Poland Ukraine Euro 2012 Preview

Euro 2012 is football’s big event this summer as sixteen of the continent’s best nations square off for the right to become kings of Europe.

Spain achieved that feat four years ago in Austria/Switzerland and Vicente del Bosque’s side are well fancied to defend their title following on from winning the World Cup two years ago.

The Iberians have managed to keep the majority of their squad together throughout their period of success and it is easy to see why they are favourites once again in Poland/Ukraine. With experience now also on their side to enhance their quality, Spain are certainly hard to oppose and they should make light work of Group C which contains Italy, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.

But they could be vulnerable to younger legs in the latter stages and a couple of teams who have shown real talent and potential in recent times. Germany fall well into that category after pushing Spain close at the last two international tournaments.

With a midfield containing the likes of Mezut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Joachim Loew’s charges undoubtedly have the ammunition to match Xavi, Iniesta and co and can justify their prominent position in the betting market.

Indeed, Spain and Germany are some way clear of the field in the eyes of the bookmakers and the showpiece in Kiev on June 31 could well be fought out between the pair.

Holland were World Cup finalists in South Africa and will be hopeful of launching another strong challenge in Eastern Europe.

The Dutch were criticised after that tournament for their destructive tactics however there is also an abundance of class within their ranks.

Leading man Robin van Persie has enjoyed the season of his life at Arsenal and he is likely to act as a similar spearhead for the national team, with grafting forwards Dirk Kuyt and Ibrahim Afellay offering sturdy back up in behind.

The problem for Holland and indeed Germany is the fact that they meet straight away in the ‘group of death’ which also includes 2004 runners-up Portugal and shock Euro 1992 victors Denmark.

Nevertheless, both nations will expect to progress through to the last eight where they should pick up favourable quarter-final ties against the qualifiers from a weak Group A.

England and France will seek to oust Spain in the other half of the draw and that pair also meet early doors in the group phase.

France got one over on England coming from a goal down to win late in the day in the opening round of Euro 2004 and the Three Lions, under new boss Roy Hodgson, will be desperate for revenge against Les Bleus who have been resurgent through qualifying under former World Cup winning captain Laurent Blanc.

Both nations carry a double figure price in the betting and may be seen as value options to take on the front two, especially as the pressure is largely off after a decade of disappointment on the big stage.

Ukraine may be able to pounce should either England or France fail to deliver in Group D and they look likely to outperform fellow co-hosts Poland who will need to step up massively to trouble the competition, despite being at home.

A total of 32 games will be played in Eastern Europe over the course of the championship and from an entertainment and betting perspective it should be one to savour, regardless of who gets their hands on the trophy on June 31.

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04/06/2012     © Frixo 2026