Euro 2012 First Round Review

Are TN5 Standing By Their Original Predictions For the First Stage Of Euro 2012?

Now that each team has played their opening game, who has impressed, who has disappointed, and how is TN5’s pre-tournament verdict looking?

Group A

Well, we predicted a tight, close, low-scoring Group A – and we couldn’t have been much more wrong! Russia have emerged from the first round of games as probably the side that has impressed most people. A 4-1 victory over the Czechs make them easily the stand-out team of Group A. However, they were sluggish in the opening phase of the game and will face far better opposition in the later stages.

Poland started superbly against Greece, but the sending off of the Greek defender probably worked more against the Polish as they began to sit back and rest on their 1-0 lead. Had they continued attacking with Blaszczykowski looking a threat down the right and Lewandowski a handful upfront, they would have taken the game. Greece fought back well though and could have won it in the end.

TN5 Verdict: We are sticking with our pre-tournament prediction of Poland and Russia to go through, albeit from a far more exciting group than anticipated.

Group B

The shock of the first round of games came when Denmark beat Netherlands. Many peoples’ favourites to win the tournament, the Dutch simply couldn’t convert any of the chances they created with Robben, Huntelaar and particularly Van Persie the guilty parties.

Germany overcame Portugal in the most eagerly awaited, and yet most uninspiring game of the opening round. It wasn’t until they had gone behind that Portugal began to utilise their attacking flair, but it was all too little too late.

TN5 Verdict: It’s an uphill struggle now for the Netherlands, but we are still sticking by them to get through with Germany. What a game on now between them on Wednesday! Could all four teams be on 3 points each going into the final game?

Group C

Well, Jelavic did show his Everton form on the international stage as he helped Croatia to a well deserved victory over Ireland who, I’m afraid, looked out of their depth. The bigger tests are still to come for Croatia though if they are to make it through the group.

Spain sprung their own surprise by naming a team with no centre forward. And when they did bring a forward on, Torres looked the all too familiar figure of someone devoid of confidence. Like a golfer who has lost his confidence in putting, I fear Torres will never be a true force again. Italy contained the Spanish well and created several chances of their own. They look a useful outfit, particularly once Ballotelli had gone off.

TN5 Verdict: Again we are sticking with our predictions. Although Croatia impressed against Ireland, the tougher games against Spain and Italy will see them just miss out.

Group D

England would have taken a point before the game, so they won’t be too disappointed. An accomplished, but far from sparkling display got their tournament off to a reasonable start against France with the draw a fair result.

With Ukraine coming back to win 2-1 against Sweden, they have given themselves a chance of progressing and set up a couple of intriguing games on Friday.

TN5 Verdict: We’re making it 4 groups out of 4 where we sticking by our original predictions. After a point apiece from the opening game, both England and France should have enough to see off both Sweden and home nation Ukraine, despite their opening game victory.