretched back to 1997, but Sweden have yet again cruised into a major tournament. Moreover, their dominant performance in UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 4 against Hungary, Poland, Latvia and San Marino suggests a team determined to turn preliminary potency into finals success.

Setbacks overcome
Their qualification campaign had its fair share of upheaval. Tommy Söderberg ended speculation over his future as joint coach by announcing he was stepping down to leave Lars Lagerbäck in sole charge after the finals and the prolific Henrik Larsson retired from international football after a brief comeback. Yet those blows never knocked Sweden out of their stride.

Consecutive wins
That seemed unlikely when the team begun sluggishly with draws against Latvia and Hungary, following on from a FIFA World Cup finals campaign that ended with second-round defeat by Senegal. However, Sweden hit form and in the four games against San Marino and Poland in June and September 2003 they scored 16 goals without reply in picking up the 12 points they needed to take them to Portugal.

Emerging goalkeeper
Those clean sheets point to the key to Sweden's result - defensive organisation. Andreas Isaksson may have made his debut in goal as a 20-year-old in only 2002, but he wore the No1 shirt for all those four shut-out victories, edging out Magnus Hedman, and is now making up for his disappointment in being unable to break into the Juventus FC lineup during his spell in Turin.

Established defence
With an established back four of Olof Mellberg, Michael Svensson, Erik Edman and Teddy Lucic, Sweden have the stability in defence that allowed them to change goalkeeper and become increasingly tough to penetrate as qualification progressed.

Regular midfield
The midfield tends to be organised in a conventional four-man line. Andreas Jakobsson, Mikael Nilsson, Andres Svensson and Fredrik Ljungberg emerged as the regular midfield in qualifying, with width and forward-running thrust provided, especially by English-based pair Svensson and Ljungberg.

Proven scorers
Larsson may no longer lead the line, but they still do not want for strikers. AFC Ajax's 22-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic has proved his class in the UEFA Champions League, and his discipline seems to be improving with age. The more experienced Marcus Allbäck, along with Andreas Andersson and Mattias Jonson - who ended a six-year spell without an international goal with a hat-trick against San Marino last June - are all also proven scorers at international level.

Finals puzzle
Despite the talent running through the side, the problem remains that Sweden have not been able to match their usually excellent qualifying form when they reach major finals. Perhaps the solution to the puzzle may come from the very solidity that tends to help them to major finals. In no game in the 2000 or 2002 final tournaments did they concede two or more goals in a match, but equally only against Argentina in Korea/Japan did they manage to score more than once.

Attacking invention
Therefore the key to Sweden's success in Portugal could be the emergence of the likes of Ibrahimovic providing the extra attacking invention needed in the knockout phase. Sweden are already known as a hard team to beat - all they need now is to become a side difficult to prevent from winning.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Greece Team Photo 

GREECE TEAM PROFILE : The case for the defence

Defence proved the best means of attack for Greece as they reached the UEFA EURO 2004™ finals.

Vital wins
When they travelled to Saragossa depleted by injuries to face Spain last June they still seemingly faced a struggle to pip Ukraine to the play-offs having lost to both sides in their opening pair of qualifiers. But 90 minutes later they had a 1-0 win against a Spanish side that had beaten them so comfortably the previous September, and after victories by the same score against Ukraine and Armenia, Greece had pulled off a stunning comeback, having not conceded a competitive goal in close to a year.

Impressive achievement
That achievement was even more impressive considering the attacking resources of Spain and Ukraine, with Raúl González and Andriy Shevchenko among those blunted by the Greek defence. A strong team ethic and deep reserves of determination were the factors that helped them through to Portugal. Also vital was a tactical rethink by their German coach Otto Rehhagel, which has made predicting the Greek starting lineup a sport in itself.

Successful goalkeeper
Antonios Nikopolidis was the man in goal for those vital qualifiers, his UEFA Champions League experience for Panathinaikos FC coming in very useful. In front of him, Rehhagel began with a four-man defence in a 4-4-2 formation - Giourkas Seitaridis, Stylianos Venetidis, Niklos Dabizas and Traianos Dellas - but for the crucial visit to Spain a 5-4-1 sweeper system was deployed, able to convert to 3-4-3 in attacking situations.

Five-man option
In that formation, Dellas was the sweeper with Seitaridis and Venetidis or Panagiotis Fyssas alongside him in defence. Theodoros Zagorakis or Angelos Basinas usually give support to the defence from a holding position in a midfield which did a fine job in qualifying matches with their pressing game, notably squeezing a Spanish side that dominated possession and territory.

Wing role
Stylianos Giannakopoulos - scorer of a spectacular winner against Spain - plays on the right wing, able to convert to support the lone striker in the 4-5-1 lineup, with Vassilios Lakis on the left. Zisis Vryzas, usually a forward, took the wide role and scored the winner against Armenia.

Striking combinations
Up front, Themistoklis Nikolaidis and Angelos Charisteas began as the first-choice strike partnership in the 4-4-2 set-up, both chipping in with crucial goals during the campaign. Nikolaidis fell out of favour later, with Vryzas or Charisteas used as alternative lone strikers - the latter replacing the former at half-time against Ukraine and scoring a vital 86th-minute winner.

Tactical flexibility
However, within all those selections Rehhagel has expected his players to show flexibility both tactically and positionally, and their dedication to the cause was shown in defending their lead in Spain, and then edging ahead in the final four minutes later that week against Ukraine.

Disappointing record
For Greece the challenge now is to show that they are capable of producing their best form on the highest stage, having not yet won a game in major tournament finals. The country's teams previously qualified for the 1980 UEFA European Championship - where they drew with the eventual winners West Germany but lost their other two games - and the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where they were defeated three times.

On the road
The record of Greek clubs in European football, unbeatable at home but vulnerable away, has been trumped to a certain extent by the national team this time around, notably in Spain. However, it is the ability to consistently produce their best form away from the comforts of Athens that will prove the major test of their mettle.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Bulgaria Team Photo 

BULGARIA TEAM PROFILE : Back at their best

Bulgaria's greatest ever achievement was finishing third at the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals, with a team which revolved around the brilliance of Hristo Stoitchkov.

New hope
The golden boys of USA '94 are all but gone now, but with a bright young side who cruised to Portugal as winners of qualifying Group 8, edging out Croatia, Belgium and Estonia in the process, Plamen Markov's men are hoping they have the skills necessary to challenge again.

