As stage lights of 2012 come on and the guy who works them grumbles in the background I thought I better look at the biggest footballing event of 2012. Euro 2012 in Poland/Ukraine. So in honour of this event I thought I better size up the 16 teams vying to become champions of Europe. Then I'll go through the knock-out stages and come up with a victor for the tournament. I'll probably repost this nearer the time and after the tournament check if I was right.
Group A
Poland
Sorry Adam (though I know you'll agree with me) though they haven't gone through qualifying as co-hosts, this team doesn't look good at all and although they're in the easiest group I think the opposition will be to strong for them. About as much chance of getting through as I have of winning X-Factor. Prediction: 4th group A
Greece
Yet to repeat the magic of winning Euro 2004, this team look stronger then the team that crashed out of the world cup two years ago though probably not strong enough to get through this group. Prediction: 3rd Group A
Czech Republic
not the team they once were, with only a few of the great team of the mid 2000's only Peter Cech (it's annoying that his last name is the same as his country like Steven Ireland) they played second fiddle to Spain in qualification but might be able to spring an upset, though probably won't. Prediction: 2nd Group A
Russia
Maybe the last chance for the old guard (Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko etc.) to do well at an major tournament. Definitely the darkest of the dark horses. This team can play very good football on there day and in Alan Dzagoev they truly have a star for the future, linked with Chelsea (who else?) the CSKA midfielder is great on and off the ball and can take free kicks with more accuracy than a Tomohawk missile. Prediction: 1st Group A
Group B
Netherlands
A would be faultless qualifying campaign had they not lost 3-2 to Sweden on the final matchday. The 2010 world cup finalists were the top scorers in qualifying (though nearly half their goals came against San Marino including an 11-0 victory) they are a strong unit. If star striker Robin Van Persie is on form there attacking line up is a formidable one that is almost impossible to stop. Should do well in this tournament. Prediction: 2nd Group B
Denmark
It is unfortunate that the '92 winners ended up in this group of death, they saw off group rivals the Portugese in qualifying to finish top of there group, Youngster Cristian Eriksonn is being targeted by several big clubs. They probably would have progressed if they'd been in another group but I feel that the huge array of talent in group B will prove to much for them. Prediction: 4th Group B
Germany
Of the two faultless qualifying this was more impressive as they won 10 to Spains 8 and destroyed all before them. Jochim Low has sorted out his sides defensive issues and turned the nationalmannschaft into the best national team in Europe. As good going forward as they are in defending, their is no area of the pitch they won't dominate. A fast counter-attacking style fits there players perfectly and there impressive 3-0 freindly victory over the Netherlands confinced me to put them top. Prediction 1st Group B
Portugal
An incredible team with vast array of talent, I would say more but because of there shaky qualifying campaign I don't think they can stop the devestating play of the Dutch or Germans, even Cristiano Ronaldo has his limits. Prediction: 3rd Group B
Group C
Spain
Possibly the best passing side the word has ever seen. The way the trophy holders move the ball around the pitch is incredible. I've already said to much you know were I'm putting them. Prediction: 1st Group C
Italy
Unbeaten in qualifying but most of there players are old and I feel that they might capitulate like at the world cup. A strong side but I feel they will struggle as well as the fact many players are injured or injury prone. Prediction: 3rd Group C
Croatia
Not the strongest in qualifying but they have some quality players. The crucial match in this group will be Croatia vs Italy as it will decide who comes second behind Spain (sorry Eire) however I feel there attacking style will be able to overcome the old Italian defence.
