As I continue my coverage of Euro 2012, I have come across a number of strange and confusing, yet very interesting pieces of news. The latest comes as a bit of a… surprise… as well as a mixture of annoyance.
So Michael Carrick told the English FA a few months back that he did not want to be considered a ‘second option’ for the Three Lions. That being said, he more than likely would have been considered for the stand-by list for England. For those that don’t know what that means, he basically would have been invited to Poland/Ukraine and in the case of anyone getting injured, he would be an option to replace that player.
For starters, the reason I say it came as a surprise for me is the fact that Carrick is now 30-years old. He has a total of 22 caps for the English side, and to be honest, he has a good amount of experience on and off the field.
To hear things like this… I guess it just really pisses me off. For someone to reject the possibility of going to represent their country is something that I just can’t understand. How is it possible that you could say no to the chance of putting on your country’s uniform and representing something that will forever be a part of you?
The Seleccao das Quinas will face a tough challenge at Euro 2012 as they were put into the Group of Death with Holland, Denmark and Germany. The Portuguese have had high hopes on the international level for some years now, especially after having a very talented Golden Generation with the likes of Luis Figo, Joao Pinto, Nuno Gomes and Rui Costa.
Unfortunately for them, the Golden Generation was unable to bring home a European Championship or even a World Cup for that matter. Every time Portugal has qualified for a European Championship, they have always made it out of the group stage. This time around the Portuguese will face a tough task as they will try to make it out of a very talented and difficult group. Going into the tournament, although talented, Portugal have been considered a potential contender, but not many analysts see them progressing out of this group.
Along with Holland, Denmark and Portugal, the Germans have been placed into the so called Group of Death, or Group B. The Germans have not won the European Championship since 1996 in England when they won their third title after defeating the Czech Republic in extra time.
Since the arrival of Joachim Low in 2006 as the head coach, German fans have a lot of reason to believe that they can claim the title this summer. In his first attempt at a title as head coach, Low guided his squad to the finals in Euro 2008, only to be defeated by Spain. In South Africa for World Cup 2010, Low was back at it but this time fell a little short as the Germans were only able to claim a third place finish after defeating Uruguay 3-2.
In a qualifying group that Denmark may not have been favorites to win, in the end they took first place after beating Portugal 2-1 in Copenhagen in the final round of matches. The Danes will have another shot at the Portuguese when they see them again in the so called Group of Death.
Having already won a European Championship in 1992 after a shocking victory over Germany, Olsen-Banden, or The Olsen Gang as they have been nicknamed, will be out to prove that they can compete in this very difficult Group B. Denmark failed to qualify for Euro 2008 but look prepared to leave their mark on the tournament this time around.
Having guided Holland to the final of World Cup 2010 in South Africa, Bert van Marwijk has set his sights on a possible European Championship. Over the years the Dutch have really established themselves as a World Football powerhouse and this summer it will be no different.
With one European Championship Title to their name, they are considered to be one of the favorites to take the title this summer. In the 2010 World Cup, Arjen Robben was one opportunity away from leading the Dutch to World Cup glory as he failed to put away a one-on-one with Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Van Marwijk’s side showed a new win-at-all-costs mentality in South Africa, especially after the sight of Nigel de Jong performing somewhat of a martial arts move on Xabi Alonso. From the side that started the final against Spain, only retired left-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be missing this summer.
Since the Czech Republic has had their independence, they have never failed to qualify for a European Championship. In 1996 they finished 2nd after having barely survived the group stage. They then went on to defeat Portugal in the Quarter-Finals with a stellar goal from Karel Poborsky, until they fell to Germany in the final at Wembley Stadium in extra-time as Bierhoff ended the dream.
In 2008 they failed to make it out of the group stage having lost to Portugal and Turkey. Not having qualified for World Cup 2010 in South Africa, they will be ready to go this summer. Although they qualified, they made sure that it happened in dramatic fashion as they had to play Montenegro in a playoff.
The Russian Football Union will look to add to a long history in European Championships. Having won the competition in 1960 as the Soviet Union, they proceeded to do well in the following four European Championships. In 1964 and 1972, the Soviets finished 2nd in the competition.
In Portugal for Euro 2004 the Russian’s were eliminated in the group stage as they finished last in a Group A made up of Portugal, Greece and Spain. Ironically, Russia’s only victory in that group was against Greece, who eventually ended up winning the tournament.
Russia finished top of their group in the qualification stage as they managed 7 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss. All together Dick Advocaat’s side only conceded 4 goals. Although their group wasn’t one of the strongest, only conceding 4 goals at this level is remarkable. Their only loss in the qualifications came at the hands of Slovakia who did not qualify for the tournament.
Greece will head into Euro 2012 looking to build off a disappointing World Cup 2010 as well as an even worst Euro 2008. In Euro 2008, the Ethniki left a poor image for Greek Football as they crashed out of the group stage with three losses. In a group that featured Spain, Russia and Sweden, the Greek’s were by no means a favorite but they only managed to score one goal and conceded five in three matches.
The Greek’s do have a bit of experience after overcoming all odds in Euro 2004 to defeat Portugal on their home soil to claim the European Championship.
The Galanolefki come into Euro 2012 after an undefeated qualification as they managed 7 wins and just 3 draws. With Fernando Santos now on the hot seat for the Hellenic Football Federation, he is ready to show the world what Greek Football has to offer. Having to live in the shadow of Otto Rehhagel and his great triumph in Euro 2004, Fernando Santos says he wants to put his own stamp on the team.
