Euro 2012 - 16 Countries, 2 Hosts, 1 Champion

[Spoonsky]

Euro 2012 – 16 Countries, 2 Hosts, 1 Champion

Well, the world did not end in 2012 (or at least it hasn’t yet!), which means it’s all systems go for the 14th edition of the UEFA European Championship, more commonly known as Euro 2012. From the 8th of June to the 1st of July, the eyes of the world will be set on co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, as they look to put on a show. Eight venues from eight different cities will host the best sixteen teams from the continent, as Spain look to defend their crown.

You have to say, the European teams will not be sad to see the back of those pesky South Americans, after the World Cup final two years ago produced the first all South American finale since 1950. And what a finale it was, Brazil victorious on penalties over Argentina after an incredible 4-4 draw, now forever known as El Epico. One can only hope that this year’s showpiece final, hosted by the NSC Olympiyskyi in Kiev, can live up to that.

Now, before we start all the fancy stuff, we’ll get you oriented with something nice and simple: a list of the 16 teams to be competing in Euro 2012.

Poland

Ukraine

Belgium

Croatia

Czech Republic

England

France

Germany

Greece

Holland

Italy

Portugal

Russia

Serbia

Spain

Turkey

And in just a few moments, Euro 2012 will take shape; the draw for the group stages. Now, we go live to Kiev, where it's about to start…

[Freddie]

Ah great Spoonsky. Loved your World Cup one and I'm sure this will be just as good. Best of luck.

[Drogba11CFC]

Let's hope England do well this time. Luckily, Saudi Arabia aren't eligible to qualify.

One last thing about the WC story...I just want to know, after all his arrogance, self-importance and generally being a massive git to everyone who wasn't Argentinian, how did Diego Maradona take defeat?

[Spoonsky]

Originally Posted by Drogba11CFC

Let's hope England do well this time. Luckily, Saudi Arabia aren't eligible to qualify.

One last thing about the WC story...I just want to know, after all his arrogance, self-importance and generally being a massive git to everyone who wasn't Argentinian, how did Diego Maradona take defeat?

Maradona, eh? He never said a word to the press. People were scared he had committed suicide until he turned up for Argentina's next game. He proceeded to lead them to a Copa America semifinal, where again Brazil knocked him out. Now he simply has a big tattoo on his right arm that says "SUCK IT BRAZIL JAJAJA!!!" One crazy bloke, that Diego.

Edit: By the way, if anybody wants to know anything about the game world (as in, "Gee, Spoonsky, who won the Champions League in 2010?"), I'll be happy to answer.

[Drogba11CFC]

Well, since you're happy to answer, how have Chelsea been doing?

[Spoonsky]

Originally Posted by Drogba11CFC

Well, since you're happy to answer, how have Chelsea been doing?

Not as well as you have been your story, I'll tell you that much!

Well, I'm always one to overdo things, and I've got some time on my hands, so...

CHELSEA

08/09

Chelsea finished third in the Premier League with 73 points, 8 points behind champions Manchester United. In Europe they did poorly, finishing third in a group that also included Villareal, Bordeaux, and Anderlecht to be knocked out of the Champions League. They gained entrance into the Europa League, and made a run all the way to the final, only to be lose to AC Milan in the Istanbul final, Massimo Ambrosini's goal the difference. Similarly, they were knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth round by eventual winner Man City. They ended up losing another final to Tottenham as well, goals from Modric and Keane securing a League Cup win for Spurs.

09/10

Things got even worse on the domestic front, finishing fourth with 69 points as rivals Arsenal won the league. In Europe, AC Milan were again the villains, securing a surprising two-nil win at Stamford Bridge to win 4-1 on aggregate in the round of 16 of the Champions League. They did themselves one better on the FA Cup front, but still fell to Blackburn, 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. However, they would not go trophy-less again, as Michael Ballack's goal secured League Cup victory over Arsenal. Nonetheless, it was another disappointing season for the Blues.

10/11

Chelsea improved markedly in the Premier League, although their 82 points were not good enough to win the thing, Manchester United's 84 securing them as the most successful ever club in the Premiership. But in Europe it was the same old story; a loss at Stamford Bridge. This time it was Liverpool who did the damage at the quarterfinal stage. After a 93rd minute header from John Terry at Anfield had secured a promising 1-1 draw, Daniel Agger's 34th minute header stunned The Bridge and sent Liverpool into the semifinals of the Champions League. But in the FA Cup, Chelsea triumphed, Gelson Fernandes's goal eight minutes from time securing a comeback victory over Arsenal at Wembley, while in the League Cup it was reversed; Cesc Fabregas's goal ensuring Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1.

11/12

On the 21st of February, 2012, Chelsea are two points behind United (58 and 60 respectively) but have a game in hand. They face Juventus in the round of 16 of the Champions League and were eliminated in the FA Cup, 2-1 by Watford in the fifth round. Meanwhile in the League Cup it was a third round exit against Newcastle.

Phew! I told you I tend to overdo things!

[Spoonsky]

And we’re here in Kiev to learn the fates of these sixteen teams. Okay, the first name is being drawn, for Group A…

POLAND have been placed in GROUP A

Well, we already knew that. As hosts, Poland will be in Group A, which means in Group B…

UKRAINE have been placed in GROUP B

We have the other hosts. Now, onto Group C…

FRANCE have been placed in GROUP C

The French were undefeated through qualifying, and they’ll look to keep that up.

SPAIN have been placed in GROUP D

So, we’re done with the first seeds. After disastrously failing to qualify for World Cup 2010, a Fernando Torres-inspired Spanish side look to defend their title. Now, to join Poland.

TURKEY have been placed in GROUP A

Turkey, who had that memorable run to the semifinals four years ago, are in Group A. Strangely enough though, it’s Group B that plays the opening game of the tournament, between Ukraine and…

PORTUGAL have been placed in GROUP B

That should be a great opening match, to be played in Kiev’s masterpiece, the NSC Olympiyskyi. Now, onto the third group, Group C…

ENGLAND have been placed in GROUP C

Wow! England will play France in a rematch of their 2010 World Cup encounter! England will look to gain revenge, that match being played on June 16th, in the Poznan. However, they will be missing Steven Gerrard through suspension, the same man who couldn’t play in 2010 because of injury! Now for Group D…

ITALY have been placed in GROUP D

And they will play Spain in a rematch of their Euro 08 encounter! Now who will join Turkey and Ukraine?

CZECH REPUBLIC have been placed in GROUP A

The Czech Republic have been very strong in qualifying, topping a group that included Holland.

BELGIUM have been placed into GROUP B

After a reasonably successful World Cup, Kevin Mirallas and Belgium will look to build on their success.

