Group C

Croatia

The Croats qualified for Euro 2012 the hard way after finishing behind Greece in their group and having to go through the play offs.  There they drew a potentially tricky tie with Turkey, but made light work of an away day that has got the better of some of the very best sides out there.  A convincing 3-0 win in Istanbul was enough to see Slaven Bilic's side though, with the second leg finishing a 0-0 draw.

Not the force they once were, Croatia still occupy one of the top 10 places in the Fifa rankings and have done since 2006.  The experienced players in the squad will carry a lot of the burden, but there is every chance they could make the Quarter Final.  Spain will top the group, but any of the other three could occupy second spot.

Key Man

People may disagree with this choice, but Sports Portal are going to plump for Darijo Srna as the key man for Croatia.  A one time right back Srna has always been widely renowned for his attacking intentions, something which has recently prompted Bilic to switch him further up the field.

The captain will have to be at his creative best to ensure his side have a chance of progression, his frequent goals could also come in handy.

One To Watch

A key, if not the key, man in the Croatia line up is Luka Modric.  He shot to prominence during the last European Championships, but luckily for them Tottenham Hotspur clinched his signature before the tournament even began.  After working so hard to keep him last summer, chairman Daniel Levy could face a similar battle this summer.  Especially if he tries to use the tournament to showcase his talent to potential suitors.

Italy

A nation once again plunged into chaos after a near perfect qualifying campaign.  Eight wins and two draws doesn't exactly tell the whole story though, the old football once associated with the nation is being shed.  Cesare Prandelli tries to have his players impose themselves on the opposition through an intricate passing style, although their defence was the best across the whole of qualifying.  Something that runs back to the Italy sides of old with only two goals conceded.

However, all their good work could now count for nothing.  Another match fixing scandal has reared it's ugly head with players dropping out to clear their names, and a dawn raid on their training camp all hampering Italian build up.  The thoughts they could be kicked out seem to have passed, but the 3-0 friendly defeat to Russia show how much this has affected them

Key Man

The Italian squad is littered with star names, but one man who continues to keep his side ticking over is Andrea Pirlo.  The enigmatic middle man left AC Milan last summer, but he has highlighted what the San Siro has been missing by leading Juventus to the Seria A title.

His calming presence in the middle of the park could be just what Italy need to get over their recent bad results that have come as a result of the above mentioned circumstances.

One To Watch

The world just cannot stop talking about Mario Balotelli.  His antics this have lit up the Premier League, entertaining and dividing opinion in the same breathe.  He is, however, a terrific footballer who is capable of turning a game on it's head in an instant.  What he needs to do though is just get his head down and focus on the football if that happens we could see miracles.  What we don't need is ridiculous provocation following he statement that he would kill anyone who is racist towards him.

Republic of Ireland

Following the infamous Thierry Henry handball incident that denied the nation a place at the 2010 World Cup, it is only right that the Republic of Ireland have followed it up by qualifying for Poland/Ukraine.  It would be a big ask for them to qualify beyond the group stage in only their second appearance, but if they can instill some of the belief of the previous two years leading to this then they have every chance of doing so.

Built on a solid foundation with creativity further up the field Ireland finished second to Russia in the qualification phase and entered the play offs.  Here they faced Estonia, and became another side to progress courtesy of a tremendous performance away from home.  The 4-0 away victory was followed up with a 1-1 home draw; can Giovanni Trapattoni work yet more miracles.

Key Man

There is only one man in the Irish side that is worthy of this title, Robbie Keane.  Despite a yard of pace having been lost Keane remains the chief goal threat, and highlighted his credentials during a brief loan spell at Aston Villa earlier this year.  He followed that up by setting up the only goal in the MLS Cup final, with LA Galaxy duly triumphing.

Keane was the main man at the World Cup in 2002, the last tournament that they qualified for, and he will need to find similar form this summer.

