by Shahan Ahmed

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A Friendly Guide to Euro 2012: Group Stage

Group A is the Anyone group. Any team of the four can advance, but none of the teams that make it out would expect to be favored in the next round. Greece, Poland, Russia or Czech Republic would all be welcomed sights for the two teams that survive Group B.

Player(s) to Watch:
Robert Lewandowski on Poland and Alan Dzagoev on Russia. Dzagoev is a 21 year old winger who is being hyped as the next big thing in Russian football. This is his first chance on the international stage, and with so many eyes awaiting their first glance at the youngster, he could become a star over night. Robert Lewandowski took over Dortmund’s scoring duties from Lucas Barrios at the start of the season, and Barrios was never able to catch up to Lewandowski’s scoring level. Lewandowski can become a national hero by firing one in for Poland’s tournament opener.


Sneijder returned to health and form at the end of the season & is key for Holland

Group B is the Best group. This is the “group of death.” Netherlands and Germany finished second and third, respectively, at the 2010 World Cup. Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo. Denmark is deemed the absolute long shot, but with the other three teams in the group being so highly touted, this group offers the best matchups, on paper. Portugal may very well advance, but the Netherlands and Germany fixture represents the best matchup of the group stage, according to the FIFA World Rankings, of course.

Player(s) to Watch:
Cristiano Ronaldo on Portugal and Robin Van Persie on Netherlands. Both had unbelievable goal scoring seasons domestically, and both should be focal points of their respective teams. These are two of the best attacking players in the world, and apart from Messi, would probably be the two most valuable players in the world on the current transfer market.


Silva is not alone, as Andres Iniesta scored the World Cup winning goal for Spain

Group C is the Champions’ group. Spain won the last European Championships and the last World Cup. Italy won the World Cup in 2006. Between these two powerhouses, they share the last 6 years of International silverware available to European sides. Croatia and Ireland are both in strong form entering the competition, but this is a group that should see Italy and Spain advance. If either fails, expect some ripples and drastic changes between now and 2014.

Player(s) to Watch:
David Silva on Spain and Andrea Pirlo on Italy. David Silva has looked like the man that makes Spain tick in the lead up to the competition. Pirlo led Juventus to an undefeated Serie A campaign and a domestic league title.


Along with Benzema, Ribery has been in sublime form for Les Blues

Group D is the Deadly group. No, I do not mean Group D is the “group of death,” as that title has rightly been bestowed upon Group B. But Group D is deadly. England and France are two teams that look set to rebound under new managers. Sweden has quality players, a super star in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and a shot stopper that looked sharp in the final friendly. Ukraine is the co-host of the competition. Any of these four teams could advance without sending shock waves to the collective consciousness of true football fans. However, if England fall, all English speakers should be prepared to hear and read about it ad nauseam.

Player(s) to Watch:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Sweden and Karim Bemzema on France. If everything had worked out and 10-man Inter had been beaten at the Camp Nou in 2010, Ibrahimovic would probably still be at Barcelona. But as luck had it, Barcelona lost in the semi-finals of the Champions League and Ibra was sent packing to AC Milan where he promptly collected the title of best player in Serie A in 2011. Benzema is Real Madrid’s striker for the present and future. If he scores regularly, France can win this competition, and Benzema can score regularly.