SERBIA have been placed into GROUP C

Wow! Group C is looking exciting now! The plucky Serbian team, led by Bosko Jankovic, qualified over Slovenia and Sweden, and now look to upset England and France. Based on the last World Cup, that shouldn’t be too hard!

GERMANY have been placed into GROUP D

Well, if we though Group C was the group of death, think again – Italy, Spain and Germany are left to fight it out in Group D! That should be a great group as well! Now, for the final seeds.

HOLLAND have been placed into GROUP A

So Holland and the Czech Republic will meet up again; the Czechs got the better of the Dutch in qualifying, but can they do it again?

CROATIA have been placed into GROUP B

So, the first two groups are looking decidedly weaker than the last two!

RUSSIA have been placed into GROUP C

And joining the French, the English and the Serbian are the Russian, led by the excellent Pavel Pogrebnyak. Which leaves us with just one team left…

GREECE have been placed into GROUP D

Undoubtedly the whipping boys of Group D, they’ll probably be satisfied with a point.

So, Euro 2012 has taken shape! The groups:

Defending Champions - Spain / Hosts - Poland and Ukraine






| Pos   | Inf   | Team           |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Turkey         |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Poland         |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Czech Republic |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Holland        |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |                |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 







| Pos   | Inf   | Team     |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Ukraine  |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Portugal |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Belgium  |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Croatia  |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |          |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 







| Pos   | Inf   | Team    |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Serbia  |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Russia  |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | England |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | France  |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |         |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 







| Pos   | Inf   | Team    |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st   |       | Spain   |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Italy   |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd   |       | Germany |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th   |       | Greece  |       | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 0     | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|       |       |         |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Next up, we’ll take a look at each team, to see who really stands a chance at lifting the trophy.

[DannyBecks]

That England group is unreal.

[Spoonsky]

Originally Posted by DannyBecks

That England group is unreal.

No kidding. That's what I love about the Euros; so many good teams, in only four groups. It'll be a shame when it changes to 24 teams.

[Drogba11CFC]

And yet again, England are in the Group of Death.

I don't fancy Germany's chances though, they've never beaten Italy in a competitive match.

[Spoonsky]

Originally Posted by Drogba11CFC

And yet again, England are in the Group of Death.

I don't fancy Germany's chances though, they've never beaten Italy in a competitive match.

I'll cheer when Germany are eliminated; it's really annoying having to keep typing those fake names!

But yeah, somebody from Group C or D is definitely going to win.

[High Voltage]

Gee, Spoonsky, who won the Champions League in 2010?

[Spoonsky]

Originally Posted by High Voltage

Gee, Spoonsky, who won the Champions League in 2010?

Figured somebody would say that.

But it was Real Madrid, triumphing 3-0 over Manchester United. They then became the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles when, at the Santiago Bernabeu, they crushed Barcelona 6-0 in a historic match.

[Spoonsky]

Author's Note: If many of you thought you already saw this post, and then it disappeared, I can explain that! What happened was, I wrote down the squad list, not realizing it was the squad list for Poland's latest friendly, and had 25 players instead of 23! So I quickly deleted it and changed the players out. I have a bad feeling I'm going to have to do that for the other previews I've written so far, as well.

Oh, and Polish names are a huge pain to write, so excuse any typos.
------

Group A Preview:

Poland


How they got here: As co-hosts, Poland automatically qualified.

Manager: In charge of Poland is Maciej Skorza. Skorza has been in charge since the June of 2010, when Leo Beenhaker resigned from the managerial role.

Star Players: Not a flashy team, they will rely on the goalkeeping of Lukasz Fabianski to keep them in games. They will also need some goals from striking pair Pawel Brozec and Robert Lewandowski.

Formation: Maciej Skorza likes to play a very simple 4-4-2.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Artur Boruc (Celtic)
GK - Lukasz Fabianski (Arsenal)
GK - Tomasz Kuszczak (Juventus)

Defenders:

DRC - Pawel Golanski (Dinamo Kiev)
DRLC – Laurent Koscielny (Montpellier)
DRC, WBR – Marcin Wasilewski (Bolton)
DLC DM MC - Dariusz Dudka (AJ Auxerre)
DC - Adam Kokoszka (Mantova)
DC – Lukasz Szukala (Aachen)
DC -Rafal Grodzicki (Zorya)
D/WB/M L - Tomasz Liwoski (Lech)


Midfielders:

DM, M C – Grzegorz Kyrchowiak (Bordeaux)
DM, M C – Ariel Borysiuk (Bolton)
MC - Przemyslaw Kazmierczak (Hull)
AM R - Jakub Blaszczykowski (Dortmund)
AM RC - Tomasz Cywka (Wigan)
AM RC – Marcin Budzinski (Udinese)
AM R, FC - Ireneusz Jelen (AJ Auxerre)
AM RC, FC - Roger (Nacional de Madeira)
AM LC, FC – Michael Janota (Feyenoord)
AM C – Bartosz Salamon (Empoli)

Forwards:

FC – Robert Lewandowski (Sunderland)
ST - Pawel Brozek (Olympiakos)

Be warned though, that this list can be deceiving; several of Poland’s midfielders are also quite capable of playing up front.

Possible Lineup:

Lewandowski Brozek
Roger Kazmierczak Cywka Blaszczkowski
Dudka Wasilewski Szukala Golanski
Fabianski

Prediction: Poland will have a fervent home crowd behind them, and they will need to put home advantage to better use than South Africa did in 2010. Their squad seems decidedly average though, so I can’t see them doing well. I’d say 4th for Poland in Group A.

[Spoonsky]

Group A Preview:

Holland


How they got here: Holland’s road to Euro 2012 was not easy – certainly not as easy as it should have been. A 2-0 away loss to the Czech Republic was disappointing; but compared to the 2-0 home loss to FYR Macedona, it seems like winning the World Cup. I mean, really? Macedonia? Luckily for them they won the rest of their games, barring a one-all draw with Estonia, so they qualified in second place.

Manager: Despite disappointing in the World Cup and qualification, Bert van Marwijk has kept his job at the helm of the Oranje. Whether he’ll have it by the end of the tournament remains to be seen.

Star Players: For the Dutch, the responsibility will fall to Real Madrid trio Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Klass-Jan Huntelaar. The former two are assured starters, while the latter is campaigning to win a striking spot over Robin van Persie. After all, Huntelaar won the Silver Boot at the 2010 World Cup.

