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Spain
For a long time the Spanish national team has been in the shadows of the continental and global success of Barcelona and Real Madrid. A nation comprising different regions and customs had struggled to come together as a unified force.
But over the past four years, that image and certainly those unsatisfactory results have all been wiped out; at least from an external viewpoint. Spain’s success at Euro 08 and World Cup 2010, and more so their means of achieving it, have made their team the pinnacle benchmark of international football.
They enter this year’s European championships as favourites for the first time; a position of no surprise given the talent at Luis Aragones’ disposal. Spain’s attacking and midfield options are key elements for each of their clubs. In Xabi Alonso and Sergi Busquets they have probably the best holding midfield pairing in the world. The fact that Cesc Fàbregas may have to contain himself with appearances off the bench would be unheard of in any other squad. And one wonders how Aragones will go about fitting in Spain’s plethora of pocket dynamos – the likes of Iniesta, Silva, Cazorla, Mata and Pedro all play similar roles and possess similar traits. Yet they're all deadly.
It’s a well balanced team, perhaps missing the guaranteed goals factor that David Villa has brought over the past six years. The defence may be another issue given the absence of Carlos Puyol; with Gerard Piqué and Raúl Albiol coming in on the back of an unflattering domestic season. The opening game against Italy will give a good account of whether this La Roja squad can keep the juggernaut rolling.
Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF)
Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona)
Pepe Reina (Liverpool FC)
Defenders:
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF)
Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona)
Jordi Alba (Valencia CF)
Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid CF)
Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid CF)
Juanfran (Club Atlético de Madrid)
Javi Martínez (Athletic Club)
Midfielders:
Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona)
Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona)
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid CF)
David Silva (Manchester City FC)
Santi Cazorla (Málaga CF)
Jesús Navas (Sevilla FC)
Cesc Fàbregas (FC Barcelona)
Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona)
Forwards:
Fernando Llorente (Athletic Club)
Juan Mata (Chelsea FC)
Fernando Torres (Chelsea FC)
Pedro Rodríguez (FC Barcelona)
Álvaro Negredo (Sevilla FC)
Key Trio:
Ramos – Xavi – Torres
The matador from the capital, Sergio Ramos (below) seems destined to one day wear the captain’s armband. Meanwhile, his marauding forward forays will see him link up with both Xavi and Torres; the former presenting Spain’s engine and leadership, the latter an enticing memory of a vigorous striker La Roja will be hoping to return this summer.
Key to Success:
Find hunger and determination to keep winning. Spain has reached the pinnacle of international football and they have remained there for a considerably long time. The reigning European and World Champions have proven all their doubters wrong but it’s no coincidence comparisons with France in 2002 are being thrown up. Surely not.
Best Euro Memory:
Winning Euro 2008 and breaking a 44 year struggle for a major trophy allowed Spain to assert themselves as a justified world power on the international stage.
Most likely to leave heart on the field…
Andrés Iniesta. Arguably the most effective of Spain’s ensemble of fleas, his brains eliminate the need for brawn.
Most likely to spit the dummy…
Sergio Ramos. The most likely to split the camp between club allegiances; his track record of seeing red in El Classicos questions how he manages to live, train and play with his Barcelona counterparts.
The crowd will sing…
David! The Manchester City attacker provides neutrality to Barcelona or Real allegiances – and of course is a vocal reminder of Spain’s missing talisman forward by the name of Villa.
Verdict:
Expected winners but may fall to someone more desperate in the semis.
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Italy
Rocked by Scommessopoli, Italy’s preparation for the Euro has hardly been ideal. With Domenico Criscito’s expulsion from the team and on going investigations surrounding Gigi Buffon, there’s an air of uncertainty riding through the camp. That is where the composed figure of Cesare Prandelli steps in; a favourite amongst fans, players and journalists, the ex-Fiorentina boss has brought new vigour to replace the outdated Lippi brigade. His favouritism of Antonio Cassano has seen the once bad-boy of Italian football top-score in qualifying with six goals. More importantly, Prandelli has gathered an Azzuri squad open to any player with merit, not just Juve and Milan shirts.
Italy’s task ahead in Group C seems direct on paper, but several little battles have to be won along the way. First, there’s the opening match against Spain, which the Azzuri can ill afford to lose if they are to avoid imploding early as they did two years ago. Then there’s the potential banana-peel in Croatia, who four years ago showed the ability to compete – and beat – more fancied teams. After that awaits Ireland and Giovanni Trapattoni, who led Italy at an unsuccessful Euro ’04. If there’s anyone who can crack the Italians’ tactical plan, it’s the old fox with a team of grit and honour. Along the way, Scommessopoli, Balotelli and recent tournament memories are all potential time-bombs Italy must navigate around.
Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Morgan De Sanctis (SSC Napoli)
Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain FC)
Defenders:
Ignazio Abate (AC Milan)
Federico Balzaretti (US Città di Palermo)
Andrea Barzagli (Juventus)
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
Christian Maggio (SSC Napoli)
Angelo Ogbonna (Torino FC)
Midfielders:
Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma)
Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna FC)
Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus)
Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)
Riccardo Montolivo (ACF Fiorentina)
Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain FC)
Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan)
Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)
Forwards:
Mario Balotelli (Manchester City FC)
Fabio Borini (AS Roma)
Antonio Cassano (AC Milan)
Antonio Di Natale (Udinese Calcio)
Sebastian Giovinco (FC Parma)
Key Trio:
Chiellini – Pirlo – Balotelli
Coming into the tournament under an injury cloud, a fully-fit Giorgio Chiellini provides the rock in defence synonymous with every great Italian squadra. Magician Andrea Pirlo is perhaps at his peak and can dismantle any defence. But it’s Super Mario (below) who will most likely make the headlines, whether they’re for his on-field or off-field performances is another matter.
Key to Success:
Determination to prove the world wrong. Italy’s pre-tournament build-up seems a déjà-vu of World Cup 2006. We all know how that turned out, are they doing this on purpose? Surely not. But with controversy knocking the Azzuri’s global football image, the hunger to overcome adversity is sure to drive them on.
Best Euro Memory:
That the Italians have only won one Euro in 1968 remains a mystery. They came within seconds of triumph in 2000, but late French heroics meant none of the current squad were even born when their predecessors last lifted the cup.
Most likely to leave heart on the field…
Daniele De Rossi. Roma’s talisman has also become an iconic figure in the national team and provides a stellar and reliable linchpin for his country.
Most likely to spit the dummy…
Mario Balotelli. “Why always me?” Are you serious Mario!
The crowd will sing…
Gigi! The fan-favourite is about as hard to get past as a Polish kielbasa in the middle of Gdansk.
Verdict:
A real darkhorse that will come close to the semis.
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Republic of Ireland
Exactly ten years on since their last appearance at a major tournament, Ireland’s competitiveness has gradually improved; if their image has remained the same. The Green Machine won’t score many at Euro 2012 and they shouldn’t concede many either. In fact the only times Giovanni Trapattoni’s men scored more than twice in qualifying was against lowly Andorra (3-1) and an overachieving Estonia in the play-offs (4-0). The only time they conceded more than one goal was in an uncharacteristic 2-3 home defeat to Russia. The Irishman’s safety-first approach is disliked by the fans, but has delivered wonders for what is an unflattering side on paper.
With the majority of the squad plying their trade in mid-table Premier League clubs and the Championship, their strengths lie behind getting stuck into the opposition, plenty of guts and a whole lot of running. They are well capable of matching it with the top sides on their day, as Italy will attest from two hard-earned draws in World Cup qualifying three years ago. Looking at the midfield, Ireland should be outclassed by all three of their opponents. Placing Keith Andrews and Glen Whelan opposite Xavi and Busquets, Pirlo and de Rossi, and Luka Modric is a mismatch in anyone’s book. But they’ve proved their doubters wrong before and with arguably the happiest (booziest) support this summer they're well capable of doing it again. A result in the opening match against Croatia is crucial.
Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Goalkeepers:
Shay Given (Aston VillaFC)
Keiren Westwood (Sunderland AFC)
David Forde (Millwall FC)
Defenders:
John O'Shea (Sunderland AFC)
Richard Dunne (AstonVilla FC)
Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Sean St Ledger (Leicester City FC)
Darren O'Dea (Celtic FC)
Stephen Kelly (Fulham FC)
Paul McShane (Hull City AFC)
Midfielders:
Glenn Whelan (Stoke City FC)
Keith Andrews (West Bromwich Albion FC)
Aiden McGeady (FC Spartak Moskva)
Darron Gibson (Everton FC)
Paul Green (unattached)
Damien Duff (Fulham FC)
Stephen Hunt (WolverhamptonWanderers)
James McClean(Sunderland AFC)
Forwards:
Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)
Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Shane Long (West Bromwich Albion FC)
Jonathan Walters (Stoke City FC)
Simon Cox (West Bromwich Albion FC)
Key Trio:
Dunne – McGeady – Keane
The towering Aston Villa man has enjoyed a stellar international career and will take the field in his first big tournament (he didn’t make an appearance at World Cup 2002). In Aiden McGeady, Ireland possess a flamboyant winger capable of producing a magic moment. But those moments will most likely come from Robbie Keane, who at 31 and playing in the MLS, remains Ireland’s most reliable scoring option.