Petrov presence
Just as the 1994 side were held together by the brilliance of Stoitchkov, the modern Bulgarian side owes much to their young captain, Celtic FC midfield player Stilian Petrov. A crafty playmaker who leads by example, his work-rate and eye for a telling ball drive Bulgaria through the middle of the field.

Renewed composure
The retirement of two of the last veterans of the 1994 campaign during the qualification for UEFA EURO 2004™, defender Radostin Kishishev and inspirational captain Krassimir Balakov, left Bulgaria reeling for a while, but under Petrov's guidance, they have recovered their composure.

Able winger
The captain is ably supported by winger Martin Petrov - not a blood relation of Stilian Petrov but sufficiently in tune with his team-mate's thoughts to pass for one. A tireless worker, the VfL Wolfsburg player has also proved to be a consistent goalscorer.

Strong striker
Forward Dimitar Berbatov is another player who caught the eye in the Bulgarian qualifying campaign. Tall and strong, he may not have the slick touches that mark out the world's greatest strikers, but he has long since proved that he has the power and finishing ability to intimidate any defence.

Supporting cast
Those three players mark out Bulgaria's biggest hopes for the future, but an able supporting cast of players, most notably Portsmouth FC youngster Svetoslav Todorov and Serbo-Montenegrin striker Zoran Jankovic, who took Bulgarian citizenship to join Markov's side, give them a tangible threat going forward.

Experienced defenders
In defence, solidity is the key, with plenty of experience from the likes of Predrag Pazin and Ivailo Petkov, but overall, Markov's Bulgaria are far more than just the sum of their parts. They play together and have discipline and maturity that belies the youth of so many of their players.

Past glories
Stoitchkov himself saw echoes of past glories in the current crop. "They have a good side with much promise, and, most importantly, good spirit," he told uefa.com. "It's great news for Bulgaria, because they are all still quite young and will play together for many years to come. These really are exciting times for the fans."

Unpleasant memories
It is all a far cry from the final game of their 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign - a humiliating 6-0 mauling at the hands of the Czech Republic which spelled the end for Markov's predecessor Stoytcho Mladenov. However, having made a break with their glorious past, the new side have much to offer.

Bright future
Some in Bulgaria think that the finals of EURO 2004™ may have come a little too early for Markov's side, and that they will be an even more impressive outfit in a few years' time. That may be the case, but their opponents in Portugal would be very unwise indeed to underestimate what Bulgaria can do.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Croatia Team Photo 

CROATIA TEAM PROFILE : New-look Croatia back in elite

Croatia have only missed out once on qualifying since UEFA EURO '96™, and although they never found life easy in Group 8 or the play-off against Slovenia, their 2004 finals place was secured.

New generation
Coach Otto Baric, holding long experience at club level in Germany and Austria as well as Croatia, took charge in July 2002 after his nation's FIFA World Cup group stage exit in Korea/Japan, and had to deal with the retirement of the first post-independence 'golden generation' of Alen Bokšic, Robert Prosinecki and Davor Šuker, most famous for their third place in France 98. However, his 4-4-2 tactics produced a solid team always able to pull out a vital result when needed, as Belgium, Bulgaria and Slovenia all found out.

Defensive selection
Stipe Pletikosa is the first-choice goalkeeper and kept seven clean sheets in ten qualifiers, not conceding a home goal until the play-offs. Darijo Srna was only 20 when the qualifiers began, but his performances at right-back, both defensively and as a marauding wing player were also crucial. Josip Šimunic is the first-choice left-back, with Mato Neretljak able to fill in, while Juventus FC's Igor Tudor partnered Robert Kovac in an experienced central partnership. Dario Šimic, Mario Tokic and Stjepan Tomas are versatile players that can also fill in.

Midfield talent
There is no shortage of midfield talent at Baric's disposal. Boris Zivkovic, Milan Rapaic, Giovani Rosso and Niko Kovac are key contenders for starting places, with Ivica Mornar, Jerko Leko, Marko Babic among those providing strong competition. Up front, Dado Pršo hit strong form towards the end of qualifying, scoring in both legs of the play-off, with Ivica Olic his regular partner and Tomislav Šokota called up for the decisive game in Ljubljana.

Winning form
Qualification seemed a long way off when Croatia were held 0-0 at home by Estonia in their first Group 8 game, and a month later Bulgaria were by far the better team in Sofia when they won 2-0. Croatia had to wait until March 2003 to play their third qualifier, but their patience was rewarded with what was to prove a decisive 4-0 triumph against Belgium in Zagreb, Srna, Pršo, Tomislav Maric and Leko scoring the goals. Four days later Rapaic struck twice to beat Andorra 2-0 in Varazdin to take Croatia up to second place, and in June the winning streak continued as Niko Kovac scored the only goal 14 minutes from time in Estonia.

Vital victory
They kept the pressure on leaders Bulgaria on 6 September, Niko Kovac, Šimunic and Rosso scoring in a 3-0 triumph in Andorra. However, Wesley Sonck struck either side of a Šimic goal four days later in Brussels to give Belgium a 2-1 victory that left the two level on points in second as Bulgaria won in Andorra to qualify. Croatia did hold a 5-2 aggregate scoreline against Belgium to lead on head-to-head rankings, and secured the victory they needed against Bulgaria to enter the play-offs, Olic the scorer.

Play-off celebration
Neighbours Slovenia provided the hurdle to a Portuguese place, and emerged from the Zagreb first leg level at 1-1, Pršo's early goal cancelled out by Ermin Šiljak. But the prolific Šiljak was suspended for the return, and although Igor Tudor was dismissed just before the hour in Ljubljana, Pršo poked in a goal two minutes later to give Croatia a deserved lead they never squandered.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Denmark Team Photo 

DENMARK TEAM PROFILE : Team spirit the key

They may be a Schmeichel and a few Laudrups light these days but Denmark remain a formidable force when it comes to international football.

Great Danes
In the 2002 FIFA World Cup they emerged from the so-called 'Group of Death' with their heads held high, having defeated defending champions France and Uruguay before their injury-hit side were humbled 3-0 by England in the last 16. They then impressively negotiated their way out of an equally challenging qualification group for UEFA EURO 2004™ featuring Romania, Norway and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Fond memories
Best remembered for their dream team of the 1980s and the side which earned a shock victory at the 1992 UEFA European Championship in Sweden, the Danes pride themselves on being a well-organised outfit who rise to the big occasion.

Great tactician
Coach Morten Olsen is a wonderful tactician and encourages his sides to use width, pace and counterattacking football to unsettle their opponents. Occasionally operating a 4-3-3 formation, Olsen favoured a more disciplined 4-2-3-1 system at the World Cup, with prolific AC Milan forward Jon Dahl Tomasson playing in the lone striking role.