Formation: Bert van Marwijk is usually reliant on a diamond midfield, playing a 4-1-2-1-2. A lot is reliant on Arsenal midfielder Nigel de Jong, as he is the holding midfielder who makes up for the attacking trident of Robben, Sneijder and van der Vaart.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK - Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax)
GK – Tim Krul (At. Madrid)
GK – Piet Velthuizen (Feyenoord)

Defenders:

SW, DRC, DM, MC – John Heitinga (Fiorentina)
DRC – Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart)
DRC – Gianni Zuiverloon (Arsenal)
DLC, WB L – Oliver ter Horst (FC Twente)
DC – Joris Mathijsen (Fiorentina)
DC - Ryan Donk (AZ)
DC, DM, MC – Hedwiges Maduro (Newcastle)
D/WB/M L – Urby Emanuelson (Ajax)

Midfielders:

DM, M LC – Stijn Schaars (Sampdoria)
DM MC – Nigel de Jong (Arsenal)
AM RL – Arjen Robben (R. Madrid)
AM RLC – Wesley Sneijder (R. Madrid)
AM RLC – Ibrahim Afellay (FC Bayern)
AM RLC – Georginio Wijnaldum (Feyenoord)
AM LC – Ismail Aissati (Sampdoria)
AM C – Rafael van der Vaart (Liverpool)

Forwards:

AM RL, FC – Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
AM R, ST – Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool)
AM LC, FC – Ryan Babel (Liverpool)
ST – Klass-Jan Huntelaar (R. Madrid)

Possible Lineup:

Kuyt   Huntelaar
van der Vaart
Robben                 Sneijder
de Jong
Emanuelson Mathisjen Heitinga Zuiverloon
Stekelenburg

Predictions: This Holland team is certainly not to the standard of past sides; but even so, they should be able to qualify from their group. The main question is, how will they fare against the Czech Republic, in a game that could decide 1st place. I’m going to have to say that they’ll fall to the Czechs, and end up going out at the quarterfinal stage.

[Drogba11CFC]

van der Vaart at Liverpool eh? That happened in my second season when I first played FM09, and it won "worst signing" award.

[Spav]

Spoonsky - the tournament story king.

[Spoonsky]

Originally Posted by Spav

Spoonsky - the tournament story king.

Aww yeah.

And there will be more to come.

[Spoonsky]

Originally Posted by Drogba11CFC

van der Vaart at Liverpool eh? That happened in my second season when I first played FM09, and it won "worst signing" award.

He's been alright so far at 'Pool. Only managed 12 appearances last season but he was hit by a couple of injuries.

Oh, and best signing of the season in 08/09? Sunderland's David Beckham.

[Drogba11CFC]

Could have done with him in 2010...

[Spoonsky]

Group A Preview:

Czech Republic


How they got here: The Czech Republic qualified for the tournament in great fashion, finishing first in their group, three points ahead of Holland. With ten wins from twelve, they waltzed to the final tournament with ease, including a 2-0 home victory over the Dutch, who they will meet again in this tournament.

Manager: Despite failing to bring the Czech Republic to the 2010 World Cup, Petr Rada managed to keep his job, and has now guided them to the European Championships.

Star Players: In goal for the Czechs, stalwart Petr Cech will look to overcome the heartbreak they suffered four years ago, when a pair of goals from Nihat (including one after Cech’s mistake) eliminated them with minute to play. The game between those two sides this time should be fiery. On the striking front, Tomas Necid is highly rated, but he will be suspended for the first game against Holland. The man to replace him will likely be Roman Bednar, who was his side’s top scorer in qualifying.

Formation: Like Poland, Petr Rada likes to have a nice, flat, 4-4-2.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Jaroslav Drobny (Hertha Berlin)
GK – Petr Cech (Chelsea)
GK – Jan Lastuvka (Everton)

Defenders:

DRC – Martin Jiranek (Atalanta)
DRC – Zdenek Grygera (Juventus)
DRC – Tomas Ujfalusi (Valencia)
D RC, DM, M C – Tomas Hubschman (Udinese)
D LC, WB L – Michael Kadlec (Leverkusen)
DC – Jan Simunek (Wolfsburg)
DC – Andrej Mazuch (Parma)
DC, DM, M C – Michael Svec (Herenveen)
D/WB L – Antonin Rosa (Betis)

Midfielders:

MRC – David Jarolim (HSV)
MLC – Jaroslav Plasil (Toulouse)
M C – Jan Polak (St. Etienne)
AM R – Lubos Kalouda (Leverkusen)
AM LC – Tomas Rosicky (Schalke)
AM C – Jiri Jarosik (Newcastle)
AM C – Marek Matejovsky (Ipswich)


Forwards:

AM R, ST – Martin Fenin (HSV)
AM L, ST – Marek Strestik (Salzburg)
FC – Tomas Necid (Napoli)
ST – Roma Bednar (Bolton)

Possible Lineup:

Fenin Necid
Plasil Polak Jarosik Kalouda
Kadlec Hubschman Mazuch Grygera
Cech

Prediction: I like this Czech team. They’re pretty young and exciting, and in what might be the weakest group, they should qualify. The question is, will it be them or Holland to get first? I’m going to have to go with them getting 1st in Group A, and to make it all the way to the semifinals, where they’ll be defeated by Portugal.

[Spoonsky]

Group A Preview:

Turkey


How they got here: Turkey qualified in second place of Group C with 27 points, two ahead of Romania and two behind England. In the end, a 3-0 defeat of Iceland on the final day was enough to see them through. However, the key result ended up being a 2-0 home win over England, the goals coming inside 11 minutes from Arda Turan and Tuncay Sanli.

Manager: Fatih Terim still holds the position of manager, despite failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Star Players: Nihat broke Czech hearts in the last Euros, and he’ll look to do it again as he leads the line up front. The man playing off him will be Nuri, the highly valued Dortmund youngster.

Formation: It’s looking like Terim’s going to play a 4-2-3-1, with Nihat leading the line and Nuri in the hole. Tuncay and Arda run the wings.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Volkan Demirel (Fenerbache)
GK – Sinan Bolat (Standard)
GK - Volkan Babacan (Fenerbache)

Defenders:

DRC – Ugur Ucar (Galatasaray)
DRC – Ibrahim Kas (Getafe)
DL – Koray Tice (Besiktas)
DLC, WB/ML – Hakan Balta (Galatasaray)
DC – Servet Cetin (Galatasaray)
DC – Giray Kacar (Trabzonspor)
DC, DM, MC – Ceyhun Gulselam (Trabzonspor)
D/WB R – Gokhan Gonul (Fenerbache)
D/WB/AM R – Sabri Sarioglu (Malaga)

Midfielders:

DM, MC – Selcuk Inan (Trabzonspor)
DM, AMC – Abdulkadir Kayali (Sampdoria)
AM RLC – Arda Turan (Galatasaray)
AM RLC – Ozer Hurmaci (Stuttgart)
AM RLC, FC – Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough)
AM L – Ugur Boral (Unemployed)
AM L – Caner Urkin (Galatasaray)
AM C – Nuri Sahin (Dortmund)

Forwards:

FC – Nihat Kahveci (Villareal)
ST – Mevlut Erdinc (PSG)
ST – Sercan Yilidrim (Bursaspor)

Possible Lineup:

Nihat
Tuncay Nuri Arda
Ozer Aurelio
Balta Ucar Ibrahim Gonul
Babacan

Prediction: This Turkey team has potential; with new, exciting players like Nuri and a young goalkeeper in Volkan Babacan, this team can go far. However, they’ll come up against some stiff competition in Group A; and, they face Poland first, in what is sure to be a rocking Arena Baltycka in Gdansk. Can they do it? They can, but I can see them just losing out to Holland on the final day and finishing third. It’ll be close, though.