Republic of Ireland
Despite all the talk of them being dark horses and so on it has been ten years since they were at a major tournament and 24 since they were at a Euros only Given and Keane (now Irelands top scorer) remain from the 2002 world cup and though they have some talented players they are not experienced at major tournaments like the other teams. The highlight of there tournament will be filling there suitcases with duty free alcohol. They have great supporters though, even if their support is 70% down to bailey's cream. Prediction: 4th Group C
Group D
Ukraine
Of the two hosts they are the stronger and could spring an upset in their group if they can beat one of the big two. The trouble is saying if they can beat England, if England play like they did at World Cup 2010 then they will lose. Though... Prediction: 3rd Group D
Sweden
A good team but to succeed in this tournament you have to be really good and they aren't quite there yet. in Ibrahimovic they have possibly the greatest Scandinavian player and Kim Kallstrom doesn't play for lyon for nothing. However those two players class shouldn't be able to get them through the group stage. Prediction 4th Group D
England
As long as we don't play like we did in South Africa we should be fine. That fiasco cost the team our faith in them however. If Capello uses a formation other than 4-4-2 (they do exist Fabio) and brings Theo Walcott and Daniel Sturrage (a quality young player) the latter for the first two games when we don't have Wayne Rooney and maybe for when we do. I'm not going to even think about winning cause it won't happen. but just maybe...no wait what the hell am I thinking (slaps self in face). Prediction: 2nd Group D
France
We may hate them but they are better than us and despite the silly accents and annoying good looks (I exclude Frank Ribery from this of course) there not a bad team, there world cup sham wasn't to do with there quality just the dissent in the camp. Samir Nasri and Yohanne Gourcouf should shine. Prediction: 1st Group D
Knockout Phase-Quarter Finals
Russia vs Netherlands
Possibly an upset here, if the Russians can play like they did against Holland at this stage 4 years ago (they won 3-1) they could easily spring an upset. The most difficult match to predict I think and this game is the one I'm most like to be wrong about. but I think that Holland's quality should prevail on the day. Holland to go through.
Spain vs England
As official champions of the world england, yes ENGLAND should win (we beat spain, the world champions, that makes us world champions doesn't it?) however we may be good (it's a comparative thing) but Spain are just to good and if they take their chances they should best us easily. I'm sorry I had to do this but it has to be done. England, your out. Spain to go through.
Germany vs Czech Republic
No competition here, maybe looking at a Man U vs Arsenal game here. Germans to dominate every area of the pitch. Germany to go through (damn they've gone further than us again)
Croatia vs France
Difficult one, like the Russia vs Holland game, there may easily be a surprise here and Croatia can match France. However I think Nasri will be the decisive player and if he is on his game. He will cut through the Croatia defence like a samurai sword through human flesh splattering metaphorical blood over the table cloth shirts of Croatia. France to go through
Knockout phase-Semi Finals
Spain vs Netherlands
A repeat of the World Cup final two years ago, the Netherlands with be out for revenge, I for one hope for a similar game as the World Cup final except with more goals. Games like the World Cup Final are the sort of games you shouldn't enjoy but do, like the Man U 8-2 Arsenal game except with real blood instead of metaphorical. I think that Spain's passing will be a little to much for Holland, who have the strongest team they've had since the days of Gullit and Van Basten (though I doubt a goal like that will happen). Spain to go through.
