Euro 2012 Group B

[dotmotion]

Group B
Denmark
Germany
Netherlands
Portugal

aka


This is the group that will garner the most attention during the EUROs. Group B contains four of the current top 10 teams in the FIFA rankings. Germany is the 2nd ranked team and is arguably the most talented in the world. A team that had a lot of heartbreak over the last ten years, Germany is entering the tournament with lots of depth and talent optimal for a tournament setting. Lead of a Bayern core of Neuer, Lahm, Schweinsteiger and Muller along with other talents like Ozil and Podolski, Germany will be an exciting team with open play and attacking intent. Ranked 3rd in the World, Netherlands will be looking to build on their runner up performance in South Africa 2010. In the finals, Robben was literally inches away from a Casillas boot for what could have been the winning goal. With Robin van Persie, Sneidjer and Robben, Holland possesses some of the few world-class players that are able to create goals out of nothing. Portugal is ranked 5th in the world and has arguably the best player in the tournament with Cristiano Ronaldo. Under Bento, the team is playing some pretty football and will be looking to use their past EURO success to get through this tough group. An interesting stat, Portugal has only lost once to Holland in their last 10 match ups. Lastly, we have Denmark, the 10th ranked team in the world. A well-organized team, they will be looking to repeat their 1992 performance and upset teams to win the EUROs. With the young exciting player of Eriksen, they have will be looking to have a few results come their way to get through.

Games to Watch
Netherlands vs. Portugal – As I wrote before, Portugal has a strong record against Netherlands. Holland is a side that struggles against teams that pass well and retain possession which will be Portugal’s strength. In my opinion, this game can determine the second place finisher out of the group. If Germany beats both and Denmarks loses to both, a win here would be the result they need to get out of the Group Stages. With both teams having shaky full backs, I expect both Robben and Ronaldo to take for advantage and challenge the oppositions defense.

Netherlands vs. Germany – How many times are you able to see the 2nd ranked team vs. the 3rd ranked team in the world in the group stages. Especially a match up with the former rivalries of these two great nations. With revered match ups such as the 74 World Cup Final or the 88 EURO Final, these two nations now play each other with both determination to win and respect for each others culture. History aside, this is a game that potentially can determine the first place team just through talent level. Germany will be the favourites with injuries to Holland and a 3-0 win a few months ago. However with the organized tactics that van Marjiwk implemented and world class players like Robben, one counter attack can change the whole game.
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[dotmotion]

Denmark


In 1992, Denmark surprised Europe as they won the EUROs in Sweden. Drawn into a group with the host (Sweden), England and France, they were able to beat France and draw England to seed 2nd in the group. In the semis, they faced defending champions Holland where two goals from Henrik Larsen and a van Basten penalty miss got them to the finals. There, the mighty Germans managed by the legendary Berti Vogts were met with a Danes team ready to play. A goal from John Jonsen and Kim Vilfort were enough to give Denmark their first ever international trophy. Since then, Denmark has not been able to reach that same pinnacle. Only making it out of the group stage once in tournament play while missing the tournament (EUROs) in 2008. 20 year later though, Denmark will be hoping that those same heroics then will lead them to glory in Poland/Ukraine.

As a Pot B side in the EURO qualifying draw, Denmark had to face a top team in Europe to qualify for the tournament. In Group H, they were faced with the challenge of Portugal, who is now in the same EURO group, and a tough Norwegian team. Through qualifications, Denmark showed consistent defensive play, conceding the least amount of goals in their group. Their organized and smart play had them in a neck for neck with Portugal till the last game where a crucial 2-1 win in Copenhagen won them the group and automatic qualification.

Denmark will be coached by their manager of 12 years, Morten Olsson. As a former manager of Ajax, he brings a Dutch influence to the Denmark team. Favouring a 4-2-3-1, Olsson looks for his team to control the ball and dictate the tempo. A big question for the club with Thomas Sorensen's withdrawal will be the starting keeper. Lindegaard of Man U has started in a few qualifiers but Andersen of Evian has started in the last two friendlies. The defense is solid lead by current Denmark Daniel Agger (Liverpool). However, there is a question mark of who to play beside Agger. Kjaer has been struggling with both Roma and Denmark. Potentially, his spot might be lost to Andrea Bjelland of Nordsjaelland (transfer to Twente next season). Play from midfield will be dictated by technically gifted William Kvist (Stuttgart) and Christian Eriksen (Ajax) while the line will be led by Niklas Bendtner.

Key Players
Christian Eriksen

Eriksen's coming out party to the mainstream was his brilliant performance against England. Anyone who hasn't watch it, here is an every touch compilation of his top performance. Labelled the next Laudrup by the media, he has shown to be deserved all the praise and hype given his way. A key player for Ajax in their last two title winning seasons, Eriksen has everything you look for in a classic playmaker. He has great vision and passing range, while he has shown top dribbling and close control. This will be the tournament where he comes from a player touted by diehard fans to a player known by the whole world.