[Nick]

No Vaclav Kadlec for Czech Republic? Is he injured, Spoonsky? If not, what's he been upto? Still at Sparta?

[Spoonsky]

Give me one second...

If you're talking about the 18 year old striker (20yo in the game), then he currently plays for Israeli club Maccabi Netanya, having transferred there in 2010. He is yet to be called up to the senior team, but for the Czech Republic U21s he has 9 goals in 13 games, meaning he will probably feature in later tournaments.

[Spoonsky]

Group B Preview:

Croatia


How they got here: In Group D of qualifying, Croatia and France were a cut above the rest. Eventually France won with 30 points, followed closely by Croatia’s 26, but the next closes side was Belarus with 19 points, so it was never really in doubt.

Manager: The Croatian FA certainly have a funny way of doing things; in the middle of the 2010 World Cup, after a 2-0 loss to the Ivory Coast (although they were very much still in it), they sacked Slaven Bilic and replaced him with Kresic, who had one World Cup game to start off his Croatia career, certainly a baptism of fire! Kresic then resigned, in the June of 2011, and current manager Zoran Vulic took charge. Vulic is certainly an unknown, or at least he was, as he had been unemployed for three years before he took over Croatia!

Star Players: Darijo Srna’s move to AC Milan in 2010 has seen him excel, and for Croatia he loves to rampage forward on the right flank. Also, watch out for Stipe Pletikosa; the goalkeeper has 106 caps, making him the most capped Croatian player ever.

Formation: Vulic seems to have brought a real attacking mindset into the team, and they play a 3-4-3 similar to that of Genoa or Chile.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Stipe Pletikosa (Spartak Moscow)
GK – Miro Varvodic (Hajduk)
GK – Miroslav Juric (Rijeka)

Defenders:

DRC – Dejan Lovren (Benfica)
DRC, WBR – Mihael Kovacevic (Young Boys)
DRC, MC – Vedren Corluka (Tottenam)
DC – Dario Knezevic (Livorno)
DC – Gordon Schildenfeld (Besiktas)
DC – Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin)
WB/AM L – Marko Babic (AC Milan)

Midfielders:

D/WB/M RL – Darijo Srna (Hannover)
DM, M RC – Jerko Leko (Monaco)
DM, M LC – Ognjen Vukojevic (Dinamo Kiev)
AM RLC – Luka Modric (Tottenam)
AM LC – Niko Kranjcar (Man Utd)
AM LC – Mario Grgurovic (Hajduk)
AM LC – Milan Badelj (Hertha Berlin)
AM C – Ivan Rakitic (Catania)

Forwards:

AM L, ST – Ivica Olic (Bayern)
FC – Ivan Klasnic (Nantes)
FC – Mladen Petric (HSV)
ST – Eduardo (Arsenal)
ST – Nikola Kalinic (Karlsruhe)

Possible Lineup:

Olic Eduardo Kalinic
Modric Kranjcar Vukojevic Srna
Lovren Chorluka Schildenfeld
Pletikosa

Prediction: Croatia certainly have the quality to get to the next round; the question is, can they put it to good use? My guess: no. They will, just as they did in 2010, fail to make use of a very talented squad. Hey, at least they’re better than Ukraine, and probably can finish third.

[High Voltage]

Gotta say I think serbia might be a dark horse, if Greece can, Serbia can.

[Spoonsky]

Originally Posted by High Voltage

Gotta say I think serbia might be a dark horse, if Greece can, Serbia can.

I said that exact same thing at the end of 32 Nations, when Serbia finished 4th. They've been placed on the much harder side of the tournament though; if they had been in Group A or B I definitely would've said that they could win.

As it is, you'll just have to wait for my preview of them...

[Spoonsky]

Group B Preview:

Portugal


How they got here: Portugal qualified with ease from Group F, losing only once, to Denmark. Belgium qualified in second, six points behind the Portuguese; those two will now clash again in the real tournament.

Manager: Carlos Queiroz has kept his spot at the helm of Portugal after guiding them to a 3rd place finish at the last World Cup. He seems to know his stuff, having settled down Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego quite a bit.

Star Players: Who else? Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani are the stars of the show for Portugal down the wings; they both had good World Cups, and they’ll look to build on that by taking Portugal to a first major international trophy.

Formation: Queiroz has stuck to his 4-1-2-2-1, a formation that seems to suit the Portuguese. With Nani and Ronaldo down the wings, Joao Moutinho running the midfield and Miguel Veloso playing the holding role, they look good. The only question mark is on striker Yannick Djalo, but he seems to have improved during qualifying.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Ricardo (Betis)
GK – Daniel Fernandes (Stuttgart)
GK – Rui Patricio (Sporting DP)

Defenders:

DR – Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea)
DRL – Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea)
DRL, WBR - Miguel (Valencia)
DLC – Manuel de Costa (Genoa)
DC – Pepe (R. Madrid)
DC – Bruno Alves (Porto)
DC – Ricardo Carvalho (Inter)
D/WBL – Antunes (Roma)

Midfielders:

DL, DM, MC – Miguel Veloso (Man City)
DM, MC – Raul Meireles (Porto)
MC – Joao Moutinho (Arsenal)
MC – Manuel Fernandes (Valencia)
MC – Adrien (Bordeaux)
AM RL – Ricardo Quaresma (Inter)
AM RLC – Danny (Liverpool)
AM RL – Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)
AM RL – Nani (Barcelona)
AM C – Deco (Villareal)

Forwards:

FC – Yannick Djalo (Man City)
ST – Helder Postiga (Sporting DP)

Possible Lineup:

Djalo
Nani                     Ronaldo
Fernandes Moutinho
Veloso
Antunes Alves Pepe Bosingwa 
Ricardo

Prediction: This is a good Portuguese side, make no bones about it; and they’ve been handed a very easy path to the final. They’ll either have to face a weak Dutch team or a Czech team that is still beatable. And then in the semifinals they could come up against the other one of those two, or probably Belgium. And I’d fancy the Portuguese either way there. Once in the final? Well, I’m gonna say that’s as far as it’ll get. Portugal to play in the final.

[Eazy-Duz-It]

Can't wait for the action to get underway...