One To Watch

It is rare that a British or Irish footballer leaves these shores to ply their trade abroad, so when Spartak Moscow maid Celtic nearly £10m for Aiden McGeady it was something of a surprise.  Together with Damien Duff on the other wing he will be responsible for being the creative hub of the side, providing the ammunition for those further up the pitch.

McGeady could also use this summer's spectacle to engineer a move back closer to home, something that is being mentioned with increasing regularity.

Spain

What more can be said about Spain that hasn't been already.  The current World Cup and European Championship holders will no doubt have a target on their back, but who would back against them triumphing again this time round. 

The one big question is will they be able to cope without Carlos Puyol and David Villa who are to miss out through injury?  Sports Portal's guess is no chance, the strength contained within this squad is what has led to this success.  Vicente Del Bosque will no doubt have had contingency plans should any of his key players get sidelined.

Key Man

In a side full of superstars there is one man who keeps them ticking over, Xavi.  He is the lynch pin of both his national and club side, slotting passed through seemingly non-existent gaps at times.  His outstanding pass completion of nearly 90% at Euro 2008 is exceeded by the one that says he completed a pass every 57 seconds in the World Cup.

One To Watch

In a team full of superstars, there are also those players who are set to future stars of this national set up.  Fernando Llorente could well be trusted with a starting spot while Jesus Navas could be relied upon to provide spark from the wings, if things aren't going their way for a change.  Sports Portal though are going to go for Llorente's Athletic Bilbao team mate Javi Martinez.

His phenomenal displays have certainly caught the eye this season, with English fans taking note during the games against Manchester United.  This has led to many gossip column inches being filled with rumours of a move to the Premier League, a strong showing this summer would do little to quash those.
 

Transer flops - Robinho

Huge expectations were placed on the shoulders of Robinho when Manchester City shelled out big bucks to bring him to Eastlands in 2008.  The Brazlian was a sign of intent from the Abu Dhabi United Group, who upon taking over on transfer deadline day highlighted to the world how serious they were about taking the club to the top of the tree.

After beginning his career at hometown club Santos he enjoyed stellar years as the goals flowed, except a minor blip in 2004/05 season after his mother was kidnapped by gunmen.  Europe clamoured to prise the youngster away in 2004 but the club declined all offers, and the man who made his debut aged 18 in 2002 endured one more season.

After two Campeonato Brasileiro triumphs the big move finally came about in 2005, with Real Madrid beating off all competition by paying 60 per cent of the £24m realise clause inserted into his contract (just short of £15m).  Wearing the number 10 shirt, previously donned by Luis Figo, he endured a solid first season in La Liga scoring 14 goals in 37 appearances.

However at the start of the 2006/07 campaign he found himself out of favour at the club, being deemed too flashy by the new regime that was instilled under President Ramon Calderon and manager Fabio Capello.  After being returned to the starting line up for the second half of the season, he did his bit in helping the club claim the La Liga title.  When Capello was fired Bernd Schuster came in, bringing back the confidence with a run of games in the first team.

Barcelona were once again kept at bay, and despite injury playing it's part, a second La Liga title and fourth in total was on it's way.  Robinho finished the season with 11 league goals and eight assists, and in the process was, along with Iker Casillas, the only Madrid player to finish in the top ten of Fifa's World Player of the Year nominations.

All wasn't well behind the scenes though, with Calderon reportedly going back on promises of a new contract.  The Brazilian himself has since stated talks didn't materialise because the club wanted to use him as bait in transfer dealings, most notably as part exchange or a sale to help fund a move for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.  All this for a player who was thried highest goalscorer at the club during his tenure, and also second in the asssist rankings.

So onto Manchester, where City beat Chelsea to the signature the London club thought was definitely going to go their way.  The Stamford Bridge club have since stated Madrid's asking price was the problem, not a problem for the newly rich sky blues who shelled out £32.5m.  Mark Hughes, gaffer at the time, said after the transfer "This is a real statement of intent as to the ambitions of this club."  Unfortunately intent he wouldn't be around to see, although neither was the player himself.