Target man
Tomasson, who maintains a scoring rate of almost a goal every two internationals, was Denmark's top scorer in their qualification campaign, plundering an impressive five goals in their eight games.

Sound goalkeeper
Aston Villa FC goalkeeper Thomas Sørensen has taken over the gloves of goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel without the team losing any of its defensive presence. Many believed Schmeichel's retirement would signal the end of Denmark's time as one of Europe's top sides but Sørensen, who holds the English Premiership record for the number of clean sheets in a single season, is an outstanding talent.

Strong defence
In front of Sørensen, Thomas Helveg is perhaps the most important player in the Danish four-man rearguard. The Milan star can play at right back, centre half and in the holding role in midfield, but the Danes are at their strongest when he operates at right-back with Martin Laursen in the middle alongside René Henriksen and Niclas Jensen occupying the left-back berths.

Midfield maestros
If the Danes lack depth in defence they more than make up for it in midfield, where chief playmaker Claus Jensen, the fast-developing Christian Poulsen and the ever-industrious Thomas Gravesen battle it out for the two central positions. Gravesen is a player who excels for his country and always starts - although Jensen's form in England may see him selected ahead of Poulsen.

Winged wonders
The front four sees fierce competition for places. Chelsea FC forward Jesper Gronkjær, who can play on either flank, and PSV Eindhoven's Dennis Rommedahl are usually employed on the wings and their pace makes both crucial players in Olsen's tactics to get behind their opponents' defence.

Sand can deliver
The central roles are usually occupied by FC Schalke 04's Ebbe Sand playing just behind Tomasson in attack. However, if Sand or Tomasson, who was second top scorer at the Korea/Japan World Cup with four goals, are struggling for form then both Peter Løvenkrands and Martin Jørgensen are more than happy to take their places.

Plenty in reserve
Rangers FC striker Løvenkrands is tipped by many for future stardom whilst Jørgensen, who scored in their 3-2 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Brazil in 1998, is at his most dangerous in the hole behind the prolific Tomasson and was preferred in the final few qualifiers to Sand.

Fierce opponents
Whichever combination Olsen plumps for in his four-pronged attack, you can be sure that no team will be doing cartwheels if they are drawn against a side featuring Helveg, Jensen, Rommadahl and Tomasson. Few people outside Denmark would tip them to go beyond the quarter-finals but similar prophecies were made before EURO '92 and look what happened.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Czech Team Photo 

CZECH TEAM PROFILE : Overflow with talent

They may not have the biggest pool of players to choose from, but what Karel Brückner's Czech Republic side lack in quantity, they make up in sheer quality.

Good campaign
Emerging triumphant from qualifying Group 3 ahead of the Netherlands, and with most of their playes having top-flight experience in most of Europe's best leagues, the Czech Republic at their best possess all the flair and style of the Italians allied to the never-say-die resilience of the Germans.

Stylish players
Hardly surprising, as within their ranks they boast some of the finest players in the Bundesliga and Serie A. Their most notable talent is Juventus FC's Pavel Nedved - a left-sided midfield player with power and pace and a knack for scoring goals from set pieces.

Brilliant Nedved
Nedved was acknowledged by may to have been the outstanding player of the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League, and his absence through suspension from the Juventus side that lost on penalties to AC Milan in the final was cited by many as the decisive factor in the game.

Excellent Poborský
Of a similar vintage to Nedved, former Manchester United FC winger Karel Poborský can provide a significant threat down the right, and will be hoping to emulate the sparkling form that led the Czech Republic to the final of EURO 96™ and briefly made him a household name in Europe.

Midfield class
The Czechs are spoiled for choice in the centre of midfield. PFC CSKA Moskva midfield player Jirí Jarošik did not become the most expensive player ever to join a Russian club without good reason, while Liverpool FC's Vladimír Šmicer brings an element of toughness to a midfield dripping with style.

Dortmund genius
No analysis of the Czech midfield would be complete without a mention of BV Borussia Dortmund's brilliant Tomáš Rosický. Lightning-fast and supremely composed with the ball at his feet, the youngster was, like so many of his team-mates, a graduate of the AC Sparta Praha academy, and has the passing skills to turn a game.

Massive striker
He will certainly provide much of the ammunition for the Czech Republic's forwards, who will be led by the giant Jan Koller. Surprisingly nimble with the ball at his feet but unsurprisingly deadly in the air, Koller will nonetheless need to be at his best to keep Liverpool prodigy Milan Baroš out of the first team.

Classy goalkeeper
At the other end, young goalkeeper Petr Cech has tended to be Brückner's first choice. Now playing in France, he is one of a number of veterans of the Czech team who surprisingly triumphed at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship along with Baroš and defender Zdenek Grygera.

Inexperienced defence
Cech has the commanding presence to preside over a relatively inexperienced defence which also boasts Tomáš Hübschman - a young Sparta defender rated by many to be one of the finest prospects in Europe.

Youth and experience
There is a nice mixture of youth and experience in the Czech squad, and after failing to reach the FIFA World Cup finals in 1998 and 2002 and underperforming massively at EURO 2000™, there is also a real determination to show that they are as good as they have been hyped up to be.

Confidence boost
"In the last [World Cup] campaign we lost a lot of respect for not qualifying," Šmicer told uefa.com. "Now we want to go back out and reclaim that respect because as a team we have good players but just need a little more confidence." Should they find that confidence in Portugal, they will be a match for anyone.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Germany Team Photo 

GERMANY TEAM PROFILE : A nation for the big occasion

Even the top pundits in the game know better than to write off Germany ahead of a major championships.

Major force
Their performance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where they lost 2-0 to Brazil in the final, showed that - even without Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthäus and Jürgen Klinsmann in their ranks - Germany are still one of the major forces in the world game.

Tough qualification
Their form in the build up to UEFA EURO 2004™ was consistent if a little unspectacular. Drawn with Iceland, Scotland, Lithuania and the Faroe Islands, Germany were expected to qualify at a canter. Rudi Völler's side remained unbeaten throughout but struggled in the goalscoring department, relying heavily on their miserly defence to book their ticket to Portugal.

World stars
Before the 2002 World Cup Germany were criticised for their negative tactics and the fact that they had no superstars in their squad. However, some breathtaking displays from midfield player Michael Ballack and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn soon silenced their detractors.

