1 France
Yes, England were within 90 seconds of beating them and yes their performance was a little scratchy. But which other team in the tournament could have won that game from such a position? That is the mark of true champions. In Zinedine Zidane they have the tournament's best player and they clearly have an abundance of mental strength. Hard to see any other winners - it seems even God is on their side.
2 Sweden
Chalked up at 25-1 by the bookmakers pre-tournament but cut to just 14s after their clinical 5-0 demolition of the Bulgarians. Henrik Larsson is showing just why his nation was desperate for him to come out of international retirement and his partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks a fearsome one. A live danger in the bottom half of the draw.
3 England
Went to within 90 seconds of beating the champions only for two mistakes to undo them. The 91 minutes that went before were beyond many England fans' wildest dreams, though, with Wayne Rooney living up to all the pre-tournament predictions. It may sound strange but defeat may not have been a bad thing as the hype will be kept to a minimum. Must work on concentration to go far.
4 Spain
Joint second-favourites with Italy now, the Spaniards threw the kitchen sink at Russia but only squeaked a 1-0 victory thanks to Juan Carlos Valeron. First-choice strikers Raul and Fernando Morientes were never at the races and Inaki Saez continues to ignore Fernando Torres at his peril. Looked strong defensively but harder tests await.
5 Czech Republic
Coming from behind to beat Latvia may not impress on face value but the Czechs look a force to be reckoned with going forward at least. Milan Baros looked a threat up front but the Czechs must tighten up at the back and stop lumping the ball onto Jan Koller's head. Marek Heinz came off the bench to score, and he must have a chance of a start next up.
6 Germany
We've been told time and time again not to write off the Germans and we saw in the 1-1 draw with Holland why. They weren't particularly pretty to watch but did what was needed - until Ruud van Nistelrooy's late goal. Christian Worns and Jens Nowotny are one of the best central defensive partnerships in the tournament while Michael Ballack is a class act. Don't write them off. Yet.
7 Denmark
Tipped to reach the final by one of my colleagues much to everyone else's mirth, but they showed against Italy that they won't be easy to beat. Strong defensively with a reliable keeper in Thomas Sorensen they can only get better with Thomas Gravesen and Jesper Gronkjaer involved later in the tournament. Dennis Rommedahl's pace would trouble a greyhound and Jon Dahl Tomasson is always a danger.
8 Greece
The surprise winners of the first round of fixtures having seen off hosts Portugal in the tournament opener, yet they just didn't inspire the necessary confidence to put them higher. Angelos Charisteas is a danger up front and they have plenty of solid performers but when Portugal cranked up the pressure after the break Greece were creaking.
9 Italy
Probably the biggest disappointments thus far, particularly as they are my tips for the tournament. Their three-man strikeforce simply didn't work as we were told to expect and Christian Vieri was all too often isolated. Frustration in the camp was clear when Francesco Totti launched an horrific tackle in the closing minutes. Shakier than usual in defence.
10 Holland
Had they played against Germany for 90 minutes with the same pace and pentration as they did for the last 15, they would surely have won - and would thefore be much higher in this list. But they didn't. For long periods Ruud van Nistelrooy looked isolated up front and Rafael van der Vaart looked lost. Closing stages in Porto showed their potential...but they must be far more consistent.
11 Portugal
Hugely disappointing first half against Greece which can't be ignored despite their rally after the break. If Deco doesn't start in place of Rui Costa next time out, Luiz Felipe Scolari is taking his job in his hands. The little midfielder and Ronaldo were Portugal's best players yet both came off the bench. Must raise their game if they are to stay alive.
12 Latvia
Gave the Czech Republic one hell of a scare and have nothing to lose in Portugal. The opening 2-1 defeat will probably be the closest they get to a victory...and possibly even a point. Igors Stepanovs looked unusually sound defensively while they do carry some threat going forward.
13 Russia
Were under the cosh for long periods against Spain but to their credit they only conceded once. Looked overawed at times and with problems in their camp, it's hard to see things getting any better. Wales, whose appeal to have Russia thrown out failed, will be left wondering, "What if?"
14 Switzerland
Hard to find much positive about their dreary 0-0 draw with Croatia. But given the Swiss were underdogs and had to play for 40 minutes with just 10 men they get the nod here. Alexander Frei looks lively but the service to him needs to be better. Stephane Chapuisat and Hakan Yakin must deliver.
15 Croatia
See above. Goals will be a problem as proved against the Swiss while Ivica Mornar is surely not a right-winger. Likely to lose to both England and France, leaving goal difference to decide who finishes bottom of Group B.
16 Bulgaria
Hammered by the rampant Swedes and with Denmark and Italy waiting, their goalkeepers will feel like coconuts in a coconut shy by the end of the tournament if their opening game is anything to go for. Played OK for the first half but then collapsed. Coach Plamen Markov admitted "there were many weaknesses". He was right.
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