Group B at Euro 2012 is truly a 'Group of Death.' Two of the proverbial favorites for the title, Germany and the Netherlands, along with talent-filled Portugal and the always dangerous Denmark comprise Group B. All six matches between the teams will be fascinating encounters that should produce some of the best football at the tournament.
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Denmark
Odds That Mean Nothing:
To Win The Group - 18/1
To Qualify To The Knockout Stage - 5/1
To Win Euro 2012 - 80/1
The Outlook:
Denmark finished ahead of Portugal and Norway in qualifying, so let's start by saying that they will not be a pushover in this tournament's edition of 'The Group of Death.' The tactics for the Danes are fairly simple, use width and speed along the flanks while delivering tantalizing crosses into the box where Niklas Bendtner can use his heading prowess to pot a goal or two.
The Superstar: Daniel Agger
Daniel Agger, Liverpool's tattooed central defender is one of the EPL's best central defenders . . . when he is healthy and that is Agger's biggest problem. Comfortable on the ball with both feet, Agger will be looked upon to initiate the offense while maintaining Denmark's defensive structure.
The Young Gun: Christian Eriksen
Two years ago, I mentioned that Eriksen would be one of Denmark's bright lights at the World Cup in South Africa. Fast forward to today and still only 20, Eriksen is plain and simply Denmark's most creative player. In order for Denmark to be successful and surprise one of the big three in the group, Denmark has to ensure that they provide the adequate space and service for Eriksen to operate.
Eurovision 2012 Entry:
Germany
Odds That Mean Nothing:
To Win The Group - 6/5
To Qualify To The Knockout Stage - 2/7
To Win Euro 2012 - 3/1
The Outlook:
Germany are considered one of the 'Big Three' along with the Netherlands and Spain, that have been deemed favorites for the championship. Even though they are they youngest-ever German team at any European championship, this German team is probably one of the most talented in the entire field. Philipp Lahm leads the squad and his maturation as a captain over the past two years will be a significant factor in Germany's success.
The Superstar: Mesut Ozil
Fresh off a league championship in Spain with Real Madrid, Ozil will be looked upon to provide the creative magic for the Germans. Ozil is sublimely talented with fantastic vision and a great touch on the ball. Ozil can truly establish himself as one of the world's best players with a strong tournament for the Germans.
The Young Gun: Thomas Muller
Muller was 5 minutes away from writing his name in Champions League history as he netted what was thought to be Bayern Munich's winning goal in the Champions League final. Of course Mr. Drogba showed up and the rest his history. Muller was named the Best Young Player at the World Cup in South Africa and I would not be surprised if he captures the same award at this year's Euro.
Eurovision 2012 Entry:
The Superstar: Mesut Ozil
Fresh off a league championship in Spain with Real Madrid, Ozil will be looked upon to provide the creative magic for the Germans. Ozil is sublimely talented with fantastic vision and a great touch on the ball. Ozil can truly establish himself as one of the world's best players with a strong tournament for the Germans.
The Young Gun: Thomas Muller
Muller was 5 minutes away from writing his name in Champions League history as he netted what was thought to be Bayern Munich's winning goal in the Champions League final. Of course Mr. Drogba showed up and the rest his history. Muller was named the Best Young Player at the World Cup in South Africa and I would not be surprised if he captures the same award at this year's Euro.
Eurovision 2012 Entry:
Netherlands
Odds That Mean Nothing:
To Win The Group - 2/1
To Qualify To The Knockout Stage - 4/7
To Win Euro 2012 - 13/2
The Outlook:
The Dutch have been walking a fine line between playing 'total football' and being a defensive juggernaut. With a quartet of attacking players that would make any defense quiver with fear in van Persie, van der Vaart, Sneijder and Robben, they still employ two bulldog defensive midfielders in van Bommel and de Jong who are more known for their accumulation of yellow cards that playing attractive football. However, this is still a talented Dutch squad that reached the World Cup final in 2010.
