Before I jump into the Posts By Panos preview on Group D at Euro 2012, we should all take a step back and respect the spectacle for what it is, the best 16 teams in Europe battling for a continental championship. See in four years in France for Euro 2016, the tournament expands to 24 teams thus diluting the product and ruining what is probably the best month in sports. Regardless, let's get into Group D.
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England
Odds That Mean Nothing:
To Win The Group - 2/1
To Qualify To The Knockout Stage - 4/6
To Win Euro 2012 - 14/1
The Outlook:
One of the reasons I love English supporters is because of their eternal optimism. However, for the first time in a long time, it seems that no one really believes that this England squad can win. Without Wayne Rooney for the first two matches, due to his suspension in the qualifying round, there is a distinctive lack of offensive firepower for the Three Lions. Also, how in the queen's good name can there be SIX players from Liverpool in this England squad? That is just disturbing.
The Superstar: Joe Hart
In reality this space should be reserved for Wayne Rooney since he is England's best player, but since he is not playing till the 3rd game, the mantle is passed on to Joe Hart, Manchester City's outstanding goalkeeper. Hart was the backbone for a City squad that allowed the fewest goals in the Premier League.
The Young Gun: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
People, get ready to meet the new Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. But in all seriousness do you want to be the new Walcott? Regardless, the Ox, while still very green, represents a type of English player that is an oxymoron, fast and skilled. If Chamberlain can contribute to the English cause, they could be a force in this tournament.
Eurovision 2012 Entry:
France
Odds That Mean Nothing:
To Win The Group - 23/15
To Qualify To The Knockout Stage - 1/2
To Win Euro 2012 - 10/1
The Outlook:
Laurent Blanc in the span of two years has turned around the fortunes of the French national team with a new approach focused on attacking possession football. France will employ a high pressing line that forces their opponents into unnecessary turnovers and quick counter-attacking football.
The Superstar: Karim Benzema
Since Blanc has taken over, Real Madrid's Benzema has been in impeccable form for the French national team. The 'Benz' is the be-all and end-all of the French attack and if the big man gets rolling then surely the French should make the semi-final.
The Young Gun: Yann M'Vila
Rumored to be on his way to Arsenal, Yann M'Vila is the lynchpin in the French formation. Occupying the Patrick Vieira role, M'Vila is already, at his young age, one of the best two-way midfielders in Europe. The key for the young midfielder is his level of fatigue after playing a full season with Rennes in the French league.
Eurovision 2012 Entry:
Sweden
Odds That Mean Nothing:
To Win The Group - 6/1
To Qualify To The Knockout Stage - 15/8
To Win Euro 2012 - 66/1
The Outlook:
Sweden scored 31 goals in 10 qualifying games as Erik Hamren has instilled a new sense of attacking prowess in the Swedish national team. In reality, Sweden reverted to a more attacking game plan because the majority of their defenders are injured or lack the quality that is necessary to compete at this stage.
The Superstar: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ahh, Zlatan you crazy striker, you. There is no doubt that one of the best strikers in the world is AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, yet he is also one of the craziest people in football, almost at Mario Balotellli levels. Zlatan will play just behind the main striker in Sweden's formation so he is in line to get a lion share of the possession in the attacking third.
The Young Gun: Martin Olsson
Even though Blackburn were relegated from the EPL, Martin Olsson was probably one of their better performers in the backline. Olsson will probably slot in Sweden's back at the leftback position and look for him to develop a strong relationship with elder statesman Olof Melberg. If Olsson has a strong tournament he surely will be on his way to a club playing in their country's first division.
Eurovision 2012 Entry:
Ukraine
Odds That Mean Nothing:
To Win The Group - 9/2
To Qualify To The Knockout Stage - 6/4
To Win Euro 2012 - 50/1
The Forecast:
Probably the only problem with being a host nation during an international tournament is the absolute lack of competitive matches the host nation plays in the lead-up to the tournament. The last time the Ukraine played a competitive football match was their playoff loss to Greece before the World Cup in 2010. That is just not the adequate preparation needed to advance to the knock-out stage. However, you have to give some credit to the Ukrainian faithful and their ability to push the heroes to the knock-out stage.
The Superstar: Anatoliy Tymoshchuk
The Bayern Munich defensive midfielder is probably Ukraine's most gifted player in the current squad. Usually pretty reliable in front of the back four Tymoshchuk will be key to Ukraine's ability to build their attack from the back while maintaining their defensive shape.
The Young Gun: Bohdan Butko
First and foremost, doesn't Mr. Butko have the best name thus far at Euro 2012. We will be seeing plenty of Mr. Butko on the right side of Ukraine's back four as this 21 year-old has emerged as one of the host country's best young players.
Eurovision 2012 Entry:
FEARLESS PREDICTIONS - ORDER OF FINISH
1. France
2. Ukraine
3. England
4. Sweden
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