Euro 2012 - Group C - Preview

Group C


Prediction


1. Spain
2. Croatia 
3. Italy
4. Ireland

Spain - FIFA Ranking - 1

   Spain is the biggest favorite to win this years Euro's.  They can attack, defend, score and pass.  They are what most international sides aspire to.  The only flaw maybe in the fact they have too many good players.  Balancing an attacking vs. defending line up could derail Spain's repeat chances.

Croatia - FIFA Ranking - 8

   Croatia is my dark horse.  They do not excel in any of the major categories more so than most of the teams this year, yet they play as a team with a solid core of Luka Modric and younger players such as forward Ivan Perisic and my player to watch Nikica Jelavic.  Croatia has the means to surprise the field and steal the glory from the heavier favorites.

Italy - FIFA Ranking - 12

   Italy has been under pressure as of the lately match fixing scandal.  Between the off field issues, the lose of defender Domenico Cristcito and the unpredictability of Mario Balotelli the Azzurri have there hands full.  Coupled with the aging of key players such as Andrea Pirlo I do not see them achieve as most have marked them too.  I would not be surprised if they prove me wrong, yet I am confident in my prediction. 

Ireland - FIFA Ranking - 18

  Robbie Keane is aging, although he will be forever one of my favorite forwards.  Ireland displays heart every time they take the field.  If they were in a better group I would be pushing them through.  I believe the task is too tall for them this year.

Player To Watch

Nikica Jelavic

Moved to Everton FC from Rangers FC

The Croatian has impressed on every football level he has played at so far, now is the time for him to shine.  May another transfer follow if he succeeds?