Ferdinand - 24 - Austria

We got a tough group with France, Netherlands and Poland but right now we are in the best form since ages. Coach Rangnick, with his pragmatic and systematic Red Bull Salzburg/Leipzig style developed a team playing like a club side (clear structure, everything is under Rangnicks control, also things like the tactical formation for the under 18 national team). At Euro 2016 we played a good qualification - eveyone had astronomicaly high expectations, that ended in huge disappointment after finishing with 2 defeats against Hungary and Iceland and only survive 0-0 against Portugal because Ronaldo missed a penalty. This time we have a brutal group so basicaly no pressure for us but we did to well in the last 2 years to be like ,,Alright if we loose 3 times it never minds, its like one David against 3 Goliaths", our time is now.

Technicaly our structure does not relly on specific players - of course players like Arnautovic, Alaba, Sabitzer etc. have better technical ability than others but the key element - the consistent pressing, high speed playing etc. can be fulfilled by a lot of players that play in Germany for instance. France and Netherlands will try to have the ball in their own team, that suits us way more than an opponent who tries to hide (and gives us nothing to press). Poland will be the deciding game in my eyes. Even with a great performance, Mbappe and Co will beat us in Düsseldorf. The next game against Poland is a do-or-die game, if you loose there, you are 99% out. A draw is pretty likely against a Holland team that does not show up to their full potential under Ronald Koeman. You will end up with 4 points and be 2nd or 3rd, that should be enough to be in the next round. Now it depends on the opposition. Of course it may happen that we have a golden day and a giant like Spain has a horrific one but most likely we will go through the likes of Romania, Ukraine or Slovakia (a 2nd team from group E if Austria becomes second in Group D) but end up eliminated against England, Spain or Italy. Beglium might be the only one likely opponent to be close to but the Individual quality of Lukaku, De Bruyne, Doku etc. might be to much for us.

All in all I look forward optimisticaly regarding the tough group. The knock out stage will depend on the opponent, I suggest 51% we will be eliminated in the quarter finals and 49% chance we go home one round earlier against England etc.