Euro 2012

[werner]

Going with some predictions ...

Group A:

A is for Average, this is probably the weakest group of the tournament. Russia the standout, having the superior talent in this group. They rely heavily on Arshavin and on his day, can win a match off his own boot. The Czechs boast a brilliant keeper but not much else. Recent results are hardly encouraging either. Greece have always been ranked amongst the lower echelons of Europe but I think they are a chance to progress. Not much star quality but they have a seasoned line-up, are consistent and were undefeated in the qualifiers. Poland are a very average side. Had they have not been the hosts, well I would've declared them bunnies.

Russia and Greece to go through.

Group B:

The group of death! 3 sides that can win the tournament. Germany with basically an under 25 squad, super impressive in the last world cup, won all 10 qualifiers, enough said. Will go close. Holland have a side full of superstars. Van Persie, Van Der Vaart, Robben, Sneidjer etc etc. If the team harmony is up and about, and that's a big "if" going by history, they will take a ton of beating. Can the best European player lift his nation to the title? So good is Ronaldo that it could happen. However Portugal are bit of an enigma. They will be either top or bottom, such is their mental strength. The Danes have not much too offer. No real superstars, although their qualifying form was fairly good. Against the Socceroos last weekend and they hardly looked scary.

Germany and Holland to go through, but Portugal, well, who knows what they'll bring.

Group C:

Spain. World champions, European champions, the best international side of the last 20 years. If they are hungry and motivated, then only luck could be against them. Hard to judge the Italians. Have hardly set the world alight with recent results, off-field upheaval domestically, but when it comes down to kick-off, you can't write them off. If Spain belt them in the opener they may crumble. Croatia are decent enough without being super. Can't see them troubling Spain, or Italy, so need to beat Ireland first up to get on a bit of a roll. The Irish are the side that I'm tipping will be fun to watch. A side made primarily of EPL stars, but not any in the elite bracket. Not much is expected from the Irish, and that could suprise their opponents. Great team harmony and I'm certain the majority of neutrals will be cheering for the boys in green.

Spain and Italy to go through.

Group D:

Had the tournament been played anywhere else, then Ukraine would be going home early. But being co-hosts, well the level of expentancy rises, but not enough for me. One or two ageing stars with not much else. France have been on a rollercoaster. Their world came crashing down two years ago with mutiny, altercations, bitching and general hair pulling. They hit rock bottom when Laurent Blanc took over but the rise back has been steady. They're not back to the top yet, but a side that boasts Ribery, Benzema, Nasri, Clichy, Sagna etc cannot be discounted. Like many sides, mental strength is fragile. When it comes to sides that work the hardest for each other, there ain't many better than the Swedes. Might not have talent in their squad to progress, but they have the work ethic and love for each other. Could suprise. As for England, well who knows. What a soap opera. Possibly the fascinating side to predict, we could get anything from A to Z. Absolute elite superstars at club football, but you just don't see that much love for each other, particularly the Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool players. Great player but how much damage does John Terry bring to the team? The omission of Rio and you just can't help that the English side is 3 or 4 sides within 1. No Wayne Rooney for the first two matches and there is every chance that England could be heading home before he gets a run. Time for the Poms to make a stand at the Euros, coz fair dinkum, the rest of the world have laughed long enough at them.

England to finally get it right and go through with France.

First round of Group matches: (Times are AEST)

Sat 2.00am Poland v Greece
Sat 4.45am Russia v Czech Rep.

Sun 2.00am Holland v Denmark
Sun 4.45am Germany v Portugal

Mon 2.00am Spain v Italy
Mon 4.45am Ireland v Croatia

Tue 2.00am France v England
Tue 4.45am Ukraine v Sweden

All matches are live on Setanta and I think around 8 matches or so are live on SBS.