Euro 2012!!

Well the Groups have been decided and here we go! Group A has Poland, Greece, Russia, and the Czech Republic. Group B is headed up by the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and Portugal. Meanwhile Group C will probably be dominated by World and European Champions Spain; Italy, Croatia, and the Republic of Ireland are also present. Last but not least Group D has Ukraine, Sweden, France, and England. How about some predictions? Well, in Group A co-hosts Poland will hope that the home field advantage spurs them on to great things. Russia on paper are the favorites for taking top honors in the group while Greece should give them a good run for their money. The Czech Republic may surprise, but I would expect them to be held in 3rd, after the Greeks. Over in Group B the Netherlands will be heavily challenged by Germany. Portugal can't be totally disqualified, but honestly their pedigree just isn't the same as the other two. Finally Denmark will have to dig deep to make sure that they are not embarrassed in this edition of the tournament. On to Group C where I may seem redundant in predicting that the Spanish will run out winners. This won't be as straight forward as it may seem though, with the Italians posing a decent challenge with a much tighter team than we saw in their last competitive performance. Croatia are not pushovers at all either, offering a good challenge to either of the Western European sides. Unfortunately, Ireland will probably be left fighting to make ends meet in such a talented group. Finally, in Group D, Ukraine will be spurred by the home crowds to do well, but against the likes of England, France, and Sweden, this may be hard. I would think England will take 1st while France should grab 2nd. Sweden will challenge, as will the co-hosts, but the talent of the English and the French should carry the day. Be ready for surprises though!