Euro 2012 preview

Many agree that the European championships are of a better quality than the World Cup, which is why the whole of Europe is once again looking upon these championships as yet another slap in the face for FIFA's showpiece event. The last world cup was full of dreadful defensive football, horrible refereeing and crap teams like Honduras. Thankfully, the Euro's are seldom like that- probably the weakest team in the competition are Poland, and as co hosts, will expect to go through. I'm looking forward to great football from some of the best players in the world, from Xavi to Pirlo, Ronaldo to Ribery, and many more- especially my favourite player, Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands.

England's chances look slim at best. Certainly, the loss of experienced pair Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard has been a big blow. Over 140 caps worth of international know-how gone, and now the midfield will rely heavily on the now injury prone Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker, who seems to spend most of the game on the floor. The fact that there is no obvious back up is a major concern for Roy Hodgson- James Milner would presumably be his first choice back up, but hes much more comfortable out wide. I would also prefer defender Phil Jones in the middle before the only other natural central midfielder, Jordan Henderson, would get game time. The midfield worries lead me to limit England's hopes to Quarter Finals. it will be tough just to get out of the group, and without the country's most gifted footballer, the wonderful Wayne Rooney, for the first two games, getting goals is a worry. Particularly because as I write, the main story on many sport websites is that a born goalscorer in Jermain Defoe is flying back to England after the tragic death of his father. Of course, there is no way you would expect Defoe to be fit and firing after such a tragedy. This only mounts up Hodgson's problems. Add to this the John Terry situation, and you get a very bleak outlook for the tournament. In my opinion, England only have two world class players- Ashley Cole and Rooney, and with one of them suspended... let's just say I would be delighted with qualifying from the group.

As for the rest, I don't rate Poland, who have an awful defence, and rely heavily on Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski for goal threat. For all their home support, i see them struggling. They are 62nd in the latest Fifa rankings which is the lowest ranked side at Euro 2012. Similarly, unless Ninis or Fetfatzidis get a start, they will not create much- i mean, any team with Samaras as their taker of chances needs help. I'm going for the Czechs and Russians to go through in Group A, especially if Tomas Rosicky brings his club form with him.

Group B, obviously, is the big one. The Germans are many people's favourites and possess formidable young talents like the resourceful Gotze and the wonderful Toni Kroos, so effective against Real Madrid in both legs of the Champions League Semi final. Plus, the goals of Klose, Podolski and Gomez make them very hard to look past. However, there are concerns over the huge Bayern Munich contingent reacting to their loss on three fronts this season, and also over the lack of pace in defence, especially if Mertesacker starts. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, and Robben wont need a second invitation to take on a flat footed back four. However the huge range of talent in their squad, such as Neuer, Lahm, Ozil, and Muller make them one of the favourites.

However, the team I'm backing is the Oranje, Holland.
Although the defence contains no household names, Van Marwijk has got them organised and having reached the final in South Africa, will be keen to go one step further this time round. Reacting to criticism after that final display, he went more offensive in the qualifiers, with Van der Vaart used a deep lying playmaker to great effect. they will go into the Euro's with two of the most in form strikers in the world- golden boot winner Robin Van Persie, plus Klass-Jan Huntelaar, who's in the form of his life with Schalke and scored 12 goals in qualifying. Putting both in the team will prove difficult, but its a nice problem to have. I would back one of them to be top scorer as well, as such predators are bound to strike when served by creators like Kevin Strootman, Van der Vaart, Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Ibrahim Afellay. Sneijder has had a poor season with Inter, but as one of the most gifted playmakers at the Euro's, I see him having a big say on Holland's campaign. His free-kicks, long passing, and awareness are second to none and he is a man for the big occasion- he was the star of Inter's march to the treble in 2009-2010, and also finished joint top scorer in the World Cup. Add to that superb goals against France and Italy in Euro 2008, and you begin to understand the impact he could have. Protected by two of the scariest enforcers at the tournament in Van Bommel and De Jong, i think a Netherlands victory is highly probable.

Portugal will obviously look to the most expensive footballer on the planet to fire them out of the group. It is vital Ronny hits his stride early and doesn't sulk as he, along with Nani, will shoulder most of the scoring and creating burden. With no weakness in his game and in my opinion the best player in the world, its about time he shows that his pace, strength, set pieces, finishing ability, movement will not be left unfulfilled at international level. With no Deco or Rui Costa pulling the strings in midfield, and no Figo-esque inspirational leader, it is clear Portugal are up against it. Undoubtedly a talented side, and with two top quality centre backs in Pepe and Bruno Alves, the lack of a top centre forward, Portugal's traditional Achilles heel, rears its head again. The absence of Boswinga due to arguments with Paulo Bento also weakens Portugal in a key position. In any other group, would qualify, in this one, need Ronaldo on top form. (If he does turn up, then they could even go on and win it)
Unfortunately for Denmark, who out qualified Portugal, it is hard to see them advancing from the group. Nevertheless, im looking foward to seeing Ajax star Christian Eriksen and they have an attacking line up, but the possible front four of Eriksen, Krohn-Dehli, Bendtner and Rommedahl dont really have enough quality to attack Portugal, Germany, or the Dutch. they will need to be on great form to get out of the group.

Group C has two obvious favourites- Italy and Spain. Ireland will struggle to score goals and will rely heavily on Shay Given to keep clean sheets. similarly, Croatia often are goal shy and the injury to Ivica Olic will exasperate this. Heavy burdens will fall on Srna, Modric, and Kranjcar to create chances. Italy are dark horses who, in Andrea Pirlo, have a superb player. Together with Marchiso, they provide sharp passing and great bite. Buffon and Chiellini  are two of the best in their position in Europe. And with Cassano and Balotelli up top, who knows what can happen... Spain may be without Puyol and Villa, but with their galaxy of midfield talent and the worlds best goalkeeper, only a fool would think those absences would impact on their progress. I feel a third tournament will be too much for them though, especially with effects of fatigue on the Barcelona players like Xavi and Iniesta. But will their quality be too much for the rest?

As for England's, France should win it easily, and in Nasri, Ribery and Benzema they have three of the most creative and quick players in the competition. also, Hugo Lloris in goal is one of the best young keepers in the world. If they go on a run of form, i can see them winning it- whether their midfield is up to challenging Spain, Germany and Holland is another question, but certainly they are sure contenders. Sweden yet again have a squad of workmanlike players, and they will need Zlatan Ibrahimovic to fire to do well. Quite possibly in the form of his life after a season with Milan in which he finished top scorer, his slightly deeper role in the Swedish side is key- he does have a great partnership with Johan Elmander that the Swedes will need to succeed. finally Ukraine have very little well known names but home support could swing it their way. Unless Yarmolenko plays well, they will struggle for firepower.
So Holland to win it, and im hoping for a great tournament. Top scorer- Huntelaar.
thanks for reading,
Adam