The biggest footballing event of the year 2012 is finally here!
Sixteen teams come to this showpiece event in Poland and Ukraine after fighting tough battles.
An analysis of the event, the teams and expectations is imperative!
A brief of the Euro 2012 -
The tournament features 16 nations, the last European Championship to do so (from Euro 2016 onward, there will be 24 finalists), and will be held between 8 June and 1 July 2012. Qualification was contested by 51 nations between August 2010 and November 2011 to join the two host nations in the final tournament.
For the Tournament Map - Go to Uefa.com
Analysis of the most talked about teams -
The event certainly has a few favorites and a few underdogs, just as all sporting events do. So here we'd try to analyze only the ones that are the most talked about.
Lets begin with the defending champions -
Spain
Overview -
Spain are backed by millions worldwide after their World Cup victory in 2010. Fans like te team for its style of play, which in some way is similar to that of the Spanish club Barcelona. A flowing style of football with emphasis on attacking play.
Key Players -
The players that can turn games and help Spain retain the title: Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva.
Despite such star players, Spain's engine seems to have slowed down over time as other teams seem to have figured out ways to block these key men and suppress the teams effervescent style. Spain need to find a counter strategy to overcome this situation, if they are to progress to the end.
Next, the runners up at World Cup 2010 -
Netherlands
Overview -
A strong attacking line up make Holland one of the most fiercest opponents for any team. The team can boast of its attacking line up as probably the best in Europe at the moment. The team has lined up the youngest player in the tournament in Jetro Willems (of PSV), who only recently turned 18.
Key Players -
Robin Van Persie, enough said. That is the kind of sensational form the striker is in. Add to that the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van der Vaart and Klaas Jan Huntelaar, any team that faces them will need to make sure that they line up a strong defense if they wish to survive the firepower of the Dutch.
Germany
Overview -
Germany bring the youngest team in the tournament and yet they have magnificent class. In manager Joachim "Jogi" Löw Germany have a fantastic coach who with his brave decisions and a unassuming knack to pick out the right combinations has got Germany to an altogether different level. Germany's style of play is no less interesting than Spain's, all thanks to the spirited coach.
Key Players -
With stars like Philip Lahm, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski Germany have a strong lineup. If only the team can shore up its defense, they can go all the way in this tournament.
Portugal
Overview -
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Portuguese line up. Portugal have enough quality to compete at the highest level, but somehow have not managed to get the best out of the players and fight as a team. This tournament provides them a big opportunity to showcase their true strength. They start in the 'Group of Death' and will have the formidable task of competing with Netherlands and Germany to advance to the next stage.
Key Players -
The current best footballer in the world Crstiano Ronaldo along with Nani, Raul Meireles, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao make up a line up that can show enough fire power to yield dividends for the Portugal faithful. But for that they need to act collectively and use each star potential to the best.
France
Overview -
A one time formidable European powerhouse crumbled at World Cup 2010 in the group stage, thanks to an internal mutiny in the french camp. But things have changed post the World Cup debacle and the team has resurrected under new Coach Laurent Blanc. Walking into the final with an unbeaten run of 21 games would definitely give the team some confidence, but as the coah himself puts it "We are not favourites, Spain, Germany and Netherlands are".
Key Players -
The stars for the Blues are Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri, Yann M'vila, Patrice Evra and Hugo Lloris. In Benz and Ribery, France have one of the most potent attackers of the game. Add the quality of Nasri, M'vila, Evra and Lloris, the team can churn out results, but again, even they need to shore up their defences if they are to survive longer in the competition than the group stage.
Italy
Overview -
World Champions of 2006 have since then lost the steam and now play with a minnows tag. Though the team have quite a few stars, they still remain to show enough determination and quality to come out of the under performers tag.
Key Players -
Mario Balotelli, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, and Gianluigi Buffon, the stars of the Azzurri need to perform at their top levels to keep any hopes afloat.
England
Overview -
The perennial underachievers. Each time an international competition begins, the English media and the Three Lions' faithful claim that this would be their time. But the atmosphere is a little different these time. The expectations are subdued and it would not be difficult to agree that they are not the favourites by any chance to comete for the trophy. Yet many still call them the 'dark horse' for this event. Only time will tell.
Key Players -
Wayne Rooney (suspended for the first two games), Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Jhon Terry, Ashley Cole and Joe Hart are top players. Even though England remain a little exposed in their defense, especially due to their injury woes, the old guard of the Three Lions, particularly Gerrard and Lampard need to shoulder huge responsibility and support courageous youngsters like Young, Welbeck and Oxlade Chamberlain to fire the team ahead. A disciplined defensive display and willingness by team members to put their act together can definitely see them go some distance in this tournament.
Though only a few teams have been analysed above, it should be noted that the other teams have fought hard to reach this final showpiece, and hence should not be underestimated. The likes of Greece have shown in the past what they can achieve.
Thus the tournament sure is going to keep the football/soccer lovers throughout the world hooked for the next nearly one month and ensure tremendous entertainment.
To take a long shot at the outcome of the event, I personally feel that though Spain are touted to retain the title, Germany and Netherlands will make it to the Finals of the tournament. Why so?
Read on...
Germany and Netherlands will face stiff competition in the Group of Death, but both should mange to overcome it given the kind of attacking football they play. Beyond that one of them will face more competition as one of them probably might have to face Spain in the semifinals. But yet, the attacking firepower at both team's disposal and the tactical brilliance that they posses should ensure that they beat the favourites, and do so in some style.
In the Final, Germany will have an edge given their flair, the coach's charisma and a superior defense over the Dutch. But yet, the outcome of the Final would be too much to predict and a Dutch win should not come as a surprise. Nonetheless, the mind says - Germany should prevail!