After a wonderful start, scoring on his debut at home to Chelsea, the hype proved too much and he couldn't settle in England.  Home form was no problem for the player, but away from home he struggled continuously.  The second season proved even more disappointing, when after an injury sidelined him for months he found himself down the pecking order.  This resulted in a move away being sought, and he headed back to his homeland.

Former club Santos were the destination, after the two clubs agreed to a six month loan deal.  Upon arriving back he helped the club win the Copa Brasil for the first time in club's history, while stating he would rather stay with the club than return to England.  However City didn't want the loan deal extending and with Santos not putting an offer in, he had no choice but to go back to the club against his will.

With it being no secret a move was being looked for, Fenerbache and Besiktas opened talks but the player himself refused to move to Turkey and instead held on for Italy or Spain.  And late on in the transfer window he got his wish, with AC Milan making a move to take the player for £15m.  At the club he does seem to seem to have returned to form, scoring 14 goals in 34 appearances during the 2010/11 season where he helped the club to a Serie A victory.  In addition to this he also won the Italian Supercup this season, beating near rivals Inter Milan in the process.

On an international level, his first cap came in 2003 and he has been somewhat of an ever present since.  He has won two Confederations Cups in 2005 and 2009 and one Copa America in 2007, but is yet to taste World Cup victory.  However with the 2014 World Cup being help in the samba nation, Robinho could have a chance to taste the ultimate victory.  That is if he can keep playing football with a smile on his face, maintain form and keep a place in the squad at the age of 30.

Transfer flops: Florin Raducioiu

You know you've had a bad time of it when a footballer himself describes an ill fated spell at one of his many clubs as a "disaster."  Cue Florin Raducioiu who used those exact words when describing the time he spent plying his trade at West Ham United.  So just how did a Seria A and Champions League winner with AC Milan end up at Upton Park, and what made the spell one to forget.

Raducioiu began his career in his native Romania where he was a product of the Dinamo Bucharest academy, and went on to play for the club for four years after being given his chance at the tender age of just 17.  A four year jaunt in Italy followed this, where he initially joined Bari, before moving on to Verona, Brescia and then Milan.  The trophy haul though doesn't reflect a happy and glistening time at the San Siro, in fact he managed only a handful of games before being shipped off to another country.

It was Espanyol where he found himself this time, but after just two years it was off to Euro 96 in England where a certain Harry Redknapp sat up and took note as he netted his countries only goal of the finals in a 2-1 defeat by Spain.  His time spent in the Premiership didn't exactly go to plan though, with the double figure mark of appearance just being topped and only two league goals to his name.  He will perhaps be remembered for off field controversy, something vehemently denied by the player, when it was alleged he went shopping at Harvey Nichols leaving his side one striker short.  Falling out with your manager is never a good idea, in any walk of life, and it wasn't long before Raducioiu was back off to Barcelona and old club Espanyol.

In the next seven, and final, years of his career, Raducioiu pilled up quite a list of clubs.  After leaving Spain for the second time it was on to Germany and a one year spell with VfB Stuttgart, before heading back to another old club and Brescia.  After two years home comforts lured the right winger/striker to first club Dinamo Bucharest, but it wasn't long before bags were packed once again and he jetted off to pastures new.  This time France was the destination, where Monaco aquired his services for a season, before one final hurrrah came at Creteil-Lusitanos and finally retirement in 2004 which brought an end to an 18 year career.

Radicioiu may have been far from a hit in London, and at many of his club for that matter, but on his jet-set career of Europe he did set an incredible feat.  He is only one of two players, along with Christian Poulsen, to have plied his trade in Europe's big five leagues (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.)

Spurs: Breath of fresh air in Champions League

Following an attacking goal fest of a group stage, Tottenham Hotspur progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League full of confidence.

On the horizon came AC Milan, seven time winners of Europe's premier club competition.

Despite being huge underdogs Spurs players, staff and fans never doubted themselves, and returned to London with a terrific 1-0 victory.

