EURO 2012
As most of you will know, EURO 2012 is set to kick off in Poland and The Ukraine in just five days. This is notoriously the most topsy-turvey of international tournaments, having seen massive underdogs Greece win in 2004, and outsiders Turkey and Russia make the semis in 2008. Here is my preview of each section, as well as some bold pre-tournament predictions.
Group A
Poland
Coach: Franciszek Smuda
Qualified: Automatic (hosts)
Key Player: Wojceich Szczesny
First Match: v. Greece (June 8)
Qualified: Automatic (hosts)
Key Player: Wojceich Szczesny
First Match: v. Greece (June 8)
The Polish qualified as co-hosts, and will certainly face a tough road to defend their home turf: they have low odds to win the tournament, as per Bet365.com. The Poles will look to the Dortmund trio of Kuba, Lukasz Piszczek, and Robert Lewendowski to lead their front, while Arsenal keeper Wojceiech Szczesny gives them a reliable keeper in the back.
Greece
Coach: Fernando Santos
Qualified: Winners (Group F)
Key Player: Sokratis Papastathopoulos
First Match: v. Poland (June 8)
Any success the Greeks have will come through organization and communication. It's what earned them the title in 2004, and they'll be looking for repeat success in 2012. A relatively lesser-known squad, young midfielder Sortis Ninis will be the best creative force, while Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Vasilis Torosidis provide strength at the back.
Qualified: Winners (Group B)
Key Player: Alan DzagoevFirst Match: v. Czech Rep. (June 8)
Qualified: Play-off (def. Montenegro 3-0 agg.)
Key Player: Petr Cech
First Match: v. Russia (June 8)
Plenty of talent here, but not much of it is tested, especially after an injury to Tomas Rosicky puts his fitness in doubt. Young strikers Tomas Peckhart and Tomas Necid will have to find a way to get goals, as Chelsea keeper Petr Cech boasts one of the best talents in the net for EURO 2012.
Prediction: Winner: Russia, Runner-up: Greece, Eliminated: Poland, Czech Rep.
Too much talent to look pas the Russians in arguably the easiest group in the tournament. The second spot is up for grabs, but I reckon Greece has just enough to qualify over up-start Poland and Czech Republic.
Group B
Denmark
Coach: Morton Olsen
Qualified: Winners (Group H)
Key Player: Christian Erikson
First Match: v. Holland (June 9)
Long-time coach Morten Olsen had a lot of trouble in South Africa for World Cup 2010, but the Danes are back for EURO 2012 having won their group, only to find themselves in a perverbial "Group of Death." Don't look past Denmark though. Diego Benaglio has a wonderful record in net for club and country, Nicklas Bendtner had a wonderful season up front on loan at Sunderland, and there's plenty of creative force in the midfield - namely Thomas Kahlenburg, Christian Erikson, and Christian Poulson - to keep the dream alive.
Holland (The Netherlands)
Coach: Bert van Marwijk
Qualified: Winners (Group E)
Key Player: Arjen Robben
First Match: v. Denmark (June 9)
The Oranje certainly have the talent to win, but will it come to be? A huge 6-0 win over Northern Ireland seems to suggest they will, but huge questions are yet to be answered, namely in form of selection. Klass-Jan Huntelaar has certainly earned the starting role he wants, but benching Robin van Persie may be impossible. Ibrahim Afellay's wonderful performances have also offered questions about his replacing of out-of-form wingers Arjen Robben or Dirk Kuyt. Marten Steklenburg boasts a great goal keeping record, and captain Mark van Bommel brings leadership and stability to a side which so desperately needs it.
Germany
Coach: Joaquim Low
Qualified: Winners (Group A)
Key Player: Manuel Neuer
First Match: v. Portugal (June 9)
As always the German's look good. 2008's runners up boast the youngest team at EURO 2012, but there is no shortage of top-flight talent to churn German machine. Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, and Marco Reus all head the youth class, but the form and health stalwarts Bastian Schwienstieger, Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski, and Per Mertesacker may make the difference.
Portugal
Coach: Paulo Bento
Qualified: Playoff (def. Boznia and Herz. 6-2 agg.)
Key Player: Christiano Ronaldo
First Match: v. Germany (June 9)
EURO's most notoriously disappointing team is back and sweating after two friendly losses before their tournament campaign begins. Chemistry has long been an issue for the Portugese, but talent is not. Aside from questions at goal with Eduardo and Rui Patricio aiming for the starting role, Portugal boasts world class players such as Pepe, Nani, Fabio Coentrao, Raul Miereles, Joao Mountinho, and Golden Boot winner Christiano Ronaldo.
