Portugal, Denmark and the Netherlands have their UEFA Euro 2012 hopes in danger as they’ve been drawn against hot favorites Germany in the Group of Death.
Before the UEFA Euro 2012 final draw, analysts tipped Spain or Germany to lead the eventual “group of death”. The caliber of Italy, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland cannot match the power of Portugal, Denmark and the Netherlands. It’s thus fair to brand Group B as the most difficult table ahead of Group C.
Group A and Group D, however, look more even. Poland could try their luck and succeed in reaching the knockout stages as Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic fill the other positions.
Ukraine might have a tougher task since France and England are favorites to clinch Group D’s top two spots. Like in 2008, Sweden may suffer yet another disappointing campaign.
Here, the focus is on Group B. Portugal don’t have a great record against Germany, so could the DFB Eleven confidently downplay the Selecção’s threat?
At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the Germans condemned Portugal to a fourth place finish through a 3-1 score line powered by the inspirational Bastian Schweinsteiger. When both sides met at the 2008 European Championship in Austria-Switzerland, Germany prevailed again. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, then suffering from a serious ankle injury, couldn’t fire the Portuguese national team into the semi-finals.
Analytically, Germany completely have the edge over Portugal. The UEFA Euro 2012 hot favorites may also cruise past Denmark and the Netherlands to claim the top spot. It must be recalled that Germany recently trounced the Dutch 3-0 in a friendly encounter.
Still, June 2012 is quite far away from now and the form of Group B’s teams could transform in between time. Denmark’s potential should not be overlooked. The 2010 FIFA World Cup participants qualified as group winners ahead of Portugal in the qualifying stages of the 2012 European Championship.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, could do a lot of damage—especially if they don’t suffer injury blows to key players Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie.
In fact, football fans and pundits could go on and on, analyzing and predicting what Group B will produce. One thing is sure: since Group B is the competition’s Group of Death, its games will be like finals until the fate of its teams gets decided.
Be sure to see two set of fans among the four banging their heads and crying their heart out bitterly due to an early disqualification.
A look at each of the groups again:
Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic
Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal
Group C: Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Croatia
Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England
Which group appeals to you most?
Group A and Group D, however, look more even. Poland could try their luck and succeed in reaching the knockout stages as Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic fill the other positions.
Ukraine might have a tougher task since France and England are favorites to clinch Group D’s top two spots. Like in 2008, Sweden may suffer yet another disappointing campaign.
Here, the focus is on Group B. Portugal don’t have a great record against Germany, so could the DFB Eleven confidently downplay the Selecção’s threat?
At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the Germans condemned Portugal to a fourth place finish through a 3-1 score line powered by the inspirational Bastian Schweinsteiger. When both sides met at the 2008 European Championship in Austria-Switzerland, Germany prevailed again. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, then suffering from a serious ankle injury, couldn’t fire the Portuguese national team into the semi-finals.
Analytically, Germany completely have the edge over Portugal. The UEFA Euro 2012 hot favorites may also cruise past Denmark and the Netherlands to claim the top spot. It must be recalled that Germany recently trounced the Dutch 3-0 in a friendly encounter.
Still, June 2012 is quite far away from now and the form of Group B’s teams could transform in between time. Denmark’s potential should not be overlooked. The 2010 FIFA World Cup participants qualified as group winners ahead of Portugal in the qualifying stages of the 2012 European Championship.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, could do a lot of damage—especially if they don’t suffer injury blows to key players Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie.
In fact, football fans and pundits could go on and on, analyzing and predicting what Group B will produce. One thing is sure: since Group B is the competition’s Group of Death, its games will be like finals until the fate of its teams gets decided.
Be sure to see two set of fans among the four banging their heads and crying their heart out bitterly due to an early disqualification.
A look at each of the groups again:
Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic
Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal
Group C: Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Croatia
Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England
Which group appeals to you most?
