Earlier, we looked at the 7 teams that clinched the second spots in their respective groups to earn qualification for Euro 2008.

Now in the second part of a 2-part UrbanWire special, we take a look at the group winners and give our take on how these teams performed throughout the course of their grueling campaign.

Group A-Poland

After a dismal 2006 World Cup, Poland turned to Dutchman Leo Beenhakker, a man who led Trinidad & Tobago to their first World Cup, to give the same boost to Poland’s aspirations of qualifying for their first European Championships.

In a relatively tough group that included a number of Europe’s better second-tier sides like Belgium, Bosnia and Finland. The Poles under Beenhakker certainly showed that they were poles apart from the competition.

A double from midfielder Euzebiusz Smolarek saw them secure qualification with a game to spare in a 2-0 win over Belgium. Plus, with Portugal practically below-par throughout the campaign, topping the group was an added bonus for the Poles.

Group B-Italy

Roberto Donadoni had big shoes to fill following his appointment as manager of the World Champions, and a 1-0 loss to arch-rivals France certainly didn’t help matters.

Thankfully, even without the mercurial talents of Francesco Totti, and with Alessandro Del Piero fast becoming a fading force, the Italians still had enough squad depth to top the group.

They might not have played the prettiest football, but then again, it’s the results that matter most. Gritty, cohesive, determined and with Lady Luck smiling on their side, especially when they beat Scotland via that controversial free-kick in their own backyard, Donadoni’s Italy might just go on to win Euro 2008 if this keeps up.

Group C-Greece

Critics might call the Euro 2004 champions the masters of anti-football. But nonetheless, Greece under German veteran coach Otto Rehhagel, is certainly a highly effective unit.

Sure, they might have had a few lacklustre years following their triumph in 2004 where they practically suffocated their way to the Championship with their defensive football. But they’ve undoubtedly woken up from their slumber, especially after that 4-1 humiliation dealt by arch-rivals Turkey in Athens during their qualification campaign.

Marshalled by the ever reliable goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis, the team only conceded a miserly 10 goals over 12 matches (including the 4-goal debacle) and were runaway winners, finishing 7 points ahead of second-placed rivals Turkey.

In short, the Greek football renaissance has just begun.

Group D-Czech Republic

The influential artisan Pavel Nedv?d may have retired from international football, but the Czechs don’t seem to be that badly affected with Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky taking over not only his creative duties but the captain’s armband as well.

Topping Group D ahead of Germany (who ironically were the first team to qualify for Euro 2008), the Czechs let in just 5 goals in 12 games. Their greatest highlight was arguably the 3-0 rout of Germany in Munich which saw them qualify for the trip to Austria-Switzerland next summer.

Coach Karel Brückner will have to be wary of striker Jan Koller though. The 2.02m tall striker may have top scored with 6 goals, but with him being a wise old 35 when Euro 2008 kicks off, he might well be past his sell-by date.

And if that happens, the Czech Republic might have just lost their attacking edge.

Group E-Croatia

Croatian football legend Slaven Bili?, like Jurgen Klinsmann before him, has shown that you don’t need managerial experience to be a successful international manager.

Over 12 games, his charges have shown plenty of flair and attacking verve, plundering 28 goals in the process. The Croatians showed that they were world-beaters, breaking English hearts by doing the double over them. The 3-2 victory at Wembley which knocked England out of Euro 2008will undoubtedly go down as a day of infamy for the losers.

In Eduardo Da Silva, Croatia has probably one of the most exciting players in Europe at the moment. Blessed with pace, trickery and a good eye for goal, he may be a bit-part player for Arsenal now, but when he’s fully settled, expect all hell to break loose.

Group F-Spain

The Spanish started their qualifying campaign in arguably the worst possible way, losing twice in their opening 3 matches; one a 3-2 loss to Northern Ireland and the other a 2-0 loss to Sweden.

But since then, the Spanish have gone from strength to strength, winning all of their remaining matches except one, a 1-1 draw with Iceland in Reykjavík.

With such great form and arguably the most squad depth among all the qualifiers especially in midfield with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fàbregas, Xavi HernándezAndrés Iniesta all battling for a first team slot, come Euro 2008, barring any injuries, Spain might just prove to be the team to beat.

Group G-Romania

The last time Romania was in a major tournament was more than 7 years ago. But boy, were they fantastic dumping England out of Euro 2000 with an emphatic 3-2 win.

But take nothing away from these overachievers. They’ve fought well and consistently to top the group, even beating Holland 1-0 in Oct in the process.

What’s really impressive about Romania is that a majority of their players are domestically based in a supposedly inferior league. With only stalwarts like Captain Christian Chivu and Adrian Mutu among the few playing abroad, it’s certainly been an outstanding effort from the Romanians who are now ranked 13th in the world in the latest FIFA rankings.