Prediction: Winner: Holland, Runner-up: Germany, Eliminated: Portugal, Denmark
Holland has too much talent, and if they get it together, they should win the "Group of Death," with Germany providing their biggest challenge. Portugal will undoubtedly live up to their name and disappoint yet again, and I'd be surprised if it doesn't come at the hands of the devious Danes, who will be lucky to earn a draw in Group B.
Group C
Croatia
Coach: Slaven Bilic
Qualified: Playoff (def. Turkey 3-0 agg.)
Key Player: Luka Modric
First Match: v. Rep. of Ireland (June 10)
Slaven Bilic will quit Croatia after EURO 2012, but don't look past this side in the time being. They're a dark horse in difficult Group C, and boast many in incredibly form for their roster, namely forwards Nicola Jelavic and Mario Mandzuckic, who threaten to keep veterans Eduardo and Ivica Olic out of the team. The midfield is strong, too, with Niko Kranjcar, Luka Modric, Darijo Srna, and Ivan Rakitic. Deep and dangerous team at every position.
Republic of Ireland
Coach:
Qualfied: Playoff (def. Estonia 5-1 agg.)
Key Player: Robbie Keane
First Match: v. Croatia (June 10)
The Irish are going to need a little luck. The odds-on favorites to bow out the easiest in EURO 2012, these underdogs hinge their efforts on plenty of unknowns to bolster their success, namely the abilities of aging striker Robbie Keane and young winger James McClean's ability to shine. There won't be any concerns over keeper Shay Given or winger Aiden McGeady, who look set to shine in Poland and Ukraine.
Italy
Coach: Cesare Prandelli
Qualified: Winners (Group C)
Key Player: Mario Balotelli
First Match: v. Spain (June 10)
The Italians have spent the last six years unsuccessfully trying to recapture the glory of World Cup 2006, and their squad shows they're ready to let go of the past. World Cup 2010's Azzurri side was very old and they bowed out quickly, but EURO '12's Italy has plenty of players dead in their prime, led by Daniele de Rossi, and bolstered by the likes of Gigi Buffon, Claudio Marchisio, Ricardo Montolivo, and Antonio di Natale. Mario Balotelli looks prone to start, but fans are yet again asking "why always him?" after his violent comments against racism.
Spain
Coach: Vincente del Bosque
Qualified: Winners (Group I)
Key Player: Andres Iniesta
First Match: v. Italy (June 10)
The reigning World and European champions are looking to repeat their success, and can you really make an argument against them? Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos, Carles Pujol, Xabi Alonso, Iker Casillas... the list goes on. An incredible and compatible midfield of mostly domestic (mainly Real Madrid and Barcelona, to be exact) midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers. The only question may be up front with Fernando Llorente and the meme-worthy Fernando Torres providing cover for the injured David Villa.
Prediction: Winner: Spain, Runner-up: Croatia, Eliminated: Italy, Rep. of Ireland
Spain is the toast of the tournament, and I feel they win Group C. The head-turner may be my prediction of Croatia making it out of the group over Italy, but they're the most in-form team in the tournament, and if they get some goalkeeping, I feel they can knock off the tumultuous Azzuri. Ireland will sadly fail to get a point.
Group D
England
Coach: Roy Hodgson
Qualified: Winner (Group G)
Key Player: John Terry
First Match: v. France (June 11)
New manager Roy Hodgson has had only over a month to prepare the Three Lions for EURO 2012, but he seems to have done quite well. While the English have failed to impress in the attack, they also failed to concede a goal in their two friendlies in preparation for EURO 2012, having missed out on the tournament in 2008 after failing to qualify. As always, expectations and drama are high on this England squad. Frank Lampard, Gary Cahill and Garreth Barry have suffered injuries, and Wayne Rooney is out two games on suspension, so look for new skipper Steven Gerrard, old skipper John Terry, and keeper Joe Hart to stabilize the team. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ashley Young impressed in friendlies, but questions still remain about whether Andy Carroll, Jermaine Defoe, or Danny Welbeck will start up front in Rooney absence.
France
Coach: Laurent Blanc
Qualified: Winner (Group D)
Key Player: Franck Ribery
First Match: v. England (June 11)
Looking to brush the embarrassment of World Cup 2010 aside, this French side is younger, meaner, and raring to go for EURO 2012. Hugo Lloris, Franck Ribery, Patrice Evra, and Karim Benzema bring experience to the side, but youngsters Yann M'Vila, Oliver Giroud, and Samir Nasri will look to translate their club success into French glory over the coming month.
