EURO 2012

[BigHouseUSA]

Draw is tomorrow, should be some good groups.

Pot 1:
Ukraine
Poland
Spain
Netherlands

Pot 2:
Germany
Italy
England
Russia

Pot 3:
Croatia
Greece
Portugal
Sweden

Pot 4:
Denmark
France
Czech Republic
Republic of Ireland

[Sharkweather]

Ukraine/Poland better not get Russia.

[mgoblue2290]

All aboard the Irish bandwagon.

[calgaryballer]

Having two co-hosts makes some really tough draws possible. It is too bad that they are boosting the number of teams next time round

[Fappin Raptor]

Oi the Irish!

[BigHouseUSA]

And here's the groups.

A POLAND, CZECH REPUBLIC, GREECE, RUSSIA.
B HOLLAND, DENMARK, PORTUGAL, GERMANY.
C SPAIN, IRELAND, CROATIA, ITALY.
D UKRAINE, FRANCE, SWEDEN, ENGLAND.

Group A is pretty horrible, and the opening game is Poland/Greece. :whut:

But, B will be awesome, feel bad for Denmark, and who knows what Portugal side shows up. I wouldn't expect much from them. Ireland also gets a tough group, but should make for some interesting matchups, Croatia/Italy is intriguing. England should be pleased, too, will be interesting to see how France play. I like the look of their knew, slightly younger team, but the results haven't really come yet. At least, not like they used to.

Anyway, 6 MOAR MONTHS

[Sharkweather]

Damnit. Group of death.

[NAHSTE]

Damn, Ireland got hit with a tough one.

[Kuzzy Powers]

WOW.. stuck in the group of death. Brutal stuff.

[calgaryballer]

The troll at Big Lead was trying to suggest that Group C was the real group of death and Portugal was only a 'media' creation.

Fuck that guy.

Germany and Holland lost a combined 1 game and are better as a combo than Spain/Italy (though Spain is obvs extremely good).

Croatia and Ireland had to come through the playoffs after an underwhelming qualifying campaign. Portugal is probably overrated, but they still have Ronaldo and a solid team through out. Denmark played some tidy football and haven't lost since an ugly friendly with Scotland. They were beating England before capitulating late.

Unfortunately, I have to think Germany and Holland go through.

[Kuzzy Powers]

We havent lost to the Dutch since 91 and did beat them in big games at Euro 04 and WC 06.. so hopefully that doesnt mean they're finally due to beat us at the Euro's.

[Fappin Raptor]

We havent lost to the Dutch since 91 and did beat them in big games at Euro 04 and WC 06.. so hopefully that doesnt mean they're finally due to beat us at the Euro's.

Who's we?

[calgaryballer]

Who's we?

I was wondering the same thing. Far as I know, Canada isn't playing...

[NAHSTE]

Kuzzy is of Portuguese descent I believe. Same reason I'll be cheering for Ireland, my mother's side is Irish.

[Bigpapa42]

Pretty sure Kuzzy supports Portugal.

Group B is a bastard of a group. I would expect Germany and The Netherlands to come through it, but its the kind of group where any of the teams could advance. Steal a win and manage a couple of draws, even Denmark could find a way through. Don't expect that but you never know...

Portugal are an interesting side. The really only have one world class player - Cristiano Rolando, obviously. Most of the other big nations - Germany, Holland, Italy, Spain, France, and I suppose even England - all have at least a couple such players. The rest of the Portugal squad is mostly quality players, really solid types who are good enough to play in most sides. If the rest of the side plays well and Ronaldo plays as he can, they could certainly win the damned thing. CR7 has been in awesome form for the past year-plus and if he has himself a great tournament, they could be a real threat.