Key to Success:
Grit more than glamour. For all the genius and creativity Ireland lack, the bhoys in green make up for it in grinding determination. Trapattoni’s defensive approach will see them trying to shut out before capitalise and their never-say-die attitude has shone many a time.
Best Euro Memory:
1988 saw Ireland grace the European stage for the first time and it would be their last up to date. Three spirited performances, including a sweet win over England and a draw with the Soviet Union, weren’t enough to see them through the group.
Most likely to leave heart on the field…
Stephen Hunt (above). A picture of passion and non-stop work ethic is the best way to describe Ireland’s long-locked midfield workhorse.
Most likely to spit the dummy…
Roy Keane. Trapattoni’s strong authoritarian approach means the most likely figure to be caught in the yellow papers is the critical former international cum coach/philosopher.
The crowd will sing…
St Sean! Propping up with telling goals, St Ledger may be the heavenly inspiration Ireland need to navigate through the group.
Verdict:
Will take advantage if one of the big two slip-up.
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Croatia
After looking like a team capable of going all the way to the final in 2008, Croatia succumbed to a heart-wrenching late equaliser and penalty shootout defeat to Turkey. It was an all-familiar story for a side that over the past 15 years has promised a lot, but delivered little. Bilic has brought a sense of self-belief and pride in playing for your nation back to the national team. They miss the presence of flamboyant stars such as Prosinecki, Suker and Boban that formed Croatia’s golden generation, but more pragmatic figures like Srna, Modric and Rakitic make sure Croatia are rarely outplayed.
Largely unflattering in their only two warm-up matches; a 3-1 home win over Estonia and 1-1 draw away to Norway, Croatia will once again rely on the surprise factor to crash Spain or Italy’s party. In Ivan Perišić, Ivo Iličević and Nikola Kalinić they have plenty of young potential that may just choose Euro 2012 to shine on the big stage. But whether the team sparks as a whole is doubtful. With Bilic moving on to Lokomotiv Moskva after the tournament, the players will want to give him the send-off he deserves.
Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Goalkeepers:
Stipe Pletikosa (FC Rostov)
Ivan Kelava (GNK Dinamo Zagreb)
Danijel Subašić (AS Monaco FC)
Defenders:
Jurica Buljat (Maccabi Haifa FC)
Vedran Ćorluka (Tottenham Hotspur FC)
Danijel Pranjić (FC Bayern München)
Gordon Schildenfeld (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Josip Šimunić (GNK Dinamo Zagreb)
Darijo Srna (FC Shakhtar Donetsk)
Ivan Strinić (FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)
Domagoj Vida (GNK Dinamo Zagreb)
Midfielders:
Milan Badelj (GNK Dinamo Zagreb)
Tomislav Dujmović (FC Dinamo Moskva)
Ivo Iličević (Hamburger SV)
Niko Kranjčar (Tottenham Hotspur FC)
Luka Modrić (Tottenham Hotspur FC)
Ivan Perišić (Borussia Dortmund)
Ivan Rakitić (Sevilla FC)
Ognjen Vukojević (FC Dynamo Kyiv)
Forwards:
Eduardo (FC Shakhtar Donetsk)
Nikica Jelavić (Everton FC)
Mario Mandžukić (VfL Wolfsburg)
Nikola Kalinić (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)
Key Trio:
Srna – Modrić – Jelavić
Captain Darijo Srna is a livewire on the flanks whether he’s playing in defence or midfield. In Luka Modrić, Croatia have one of the standout creative midfielders of the Premier League and at this summer’s championships. With the late withdrawal of the ever-consistent Ivica Olic through injury, Croatian hopes will be pinned on the predatory instincts of Everton’s Nikica Jelavić.
Key to Success:
Keeping opponents at bay. For all the midfield depth and attacking threats they possess, Croatia area larmingly short of security at the back. An unproven back-four, where 34-year old Josip Šimunić seems the most reliable figure, must play out of their skin to contain the likes of Balotelli and Torres.
Best Euro Memory:
Gracing the European stage for the first time in 1996 as an independent nation saw a spirited Croatia waltz to the quarters; something they emulated but should have improved on four years ago.
Most likely to leave heart on the field…
Ivan Rakitić (right). Now a seasoned international with 39 caps at just 24 years of age, he takes pressure off Modrić with tireless tracking back and maintaining possession.
Most likely to spit the dummy…
Niko Kranjčar. The uproar surrounding his former coach and father Zlatko bringing his overweight and out-of-touch son into the national squad has died down, but Niko’s egoistic antics have not.
The crowd will sing…
Bilic! A national hero after helping steer the magnificent Croatia of ’98 to the World Cup semi-finals, four years ago he earned respect as a coach when they reached the quarters, beating eventual finalists Germany along the way.
Verdict:
Lack of defensive quality will make progress difficult.