© EuroFootball.com
Only a few days remain until the start of the European Championship final stage in Poland and Ukraine, so "EuroFootball.com", relying on insights from the BBC and other experts, presents all participating teams.
This time, your attention - Group B, where the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and Portugal will compete.
Group B:
Schedule:
2012/06/09 19:00 Netherlands - Denmark 21:45 Germany Portugal
2012/06/13 19:00 Denmark Portugal 21:45 Netherlands Germany
2012/06/17 21:45 Portugal Netherlands 21:45 Denmark Germany
Netherlands:
How do they play?
Coach Bert van Marwijk is primarily a pragmatist. His chosen formation with two defensive midfielders is still the backbone of the team, as it was in the 2010 World Cup where the Dutch reached the final.
Wesley Sneijder's improved form in recent weeks is a huge boost. Along with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, he turns the 'Oranje' into serious title contenders. The only problem Marwijk's formation faces is the inclusion of striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who shone against the English in February.
Possible starting lineup:
Maarten Stekelenburg; Gregory van der Wiel, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Khalid Boulahrouz; Mark van Bommel, Kevin Strootman; Dirk Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben; Robin van Persie.
Star:
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar had to settle for a substitute role in the 2010 World Cup, but the Schalke striker justified his candidacy by scoring 12 goals in the qualifying tournament. The 28-year-old not only added to his tally against San Marino but also scored twice against Sweden, who finished second in Group E.
Huntelaar regained his confidence after moving from Real Madrid to Schalke.
The Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation, which means that Huntelaar and Robin van Persie will compete for the single striker position. It's hard to imagine that the unstoppable leader of Arsenal would be left on the bench. Perhaps a tactical change is in the future vision of the Dutch national team...
Coach:
Bert van Marwijk took over from Marco van Basten after Euro 2008 and led his team with maximum points in the qualifying tournament to the 2010 World Cup.
Germany:
How do they play?
Germany's game became even more focused on ball control after the 2010 World Cup. They try to dominate the midfield and quickly change positions near the opponents' goal - the attacking quartet is versatile. Especially if veteran striker Miroslav Klose manages to recover.
In order to be less predictable, coach Joachim Loew also experimented with minor modifications to the tactical setup. In the recent friendly matches against the Netherlands and Brazil, the German national team displayed expressive attacks, with the level of creativity, making the country's critics drool, resting on Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Mesut Ozil.
Possible starting lineup:
Manuel Neuer; Philipp Lahm, Mats Hummels, Holger Badstuber, Marcel Schmelzer; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira; Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski; Mario Gomez.
Star:
Mesut Ozil burst onto the international football scene with notable performances in South Africa, where the German team played their most attacking football in history.
European Championships History:
Germany has won gold six times in the most prestigious international football tournaments. Three times in the European Championships - in 1972, 1980, and 1996.
Portugal:
How do they play?
The trajectory of Portugal's game has slowly but noticeably started to rise 18 months ago when coach Paulo Bento took over. The tragic era of Carlos Queiroz ended - although the current players are not as good as in 2004, the ball is passed smoothly and energetically on the field.
The key to success is the happy Cristiano Ronaldo, who has flourished under Bento. The leader of Real Madrid was stifled by Queiroz's tactical systems. The movement of the trio in midfield can also captivate many viewers in front of the TV screen.
Possible starting lineup:
Rui Patricio; Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao; Miguel Veloso, Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho; Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo; Helder Postiga.
Star:
No introduction needed - Cristiano Ronaldo. Only Lionel Messi can claim to be equal to the phenomenon of the capital club in Spain.
Coach:
Paulo Bento became the head coach of the Portuguese national team in 2010, just six years after the end of his professional football career. The 42-year-old coach was suspended for five months with Abel Xavier and Nuno Gomes for improper behavior after the Euro 2000 semifinal loss to France.
European Championships History:
The painful final defeat in Euro 2004 is still felt by everyone - from players to fans - as Portugal managed to reach the final of the tournament held in their country but lost to Greece.
Subjective prediction:
1. Germany
2. Portugal
3. Netherlands
4. Denmark
