Ireland, Austria lead challenge to Greece

GREECE
After reaching the elite round, Greece coaching duo Leonidas Vokolos and Thodoros Pahatouridis oversaw a series of tough friendlies for their charges. They recorded victories over Bulgaria and Romania, but twice lost to Serbia and Germany and also suffered defeats by the Netherlands, France and the Czech Republic. However, Vokolos said: "We prefer to test ourselves against strong opponents – against teams with pedigree at this level – because that's the only way to find out about our players." The 39-year old is optimistic about their chances in Patras. "We have quality, we have a good team, we have hopes and, playing at home, we have extra motivation," he added. "However, in tournaments like this, it's the details that count, as all the teams are of a high standard."

Qualifying round: Norway 1-0, Italy 0-0, Moldova 2-2 (Group 9 winners)
 
Key players: Dimitris Diamantakos (striker, Olympiacos FC), Spyros Fourlanos (midfielder, Panathinaikos FC), Kostas Rougalas (defender, Olympiacos FC)
 
REPUBLIC OF IREALAND
The Republic of Ireland played two home friendlies against Hungary in February to warm up, winning 2-0 and 1-0. Manager Sean McCaffrey, aiming to emulate their 2008 qualification, said: "I have confidence in this group of players. If we go into the games with a fully-fit squad, we'll do well. The group is very even, every team will feel they can qualify, so it will make for a very competitive group." Since the qualifying round McCaffrey has gained one new recruit, Manchester United FC defender Michael Keane, who is eligible through his Dublin-born father and whose twin brother and club-mate, striker William, is in the England U17 squad.
 
Qualifying round: Bulgaria 2-1, Latvia 1-0, Sweden 0-0 (Group 6 winners)
 
Key players: Sean McDermott (goalkeeper, Arsenal FC), Sean McGinty (defender, Manchester United FC), Daniel Purdy (forward, West Ham United FC), Frankie Sutherland (midfielder, Queen's Park Rangers FC)

FINLAND
Having progressed as one of the two best third-placed teams from the 13 qualifying round groups, Finland prepared for the elite round with two games against Serbia in early March – winning 1-0 and losing 2-0. Coach Mika Laurikainen, who likes his side to be disciplined in defence and quick on the counterattack, said: "We have three difficult opponents, but I have full confidence in our chances as long as we stick to our own game. It is not an easy group by any means, but it's not a group of death either. Greece probably have the most technical squad, Austria seem to play more straightforward football, and Ireland are a typical team from the British Isles. We need to be at our very best and I'm confident we can do that."
 
Qualifying round: Turkey 0-2, Germany 1-0, FYR Macedonia 5-2 (Group 5 third place)
 
Key players: Jusu Karvonen (midfielder, Tampere United), Tim Väyrynen (forward, FC Honka Espoo), Mikael Lähde (forward, FC Honka Espoo)
 
AUSTRIA
Austria qualified for the elite round with a game to spare in Poland in October – and FC Bayern München striker Dominik Burusic is aiming for more success in Greece. "We want to qualify for the European Championship, this is a dream for every footballer," he said. "We will give 100% in pursuit of our dream. Our opponents will say they want to go to the European Championship, but we are confident we will prevail in the end – even if it is a difficult task."

Qualifying round: Poland 4-2, Israel 2-0, Armenia 1-1 (Group 4 winners)
 
Key players: Dominik Burusic (forward, FC Bayern München), Toni Vastic (forward, Blackburn Rovers FC), Richard Strebinger (goalkeeper, Hertha BSC Berlin)