Dark horses of Euro 2012

Dark horses are prominent before the start of any tournament. A little known team rising to prominence is a dark horse. Can we expect a small nation to terrorize the bigger ones? Can we expect a smaller nation to threaten the very balance of football? We look at the teams which can kill the hopes of some ‘giant nations’ in Euro 2012.

1. Poland :

Lewandowski will bear the whole nation's hopes

Poland manager Smuda has, defensively, a very adept side but one that struggles going forward. Considered to be the most talented generation of Polish football since Ferenk Puskas’ revolutionary team, this side is blessed with one of the most prolific strikers in the Bundesliga. Robert Lewandowski will hold the key for the Polish team and they are expected to go through with ease. Wojciech Szczesny’s uprise in the Premier League has coincided with Poland’s strong defensive performances. They also have Jakub Blaszczykowski and Lukas Pizczek who have been consistent performers in the Bundesliga. Backed by their whole nation, Poland are capable of having a major shout in Euro 2012.

2. Russia :

Alan Dzagoev is one of the most promising talents in Europe

Russia, previously USSR, were the first team to win the European Championships back in 1960. It took them 48 years after that to make a strong statement again when Russia’s golden generation of Arshavin, Pavyluchenko, Akinfeev and co. upset tournament favorites Netherlands to make it to the semifinals of Euro 2008. Andrey Arshavin will lead the team into a group which they should easily win on paper. Russia also have an ace up their sleeves in the form of Alan Dzagoev, who at one time created as many goal-scoring opportunities in the Champions League as Lionel Messi himself. Russia have already made a huge statement by beating Italy in the pre-tournament friendly by a convincing margin. Can they go one step further in Euro 2012?

3. Denmark:

Christian Eriksen will lead Denmark's charge against the biggies

Denmark could not have wished for a worse group than the one they occupy in Euro 2012. Facing the likes of Germany, Netherlands and Portugal in the group stages is as much as a punishment as it is a challenge. But Denmark have nothing to fear. They have already beaten Portugal once and can pull off surprises against Germany and Netherlands. Denmark do have a name for themselves in European football history, having won the Championships in 1992. Can they upset the giants and pull off a bigger miracle than Euro ’92? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, though: Christian Eriksen holds the whole nation’s burden on his shoulders.

4. Croatia:

Luka Modric will hope to impress again

Croatia gained world wide prominence in the Euro competition of 2008, and so did many of their current squad members. The likes of Luka Modric, Niko Krankjar and Ivica Olic went on to ply their trade in Europe’s biggest leagues and the Croatian squad looks a more experienced version of the one that did well in 2008. Luka Modric will still be crucial, but Nikica Jelavic will look to take over the role of the injured Olic and make his presence felt. Croatia will fancy their chances against the demoralised Italians and the relatively unkown Republic Of Ireland.

5. Republic Of Ireland :

Can the tactical mastermind spring another surprise?

People had a haughty laugh at the proverbial statement “Irish luck” when Thierry Henry escaped with two handballs and demolished Irish hopes in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, the Republic of Ireland are built on anything but luck. Only group rivals Italy and Spain have lost lesser games in Europe than the Irish since the FIFA World Cup. Led by tactical legend, Giovanni Trapattoni, Ireland are defensively strong and caused problems aplenty for Italy in the Euro qualifiers – something that will give them confidence. Trapattoni will be against his home nation again and the Irish will again fancy their chances. They are a relatively unknown team for the rest of the teams and they will use this fact as an advantage. They will be buoyed by Robbie Keane, Shane Long and Shay Given.

6. Sweden :

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will lead the Swedish side in Euro 2012

The Swedes have been prominent in European football for many years now. They have a history of up-heaving the odds and are the tournament’s most favorite dark horses. They have a threatening attack in the likes of world-class supremo Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the extremely consistent Ola Toivonen. Upcoming superstar Rasmus Elm in midfield and the experienced Olof Mellberg in defense also add to their repertoire. The teams in their group do not have great defensive lines, as such. Ergo, England and France will know Sweden are going to make them sweat in the group stages.