Euro 2012 Predictions

With Euro 2012 beginning later today, I thought it would be worthwhile to share a few brief predictions and thoughts for the tournament.

Group A Winners – Poland

The joint hosts have a few very talented players in their squad including Borussia Dortmund Striker, Robert Lewandowski, and are in the easiest group of the tournament. Their biggest challenge will be Russia, but I think they have enough to comfortably come out on top of this group.

Group B Winners – Germany

The Germans have a fantastic squad at the moment, with an abundance of creative players, and proven goal scorers. This is the best German team we’ve seen in a long time, and I expect them to not only win their group, but to win the tournament outright. They are in this tournaments “Group of Death” which means anything can happen, but I still expect them to win all of their games.

Group C Winners – Spain

It’s Spain at the hight of their powers. I don’t expect them to struggle at any point in this group. Their toughest game will be against Italy, and I still think they’ll win that one comfortably.

Group D Winners – France

There has been a tremendous amount of turmoil in the French team in recent years. Fortunately for them that all appears behind them and they come into this tournament with a solid squad, and a lot of attacking talent currently on form. Laurent Blanc has brought a lot of stability to the side, and I an see them doing very well in this tournament. Karim Benzema is going to be very important for this side, and if he gets off to a good start against England they will dominate this group.

Euro 2012 Winners – Germany

With the exception of Spain, I don’t think anyone will come close to the Germans in this competition, and I expect them to go all the way and to score a lot of goals while doing so.

Golden Boot – Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie has been on unbelievable form over the last year for Arsenal, and is the focal point of attack for a very potent Dutch side. He takes their penalties, and is always involved in their free kicks so I can see the Dutch scoring a lot of goals in this tournament, and Robin van Persie’s name will be alongside most of them.

Player to Watch – Mario Götze (Germany)

At 20 years old, I doubt Mario Götze will be a starter for the hugely talented German side, but he will be a very important impact player for them. When teams are tiring in the second half Götze will be brought on to help finish them off. He’s one of the most talented and exciting young prospects in the world, and I really believe he’ll shine at this tournament, especially with the quality of the German squad to take all of the pressure off him and allow him to play.