EURO 2012: Group by Group review

Before I start ranting about the Euro, I would like to mention the fact that Oliech is back in the Harambee Stars fold after threatening to quit. I personally think Kenya should not entertain this kind of nonsense. Sure I dont support how those who run the team run it, and keep players' money , but that is no way to behave really, especially from a man who didn't help his team survive relegation and is now looking to leave them. Shame on him really. I think his attitude, along with Jamaal's needs to be put in check. Jamaal is another one, getting involved in pleasures of life and not playing for his club. Ask around you will hear this stuff. Moving on to what really matters.


Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech
Group B: Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Denmark
Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia
Group D: Ukraine, England, France, Sweden

That's how the groups look like. I personally have always been a fan of England ever since I can remember but of course they have their shortcomings. This time around a lot could happen. Lets have a look.

GROUP A: I think Poland being co-hosts of the event could try and at least come out second in the group. We've all seen how hosts are at times. Thus leaving Russia, Greece and Czech to fight for that other position. Russia and Czech have not been in any major competition lately so I doubt they'll be putting up that much of a fight so I see Greece just barely making it. Hence, Poland and Greece.

GROUP B: Its tough trying to guess the result for the 'group of death', because a giant has to be sacrificed, but I'll try anyway. Denmark out definitely. I'll go with the German topping the group because all their players, with the exception of Ozil & Khedira, are based in their league, hence they have that chemistry factor with them. Plus they had a perfect record, winning 10 out of 10 heading into the Euros, and judging by the fact that Portugal had to play a play-off decider to get to the Euros in the first place, I see Netherlands making it into that second place. They only lost one match out the 10 qualifiers they had to play to get into this year's event.
Therefore Germany and Netherlands.

GROUP C: Spain being the reigning champs could just take it again. They are strong favourites. For that and this reason: most of their players are part of the two greatest teams in football right now, Real Madrid and Barcelona. The second position I think will be a battle between Italy and Croatia. Croatia have a promising forward line; Ivica Olic, Nikica Jelavic(all have haunted Man United at one point) and Eduardo, former Arsenal man, plus they have Modric in midfield. But Italy have Motta, Pirlo & De Rossi in midfield and I think they could be the difference here. Their forwards aren't really that popular for me but I think they could make it. My opinion: Spain and Italy

GROUP D: This could well be the group of death if you ask me. All these teams are somewhat evenly matched, though England and France might come behind their usual 'big history and tradition' arguments but Sweden and Ukraine aren't just gonna take that... I think. Ukraine have Shevchenko, 35, Voronin, 32, and a young and upcoming Iamorlenko upfront. Their midfield could be the problem though. Sweden... Ibrahimovic, Kallstrom(Lyon man, powerful shot and swerves freekicks as well) and Rasmus Elm(Liverpool want him for a reason).
I think England and France have qualified-enough squads with France's midfield lookin very competent in particular. Cabaye, Nasri, Ben Arfa, M'Vila, Valbuena just to name a few, with Giroud and Benzema upfront. I dont know much about Jeremy Menez but his manager obviously has faith in him, former AS Roma man.
England have Scott Parker, Lampard, Gerrard, and competent wingers to aid them in midfield.
I see England and France making it out of the group.

I am a staunch believer in strong midfields, as you may have already noticed. Midfielders control games... and that is why you see Barca, Man City dominating football. Look at Everton this season, Newcastle United. Teams with strong midfields usually 'suffocate' other teams so much. I should just become a manager already.