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Poland The co-hosts come into Euro 2012 with a hint of silent optimism on top of some decent friendly results. Franciszek Smuda’s men have kept three clean sheets in their past three fixtures (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Portugal, Latvia) and they will be banking on carrying on this defensive solidity into their group matches. At the same time, the Poles have not scored more than two goals in a single match for over 18 months; dating back to November 2010 when they beat Cote d’Ivoire 3-1 in a friendly. It is this steady ability to just get over the line that has got most experts tipping Poland to earn a place in the quarters.
Realistically, the team’s tournament may well be decided during the opening match against Greece; Poland have always come into recent big tournaments with high expectations which quickly fade after their opening fixture. In Germany 06 they capitulated in a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador and in Euro 08 they were undone by the Germans. On both occasions they went on to pack their bags early. Three points against Greece this time around will do the home fans’ prospects of seeing them in the quarter-finals a world of good.
Realistically, the team’s tournament may well be decided during the opening match against Greece; Poland have always come into recent big tournaments with high expectations which quickly fade after their opening fixture. In Germany 06 they capitulated in a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador and in Euro 08 they were undone by the Germans. On both occasions they went on to pack their bags early. Three points against Greece this time around will do the home fans’ prospects of seeing them in the quarter-finals a world of good.
Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Wojciech Szczęsny (Arsenal FC)
Przemysław Tytoń (PSVEindhoven)
Grzegorz Sandomierski (KRCGenk)
Defenders:
Sebastian Boenisch (SVWerder Bremen)
Marcin Kamiński (KKS LechPoznań)
Damien Perquis (FCSochaux-Montbéliard)
Łukasz Piszczek (BorussiaDortmund)
Marcin Wasilewski (RSCAnderlecht)
Jakub Wawrzyniak (LegiaWarszawa)
Grzegorz Wojtkowiak (KKSLech Poznań)
Midfielders:
Jakub Błaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund)
Dariusz Dudka (AJ Auxerre)
Kamil Grosicki (Sivasspor)
Adam Matuszczyk (FortunaDüsseldorf 1895)
Adrian Mierzejewski (Trabzonspor AŞ)
Rafal Murawski (KKS LechPoznań)
Eugen Polanski (1. FSVMainz)
Ludovic Obraniak (FCGirondins de Bordeaux)
Maciej Rybus (FC TerekGrozny)
Rafał Wolski (LegiaWarszawa)
Forwards:
Forwards:
Paweł Brożek (Celtic FC)
Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
Artur Sobiech (Hannover96)
Key Trio:
Key Trio:
Szczęsny - Błaszczykowski - Lewandowski
The Arsenal ‘keeper provides one of the steadiest pair of hands in the EPL and is sure to lead from the back. The Dortmund connection of Jakub Błaszczykowski (Kuba) and Robert Lewandowski is as dynamic as prolific and can be relied upon to break apart most defences.
Key to Success:
Key to Success:
Utilizing their homeground advantage. Poland only managed to record two home victories in their last qualifying campaign for World Cup 2010 and although recent home friendly results have been promising, it is when points are on the line that counts. If they can get their passionate supporters behind them the added motivation can carry them deep into the tournament.
Best Euro Memory:
Best Euro Memory:
It is likely Euro 2012 will provide Poland’s most telling Euro memory. Their only previous appearance four years ago ended in bitter disappointment and they cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes.
Most likely to leave heart on the field…
Łukasz Piszczek (right). The speedy fullback, another of the Dortmund contingent, will simply not stop galloping across the right touchline. A decent crosser as well.
Most likely to spit thedummy…
Wojciech Szczęsny. Often outspoken, a lot rests on his young shoulders and an early setback may do harm to his strong ego.
The crowd will sing…
Kuba! Kuba! Kuba! To which the wing dynamo usually responds with goals and assists.
Verdict:
Confidence from an opening game win to carry them into the quarters.
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Greece
Many Greek fans thought that when the successful but outdated general figure of Otto Rehhagel left, a change in the national team’s philosophy was to come. The appointment of Fernando Santos has provided little change but perhaps this ibest for the team’s success. Greece play dour, opportunistic and extremely effective football. Simply put; they play to their strengths.