[Spoonsky]

Group B Preview:

Ukraine


How they got here: As co-hosts, Ukraine qualified automatically.

Manager: Even though he failed to guide Ukraine to the 2010 World Cup, the Ukrainian FA have kept Olekiy Mikhailichenko on as manager.

Star Players: For Ukraine, two stars stand out; Dmytro Chygrynskyi and Artem Milevskiy. Chygrynskyi belongs to Manchester City, but only managed eight appearances at City of Manchester Stadium. Still, he is a rock in defense. And Milevsky does the opposite; he leads the line up top. The 27 year old Roma striker will have the weight of expectation on him, knowing he will be the one they will rely on for goals.

Formation: Mikhailichenko likes to play a sort of 3-2-3-2 using Oleg Husyev (who will be suspended for the opening game), and Volodymyr Polyovyi as wing-backs.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Rustam Khudzhamov (Shaktar)
GK – Andriy Pyatov (Shaktar)
GK – Volodymyr Zhuk (Metalurg)

Defenders:

SW, DC – Mykola Ischenko (Udinese)
DRC – Dymytro Chygrynskyi (Man City)
DRC, DM, MC – Olexandr Kucher (Shaktar)
DC, DM, MC – Olexandr Chyzhov (Shaktar)
DC, DM, MC – Ayila Yussuf (Man City)
D/WB L – Volodymyr Polyovyi (Shaktar)
D/WB L – Vyacheslav Shevchuk (Koblenz)
WB/AM R – Oleg Husyev (Tottenham)

Midfielders:

DC, DM, MC – Taras Mykhalyk (Lazio)
DM, MC – Taras Stepanenko (Metalurg)
DM, MC – Anotoliy Tymoschuk (Aston Villa)
DM, AMC – Sergiy Rybalka (Hoffenheim)
AM LC – Olexandr Aliev (Dinamo Kiev)
AM LC - Ruslan Rotan (Dmipro)
AM LC, FC – Oleksandr Yakovenko (Club Brugge)
AMC – Jadson (CSKA Moscow)

Forwards:

FC – Artem Milevsky (Roma)
FC – Eugene Seleznyov (Shaktar)
ST – Olexandr Gladkyi (HSV)

Possible Lineup:

Gladkyi Milevskyi


Stepanenko Tymoschuk Mykhalyk
Polyovyi                           Husyev
Chygrynskyi     Yussuf
Ischenko
Pyatov

Prediction: This Ukraine team is not very good; and, like Poland, they’ll need help from a jubilant home crowd. Their opening match against Portugal at the Olympyvskiy will be crucial; if they can get points from that, then suddenly their in with a chance. Artem Milevsky will need to be at his very, very best, to lift this Ukraine team into the second round, but if you ask me they just aren’t good enough and will finish fourth.

[Spoonsky]

Group B Preview:

Belgium


How they got here: In the same qualifying group as Portugal (who they will face on June 18th), they easily qualified with 25 points, four more than Slovakia.

Manager: After a relatively successful 2010 World Cup, Rene Vandereycken has stayed on as manager of Belgium.

Star Players: Undoubtedly the star of the show in South Africa, Kevin Mirallas will look to repeat the feat. The striker currently plies his trade for Espanyol. Also, Marouane Fellaini runs things in the center of the park, and the Tottenham midfielder is joined by Barcelona’s Steven Defour.

Formation: Vandereycken has kept the 4-1-4-1 that got Belgium to the round of 16 in South Africa.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Davy Schollen (Anderlecht)
GK – Silvio Proto (Anderlecht)
GK – Kenny Steppe (Heerenveen)

Defenders:

SW, DRC – Ewan Gillessen (Standard)
DRC, WBR, DM, MCR – Anthony Vanden Borre (Portsmouth)
DLC – Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax)
DC – Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit)
DC – Daniel Van Buyten (Anderlecht)
DC, DM, MC – Vincent Kompany (Stuttgart)
D/WB R, AM RC – Guillaume Gillet (Anderlecht)
D/WB L, MLC – Jelle Van Damme (Anderlecht)
D/WB/M L – Sebastian Pocognoli (AZ)

Midfielders:

D/WB R, DM, MRC – Gill Swerts (Anderlecht)
DM, MC – Gaby Mudingayi (Club Brugge)
DM, AM RLC – Axel Witsel (Standard)
DM, AMC – Steven Deffour (Barcelona)
MC – Daniel Guijo-Velasco (Levante)
MC – Marouane Fellaini (Tottenham)
AMR – Tom De Mul (Murcia)
AML, ST – Stein Huysegems (Genk)

Forwards:

AML, FC – Roland Lamah (Le Mans)
FC – Kevin Mirallas (Espanyol)
ST – David Pollet (Lens)

Possible Lineup:

Mirallas

Huysegems Defour Fellaini Swerts
Witsel
Van Damme Vermalen Kompany Gillet
Steppe

Prediction: I believe that this Belgium team can qualify from the group stages. They’re better than Ukraine, and worse than Portugal, so the key matchup comes against Croatia at the beautiful Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine. If they can win that they should be able to qualify from the group. My prediction for that? Kevin Mirallas to score the lone goal. He was clutch for them at the World Cup, and if he can get just one chance, he should be able to put it away and send them to the quarterfinals. After that they will play a very good Czech Republic team, and I just can’t see them pipping the Czechs to the semis. Still, a run to the quarterfinals would not be considered bad at all for this team.

[DannyBecks]

No Lukaku?

Mental

[Spoonsky]

I'm presuming you mean Romelu Lukaku, the 17yo.

For some reason, he doesn't appear to be in my save. Having searched his name many times, it keeps saying "0 matches".

[Drogba11CFC]

I got the same with Matic. Mind you, I can't complain with Camacho.

[Spoonsky]

Group C Preview:

Serbia


How they got here: Although it was hard at times, a Bosko Jankovic-inspired Serbia side eventually finished second in the hardest qualifying group, three points behind Germany in group F. In the end, it was two magical runs from Jankovic against Germany that made the difference; first, at home to Germany with four minutes left he drew a penalty after a great piece of dribbling, and Milan Jovanovic converted the penalty for a 3-2 win. Then, away to Germany, they were behind 1-0 before another great run by Big Bosko, whose lay off to Nikola Zigic was excellently side-footed home by the striker. A 5-0 defeat of the Faroe Islands on the final day sealed the deal.

Manager: Radomir Antic is somewhat of a hero in Serbia after guiding them to the semifinals of the World Cup, and despite his controversial decision to bring off Bosko Jankovic against Argentina in the semis, he remains in charge.

Star Players: Who else? Once again, Bosko Jankovic has been a star for Serbia. Up front, Nikola Zigic scored crucial qualifying goals but it might be 23 year old Veljko Vukovic who starts up front, and in the back it’s stalwart Nemanja Vidic who does the dirty work.