New Beckenbauer
Indeed, the form of Ballack and their inspirational captain Kahn - both plying their trade at FC Bayern München - will be crucial to Germany's success in Portugal. Ballack, regarded as the new Beckenbauer, is the complete midfield player. Not only does he score goals for fun, he possesses great passing, tackling and aerial ability.

Midfield quartet
Völler's direct tactics often see the German midfield bypassed but - when called upon - Ballack is likely to be paired with playmaker Sebastian Deisler in the creative department.

Graft over craft
Germany's recent success has been based more on industry than their craft, with the tireless work of Jens Jeremies in a holding role in front of the back four alongside Bernd Schneider. Worryingly for Völler, however, Ballack is Germany's only genuine outfield star and the heartbeat of the German side.

Blunt attack
The coach's primary concern is his side's inability to find the net. With goals hard to come by, Ballack's driving runs from midfield have been their most penetrative offering in qualification. Their disappointing performance upfront in the 1-1 draw at home against Lithuania highlighted this problem.

Kuranyi class
Völler leaned heavily on the young shoulders of striker Miroslav Klose to score the goals in Korea/Japan but the 1. FC Kaiserslautern striker has been consigned to the bench in recent matches, with Fredi Bobic and Kevin Kuranyi preferred in the two attacking berths.

Form in front of goal
With controversial striker Carsten Jancker no longer in the equation, Germany's chances of success in Portugal may hinge on one of these three forwards finding their form at international level.

Resolute defence
One area which Völler can rely on is his defence which is superbly organised by their boisterous keeper. Kahn, who turns 35 during EURO 2004™, was voted best player at the 2002 World Cup after some stunning displays as Germany's last line of defence.

Solid back four
Kahn remains one of the best goalkeepers in the game, showing remarkable agility for his age and bossing his box and his stalwart defenders. The back four boasts uncompromising centre-back Marko Rehmer, Christian Wörns and rising stars Arne Friedrich and Christoph Metzelder.

Over achieved
It is remarkable that Völler took this squad all the way to the World Cup final in 2002 but, as Europe's best performers, there is no reason why Germany cannot secure their third UEFA European Championship. After all there is a lot to be said for efficiency, unity and good organisation.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Holland Team Photo 

HOLLAND TEAM PROFILE : Dutch deliver at the death

Traditionally blessed with individual talent, it could be argued that it took until their final UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier for the Netherlands to finally show the potential of their current crop of stars.

Van Nistelrooij hat-trick
Having been pipped to automatic qualification from Group 3 by the Czech Republic, following on from failure to make the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Dick Advocaat's side then found themselves beaten 1-0 by Scotland in Glasgow in the first leg of their play-off. But it was a different story four days later in Amsterdam as Wesley Sneijder and André Ooijer quickly put the Dutch ahead, and a Ruud van Nistelrooij hat-trick and Frank de Boer header sealed a 6-0 victory that suggested the 1988 winners could repeat that triumph in Portugal.

Fluid lineup
Edwin van der Sar was the regular goalkeeper for Advocaat, but in front of him was a fluid lineup, Either a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 could be used - in Scotland they started with the latter and switched to the former- but with touches of the 'total football' that is a national trademark. At right-back, Michael Reiziger, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and André Ooijer were all used, with the experienced Frank de Boer and Jaap Stam in the middle, sometimes with Reiziger. Phillip Cocu and Boudewijn Zenden were used as left-backs.

Midfield talent
Edgar Davids, Andy van der Meyde, Mark van Bommel and Cocu and wingers Clarence Seedorf, Zenden and Marc Overmars were all among midfield players used from an enviable pool of options available to Advocaat, with Welsey Sneijder also forcing his way in late in the qualifiers to fine effect. Rafael van der Vaart, who was still a teenager when the qualifying campaign began, also forced his way in, and was even used as an attacker.

Striking options
That promotion was impressive, as the Dutch were able to call on Ruud van Nistelrooij, Patrick Kluivert, Roy Makaay and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as striking options. Van Nistelrooij and Kluivert led the line most commonly, though both found themselves dropped at points during the campaign as tensions became strained during the occasional setbacks.

Prague defeat
Indeed it all went wrong in Prague against the Czech Republic, as on the quarter-hour Davids was dismissed for fouling Karel Poborský and Koller converted the resultant penalty. Poborský doubled the lead before the break, and although Van der Vaart pulled one back on 60 minutes, Milan Baroš scored in the final seconds to condemn the Dutch to the play-offs, regardless of their 5-0 win at home to Moldova.

Back in form
Alarm bells then rang when losing 1-0 to a James McFadden goal in Scotland, but the second leg was a different matter, and Van Nistelrooij's hat-trick was proof positive than when on form, there are few nations that can match the Netherlands.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Spain Team Photo 

SPAIN TEAM PROFILE : Trophy quest continues

Spain may have needed to win a play-off against Norway to reach the UEFA EURO 2004™ finals, but there is little doubt that they boast a squad as talented as any other.

Array of talent
From the choice of Iker Casillas and Santiago Cañizares in goal, to the likes of Carles Puyol and Michael Salgado in defence, midfield players Xabi Alonso and Rubén Baraja and forwards Raúl González and Juan Carlos Valerón, coach Iñaki Sáez has an array envied by virtually all of his counterparts - shown as much as anything by the quality individuals that are only on the verge of his first-choice party.

Wide experience
Unsurprisingly, the spine of the 4-4-2 formation is made up of players with wide Primera División and UEFA Champions League experience. Raúl, Spain's all-time leading scorer, leads the line, supported by Valerón's incisive creativity, although youngsters Fernando Torres and José Antonio Reyes have both begun to break into the lineup.

Midfield selection
Baraja is the key man in the centre of midfield, as for Valencia CF, helped by club-mate David Albelda or playmaker Alonso. On the wings, Vicente Rodríguez is the first choice on the left while Joseba Etxeberría or Joaquín Sánchez usually fills the right-sided role. Certainly, the likes of Raúl and Torres provide excellent targets for their high crosses.

Defensive choice
In defence, Sáez has tried out several central partnerships. Puyol and Iván Helguera have emerged as a useful choice, though Carlos Marchena has proved more than capable. Salgado's combination of tough defending and forays down the flank have made his a clear a choice at right-back as he is for Real Madrid CF, while his club-mate Raúl Bravo is being groomed for the left-sided role, though Juanito is another choice with Puyol having switched to the middle.

Strength at the back
Casillas remains the first-choice goalkeeper, his acrobatic shot-stopping keeping him ahead of the huge and experienced Cañizares. Indeed, Spain's strength at the back explains why they conceded just four goals in Group 6 and scored 16 - twice the number managed by automatic qualifiers Greece.