Germany vs France
This semi final though not as exciting promises to be an intriguing tie as France will hope to control what all the other teams will have failed to do in controlling the Germans, a near impossible task. And Nasri vs Ozil promises the two best attacking midfielders in the tournament. However the German team will almost certainly prove to strong for France, though I expect it to be closer than Germany's previous games. Germany to go through
The Final
As UEFA have scrapped the thrid place play-off the two bet national sides in the world go head to head. 22 players 2 managers and a ref who may be about to oversee the greatest Euro final ever seen. Attacking vs Passing. Efficiency vs Flair. It promises to be a mouth watering tie. Both usually dominate ever area of the pitch. Germany have strengthened their team for the world cup semi final loss in Durban. Moth have merits that would have any pundits scratching their heads deciding who is going to win. Taking all these points into account I think the winner of Euro 2012 will be...GERMANY who will win their forth euro crown. Another feather in the cap that is starting to look like an albatross with all the feathers. I may be english but you can't deny the Germans quality and they are worthy winners. So if I'm wrong I will take it on the chin (though I probably won't be)
Group A
Poland
Sorry Adam (though I know you'll agree with me) though they haven't gone through qualifying as co-hosts, this team doesn't look good at all and although they're in the easiest group I think the opposition will be to strong for them. About as much chance of getting through as I have of winning X-Factor. Prediction: 4th group A
Greece
Yet to repeat the magic of winning Euro 2004, this team look stronger then the team that crashed out of the world cup two years ago though probably not strong enough to get through this group. Prediction: 3rd Group A
Czech Republic
not the team they once were, with only a few of the great team of the mid 2000's only Peter Cech (it's annoying that his last name is the same as his country like Steven Ireland) they played second fiddle to Spain in qualification but might be able to spring an upset, though probably won't. Prediction: 2nd Group A
Russia
Maybe the last chance for the old guard (Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko etc.) to do well at an major tournament. Definitely the darkest of the dark horses. This team can play very good football on there day and in Alan Dzagoev they truly have a star for the future, linked with Chelsea (who else?) the CSKA midfielder is great on and off the ball and can take free kicks with more accuracy than a Tomohawk missile. Prediction: 1st Group A
Group B
Netherlands
A would be faultless qualifying campaign had they not lost 3-2 to Sweden on the final matchday. The 2010 world cup finalists were the top scorers in qualifying (though nearly half their goals came against San Marino including an 11-0 victory) they are a strong unit. If star striker Robin Van Persie is on form there attacking line up is a formidable one that is almost impossible to stop. Should do well in this tournament. Prediction: 2nd Group B
Denmark
It is unfortunate that the '92 winners ended up in this group of death, they saw off group rivals the Portugese in qualifying to finish top of there group, Youngster Cristian Eriksonn is being targeted by several big clubs. They probably would have progressed if they'd been in another group but I feel that the huge array of talent in group B will prove to much for them. Prediction: 4th Group B
Germany
Of the two faultless qualifying this was more impressive as they won 10 to Spains 8 and destroyed all before them. Jochim Low has sorted out his sides defensive issues and turned the nationalmannschaft into the best national team in Europe. As good going forward as they are in defending, their is no area of the pitch they won't dominate. A fast counter-attacking style fits there players perfectly and there impressive 3-0 freindly victory over the Netherlands confinced me to put them top. Prediction 1st Group B
Portugal
An incredible team with vast array of talent, I would say more but because of there shaky qualifying campaign I don't think they can stop the devestating play of the Dutch or Germans, even Cristiano Ronaldo has his limits. Prediction: 3rd Group B
Group C
Spain
Possibly the best passing side the word has ever seen. The way the trophy holders move the ball around the pitch is incredible. I've already said to much you know were I'm putting them. Prediction: 1st Group C
Italy
Unbeaten in qualifying but most of there players are old and I feel that they might capitulate like at the world cup. A strong side but I feel they will struggle as well as the fact many players are injured or injury prone. Prediction: 3rd Group C
Croatia
Not the strongest in qualifying but they have some quality players. The crucial match in this group will be Croatia vs Italy as it will decide who comes second behind Spain (sorry Eire) however I feel there attacking style will be able to overcome the old Italian defence.
