Team Previews; Star Man and Ones to Watch:

If you like us have been reading blogs and previews for the past month then we apologise as this will probably be nothing new, you have probably formulated your own opinions on who each countries star man is and any fans of the Football Manager series probably have an idea who the ones to watch will be. I'm sure there are plenty of players you'll be thinking 'why haven't they mentioned him?' about and there will also be plenty of 'Well Duh' responses with some of the selections.

We're going to do the One to Watch section a little bit differently, rather than just telling you who the country's best youngster is we'll discuss players who we think will be interesting to watch for one reason of the other. A better sub-heading may be 'Something to look out for' but that doesn't sound as cool. 

This is what we think:

Group A:

Poland:

Star Man: Lewandowski, It has not even started yet and you're probably sick of every Journo, Freelancer and bloggers (including us) waxing lyrical about him. He's probably the worst kept secret of these Euros and everyone seems to be 'tipping' him as top scorer. I've made him the star man and not the one to watch because looking at the squad I think he's the shining light (along with Szczesny) of the team, he is you're typical striker he scored 30 goals this season with BVB helping them lift the Bundesliga Title and the German Cup where he scored a hat-trick in the final. He's got all the attributes you would associate with a top striker.

One to watch: Jakub Blaszczykowski; It an odd twist we've gone with the captain as the one to watch. One thing you'll never find a cure for in football is sheer pace and that's what 'Kuba' offers. 3 of Poland's Key men will be from BVB and Kuba's club relationship with Piszczek will help the Polish in their attacks, don't be surprised to see Kuba destroying a few full backs with his speed.

Poland short prediction: Can't see them going too far I think they'll get out of the group then be knocked out.

Czech Republic:

Star Man: Rosicky, Apologies to Cech but we're going to mainly focus on the outfield players in this blog. Rosicky is the captain and will be the one faced with the task of creating the chances for Baros and possibly Necid to finish. This season he again proved at Arsenal that he's still a capable high level midfield player.

One to watch: Kadlec; the left back has a brilliant scoring record for his country, he's going to need to be solid in both attack and defence though. Look for him trying to create chances for Baros and Necid and possibly popping up with a goal.

Czech short prediction: Won't progress, I think while they're still a good side the days of being on of Europe's dark horses is over for the time being.

Greece:

Star Man: Karagounis; Its not secret the Greeks benefited from set plays when they were crowned European Champions in 2004 and I think the same will happen again. Karagounis is one of the better set piece takers in the competition, the Greeks will be looking to him and the full back to be whipping the balls across goal.

One to watch: Fetfatzidis; we could have gone with Ninis here but we're choosing Fetfatzidis as he is probably a lot lesser known, You won't see him starting but he'll probably come on in games to inject a bit of pace and dynamism into what looks a static team. You'll no doubt hear the phrase 'Greek Messi' Fetfatzidis is a good dribbler and he'll be a threat when he comes on.

Greece short prediction: Won't progress, Group A is probably the hardest to call because all the side will be happy with the draw, I can't see the Greeks picking up enough points, then again nor could many in 2004.

Russia:

Star Man: Kerzhakov, while Arshavin will again probably take a lot of attention we think it'll be Alex Kerzhakov that will be the star, like Lewandowski his odds are dropping by the day to be top scorer and looking at him play you'll see why. I foresee a few goals in this group so Russia's main striker as I think he'll be will have to be the star man.

One to watch: Dzagoev, He'll probably occupy the central role in the 3 behind the Striker, he is a very gifted young player with an eye for a killer pass and a goal threat, don't be surprised to see him emerge as one of the big names in Europe after this.

Russia short prediction: Really they should be topping this group and picking up close to maximum points, I don't think it'll be plain sailing but I think they'll top the group.

Group B:

Germany:

Star Man: Ozil, There was an awful lot of names we could have put here but I feel after winning the league with Real and keeping Kaka out of the team Ozil will be Germany's star man. He'll have players like Kroos and Schurrle ready to fill in if he doesn't take his chance. I think Ozil will be spectacular in Poland-Ukraine.

One to watch: Klose, I am sure that if you've bothered reading this far you'll be thinking 'Schurrle, Gotze, Reus? How on earth is Klose one to watch?' Well, It seems as though Mario Gomez is going to be the spearhead of the German attack but as we saw a few weeks ago its not a rare thing to see Gomez freeze when it comes to a big chance. Of Course Gomez's goalscoring record is fantastic the last few seasons however I wouldn't be too surprised to see Miroslav find his way into the first 11 and then find the net from then on.

