Group A - Czech Republic, Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey

Jun 1 2008 By Martin Watt

PORTUGUESE playmaker Deco has had little cause for celebration in a disastrous domestic season that will see him shipped out of Barcelona this summer.

But the man slammed by Barca president Joan Laporta for his excessive nightlife is determined to end the worst year of his career on a high by sparking the biggest party in Portugal's history at Euro 2008.

Deco's Nou Camp misery saw him embroiled in a civil car with Laporta, miss large chunks of the season through injury then cop criticism from fans for poor performances as the team finished trophyless.

Yet since joining up with his Portugal team-mates he has felt the weight of despondency lift from his shoulders.

Deco reckons blossoming talents such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa and Ricardo Quaresma can help the country atone for their Euro 2004 heartbreak - the hosts lost to shock troops Greece in the final - by claiming a historic first major success.

Favour Boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has a string of suitors, is expected to walk away after the finals so Deco is intent on giving the Brazilian a glorious send-off.

He said: "We've got time together now and with hard work the team will continue to improve.

"Of course we're candidates to win Euro 2008. Just look at recent history which is in our favour."

Not even Big Phil's shock omission of Atletico Madrid midfielder Maniche from the squad has affected unity as Portugal gear up for the big one.

Diplomatic Deco said: "Maniche is a great player, he has already done great things for the national team but the coach will have his reasons for making his selection." Deco, 29, is destined for the chop at Barca as new manager Josep Guardiola puts his own stamp on the club after replacing Frank Rijkaard whose side ended a dismal third in La Liga.

He knows recapturing his scintillating best at the Euro finals will have clubs queueing up to sign him and said: "I will go to an English or an Italian team.

"But not Spain because the only club at the same level as Barcelona is Real Madrid and I will never go to to them.

"It has been a sad campaign where Barca have suffered a lot. It's hard to understand why we haven't done better especially with the team we have. When you don't win anything you have to ask questions."

It seems Portugal are peaking under Big Phil at just the right time with Deco's team-mate Ronaldo in blistering form.

And in truth there is little to frighten themin Group A.

Co-hosts Switzerland's home advantage will prove a leveller but despite boasting stars such as Hakan Yakin they'll find it tough.

Turkey will need big performances from the likes of attacking midfielder Gokdeniz Karadeniz, an s8million signing for Russian side Rubin Kazan.

Wily 68-year-old Czech Republic boss Karel Bruckner would love to sign off on a high by clinching glory.

The Czechs, minus crocked Tomas Rosicky, will again rely on deadly strike pairMilan Baros and Jan Koller to spearhead their challenge.

ODDS TO QUALIFY

Portugal 2/5, Czech Rep 8/11, Switzerland 11/8, Turkey 2/1

CZECH REPUBLIC

COACH - Known for playing attractivefootball, Euro 2008 will be Karel Bruckner's swansong after seven yearsin charge of the national side he joined from SK Sigma Olomouc.

STAR PLAYER - There are few safer hands inthe business than Chelsea keeper Petr Cech and his massive presencebetween the sticks will boost the 1976 champions' chances.

EUROS RECORD - 1960: Semi-finals 76: Winners 80: Semifinals 96: Final 2000: Ko'd at group stage 04: Semi-finals.

ODDS TO WIN TROPHY - 16/1.

PORTUGAL

COACH - Affectionately known as Big Phil,Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari is desperate to add to his 2002 World Cupsuccess with his native country by guiding Portugal to a major title.

STAR PLAYER - Not surprisingly after his 42goals helped Man United clinch Premiership and Champions League glory,Cristiano Ronaldo is the one to watch.

EUROS RECORD - 1984: Semi-finals 96: Quarter-finals 2000: Semi-finals 04: Final

ODDS TO WIN TROPHY - 15/2.

SWITZERLAND

COACH - Jakob Kuhn is set to be replaced byOttmar Hitzfeld after the tournament and the 64-year-old will be hopingto improve on his dreadful Euro 2004 performance when the Swissfinished bottom of their group.

STAR PLAYER - Much will be expected of BayerLeverkusen ace Tranquillo Barnetta whose pace and eye for a pass enablehim to play as a left winger or attacking midfielder.

EUROS RECORD - 1996: Ko'd at group stage 2004: Ko'd at group stage.

ODDS TO WIN TROPHY - 33/1.

TURKEY

COACH - Fatih Terim was a solid centre-halfduring 11 seasons as a player with Galatasary yet his managerial styleis anything but defensive. Terim insists on an attacking, aggressivegame that makes for great viewing.

STAR PLAYER - Pint-sized Newcastlemidfielder Emre saves his best for the international arena and has afierce left foot his opponents should be well aware of.

EUROS RECORD - 1996: Ko'd at group stage 2000: Quarter-finals.

ODDS TO WIN TROPHY - 50/1.