Euro 2012 : Five biggest shocks from the group Stages

So, the Group Stages of Euro 12 are done and dusted. This is when things get very exciting.

Here is a look at the top five shocks from the Group Stages of Euro 12.

5) Spain start their first game without a striker

GDANSK, POLAND – JUNE 10: Antonio Cassano of Italy tackles Cesc Fabregas of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2012 group C match between Spain and Italy at The Municipal Stadium on June 10, 2012 in Gdansk, Poland. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

In game week 1, the fixture between current world champions Spain and former champions Italy was the most anticipated match. Spain were without their star striker David Villa as he is still recuperating from a surgery. They still had enough firepower in Fernando Torres, Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Llorente. And yet,Vincent del Bosque went with a 4-6-0 formation with Cesc Fabregas at the top.

Nobody expected Spain to go into the match without a traditional striker, and it caused a frenzy among fans across all social media. Italy on the other hand played Daniele de Rossi in defence. Much to everyone’s surprise, Italy countered every punch thrown at them.

# 4 – England’s journey so far

KIEV, UKRAINE – JUNE 15: Danny Welbeck of England celebrates scoring their third goal Theo Walcott and Andy Carroll of England during the UEFA EURO 2012 group D match between Sweden and England at The Olympic Stadium on June 15, 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

England managed to get into the quarterfinals as surprise winners of their group. To be fair they didn’t miss Wayne Rooney in the first two games. His absence was compensated by a bit of luck and of course some good performances. Lescott has seamlessly replaced Rio Ferdinand and Theo Walcott had a good match too after a long time. Even Andy Carroll managerd tp scored a goal.

Rooney did start their final game against Ukraine and scored a regulation goal. England are by no way ‘amazing’ or even ‘great’, they have been better than ‘ordinary’ so far. If they go on to win the Championship, it will be this years biggest shock.

# 3 – Group A and the ousting of Russia

Group A was probably the ‘weakest’ of all groups in Euro 12, but it turned out to be the most exciting one. After a commanding 4-1 win over Czech Republic in game day 1, everyone expected Russia to repeat their Euro 2008 run where they made it to the final four.

But after being held on by Poland for a draw, their spot in the quarterfinals was on the line during their final group match against Greece. They went on to lose the game 1-0 and Czech Republic defeated Poland 1-0 that lead to Russia’s exit..

After seeing their entertaining style of Football against the Czechs, nobody expected them to go out this early. We should not forget that football can be sometimes cruel.

# 2 – Cristiano Ronaldo

When you are drawn into a group with Netherlands and Germany, the chances of you progressing are next to none. But, thanks to some sloppy football from Netherlands, Portugal are through to the quarters.

KHARKOV, UKRAINE – JUNE 17: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates scoring his team

After a loss against Germany, Portugal had to win their remaining two games. They did win against Denmark, but Ronaldo’s performance against the Danes was shockingly poor. He missed two clear cut chances when he was one-on-one against the ‘keeper. He was trolled on the internet and people started questioning his integrity and skill. It was a shock to many considering how good he has been throughout last season for Real Madrid.

Portugal went into the final game of the group stages against Netherlands. Ronaldo finally arrived to the party. He scored twice and hit the post twice and was involved in every Portuguese onslaught. His total shots on goal is the highest by any player since 1980 in Euros.

# 1 – Netherlands’ humiliating washout

Who would have expected the finalists of World Cup 2010 to quietly exit the Euros without a single point from the group stages? Who would have expected a team with players like Sneijder, Robben, van Persie, Huntelaar and van der Vaart to score only two goals in three games?

KHARKOV, UKRAINE – JUNE 17: (L-R) Joris Mathijsen, Robin van Persie, Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder of Netherlands show their dejection after conceding a second goal during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Portugal and Netherlands at Metalist Stadium on June 17, 2012 in Kharkov, Ukraine. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Netherlands were never inspired, never confident and never showed the intent to score goals. van Persie kept misfiring, Robben was playing his own game and Sneijder couldn’t do everything by himself.

The media have indicated that there is no unity in the dressing room and it was visible in their football.

Honorable Mention

Viera and Keane sit next to each other for ITV’s coverage

Viera – Keane getting together on national Television

It was weird, it was awkward and it was a bit of both, but Keane and Viera managed to cover the games without going for each other throats. A good move by ITV to boost their ratings ahead of BBC.