The Superstar: Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie is coming off the best domestic campaign of his career leading the EPL scoring and helping Arsenal qualify for the Champions League. With one year left on his contract a strong performance in the Euro, will force Mr. Wenger to break the bank for his services. I am expecting RVP to lead the Euro in scoring and capture the Golden Boot.
The Young Gun: Kevin Strootman
This 22 year-old from PSV will probably start the tournament from the bench, behind van Bommel and de Jong. However, Strootman is a gifted passer of the ball and the Dutch would be wise to look to him to lead the charge from the middle of the park.
Eurovision 2012 Entry:
The Outlook:
The Dutch have been walking a fine line between playing 'total football' and being a defensive juggernaut. With a quartet of attacking players that would make any defense quiver with fear in van Persie, van der Vaart, Sneijder and Robben, they still employ two bulldog defensive midfielders in van Bommel and de Jong who are more known for their accumulation of yellow cards that playing attractive football. However, this is still a talented Dutch squad that reached the World Cup final in 2010.
The Superstar: Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie is coming off the best domestic campaign of his career leading the EPL scoring and helping Arsenal qualify for the Champions League. With one year left on his contract a strong performance in the Euro, will force Mr. Wenger to break the bank for his services. I am expecting RVP to lead the Euro in scoring and capture the Golden Boot.
The Young Gun: Kevin Strootman
This 22 year-old from PSV will probably start the tournament from the bench, behind van Bommel and de Jong. However, Strootman is a gifted passer of the ball and the Dutch would be wise to look to him to lead the charge from the middle of the park.
Eurovision 2012 Entry:
Portugal
Odds That Mean Nothing:
To Win The Group - 9/2
To Qualify To The Knockout Stage - 11/8
To Win Euro 2012 - 18/1
The Outlook:
Portugal struggled in qualifying for the Euros, finishing behind Denmark in their qualification group. Even though Portugal possesses one of the greatest footballers on the planet in Cristiano Ronaldo, the rest of the squad leaves much to be desired. Nani and consistency do not seem to fit and Portugal's backline is vulnerable to speed from the flanks. Faced with a difficult group, the expectations for the Portuguese should be minimal.
The Superstar: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo scored an amazing 60 goals for Real Madrid during this past season. There is no denying that he is a special player, yet for some reason, when the international spotlight is shining he fails to deliver the goods. The question that needs to be asked if he can put Portugal on his back and advance to the knockout stage. I am not quite so sure he is up for it.
The Young Star: Nelson Oliveria
For some reason, it seems as if Portugal has never been able to develop a center forward to take the pressure of Ronaldo during these international competitions. From Pauleta to Nuno Gomes there has yet to be solution to the Portuguese striker dilemma. Look for Oliveira, a young 20 year-old, to lead the line for the Portuguese.
Eurovision Entry 2012
The Outlook:
Portugal struggled in qualifying for the Euros, finishing behind Denmark in their qualification group. Even though Portugal possesses one of the greatest footballers on the planet in Cristiano Ronaldo, the rest of the squad leaves much to be desired. Nani and consistency do not seem to fit and Portugal's backline is vulnerable to speed from the flanks. Faced with a difficult group, the expectations for the Portuguese should be minimal.
The Superstar: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo scored an amazing 60 goals for Real Madrid during this past season. There is no denying that he is a special player, yet for some reason, when the international spotlight is shining he fails to deliver the goods. The question that needs to be asked if he can put Portugal on his back and advance to the knockout stage. I am not quite so sure he is up for it.
The Young Star: Nelson Oliveria
For some reason, it seems as if Portugal has never been able to develop a center forward to take the pressure of Ronaldo during these international competitions. From Pauleta to Nuno Gomes there has yet to be solution to the Portuguese striker dilemma. Look for Oliveira, a young 20 year-old, to lead the line for the Portuguese.
Eurovision Entry 2012
FEARLESS PREDICTIONS - ORDER OF FINISH
1. Germany
2. Netherlands
3. Portugal
4. Denmark
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