A look at each of the 16 teams at Euro 2012

Associated Press Sports

updated 10:10 a.m. ET May 25, 2012

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -A brief look at each of the 16 teams at this year's European Championship:

Group A(equals)

Poland(equals)

Playing at home will give Poland a huge boost, but it could still be tough to make it out of the first round. With the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal as possible quarterfinal opponents from Group B, the host nation is unlikely to make it into the semifinals.

Greece(equals)

The Euro 2004 champions were drawn in a relatively easy group and have an excellent record under coach Fernando Santos (7-3-0 in qualifying), but getting through the first round of a major tournament still isn't easy. Since their victory over Portugal eight years ago, the Greeks failed to get out of the group stage at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.

Russia(equals)

The Russians excelled at the last European Championship, but despite winning their qualifying group last year they are not expected to be among the contenders in Poland and Ukraine. But with Andrei Arshavin and Pavel Pogrebnyak up front, they should be scoring plenty of goals.

Czech Republic(equals)

The Czechs needed to go through the playoffs to reach Euro 2012. Heading into the final tournament, the 1976 champions are the lowest ranked team of the 14 qualifiers at No. 29. Only co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, who qualified automatically, are ranked lower.

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Group B(equals)

Netherlands(equals)

The World Cup runners-up were put into the toughest group, but they should still be able to make it into the quarterfinals with Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder all threats up front. The team's final match against Portugal is likely to be decisive.

Denmark(equals)

The Danes are the lowest ranked team in the group, and the biggest outsiders. The 1992 champions will likely need all the other teams to beat each other for them to sneak through.

Germany(equals)

Germany reached the final at Euro 2008 and the semifinals at the World Cup two years later, and they should be getting better. Bastian Schweinsteiger has become the heart of the team, but Thomas Mueller, Mario Gomez and Mesut Oezil are the ones most likely to provide the goals.

Portugal(equals)

Cristiano Ronaldo will have another chance to shine on the big stage, and he will have to carry Portugal if the Euro 2004 finalists want to make it into the quarterfinals. Among the top players in the world, Ronaldo has so far failed to play his best when wearing a Portugal shirt.

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Group C(equals)

Spain(equals)

The defending champions from Spain are many people's favorite to win another major title. The Spanish finally ended their 44-year drought at major tournaments when they beat Germany in the Euro 2008 final in Vienna, and then followed that up by winning their first World Cup trophy two years ago in Johannesburg. With Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta controlling play, they are a good bet to make it three in a row.

Italy(equals)

The Italians have been on the decline since winning their fourth World Cup title in 2006, and despite winning their qualifying group they are not expected to challenge for the Euro 2012 championship. But if Mario Balotelli makes the team and can showcase his skill, Italy could mount a championship run.

Ireland(equals)

After the disappointment of missing out on the last World Cup because of a handball against France, the Irish made it through to their second European Championship. Coached by Italian veteran Giovanni Trapattoni, the Irish have a team made up mostly of English Premier League players.

Croatia(equals)

The Croats have struggled since qualifying for Euro 2008, missing out on the last World Cup. But they finished second in their qualifying group and beat Euro 2008 semifinalist Turkey in a playoff. To make it through the first round in Poland and Ukraine, the Croats will likely need to beat Italy.

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Group D(equals)

Ukraine(equals)

Ukraine has never before played at the European Championship, missing out on all four tournaments since it split from the Soviet Union. But as usual, home advantage should give the co-hosts a boost in what is likely to be a tough group.

Sweden(equals)

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the field, the Swedes should not be counted out. The AC Milan striker can score some amazing goals, but he'll have to get through the French and English defenses if Sweden is to have a hope of making a run at the title.

France(equals)

After infighting derailed their chances at the 2010 World Cup, France coach Laurent Blanc seems to have the team back on track. A two-time European champion, the French will be tough to stop with hard-running Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri in the attack.

England(equals)

The English will again be looking to win their first European Championship, but they will arrive with an aging defense, a new coach and a suspended Wayne Rooney (for the first two matches). If the English don't win the group but still advance, a possible quarterfinal match against Spain could be the end.

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