It was widely regarded in Italy that Milan would stroll this tie, but now it would be a huge surprise should they not progress.

Harry Redknapp should be praised for refusing to reel in his sides attacking intent, and allowing them to stick to their guns with free flowing football.

Although, at times, their defence has looked suspect on the most part that has taken a back seat due to the quality of their play going forward.

It is no secret that this Spurs side has incredible strength, plus for a side out of the limelight for so long players who have experienced life at the top before.

No fear has clearly been the message of Tottenham in the Champions League this season, and long may it continue.

We have seen all season long Manchester City, Spurs' top four challengers, not exactly set the world alight with attacking football.

Whatever the reason for this, confidence, pressure or indeed the defence nature of an Italian manager, I'm sure most people will agree they are relieved Spurs won the top four race.

As we are set for another thrilling finale in the Premier League, Redknapp and his men have the perfect distraction and pick me up.

However far they get just progressing from the group stage, as winners, shows huge progress in itself.

Anything else now is just a bonus, but whose to say when this story will end.

Milan wrote of Spurs and see where it got them, anyone is Europe do it at your peril.

Fernando Torres - Liverpool's latest transfer saga

It seems to be becoming somewhat of a yearly tradition at Liverpool, for a transfer sags to embroil to the club's summer activities.

In recent times it has been Gareth Barry, which actually stretched on for more than one summer, which we have also seen Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano wanting to leave the club.

None of those arrivals/departures would rock the club in such a way that Torres leaving would though, especially if he were to depart for a fellow Premier League club.

Since his £26.5m move to Anfield from Atletico Madrid, the Spaniard has revelled in a league he was tipped to fail.

The argument that he was too slight of frame to make a success in England was soon put to bed, and he now sits here 116 appearance and 72 goals later.

The Kop has grown to him more and more and despite his growing injury troubles, he is integral to the current rebuilding job that is taking place at Liverpool.

So the news that Manchester City are willing to pay £70m for his services, while some bookmakers have suspended betting of his Anfield exit is to put it mildly unwelcome.

Before this years World Cup the key to his future was believed to be Steven Gerrard, 'if he stays I stay' seeming to be the message.

However that is clearly not the case now, with Roy Hodgson not exactly sounding confident with his comments that Torres has problems with the club.

The 26-year-old has himself stated he would like to play in Italy, while it is no secret he would one day like to go back to his native Spain.

So should he leave this summer, Liverpool fans will be praying it isn't to a Premier League rival.

If that is the case, the Anfield legacy he is fast building could be thrown out of the window in double quick time.

Group F

Italy - World Ranking 5

The reigning world champions have their work cut out if they are to prevail in South Africa, as they did in Germany four years ago. There anti-football, as many call it, isn't the prettiest on the eyes but if utilised correctly it's certainly very effective. And the fear amongst many is, that if Italy go far once again more and more coaches could copy there style.

This dull style of play was evident as they won their qualifying group, ahead of the Republic of Ireland. Every player on the pitch will be instructed to press, with their attack as always being the first line of defence. They will be reliant on moments of magic in attack, although their lack of world class talent bears the question who will provide it?

Their World Cup victory four years ago was certainly impressive, on the back of the match fixing scandal but is that really a thing of the past? Italian football is still in a bad position, attendances are down and everyone knows about the state of terrace violence. It is not the best build up for a World Cup!

Strengths

A vastly experienced squad, is complimented with the addition of youth here and there. Fabio Cannavaro will lead the side for the last time, although how effective he can be at 36 is under question.

Italy's midfield is full of creative talent, which will need to be at full strength if they are to progress well in South Africa. In addition they will employ similar tactics as four years ago, by pressing all over the pitch and not giving anyone a moment to dwell on the ball.

Weaknesses

Despite there place as one of footballs superpowers and being ranked fifth in the world, there is a distinct lack of world class talent in this squad. Too much tends to hinge on Andrea Pirlo in the centre of the pitch, and it shouldn't be long before other countries figure out that if you stop Pirlo you tend to stifle Italy.

