Group B - Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal

Group B is widely regarded as the obligatory "Group of Death" of Euro 2012, but I'm not so convinced. It contains 4 big tournament regulars, including 2 of the tournament's fancied contenders, but usually these Groups of Death end up being underwhelming - Denmark and the Netherlands were also involved in a supposed "Group of Death" in Euro 2000 with the Czechs and the French - 2 wins in the first 2 matches for France and the Dutch meant that the issues were sorted before the played each other. That won't happen this time due to the fixtures, but I think it's pretty straight-forward

Denmark
10 years ago, you could have said Denmark were one of the best teams in Europe. You couldn't say that now. Despite a smattering of talent, they are clear underdogs in this group. Despite coming through a challenging group that contained Norway, Iceland, Cyprus and, again, Portugal, you would assume that this is as far as they will get, barring a miracle of Euro 92 proportions

Highly-rated Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen is the most talked-about of the Danish players and is the key playmaker of the side. Nicklas Bendtner is one of the players who has talked the most about himself and will be relied upon for goals - only he and experienced winger Dennis Rommedahl are into international double figures of goals for their country. Liverpool's Daniel Agger is the captain of the side. They are missing regular keeper Thomas Sorensen to injury - Kasper Schmeichel and Anders Lindegaard, both of English clubs, will back up Stephan Andersen

Germany
It would be hard to argue that the Germans have the best international team in the world right now. Despite not winning the 2010 World Cup, they arguably made the greatest impression, dismantling both England and Argentina before being knocked out by Spain in a close semi-final. They have made at least the semis in the last 3 major tournaments and have some of the most exciting young players on the planet in their squad, some of whom can't even get in their side

Everywhere you look there is quality. Manuel Neuer is one of the best keepers. Captain Philipp Lahm is one of the best full-backs. The midfield triumvirate of Schweinsteiger, Khedira and Ozil is surely only matched by Spain's. Mario Gomez, despite his disastrous Champions League Final, scored for fun this season, and is expected to keep Miroslav Klose out of the starting line-up. Their one weakness may be at centre-back, where Mertesacker and Badstuber make a less-than-convincing pairing for potential winners. They are arguably a better team than 2 years ago, and they were very good then. They might not be the favourites but they should be

Netherlands
The 2010 World Cup saw the Dutch fall at the final hurdle for the third time. But this was a very different side to the one we have come to expect from the nation that pioneered Total Football, summed up by Nigel de Jong's assault on Xabi Alonso in the final. Despite considerable talent in their side, they had to resort to ugly tactics in their attempts to stop the Spanish. It seems that they have mellowed somewhat since then, but the side remains more functional than free-flowing

The key players are the attackers. Arjen Robben had a great season and will be keen to banish the idea that he bottles it in the big matches after key misses in the 2010 final and this year's Champions League final. Wesley Sneijder hasn't hit the heights of his 2010 since but remains a potent force. Robin van Persie is expected to line up as striker after his incredible season for Arsenal, but Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is an excellent back-up and Dirk Kuyt is also in the squad. 2010 answered a lot of the critics who suggested they couldn't defend but left-back is an issue after Gio van Bronckhorst's retirement and Erik Pieters' foot injury, while there is debate over who to play alongside Mark van Bommel centre midfield - another defensive player in de Jong, or a more attacking player like Rafael van der Vaart or youngster Kevin Strootman. They certainly have strength in depth but lack stability this time around

Portugal
After a disappointing 2010 World Cup in which they played very defensive football and even more frustrating Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, resulting in them needing to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs, Portugal come into this tournament on a downer. The squad itself seems a strong one, with plenty of well-known stars, but to judge it on individual ability, as some pundits have done, is missing the point somewhat - despite these names, their form in competitive matches has remained poor

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world right now, if not in the history of football generally. He has had a tremendous season. However, he cannot carry this side on his own. The truth is, Ronaldo aside, there is no one there who looks like scoring a lot of goals - their main striker is the experienced Helder Postiga, who isn't the best. It is a more open, attacking side than 2 years ago but lacks a striker and a true creative midfielder - not only is there no Pauleta, but there is also no Rui Costa or Deco. They're probably in a better shape than they were under Queiroz in 2010, but Paulo Bento has failed to solve the major problems Queiroz encountered, and has also fallen out with experienced defenders Jose Bosingwa and Ricardo Carvalho. I would be surprised if they can make it out of the group, because that would mean beating either Germany or the Netherlands

Further info:

Denmark: www.zonalmarking.net/2012/06/05/euro-2012-preview-denmark/
Germany: www.zonalmarking.net/2012/06/05/euro-2012-preview-germany/
Netherlands: www.zonalmarking.net/2012/06/05/euro-2012-preview-holland/
Portugal: www.zonalmarking.net/2012/06/05/euro-2012-preview-portugal/