One could argue that Europe's continental finals have never been so wide open. Indeed, all 16 qualifiers will enter UEFA EURO 2008 with genuine hopes of emerging victorious, with even the underdogs mindful of Greece's remarkable victory in 2004. The question is: which nation will triumph?
Sunday's draw in Paris certainly complicated the task for a quartet of sides. Former champions Netherlands, Italy and France, all positioned in the top ten on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, were grouped together along with in-form Romania, who sit in 13th place.
Holders Greece, meanwhile, must contend with Sweden, Spain and Russia in Group D, while Portugal and Czech Republic, finalists and semi-finalists respectively at UEFA EURO 2004, are joined by co-hosts Switzerland and Turkey in the first section. Finally, Austria will be hoping to convert home advantage into progression to the knockout phase when they meet Croatia, Germany and Poland in Group B.
