With the first round of scores in, it's time to have another go at predicting EURO matches. Might I add that I did a pretty darn good job of predicting goal scorers on Match Day 1, and thus, here we go: another chance to prove my powers of clairvoyance.
Group A
Greece 1 - 1 Czech Rep.
Both these sides will be disappointed with their Match Day 1 displays, with Greece missing a penalty to draw Poland, and Czech Republic looking awful against Russia. I'm not convinced either has enough in attach to grab a win, so a draw it is. Goals from Sokratis Ninis and Tomas Rosicky and honors even.
Russia 2 - 1 Poland
Poland were a tale of two teams against Greece, having dominated the first half and being absolutely atrocious in the second. While I imagine their Jekyll and Hyde persona will likely settle in their second game, the Russians will likely be too much. I recon Andrey Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchencko to score for Russia, with Robert Lewandowski scoring yet again for the Poles in a tight match.
Group B
Denmark 1 - 1 Portugal
The surprise of the first round of games was Denmark, who outplayed and eventually defeated Holland in an incredible defensive effort on Saturday, showing that a team with chemistry always has a shot at victory. On the other side are Portugal, who looked good when they got going but took to long to find their stride and lost to Germany. I'm still thoroughly unimpressed with the Danish attack, as Bendtner was non-existent, but Portugal never plays well with their backs against the wall. In smash-and-grab fashion, I see Denmark stealing a draw when Daniel Agger scores late to cancel out a Christiano Ronaldo goal.
Germany 2 - 3 Holland (The Netherlands)
The Oranje could be in trouble. After a devastating loss to Denmark, reports are circulating about an uprising in the clubhouse led by Rafael van der Vaart and the ability of Robin van Persie to lead the line, but Germany didn't look the powerhouses they were either against Portugal. Holland will look awful in the first 45, allowing Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski to score for the Germans, before a different-looking side take the game to Germany after benching both van Persie and the player I think is more of a problem: Arjen Robben. Second half sub Klass-Jan Huntelaar and Wesley Sneidjer score before 21-year-old Luuk de Jong - the surprise replacement for Robben - wins the game for the Dutch.
Group C
Italy 2 - 1 Croatia
Both these teams looked wonderful on Sunday, with the Italians drawing Spain 1-1 and Croatia hammering Ireland 3-1, but no matter how many times I typed "Italy 1-2 Croatia," I couldn't let myself publish it. Italy deserved to win Saturday, and with a few tweaks could be a new favorite for the tournament. Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Cassano score for the Azzuri, and Luka Modric gets one for the Croats in a game neither team deserves to lose.
Spain 5 - 0 Rep. of Ireland
I'm not happy that I'm picking this heavy of a defeat, but Ireland struggled mightily at all positions against Croatia, and Spain will have a point to prove after struggling against Italy. Having shocked everyone by not starting a forward on Sunday, the Spaniards go back to formula and dominate this game to send a message that they're still to be feared, with goals from Andres Iniesta, David Silva, and a trio of strikes from the man who will lead the line for the rest of the tournament: Fernando Llorente.
Group D
Sweden 0 - 1 England
I don't think Hodgson's England has many goals in them. While his team is great at the back, they look almost frightened to leave their end, so I'm not going to expect them to blow out a Sweden team that held only about 40% possession against Ukraine, despite playing well against France. A goal from Ashley Young, and a very boring England win.
France 1 - 2 Ukraine
WARNING: This pick is blinded by nostalgia. You see, back in 2004, my dad and I watched the EURO tournament and fell in love with a Ukrainian striker by the name of Andriy Shevchenko, who carried his team every time they stepped on the pitch and dazzled us in the process. My fascination with Shevchenko led me to watch star-studded Arsenal and Thierry Henry for the '04/05 season, and thus, football loving Kevin was born because of the those two stars. Little did I know that at age 35, Shevchenko would be at it again, scoring the equalizer and the winner against Sweden on Match Day 1. While I should pick France, the kid that fell in love with Shevchenko's drive and technical brilliance won't let me pick Les Bleus. Two more for Shevchenko, including a late winner that foils a goal from Franck Ribery, as the co-hosts get one step closer to the Knockout Stage.
Players who will earn transfers because of EURO 2012
Every major tournament brings a fresh batch of players who will leave their sides to join powerhouses because of their success in said tournament, and it will be no different at EURO 2012. I was going to do this last week, but I feel now that a game is under our belt, these picks might be more well-informed.
Player - Pos. - Nation - Current Club - Interested Clubs (if applicable)
Alan Dzagoev - M - Russia - CSKA Moscow - Barcelona, Inter
Robert Lewandowski - F - Poland - Dortmund - Manchester United
Christian Erikson - M - Denmark - Manchester United
Mario Mandzuckic - F - Croatia - Wolfsburg - none currently interested
Ivan Perisic - M - Croatia - Dortmund - none currently interested
More to come...
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Thanks all. I'll be back with a new post after Match Day 2 is over. Best of luck until then.
Kevin Kryston
Co-Host - Football Central w/ Matt and Kevin
Thursdays 6-8 August-April on 99.5 and 98.1 FM WUDR Dayton Flyer Radio
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