In less than two weeks from now Europe will host its finest tournament, pitting sixteen of the very best European countries against each other. But just who are the contenders for the title? Euro 2008 winners Spain are favourites to win once again but following closely behind are Germany and the Netherlands.
Taking a look at the stars of the show, it will be up to one of them to make a real name for themselves on a global basis. Who will take home the crown? We take a country-by-country perspective, starting with Group A.
Poland – Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker has managed to earn himself a place in Poland’s Euro 2012 squad and is no doubt the man to watch. His aerial ability matched with his high finishing rate makes him one of Europe’s top marksmen. With 30 goals in 46 games this season in all competitions, the Borussia Dortmund star helped his side lift the Bundesliga title and with such impressive statistics, it is easy to see why he has been linked with Manchester United. With Arsenal’s impressive goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny and fellow club teammate Jakub Błaszczykowski on his side, Poland have an impressive young squad eager to make the step up.
In what is being stated as arguably the easiest group of the tournament, Poland do have a good chance of qualifying to the knockout stages as long as Lewandowski continues to find the back of the net.
Greece – Sotiris Ninis
The 5ft 8in attacking midfielder is dubbed the ‘Greek Messi’ as he boasts an array of trickery and skill matched by no other Greek player. His ability to beat a man and create something out of nothing makes him a prime contender to carry the team through times of need. Already a big star in his native club Panathinaikos, having played one hundred games for them, the 22-year-old has the world at his feet. Moving to Parma before the tournament will prove to be good business for the Italian side as there will undoubtedly be interest from bigger clubs after Euro 2012.
Having had an injury that has kept him out since September, Ninis will hope to demonstrate his ability to the whole of Europe once again. With highly-rated Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Celtic’s Georgios Samaras within the squad, Greece have the right balance between youth and experience to challenge for the trophy.
Russia – Alan Dzagoev
In what is already an experienced squad with a lot of talent, Dzaegoev stands out as a young player eager to impress. He made his debut in 2008 as an 18-year-old, becoming the youngest outfield player to play for the Russian international team. Now 21, and having played over one hundred games in his career, the attacking midfielder has the capability to be a consistent thorn in the opposition side. The CSKA Moscow youngster has already expressed his eagerness to showcase his technical skills on the European stage and Euro 2012 presents him with the opportunity to do just that. Having finished second in the league, two points adrift from Zenit St. Petersburg, the 5ft 10in player has the backing of fellow compatriot Andrei Arshavin who will effectively be playing in a similar position.
The Russian side are not short of worldwide talent with former Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and Fulham’s new star Pavel Pogrebnyak up front with immensely talented Igor Akinfeev in goal. With all these stars in their side, Russia are capable of a topping their group and effectively having a successful campaign. With Euro 2008’s success in the back of their mind and the failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, Russia will be desperate to play on the big stage once again.
Czech Republic – Tomáš Rosický
It’s easy to state the Arsenal man as one to watch in Euro 2012 because he plays as if he is a player reborn. His incredible rise to the Gunners starting eleven started off in an emphatic victory over Tottenham, which saw his two year league goal drought end. What followed was simply a postmark on how players in poor form should all react. Fantastic performances against Milan and Stoke earned him high praise and with the summer now upon us, the 31-year-old is in the best form he has been in for a long time. A great eye for a pass and the gift of bursting past a player, Rosický will always be essential to Czech Republic and his presence will be much needed.
Chelsea’s Petr Cech’s recent Champions League triumph will give him all the confidence he needs going into this tournament and alongside him, former Tottenham striker Tomáš Pekhart appears promising at just twenty-two. Not to mention, one of the most prolific strikers for the Czech is Milan Baroš. The 30-year-old may be playing in his last European tournament for his side and will be keen to find the net as often as he can do.
Group A’s Poland, Greece, Russia and Czech Republic will provide tough fixtures with teams who are all willing to prove their worth more than ever in a competition formerly won by ‘minnows’. In what will be an exciting tournament, this may very well be the group containing the underdogs.
Check out the breakdown of the players to watch in Poland and Ukraine this summer, moving onto Group B.
Check out the breakdown of the players to watch in Poland and Ukraine this summer, continuing to Group C.
Check out the breakdown of the players to watch in Poland and Ukraine this summer, ending with Group D.
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