Goals could also become a major problem this summer, with first choices Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta not in the bracket of world class. Despite many peoples opinions they will struggle to make it out of the group that shouldn't be the case, although their progression from there could be short lived.

Key Man - Gianluigi Buffon

The Juventus 'keeper has been one of the worlds best for many a year, and he will need to be on top form for Italy this summer. It isn't the strongest of Italian sides, and Buffon just might be facing more shots than he is used to. Speculation has also been linking him with a move away, and a strong showing could prompt a number of bids.

One to Watch - Claudio Marchisio

A tenacious and hard tackling midfielder, Juventus' Marchisio is usually employed in the centre of midfield although he can be used out wide if necessary. Although he doesn't get on the score sheet too often, he is known to have a venomous shot with either foot so he could score a screamer or two this summer.

Manager - Marcello Lippi

Marcello Lippi is well used to winning things, and after a very successful club career he took Italy to World Cup glory four years ago. After retiring he came back to replace Roberto Donadoni after 2008s poor European Championships, but he has his work cut out to replicate his heroics from four years ago.

Odds - 14/1

Prediction - Should win the group, but will struggle to progress from the last 16.

Paraguay - World Ranking 30

After firing out of the blocks in South American qualifying, Paraguay ended up limping over the line but still finished third - ahead of Argentina. During this qualifying stage they took the scalps of both Brazil and Argentina, which shows the talent that lies within their squad.

The great overachievers of South American football, Paraguay are competing in their fourth successive World Cup. After reaching the second round in both 1998 and 2002 they slumped at the group stage four years ago, but they should make it out of group F although progression beyond that point will be tough.

Strengths

Their two styles of play give them an edge against some of the lower teams, that should see them make second place in this group. They are equally effective at getting the ball down and playing, or simply knocking it right up to Roque Santa Cruz.

There is also a number of players in this side that are hoping to put themselves in the shop window during the summer, and secure a big money move away. This should result in some very eye catching performances.

Weaknesses

A genuine lack of world class talent could ensure Paraguay suffer against the likes of Italy, who are first up in the group phase. On top of this Roque Santa Cruz (see key man below) is still the main player for this side, despite his sparse performances for Manchester City this season and as a result a lack of goals. However as highlighted above, he is one of many that is trying to secure a move away from his club so he needs a good tournament to ensure that comes to fruition.

Key Man - Roque Santa Cruz

His record of 21 goals in 69 appearances for his country is impressive, and he will need to add to that tally should his hope of moving on from Eastlands come true. If Paraguay decide to employ the long ball tactic he will become the main targetman, and his holding up skills will become crucial. However if they go for the more creative route, the natural predators instinct we all seen at Blackburn Rovers will need to be on full strength.

One to Watch - Cristian Riveros

After already sealing his switch away from Cruz Azul, Riveros will be hoping to show his new Sunderland team mates and fans that Steve Bruce was right to splash out on him. He will link up with national team mate Paulo Da Silva at the Black Cats, and this could be a real coup for Bruce should he go on to have a good competition.

Manager - Gerado Martino

Gerado Martino is rated as one of South Americas best coaches, and the Argentine will be hoping to emulate Paraguays recent showing in the second round. He often complains that Brazil and Argentina get preferential treatment and would love to get one over on them, although it doesn't seem likely this year.

Odds - 66/1

Prediction - Should make it out of the group, but could face stern opposition from Slovakia.

New Zealand - World Ranking 78

After qualifying for a play-off spot from the Oceania-Asia group, New Zealand were lucky to only have to face Bahrain and not one they bigger side such as China. They progressed to the final after a goalless draw away was followed up with a 1-0 victory in Wellington, cue wild celebrations.

However the All Whites will have their work cut out, as their varied results in the build up shows. After securing their place in the play-off they were then beaten by Fiji, as well as conceding four against Spain in the Confederations Cup.

With only one World Cup under their belts though it will be hard for them not to improve. They lost all three in 1982, scoring only twice but conceding 12.

