GREECE

How they qualified
Getting into Euro 2008 was practically a walk in the park for the Greek team. The squad went 10-1-1 in the first round, leading all of Europe with 32 points. The squad feasted on lower-finishing teams such as Malta, who they bested over their two games by a combined score of 6-0.

Why they can win
One of the important factors in Greece’s early play was that, unlike many of the other squads, they were able to outright win their matches, tying only once. The 2002-2004 champs have also retained a strong number of players from their championship season, who will not only be the driving force on the pitch, but will also be the leaders in the locker room.

Why they may lose
The defending champs have all the tools to repeat their performance from Portugal, but there is always concern about x-factors such as injuries. Already, defender Traianos Dellas has been forced to sit out friendly games, but he could be back for the tournament.

Watch this player
Sotirios Kyrgiakos is the very definition of workhorse. The veteran, who has 12 appearances under his belt, played every minute of the qualifying round for Greece. His stamina will definitely be tested on the biggest stage of them all.

What to drink
Wash down that amazing tzatziki from the Greek Market with refreshing Ouzo 12 over ice. $21.95 for 750 ml.

CZECH REPUBLIC

 How they qualified
On the global stage, Czech Republic isn’t quite as heralded as England, Brazil or Germany, but maybe they should be. After all, it was this team, not the Deutschlanders, that came out on top of the Group D qualifiers with a 9-2-1 record and an astounding five goals.

Why they can win
If there is anything that is motivating the Czech team to victory, it may just be the age-old storyline that ruminates throughout sport – winning one for the retiring legend, who in this case is coach Karel Bruckner.

Why they may lose
The first game against the Swiss can be Czech’s ultimate undoing. Lose to the host nation and you have lots of ground to make up in a short timespan.

Key players
Much like the NHL’s Martin Brodeur, goalie Jaromir Blazek will be the key man for his crew.

What to drink
The full-bodied flavour of this traditional Moravian lager helps cut the heaviness of traditional potato pancakes. Starobrno Lager. $2.63 for 500 ml.

 PORTUGAL

 How they qualified
Portuguese fans were breathing heavy sighs of relief after an early scare in Euro qualifying
when the club lost their third game to Poland. The team went on to rattle a few more nerves, earning five draws before their final qualifying game against Finland. The teams played to a 0-0 draw, which would put Portugal in the final tournament.

Why they can win
With only one loss in the qualifying round, Portugal showed a mastery in their eight-team qualifying group. The team has also demonstrated that they can get the job done on the grandest stages of them all, after placing fourth in the 2006 World Cup of Soccer.

Why they may lose
The number of draws Portugal had in qualifying is most definitely a cause for concern, especially when you factor in that five of them came against the other teams to finish above .500. Portugal will also have to be mindful of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was suspended for three games following a 1-1 draw with Serbia.

Watch this player
Cristiano Ronaldo is not only the team’s best player, but he could very well end up as tournament MVP. Ronaldo tallied eight goals in the qualifying round, an impressive number for a 23-year-old.

What to drink
Spicy, grilled chorizo from Piazza De Nardi pairs well with this light, refreshing white wine. Aveleda Vinho Verde. $9.49 for 750 ml.

 GERMANY

 How they qualified
The three-time European champs are just about guaranteed a spot in the tournament whenever it is staged. They were the first team to qualify for the final round after drawing
North Ireland on Oct. 13, 2007 (final score was 0-0).

Why they can win
The 2006 World Cup third place finishers have a strong team going forward this year. The Germans scored a remarkable 35 goals in the qualifying round and are sure to keep the heat going in the sweet 16. Leaving aside their ranking as one of the elite teams in the tournament, Germany is also in the midst of celebrating its 100th year of soccer, and you can’t overlook the emotion that the team will carry onto the pitch.

Why they may lose
Germany can be dominant on the pitch (their two games against San Marino in qualifying totaled 19-0), but their reliance on the 4-4-2 system can become predictable. As noted in an article appearing on the Euro 2008 website, head coach Joachim Low will make adjustments if injuries become a factor, but otherwise it’s not beyond the scope of imagination of a rival team mixing it up a bit.

