- by Sanjay Motwani, writing from Mumbai, India
Starting with the hosts Poland, they have many star players like Robert Lewandowski, Piszczek, Blaszczykowski and highly-rated midfielder Polanski. Poland usually plays with a 4-4-1-1 formation with Dortmund starlet Lewandowski as the front men. Usually, it’s observed that in big tournaments scoring goals by a single player is very less! So, it won’t be a surprise if Lewandowski turns out to be highest goal-scorer of this tournament since they have a decent group and as we’ve seen in Bundesliga, Lewandowski scores a lot. He scored multiple goals in Pokal Cup final against Bayern Munich. Poland will be relying on him a lot. But, their quarter-final match will be a tough one because it’s the team from Group B which they’ll be facing. Poland’s chances of winning: 3%
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| photo by Roger Gorączniak |
Ranked 11 in the world, Russia are on a song after battering Italy 3-0 in their last friendly. Russia can termed as the Darkhorses of this tournament. They have a decent, experienced squad with Akinfeev as their goalie with Alan Dzagoev and Andrei Arshavin in front. Russia’s strong point is their back 4 belong to the same league, so the chemistry of the squad works very well atleast at the back. Russia play with 4-5-1 formation with Kerzhakov as their man in attack. Russia’s chances of winning: 4%
Czech Republic have built a strong squad with in-form Petr Cech as goalie, Tomas Rosicky and Michael Kadlec. Czechs play with 4-2-3-1 formation with Milan Baros at the frontmen, but in morning we heard the news that it’ll be the last minute tests that’ll determine whether he’ll start against Russia or not. Czech Republic’s chances of winning: 4%
Netherlands, known as The Dutch were the finalists of 2010 World Cup where they lost in extra time all thanks to Iniesta’s winner. The Dutch have a crazy squad I must say, they have a lot of attacking players. Maybe their defence is decent, but their attack proves this fact: You score one against Dutch but they can score two against you in hardly 5 minutes. Dutch players are really motivated to win Euro 2012 this time, but as we saw recently Robben’s inability to perform in finals could screw all the Dutch ambitions. Dutch have a problem at the back. Mathijsen picked up a bad knock in friendly against Bulgaria, so players have to pray for his recovery. Dutch usually play with a 4-2-3-1 formation but coach van Marwijk is playing both Robin van Persie and Klass Jan Huntelaar. If I were the coach, I’d start Robin in that traditional formation. Incase we trail, I bring on Huntelaar in second half instead of any other mid player and play them together. This would definitely bring change in tactics and fresh legs as well in attack. Two strikers playing together from start could be a bit predictable for opposition. Netherlands’s chances of winning: 10%
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| photo by Tsutomu Takasu |
Germany, one of the consistent performers of Cup competitions are indeed favourites for many Football fanatics. Germany will be inspired by a lot of Bayern Munich player additions like Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Mueller, Badstuber, Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Mario Gomez. Germany starts mostly with 4-2-3-1 with Mario Gomez as the lone striker. Germany are known for their attacking football style and many have tipped them as group favourites as well. The only problem with Germany is Bayern munich players recently lost CL to Chelsea and Beckenbauer even stated that it’ll be difficult for some of Bayern players to deal with it and he hoped that Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira who won Spanish league with Real Madrid would be the key factors for Germany’s Euro 2012 campaign. Germany’s chances of winning: 13%
Portugal always termed as the underdogs in any competition, have a decent chances of winning this time. Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals galore campaign never seems to be stopping and he’ll be up to prove the fact that he can perform for his country as well. He’ll be supported by his Madrid team-mates Pepe and Coentrao. Portugal have Joao Moutinho, Helder Postiga and their goal-stopper Ricardo. Portugal’s manager Bento has received a lot of criticism in recent friendlies. Reasons are poor performance and inability of front-men to score. Portugal will be starting with 4-2-3-1 formation with Nani, Ronaldo and Quaresma in attacking side and Postiga as their lone attacker. Everyone can expect a lot of surprises from this squad. Portugal’s chances of winning: 6%
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| photo by Alfonso Jimenez |
Italy known as the Azzurri will be under a lot of pressure to perform at Euro 2012. Criscito was removed from Italy’s squad because he was questioned by the Police for Calcioscommesse scandal. According to reports, even Bonucci is involved in match-fixing scandal, but he’s not removed yet. Cesare Prandelli has been trying a lot of formations. Recently, he tried 4-3-1-2 formation but they lost against Russia 3-0. After that, Prandelli will be switching to either 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-3. Barzagli even picked a knock in training session and his replacement Davide Astori is now training with the group. Italy will be having Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli in attack together could prove to be nightmare for opposition. Andrea Pirlo will be the key man, his passing, long passing, vision and free kicks are deadly! And De Rossi has been training with the group to start as Centre Back. Buffon is one of the best goalies in this competition and all eyes will be on him. Italy’s chances of winning: 11%
Croatia, under Slaven Bilic has matured a lot in terms of strength and co-ordination. They have good players like Modric, Jelavic, Perisic and Kranjcar. Croatia are termed as one of the dark horses of this tournament and if they defeat Republic of Ireland in their first encounter then they’ll be having good chances of going into next round if they defeat their next opponent Italy as well. Croatia’s chances of winning: 4%
Republic of Ireland were controversially eliminated by Les Bleus in qualification for World Cup. They’ll be relying on their goalie Shay Given, Robbie Keane and McGeady. Republic of Ireland’s chances of winning: 2%
Starting with Sweden, they have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Elm and Toivonnen. Ibrahimovic has been consecutively winning the award for scoring most number of goals in Serie A. He broke his personal best of scoring most goals in a single season but unfortunately, his streak for winning continuous league titles finally came to an end. Sweden’s chances of winning: 4%
Ukraine, co-hosts of Euro 2012 will be strongly relying on Shevchenko, Yarmolenko and Tymoshchuk. Though they recently lost 2-0 to Turkey, but they’ll be excited to start it on high and qualify to next round. Ukraine’s chances of winning: 3%
England, The Three Lions are certainly not one of the favourites for Euro 2012 but they’ll be believing certainly in doing it this time ‘The Chelsea Way’. No one expected Chelsea to win CL, but they won. They usually play with 4-2-3-1 formation. England certainly have many star players in the squad, but Roy’s non-inclusion of Ferdinand and Michael Carrick has certainly raised questions and England might not be the good performers for me. England’s chances of winning: 6%
France, known as the Les Bleus, are certainly one of the favourites for me to win this tournament. Under Laurent Blanc, France are undefeated in their last 20 matches and they’ve attacking unit as well. All eyes will be on Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery. Both have had a fantastic season this year with scoring goals for their respected clubs. They have Mexes and Rami at the back with many mid options like Diarra, Cabaye, Valbuena, Matuidi, Malouda and Menez. Laurent Blanc was known as The President in the squad during his times. Can The President lead France to glory? France’s chances of winning: 13%
