EURO 2012 what you need to know
Posted by Yanga Sibembe on Friday, June 8, 2012
Under: Football
The UEFA European Football Championships (Euro) 2012 kick off in Poland and Ukraine this weekend. An occasion football fans, worldwide, have been waiting for since the end of the club seasons.
The month long tournament will be screened to a global audience of over 6.6 billion viewers; in more than 231 Countries but if you don't know your off-side rule from your shin pads you might have a problem keeping up.
So to help you keep your conversation alive and well informed, here is our guide to the favourites of Euro 2012.
Favourites: Germany
Germany has a very good squad who have played together for a long time. This familiarity could help them cope in the later stages. Throw in the fact that they haven't won any silverware together and they will be hungry for this cup.
Dark Horses: France
France has one of the most technically gifted teams of the tournament, with most positions covered by a blend of experience and energetic youth. They are under estimated by their recent failures in big tournaments and constant infighting and one can only guess how much of a mental block their disastrous 2010 world cup campaign will cause.
Surprise Team: Poland
As co-hosts of this year's tournament one would expect Poland to make full use of their home advantage. They also have an abundance of bright young talent. Key to their hopes will be striker Robert Lewandowski and Arsenal Goalkeeper Wojciech Tomasz Szczesny,who have come to be recognised as two of the best young talents in Europe at the moments
Player of the Tournament:
Mesut Özil
The versatile German Midfield promises to excite at Euro 2012. With a strong shot and an eye for a pass, this could be his time to outshine even the likes of Spain's Xavi.
Golden Boot: Mario Gomez
After periods of international pain, this could be the year that Gomez goes good. The German has a natural instinct for goals and with him leading the front line, expect Germany to go far.
What are your predictions?
Let us know below OR on Twitter: @gem_media
In : Football