William Kvist

In the midfield pair alongside Zimling, expect Kvist to be the player that Olsson will call upon to dictate the tempo of the game. The former Copenhagen captain and current Stuttgart midfielder, made 3+ tackles and interceptions a game in the Bundesliga last season and will be key in anchoring the midfield and shutting down the playmakers of opposing teams.

Daniel Agger

Really tempted to put in the Danish Messi, Beckham, Pele, Maradona, etc. but in the end I have to go with their captain and Liverpool CB, Daniel Agger. Agger has shown that when healthy, he is one of the best CB in the Premier League. Daniel Agger plays with toughness and intelligence in defense and has a calming influence on the rest of his team. A great defender on the ball, he will be key in the passing game that Olsson loves to play. Also a threat on the set pieces, Agger has scored 3 goals in the last two years for Denmark.

Possible Starting XI:
Stephan Andersen; Simon Poulsen, Daniel Agger, Simon Kjaer, Lars Jacobsen; William Kvist, Niki Zimling; Michael Krohn-Delhi, Christian Eriksen, Dennis Rommedahl; Niklas Bendtner



Portugal


The 2000s were a pretty good decade for the Portuguese. Getting past the Group Stages for every tournament with a fourth place finish in Germany 2006 and the Semis in Holland/Belgium 2000. Stat time: Portugal has won their group the last four times in Euros!!! Their decade however, was capped with both joy and devastation in their Runner Up finish at home in 2004. In a tournament of upsets, Portugal was able to get through a group with Spain, Russia and their finals counterpart Greece. Maybe it was foreshadow of what to come. Their first game was a 2-1 loss to the Greeks. However, they were able to finish first in their group. In the semis, they faced England where Beckham's famed missed brought them to the semis, where they beat Holland with a goal from Ronaldo and Maniche. In the finals they had a rematch against their Group A foes. But instead of revenge, they fell to the head of Charisteas. Portugal will be looking to start off this new decade with a stellar performance at EURO 2012.

For qualifications, Portugal was drawn into the same Group as their EURO 2012 counterpart Denmark. Portugal throughout the games showed their top tier offensive ability scoring the most goals in their group. However, even with their goal scoring, Portugal did not finish atop. Their shaky defense was shown early on, letting in four goals against Cyprus and three against Iceland. However, because of superior goal difference compared to Norway, Portugal was able to reach the qualification playoffs where they were drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A little concern might have been raised with a 0-0 draw at Bosnia but it seems they were saving up firepower at home where they blasted 6 past the Bosnians.

Led by former Portuguese international and Sporting Lisbon manager, Paulo Bento will run a 4-3-3. Outside of Spain, Portugal keeps possession and plays short passes among the best in the world. Look for a midfield with a lot of passing and movement with three box-to-box style players. Bento however, will need to settle on the thrid player to partner with Raul Meireles (Chelsea) and Joao Moutinho (Porto). As of right now, Veloso from Genoa with his strong defensive play is favoured in that role. Although the attacking is red hot led by Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Nani of Man U, the defense will be what will cause issues for Bento. With Carvalho and Bosingwa walking out of the team, Real Madrid's Pepe and Zenit's veteran Bruno Alves, will be called to form the same sturdy backline as they did in Porto. Another question lies with their striker. Postiga of Zaragoza is the favourite to start but Almeida will be threatening for his job

Key Players
Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo of Real Madrid as a key player for Portugal. As Britta Perry from Community would say, Duh-Doy. At 27, he is already 4th in all time caps for Portugal and tied 3rd in most goals. With 1 more in Euro, he will pass Luis Figo and start chasing the legendary Eusebio for the 2nd spot. However, his ability isn't the only reason why he is key for Bento. He is given the free roaming role to find in the space between the midfield and the box and will be called upon to generate Portugal's attack. If this side wants to defy the odds and make it into the knock out rounds, Ronaldo has to be at his best and have legendary performances.

Rui Patricio

This is more of a one to watch type of pick as a young player coming into the Euros. A top shot stopper, Patricio has overtaken Eduardo for the spot of starting keeper for the Portuguese. The starter for Sporting who some of you might remember from brilliant Europa League performances, he can use this as his platform to show the world that he is one of the best young keepers and one to watch for the future.

Pepe

One of three Real Madrid players (alongside Ronaldo, Coentrao), Pepe is the new leader of the Portugal defense. With Carvalho banned by Bento, Pepe will need to be at his best to challenge the top players in this Group. Against strikers like van Persie and Gomez, his speed and toughness with be crucial factors in shutting down the his opponents.

