Portugal are not only defending champions but also the reigning FIFA Futsal World Cup champions, having claimed the title in Lithuania in October.

Although they are missing the legendary Ricardinho, who retired following the World Cup, Portugal's team features seven players from UEFA Futsal Champions League winners Sporting.

It is a rarity that Spain are not touted as favourites, and the seven-time champions should not be written off.

They were defeated by Portugal 4-2 after extra time in the World Cup quarter-finals in Vilnius but boast an impressive line-up including Juanjo, Marc Tolrà and Solano.

The Dutch return to the finals after an eight-year absence and face a tough group alongside Portugal, Serbia and Ukraine.

Group B is made up of Kazakhstan, Italy, Slovenia and debutants Finland.

Kazakhstan will be led by forward-running goalkeeper Higuita and the all-round talent of Douglas Junior.

Two-time champions Italy are in a rebuilding process and without the pressure of expectations they could cause an upset.

Russia, Poland, Croatia and newcomers Slovakia comprise Group C while Group D features Spain and Azerbaijan as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia, who are also appearing for the first time.

The group stage will be played in Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome and Groningen's MartiniPlaza before the knockout rounds all take place in Amsterdam.

The final is scheduled for February 6.

This is the first edition of the men's European Championship to feature 16 sides after expanding from a 12-team tournament.

It has also now moved to a quadrennial cycle instead of being played every two years.