Euro 2012 (Group B)

The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2012, will be the 14th running of the tournament. The tournament will be hosted by Poland and Ukraine between 8 June and 1 July 2012. It is the first time that either nation has hosted the tournament. This is part one of my predictions for the event.



Germany: 

Three times winner and runners up three times with the latest Final appearance coming in the Spainish held tournament in 2008. They qualified top of their Qualification Group finishing head and shoulders above Turkey, Belguim and Austria not only being undefeated but with a 100% winning record.
Make no mistake though they are in a tough group with Portugal and the Netherlands also in the group but Germany I think have the ability to get through the Group stages.

Portugal: 

Since 1996 this country has always headed into the tournament with high expectations but are still looking to lift the trophy. Their best chance was in 2004 when they not only hosted the tournament and did reach the Final, but also had pre tournament outsiders Greece as their opponents. Whether it was home pressure or maybe a misjudgement of their opponents who knows but this tournament for the Portuguese may come down to the Final group game against the Netherlands with probably that deciding which of the two Euro giants goes on and who goes home.

Netherlands: 

The 1988 winners will feel they have a chance in this tournament after making the World Cup Final in South Africa only two years ago. I think it may be tough for them to win the Group and luckily they have the advantage I think. Their opening game is a must win against Denmark while the other game sees Portugal face Germany. That means that when they face Germany they will know what is needed in order to go into the Final game with Portugal with a chance.

Denmark:

It was twenty years ago that this side with Peter Schmeichel in goal beat this years Group rivals, Germany 2-0. Strikes from Jensen and Vilfort gave the Danes the unexpected win but for them to even get out of this group is going to be a tough ask. Each game for Denmark will have to be like a Final for them and the only hope will be if the other three discount Denmark and concentrate on the other two bigger sides. However I highly doubt that Denmark will finish any higher than fourth.