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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.