Flying start
Indeed, for much of the campaign, Spain seemed the outstanding team in the group. Their 2-0 win in Greece in Sáez's first competitive game in charge was a comprehensive victory, and only a last-gasp equaliser for Ukraine in Kiev denied them a perfect record from their first four fixtures.

June setback
However, a 1-0 home defeat by Greece in June followed by a 0-0 draw in Northern Ireland saw Otto Rehhagel's team pip Sáez's selection to first place, forcing a play-off with Norway.

Norway beaten
But Spain found their true form in the play-offs. While in the first-leg in Valencia they needed a Henning Berg own goal to scrape a 2-1 win, they were by far the better side, and underlined it with a comfortable 3-0 victory in Oslo.

Proud record
So Spain can now go all out to land their first major honour for 40 years, when they won the UEFA European Championship on home soil. Having only twice failed to reach the last eight in continental competition, Spain are out to continue that proud record – as well as finally landing the trophy their talent deserves. At least they do not have far to travel.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Italy Team Photo 

ITALY TEAM PROFILE : Aiming to go one better

Having gone so close to glory in the last UEFA European Championships, it is no surprise that Italy are one of the favourites to win UEFA EURO 2004™.

Balanced squad
They may have faltered slightly in qualification and fallen at the second hurdle in the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals in Korea/Japan but they remain a well-balanced squad bursting with top-quality players.

Successful coach
The fact they have the country's most successful club coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, at the helm only confirms they will give international heavyweights such as France, Portugal and Germany a run for their money when the tournament begins in June.

Tough group
Typically, Italy's passage to Portugal was everything but a stroll in the park. Drawn in the same tough group as Wales, Serbia and Montenegro, Finland and Azerbaijan, Trapattoni's side limped out of the blocks, held 1-1 at home to Serbia and Montenegro in their second game and beaten in Cardiff by a rejuvenated Welsh side four days later.

Bounced back
A 4-0 humbling of then leaders Wales in the crucial return match put the Azzurri back in control of their own destiny, and the Italian job was complete as they sealed automatic qualification in the final game with a victory against minnows Azerbaijan in October.

Defensive masters
As usual Italy's forté lies in their defence. Gianluigi Buffon, Italy's first choice keeper who missed UEFA EURO 2000™ after breaking a bone in his hand, will be anxious to impress in his first European Championships. In front of Buffon, AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta and Internazionale FC's Fabio Cannavaro make a potent central defensive partnership with a deservedly miserly reputation.

Tactically sound
But it is going forward where Italy finally look the complete article. The 4-4-2 system which Trapattoni employs allows flexibility with hard-working and tenacious midfield players used as a substitute to wingers, which the Italian coach admits they have in short supply.

Opportunity to adapt
Their versatility means they can also play with a flat back four, using three in midfield and three forwards, with Alessandro Del Piero playing as a link behind Christian Vieri and AS Roma playmaker Francesco Totti.

Double trouble
The positive side is that it allows the selection of both Del Piero and Totti in the same side. Playing together, they make up for Italy's other possible weakness - a lack of midfield creativity. As he did in Korea and Japan, Trapattoni will look to Totti, perhaps the most skilful and creative of all Italy's attacking players, to drive the team in Portugal. The form of the deadly Christian Vieri, one of the most prolific strikers in the last decade, will also be crucial.

Second in 2000
Since taking over from Dino Zoff following Italy's runners-up finish at EURO 2000™, Trapattoni - a coach who won everything at club level - has yet to prove he can achieve the same success on the international circuit. But, with a hugely talented generation of footballers at his command, the Italian press believe it is time for Trapattoni to deliver the success they have craved for so long.

Confident of success
Nesta, a key figure in a defence which went 524 minutes without conceding a goal during qualification, certainly believes Italy can succeed in Portugal. "When we're in form, no one can stop us. In 2002 we threw away a [FIFA] World Cup where we could have done a lot better. We will make sure we make up for this in Portugal."

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

England Team Photo 

ENGLAND TEAM PROFILE : Keeping the faith

When England were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals by losing 2-1 to Brazil in a match they had led, coach Sven-Göran Eriksson admitted: "We did well in the first half, until added time. We seemed tired and lost a little bit of our shape."

Second-half comebacks
Less than two years on, and England are no longer a team that shows their best before half-time. Indeed in winning UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 7 they did not concede a single second-half goal, and came from behind in three of their six wins, as well as their draw at home against F.Y.R. Macedonia. Their new-found mettle was also shown in both games against runners-up Turkey, as they won the home match 2-0 with two goals in the last 15 minutes and withstood a late bombardment to draw the final fixture 0-0 in Istanbul.

Stable team
Eriksson was helped in his task by his stable squad - his first-choice team at the end of qualifying differed little from the one that started the campaign. The most important change was in goal, though, where slips by David Seaman in the October 2002 draw with the Macedonians persuaded Eriksson to turn to the younger, but experienced, David James, who kept four clean sheets in the remaining six games.

Defence constant
The first-choice defence of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole remained constant and reaped the benefits of familiarity. Wayne Bridge proved an able deputy at left-back for Cole, while John Terry produced a magnificent performance as Ferdinand's replacement in the decider in Turkey, with Gareth Southgate and Jonathan Woodgate also having filled in at centre-back during qualification. Phil Neville remained a versatile replacement, not least for brother Gary.

Reshuffled midfield
While captain David Beckham went from strength to strength on the right of midfield, scoring five goals and producing some inspirational performances, the left remained a question mark. Eriksson's favoured solution became the switch of Steven Gerrard from the middle to the left flank, with Nicky Butt taking over the anchorman role and Paul Scholes supporting the attack. Kieron Dyer, Frank Lampard and Owen Hargreaves all played their part in reserve.

Owen leads the line
In front of Scholes, Michael Owen remained the main striker and scored five times in the campaign, but alongside him teenager Wayne Rooney edged out Emile Heskey for the home game with Turkey in April 2003, and scored in the September games against F.Y.R. Macedonia and Liechtenstein. Rooney - the youngest ever England international and goalscorer - and Heskey both played in Turkey with Owen injured, while Darius Vassell proved a useful substitute, opening the scoring at home against the group runners-up 15 minutes from time.

Team spirit
But as much as talented individuals, it was team spirit that was vital to England, with Beckham often the single-minded personification of that will to win. Even when the squad was unsettled by the Football Association's decision to exclude Ferdinand on the eve of the trip to Turkey for missing a drugs test, they responded with a determined performance to clinch the group by a single point.