Watch this player
He may not put the ball on net often enough, but when Miroslav Klose does, he’s one of the most deadly kickers in all of soccer. Through nine Euro games, Klose is connecting on 24 per cent of his shots on goal.

What to drink
You’ll want plenty of bratwurst from Portage Sausage and Meats to temper one of the strongest beers on the market - Eku 28 Lager, $3.30 for 510 ml.

  ITALY

 How they qualified
The mighty Italian team came out atop the Group B standings after going 9-2-1. The team’s lone loss came to France. The 2006 World Cup of Soccer champs now come into Euro 2008 as one of the favourites to take home the championship.

Why they can win
Italy’s perseverance may be unparalleled in European play. The team has demonstrated an uncanny ability to come out ahead in virtually every game they play, by sheer will power. The team’s biggest asset is a strong defensive corps that only allowed nine goals in qualifying.

Why they may lose
Though the Italians found a way to win 75 per cent of their qualifying matches, the squad was hardly dominant. Their victories were only by one or two goals in each game, even against the winless Faroe Islands squad. A combined total of 22 goals over 12 games in the first round certainly won’t cut it in the proverbial second season, especially when there’s plenty of firepower coming from other nations. A pre-tourney loss to Spain, 1-0, certainly isn’t a confidence-booster either.

Watch this player
Forward Antonio Cassano will be counted on to be a leader on the Italian squad despite his inexperience (he only has two appearances to his credit). Most importantly, Cassano will need to keep his temper in check.

What to drink
Pizza and beer – a natural choice. This slightly bitter lager is an official sponsor of soccer in Italy. Birra Moretti Lager, $2.01 for 355 ml.

  FRANCE

 How they qualified
France finished second in Group B qualifying behind Italy on the strength of an 8-2-2 record.

Why they can win
Defence is France’s biggest asset. The team only let five goals hit the twine in qualifying and shut out their opponents an unheard of eight times.

Why they may lose
The two-time Euro champs could have injury problems at the big tournament. Pre-Cup games were played without several key players, perhaps most importantly, team captain Patrick Vieira. Even if all players return, there’s no guarantee that they’ll all be at 100 per cent.

Watch this player
If he’s healthy, Thierry Henry will be the top performer on France’s squad. Though this is his first time playing in the Euro Cup, the current all-time goals record holder will be counted on to perform.

What to drink
This bright, citrusy lager from a 300-year-old brewery is a great thirst quencher on a hot summer day. Kronenbourg 1664, $1.74 for 330 ml.

  POLAND

 How they qualified
The under-initiated would not consider Poland to be a threat on the international soccer stage, but this crew finished atop Group A in qualifying, albeit by just one point over the mighty Portugal squad.

Why they can win
Being short on veterans may not be a bad thing. Poland could easily be as surprising in the Cup as they were in the qualifying round.

Why they may lose
Euro Cup website reporter Maciej Iwanski was generous in calling Poland’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of the U.S.A. “demoralizing.” Though a friendly competition, it was enough of a detraction that could plant many seeds of doubt in the team’s minds.

Watch this player
Defender Jacek Bak has 12 Euro Cup appearances under his belt and will be counted on to lead a very inexperienced team to battle.

What to drink
Best served ice cold, this award-winning pale lager has a mild flavour. Tyskie Ale, $2.74 for 500 ml.

  SPAIN

 How they qualified
Spain finished first overall in Group F just two points ahead of Sweden.

Why they can win
Overall, Spain is one of the most fundamentally sound teams in all of the Euro Cup. They don’t have the startling numbers of some of their competitors going into the finals, they have solid foundations at each position and will definitely be a strong force in Group D.

Why they may lose
The biggest obstacle that Spain has to overcome is their group-mate Greece, who are the returning champs. Spain will also need more offence than their 23 goals-for in qualifying play.

Watch this player
With almost all other players not having 10 games under their belts, forward David Villa will be counted on to play the leading role on the team.

What to drink
Serve tapas like stuffed olives and sizzling shrimp in garlic sauce with Torres Sangre de Toro red wine.
$12.64 for 750 ml.