footballtalkies.com we talk football
The “first round” of the league phase of Euro 2012 to decide the new European Champions is over, with all teams having played one group match each. The results have thrown all predictions off-track, with only one team, Germany, having stuck to what was expected out of them. The next phase starts today, which will more or less decide the fate of at least one team in each group, whether they will make it to the Quarterfinals or will go home packing. Let us analyze the current standings and the chances, if any, each team has in each group.
Group A Standings – Pretty Much Decided
This is the only group that has performed at least marginally close to expectations. Russia sits pretty with three points and goals in hand, and a win against Greece today will certainly see them through to the quarters, while even a draw will work in their favor later because of their goal difference. Poland and Greece will need a win to see them through, but a draw for any of these will keep them hanging in limbo, with a win inevitable in the last game. The Czech Republic will need a win at any cost today and in the last game. But if any one of these two end in a tie, they would need to net a large number of goals and hope Poland and Greece tie their games too to overcome their goal difference which stands at -3 right now. Peter Czech and his boys have their work cut out in front of them.
Group B Standings – Still the Group of Death
The Group of Death has become even more deadlier. But things are actually quite simple here. If Germany and/or Denmark win, they will sail through making their last game irrelevant, while automatically throwing out whoever does not win. If Netherlands and Portugal win their games it will give everyone in the groups three points each, which will make things very very exciting in the last leg. Chances however are not to be taken and there will be no concessions on draws, the Netherlands and Portugal HAVE to win their games at any cost if they are to stay in the tournament. Next, we have Germany taking on the Netherlands, which will be a cracker of a game between the neighbors and traditional rivals. If the game becomes a draw, Germany will have their position even more comfortable and chances for the Netherlands will be as good as gone. Same goes for the Portugal – Denmark game. Even a draw will not suffice for the bottom two.
Group C Standings – Croatia, the Dark Horses!
Croatia look to emerge the proverbial dark horses of the tournament, along with Denmark. Spain and Italy are tottering, and Spain does have a little bit of edge. All three must be eyeing minnows the Republic of Ireland as a springboard to make it through, but if the Irish get wise and pull off a surprise, we will see the Champions and the Azzuri in serious squander. Croatia’s next game is with Italy which Italy has to win to stay in the tournament because a draw will not get them anywhere given Croatia’s high goal difference. Spain however, will look at consolidating their position with a win over Ireland. But who knows, if Trappatoni’s side can pull out a few surprises, given Robbie Keane is still alive and kicking! In this group too, a win by Croatia will make it a battle between the remaining three for the second spot.
Group D Standings – The Group of Upsets.
Group D springs surprises, with Sweden at the bottom shaken and stirred by Ukraine who sit on top of their group, And France tottering at Third place. France will have to fight Ukraine tooth and nail at their home stadium to secure a win. England on the other hand, who narrowly clung on to their draw in the first game will now face Sweden, who cannot not do without a win. If Ukraine upsets France and England defeats Sweden, the last two games will be irrelevant. If anything else, we will still have to wait for the last two games for any more to happen. England and France will have to pull out all their might!
Still, Let Us Wait!
When you look at it, the situations in Groups A, C and D are all the same, with C and D having unexpected residents at the top of the table. This tells us, as always, that favorites are just there for punters and commentators sake! No one is a champion or a winner until they are so. It is still too early to predict anything with certainty, there is a lot of Football action still on the way!! Let us wait and see, and hope that out favorite teams make it through!
(Thank you UEFA.com for the tables)
