Group B Preview

Group B is quite easily the 'Group of Death', and with good reason. World Cup finalists the Netherlands will be aiming to go one better in 2012, Denmark are the surprise packets who have enough about them to cause some upsets, Germany are consistently brilliant and are trying to rebound from the heartbreak of losing the Euro's Final in 2008, while Portugal are the up and comers with the tournament's best player.

The Netherlands

The World Cup Finalists are proven match winners. Their squad is littered with quality, and their famous 'Total Football' brand causes just about every nation in the world problems. With a front line led by Robin Van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, there's reason to believe that the Dutch can go all the way in 2012.

Key Player - Robin Van Persie

Van Persie was outstanding throughout this season, scoring 36 goals in 44 matches for Arsenal, claiming the English Premier League's Golden Boot while he was at it. If he can produce the same sort of form for his national side, the Dutch have someone who they can rely on to bang the goals in.

Prediction - 2nd

Their second match of the group stage against Germany is crucial. It could decipher who tops the group. Personally, I think the German's have a touch more quality and I can see them just nudging their Dutch counterparts. However Holland do have the potential to go all the way even if they don't top their group.

Denmark

The Dane's well and truly have their work cut out for them if they want to qualify for the knockout phases of this competition. Led by their captain Daniel Agger and his centre back partner Simon Kjaer, Denmark will be solid at the back. However do they have enough quality throughout all areas of the field to mount a realistic challenge?

Key Player - Daniel Agger

With the strike forces of Holland, Germany and Portugal coming up against him, Denmark's captain Daniel Agger will need to be rock solid to give his side any hopes of progressing.

Prediction - 4th

If they were pitted in a different group, the Dane's might pose a realistic threat. However they've been drawn amongst European giants, and I can't see them escaping the dreaded 'Group of Death'.

Germany

The German's will be looking to make up for the disappointment of losing the Euro's in 2008 to Spain. They have an amazing mix of experience and youth throughout the squad, giving them the perfect balance to go all the way in 2012. Their defence is strong, their midfield has immense quality in depth and their front three of Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez have a total of 128 goals between them in 265 international matches.

Key Player - Bastian Schweinsteiger

The 27-year-old is the best midfielder in the game when he's on form, and will be looking to bounce back from the heartbreak of missing a penalty in Bayern Munich's Champions League Final loss to Chelsea earlier this year. There's no better stage to make amends.

Prediction - 1st

If the German's can live up to their expectations, they have enough quality in this side to go all the way. They're a class apart when they're on their game, and I expect them to win this Group and perhaps the tournament as well.

Portugal

Portugal have always been inspired by the heartbreak of losing the 2004 Euro's in front of their own fans, however they have a tough task if they're to get out of the group stages this year. Led by their captain Cristiano Ronaldo, and boasting the midfield talents of Nani, Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso, there's no doubting the Portuguese have quality. Do they have enough to see off the other's in their group? It remains to be seen.

Key Player - Cristiano Ronaldo

There's no question over this one. Ronaldo is the best player going into this years Euro's, and can win games off his own boot. He's so influential, so hard to handle, and basically every time he shoots, he scores. But can he get his nation over the line against the likes of Germany and Holland?

Prediction - 3rd

As good as they are, I can't see Portugal getting out of this group. For me, Germany and the Netherlands are just too good. If they are to qualify, it's vital they get off to a good start against the German's, even if it's a draw, before consolidating against Denmark next up. Without that good start, they may narrowly miss qualifying for the knockout stages.