By Khilen Mehta

Germany- The germans are always said to be one of the favourites in every tournament especially after winning the tournament in 1996. With only a handful of truly recognisable big names, their team spirit and their teamwork are the foundations for their success. After a generally impressive qualifying campagin, which included a 13-0 victory over San Marino, they finished second in their group after drawing their final game with Wales. Germany have not won a match in the final tournament of a UEFA European Championship since winning the competition in 1996. Since then, Germany have played six matches, drawing three and losing three with three goals scored and eight conceded. However with Michael Ballack and Torsten Frings in midfield, their typically robust defense, and Klose scoring the goals upfront, Germany are once again front runners.

Manager- Joachim Low, “Germany are always one of the favourites, but that’s fine. It’s something you have to accept.”

Key Player- Miroslav Klose will be the focal point of every attack

Prediction- Beaten semi-finalists

Croatia- In a competitive Group B, Croatia performed admirably and even managed to knock out group favourites England in the process. With only one defeat in the group against Macedonia, Croatia can boast away victories in Russia and England. The Croatians have a European pedigree and are hungry for success under manager Slaven Bilic. They have qualified for every tournament bar Euro 2000, and were knocked out in the quarter final stages by eventual winners Germany in Euro 96. Up until the end of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2008, Croatia had appeared in the UEFA European Championship on four occasions, and had played 47 matches. In that time, they had won 28, drawn eleven and lost eight with 86 goals scored and 38 conceded.

Manager- Slaven Bilic, “We are good – very good,”

Key Player- Luka Modric will want to impress before playing in the premiership next season

Prediction- Will qualify from their group but then will struggle