Sweden
Coach: Erik Hamren
Qualified: Best Runner-up (Group E)
Key Player: Zlatan Ibrahimavic
First Match: v. Ukraine (June 11)
It's all about Big Z. Zlatan Ibrihimavich is the class of Sweden, and their success or failure may ride solely on the strikers of the versatile strikers shoulders. EPL talents Martin and Jonas Olssen provide quality at wing back, and Seb Larsson will provide midfield help, but goals form Ibra mean Swedish delight in the Ukraine for EURO 2012.
Ukraine
Coach: Oleg Blokhin
Qualified: Automatic (hosts)
Key Player: Anatoliy Tymoshchuk
First Match: v. Sweden (June 11)
While he may still be on the team, Andriy Shevchenko likely no longer possesses the magic he showed in past EURO tournaments to carry his native Ukraine, so the co-hosts much look to other sources to defend their home turf. Andriy Pyatov is a hero for Ukrainian side Shakthar, and will look to replicate his club success between the posts for his national team. Anatoliy Tymoshchuk is their best option in the midfield, and striker Artem Milevsky will support Shevchenko as he looks to rekindle past glories.
Prediction: Winner: England, Runner-up: France, Eliminated: Ukraine, Sweden
Relatively straight-forward group as France and England are a step above Ukraine and Sweden, who both suffer from over-reliance on star players. I figure England to win because of their strength in the back. Many see similarities to Hodgson's Fulham side in his new English team, a nice resemblance to have, as Hodgson's Cottagers were notorious for over-achieving and tournament-built team which made an unprecedented run to the Europa League Final in 2010.
This is as far as I'll go for now, but expect a full breakdown of the remaining teams when we reach the rundown. For my money, I've got Holland defeating Spain in the Final in a rematch of the World Cup 2010 Final, with England beating Croatia in the 3rd Place game.
Liverpool's New Manager
The only other real news of note is that former Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers has agreed to become the next manager of Liverpool, effective immediately. Rodgers replaces Kenny Danglish, who left after only a season and a half as Reds manager after missing European football and finishing below rival Everton. He was said to be the second choice for the job, but Wigan boss Roberto Martinez turned down the job when he found out his managerial powers would be dampened as new owner John Henry looks to make his mark on the Merseyside club. Rodgers is famous for bringing Swansea City into the Premeirship in 2011-12, making them the first Welsh side to entire the top-league in over fifty years. He did it in an unconventional fashion, too, challenging the notion that small sides must focus on defense and employing possession tactics to the Swans attack. The method was successful, as Swansea finished 11th and had one of the ten best passing percentages among European clubs.Reception of Rodgers has been mixed, as some worry if he'll be able to cope with the pressures of being Liverpool's manager, while others praise his tactics and believe he will be a success. One thing is for sure: changes will come at Liverpool, especially in the transfer market. The team has a surplus of players at many positions, and speculation has already arisen about the futures of many current Reds. Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani spent their seasons on loan at Lille and AC Milan, respectively, and are both expected to leave the club. Other players possibly on the way out include Maxi Rodriguez and Jay Spearing, who failed to win time in the first team, Daniel Agger and Stuart Downing, who had disappointing seasons at Anfield in 2011/12, and Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt, who have attracted interest from top clubs in Italy, Spain, and Germany. What Rodgers chooses to do with these players remains a question.
Another question is what Rodgers will do with a large transfer budget. Swansea was weak on finances, but this problem is not shared by Liverpool, as ownership could give Rodgers upwards of 40 million pounds to spend this summer. A raid of his old club could be in line, as Swansea midfielders Joe Allen and Gylfi Sigurdsson could be potential targets. All other targets are pure speculation, as no one quite knows what Rodgers will do with his new funds.
Personally, I see Rodgers as a success. His tactics are solid, and he has a keen eye for transfers having brought in successes in Sigurdsson and Scott Sinclair to Swansea during his tenure. Really though, the pressure could buckle him, as it did to Roy Hodgson in 2010. Time will tell, but this is yet another shake up to add to Norwich manager Paul Lamberts move to Aston Villa after leading the Canaries from League 1 to the Premiership in less than five years. Summer of fun (as always) over in England!
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That's it for me. A long and exhausting piece. Best of luck until next time!
Kevin Kryston
Host, Football Central with Matt and Kevin
99.5 and 98.1 FM WUDR Dayton Flyer Radio
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