High expectations
England have only reached two UEFA European Championship semi-finals, which by the high expectations of the home fans is a disappointing return. The blossoming of what has long been touted as a golden generation of talent seems finally to be coming to fruition, though, and provided the squad is not again exhausted by the gruelling domestic season - all but Beckham and Hargreaves play in England - for once their fans' faith may not be misplaced.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

Portugal Team Photo 

PORTUGAL TEAM PROFILE : Pressure to perform

For many years Portugal have been dubbed the Brazilians of Europe. Bursting with flair and sublime skills, they now have the chance to parade their new samba style in their own back garden under the watchful eye of their Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari at UEFA EURO 2004™.

Time for silverware
Once again blessed with a vast pool of wonderfully talented individuals, Scolari's side must now do what Brazil have done so consistently over the years and convert their undoubted potential into silverware.

Home advantage
A poor showing in the 2002 FIFA World Cup saw them exit in the first round, eliminated along with Poland from a group featuring the United States and hosts the Korean Republic which had been seen as a formality for the European sides before the tournament started. But, just as the Korean Republic did at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Portugal will hope they can make their home advantage count as they push for their first taste of European glory.

Gold and platinum
Their current side is an irresistible blend of youth and experience. Although this may be their European Championship swansong, they can still draw upon the key personnel from their "golden generation" of players discovered by Carlos Queiroz in the late eighties. The golden generation came close to success in UEFA EURO 2000™, losing a tightly-contested semi-final to eventual winners France.

Match winner
In Luis Figo, they possess a world-class playmaker capable of practically anything with the ball at his feet. But with Figo, João Pinto and Rui Costa now in the autumn of their careers the real excitement in Portugal surrounds the new "platinum" generation of stars.

New generation
Manchester United FC’s Cristiano Ronaldo is perhaps the pick of this latest batch of players but his contemporaries Hélder Postiga, Hugo Viana, Simão Sabrosa, Tiago Mendes and Ricardo Quaresma give the Portuguese a formidable back up if the old boys fail to perform. Ronaldo can play in any of the attacking positions but is most likely to be employed in more of a cameo role by Scolari, who has so far adopted a 4-2-3-1 system with a packed midfield and Figo on the right wing.

Chance to sparkle
After giving the youngsters the chance to impress at youth and Under-21 levels, Scolari has gently eased them into his side in 2003 with EURO 2004™ in his sights. Doubtless he will combine their youthful exuberance and individual flair with the technically gifted and physically awesome Figo.

World Cup winner
The big question is whether the coach can knit the two generations together to produce a team capable of overcoming the likes of France and Italy. Scolari, who guided Brazil to 2002 World Cup success, appears to think he can. On the day of his appointment he announced that his intent was to win EURO 2004™.

Defensive tactics
In his time with Brazil, Scolari received criticism from some quarters of the Brazilian press who believed that his tactics were somewhat negative. He prefers his teams to play with a European-style pragmatism, instructing his players to use any means possible to prevent the opposition from finding a rhythm.

Attacking zeal
How this will go down with the Portuguese fans who are used to seeing their side deploying the kamikaze attacking game that has been so successful in the past remains to be seen. The current squad is certainly better renowned for its attacking zeal than its defensive muscle. But, if his track record is anything to go by, Portugal could do a lot worse than listening to their Brazilian coach.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

France Team Photo 

FRANCE TEAM PROFILE : Champions in buoyant mood

The defending champions, France will be hoping that their performance in Portugal is a repeat of that in UEFA EURO 2000™ - and not the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, when they departed without scoring a single goal.

Easy qualification
If they reproduce the form that enabled them to qualify from Group 1, though, then another trophy could be within their grasp. Drawn with Slovenia, Israel, Cyprus and Malta, they proved as superior to their opponents on grass as they had appeared on paper, and clinched first place without dropping a point.

World-class talent
As star-studded as any team in Portugal, France are in the enviable position of being able to leave world-class talent on the bench. They have even been able to thrive after the international retirements of Franck Leboeuf, Youri Djorkaeff, Christophe Dugarry and Emmanuel Petit.

Strong defence
Fabien Barthez in goal is constantly challenged by the highly-rated Grégory Coupet, while the first-choice defence of Lilian Thuram, captain Marcel Desailly - who has won more than 100 caps - Mikaël Silvestre and Bixente Lizarazu has AJ Auxerre duo Jean-Alain Boumsong and Philippe Mexès among its back-up.

Tactical options
Further forward, France's embarrassment of riches gives coach Jacques Santini a number of tactical options - he can play a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2. Claude Makelele, Patrick Vieira and Olivier Dacourt are masters in the holding positions behind Zinedine Zidane, who plays in a more central role than he does at Real Madrid CF. Robert Pires and Sylvain Wiltord can be called upon to provide width, although Zidane's free role means he too spends much time on the flanks.

Powerful strike force
Unlike when they won the 1998 World Cup, France can also now count on striking talent at the height of their powers with Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet the usual choices. Henry plays Arsenal FC with Vieira, Pires and Wiltord and Trezeguet at Juventus FC alongside Thuram. Steve Marlet and another rising star from Auxerre, Djibril Cissé, are also in the frame.

Superb run
It is one thing to have that abundance of talent, but it is the way they have gelled since the disappointment of Korea/Japan that have made France strong candidates to retain the UEFA European Championship. Scoring 16 goals without reply in their first three home qualifiers against Slovenia, Malta and Cyprus, and ten with only one conceded in the four Group 1 away wins is proof of that, as is their impressive victory as hosts in the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, maintaining a 100 per cent record over five fixtures despite fielding a weakened side.

Coach takes credit
The credit for this can go in no small part to Santini, who took over the team from Roger Lemerre in 2002 with morale at a low ebb. His side have proved able to overwhelm opponents through sheer skill - Zidane is still the pivotal figure he has been for several years, but their attacking thrust is even greater than that shown in 1998 or even 2000.

Competitive edge
Even the fact that they have not automatically qualified - unlike in 2002 - could count in their favour, as some observers believe France went into Korea/Japan lacking competitive edge despite their confidence. Their qualifying performances this time around has kept them in the habit of playing - and winning - serious internationals.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved.

