Understanding Euro 2012
Been bullied into an office sweepstake? Drawn Sweden and not sure if that’s good news or bad news? Want the briefest of briefs? Every team put into bitesized chunks; find your group and your guide to Euro 2012.
Euro 2012 Group A
Russia and Greece must be getting pretty sick of each other meeting for three consecutive European Football Championships at the group stage. And despite Greece winning the tournament overall in 2004, Russia won both previous meetings. Greece are the wildcard no one wants to predict whilst Russia are more consistent and will expect to qualify out the group. Poland are co-hosts with Ukraine and have famous names such as Lewandowski and Blaszczykowski; excuse me whilst I blow the dust off my ‘Z’ key. For Czech Republic they have Petr Cech to keep the ball out of the net and Vaclav Pilar who has shades of Andrei Arshavin about his play.
Euro 2012 Group B
Never heard of any of these sides: Portugal, Germany, Denmark and Netherlands. Portugal are a funny one, players like Hugo Viana should have shone brighter throughout Europe but any side with Ronaldo can win a game and expect big things from Joao Moutinho. The Germans are the anti-racists favourite for the tournament with a selection of multinational players. Then there’s Denmark: Agger, Kahlenberg and Bendtner - goals from all over the pitch, don’t rule them out. Holland haven’t won the tournament since the 80s and since they finished 2nd in the World Cup they’ll want to put in a performance.
Euro 2012 Group C
Luck of the Irish… a half injured goalkeeper and not a single player who plays domestically in Ireland. They’d need an absolute saint to win this tournament and in Sean St Ledger they have one. Italy may have great World Cup success but their only win in this tournament came as hosts back in 1968. Spain are the current holders, but after Barcelona’s trophyless season and Pep Guardiola’s resignation, Spain now have their doubters. That leaves Croatia and they have the Brazilian born forward Eduardo leading their frontline with support from Nikica Jelavic who ended his season top goalscorer for both Everton and Rangers.
Euro 2012 Group D
England didn’t take Pacman Adam Johnson and therefore will not win. France have a shaky defence but Real Madrid’s Benzema up front, any squad strong enough to leave out Eric Abidal is one to watch out for. The Swedes won Eurovision and they’ll need a performance from Ibrahimovic if they expect to take anything from this tournament. The Swedish midfield is immense going forward; my prediction is to see Goal of the Tournament come from the Yellow and Blue. Speaking of yellow and blue, that leads us to the final participants, Ukraine. As hosts they have homefield advantage and Andriy Shevchenko (36) will be looked to in hope more than expectation. No Ukrainian has filled the boots of ‘Sheva’ as Coach Oleh Blokhin takes 5 strikers none of which under 27.
What are the odds on that?
| Spain | 3-1 |
| Germany | 3-1 |
| Holland | 6-1 |
| France | 10-1 |
| Italy | 14-1 |
| England | 15-1 |
| Portugal | 20-1 |
| Russia | 20-1 |
| Ukraine | 40-1 |
| Poland | 50-1 |
| Czech Republic | 50-1 |
| Croatia | 50-1 |
| Sweden | 66-1 |
| Greece | 66-1 |
| Denmark | 80-1 |
| Ireland | 80-1 |