With defence and counterattacking efficiency their utmost priority over the past decade, Greece have enjoyed undoubtedly their most successful era. Qualifying for the Euro meant the 2004 Champions will have participated in four of the past five major tournaments. Along the way, they have kept a similar shape to the team and have carefully introduced young blood to an ageing side.
Although they usually line up in an aggressive looking 4-3-3 formation, Greece deploy at least eight men behind the ball and rely heavily on set-pieces and long-range shots. It hasn’t worked for them in the past two tournaments (Euro 08 and World Cup 2010) but don’t count on them to try anything new. They will be relying on a result in the opening match to set themselves up for another surprise run into the latter stages of the tournament.
With defence and counterattacking efficiency their utmost priority over the past decade, Greece have enjoyed undoubtedly their most successful era. Qualifying for the Euro meant the 2004 Champions will have participated in four of the past five major tournaments. Along the way, they have kept a similar shape to the team and have carefully introduced young blood to an ageing side.
Although they usually line up in an aggressive looking 4-3-3 formation, Greece deploy at least eight men behind the ball and rely heavily on set-pieces and long-range shots. It hasn’t worked for them in the past two tournaments (Euro 08 and World Cup 2010) but don’t count on them to try anything new. They will be relying on a result in the opening match to set themselves up for another surprise run into the latter stages of the tournament.
Goalkeepers:
KostasChalkias (PAOK FC)
MichalisSifakis (Aris Thessaloniki FC)
AlexandrosTzorvas (US Città di Palermo)
Defenders:
VassilisTorossidis (Olympiacos FC)
KyriakosPapadopoulos (FC Schalke 04)
SokratisPapastathopoulos (SV Werder Bremen)
AvraamPapadopoulos (Olympiacos FC)
JoséHolebas (Olympiacos FC)
GiorgosTzavellas (AS Monaco FC)
SteliosMalezas (PAOK FC)
Midfielders:
KostasKatsouranis (Panathinaikos FC)
GiorgosKaragounis (Panathinaikos FC)
GiannisManiatis (Olympiacos FC)
GiorgosFotakis (PAOK FC)
GrigorisMakos (AEK Athens FC)
GiannisFetfatzidis (Olympiacos FC
Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos FC)
KostasFortounis (1. FC Kaiserslautern)
Forwards:
DimitrisSalpingidis (PAOK FC)
GiorgosSamaras (Celtic FC)
FanisGekas (Samsunspor)
NikosLiberopoulos (AEK Athens FC)
KostasMitroglou (Atromitos FC)
Key Trio:
K.Papadopoulos - Karagounis - Samaras
Young Kyriakos Papadopoulos is a key player for Schalke and comfortable at playing the ball out of defence. He’ll be looking to do so and link with veteran Giorgos Karagounis who continues to patrol the midfield and provide creativity. But it’s up to Samaras to convert chances and at 6ft 4, he’ll be a big target at set pieces.
Key to Success:
Taking advantage of their chances. They may create little, but capitalising on openings is where Greece’s tournament will be decided. They did it to perfection in 2004, but have failed to flatter in recent tournaments.
Best Euro Memory:
With the country in critical economic breakdown, Greeks still dream of the sweet Portuguese summer of 2004. The fairytale story may be hard to emulate, but their name will remain embedded in history.
Most likely to leave heart on the field…
Dimitris Salpingidis. At 30, Greece’s pocket rocket will not stop chasing hopeless balls and feeding off scraps.
Most likely to spit the dummy…
Fanis Gekas (right). Prolific in patches, fruitless the rest of the time, if Gekas’ form flops again he may storm out of the team just as he did in 2010.
The crowd will sing…
Fetfatzidis! If he sees game time that is. The new hope of Greek football is adored by fans but his attacking exuberance and youth may only be used if the Greeks are with their backs to the wall.
Verdict:
Lack of creativity and drive sees them unlikely to progress.
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Russia
The surprise packet of Euro 2008, this time Russia cannot count on the unknown factor that helped eliminate Greece, Sweden and the Netherlands four years ago. But with Dick Advocaat carrying on the Dutch philosophy after the departure of Guus Hiddink, Russia look fluent and able to once again reach the latter stages of the tournament.
Fielding what is likely to be an entirely home-based line-up, there is a sense of togetherness and understanding in the squad. Impressive in qualifying, their only loss coming at the hands of Slovakia, and keeping seven clean sheets along the way the Russians are favourites to progress from an easy looking but competitive group.
