Thursday, 7 June 2012

Group B


Denmark

The Danes performed admirably in qualification for this years tournament, overhauling Portugal to qualify automatically. A 3-1 away defeat early on was avenged by a 2-1 home victory, demoting Cristiano Ronaldo and co into second place. In the group of death though, can Denmark do the same to keep up hopes of a Quarter Final berth.

When teams head into the European Championships with a team not expected to perform too admirably, there is always one team and one tournament pointed out. Denmark 1992. A side who shouldn't have even been at the tournament and dragged their players off the beaches, going on to triumph against all odds. Since that occasion they have only managed to get out of the group stage once, and even failed to qualify last time around.

One significant advantage they could have, however, is with their coach Morten Olsen. With 12 years experience with the national team, he no doubt knows he players and their system inside out. | 2-0 victory over Australia in their final warm up game will breathe fresh confidence throughout the squad.

Key Man

Man people will point to young Ajax maestro Christian Eriksen, who at 20-year-old has become an integral part of both his club and national sides while attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United. Sports Portal though have gone a different avenue when, and have selected Nicklas Bendtner as Denmark's key man.

The young Arsenal striker has spent the season on loan at Sunderland, performing admirably if not spectacularly. However the 24-year-old has spoken of his desire to leave the Emirates this summer, so could use these championships to fully put himself right in the front of the shop window. A few decent performances and goals and clubs could be lining up to take him off Arsene Wenger's hands.

One To Watch

A once promising centre back with the world at his feet, Simon Kjaer has had something of an unhappy spell over the last few years. After leaving FC Midtjylland in 2008 at just 19, he went to Palermo before an unhappy spell at Wolfsburg in 2010/11, this saw a return to Italy but this time with Roma where his career has begun to get back on track.

An ever present in qualifying, alongside the main man at the back Daniel Agger, he could be key in unlikely progression from a very tough group indeed.

Germany

The well oiled machine just starts getting stronger and more efficient, highlighted by the dominant way in which they steamrollered their way to the finals. Ten wins out of Ten with 34 scored and just 7 conceded tells it's own story. The three time champs will be more than confident of adding to that haul this time around.

Joachim Loew has a plethora of talent from which to choose from, particularly in those attacking positions. Germany usually like to set themselves up with one striker and three behind in support, but in this case they can easily switch positions at any time they choose. Making them a very tricky proposition indeed.

Key Man

Despite Miroslav Klose top scoring in qualifying, he has been hampered by injuries of late and may not be at 100% even if he does make it to play a part. For that reason Mario Gomez will be the man to the lead line; putting the past behind him and continuing his recent good form.

It has simply been a season of goals, goals, goals for the Bayern Munich hit man, whilst on the national front he also contributed his fair amount despite largely playing second fiddle. With the like of Mesut Ozil et al supplying the ammunition, it could be a worrying time for any side that steps in their way.

One to Watch

Another Borussia Dortmund wonder kid is to now to make another appearance, but this time he will by no means be a regular starter. Mario Gotze has attracted interest in all corners of Europe. Due to creative skills that more often than not leave the opposition perplexed.

He is a two time Bundesliga Champion at club level, but in the international side he will have to bide his time and take his opportunity when it comes. He will no doubt be given game time this summer, it is just up to him to step up and stake a claim for a regular starters spot.

Netherlands

Another side who often promise so much, but fall short at the final hurdle. That happened to Bert Van Marwijk's troops two years ago at the South Africa World Cup, where after defeating Brazil and Uruguay they found themselves undone by Spain in the final. With a performance that is unlikely to be recreated this summer.

A near flawless qualifying campaign saw nine victories and just one defeat, which came in the final game away against Sweden. Their talent is there for all to see, but Van Marwijk faces a healthy dilemma in those attacking positions. Which on fire striker do you choose? Klaas Jan Huntelaar or Robin Van Persie?

Key Man

From Sports Portal's choice here it is clear to see how we would answer the above dilemma, with our key man in the Dutch team being Van Persie. The phenomenal Arsenal striker has finally shown his true potential of late, with injures not plaguing his season.

Together with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben who will be attacking from further back, defences will have to on red alert when dealing with the danger. The Netherlands will be keen to get back to 'total football' after their negative showing on a world stage v Spain two years ago.

One To Watch

Kevin Strootman has established himself as one the most consistent performer in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven; making himself an international regular in the process. His main attribute in his passing ability, which could be crucial when feeding Robben and the like this summer.

Manchester United are just one of a number of clubs mooted to be interested in securing the services of the 22-year-old, who has said no decision will be made until after this summers tournament.

Portugal

Qualification started dismally for Portugal, with a 4-4 home draw with Cyprus quickly followed up by an away day defeat in Norway. Despite rattling of five consecutive victories, defeat in Denmark in the final group game relegated them to the play offs. Up stepped Bosnia who were full of confidence heading to Lisbon after securing a 0-0 draw on home soil, but any hopes were soon extinguished as the hosts romped to a 6-2 victory.

Final preparations haven't exactly gone to plan though, with a 3-1 defeat in their final warm up game against Turkey denting confidence. Heading into the group of death, and Germany first up, coach Paulo Bento will have to work to do to rouse his side and instil some belief.

Key Man

Cristiano Ronaldo is the obvious choice here, and coming off the back of a terrific season in which he secured a maiden La Liga title confidence will be at all time high. This coupled with his 112 goal haul in just 102 league games highlight just why he so crucial.

Officially the second best player in the world, behind his pesky Argentine arch nemesis Lionel Messi, Ronaldo is once again playing with a smile on his face at international level. Something that could spell disaster for his opponents.

One To Watch

Despite already being known worldwide, Sports Portal have opted for Manchester United winger Nani. A man who certainly isn't shy of confidence, stating last year he could win this years Ballon d'or and most recently saying along with international team mate Ronaldo they represent two of the best wingers in the world.

Along with this he has recently suggested it could be about time for him to leave the Premier League and seek a new challenge. This could result in heightened performances as he seeks to highlight to potential suitors just why they should invest in him.

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