Group A
Poland:
The co-hosts were given a good draw in a group that will prove to be tightly contested and very competitive. Poland's success will be down to the likes of Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, influencial midfielder Ludovic Obraniak along with Borussia Dortmund team mates Jakub Błaszczykowski (Captain) and Robert Lewandowski as they look to do their country proud in front of thousands of home supporters
Star Player: Robert Lewandowski
He has become one of Europe's top strikers as he lead his club's scoring charts, 30 goals in 67 games (two seasons), and was named Bundesliga player of the season following Dortmund's double success. Lewandowski's ability to score goals will be key if Poland are to do well in the Euro's as he looks to add to his current tally of 14 international goals on Europe's biggest stage.
Tournament Prediction: Quarter Finals, in a group as close as this home advantage could be key and I fancy Poland to make it to the knockout stages.
Greece
Back in 2004 Greece shocked everyone by doing the unthinkable and lifting the Henri Delaunay against overwhelming favourites Portugal. On the back of a good qualifying campaign which saw them go unbeaten and finish above Croatia it will be down to the likes of captain Giorgos Karagounis who scored in that final 8 years ago to try and pull off another shock at these European Championships.
Star Player: Giorgos Samaras
One of the most well known players in the Greek national side, the Celtic striker will be looking to bring out his best at these finals and spur on his team mates. He is an accomplished striker and despite only scoring 6 goals in 37 games for his club this season his contribution helped them lift the league, with his height and ability on his day Samaras could be a handful for many oppositions.
Tournament Prediction: Although a close group I don't fancy Greece to progress, they are one of those sides who usually try harder against better opposition but with teams similar to them in the group it's unlikely that they will make the knock-outs.
Russia
Star Player: Andrei Arshavin
Arshavin had a bad season at Arsenal but it was at the European Championships back in Euro 2008 where he shone and he will be a key player for Russia as he leads his team this time out. With 3 goals in 10 games since returning to Zenit on loan Arshavin seems in a better place mentally then he did at Arsenal so with a bit of form and confidence to his name Arshavin could well set Group A alight.
Tournament Prediction: With a well equipped squad and the team being the favourites in this group I fancy Russia to progress to the quarter-finals.
Czech Republic
An era of Czech Republic football ended when the likes of Pavel Nedved and Jan Koller retired, now is a chance for a new era of players to try and make their country proud. The team qualified through the playoffs where they beat Montenegro 2-1 after finishing 2nd in their group behind World Cup winners Spain. The likes of Thomas Rosicky, Jaroslav Plasil, Tomas Hubschman and striker Milan Baros will be key to any success the team has.
Star Player: Petr Cech
The Chelsea goalkeeper has had a fine season between the sticks, probably one of the best in his career. He goes in to the tournament on a massive high following Chelsea's Champions League victory which saw the keeper play an influential role throughout the tournament. At 30 years old he has many years left in him and will prove a very difficult to any opposing strikers at the Euro's.
Tournament Prediction: Despite some established players the Czech team isn't strong enough to cause an upset in this tournament so it is doubtful that they will progress past the group stage.
Group B
Holland
Holland won 9 out of 10 qualifying games during the campaign, they have a strong squad and everyone knows what they can do after making the 2010 World Cup Final before falling just short to Spain. Their defence isn't the strongest but with Stekelenburg in goal along with outfield stars such as Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Van Der Vaart, Kevin Strootman, Robin Van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar the team could have a very successful tournament but will a country with such great footballers and history be able to live up to such high expectations.
Star Player: Robin Van Persie
Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben are world class but Robin Van Persie is coming off the best season in his career. The Arsenal striker scored 37 goals in 48 games with 30 coming in the Premier League making him the league's top goalscorer. Van Persie practically took Arsenal on his shoulder's and carried them to 3rd place but in a Dutch team with high quality players he'll have plenty of help as the Oranje look to make their mark on Euro 2012.
Tournament Prediction: Personally despite such high expectations for this Dutch side I feel they will be the surprise flops of the tournament, it's hard for teams to do well back to back in tournament's so I feel they will fall at the group stage especially with such a difficult group.
