EURO 2008 - Group D

GROUP D is the last pool of teams that houses one of the hottest favourites, Spain. Many know they are capable of great football, but how often have they failed to make it past the big stage? With Russia, and Greece (defending champion) and Sweden, Spain is not guaranteed to make it to the next stage. Or have they?

Group D comprises of Spain, Russia, Greece and Sweden.

Spain - Despite what many people think about them, I think the Spanish side is full of quality this year. We have been exposed to quality this season, with stars in the BPL and LFP showing us what they can achieve. Most hopes rest on Fernando Torres, with Raul Gonzalez not in the tournament squad. As great as El Nino is, one must not forget that he is just, one man. Take a look at the others. The next man to play a big part is consistent performer David Villa. He I believe is the man who will make or break the hearts of the Russians and Greeks. Outstandingly skilful, he possesses an excellent mind that makes spot on decisions at the right moment.

If he teams up to perfection with Torres, Spain is unbeatable. Alot must be said about Spain's defence. They can hardly concentrate on defending, and usually fade away after a bright opening start. But Carlos Puyol will be in defence and this will be a major boost as he always seem so energetic. Surely, he can wake up a few sleeping Spaniards during the match! Spain has an excellent midfield and attack, and not forgetting, an excellent goalkeeper in Iker Casillas. This year, might be Spain's year...

Russia - When you talk about Russia, apart from Maria Sharapova, there is nothing much else to talk about. If you say teams fear Russia, it is because they fear Guus Hiddink, and definitely not Russia. The Russians qualify ahead of England, but they still lack the quality of the English and definitely can never outdo the Spanish. However, like we see of Zenit St Petersburg, their football is fast and when in form, they are a joy to watch. Put them under pressure, and Russia will start to fall short of quality, resorting to long balls to their strikers.

The scoring duties are likely to fall on Roman Pavlyuchenko, who is much fitter than towards the end of the Russian domestic season. However, the loss of Arshavin and Pogrebnyak might mean trouble for Russia in their opener, and I believe it is also the start of their problems.

Greece - Last round's champions and everyone expects them to perform as brilliantly as before. However, take a look at their qualifying games. The opponents in there are woeful, and if they do not qualify, that is madness. Looking further back at their World Cup 2006 form, they just withered away in form and quality and expect them to work even harder if they want to go through.

Stelios looks to be a starter in all of Greece's matches, but even he is running out of form. Top scorer Theofanis Gekas will be looking to continue his goalscoring entics in the group stages but Greece's hopes rest not just on Gekas alone, but the midfield. The holding area looks brittle and easily overrun-able...and if Greece are to stop Spain and Sweden, they need to cover quite a bit of loopholes that may simply see the defending champions go out very early.

Sweden - Never underestimate the Scandinavians. Denmark did it once with Sweden reaching the semis, and I believe Sweden will perform as well as it can in this tournament again. Familiar names amongst the Swedes, Mellberg, Kallstrom, Ljungberg, Ibrahimovic and yes, Henrik Larsson. Alot of flair and strength in their midfield, their ability to keep possession of the ball means they are often in control of the situation. Qualifying behind Spain, (even beating Spain once at home) Sweden looks to be in fine form and Larsson is one happy veteran looking to shine in what seems like his last tournament.

With Ibrahimovic injured and unable to last a full match, Larsson is expected to hit all fronts for Sweden. Larsson swore to retire after Sweden's last match against Germany at the World Cup but was tempted back for Euro 2008. Will this be a timely fairwell for Larsson, to end his international career on the big stage with a brilliant all round performance?

Kicks 4 Kicks! says Spain should comfortably beat Russia in its first encounter, and then slog it out for a hard-earned draw against Sweden. Their superior goal difference will be vital as they stay at the top with an easy victory over Greece. Sweden, like-wise should have no problem beating Greece, but may have a slight problem overcoming Russia. Still, I think Sweden should be good enough to beat the Russians by 1 goal. Russia and Greece is all but a formality, and Russia should be triumphant here, although it will not be enough for them.

K4K! predicts : Spain, Sweden, Russia, Greece