EURO 2004 Table/Group

Group A
----------------P-W-D-L-GF-GA-Pts--GD
Greece----------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Portugal--------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Russia----------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Spain-----------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0

Group B
----------------P-W-D-L-GF-GA-Pts--GD
Croatia---------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
England---------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
France----------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Switzerland-----0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0

Group C
----------------P-W-D-L-GF-GA-Pts--GD
Bulgaria--------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Denmark---------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Italy-----------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Sweden----------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0

Group D
----------------P-W-D-L-GF-GA-Pts--GD
Czech Republic--0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Germany---------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Netherlands-----0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0
Latvia----------0-0-0-0-0--0--0----0

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Home Comforts

Portugal stage a major tournament for the first time and hope to become only the fourth team to win the European Championship on home soil.

France were the last side to claim the title as host nation back in 1984, while home teams have won just three out of 11 tournaments, the host nation has traditionally performed strongly in the competition.

The host country has reached the semi-final of the competition on each occasion, apart from 2000, where co-hosts Belgium were eliminated in the opening stage.

Year--Hosts--------------Winner---Hosts' finish
2000--Holland & Belgium--France---Holland semi, Belgium group stage
1996--England------------Germany--Semi-final
1992--Sweden-------------Denmark--Semi-final
1988--Germany------------Holland--Semi-final
1984--France-------------France---Winners
1980--Italy--------------Germany--Semi-final
1976--Yugoslavia---------Czech----Semi-final
1972--Belgium------------Germany--Semi-final
1968--Italy--------------Italy----Winners
1964--Spain--------------Spain----Winners
1960--France-------------USSR-----Semi-final


Performances of the host nations in Europe are less impressive than that of the host countries in World Cup tournaments.

Six sides have won the World Cup when hosting the competition compared to just the three successful hosts in Europe.

Carlos Queiroz: France the favourites
 

Expert verdict: France

Carlos Queiroz knows all about coaching at the highest level from his time with Portugal's youth teams, the senior Portugal and South Africa national sides, leading Real Madrid CF and assisting Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United FC. Now he gives euro2004.com the lowdown on all 16 UEFA EURO 2004™ contenders, looking here at holders France.

I agree with anyone that says France are favourites to win the tournament especially if [Thierry] Henry, [Zinedine] Zidane and [Patrick] Vieira are fully fit.

Superb team spirit
They have all the skill, organisation, individual talent and selection options as, say, the Spanish team but at an even higher level. Not only in terms of quality but also in terms of quantity - they have even more players with greater experience and plenty of international success. They are incredibly mature in big competitions and have a superb team spirit.

Cult of success
France have built a cult of success around their recent international wins and the French are keen on reminding everyone else how successful they are. That becomes obvious by watching their body language on the pitch. That self-esteem, that level of self-confidence, the belief in their own capacity are very difficult to shake down when things are going their way.

Negative factors
Therefore, I am convinced that at least theoretically they are outright favourites in terms of their players and their record. I am not counting factors such as the fact they are playing away from home, the fatigue of a hard season and so on. If these elements combine, then France are beatable. But in my option, France are definitely the favourites.

©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved

Gennaro Gattuso: Frustrated.

 

Gattuso breaks Italian silence

LISBON, June 8 (Reuters) - Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has vented his frustration at being left on the fringes of the Azzurri team, shattering the peace that had surrounded Giovanni Trapattoni's squad.

Gattuso is not expected to start his team's opening Group C game against Denmark on Monday, with Trapattoni preferring Cristiano Zanetti and Simone Perrotta.

'I hope that the possibility of playing from the start will be given to me as well,' Gattuso told reporters on Tuesday at Italy's training camp.

'I've been part of the squad for five years yet it still seems like it is my first year. I've made 31 appearances which makes me the 10th (most capped player) in the squad,' he added.

'The coach makes his choices and he is paid to do that but I am coming into this tournament after two great seasons and I have improved a lot technically,' added Gattuso.

Gattuso's battling performances were vital to AC Milan's Italian title victory last season and as well as pressing his own case he urged Trapattoni to give a chance to his club team mate Andrea Pirlo.

'I find it absurd that we won't see him on the field because at an international level he is one of the best in the world from a tactical and technical point of view,' said Gattuso of his fellow midfielder.

Pirlo operates in a deep role in front of the defence for Milan where he is charged with starting the passing moves that have characterised the past two successful seasons for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

But Trapattoni has said Italy's more offensive tactical approach rules out such a role for Pirlo.

'To say that the national side can't play like Milan because we don't have players like Kaka or (Andriy) Shevchenko, I find banal, I don't believe that anyone who knows football well could say such a thing,' he said.

Trapattoni looks certain to play with Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero and Stefano Fiore or Mauro Camoranesi in front of Perrotta and Zanetti with Christian Vieri leading the line.

Italy, European Championship winners in 1968 and runners-up four years ago, also face Sweden and Bulgaria in Group C.

John Terry: Hamstring trouble.

 

Terry misses England training

LISBON, June 8 (Reuters) - England central defender John Terry missed training on Tuesday, raising concerns he might not be fit for Sunday's opening Euro 2004 game against France.
Chelsea's Terry appeared with a heavily strapped left knee when training started, and did not take part.

Terry is expected to form England's central partnership at the back with Arsenal's Sol Campbell.

Jamie Carragher is on standby should Terry fail to prove his fitness to coach Sven-Goran Eriksson by the weekend.

FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said: ``Everyone is fit and training in the first full session in Portugal apart from John Terry who will work with physio Gary Lewin towards playing at the weekend.''

Meanwhile, skipper David Beckham was back in training following an injection on Saturday to cure a cyst in his back after playing the opening 45 minutes of the 6-1 win over Iceland in Manchester.

Beckham had been required to then rest up for two days but he flew out to Lisbon

Luis Figo: Leg muscle strain.

 

Figo returns to training

ALCOCHETE, Portugal, June 8 (Reuters) - Portugal forward Luis Figo returned to training on Tuesday after a slight injury, team doctor Henrique Jones told a news conference.
Figo will be available to play in the opening Euro 2004 match against Greece on Saturday after recovering from a minor leg muscle strain.

'Figo returned to practice without any limitations,' Jones said.

The only injured player in the hosts' squad is defender Beto, who also pulled a leg muscle.

'I am optimistic and I hope that Beto will be fit to play by Saturday but we have to wait at least 24 hours,' Jones said.

The Portuguese players had a 90-minute practice session behind closed doors on Tuesday morning.

Prime Minister Jose Manuel Durao Barroso is scheduled to visit the training camp later in the day.

Zidane cracks the late winner 

France 1-0 Ukraine: FT Report

PARIS, June 6 (Reuters) - A goal two minutes from time by Zinedine Zidane handed European champions France a 1-0 victory over Ukraine on Sunday in their last warm-up match before they start the defence of their title in Portugal.

