Group A
June 8 » POL vs. GRE, RUS vs. CZE
June 12 » POL vs. RUS, GRE vs. CZE
June 16 » GRE vs. RUS, CZE vs. POL
Favorite » Russia. Under Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, the Russians cruised through qualifying, and forward Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal) is the inspiration in their 4-3-3 formation. Goalie Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow) provides quality in the net for the 2008 semifinalists.
Contender » Greece. Absorbing pressure and sneaking goals on the counter won the Greeks the title in 2004. It also led to three losses in three games four years ago. Defender Vasilis Torosidis (Olympiakos) and midfielder Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos) could benefit from a fortunate grouping.
Cinderella » Czech Republic. Since making the 2004 semifinals, the Czechs were bounced in the 2008 group stage, failed to reach the 2010 World Cup and needed a playoff to earn a berth this summer. It’s still hard not to like goalie Petr Cech (Chelsea), but Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal) must deliver.
Spoiler » Poland. The co-hosts are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament (No. 65), but they’ve got players who just won a Bundesliga title in Borussia Dortmund forward Robert Lewandowski and midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski.
Group B
June 9 » NED vs. DEN, GER vs. POR
June 13 » NED vs. GER, DEN vs. POR
June 17 » POR vs. NED, DEN vs. GER
Favorite » Germany. The formidable midfield pairing of Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich) anchors a squad full of confidence, not the least bit troubled that three of FIFA’s top five ranked teams have been grouped together.
Contender » Netherlands. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) and Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) powered the Dutch to the 2010 World Cup final. If Robin van Persie (Arsenal) reaches his potential, they’ll get just as far in Euro 2012.
Cinderella » Portugal. Remember Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)? After his record club season was overshadowed by Lionel Messi, this is his time to shine. He needs backup though from guys like Nani (Manchester United) and Raul Meireles (Chelsea).
Spoiler » Denmark. The problem isn’t the Danish, who are ranked 10th in the world. It’s that the Germans are second, the Dutch are fourth and the Portuguese are fifth. Hardly fair for hard-nosed defender Daniel Agger (Liverpool) and up-and-coming midfielder Christian Eriksen (Ajax).
– Craig Stouffer
Group C
June 10 » ESP vs. ITA, IRL vs. CRO
June 14 » ESP vs. IRL, ITA vs. CRO
June 18 » CRO vs. ESP, ITA vs. IRL
Favorite » Spain. The loss of defender Carlos Puyol (Barcelona) and forward David Villa (Barcelona) to injury isn’t reason enough to worry about the defending European and World Cup champions. To start, Xavi (Barcelona) was the 2008 tournament MVP.
Contender » Italy. Coming off disappointment at the 2010 World Cup, facing scrutiny over a match-fixing probe in Serie A and worried about potential racial concerns for forward Mario Balotelli (Manchester City), the Italians could rally together or be torn apart.
Cinderella » Croatia. With midfielder Luka Modric (Tottenham) running the show and enticing forwards to spare, including Eduardo (Shaktar Donetsk) and Nikica Jelavic (Everton), the Croatians push forward better than any team in this group. Expect goals, but expect them at both ends.
Spoiler » Ireland. The consummate underdogs are happy just to be here. But it won’t be easy for forward Robbie Keane (L.A. Galaxy) to even get the ball as goalie Shay Given (Aston Villa) and the defense sit back and expect to be under duress throughout.
Group D
June 11 » UKR vs. SWE, FRA vs. ENG
June 15 » SWE vs. ENG, UKR vs. FRA
June 19 » SWE vs. FRA, ENG vs. UKR
Favorite » England. Forward Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) is suspended for the first two matches and midfielder Frank Lampard (Chelsea) is injured, putting pressure on new coach Roy Hodgson to quickly coax the best out of aging Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and avoid an early exist.
Contender » France. This isn’t the same embarrassing team that was a farce in South Africa two years ago. Under coach Laurent Blanc, Les Bleus are getting better, and their group isn’t that good. Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich) and Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) will do damage.
Cinderella » Sweden. Who doesn’t enjoy watching the magic that forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan) can create when he’s in the mood? A good result in their opener against Ukraine could position the Swedes for a deep run.
Spoiler » Ukraine. His club career, mostly with AC Milan, has been stellar, but 35-year-old forward Andriy Shevchenko (Dynamo Kiev) has never truly had the international stage until now. He’s the talisman and midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (Bayern Munich) is the co-host’s key in the middle.
– Craig Stouffer