Formation: Antic has stuck with the 4-2-3-1 that has brought him so much success so far. It relies on Inter Milan duo Dejan Stankovic and Zdravko Kuzmanovic staying back while gifted attackers such as Jankovic, Vukovic and Babovic do their work.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Vladimir Disljenkovic (Metalurg)
GK – Vladimir Stojkovic (Sporting CP)
GK – Milan Stefanovic (Otelul)

Defenders:

DLC, WBL – Branislav Ivanovic (HSV)
DC – Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)
DC – Milan Stepanov (Porto)
DC – Marko Basa (Porto)
DC – Neven Subotic (Dortmund)
DC, DM, MC – Gojko Kacar (Bayern Munich)
D/WB R, DM, MC – Dusan Basta (Torino)
D/WB L – Aleksander Kolarov (Lyon)

Midfielders:

DM, MC – Nenad Kovacevic (Lens)
DM, AM RLC – Dejan Stankovic (Inter)
MC – Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Inter)
AM RC – Dejan Milovanovic
AM RLC – Bosko Jankovic (Napoli)
AM RL – Zoran Tosic (Lille)
AM LC – Milos Ninkovic (Dinamo Kiev)
AM LC – Stefan Babovic (Betis)

Forwards:

ST – Nikola Zigic (Lille)
ST – Veljko Vukovic (Celta)
ST – Danko Lazovic (PSV)

Possible Lineup:

Vukovic
Sulejmani Jankovic Babovic
Stankovic Kuzmanovic
Kolarov Vidic Subotic Basta
Disljenkovic

Prediction: This is an exciting Serbian team. At their best they can destroy opponents, as they did many a time in qualifying; but, at the same time, they can have bad spells. 2-0 defeats to Slovenia and Sweden had put their position in doubt, and if they play like they did in those games they’ll be in trouble. They kick off against Russia, and if they can win that they’ll be in a good position. But the key game for them? June 20th, against England. England could be very vulnerable, and if Bosko Jankovic can put in another great performance, I can see them squeaking through in second. But after that? One of Italy, Spain and Germany await in the quarterfinals. They’ll hope to play Germany, who they beat in qualifying, but Spain is more likely, and so the quarterfinals is how far Serbia will go. A game against Spain would be close, but I can see La Furia Roja just squeaking through.

[Spoonsky]

Group C Preview:

England


How they got here: A 2-0 loss to Turkey put their position into question, but in the end they qualified top of the group, their 29 points two more than Turkey’s 27. Frank Lampard managed 10 assists in qualifying.

Manager: Unsurprisingly, Fabio Capello resigned after his World Cup nightmare. The man to replace him was former England player Stuart Pierce, who had already been an assistant to Capello and the Under 21s manager.

Star Players: Well, the England injury curse has continued; this time it’s Steven Gerrard, out until the 18th at most with a sprained ankle. He would be suspended for England’s opener against France anyways. Elsewhere, rumors that Pierce has been less than impressed with Wayne Rooney remain unfounded, but it is possible that it will instead be young James Vaughan to partner Theo Walcott up front.

Formation: Pierce has played a very simple 4-4-2 with England.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Chris Kirkland (Wigan)
GK – Scott Carson (West Brom)
GK – Jamie Ashdown (Portsmouth)

Defenders:

DRC – Micah Richards (Man City)
DR – Glen Johnson (Inter)
DL – Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
DC – John Terry (Chelsea)
DC – Curtis Davies (Aston Villa)
DC – Steven Taylor (Newcastle)
DC – Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd)
DC – David Wheater (Middlesbrough)
D/WB L – Joe Mattock (Man City)

Midfielders:

DM, M LC – Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)
DM, MC – Michael Carrick (Man Utd)
DM, MC – Owen Hargreaves (Man Utd)
AM RC – Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
AM R – David Bentley (Man City)
AM C – Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Forwards:

AM RL, FC – Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
AM/FC – Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)
ST – Peter Crouch (Portsmouth)
ST – James Vaughan (Everton)
ST – Frazier Campbell (Man Utd)

Possible Lineup:

Walcott Vaughan
Downing Hargreaves Lampard Bentley
Cole Ferdinand Terry Richards
Kirkland

Prediction: There’s always a considerable amount of hype when England are involved in big tournaments, and this time is no different. The question is, though, can they come out alive from the group of death? If you ask me, there’s one factor that will determine that; if Steven Gerrard will be fit enough to take part in the match vs. Serbia. If he isn’t, it could well be another group stage exit for the Three Lions. My guess? He won't, and Serbia will have too much firepower for this England team, which in truth is not that great, and so England will be condemned to a third place finish. Either way, you know it’ll be dramatic.

[Spoonsky]

Group C Preview:

France


How they got here: Easily. Undefeated through their twelve games, their position was never really in doubt as they finished with 30 points.

Manager: The much derived Raymond Domenech has remained manager of France, and has done very good work in qualifying, making France one of the favorites for the trophy.

Star Players: The biggest names in the squad are Karim Benzema and Yoann Gourcuff; their chemistry is a big part of France’s success. Elsewhere, Hatem Ben Arfa was France’s best player at the last World Cup with some superb free kicks. Thierry Henry, 10 years older than Benzema, still manages to make the bench and come on as an impact substitute; and at 34, France’s greatest player (set to join Villareal after the tournament) still manages to pop up with a crucial goal or two, including the opener in a 3-0 thumping of Portugal in a pre-tournamant friendly.

Formation: Domenech used a very Spanish 4-2-3-1, with Benzema up top as lone striker.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Steve Mandanda (Marseille)
GK – Hugo Lloris (Lyon)
GK – Remy Riou (Man Utd)

Defenders:

SW, DC – Philip Mexes (Roma)
DRL, WBR – Bacary Sagna (Arsenal)
DL – Patrice Evra (Man Utd)
DLC – Sebastian Bassong (Newcastle)
DLC – Mamadou Sakho (PSG)
DC – Younes Kaboul (Portsmouth)
DC – Sebastian Squillaci (Sevilla)

Midfielders:

DC, DM, AMC – Mathieu Bodmer (Tottenham)
D/WB R, DM, AM RC – Lassana Diarra (R. Madrid)
DM, MC – Jeremy Toulalan (R. Madrid)
DM, MC – Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal)
DM, MC – Blaise Matuidi (Tottenham)
DM, MC – Morgan Schneiderlin (Man City)
AM RC – Yoann Gourcuff (AC Milan)
AM RLC – Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille)
AM RLC – Sofiane Feghouli (Marseille)
AM LC – Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

Forwards:

AMR, FC – Yoan Gouffran (Arsenal)
AML, FC – Thierry Henry (Barcelona)
ST – Karim Benzema (Lyon)

Possible Lineups:

Benzema
Ben Arfa Gourcuff Nasri
Flamini Diarra
Evra Sakho Squillaci Sagna
Lloris

Prediction: This is a great France team, one capable of matching the team of the late 90s. Counting penalty shootouts as draws, they’re undefeated in the past three years, including beating Ukraine (4-1) and Portugal (3-0) in recent friendlies. They are the best team in Group C, and should advance in first. After that, chances are they’ll face Italy. In what could be an awesome match, I’ll predict them to top the Italians and advance to the semifinals, where most likely Spain will be awaiting. That could be a semifinal for the ages as two great sides do battle, but I can see the Spanish just edging it, meaning this France team will go as far as the semifinals.

