CZECH REPUBLIC
Although they drew with Italy 2-2, the 1-0 defeat by Japan was
the Czech Republic's second successive defeat after a 20-game
unbeaten run and their problem is inexperience in defence.
And though Tomas Rosicky, Vladimir Smicer and Karel Poborsky
all returned, they may not be in top form in time for Portugal.
Form 3/5
LATVIA
Latvia recently drew with Iceland but won 1-0 at Slovenia -
Latvia rely on a counter-attacking style and struggled to score
during their qualifying campaign.
There is an injury concern over striker Marian Pahars and
that puts more doubt on Latvia's ability to cope in their
first major finals. Form: 2/5
GERMANY
Romania embarrassed Germany's weakened team in Bucharest and
fitness battles for defenders Christian Worns and Tobias Rau
are a worry. Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Deisler said
on Saturday he would not be in Germany's Euro 2004 squad.
'I will definitely not go (to the finals in Portugal), the 24-year-old
told reporters after Bayern's 2-0 win over SC Freiburg in which
he scored a goal.
Benjamin Lauth's absence does not help coach Rudi Voeller's
concerns over his lack of goals up front. Form 3/5
NETHERLANDS
Forced through the play-offs, the Netherlands look to be reaching
the right form and managed to crush Greece even with star players
missing. Dutch coach Dick Advocaat sprang no suprises on when
he announced his provisional 23-man squad for the Euro 2004
finals in Portugal
Dick Advocaat's main problem is who to play in the playmaker
role in midfield and there is plenty of cover for Arjen Robben,
should he fail to recover from a hamstring injury. Form 4/5
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