Strengths

Ryan Nelsen's Premier League experience could prove crucial, as well as that of the several other players who have experience of European football. Nelsen is doubt the most experienced man in the side, and he will need to keep a calm head if New Zealand don't capitulate.

Also the element of surprise could work in their favour, with the other sides in the group not knowing an awful lot about the All Whites. Although they will need to vary their style of play if this is to occur, a point which lead us onto their weaknesses.

Weaknesses

New Zealand are a typically long ball side, with Shane Smeltz the main target in attack. This style of play will be easy for Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia to deal with, so they will need to mix it up and try something different if they are to get anything out of this summers tournament.

In addition to this their lack of quality players will ultimately cost them. Their friendly results have been largely disappointing, bar a 1-0 victory over Serbia, so this suggests they could struggle to get even a point.

Key Man - Ryan Nelsen

An Ewood Park favourite, Nelsen will have his work cut out trying to keep out opposition attackers this summer. His uncompromising approach epitomises how Sam Allardyce sees the game, however his relative success in the Premier League doesn't look like being replicated this summer.

One to Watch - Rory Fallon

The player who scored the goal to get his country to South Africa, is likely to play just off Smeltz in the Kiwi attack. He usually enjoys a good goal record both for club and country, and he could be a crucial if New Zealand are going to improve on their last World Cup showing.

Manager - Ricki Herbert

New Zealand's centre back from the 1982 finals doesn't have much quality to work with in this side, and will struggle for his side to make any kind of impact at all. A tough guy on the pitch he replicates that as a manager, as well as being a good organiser.

Odds - 2000/1

Prediction - Will struggle to score and will be on the first flight home.

Slovakia - World Ranking 38

Slovakia are heading to their first World Cup since independence, after previously competing as part of Czechoslovakia. And while qualifying for this summer tournament they meet there mighty neighbour the Czech Republic as well as Poland, to highlight their credentials as they topped their group.

They head to South Africa with a very experienced squad, with just a few younger players thrown in (including Marek Hamsik see key man and Miroslav Stoch, the one to watch). They will no doubt be written off early, along with New Zealand in this group, but there solid defence and creative attacking force could well spring a surprise or two.

Strengths

As they showed in qualifying they are a solid unit, but are also a side that doesn't sit back and try to block out teams. Martin Skrtel is a rock at the back for his country, form that he hasn't quite managed to transform to Liverpool as a consistent basis. Hamsik is the driving force from midfield, although they do have hidden strength that may go unnoticed. Chelsea youngster Miroslav Stoch is the countries most prized young asset, and after a sterling season with Steve McClaren at Twente Enschede he is brimming with confidence.

Weaknesses

Their simple lack of world class talent could come back to haunt them. At the moment they have a squad with good players who may well go on to become world class, but simply aren't quite there at the moment. It will the final group match against Italy that will test this theory, with the world champions blessed with some of the worlds best.

Key Man - Marek Hamsik

Napoli's 22-year-old midfield dynamo looked like a panic buy when he first made the move from Serie B side Brescia for £3.5m. The promise that they were buying potential looks to have paid off, as he finished top scorer in his first season. In addition he was named Slovakian young player of the year two years running, and he is been tracked by a number of Europe's top clubs who will no doubt make a move if he performs as we know he can.

One to Watch - Miroslav Stoch

Chelsea could have a future star on their hands, if Stoch can continue his progression at the Stamford Bridge outfit. The attacking midfielder or winger could be a natural successor to a number of Chelsea's ageing stars, and after a title winning season in Holland he heads to South Africa full of confidence.

Manager - Vladimir Weiss

Despite a lack of top class managerial experience, Vladimir Weiss has coach Champions League football with Artmedia Bratislava. The popular coach has seemingly managed to get Slovakia to punch above their weight, a trait he will hope continues through the summer.

Odds - 250/1

Prediction - Will challenge Paraguay for second spot in the group.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow when I will be previewing Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea and Portugal of group G.