Brazil, are probably favourites, but personally I cannot see them retaining it; they have skill in abundance, and in Ronaldinho possibly the best player in the world at present.

But with all that taken into account I still do not think they will retain their title, defensively they have looked more than suspect. They will be the stars of the show, little doubt, but I think they will flatter to deceive.

Argentina; everyone seems to be writing off Argentina, but for me if (and it’s a big if) a team from South America is going to win it, I lean towards Argentina rather than Brazil.

They are compact, tidy if a little inconsistent, and in Messy, they potentially have a new talisman, personally I think the ultimate winner will be European, but Argentina could be an outside bet.

Germany; possibly the worst German side in years, they look to be in disarray and Ballack aside your struggling to think of genuine class, but they are German so they will probably bloody win it, just to spite the rest of the world.

Seriously though, I can’t see it, they simply do not look (and who would have thought I would ever get the chance to say this) organised enough.

Italy; I would love Italy to win it, but that corner stone of so many Italian sides the defence, looks decidedly dodgy this time out, on their day they a fluent in attack and creative in midfield and can beat anyone. But defensive frailties will I think let the down for the final hurdle. I hope I am wrong.

England; as usual the English press assume that England will win, and they also have numerous excuses to mention the war, but I can’t see it myself, they will go out on penalties, probably to the Germans.

Holland; for me the most complete side going to the championship and possibly my future bet as winners.

But a note of caution, they are Dutch, they only have a chance of winning if they can get on for the whole tournament, which is past experience tells us anything is unlikely.

Spain; their talented, their organised, their Spain so they will crumble.

Ukraine, best out and out striker on the planet, but no hope of winning, might be worth a few pound on getting through the group stages though, there is always one surprise side and this time it could very well be the Ukraine.

France, no chance, thank God, they were bloody insufferable the last time.

Switzerland, while willing to attack in a neutral sort of style I still find it difficult to take the Swiss seriously as a force in international football. I blame Heidi and an abundance of goats.

Truthfully though it is a very open competition, at the moment I am leaning towards Holland, while hoping for Italy, either way though the greatest sporting competition in the world is nearly here, get ready to roll out the beer.

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SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

European Football Poll