Group A
Czech Republic |
Greece |
Poland |
Russia |
Preview by Dominic John
Czech Republic
-This team is obviously strong in the back thanks to their world class keeper Petr Cech. From there, the Czech’s have only a small handful of players to lean on. Tomas Rosicky will be called upon to control the flow of play as he will take a new role just in behind the strikers up front.
All this, is dependent upon his match fitness, as he comes off an injury he picked up while playing for Arsenal. Either Pekhart or Baros will be the strike force for the Czechs.
They need short memories and must wipe clean the recent loss to Hungary as they open play against Russia on June 8th, looking to fair much better than their 2008 outing which saw them get booted from the tournament on a costly error by their stalwart captain Cech.
Greece
-Hoping desperately to repeat glory from 2004. With not much in the way of expectations from the world or Greek fans alike, having beaten teams like Latvia, Croatia, Malta and Georgia to qualify.
All eyes will be on the youth rising through the Greek ranks, giving the people hope for years to come in the likes of Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
Poland
-Having the reigning Bundesliga player of the year spearheading your attack is a great way to go into the competition with confidence. So too is playing in your own back yard. Robert Lewandowski is most certainly the man to watch on this Polish squad.
Russia
-The tandem of Arshavin and Dzagoev could prove to be deadly. Both great players in their own right.
Russia could come out of the group stage sitting pretty and full of confidence if these two play up to their potential.
Overview: The Czech Republic should come out on top of this group, they have the experience and the skill at most positions. The battle between Greece, Poland and Russia should be a great one to watch unfold.
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1 Comment
The Czechs? Sorry, but while I am a fan of the team and their style, they are just too old and too thin. Russia and Poland should come out 1 and 2, although Greeks or Czechs could surprise and get 2nd.