European Championships Countdown: Russia

GROUP D
Group D at Euro 2008 sees Greece, the shock winners of four years ago, pitched in alongside perennial under-achievers Spain, middle of the road Sweden and a Russian side which took full advantage of England’s dismal qualification campaign to progress to Austria and Switzerland.

Starting with the reigning champions first and Greece will look to at least progress beyond the group stage as they bid to retain the trophy picked up against Portugal in Lisbon in 2004. If they believe in omens then Otto Rehhagel’s men will be delighted to be thrown in the same group as Spain and Russia as they were in Portugal. Rehhagel has yet to announce his full squad, but he is expected to try and blend in some veterans from Euro 2004, such as goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis, skipper Angelos Basinas, defender Giourkas Seitaridis, midfielder Giorgos Karagounis and Angelos Charisteas in attack. Greece failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup as they were in transition following their European Championship success, but the fact they qualified for Euro 2008 top of their respective group ahead of Turkey, Hungary and Norway suggests they are finding their feet again at the right time.

Spain will arrive at the finals expected to make an impact, despite history not being on their side when it comes to winning major tournaments. Coach Luis Aragones will hope to end his tenure in charge of the Spanish side on a high note by lifting the trophy on June 29, although he has already caused a stir in his homeland after naming a 23-man squad minus the legendary Real Madrid frontman Raul. Uncapped Real Zaragoza striker Sergio Garcia and versatile Villarreal star Santi Carzola have been included on the basis of their end of season form, but still turned a few heads in the media.