Spain is Current World Cup and European champions, so almost certain to advance. The team to win the group, with a wide-open race among three flawed teams for the second spot. However, injuries to Italy players Cassano and Rossi will almost certainly keep them out of Euro 2012 and rob the Italians of some of their firepower, and it won't help that for the first time in several generations the team lacks a true world-class player. Croatia also certainly capable of getting a result against either Italy or Ireland, but unlikely to challenge Spain for top spot in the group. Ireland certain to be a favorite of neutrals, the Irish have as good a shot as any at finishing second in the group.
Defending champions Spain will attempt to become the first team to win three major tournaments in succession as they head to Poland and Ukraine following a perfect qualifying campaign. As reigning world and European champions, Spain will be the team to beat once more in Poland and Ukraine. After ending a 44-year wait for a major trophy with their UEFA EURO 2008 triumph under Luis Aragonés, the Spanish have kept up the winning habit under Vicente del Bosque...
After conceding just twice during their unbeaten qualifying campaign, a rejuvenated Italy head to Poland and Ukraine hoping for a second European crown to add to their 1968 success. The Azzurri have endured a turbulent period since claiming a fourth FIFA World Cup in 2006, but Cesare Prandelli has brought stability and fresh impetus since his summer 2010 appointment. He took the reins after a forgettable defence of their global title in South Africa...
Croatia defeated Turkey to take their place in Poland and Ukraine, sweet revenge against a side that dramatically denied Slaven Bilić's team in the UEFA EURO 2008 quarter-finals. Croatia seemed to have not so much a foot but both feet in the UEFA EURO 2008 semi-finals after Ivan Klasnić's 119th-minute opener against Turkey, yet coach Slaven Bilić had barely returned to the bench after the wild celebrations that ensued when Semih Şentürk scored a dramatic equaliser...
Making just their second appearance at a UEFA European Championship finals, Giovanni Trapattoni's team will need to overcome former winners Spain and Italy to progress from Group C. When Giovanni Trapattoni took the reins in summer 2008, he assumed control of a side that had not graced a UEFA European Championship in two decades. Their UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying campaign had brought just four wins in 12 outings – including two against San Marino – as Ireland finished well...