Germany short prediction: Up their. I'd be more surprised not to see Germany in at least the semis.

Denmark:

 Star Man: Agger, On his day one of the world's best centre backs. This is quite a big claim but if you've seen him play when fully fit he is fantastic, however his injuries problems are well documented, He's made of flumps which is unfortunate. Denmark have the unenviable task of in little over 2 weeks facing Gomez,Ronaldo and RVP. If the Danes are to do anything expect Dagger to be solid.

One to watch: Eriksen, Again one of Europe's worst kept secrets, for those who haven't seen him play, but have him on Football Manager so therefore claim to know about him, watch him. The Ajax man is a top quality playmaker that I think a few other squads wouldn't have minded being able to call up. He'll have a big job in this tournament supplying to Bendtnar who seems to be a different man when playing for Denmark.

Denmark short prediction: Its a brave man that bets on Denmark getting out of this group, I think its over before it starts. Group A they probably would have got out of but not here.

Portugal:

Star Man: That one that plays for Madrid, his name eludes me. Do we really need to go into it?

One to watch: Moutinho, This is another time when we could have used the goalkeeper. Mountinho was a whom half a decade ago was being touted as a future world beater. If you watch him you can see why, If Portugal are to do well in this competition expect to see Mountinho pulling all the strings. Big game player for Porto he'll have to be tireless in midfield as well as creative, something is is capable of.

Portugal short prediction: 3rd favourite and probably an accurate prediction, can see them troubling but not beating Holland or Germany.

Netherlands:

Star Man: Sneijder, RVP is also in this category but when it comes to International competitions Wesley always performs, He was a phenom in South Africa and is one of the best players in any of the 23 man squads. He'll guarantee you one screamer at least.

One to watch: RVP, like we said at the start we're not just going to list exciting youngsters. Narsingh and Willems may not even see the pitch. We've selected RVP for a number of reasons: He is coming of the best season of his life. His future is up in the air so he could be looking to impress suitors. Most importantly though, where will he play? Holland tend to have 1 main Striker a.k.a The number 9. Huntelaar seems to be the man for this, he can match RVP's scoring record at club level and better it at International level, where and how RVP plays will be extremely interesting.

Netherlands short prediction: Very interesting Euros for the Dutch, they have a possible weakness in defence but boast some of the best players in the world. I think it'll be Russia for them in the quarters which will be massive just like the last time.

Group C

Spain:

Star Man: Iniesta, theres certainly no shortage of players to accept this accolade but I think it will be Iniesta, Xavi this season cam off a lot for Barca and I think we may see that in the Spanish team, Iniesta will be an ever present and will hope to offer assits and goals, Nobody needs reminding of his last tournament goal.

One to watch: Fernando Torres, sorry again for those who haven't grasped the way we're doing one to watch. I think Torres' Euros will be extremly intresting even at his lowest lows he was in the thoughts of De Bosque. Its clear to see that Torres hasn't had a nice 18 months on the pitch (Champions League we know but we mean playing) yet he was still selected over the free scoring Roberto Soldado which a lot in Spain disagreed with. I'll go bold and say that it will be Torres starting most of the games and that he will do well.

Spain short prediction: Up there but maybe not winners.

Croatia:

Star Man: Modric, Luka has probably got another summer of transfer madness ahead of him but his focus now will be on Euro 2012. He is probably on of the best central midfielders in the competition. With Srna he will look to lead Croatia by example. If Croatia are to be the dark horses then look no further than Modric to be the man running the show.

One to watch: Jelavic, Jelavic has been in and around the Croatian squad for a while without really breaking into the first team, however now with Olic's injury and his Everton career to date he could well leapfrog Eduardo into the Croat first team alongside Mandzukic and do what he does best; score goals.

Croatia short Prediction: I think they may just pip Italy to the post, I wouldn't count them out just yet.

Italy:

Star Man: Chiellini, A rock in Juventus' rise back the top and one of , if not Central defenders in the world, With no clear partner or formation defensively Chiellini is going to have to be at his brilliant best to keep Italy together at the back.

One to watch: Yeahp him. Super Mario is going to be a headliner maker during the Euros one would suspect, I just hope its for the right reasons. If its not for the right reasons I hope its at least funny. Balotelli is probably be starting alongside the saint-like Di Natalie if both are fully fit. When he is on song Balotelli is an attacker capable of causing any defender in the world problems, when he's not on song he can't put a bib on. We really hope that he promises to leave the pitch due to racism aren't tested.

