The group stage of Euro 2012 is in the books and there are some clear winners and losers. For the most part, those who moved on will be the winners. Lets take a look
Winners- Czech Republic- Left for dead after a 4-0 defeat on the first day of their group matches, the Czechs stormed back and claimed the group title.
Greece- A long shot before the group stages began, Greece tied Poland on day 1, lost to the Czech Republic, and won against Russia to advance.
Germany- The only team to win all three games, the Germans are looking like the best team in Euro 2012.
Spain- The only team in Euro 2012 that won their group stage the past two times, Spain looks to be on a collision course with Germany.
Italy- Win and your in, how simple it sounds, how hard it really is. Italy did what they had to do and are advancing with Spain (the only team to draw with Spain in the group stage).
England- Wayne Rooney comes up big in his first game of Euro 2012. He scores the only goal and sends England on to the Elimination Rounds.
Losers-
Russia- A favorite going in, Russia looked to be the easy choice to win Group A after the first day. A 4-0 win versus the Czech Republic was followed up with a tie against Poland and then a must win against Greece turned into a nightmare 1-0 loss.
Netherlands- A favorite to win Euro 2012, the World Cup runner-up, a team that was thought to be better than the runner-up squad, and they lay a goose egg in group play. Denmark upset them on day one and things never got going after that. The “group of death” was supposed to beat Denmark down and leave them for dead, instead it was the Netherlands, who fail to advance. Possibly the most disappointing of Euro 2012.
Ireland- I didn't consider Ireland a choice to advance out of their group, but a -8 goal difference is pretty bad. A goose egg as well only adds to the disappointments Ireland suffered.
Match predictions-
Germany vs Greece- Germany most likely will advance. They are just too good, and though Greece is riding high on advancing when people thought they wouldn't, I just think Germany is too good right now. I will be cheering for Greece and the upset though. Winner-Germany
Czech Republic vs Portugal- The Czechs look to be getting better, but Portugal, behind Cristiano Ronaldo have done the same. Both needed to win to advance and did so. I think Portugal is playing better (their defense is stepping up), and you can't argue against a Cristiano Ronaldo that is coming on. If they lean on Ronaldo, it could backfire, but I think Portugal wins. Winner-Portugal
Spain vs France- Spain is one of the best teams in the world no matter what countries are involved. They have been playing very well, and in my view, are just too much for France to compete with. Winner-Spain
Italy vs England- England has their leader back, are playing well, and haven't stumbled since the first game of their Euro 2012 campaign. Italy has also played well, but the difference will be how hard each team has had to fight. England is ready for a competitive game, Italy last played a flat Ireland team. Winner-England
Euro 2012 has had many great moments regardless of which team has won a match. For the world watching, I'm hoping the good times continue.
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