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[B]Austria[/B] qualify for the tournament automatically as co-hosts, and make their debut in the finals. It is interesting to note that in the 12 previous tournaments that have been held, 10 host nations have made the semi-finals (and on every occasion in the last 9 tournaments), so the Austrians will be hoping that they home support can work in their favour too. However, they face a tough task if they are to progress beyond the first round as they are grouped with three-time winners Germany, England's conquerors in the qualifiers, Croatia, and Poland, who won their group during qualifying. A host nation hasn't lifted the trophy since France in 1984. Historically, 4 hosts have made it to the final and 3 of those won. In recent matches Austria have struggled for goals.

[B]Germany[/B] qualified as runners up behind the Czech Republic during qualifying but finished a comfortable ten points clear of third placed Ireland. Lucas Podolski (10 goals in 40 this season for Bayern) was the top scorer in their group with 8 goals as they finished with 8 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat (at home to the Czech Republic), scoring 35 goals (highest scoring team in the qualifiers) and conceding just 7. 13 of those goals, however, came in a 13-0 romp over San Marino, with Podolski netting four times, as Joachim Low's side set a new record with that result. Miroslav Klose (21 in 47 games for Bayern) also had a good qualifying campaign, bagging five goals. The Germans were unbeaten for their first 9 qualifiers, however, they did get beaten by the Czechs and ended qualifying on a low note with a 0-0 draw with Wales. They kept 7 clean sheets during qualifying. Historically, Germany have the best record of any nation to have entered this competition, they have reached the final 5 times, winning three times. They have also qualified for the finals more times than any other nation. At Euro 2004 Germany failed to get past the group stage, finishing behind Holland and the Czech Republic, but ahead of debutants Latvia.

[B]Croatia[/B] won England's qualifying group, twice beating Steve McLaren's side, to qualify from Group E along with Russia. Managed by former West Ham defender Slaven Bilic, Croatia won 9 and drew 2 of their 12 games, scoring 28 and conceding 8. Their sole defeat was a shock 2-0 defeat to Macedonia in the latter stages of the campaign but they registered some impressive victories en route to the finals, beating England 2-0 in Zagreb and then repeating the outcome with a 3-2 win at Wembley. Both times they faced Russia they showed defensive resolve to fight out two 0-0 draws. Arsenal's Eduardo was their top scorer during the qualifiers but will be missing from the finals through injury. Mladen Petric (13 goals in 29 for Borussia Dortmund) was their second highest scorer with 7 goals and was the 6th highest scorer in the qualifiers as a whole. In their last appearance at the Championships in 2004 Croatia failed to qualify from a group containing England, France and Switzerland. The only other time they have reached the finals was in 1996, when they reached the quarter finals.

[B]Poland[/B], managed by Dutchman Leo Beenhakker (former Trinidad & Tobago coach), ran out the winners of their qualifying group finishing a point ahead of Portugal with a record of 8 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats, scoring 24 and conceding 12. Their defeats came against Finland (home 1-3) and Armenia (away 0-1) but they managed to record a 2-1 win over 2004 finalists Portugal with a 2-1 win in Warsaw and held out for a 2-2 draw in Lisbon. With 9 goals, Racing Santander striker Euzebiusz Smolarek (4 goals in 28 games this season) was the top scorer in the group and 3rd best overall in the qualifiers. They kept 6 clean sheets during qualifying. This is their first ever appearance in the finals. Arthur Boruc has now taken over from Jerzy Dudek in goal.

[I][B]Verdict:[/B] Croatia have perhaps the easiest of the opening fixtures against Austria. The co-hosts are making their debut in the championship but even from friendly results have not looked a formidable force against lowly ranked opposition and the Croats should get off to a flying start in their opening fixture. Slaven Bilic's side showed their credentials doing the double over England and they should push Germany all the way to head the group. Germany are expected to beat neighbours Poland in their opening fixture but face Croatia in a tricky second fixture. Even if they were to slip up, however, the German's should overcome Austria in their final game and is looks as if Joachim Low's side will win the group, with Croatia taking second spot. The difference between the top two could be that the Germans are full of goals whereas Croatia are missing Eduardo.[/I]