Republic of Ireland
Despite all the talk of them being dark horses and so on it has been ten years since they were at a major tournament and 24 since they were at a Euros only Given and Keane (now Irelands top scorer) remain from the 2002 world cup and though they have some talented players they are not experienced at major tournaments like the other teams. The highlight of there tournament will be filling there suitcases with duty free alcohol. They have great supporters though, even if their support is 70% down to bailey's cream. Prediction: 4th Group C
Group D
Ukraine
Of the two hosts they are the stronger and could spring an upset in their group if they can beat one of the big two. The trouble is saying if they can beat England, if England play like they did at World Cup 2010 then they will lose. Though... Prediction: 3rd Group D
Sweden
A good team but to succeed in this tournament you have to be really good and they aren't quite there yet. in Ibrahimovic they have possibly the greatest Scandinavian player and Kim Kallstrom doesn't play for lyon for nothing. However those two players class shouldn't be able to get them through the group stage. Prediction 4th Group D
England
As long as we don't play like we did in South Africa we should be fine. That fiasco cost the team our faith in them however. If Capello uses a formation other than 4-4-2 (they do exist Fabio) and brings Theo Walcott and Daniel Sturrage (a quality young player) the latter for the first two games when we don't have Wayne Rooney and maybe for when we do. I'm not going to even think about winning cause it won't happen. but just maybe...no wait what the hell am I thinking (slaps self in face). Prediction: 2nd Group D
France
We may hate them but they are better than us and despite the silly accents and annoying good looks (I exclude Frank Ribery from this of course) there not a bad team, there world cup sham wasn't to do with there quality just the dissent in the camp. Samir Nasri and Yohanne Gourcouf should shine. Prediction: 1st Group D
Knockout Phase-Quarter Finals
Russia vs Netherlands
Possibly an upset here, if the Russians can play like they did against Holland at this stage 4 years ago (they won 3-1) they could easily spring an upset. The most difficult match to predict I think and this game is the one I'm most like to be wrong about. but I think that Holland's quality should prevail on the day. Holland to go through.
Spain vs England
As official champions of the world england, yes ENGLAND should win (we beat spain, the world champions, that makes us world champions doesn't it?) however we may be good (it's a comparative thing) but Spain are just to good and if they take their chances they should best us easily. I'm sorry I had to do this but it has to be done. England, your out. Spain to go through.
Germany vs Czech Republic
No competition here, maybe looking at a Man U vs Arsenal game here. Germans to dominate every area of the pitch. Germany to go through (damn they've gone further than us again)
Croatia vs France
Difficult one, like the Russia vs Holland game, there may easily be a surprise here and Croatia can match France. However I think Nasri will be the decisive player and if he is on his game. He will cut through the Croatia defence like a samurai sword through human flesh splattering metaphorical blood over the table cloth shirts of Croatia. France to go through
Knockout phase-Semi Finals
Spain vs Netherlands
A repeat of the World Cup final two years ago, the Netherlands with be out for revenge, I for one hope for a similar game as the World Cup final except with more goals. Games like the World Cup Final are the sort of games you shouldn't enjoy but do, like the Man U 8-2 Arsenal game except with real blood instead of metaphorical. I think that Spain's passing will be a little to much for Holland, who have the strongest team they've had since the days of Gullit and Van Basten (though I doubt a goal like that will happen). Spain to go through.
Germany vs France
This semi final though not as exciting promises to be an intriguing tie as France will hope to control what all the other teams will have failed to do in controlling the Germans, a near impossible task. And Nasri vs Ozil promises the two best attacking midfielders in the tournament. However the German team will almost certainly prove to strong for France, though I expect it to be closer than Germany's previous games. Germany to go through
The Final
As UEFA have scrapped the thrid place play-off the two bet national sides in the world go head to head. 22 players 2 managers and a ref who may be about to oversee the greatest Euro final ever seen. Attacking vs Passing. Efficiency vs Flair. It promises to be a mouth watering tie. Both usually dominate ever area of the pitch. Germany have strengthened their team for the world cup semi final loss in Durban. Moth have merits that would have any pundits scratching their heads deciding who is going to win. Taking all these points into account I think the winner of Euro 2012 will be...GERMANY who will win their forth euro crown. Another feather in the cap that is starting to look like an albatross with all the feathers. I may be english but you can't deny the Germans quality and they are worthy winners. So if I'm wrong I will take it on the chin (though I probably won't be)
Call yourself English??? The Germans?????
ReplyDelete!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's the only logical solution
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