Wayne Rooney, Petr Čech and Cristiano Ronaldo were just three of the names whose reputations were established on the biggest stage at UEFA EURO 2004™.

Igor Akinfeev, 22, Russia
Igor Akinfeev travelled with Russia as an 18-year-old to UEFA EURO 2004™. He was his country’s third-choice goalkeeper then but now, despite being restricted to just six qualifying appearances through injury, is firmly established again as Guus Hiddink’s No1. A UEFA Cup winner in 2005, Akinfeev is among the most exciting young goalkeepers in the European game.

Alberto Aquilani, 23, Italy
Aquilani “could become one of the best players in the world” according to Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon. The AS Roma midfielder was a surprise inclusion for Italy’s friendly against Belgium and showed why by setting up Antonio Di Natale in the Azzurri’s 3-1 win. The complete midfielder, Aquilani faces tough competition in an experienced squad but could prove a wild card off the bench, especially when Italy need goals.

Karim Benzema, 20, France
Benzema needs no introduction after his 20 goals helped Olympique Lyonnais win the French title and established him as the youngest player to finish top scorer in France’s top flight. That, though, is just the beginning for ‘The Benz’ who has already scored three times in nine appearances for France and will be more than just a foil for Thierry Henry.

Martin Fenin, 21, Czech Republic
Fenin may be the youngest player in the Czech Republic squad but expectations are rising fast, particularly with Milan Baroš far from the form that saw him top the scoring chart at UEFA EURO 2004™. Fenin shone in the team that finished runners-up at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and has continued to impress since leaving FK Teplice for Eintracht Frankfurt in January.

Mario Gómez, 22, Germany
Arguably the most exciting individual to have broken into the Germany fold since the last FIFA World Cup, Mario Gómez has scored 33 league goals in the past two seasons for VfB Stuttgart. Tall, two-footed and with a keen eye for goal, the 22-year-old is wanted by a host of top European clubs and could raise his transfer value considerably at UEFA EURO 2008™. Likely to start alongside Miroslav Klose.

Erwin ‘Jimmy’ Hoffer, 21, Austria
Host nation Austria are pinning their hopes on rising star ‘Jimmy’ Hoffer who caught the eye at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, when his three goals helped fire Austria to an unexpected fourth-placed finish. The dynamic young front-runner further raised his profile by winning the Austrian Bundesliga with SK Rapid Wien this season. Speed is Hoffer’s greatest weapon and Austria will need him at his best if they are to spring a surprise in Group B.

Luka Modrić, 22, Croatia
Much is expected of this central midfielder who has rapidly become key to Croatia’s chances. One of the most technically gifted players in coach Slaven Bilić’s squad, he can pull off passes other players might not even see, and though slim, his pace keeps him clear of more physical opponents. Reminiscent at times of Lionel Messi, he has even been compared with the great Johan Cruyff. Tottenham Hotspur FC fans will be watching their new signing with particular interest.

João Moutinho, 21, Portugal
João Moutinho has been around longer than his age suggests. He made his debut at Sporting Clube de Portugal at 18 and had already played 100 times for the club by the time he was 20. A versatile midfielder who is happy in both defensive or attacking roles, he first played for Portugal three years ago, and is now becoming increasingly influential in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s plans.

David Silva, 22, Spain
David Silva may be slight of frame but his fearless attitude and quick feet make him a handful for any defence. Known for his dashes up the left touchline to deliver a dangerous cross, the Valencia CF player is also capable of drifting infield to provide assistance to his attackers. Represented Spain at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup where he scored four goals. 

Vassilis Torosidis, 22, Greece
Torosidis will celebrate his 23rd birthday on 10 June, when Greece kick off the defence of their title against Sweden. Nominally a right -back, he plays on the left for his country but is comfortable anywhere across the back line or even as a defensive midfielder. His rise has been rapid since he swapped Skoda Xanthi FC for CFP Olympiacos in January 2007 and his performances in the UEFA Champions League have drawn admiring glances from some of Europe’s leading clubs. 

Despite their inability to break down Paraguay on Saturday, UEFA EURO 2008™ aspirants France look to have settled on a tournament lineup that will feature both Karim Benzema and Franck Ribéry.

Roles reversed
The duo put in the most convincing French performances during the goalless friendly draw in Toulouse, alleviating some of the ongoing concerns relating to the fitness of captain Patrick Vieira. Olympique Lyonnais striker Benzema and FC Bayern München’s Ribéry carved out most of the best chances in the first period, with the latter operating on the right wing and setting up his 20-year-old colleague for a shot against the post. The roles were then inverted when Benzema turned provider for a Ribéry effort that flew narrowly wide.

Hunger and form
“Myself and Karim have a good understanding,” said Ribéry, no doubt hoping to develop that relationship in France’s UEFA EURO 2008™ opener against Romania in Zurich on 9 June. “We get on well on the pitch and off it also.” Both players left the action before the end, with Sidney Govou coming on for Ribéry and striking the woodwork, while Benzema was replaced by Nicolas Anelka, but both looked hungry and in good shape for the challenges ahead. They also looked capable of contesting the whole 90 minutes as Les Bleus’ 700th international headed towards stalemate.

Vieira injury
That is more than can be said for Vieira, with the FC Internazionale Milano midfielder’s left thigh injury showing no signs of improvement since he was forced to cut short training on Friday. Medical doubts notwithstanding, coach Raymond Domenech tried to ease the worries of the country’s fans on Sunday by stating: “We still have 23 players in the squad and they’re all preparing for the game on 9 June.” Vieira, who turns 32 on 23 June, has nonetheless been carrying out his preparations away from the rest of the squad and without a ball at his feet.

Henry landmark
Filling in for the former Arsenal FC man against Paraguay, Jérémy Toulalan put in another faultless display, while the captain’s armband went to Thierry Henry. France now face a final preparation match against Colombia in Paris on Tuesday, when FC Barcelona striker Thierry Henry will win his 100th international cap if he features. “We’ll have a clearer idea of our starting eleven after that game,” Henry said.

Karim Benzema (born 19 December 1987 in Lyon, Rhône-Alpes) is a French footballer of Algerian-Kabyle descent who plays in a forward role for Olympique Lyonnais.

Club career

A product of the Olympique Lyonnais youth academy, he is very capable of playing as the main striker in Lyon’s preferred 4-3-3 formation, but he can also play on both wings. In the 2006-07 season, after forming an understanding with new manager Alain Perrin, he was given the central role in which he responded with 24 goals in 37 games. On March 13, 2008, Benzema extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 with a 1 year extension option. After signing his new contract, Benzema became one of the highest paid footballers in France. He was recently voted the best player in France with fellow Lyon colleague Hatem Ben Arfa voted the best young player.

Honors

• Ligue 1 : 4
  • 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 with Lyon
• Trophée Des Champions - 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008
• Peace Cup: 2007
• Coupe de France: 2008