Possible Starting XI:
Rui Patricio; Fabio Coentrao, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Joao Pereira; Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles, Miguel Veloso; Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo; Helder Postiga
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[dotmotion]

Holland


A team known for underachieving, the side has done well in the last three Euros and the last World Cup. In the EUROs, the have reached the semis in both 2000 and 2004 while making the quarter finals in 2008. In the last World Cup in 2010, Holland had a top performance being undefeated in the tournament until an Iniesta goal ruined their World Cup dreams. Their EURO inspiration though will come from the EURO 1988 where Netherlands lead by Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit led Holland to wins over West Germany and Soviet Union on their way to their first International Trophy. Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneidjer will be looking to emulate these Dutch Legends as Holland aims to win their second European Championship.

Qualification was pretty easy for Holland. Drawn into a group with the only challenge being Sweden, they won every game but one against the Swedes. Holland scored the most games out of all teams in qualification including an 11 goal glut against San Marino. However San Marino also lost 8-0 to Finland and Hungary and finished the qualification with 0 goals scored and 53 against. Huntelaar was red hot in the qualification with 12 goals while Kuyt and van Persie both had 6. The only concerning result was the 3-2 loss to Sweden. It is to note that it was a huge game for the Swedes as it gave them automatic qualification while Holland already clinched.

Managed by former Dortmund and Feyenoord manager, Bert van Marwijk, changed the culture of Holland. Instead of the wide open play Holland is known for, he added discipline and definition to the way the Dutch play. Look for Holland to play a structured 4-2-3-1 with the 2 DM being ball winners, AMC being the creative force and the wingers giving width for space to the striker. The major question for Holland would be if van Marwijk should start van Persie and Huntelaar together. Huntelaar is a classic poacher. Not exceptionally technically sound but has an eye for the goal like no other. van Persie is a versatile player that can push out wide when needed and had a career year with Arsenal. van Marwijk would need to make the choice of starting RVP up top or with Huntelaar up top with van Persie out wide. It is to note that when they did start together, they lose to Sweden in qualifying and Germany in a friendly. The defense will also be troubled with injuries to Pieters. Alot of pressure would be placed on veteran Wilfred Bouma or teenager Jetro Willems to fill this void.

Key Players
Robin van Persie

The best striker in the Premier League last season, he will be looking to have a great tournament so he can win his first major trophy outside of Holland. With great vision, pace and finishing, no matter where he starts, up top or out wide, he will hold most of the goal scoring burden for this side.

Wesley Sneidjer

If Holland wants to reach the finals like they did in 2010, they will need another World Class performance from Sneidjer. Struggling with injuries and managerial changes, he will be looking at this tournament to recement his place as one of the best players in the world. With his creativity and dynamism, there is no doubt that he has the ability to make that game changing play.

Gregory van der Wiel

A modern attacking full back, van der Wiel possesses loads of pace and will be a challenge for every team to contain. With either a young and old LB, van der Wiel might be the only defensive player with the ability to push forward. For a team with two holding midfielders, having a FB that can push forward will be a huge benefit for the Dutch side.

Possible Starting XI:
Maarten Stekelenberg; Jetro Willems, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Gregory van der Wiel; Mark van Bommel, Nigel de Jong; Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneidjer, Ibrahim Afellay; Robin van Persie



Germany


The team that used to be the bride is now constantly the bridesmaid. In the last three World Cups, Germany has finished in the top three but never winning the coveted prize. In South Korea/Japan 2000, a brilliant performance by Kahn was overshadowed by a triumphant return by Ronaldo's 8 goals. At home in Germany, they had a crushing semi-final loss to Italy in extra time. In South Africa 2010, they lost to their EURO 2008 rival Spain. EURO 2008 was their best performance in the EUROs in years after missing the knock out round the two tournys before. Finished second in their group behind Croatia, Germany was able to defeat Portugal in the first round and Turkey in the second. However, in the finals, they were defeated by a Fernando Torres goal. With all these defeats, Germany has a chance to avenge every single one of them. As the favourites with one of the deepest squads, Germany will be hoping that this is their chance to finally lift the winner's trophy.

Germany went into the qualifications with laser-like focus. In a group with Turkey and Belgium, Germany won every single game scoring 34 goals (total only behind Holland) and let in the least amount of goals in their group. Honestly, not a lot to note from their campaign. The only close game was a 2-1 win over Turkey which they dominated and was only cause due to an Arne Friedrich own goal.

