Sports
UEFA EURO 2012
By Zheel Shwani
From Mors, Denmark
I do not believe there is a single football fan out there who is not looking forward to Euro 2012! It is promising sheer excitement and thrill, even for neutral fans. The tournament will kick off on June 8.
The way the draw went for the Euro was much unexpected. Big teams were pitted against each other in the groups, making this tournament one you can be sure will have its share of ecstasy!
In group A there is Greece, Russia, Czech Republic, and the co-host Poland. You might look at this group and would wonder how this group can be exciting. To start it off, all the teams are almost at the same level, but that does not make the games any less exciting. Russia had had a great run in the last Euro, where proved their worth through stunning performances. Poland, being a co-host, will do its best for the home crowd, and you can expect a surprise or two from them. Greece also has a good team and they can give a hard time to any opposition! And last but not least, the Czech Republic. They may be considered “underdogs” in this tournament, but they have three key players that could prove quintessential in their campaign. Chelsea FC goalkeeper PetrCech, Arsenal FC midfielder Tomas Rosicky, and Bayern Leverkusen left back Michal Kadlec are the key men for them.
Group B is where almost all the attention is; Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. It will be tough for every team in this group. The Portuguese team has gotten better since the World Cup and is going to be a big nominee for this Euro. Netherlands, needless to say, are of course one of the main contenders here and will give the others more than a hard time. Denmark, having left the World Cup in the opening rounds, is not whom you would bet your money on, and could catch an early flight back to Scandinavia. But in football anything can happen and some surprises are bound to happen. The Germans are as always in the favorites for the title, and there is no surprise why. They were spectacular in the World Cup and were runner-ups in Euro 2008.
Group C is just like the remainder of the groups, nothing short of a buzz. The world champions, Spain, are going to have a tough time in the opening rounds, where they have to play against Italy, Croatia, and Ireland! Although Italy was not at their best in the World Cup, they will fight for the right to play their football on the European stage. Croatia has always been a decent team in Euros and this year will not be any different, but even if good they have to be better against the teams in their group. Ireland is, I believe, still very angry about the incident against France in the World Cup qualifiers and will not be satisfied easily in this Euro so you could see them playing one of their best performances here.
And finally we have Group D, where the other co-host, Ukraine, is included. Ukraine, like Poland, wants to wow their home crowd and give them something to cheer about. Sweden is also in Group D and they are not a big nominee for the Euro, but should not be underestimated either. They have exceptional players and a strong squad overall. France is the third member of the group and they will definitely be big in the tournament unless they fail to cooperate, like they failed in the World Cup. Last team on the menu is England. Many people are in confusion over why Roy Hodgson was appointed manager, and even more so at some of his decisions over choosing the players for the England squad. Nevertheless, England’s squad is more than good enough for a championship team, but whether they can play as one is another story.
Best of luck to all the teams, and let us enjoy this Euro like all other football events!
UEFA EURO 2012
By Zheel Shwani
From Mors, Denmark
I do not believe there is a single football fan out there who is not looking forward to Euro 2012! It is promising sheer excitement and thrill, even for neutral fans. The tournament will kick off on June 8.
The way the draw went for the Euro was much unexpected. Big teams were pitted against each other in the groups, making this tournament one you can be sure will have its share of ecstasy!
In group A there is Greece, Russia, Czech Republic, and the co-host Poland. You might look at this group and would wonder how this group can be exciting. To start it off, all the teams are almost at the same level, but that does not make the games any less exciting. Russia had had a great run in the last Euro, where proved their worth through stunning performances. Poland, being a co-host, will do its best for the home crowd, and you can expect a surprise or two from them. Greece also has a good team and they can give a hard time to any opposition! And last but not least, the Czech Republic. They may be considered “underdogs” in this tournament, but they have three key players that could prove quintessential in their campaign. Chelsea FC goalkeeper PetrCech, Arsenal FC midfielder Tomas Rosicky, and Bayern Leverkusen left back Michal Kadlec are the key men for them.
Group B is where almost all the attention is; Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. It will be tough for every team in this group. The Portuguese team has gotten better since the World Cup and is going to be a big nominee for this Euro. Netherlands, needless to say, are of course one of the main contenders here and will give the others more than a hard time. Denmark, having left the World Cup in the opening rounds, is not whom you would bet your money on, and could catch an early flight back to Scandinavia. But in football anything can happen and some surprises are bound to happen. The Germans are as always in the favorites for the title, and there is no surprise why. They were spectacular in the World Cup and were runner-ups in Euro 2008.
Group C is just like the remainder of the groups, nothing short of a buzz. The world champions, Spain, are going to have a tough time in the opening rounds, where they have to play against Italy, Croatia, and Ireland! Although Italy was not at their best in the World Cup, they will fight for the right to play their football on the European stage. Croatia has always been a decent team in Euros and this year will not be any different, but even if good they have to be better against the teams in their group. Ireland is, I believe, still very angry about the incident against France in the World Cup qualifiers and will not be satisfied easily in this Euro so you could see them playing one of their best performances here.
And finally we have Group D, where the other co-host, Ukraine, is included. Ukraine, like Poland, wants to wow their home crowd and give them something to cheer about. Sweden is also in Group D and they are not a big nominee for the Euro, but should not be underestimated either. They have exceptional players and a strong squad overall. France is the third member of the group and they will definitely be big in the tournament unless they fail to cooperate, like they failed in the World Cup. Last team on the menu is England. Many people are in confusion over why Roy Hodgson was appointed manager, and even more so at some of his decisions over choosing the players for the England squad. Nevertheless, England’s squad is more than good enough for a championship team, but whether they can play as one is another story.
Best of luck to all the teams, and let us enjoy this Euro like all other football events!