With a wealth of experience riding through the team Russia’s biggest undoing may well be tired old legs although they will reap the rewards of a long domestic winter break. With Andrey Arshavin’s star fading and Yuri Zhirkov not the player of four years ago, Russia lack a real superstar. It’s something that could play to their advantage as a collective effort is something Advocaat puts high emphasis on and has instilled within the Russian camp.
The surprise packet of Euro 2008, this time Russia cannot count on the unknown factor that helped eliminate Greece, Sweden and the Netherlands four years ago. But with Dick Advocaat carrying on the Dutch philosophy after the departure of Guus Hiddink, Russia look fluent and able to once again reach the latter stages of the tournament.
Fielding what is likely to be an entirely home-based line-up, there is a sense of togetherness and understanding in the squad. Impressive in qualifying, their only loss coming at the hands of Slovakia, and keeping seven clean sheets along the way the Russians are favourites to progress from an easy looking but competitive group.
With a wealth of experience riding through the team Russia’s biggest undoing may well be tired old legs although they will reap the rewards of a long domestic winter break. With Andrey Arshavin’s star fading and Yuri Zhirkov not the player of four years ago, Russia lack a real superstar. It’s something that could play to their advantage as a collective effort is something Advocaat puts high emphasis on and has instilled within the Russian camp.
Squad:Goalkeepers:
Igor Akinfeev (PFC CSKAMoskva)
Vyacheslav Malafeev (FCZenit St Petersburg
Anton Shunin (FC DinamoMoskva)
Defenders:
Aleksandr Anyukov (FCZenit St Petersburg)
Aleksei Berezutski (PFCCSKA Moskva)
Sergei Ignashevich (PFCCSKA Moskva)
Vladimir Granat (FC DinamoMoskva)
Yuri Zhirkov (FC AnzhiMakhachkala)
Dmitri Kombarov (FCSpartak Moskva)
Roman Sharonov (FC RubinKazan)
Kirill Nababkin (PFC CSKAMoskva)
Midfielders:
Igor Denisov (FC Zenit StPetersburg)
Konstantin Zyryanov (FCZenit St Petersburg)
Roman Shirokov (FC ZenitSt Petersburg)
Denis Glushakov (FCLokomotiv Moskva)
Igor Semshov (FC DinamoMoskva)
Marat Izmailov (SportingClube de Portugal)
Alan Dzagoev (PFC CSKAMoskva)
Forwards:
Andrey Arshavin (FC ZenitSt Petersburg)
Aleksandr Kerzhakov (FCZenit St Petersburg)
Aleksandr Kokorin (FCDinamo Moskva)
Roman Pavlyuchenko (FCLokomotiv Moskva)
Pavel Pogrebnyak (FulhamFC)
Key trio:
Key trio:
Akinfeev – Zyryanov – Dzagoev
Long-touted as one of the most gifted shot-stoppers in the game and courted by some of Europe’s top clubs– but to no avail – an in-form Igor Akinfeev is a colossal figure between the sticks. Just ahead of him, the experience and composure of Konstantin Zyryanov will dictate Russia’s play but the spark should come from 21-year old Alan Dzagoev.
Key to Success:
Staying compact in defence. With an ageing back four, Russia are susceptible to speedy, creative teams. A similar-looking defence was undone twice by Spain four years ago, but this time they won't face an opponent of that class until the quarter finals.
Best Euro Memory:
The standout memories associated with Russia are from the glorious days of the Soviet Union team that on so many occasions blitzed Europe. Winners in 1960 and runners-up in ’72 and ’88, Russians are still waiting to emulate those achievements.
Most likely to leave heart on the field…
Aleksandr Anyukov (right). A tireless workaholic on the right flank, Anyukov is one of Russia’s most consistent and reliable performers.
Most likely to spit the dummy…
Igor Denisov. In a level-headed squad with a collective mentality, the midfield hard-man is known for his crunching tackles, especially when the chips are down.
The crowd will sing…
Arshavin! Beyond his best years but still a national favourite, Russia’s star of Euro 2008 may well be his nation’s most popular figure after Putin.
Verdict:
Capable to push through the group but will be overrun in the quarters.