In a tight match, Zidane slotted home after Thierry Henry knocked down a cross by substitute defender Willy Sagnol.

Jacques Santini's team dominated for most of the match but had looked set for a third goalless draw from four matches after goalkeeper Oleksander Shovkovsky saved two clear chances which fell to Zidane and midfielder Robert Pires.

France, who are now on a 18-match unbeaten run and have not conceded a goal for almost a year, start their Euro 2004 campaign next Sunday against England in Group B.

France dominated the first half with Zidane displaying his breathtaking skills but he was often left frustrated as three defenders tracked his every move.

He only managed to outmanoeuvre Ukraine's solid defence once before the break but his shot from just outside the box was saved by Shovkovsky in the 18th minute.

Shovkonsky denied the hosts again when he dived to clear a volley from inside the box by Pires 20 minutes from time.

In the dying minutes, France moved up a gear and Zidane completed a fine move inside the box with a volley home.

MATCH SCHEDULE

First Round
Date--------Time---Chnl--Fixture
12 Jun, Sat 11.50pm 21 PORTUGAL vs GREECE-------->Group A

13 Jun, Sun 02.35am 21 SPAIN vs RUSSIA----------->Group A
13 Jun, Sun 11.50pm 21 SWITZERLAND vs CROATIA---->Group B

14 Jun, Mon 02.35am 21 FRANCE vs ENGLAND--------->Group B
14 Jun, Mon 11.50pm 21 DENMARK vs ITALY---------->Group C

15 Jun, Tue 02.35am 21 SWEDEN vs BULGARIA-------->Group C
15 Jun, Tue 11.50pm 21 CZECH REPUBLIC vs LATVIA-->Group D

16 Jun, Wed 02.35am 21 GERMANY vs NETHERLANDS---->Group D
16 Jun, Wed 11.50pm 21 GREECE vs SPAIN----------->Group A

17 Jun, Thu 02.35am 21 RUSSIA vs PORTUGAL-------->Group A
17 Jun, Thu 11.50pm 21 ENGLAND vs SWITZERLAND---->Group B

18 Jun, Fri 02.35am 21 CROATIA vs FRANCE--------->Group B
18 Jun, Fri 11.50pm 21 BULGARIA vs DENMARK------->Group C

19 Jun, Sat 02.35am 21 ITALY vs SWEDEN----------->Group C
19 Jun, Sat 11.50pm 21 LATVIA vs GERMANY--------->Group D

20 Jun, Sun 02.35am 21 NETHERLANDS vs CZECH REP-->Group D

21 Jun, Mon 02.35am 22 RUSSIA vs GREECE---------->Group A
21 Jun, Mon 02.35am 21 SPAIN vs PORTUGAL--------->Group A

22 Jun, Tue 02.35am 22 SWITZERLAND vs FRANCE----->Group B
22 Jun, Tue 02.35am 21 CROATIA vs ENGLAND-------->Group B

23 Jun, Wed 02.35am 22 DENMARK vs SWEDEN--------->Group C
23 Jun, Wed 02.35am 21 ITALY vs BULGARIA--------->Group C

24 Jun, Thu 02.35am 22 NETHERLANDS vs LATVIA----->Group D
24 Jun, Thu 02.35am 21 GERMANY vs CZECH REPUBLIC->Group D

Quarter Final
Date--------Time---Chnl--Match Fixture
25 Jun, Fri 02.35am 21 QF1: A1 vs B2
26 Jun, Sat 02.35am 21 QF2: B1 vs A2
27 Jun, Sun 02.35am 21 QF3: C1 vs D2
28 Jun, Mon 02.35am 21 QF4: D1 vs C2

Semi Final
Date-------Time---Chnl--Match Fixture
1 Jul, Thu 02.35am 21 SF1: QF1 vs QF3
2 Jul, Fri 02.35am 21 SF2: QF2 vs QF4

Final
Date-------Time---Chnl--Match Fixture
5 Jul, Mon 02.35am 21 SF1 vs SF2

Go Go Strike !!! 

Exciting New Bet Type - Half/Full Time Double (HT-FT)

Starting Sat, 12 June 2004, Singapore Pools offer a new exciting bet type : HT-FT

HT-FT is played by predicting both the Half Time and Full Time outcome of a match.
Half Time (45 mins) outcome means a draw or the team that leads at Half Time; Full Time (90 mins) outcome means a draw or the team that wins at Full Time.

The Half and Full Time results include injury time but not extra time, penalty shoot-outs or golden/silver goals.

There are 9 possible selections for each match:

Selection Half Time Results (HT) Full Time Results (FT)
H - H Home Team leads Home Team wins
H - D Home Team leads Draw
H - A Home Team leads Away Team wins
D - H Draw Home Team wins
D - D Draw Draw
D - A Draw Away Team wins
A - H Away Team leads Home Team wins
A - D Away Team leads Draw
A - A Away Team leads Away Team wins

Euro 2004 Logo  

Welcome to Euro 2004 with King'~s Euro2004 WebLog

This Saturday all eyes will be on Portugal as 16 nations, battle it out to be crowned champions of Europe. But don't just sit back and listen to the TV experts - you can be your own pundit with this site that is King~s Euro2004 WebLog.

From the day the hosts kick off against Greece on Saturday June 12, log on to my site that is King~s Euro2004 WebLog.

So if Michael Owen can't hit a barn door against France, Ruud van Nistelrooy has plundered a hat-trick for Holland or Robert Pires has thrown himself to the floor due to a sudden gust of wind, let the world know by joining me.

Latest news, live action, stats, opinion and message boards that has made this site No.1 for football across the globe.

And there'll be plenty more where that came from in June and July, with live minute-by-minute GameCast commentary and real-time stats of all 31 matches until the final in Lisbon. Keep it here if you can't get out of the office to a telly - and no matter if your team blow it.

Keep track of the tournament as it unravels with The Daily, our day-by-day guide to the big clashes, seven-goal thrillers (we hope) and snore draws (we hope not).

Can't wait for it all to start? Then surf my new site now for all the latest squad news and preview coverage, with dedicated pages for all 16 teams plus individual profiles of every player and coach who'll be jetting in for the 23-day tournament.

Will Thierry Henry and Les Bleus retain the trophy? Will Figo and co bring glory to the home nation? Will Eriksson's England end 38 years of hurt - or lose against ten men in the quarter-finals?

Whatever happens, don't just sit back and watch it this summer, be a part of the whole event with King~s Euro2004 WebLog.