The 14th edition of the European Championships kicks off on Saturday morning as Poland and Ukraine play hosts to the best soccer nations in UEFA.
nzherald.co.nz's Cameron McMillan takes a look at the four groups and how the first stage could play out. Today: Group B.
GROUP B
Netherlands (FIFA ranking 4, UEFA ranking 2)
Denmark (10, 10)
Germany (2, 3)
Portugal (5, 11)
Breakdown:
Many groups in the past have been dubbed the 'Pool of death' but Group B really does earn the title. All four teams are ranked in the top 10 in the world with Germany, Netherlands and Portugal all in the top five and like Group A, three of the nations are previous champions with Portugal the odd-one out. Though there is a tinge of 'bridesmaids' to Group B with Portugal (second in Euro 2004), Germany (second in Euro 2008), Netherlands (second in 2010 World Cup) having all gone so close to securing major titles in recent times before just falling short.