Here's a look at the 4 teams making up the group C division in this years Euro Cup tournament.
Spain
Overview:
Returning champions Spain head up group C, with their chances of making it past the qualification round looking almost certain. With the current strength of the Spanish side Italy is the only team in the group that looks likely to draw with the World Cup champions, their young side and revitalized attitude is likely to provide a good test, if they can come together as a team and ignore the match fixing scandal.
Group Stage:
The Republic of Ireland is unlikely to win or draw their game against Spain. Their qualification group was relatively weak and neither they, nor Russia, went undefeated, meaning the Spaniards will likely have an easy time winning that game. Having failed to qualify for the last World Cup, Croatia will likely play solid football, but a draw is their best hope when they play Spain. Having won the last two major international tournaments the Spaniards will be playing will their usual level of confidence and control.
Players/Personnel:
Juan Mata and Fernando Torres head up the front line. Having only scored 11 goals between them for their club teams, a return to form is expected when they return to international play. With Xabi, David Silva, and Andres Iniesta giving support, the Spaniards will have a very strong presence around the mid-field when opponents try to counter attack. As well, Carlos Puyol and Sergio Ramos will lead a strong back line that will give support to Iker Casillas or Victor Valdes. Look for Spain to go unbeaten in the group stage.
Italy
Overview:
Italy is considered by many to be a dark horse in this year’s European Cup. Having conceded only two goals in qualifying (the lowest of any team), the Azzuri will rely on a mix of youth and experience to get them through the group stage.
Group Stage:
The opening draw against Spain will be Italy’s greatest challenge in the group. A draw is possible, however with the strength of the attackers on both sides anything is possible.
Their second match against Croatia will be interesting, as Croatia will have just played Ireland; the result from that game and the Italy v Spain game will have a big impact on the second and third games in the group stage. If Croatia win they will play defensively against Italy, however a draw or a loss will make them hungry for points. In that case we will see a much more open game against Italy; one the Italians will likely win, as their side has a very strong defensive line and goaltender. Look for a definite win against Ireland, unless Italy looses to Spain, in that case they will be desperate for wins against Croatia and Ireland, making the play much more open, providing the opportunity for those teams to score counter-attack goals.
Players/Personnel:
Mario Balotelli and Antonio Di Natale will head up Italy’s attack. Di Natale scored 23 times in 36 matches in the Italian Serie A, third best this past season, and many found Balotelli’s play impressive in Manchester City’s run for the Premier League Title. Juventus’ crack defensive play will be on display as Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, and Georgio Chiellini will be counted on to support Buffon.
Republic of Ireland
Overview:
The Republic of Ireland has played well as of late. Finishing second in their qualifying group meant a trip to the European Cup in 2012; Welcome news for a nation that has been waiting since the 2002 World Cup to see their countrymen play in another major international competition.
Group Stage:
However, Irish fans are likely aware of the difficult path that their compatriots must face with group draws against Spain and Italy. Their first test is against Croatia, a nation that has seen relatively strong play from their international side over the past decade. Both teams will look forward to this matchup, as it will be their best chance for gaining 3 points in the group stage.
Spain is the Republic of Ireland’s second test. A draw here is the best hope for Irish fans, but it is far more likely that the strength and depth of Spain’s squad will overpower play and the Irish will be left with sparse opportunities on goal.
The final game against Italy could be fireworks or very demure. If Italy draws Spain and beats Croatia the Irish will have an easier time getting points in the final group match.
Players/Personnel:
Giovanni Trapattoni has been called on to play for Ireland’s national side, taking the place of ailing right back Kevin Foley. Paul McShane and John O’Shea have passed fitness tests and will be along side Trapattoni on the back line giving support Shay Given. Up front Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane (scored 9 goals in qualifying stage) will be counted on to push the attack and score much needed goals in the group stage.
Croatia
Overview:
Having not made it out of the group stage in Euro 2004, Croatia returned with a bang in 2008. Beating Germany in the group stage ensured a quarterfinal berth, but a draw and eventual 3-1 shootout loss to upstart Turkey meant Croatians have had to wait another 4 year for their team to get a shot at the title. This time however, their qualifying group is a bit tougher.
Group Stage:
Croatia’s first game is against the Republic of Ireland. The Irish squad is no slouch, but the Croats will likely see this game as a must win. Having drawn against Ireland in the qualifying round both teams will have a good sense of the others’ game plan and style of play. A draw is likely, however Croatia may come out ahead if they can show the form that helped them beat Germany in the group stage four years ago.
Croatia’s second game against Italy could go either way depending on the results from the first match. The most likely outcome is a draw or a loss for Croatia, but if Italy looses to Spain then it will be easier for the Croatian team to steal a win, as the Italian side will be desperate for 3 points.
The final test will come against Spain. The best Croatians can hope for is a draw, as Spain looks unlikely to sway from their recent form.
Players/Personnel:
Striker Nikola Kalinic and central defender Dejan Lovren have been dropped from the tournament squad. Kalinic is healthy, but was dropped after Lovren failed to recover from his injuries in time. Lovren is their main central defender. Maccabi Haifa defender Jurica Buljat, who will be counted upon heavily to stifle opponents’ attacks, replaced him.
