Group C: Luck of the Irish. Class of the Spanish?

Group C

by Dominic John

Overview:

It’s a no-brainer that Spain should probably win this group with an easy ride. With the Republic of Ireland and Italy out to prove something to not only themselves, but the world, these group stage matches will not come without some twists and turns. When you have nothing to lose, you usually play your best football. Three countries will need to do so if they are to be doing other than looking up at the Spanish.

Italy

Could the Wild Child Balotelli also be Italy's Wild Card?

-What’s a major tournament without drama? Amid a match-fixing scandal, this Italian squad has had to overcome many obstacles, included is a June 1^st, 3-0 loss to Russia in what was supposed to be a final tune up before the Euros.

Cesare Prandelli has had to wrangle in the egos of players and get results at the same time.

Although unpredictable, Mario Balotelli will surely be the one everyone is watching come kick-off.

An injury to Giuseppe Rossi has thrust him into the limelight, hopefully he can keep his antics in check and put the ball in the back of the net.

Croatia

-Outrageous looking jerseys aside, the pressure will mount rapidly upon Luka Modric if his side does not do well in the opening stages of this tournament; he has a heavy burden indeed. His creativity and skill will have to create opportunities for those around him quite often. This makeshift side will need to come together and play smart. Racking up as many yellow cards as they did in qualifying will not help them along the way. Ivica Olic has been ruled out after suffering a thigh injury, with Nikola Kalinic called up to replace him.

Rep. of Ireland

-This team squeaked into the tournament winning a pair of playoff matches vs. Estonia to secure their spot. That being said; don’t sleep on Ireland in the group.

They have the players to surprise you and to do quite well. All eyes no doubt will be on Robby Keane, whose form with the L.A Galaxy recently hasn’t been world class. Perhaps this is where he rises to the challenge.

Lucky Talisman / Photo: Ali Gilmore

Spain

– Spain are one of, if not the hands down favorite to win. They are trying to do what no team has ever done, which is win three major tournaments in a row. With a star-studded line up from front to back, odds are definitely in their favor. With arguably the worlds’ best keeper in Iker Casillas and a nothing but solid back four, the Spaniards are sitting pretty.

They have an unblemished qualifying record and look poised to do damage in this tournament. Look out for the likes of Torres to use this international stage to reclaim his Liverpool form, as well as David Villa’s replacement Fernando Llorente looking to make himself known. Pujol will be missed but there is sufficient class remaining to win this group.