France:

Henry plays best when he’s playing a 4-4-2. I’m sure Domeneche will be giving him the 4-4-2 that he wants since he has been doing it in all warm up matches before the Euro 2008. He’s got quite a few options to put up on Henry’s right side. He can go with Nicolas Anelka, Karim Benzema, and Gomis. Anelka is a decent player but I think Benzema has much more speed and better finishing than Anelka. Gomis was the first French player to score two goals in his debut since Zizou. Now don’t think that I’m saying Gomis will be a Zizou but he is really good with great technique, speed, and finishing. Vieira is injured but I’m sure he will be back soon enough. Maka is just a beast in the midfield. They have great players on their wings with Ribery and Malouda. Their back line is good but aging. However in Euro warm-ups they have been disappointing.

Romania:

These guys are obviously the overlooked underdogs. Don’t be surprised at all if these guys come out and steal a few draws or maybe even a win and advance. The three major players will be battling it hard with technique meanwhile Romania can steal some with their counter. They are a team full of spirit and motivation. They can take out a big national side. You have to be careful on set plays with Chivu and they have devastating finishing coming from Fiorentina’s Mutu. They have a no named, but great defense that will spring out an attack. Be Careful betting against Romania just because they are facing France, Holland, and Italy.

Netherlands:

Along with Spain, the Dutch are sound team in the midfield and attacking. They will also most likely be playing a 4-3-3. They got Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Robben, and Van Nistelrooy. They are one of the most attacking powerhouses. They will look to just simply keep possession. Keeping possession keeps you out of danger. Their backline is decent at best, they have a good keeper in Edwin Van Der Sar. Van Basten is a genius, a great player, and a good manager. He wants his team to be comfortable and when they came to them asking for a 4-2-3-1, an adaption of 4-3-3, he agreed and success followed. Van Persie will miss the first game and says he may not last 90 minutes so I’m expecting him to start and Robben to come on as an impact sub.

Italy:

Donadoni will be playing with a 4-1-4-1 which Marcello Lippi left his side with after the 06 World Cup. They have a strong back line even without Fabio Cannavaro. I think they will be just fine without him. They have the best goal keeper in the game in Gigi Buffon. They have one of the best holding midfields in Rino Gattuso. Pirlo and De Rossi will distribute the ball strongly to their attacking options and Pirlo is one of the best in the game at set pieces. Camoransei and Di Natale playing from the wings and supporting Luca Toni up front. They are so tactically sound, all they have to do is stick to these tactics. They also have a lot of options besides Luca Toni up front in Del Piero, Cassano, etc.

Group Winners: Italy
Group Runner-up: France