The four groups for Euro 2012 were drawn last night, and another ‘group of death’ has emerged, in the form of Group B. This group is not short of excitement, featuring old foes Germnay and Netherlands, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Denmark is the other team in the group, an outsider to progress, ranked 11th in the world. These games should be crackers featuring some of the world’s best players.
The group that is seen to be the easiest, and one that the other nations would envy, is Group A.
It contains co-hosts Poland, who kick-off the tournament against Euro 2004 champions Greece on June 9, 2018 World Cup hosts Russia, and Petr Cech’s Czech Republic.
Greece and Russia are tipped to progress, whilst the Czech Republic and Poland are outside chances. This is an interesting group, as any one of the sides can beat the others if in good form.
Group C is another tough group, and one must feel for Ireland, their first major tournament since 1988, and they are placed alongside current world champions Spain and former champions Italy.
Quite daunting for their players and managers, but certainly thrilling for their fans.
Croatia will also be tough opposition, having risen by four places to break into the top ten of football’s elite.
This is another exciting group, sure to produce some fine football.
Spain and Italy are of course the favourites to progress, however Croatia might be able to sneak through if their stars perform when needed.
Group D is the final group and features heavyweights England and France, co-hosts Ukraine, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden.
Sure to create a lot of hype because of England’s involvement, it will be interesting to see whether France can emulate their form of old, or if they are still haunted by their disastrous World Cup performance.
John
Guest
I love how people call group A, a weak group. When you actually think about it this is the real 'group of death' as all 4 nations can realistically think they can top the group, yet any of the 4 could finish last in the group
Johnno
Guest
What eve else going to be a great euro championship. Some good football no doubt. Poland and Ukraine like all teams will be tough to beat at home, referees naturally help th home team, and it is always good for tv ratings if the home team makes at least the semi final, especially as this is the 1st euro title in eastern europe be great for tv ratings and uefa if on of Poland or Ukriane make the semi finals, so expect well let's just say the 50/50 ref decisions, usually go the way of home teams in sports events , as it is good for the tournament if the home team progresses to the semi final or grand final stages of sports tournaments wheteva the sport. So I think Poland or ukraine one of them will at least make the semi final.
CizzyRascal
Roar Guru
It's Ireland's first time at a European championships since 1988 but we've been at three World Cups since where we've beaten Italy and gone to penalties against Spain in 2002. This is a damn tough group but I still think we're capable of getting through considering our strong record against Croatia and that in the last three matches against Italy, we've drawn twice and won once.
SAMURAI
Roar Pro
I think Group A is one of the weakest groups I've seen at Euro in a long time, Poland must be over the moon right now. Still, who knows what form each country will be in for six months time...
Axelv
Guest
I think the Netherlands will cruise through with Germany and Portugal to fight it out, Denmark are also capable of upsetting any of the nations in this group, this includes wins. The Netherlands are very experienced in 'group of deaths' and have featured in the toughest groups of 2004, 2006, 2008 major tournaments and gotten through every group unscathed.
Mato-Bateman
Guest
I know that Poland and Ukraine are hosts but I don't agree that they should be top seeding teams. Poland should consider themselves lucky that they got a group like that, actually Greece, Russia and Czech should all consider themselves lucky. I think it's agreed that the other groups are all mouthwatering groups. I think Croatia can definitely hold their own against Spain and Italy. Croatia have always had good results aganist Italy. But beware of Ireland, they always seem to do quite well on the big stage and won't be overawed. Portugal, Holland and Germany all in the same group. I personally can't see Portugal getting in the top 2 but they need Ronaldo to be in absolute top form, not that shabby form he showed at the last world cup. This could be Germany's tournament. This could be Holland's tournament. Could be anyone's tournament.
Kasey
Guest
Am I the only one that gets sick of this cliche'd Group of Death Nonsense? With the seeding and various nations on the up and others on the down, there is always going to be a tougher than normal group at a World Class tournament. I only truly appreciate the black humour variants, such as when Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia were drawn in a 98 World Cup Qualification group in the midst of their conflict, Only missing was a Serb dominated country;) With the German team on the upswing (they had a very young team in Sth Africa and have continued to improve in recent outings...beating Holland 3-0 in Hamburg last month), I predict them to get through with barely a trouble. IMO the Netherlands or Portugal will fight it out for the runners up slot into the knockout phase. Will make for a very interesting tournament and some sleepless nights next June. Lucky I have Setanta and IQ might have to negotiate with the boss for a few late starts, especially the morning following the 13June (eurotime) Germany v Netherlands game!