Group B consists of Denmark, Portugal, Germany and Holland. Undeniably the most difficult of the four groups. Let's dive in.
Denmark
Denmark are in a bit of a difficult situation, here. They're a decent side, with a decent history in the European Championship (winning it in 1992 against all odds, finishing 4th in 1964, and making the semi-finals in 1984). They qualified for the championships in first place, in a group with Portugal and Norway. It's fair to suggest that they're a decent side. The question is whether or not they can do it on the big stage, and whether or not they can perform in such a tough group. Granted, they've beaten Portugal already to make the competition, but form goes out the window at this stage. I would suggest they're an easy 3 points for the much more mature and experienced sides in the group.
Denmarks key men include the prolific Nicklas Bendtner (sarcasm intended), Thomas Sorensen, Daniel Agger, Christian Eriksen and the super Poulsen Brothers (I assume they're brothers), so they've actually got quite a strong squad. Manchester United's Anders Lindegaard is the third choice 'keeper, and he's pretty good, so the fact he's not even first choice suggests they've got real strength here.
I'm gonna say it now; Denmark are going to either win the group or finish bottom. They could be the surprise package at this years tournament, but my head says otherwise. I'll put a asterisk next to their spot as a permanent reminder of their potential to surprise.
Group Prediction: 4th*
Portugal
The underachievers of the group, Portugal have never won the tournament. the made the final in 2004 (losing to the Greek), but have never lifted The Henri Delaunay Trophy. They qualified through the play-off system, beating a rather average Bosnia and Hertzegovnia to get here. They usually show up during the group stage, doing enough to get into the knock-outs, however that might not be enough for them this time around. They've got real competition from Holland and Germany. It's difficult to see them picking up enough points to get through the groups. Then again, maybe they've got enough about them, and enough experience to draw from, to pull something out of the bag.
Playerwise they're somewhat top heavy, taking no less than 7 attackers. Captained by the former "best player in the world" Cristiano Ronaldo, they've real potential to cause team defensive problems. Nani and Silvertre Varela will no doubt support him, and they're pretty good (sometimes). The midfield will be anchored by a personal favourite player of mine, Joao Moutinho, who I genuinely believe could set the tournament alight.
In fact, when you look at the Portugal squad, they're choc full of genuinely talented players. They just haven't been able to cross the line mentally. To be honest, I can't see that changing this year,but they could potentially be a real force in Brazil 2014.
Group Prediction: 3rd
Germany
This German side are amazing. There are no two ways about it. They made the final in 2008 (losing to Spain), and got to the World Cup semi-final in 2010, (losing, again, to Spain). The younger players have two years more experience so you expect them to top this group, and make the final, even.
History-wise, they've won the tournament no less than 3 times, and finishing runners up 3 times also. They qualified winning every single qualifier. 30 points is a pretty decent haul, and I wholeheartedly expect that form to continue.
Stars across the field for Germany. Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, even Manuel Neuer's getting a mention. These are real star players, who can turn it on for the big sides. And I've only scratched the surface. Their one weakness is the defence. Just look at it, it's shocking. For me, Ozil was the star of the 2010 World Cup, and there is potential in this squad who could become stars in their own right. Keep one eye on Mario Gotze. Just saying.
They're good enough to win this group. They're good enough to make the final. Hell, I'm tipping them to win the whole thing. This is a real special team, and they're going to go all the way.
Group Prediction: 1st
Holland
The dirty Dutch have won the competition once (1988), and have made the semi finals 4 times. in 2010, the managed to fight (literally) their way into the World Cup final, only to lose in extra time to Spain. Their history in football in general is one of hurt and suffering. They're the nearly men of the footballing world. They qualified in first place, losing only once (to Sweden), so they're certainly a force. Do they have enough about them of exorcise the demons of 2010? Maybe...
They're a very talented squad, the Dutch. Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Robin Van Persie to name three. I could delve even further. They're a skillful side with enough about them win this group. It's a straight shoot between them and Germany for me. And when those two meet, expect it all to kick off.
Group Prediction: 2nd
Germany 3 2 1 0 7
Holland 3 1 2 0 5
Portugal 3 1 2 0 5
Denmark*3 0 0 3 0
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