Denmark
Denmark impressed in qualifying finishing above group counterparts Portugal, the two meet again with Germany and Holland making up the rest of the group meaning that many don't give Denmark any hope at all. Denmark shocked Europe when they won Euro 92 and with a team that has the likes of Daniel Agger, Christian Eriksen and Nicklas Bendtner could the Scandinavians shock in a group full of favourites.
Star Player: Christian Eriksen
The 20 year old Ajax midfielder is one of Europe's hottest prospects, the current Danish football player of the year will be key to any success that Denmark have as the youngster looks to test his skills against some of the best midfielders on the planet. With 21 assists in 44 games for Ajax this season as well as 8 goals it is clear to see that Eriksen can pull the strings in the middle of the park and chip in when it matters.
Tournament Prediction: Sadly for Denmark the draw for Euro 2012 was unkind to them and it is very unlikely that they will be able to muster up 3 fantastic performances against 3 of the tournament's favourites meaning they won't make it through group B.
Germany
A team with so much talent and so much potential, a nation that always delivers on the big stage. Germany are one of the frontrunners to win Euro 2012. Their squad oozes quality throughout all positions with Manuel Neur in goal, Captain Phillip Lahm in defence, a midfield with the likes of Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger and Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil as well as hitmen Miroslav Klose and. Mario Gomez. With the likes of rising stars Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze also in the squad this German side will cause trouble for anyone on their day and could easily end up winners.
Star Player: Lukas Podolski
Podolski has a great left foot, at only 27 years old he has been capped a phenomenal 97 times in which he has scored 43 goals. With the ability to play in midfield, on the wing or upfront the Arsenal bound man will pull the strings in this German side and will be a threat against any opposition. The Polish born starlet will look to set the tournament alight in the country he was born as he and the Germans bid for Euro 2012 glory.
Tournament Prediction: As much as it pains me to say this, with my footballing cap on I fancy the Germans to win the tournament. They want to put the record straight against the likes of Spain after just missing out on the World Cup in 2010 and as they'll be playing in familiar territory the Germans could well up up winners come July 1st.
Portugal
Portugal have never won a major tournament, in 2004 they looked certain to end the wait but lost to underdogs Greece. In 2008 they lost 3-2 to Germany and in 2010 at the World Cup they lost 1-0 to Champions Spain. They finished second in qualification behind Denmark and with a tough group including the Danes themselves it will be tough for the Portuguese but luckily they have arguably the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo who has the ability to "single handedly" lead Portugal to glory.
Star Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
The 27 year old is on a high after being an key figure in Real Madrid's La Liga winning side. If he manages to take his country to Euro 2012 glory he will surely be the best footballer in the world and win the Ballon d'or award come the end of the year. He scored 60 goals in 55 games for Real Madrid this season, has 146 goals in 144 games for the club and for Portugal is just as impressive with 32 in 90 games. Ronaldo has been capped a remarkable 90 times at such a young age, with him being so class and having a cast around him including the likes of Pepe, Nani, Moutinho and others who's to say Ronaldo and co won't be the ones springing a surprise this time round.
Tournament Prediction: Many would go with Holland and Germany progressing from this group but I think Portugal will reach the knock-outs with Germany and with Group A, no disrespect, being the easiest group to land in terms of quarter final opponents, on paper, I think the Portuguese will be making at least the semi-finals of the tournament.
Group C
Spain
Spain have a goldern generation of players, the team currently are holders of the European Championships and the World Cup. They are many people's outright favourites to win the competition but nobody has ever managed to win the Euro's back to back but with a team full of depth and a host of superstars including the likes of Iker Casillas (captain) Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, a midfield of which any country would be happy to have any of it's players with the list being Javi Martinez, Iniesta, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, David Silva and Jesus Navas this team is full of class. The strikers include Pedro and the two Fernando's, Llorente and Torres. With a squad full of Barcelona and Real Madrid's finest as well as key players from many other of Europe's top clubs Spain could easily be lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy in a few weeks time.
Star Player: Iker Casillas
A surprise choice maybe but with so many fantastic outfield players and manager Vicente Del Bosque able to call upon magic whenever he chooses the key player has to be the one guaranteed player in the team who is Casillas. He made his debut for Spain back on June 3rd 2000 and since then has go on to become Spain's most capped player with 131 caps, the captain was crucial in his countries two previous tournament success' and at only 31 years old will continue to be a superstar.