Italy short prediction: Close your eyes and point, the squad like in 2012 is possibly good enough to win but may very well fall at the first hurdle.

Ireland

 Star Man: Keane, cliched as it is he is Ireland's star man. He goes into this competition boasting one of the best international records of almost a goal every other game. He is no doubt going to give everything he's got in every game. You can almost foresee him sneaking a 94th minute winner against Italy now.

One to watch: McGeady, while a few like ourselves are extremely excited to see young McClean of Sunderland fearlessly go at full backs with his direct approach, a lot of focus will be on the other winger. Aiden McGeady who plays his football in Russia will be on of the most exciting wingers in the competition. It would not be a farfetchment to say he possibly boasts the best bag of tricks, expect to see some cheeky little moves and him earning Ireland a few free kicks. He Could prove an invaluable asset.

Ireland short prediction: Like Denmark, cursed are those in the groups of death. I hope that Ireland get at least a win and I'd love them to go on a memorable run but I can't see it.

Group D

France:

Star Man: Benzema, just pipped Ribery to the post on this one. Benzema will no doubt be the man to lead the French line in a tournament where there is a lot of domestic hope. The last 2 years Benzema has started to show what he promised early doors and Lyon and what made Real Madrid pay so much for him. He has never really done it for the national team though, but with the goals he has not only been scoring but creating in La Liga don't count him out as being one of the players of the tournament.

One to watch: Valbeuna, The little man (5ft6) may not be extremely well known across Europe and possibly won't be starting all of France's games, but when he comes on look out for him, he is a very gifted player who can open up a team with a fantastic shot or a crafty pass. The Newcastle lads Ben Arfa and Cabaye will also be interesting to see on this stage.

France short prediction: I think they'll top the group from there it remains to be seen, lets just say if France were the eventual winners I wouldn't be too surprised.

England:

Star Man: Gerrard, I am sure a few people skipped the rest and are just going to read this bit. The reason we have said Gerrard is because; We're not doing Keepers, Rooney is potentially only guaranteed one match, his position. With Parker as his partner Stevie is going to be able to be a bit more attacking and a bit more creative work which he is best at. Its hard to deny that Stevie's best years are behind him but as a footballer he is still one of the best around. If England are to do well in this tournament I also think that Ashley Cole will be key, he was Chelsea's MVP in the Champions League and is still probably the best in the world in his position.

One to watch: Milner, I'm sure a lot of people we're expecting Oxlade-Chamberlain, but I'm not sure how much of the pitch time he'll get. Hodgson seems to fancy Milner in his first XI in any capacity, with the seeming understandable reluctance to use Henderson we could see Milner playing central midfield at some point. He seems to have a starting place nailed down. Milner at his best is a fine fine footballer who is creative a goal threat and will not stop running until the final whistle, dismissed incorrectly by England fans as boring.

Short England prediction: Pessimistic optimists are what I would describe England fans in the lead up to this European Championship, I think England will get out of the group but will then struggle if they face Spain.  

 

Sweden:

Star Man: Zlatan. No real surprise here, I may be a little of with this fact but I think 11/12 was the first season for about 8 years that Zlatan didn't win the league he was playing in. And when you play 30+ times and score 20+ goals then you're certainly not curtailing on those league wins. Though he hasn't always been at his brilliant best for Sweden as he has in Serie A he is still a huge threat, he scored an International hat-trick a year ago today to help Sweden qualify. He is one of the best in the world.

One to watch: Elm, Not that shite one from Fulham; his brother. Rasmus currently of AZ is a box to box midfielder with a very dangerous right boot, He is energetic strong and will cause a lot of trouble with his deliveries passing and his long distance efforts. If there is a free kick in shooting distance it'll be an interesting tug of war between Elm, Larsson and Ibra

Short Sweden prediction: I think they'll go out in the group stages.

Ukraine:

Star Man: Tymoshchuk, one of only 2 players in the Ukraine side that play there football outside of the Ukraine, Tymoshchuk like Shevchenko has a lot of big game experience. I chose him as the star man because he will be the enforcer that teams have to go through to score and the man Ukraine will be looking to for support when in possession.

One to watch: Yarmolenko, very exciting winger who is going to be charged with not only creating but scoring goals, He could be one of the players that makes a big name for himself in Europe if the hosts do well.

Short Ukraine prediction: I think the joint hosts will face an early exit.


Thats that then our Euro 2012 Player Preview, let hope we witness a fantastic tournament.