[Drogba11CFC]

France did come bottom of the Group of Death in Euro 2008 though, and they're in it again.

But then again, as you once said, on this save Henry is actually good.

Oh, and does Terry still have the armband, or did he resign after the WC/lose it after a long term injury?

[Spoonsky]

Yes, Terry still holds the armband for England.

[Gravyb0y]

Gotta be honest Spoonsky, this is a great read so far!

As for questions - How are Sunderland fairing? Still in the prem? Relegated with another embarrasing record low? Good signings etc?

Keep it up man. A+ so far.

[Spav]

A couple of new faces for England, but that midfield is almost unchanged from what it is in real life. KUTGW Spooners.

[Spoonsky]

Thanks for the comments guys. Gravy, hold on one second (FM09 is taking a while to load), but I should have a report on Sunderland soon. Until then, you'll have to be content with...

--------------------------------

Group C Preview:

Russia


How they got here: With Spain always going to get first in Group B, it was really down to Russia, Ireland and Scotland to fight it out for second place. In the end, they managed to scrape through by two points, despite losing their last two games!

Manager: In December 2010, after failing to lead Russia to the World Cup, Guus Hiddink stepped down from his role as manager. His replacement? Lokomotiv Moscow manager Rashid Rakhimov, who took up the role after leading Moscow to the quarterfinals of the Uefa Cup.

Star Players: Werder Bremen striker Pavel Progrebnyak came second in the race for top scorer in qualifying with 14 goals (Mirko Vucinic had 16). Elsewhere, Alan Dzagoev is one of the most highly rated players in Europe; the 21 year old Real Madrid man is valued at just over 35m. Igor Akinfeev is also a solid presence in goal, but a twisted ankle means he’ll miss the opening game.

Formation: Rakhimov likes to play a 4-1-2-1-2, using Barcelona ace Andrey Arshavin in the hole behind Pogrebnyak and Pavlyuchenko.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow)
GK – Vyacheslav Malafeev (Zenit)
GK – Veniamin Mandrykin (Zenit)

Defenders:

DRC – Vasiliy Berezutskiy (CSKA Moscow)
DRC – Sergey Ignashevich (Kayserispor)
DRL – Andrey Ivanov (Al-Ittihad)
DRC – Yury Lebedev (Krylja Sovetov)
DRC – Sergey Refimov (Rubin)
DR, DM, MC – Roman Shishkin (Spartak Moscow)
DLC – Alexiy Berezutskiy (CSKA Moscow)
DC, DM, MC – Alam Gatagov (Lokomotiv Moscow)
D/WB R – Alexandr Anyukov (Lyon)

Midfielders:

D/WB/AM L – Yuri Zhirkov (AC Milan)
DM, AM RC – Konstantin Zyryanov (Schalke)
M RLC – Marat Izmailov (Sporting CP)
AM RLC, FC – Andrey Arshavin (Barcelona)
AM LC – Dinijar Bilyaletdinov (Lokomotiv Moscow)
AM LC – Dmitry Torbinskiy (Olympiakos)
AMC - Alan Dzagoev (R. Madrid)
AMC – Denis Glushakov (CSKA Moscow)

Forwards:

ST – Roman Pavlyuchenko (Genoa)
ST – Pavel Progrebnyak (Werder Bremen)
ST – Alexandr Prudnikov (Spartak Moscow)

Possible Lineup:

Pogrebnyak Pavlyuchenko
Arshavin
Zhirkov         Izmailov
Zyryanov
A Berezutskiy Yefimov V Berezutskiy Shishkin
Akinfeev

Prediction: Russia have fallen foul of an incredibly hard group; if they can get a win it will be considered an achievement. Pogrebnyak will need to be in the form that saw him hit the net 14 times in qualifying, and Russia as a whole must overachieve. They’ll have a bit of hope when they think about their 0-0 draw with Spain in qualifying, a team may consider to be favorites for this tournament. Still, I just can’t quite see them doing well in such a tough group; though they may be able to nick a point off of Serbia or England. Fourth place is where Russia will end up.

[Spoonsky]

Right, so Sunderland have been just above mid table obscurity for the past four years, hovering right below the European places. Their league finished in the last four seasons:

11/12 - 8th
10/11 - 9th
09/10 - 6th
08/09 - 8th

So yeah, nothing extraordinary but certainly some very good work by the staff to get them there. As for transfers, I'll just give you the preferred starting lineup as of June 8th:

Robert Lewandowski, Johan Elmander
Szabolcs Huszti, Scott Brown, Aaron Ramsey, Sotiris Ninis
Danny Simpson, Dario Veron, Anton Ferdinandm Nathaniel Clyne
Craig Gordon

So not a bad lineup at all. As for management, Ricky Sbragia is still in charge.

Edit: Actually, Ninis joins Sunderland after Euro 2012, so don't be surprised if in my Greece preview he's listed as playing for Catania.

[Spoonsky]

Uh-oh.

Okay, so I've got to the point where I'm playing matches. And on the second day, there are three matches. I choose to go to the last one, because it's the most exciting, and I plan just to write the other ones up later. I did that all the time in my World Cup story.

They've all been played out. Now, I go to the "Overview" screen of the other two matches. For some reason, the panel where you select the kind of highlight you want isn't there. Neither is the "Report" page with the match report. What do I do if I want to write up a match report about them?!? Any help with be very appreciated. Keep in mind I'm playing FM09.

[John_Arne]

It may be too late to get them now. For future matches tho, head to preferences and change the detail level to include major championships.

[Spoonsky]

Thanks for the advice. In the end I just saved the file under another game and tried playing them again. I can't seem to find detail level though. It would be in the "General" page, right?

I did find another way, which is once the match is over and you're on the screen which announces who is man of the match and so on, then you leave the match and decide to attend the other match. The problem is, there isn't an way to save in between those games so you have to go on a three game marathon.

Edit: One more way as well. Attend the game. And then as soon as you get to the starting lineups click leave match. Much easier.

