Euro 2012 – Groups Preview

The countdown has already started for the UEFA EuropeanFootball Championship 2012, which begins on June 8, hosted by Poland and Ukraine. Held every four years since 1960, Euro is one of the most exciting international football tournaments.

It was originally called European Nations Cup, changing to the current name in 1968.

The tournament features 16 teams (there will be 24 from 2016 onward) with the host nations gaining automatic qualification. 51 teams entered the race for the finals, from which only 14 got through. Just rewinding the history, Germany has been the most successful team in the tournament winning 3 titles and is followed by Spain and France with two each.

As always, the teams are divided into four groups with Group B being called the “group of death” by the pundits. However, qualifying for the competition means all the teams have equal chance to win it. Here are the groups with a short detail of each.

Group A

Teams : Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic

National Stadium, Warsaw will be hosting the tournament opener Poland vs Greece

No big names in the group, but it’s still interesting as all the teams are of equal caliber. Poland is the host country of the tournament and will have the home supporters to cheer for their every good play. Greece, being the Champions of 2004, will fight for everything for their pride. Russia and Czech Republic have been good in the tournament as well and will handle a tough fight for the opponents.

Group B

Teams : Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal

The “group of death” is the one to look out for in the tournament. Netherlands, the finalist of FIFA World Cup 2010, along with Germany are one of the favorites for the competition. Both the teams are in top form and want to be in race for the trophy as well as the No. 1 ranking. The Portuguese are just raising themselves in the FIFA ranking currently being fourth placed. They will rely on their captain, Christiano Ronaldo to move ahead in the tournament. It will be more than a miracle for Denmark to get above these three, to reach the knockouts.

Group C

Teams : Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Croatia

Spain and Italy are the clear favorites to move to the next round from the group. The 2010 and 2006 World Champions will relish every chances they get to thrash the opponents. However, Croatia will try their best to reach the knockouts by knocking one of the big names out. Republic of Ireland might not be good enough to pass through but can still surprise the opponents with the draws.

Group D

Teams: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England

All eyes will be on England in the group. Will England finally be able to play better football and win something remains a question in the mind of every fans and others as well. Ukraine, being one of the hosts, are qualified automatically. They will have little to do than get their fans up on the feet. Sweden’s hope will rely on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his goals. France can gain something from the competition this time. They will try to take the number of titles to three.

A tough competition for every participating team in their own way is on the way. I'm packing my euro 2012 soccer jersyes to support my favorite team. So who are you cheering for?