Sixteen teams come to this showpiece event in Poland and Ukraine after fighting tough battles.
An analysis of the event, the teams and expectations is imperative!
A brief of the Euro 2012 -
For the Tournament Map - Go to Uefa.com
Analysis of the most talked about teams -
The event certainly has a few favorites and a few underdogs, just as all sporting events do. So here we'd try to analyze only the ones that are the most talked about.
Lets begin with the defending champions -
Spain
 |
| La Furia Roja Home Jersey - Euro 2012 |
Overview -
Spain are backed by millions worldwide after their World Cup victory in 2010. Fans like te team for its style of play, which in some way is similar to that of the Spanish club Barcelona. A flowing style of football with emphasis on attacking play.
Key Players -
The players that can turn games and help Spain retain the title: Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva.
Despite such star players, Spain's engine seems to have slowed down over time as other teams seem to have figured out ways to block these key men and suppress the teams effervescent style. Spain need to find a counter strategy to overcome this situation, if they are to progress to the end.
Next, the runners up at World Cup 2010 -
Netherlands
 |
| Euro 2012 - Oranje Home Jersey |
Overview -
A strong attacking line up make Holland one of the most fiercest opponents for any team. The team can boast of its attacking line up as probably the best in Europe at the moment. The team has lined up the youngest player in the tournament in Jetro Willems (of PSV), who only recently turned 18.
Key Players -
Robin Van Persie, enough said. That is the kind of sensational form the striker is in. Add to that the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van der Vaart and Klaas Jan Huntelaar, any team that faces them will need to make sure that they line up a strong defense if they wish to survive the firepower of the Dutch.
Germany
 |
| Euro 2012 - Die Mannschaft Away Jersey |
Overview -
Germany bring the youngest team in the tournament and yet they have magnificent class. In manager Joachim "Jogi" Löw Germany have a fantastic coach who with his brave decisions and a unassuming knack to pick out the right combinations has got Germany to an altogether different level. Germany's style of play is no less interesting than Spain's, all thanks to the spirited coach.
Key Players -
With stars like Philip Lahm, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski Germany have a strong lineup. If only the team can shore up its defense, they can go all the way in this tournament.
Portugal
 |
| Euro 2012 - Selecção Home Jersey |
Overview -
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the Portuguese line up. Portugal have enough quality to compete at the highest level, but somehow have not managed to get the best out of the players and fight as a team. This tournament provides them a big opportunity to showcase their true strength. They start in the 'Group of Death' and will have the formidable task of competing with Netherlands and Germany to advance to the next stage.
Key Players -
The current best footballer in the world Crstiano Ronaldo along with Nani, Raul Meireles, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao make up a line up that can show enough fire power to yield dividends for the Portugal faithful. But for that they need to act collectively and use each star potential to the best.
France
 |
| Euro 2012 - Les Bleus Home Jersey |
Overview -
A one time formidable European powerhouse crumbled at World Cup 2010 in the group stage, thanks to an internal mutiny in the french camp. But things have changed post the World Cup debacle and the team has resurrected under new Coach Laurent Blanc. Walking into the final with an unbeaten run of 21 games would definitely give the team some confidence, but as the coah himself puts it "We are not favourites, Spain, Germany and Netherlands are".
Key Players -
The stars for the Blues are Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri, Yann M'vila, Patrice Evra and Hugo Lloris. In Benz and Ribery, France have one of the most potent attackers of the game. Add the quality of Nasri, M'vila, Evra and Lloris, the team can churn out results, but again, even they need to shore up their defences if they are to survive longer in the competition than the group stage.
Italy
 |
| Euro 2012 - Azurri Home Jersey |
Overview -
World Champions of 2006 have since then lost the steam and now play with a minnows tag. Though the team have quite a few stars, they still remain to show enough determination and quality to come out of the under performers tag.
Key Players -
Mario Balotelli, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, and Gianluigi Buffon, the stars of the Azzurri need to perform at their top levels to keep any hopes afloat.
England
 |
| Euro 2012 - Three Lions Home Jersery |
Overview -
The perennial underachievers. Each time an international competition begins, the English media and the Three Lions' faithful claim that this would be their time. But the atmosphere is a little different these time. The expectations are subdued and it would not be difficult to agree that they are not the favourites by any chance to comete for the trophy. Yet many still call them the 'dark horse' for this event. Only time will tell.
Key Players -
Wayne Rooney (suspended for the first two games), Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Jhon Terry, Ashley Cole and Joe Hart are top players. Even though England remain a little exposed in their defense, especially due to their injury woes, the old guard of the Three Lions, particularly Gerrard and Lampard need to shoulder huge responsibility and support courageous youngsters like Young, Welbeck and Oxlade Chamberlain to fire the team ahead. A disciplined defensive display and willingness by team members to put their act together can definitely see them go some distance in this tournament.
Though only a few teams have been analysed above, it should be noted that the other teams have fought hard to reach this final showpiece, and hence should not be underestimated. The likes of Greece have shown in the past what they can achieve.
Thus the tournament sure is going to keep the football/soccer lovers throughout the world hooked for the next nearly one month and ensure tremendous entertainment.
To take a long shot at the outcome of the event, I personally feel that though Spain are touted to retain the title, Germany and Netherlands will make it to the Finals of the tournament. Why so?
Read on...
In the Final, Germany will have an edge given their flair, the coach's charisma and a superior defense over the Dutch. But yet, the outcome of the Final would be too much to predict and a Dutch win should not come as a surprise. Nonetheless, the mind says - Germany should prevail!
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