[Spoonsky]

Group D Preview:

Spain


How they got here: Really, really easily. Top of Group B with 38 points, 9 more than second placed Russia. Undefeated throughout qualifying, Fernando Torres was the star of the show with 10 goals.

Manager: Unsurprisingly, Vicente del Bosque failed to keep his job after Spain were eliminated on penalties to Serbia in the playoff rounds of World Cup qualifying. His replacement was former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard. The Dutchman has done considerably better than Del Bosque has!

Star Players: Fernando Torres has managed to keep David Villa out of the lineup, and that’s no easy feat; the Liverpool ace is Spain’s most valued player. Cesar Azpilicueta injects some youth into the defense (he’s 22), and he likewise has been able to keep the great Sergio Ramos out of the starting lineup. His partner in crime on the right wing is the experienced Joaquin. And of course, Iker Casillas is in net for the Spaniards. Carles Puyol, on the other hand, was deemed “past it” by Rijkaard, and isn’t even on the squad.

Formation: Rijkaard plays a 4-1-2-2-1, identical to that played by their Iberian neighbors Portugal. Xabi Alonso plays the holding midfielder role, though he’s really more of a deep playmaker, looking to feed the likes of Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, Juan Mata and Joaquin.

Squad:


Goalkeepers:

GK – Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
GK – Iker Casillas (R. Madrid)
GK – Pepe Reina (Spain

Defenders:

SW, DC, DM, MC – Carlos Marchena (Valencia)
DRL, WBR – Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool)
DRC, WBR – Sergio Ramos (R. Madrid)
DLC – Ivan Marcano (Racing)
DC – Raul Albiol
DC, DM, MC – Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
D/WB R – Cesar Azpilicueta (Osasuna)
D/WB/M L – Antonio Lopez (At. Madrid)

Midfielders:

DM, MC – Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)
DM, AMC – Raul Garcia (At. Madrid)
MC – Xavi (Barcelona)
MC – Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
AMR – Joaquin (Valencia)
AM RC – Jesus Navas (Sevilla)
AM LC – Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
AM LC – David Silva (Valencia)
AM LC, FC – Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia)

Forwards:

AM LC, FC – Jose Antonio Reyes (At. Madrid)
ST – David Villa (Valencia)
ST – Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Possible Lineup:

Torres
Mata                Joaquin
Silva     Fabregas
Alonso
Arbeloa Marcan Albiol Azpilicueta
Casillas

Prediction: I have a feeling about this Spanish side. I’m not sure why, but I just have a feeling that they can do something great in this tournament. They’re in a tough, tough group, yes; but they should come out of it on top. Then, it will probably be Serbia who await in the quarterfinals, and they should be able to win that (although it will be a tough match). Then, the French, and in an epic semifinal Spain will move on. In the final, Portugal will probably await; an Iberian showdown for the ages. Who will win? Spain will. So, there you have it; I predict Spain to be the winners of Euro 2012. Also look for Fernando Torres to grab the Golden Boot and maybe best player.

[Spoonsky]

Group D Preview:

Italy


How they got here: In Group A qualifying, Italy and Group D rivals Greece were a class above the rest; Italy eventually finished two points higher than the Greeks with 37, but the next highest team was Switzerland with only 29.

Manager: Marcello Lippi remains in charge of the four time World Champions. He seems to have forgiven and forgotten regarding his grudge with Antonio Cassano, as Cassano will likely start in the tournament.

Star Players: The fore-mentioned Antonio Cassano is always a threat, especially from long range. Strangely enough, though, he has displaced Alberto Gilardino from the lineup; Gilardino had 12 goals in qualifying. Also on the bench is the volatile Napoli striker Mario Balotelli, only 21. On the other side of the age scale is goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon.

Formation: Lippi will likely stick with the 4-4-2 formation.

Squad:

Goalkeepers:

GK – Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
GK – Christian Abbiati (AC Milan)
GK – Marco Amelia (Palermo)

Defenders:

SW, D RLC – Domenico Criscito (Juventus)
DRC – Fabiano Santacroce (Napoli)
DRC, WBR – Daniele Capelli (Roma)
DLC – Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
DC – Allesandro Gamberini (Fiorentina)
DC – Andrea Barzagli (Chelsea)
D/WB R – Lorenzo de Silvestri (Lazio)
D/WB RL – Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan)

Midfielders:

D/WB/M L – Paolo de De Ceglie (Juventus)
DM, MC – Daniele de Rossi (Roma)
DM, MC – Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)
DM, MC – Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)
DM, AMC – Alberto Aquilani
AM RLC – Alessandro Rosina (Chelsea)
AM LC – Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina)

Forwards:

AM RL, ST – Mario Balotelli (Napoli)
AM LC, FC – Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria)
AM/F C – Guiseppe Rossi (Roma)
ST – Marco Borriello (Chelsea)
ST – Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina)

Possible Lineup:

Rossi Cassano
De Ceglie Gattuso Marchisio Rosina
Criscito Chiellini Capelli De Silvestri
Buffon

Prediction: I think Italy should qualify from a tough, tough Group D. The crucial match will be against the Germans (June 10th in Kiev). I think they should triumph in their opener, after all Germany has never beaten Italy in a competitive match. After that awaits Spain, and although a victory would send a message to the remaining 15 teams that they’re the real deal, I can see that one ending in a draw. Then the whipping boys of the Group, Greece and an easy victory. The question is, first or second in the group? I’m going to say second, although it might only be on goal difference. Then, France. It will be a tough game, but I can see an excellent Les Blues just edging their rivals, meaning it will be a second consecutive quarterfinal exit for the Azzurri.

[Spoonsky]

Group D Preview:

Germany


How they got here: Topping the toughest group in qualifying, Group E, was no easy task, and they did have some road bumps on the way, the most notable being a 3-2 loss to Serbia. Also, they were on the receiving end of “The Miracle of Stockholm”, where despite being 3-0 up at halftime, they ended up drawing 3-3 with Sweden, who even clattered the crossbar in stoppage time. But all in all, they did what they had to do, winning the games they needed to win.

Manager: Joachim Low remains in charge of the Germans.

Star Players: Due to all the German players having decided to change their names and have plastic surgery following every major tournament, nobody is really sure who is who. As far as we know, Miroslav Klose could have been Tobias Kern who may now be Gerrit Weller, but it’s truly impossible to tell. They also decided to retire from club football. Crazy Germans. It is also a bit difficult to figure out the squad, and the possible lineup, with all those name changes, so we’ll skip those two parts.

Formation: Joachim Low plays a simple 4-4-2.

Prediction: These crazy name-changing Germans have been placed in a very tough group. I can’t see them beating Spain or Italy, and although they can surely defeat Greece, they’ll be condemned to a third place finish.

[shefellover93]

Jesus this is thorough stuff! Fantastic though. Caught up on your World Cup one and loved it! KUTGW