Tournament Prediction: Despite many people's favourites I plumped for Germany as just like Barcelona I don't see anyone winning a highly competitive tournament back to back but with Spain being Spain don't think I'm ruling them out from winning Euro 2012 as if it is them lifting the trophy on July 1st nobody will be surprised. Expect them to reach at least the semi finals although that depends on when they meet England ;)
Italy
Although winners of the World Cup 4 times the Azzurri have only won the European Championships once which was when the team first appeared in the tournament back in 1968. A new guard of players is in this Italian squad with only 7 players aged 30 or over so a blend of youth and experience has been implemented in to the team. Juventus pair Gianluigi Buffon (captain) and Giorgio Chiellini will be key for the Italians at the back and other key players such as Maggio, De Rossi, Pirlo, Giovinco, Di Natale, Cassano and the controversial Mario Balotelli in the team if they all perform Italy should do very well.
Star Player: Mario Balotelli
The king of controversy is the key figure in this Italy squad, sadly for them I feel sorry that their hopes rely on a player who at any moment could cost the squad in a moment of madness. His footballing ability in unquestionable and if his mentality improves he could become a world beater, hopefully with the faith manager Cesare Prandelli has placed in him he will take his opportunity and produce the fire-power Italy lack at the moment and need if they are to do well in these European Championships.
Tournament Prediction: In a group where Spain are the favourites despite a high self-esteem and belief the Italians would settle for just progressing through the group as injuries to the likes of Giuseppe Rossi has dampened the teams hopes. Croatia and Italy will prove stern tests for them but with the quality in the side I feel they will make it to at least the quarter finals and if they play well are my outside bet to win the tournament.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland fought hard in their qualification campaign and finished just two points behind Russia with only one defeat, in the playoffs they got a convincing win over Estonia which ended with the Irish winning 5-1 on aggregate. Giovanni Trapattoni has made his team hard to beat as they go in to their first game against Croatia having avoided defeat in their last 14 games. With the likes of Given, Dunne, Duff, McGeady, Keane, Doyle and Long could Ireland spring a surprise or two in these championships...
Star Player: Robbie Keane
Captain Robbie Keane is his countries all-time leading goalscorer with 53 goals for Ireland. Only aged 31 and with 117 caps it seems like the striker has been around forever, he now plays his trade in the United States along with David Beckham and LA Galaxy and will be crucial in any success Ireland hope to achieve at Euro 2012.
Tournament prediction: Ireland are the outsiders of the group but like Croatia are well equipped and will give it their all against the bigger nations in the group, Spain and Italy. At this moment in time I'd say they won't make it past the group stages but with a good result in their first game who knows.
Croatia
Although well equipped with players such as Pletikosa in goal, Corluka, Rakitic, captain Darijo Srna, Luka Modric and front men Jelavic and Eduardo the Croatians finished below Greece in qualifying. They got through the playoffs and reached Poland/Ukraine for Euro 2012. Slaven Bilic has been at the helm of the national side for a long time now and Croatia causing a stir in a competitive group could be on the cards.
Star Player: Luka Modric
Tottenham starlet Luka Modric is a fantastic playmaker and has attracted the attention of many clubs around the world. He'll have a chance to show his skills to the whole of Europe at Euro 2012 and will want to produce on the big stage to make his country proud whilst proving his skills to everyone.
Tournament prediction: Like Ireland, Croatia could cause a surprise in this group but I still think that at this moment in time they won't progress pass the group stage. Both sides will know how crucial a win is when the two meet in their opening game and if either win they stand a chance of progressing.
Group D
Ukraine
The co-hosts got a tougher group then Poland and will have to play against Sweden, England and France. Despite the odds being stacked against them on home soil in a hostile environment for visiting teams who's to say that Ukraine can't spring a surprise at the Euros. Players like Yarmolenko, Tymoshchuk and the legendary Andriy Shevchenko will be crucial if Ukraine are to do well in this years tournament.
Star Player: Andriy Shevchenko
Probably Ukraine's greatest ever footballer and the countries captain, Andriy Shevchenko will look to take Euro 2012 in front of the home crowd. The soon to be 36 year old is still a great player with valuable experience and with 46 goals in 107 games as well as many other goals for the likes of Milan in his career on his day Shevchenko can still carve a hole in opposing defences.
