With the UEFA EURO 2008 tournament from Austria-Switzerland just days away, the Sportable staff will bring you team previews leading up to the opening match. Group by group, we will discuss team rosters, flaws. and chances of being crowned European Champions.

Group C Matches:
June 9th: vs. Romania (Letzigrund Stadium-Zurich)
June 13th: vs. Netherlands (Stade de Suisse Wankdorf-Bern)
June 17th: vs. Italy (Letzigrund Stadium-Zurich)

Les Bleus is Loaded, Even Without Zidane
For France, EURO 2008 marks the true beginning of a new era in French soccer. Gone is superstar Zinedine Zidane, with his truly legendary playmaking ability and even more infamous cranium. But don’t pity the French; they’re too arrogant to deserve any pity and they’re too talented to feel sorry for. Even without Zizzou, France was able to emerge from the EURO 2008 Qualifying Group of Death. Their reward? Another Group of Death and rematch with Italy.

Attacking
Not only did the 2006 World Cup serve as Zidane’s farewell tour, but it also marked the coming-out party of midfielder Franck Ribery, arguably the ugliest thing to ever be conceived. There’s no two ways about it: Ribery is one ugly son of a bitch. But looks aside, he’s become one of the game’s elite midfielders. Now with Bayern Munich, he’s become the face of France’s attack. Veteran Thierry Henry is back, but will have a new partner up front after the controversial snubbing of David Trezeguet from the squad. After scoring 20 goals for Juventus this season, it makes zero sense to leave “Trezegol” off the squad, even if his replacement appears to be a superstar. That replacement is Lyon’s Karim Benzema. Just 20-years-old, Benzema could receive a massive payday if he lives to up to all of his hype.

Defense
Much like their attack, France’s back line will also be without the familiar baldy. Fabien Barthez and his tendency for stupidity are finally out of the picture. Between the pipes in EURO 2008 will be Gregory Coupet, the heir apparent to France’s keeper position for years. Finally, at the age of 35, the longtime Lyon keeper will have his chance with France. Aside from keeper, France’s defense is familiar to the one that we saw in Germany two summers ago. Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas and Abidal are the projected starters for France. The unit’s biggest loss is the absence of Patrick Vieira, who will miss the group stage (and possibly the entire tournament) due to injury. While players like Makelele and Diarra can fill Vieira’s role, losing their captain is an enormous loss, regardless of how much depth this team has.

Outlook
Even without Zidane, France appears poised for a run at glory in EURO 2008. While surviving the Group of Death will be a daunting task, France caught a break by drawing Romania first. Getting three points in their first match could be an enormous confidence boost for a team that often starts slow in international tournaments. I like France to win the group and reach, at the very least, the semifinals.

Prediction
7 points in Group C
A win over Russia in the quarterfinals
A loss to Spain in the semifinals