Euro 2012 - The Draw

OK, so, just seen the draw for the group stages of Euro 2012 to be held in Poland and Ukraine. I will list the groups, and a little guess as to how I see it all panning out.

Group A

Poland (host)

One of the easier groups, I think. None of the major, major teams. However, the Russians are good, Greece are past winners, and the Czechs have a reputation of being tough. And, of course, Poland. One of the hosts. Never easy taking on the hosts! I peg the Poland v Russia game as the tastiest one. No love lost between those two nations!

Group B

Netherlands

Denmark

Germany

Portugal

Interesting group, this. The Germans are multiple world and European champions, and have an excellent young squad at the moment. Portugal are always dangerous, and the Dutch are the current beaten world cup finalists. The only ones who dont flag up anything major are the Danes. And they won the thing back in 88! Game to watch: Germany v Netherlands. The Germans dont like the Dutch. And the feeling is easily mutual!

Group C

Spain (World Champions)

Italy

 Ireland

Croatia

This, in the Euro Championships, could be considered the group of death. Spain are the World Champs, Italy are Italy, Croatia are on the rise, and the Irish are just not easy. Game to watch: Spain v Italy!

Group D

 Ukraine (host)

Sweden

France

England

Not the group of death. England should escape this group. Should. The match to watch will be the tie up between England and France. Whilst there is not much of a footballing rivalry, any chance to get one over the French is always welcome! I expect England and France to escape. Who will win the group, I dont know.

So, those are the groups. And who is going to win.

Well, heart says England (I AM English!) But the head says look no further than the likes of Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands.

I like the Euro's, in many ways, it is a bigger test than the World Cup. In the World Cup, there is usually a Group of Death. And the rest are not so bad. Relatively easy work for the big name teams to get out. However, at the Euro's, none of the groups are easy. They are either tough (like Englands) or Very tough, like Spains!

Good luck to all! But mostly England. We'll need it!