Tournament prediction: Despite being the home nation with the group they are in the knock-outs are surely a step to far for Ukraine.
Sweden
The Swedes finished with a very impressive 24 points out of 30 in the qualifiers meaning they were the top placed team out of the sides who finished second meaning they automatically gained qualification to Euro 2012. It was Holland who topped that group but with 8 wins and just 2 defeats Sweden proved they are a good side who on their day are hard to beat, they have one of the best strikers in the world in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and other good players such as Sebastian Larsson, Rasmus Elm, Oloff Mellberg and Martin Olsson.
Star player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
With 35 goals in 44 games for AC Milan this season as well as 14 assists to his name Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in fine form. Although sometimes criticised for his performances against the bigger sides the 30 year old is one of the most feared strikers in the world with a great presence thanks to an international goal-scoring record which has seen him score 31 goals in 77 games for his country and you can bank on his adding to his tally as these European Championships
Tournament prediction: Sweden as I mentioned before are a good side and this tough unit will prove tough for the likes of France and England. Funnily enough I can't see the French and England both progressing so I think Sweden will hit the ground running with a win over Ukraine and end up going through to the knock-outs in either first or second as this group is sure to be tightly contested.
France
France had a bit of a tough time in their qualifying group which on paper looked easy, they finished above Bosnia and Herzegovina by just a point but of late they have been in fine form as Laurent Blanc's men go in to the tournament with an unbeaten record of 21 games. The French like the English are looking to bounce back in this competition following a disappointing World Cup 2 years ago, with the likes of Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa, and Karim Benzema to name a few maybe the French can put a few recent ghosts to rest.
Star Player: Franck Ribery
The Bayern Munich star missed out on Champions League Glory again and will have a point to prove, at 29 he is at the peak of his career and would love to do his country proud. Ribery has 10 goals and 12 assists in 60 games for France and has been in fine form for Bayern this season with 16 goals and 26 assists in 46 games so it is clear to see that if Ribery plays well then France will almost certainly play well.
Tournament prediction: Despite their current unbeaten run and even with quality players in the side I think their are still cracks in this French side which will be uncovered in this tournament and I can see them bowing out in the groups
England
A lot of people believe that now everyone in England has low expectations for the side they could be successful at Euro 2012 but this just proves that expectation is still high. The country is where football was born and every time a major tournament comes around the fans get pumped up meaning they dream of what may be. Roy Hodgson is the man who faces the task of trying to deliver Euro 2012 glory but has had injury problems with the likes of Gary Cahill, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard being ruled out of the side. Martin Kelly has been included over many high profile players and even worse it has confirmed the fears that Rio Ferdinand was left out of the England squad due to the racism row with John Terry and not for footballing reasons. With England's best player Wayne Rooney ruled of for the first 2 group games against France and Sweden with suspension the team's chances have suffered major blows but with the right tactics and a bit of belief installed in to the side Roy's new-look hard to beat England team with performances from the likes of the experienced Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker and Ashley Cole as well as youngsters Ashley Young, Theo Walcott, Phil Jones, Andy Carroll and Danny Welbeck England could very well surprise everyone at these Championships.
Star player: Joe Hart
For a team that has suffered many injury problems to have a world class goalkeeper between the sticks is fantastic news for England. Hart is coming off an amazing season in goal for Manchester City as he was crucial in the team's league winning season. With Rooney out for 2 games stability at the back is what England need to succeed and with one of the best goalkeepers in the world between the sticks England could get the results they need to progress to the quarter finals and then push on once their star striker returns.
Tournament prediction: I think that as always England will make it difficult for themselves but will make it past the group stages, if they can avoid Spain in the quarter finals and build a bit of confidence against Ukraine and in the quarter finals with Wayne Rooney back they could well push on a surprise all around Europe and the rest of the world.
Overall:
Winners: Germany or Spain
Outside bets: England, Italy or Portugal
Flops: Holland and France
Dark Horses: Poland, Republic of Ireland and Sweden.
Top Scorer: Ronaldo or Muller
No comments:
Post a Comment