Group A Preview

There's only two big names in Group A - Poland and Portugal. But even Poland didn't perform at the last World Cup so it looks like a one horse race then?

Since 1992 Portugal have steadily improved, from not qualifying in that year, to being knocked out in the quarter-finals 1-0 to the Czech Republic, then in 2000 they were knocked out in the semi-finals against France in extra time to a Zidane penalty in the King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels. Then in 2004, on their home turf they tragically went down in the final to a Greek goal by Charisteas.

So, if you follow the rule, then Portugal should win the Euro 2008 Championship. But as we all know "football's a funny old game". They could have tough games in the former Soviet countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Thankfully they won't have to play in Finland during their winter so that should cheer them up.

Poland start off their campaign against Finland, Serbia and Kazakhstan and will be looking to have at least seven points under their belt before they play Portugal on 11th October.

Who's got no chance?
There's never a "no chance" but we feel its highly unlikely that Armenia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will qualify into the Euro 2008 finals.

Who's in with a shout?
Serbia qualified for the World Cup but they've gotten worse since then and I would put them fourth favourites behind Portugal, Poland and Belgium and only just ahead of Finland.

Belgium have a slight chance of knocking Poland into third but they seriously need to improve upon their woeful 2006 World Cup qualifying performances.

Group Prediction (Don't bet on us!)
Portugal
Poland
Belgium
Serbia
Finland
Armenia
Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan

Group A Update