What Hugh Larkin Think about EURO 2008

Winners
Germany. The squad is experienced without being aged- most went through World Cup 2006 and a few go back to 2002. As a group they look ready to win something

Surprise Package
As Guud Hiddink is such a great coach I'll go for Russia - just as big underachievers as Spain really

Supporting
Croatia- to produce the players they do from a 4.5 million population and consistently qualify (6 out 7 major tournaments since independence) they deserve to be there

Outstanding Player
Michael Ballack. Probably a surprise choice but few teams win trophy at this level without a fulcrum. His last chance at this level and he's had a light workload this season but run into form at the end of it. Won't be the most noticed player but he could be the most influential

Emerging Player
Sebastian Prodl of Austria. Due to go to Werder Bremen and highly praised by the Italian media for his defending at the World under-20 Championship. Likely to get a lot of exposure in a mediocre Austrian team

Whipping Boys
Greece: they can't be as lucky this time round.