Euro 2012 Fearless Predictions - Day 12

After almost two weeks of Euro 2012 excitement we have reached the final round of games in the group stage. Group D takes center stage as France, England and Ukraine battle for the final two remaining spots in the knock-out round. Sweden, by virtue of their two defeats, have already been eliminated. Well let's get to it with our fearless predictions.

England - Ukraine

Guess who is back, back again. Mr. Rooney makes his Euro 2012 debut with England in a favorable position to qualify for the knock-out stage. A draw or victory against Ukraine will book their place in the final eight. The expectation is that Wayne will come in into the side in the place of Andy Carroll and form an attacking Manchester United trio with Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck flanking him on the wings. I, however, would play Rooney behind Welbeck, allowing him to act almost as a creative forward giving him the ability to pick up the ball closer to midfield in order to initiate the offense, but Roy Hodgson, England's manager, after less than 50 days in charge, should not be doubted at this stage of the game as he has pushed all the right buttons thus far for the Three Lions.

For Ukraine this is probably their biggest match in the history of their football federation. The opportunity to play England at home with a chance to advance to the knock-out stage is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I truly believe the Ukrainians will be up for the challenge. Even though Andriy Shevchenko is less than 50% to play in this match, I do think he wills his team to a historic victory and knocks the British out of the tournament.

England - Ukraine (1-2)

Sweden - France

For Sweden, their tournament is over, having lost both of their first round games against England and Ukraine. The unfortunate part for the Swedes is that they held the lead in both games only to see the other team fight back and grab the victory late in the second half. Sweden will not rest their starters, according to their manager, so one should expect Zlatan to occupy his familiar center forward role and grab at least a goal.

Even if the French lose this game against Sweden, they will still qualify for the knock-out stage as long as Ukraine do not win their match. And even then if both England and France lose their respective matches, the French can advance if they have a better goal differential than the British.  Laurent Blanc's men should try to win the game though, as they will then avoid Spain in the next stage. My expectation is two goals on either side of halftime will be enough in this encounter.

Sweden - France (1-2)

OVERALL RECORD

10-12