Now for the brilliance of Joachim Low. I don't think there is much surprise in the tactical formation of the team. Germany will be rolling out in their 4-2-3-1. Look for them to be one of the best attacking teams in the tournament. Low preaches precise passing, off ball movement with interchanging forwards and loads of pace. The major questions surrounding the side is their defense. Philipp Halm is versatile and can play both left and right. The other full back position has not been cemented with Badstuber at LB, Howedes at RB and Schmelzer at LB in the last two friendlies. Personally, I would expect Badstuber to move inside to partner with Hummels. The midfield will be anchored by their second leader Schweinsteiger, while their front three behind the striker will be lead by a trident of explosive young players. The last question for Low will be their starting striker. When on form, Gomez is unstoppable but when he is off, he looks completely out of place. Klose might get the nod with a strong season at Lazio and his understand of players like Ozil, Podolski and Muller.

Key Players
Bastian Schweinsteiger

One of the best players in the world, his influence is bar none. Bayern saw a dip in form the moment Schweinsteiger was out with injury. With a great feel for the game and smart passing, he will dictate the temp for Germany and will be motivated to finally win those elusive international trophies. He will be paired with Real Madrid's Sami Khedira to form the double pivot for the Germans. Schweinsteiger will be called upon to disrupt the opposing teams attack and win the ball back for the creative players in front of him.

Mats Hummels

Alongside Lahm, Hummels is the only player that I can confidently say will be in the backline for the first game against Portugal. A classic CB, he is strong in the air and technically proficient. His passing ability is can be mistaken for one of a top midfielder. If Germany is to have a clean sheet, look for Hummels to have a man of the match performance alongside.

Miroslav Klose

I was going to put Ozil here, but this might be the last international tournament for Klose and one of the best international players for Germany is going to get this spot. The second post capped player after Matthaus, Klose will be chasing Muller record this tournament. 5 goals shy of Muller’s 68, Klose has a chance to put himself in the history books for Germany. Instead of talking or writing about how each player will key in their team’s play, let’s just enjoy the brilliant play of Miroslav Klose.

Possible Starting XI:
Mauel Neuer; Philipp Lahm, Hodger Badstuber, Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng; Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger; Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller; Miroslav Klose
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[LeeEvans]

I can't wait for Holland v Germany. It should be an absolutely immense match and both teams have loads of quality attackers and their defenses are shaky. Arjen Robben vs Jerome Boateng is going to be interesting to watch. I've got to imagine that Low will really think about putting Lahm on Robben's side.

Also, Denmark is getting no love. I wouldn't be shocked at all if they surprise the Dutch and I think they are going to beat the Portuguese...again.
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[dotmotion]

I think the Dutch will struggle. I don't see them getting a good result against Germany and I am jumping on the Portugal over Holland bandwagon. I also see the Danes playing them really tough as well. To me what would save them will be having their first game against Denmark. A good result there will give them to confidence to beat Portugal. While Portugal will have a difficult game against Germany. I won't be surprised though to see Dutch maybe not having a win with draws against Denmark, D/L against Portugal and a L against Germany.
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[yankee0724]

DUH-DOY
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[LeeEvans]

[kempus]

I don't think Germany make it out of the group.
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[LeeEvans]

Just read the write ups, really good stuff Dot. I think Germany will end up playing Lahm at LB and Boateng at RB like they did in South Africa. Schmelzer was pretty terrible in the friendlies from what I heard so I would be pretty surprised if he was chosen. I think Marco Reus could really open some eyes this tournament as a super sub as well.
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[RoxSox2004]

Schurrle is going to be a star very soon. This could be his coming out party. Incredible explosive player, very strong and direct running. Germany are so stacked with attackers.
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[khodder]

I feel sorry for Denmark, in the right situation this team has the quality to make a Semi-Final push, but I don't see them getting out of this group.

I think one of Germany/Holland fall out at the group stage in favor of Portugal.

I see the group finishing something like this;

Germany - 5
Portugal - 4
Holland - 4
Denmark - 3

A very tight group with a few draws and an upset or two.
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[ukjets21]

I can't believe how deep the German attack is. Such a stacked team all over (with the exception of defence). For Gotze, Reus and Schurlle to not be starting is ridiculous.
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[RainbowCarebear]

Great write up on Denmark.

Ideally Kjaer would play like his Palermo days, but he haven't for a long time, so I hope Bjelland gets the start next to Agger.

Losing Sorensen and having Andersen in the goal isn't a huge deal. Andersen have played before and well for Denmark.

Denmark was also in qualification group with Portugal for '10 and they beat them aswell. (Or atleast that's how I remember it).

Germany and Holland are my favorites to move on, but Denmark is probably my third spot, Portugal haven't had success since '04?
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[LeeEvans]

I agree with you. I have Denmark as the third team in this group. Portugal have looked absolutely woeful. They haven't won a match in 2012 and have really struggled to score(except in the 6-0 win over Bosna-Herzegovina) and I think it could be a real miserable tournament for them. Their defense and midfield remain problems for them.
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