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Czech Republic
Over the past two decades since their partition from Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic have become synonymous with their attractive style and high potential. Names such as Nedved, Poborsky and Koller still roll off the tongue for many fans treated to their prowess. The current crop of players are a lot less known and comparatively carry a lot less weight on their shoulders.
Today’s stars include Tomáš Rosický , Milan Baroš and Jaroslav Plašil – a much more subdued bunch who enjoy off-days just as often as their counterpart. In fact, after a horror World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign where the Czechs finished fourth in their group, qualification for the Euro came as a welcome surprise. It didn’t come easy, as the Czechs had to navigate their way through a banana peel playoff with Montenegro, having finished runners-up to Spain in their group. Navigate they did, a clinical 3-0 win on aggregate securing their reservation in Poland.
The Czechs will be settled; the city of Wroclaw plays host to all their group fixtures, while their fans should make their way to neighbouring Poland in flocks. In Michal Bilek they have a young coach looking to get the most out of a group in transition.
Today’s stars include Tomáš Rosický , Milan Baroš and Jaroslav Plašil – a much more subdued bunch who enjoy off-days just as often as their counterpart. In fact, after a horror World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign where the Czechs finished fourth in their group, qualification for the Euro came as a welcome surprise. It didn’t come easy, as the Czechs had to navigate their way through a banana peel playoff with Montenegro, having finished runners-up to Spain in their group. Navigate they did, a clinical 3-0 win on aggregate securing their reservation in Poland.
The Czechs will be settled; the city of Wroclaw plays host to all their group fixtures, while their fans should make their way to neighbouring Poland in flocks. In Michal Bilek they have a young coach looking to get the most out of a group in transition.
Goalkeepers:
Petr Čech (Chelsea FC)
Jaroslav Drobný (Hamburger SV)
Jan Laštůvka (FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)
Defenders:
Theodor Gebre Selassie (FC Slovan Liberec)
Roman Hubník (Hertha BSC Berlin)
Michal Kadlec (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
David Limberský (FC Viktoria Plzeň)
Tomáš Sivok (Beşiktaş JK)
Marek Suchý (FC Spartak Moskva)
Midfielders:
Vladimír Darida (FC Viktoria Plzeň)
Tomáš Hübschman (FC Shakhtar Donetsk)
Petr Jiráček (VfL Wolfsburg)
Daniel Kolář (FC Viktoria Plzeň)
Milan Petržela (FC Viktoria Plzeň)
Václav Pilař (VfL Wolfsburg)
Jaroslav Plašil (FC Girondins de Bordeaux)
František Rajtoral (FC Viktoria Plzeň)
Tomáš Rosický (Arsenal FC)
Forwards:
Milan Baroš (Galatasaray AŞ)
DavidLafata (FK Jablonec)
Tomáš Necid (PFC CSKA Moskva)
Tomáš Pekhart (1. FC Nürnberg)
JanRezek (Anorthosis Famagusta FC)
Key trio:
Key trio:
Čech – Rosický – Baroš
Chelsea’s shot-stopper is coming into the tournament on the back of an impressive, cup-laden domestic season and is unlikely to struggle as he did four years ago. Rosický and Baroš,an ever unpredictable duo, can spark the team’s fortunes if on song.
Key to Success:
Four points from first two matches. CzechRepublic got off the blocks with a bang at Euro 2008, beating hosts Switzerland in the opener before succumbing to Portugal and late Turkish heroics - somehow bowing out in their final group game. They will need to have their quarter-final passage already sewn up before facing this year’s hosts in their final group match.
Best Euro Memory:
The history books say Czechoslovakia became European champions in 1976 but the fine details read only three of the starting 11 that day were Czech; the rest were all Slovak. The closest they have come under an independent name is losing the final to the Germans at Euro ’96.
Most likely to leave heart on the field…
Jaroslav Plašil (right). A box-to-box midfielder who does the simple things right.
Most likely to spit the dummy…
Milan Baroš. From speeding ("I wanted to hear what a Ferrari sounded like at200km/h") to gesticulating to his opponents (Stephan Mbia) that they smell, an off-form Baroš can bring many highlights to this year’s championships.
The crowd will sing…
Czech! Cech! Czech! Whether it’s belting out the nation’s name or their talisman’s between the sticks, the rest of the world will never know, but the Czechs will sing C(z)ech.
Verdict:
The opener will decide their fate but with a bit of luck can vanish memories from four years ago and progress.