Sunday, 3 June 2012

EURO 2012 ONLY 5 DAYS TO GO

Only 5 days to go before the Euro 2012 tournament kicks off. 16 of Europes best teams will fight it out for the crown and here's how some of the teams are spending their last days on the run up.

France coach Laurent Blanc has let his players chill out and watch the tennis at the French Open, asking the press to leave his players in peace.

Spain are to play China in a friendly and the players will sharpen up physically and mentally as China can play a very different game to the European Champions.

Ukraine have had a mixed bag of friendly results after beating Estonia 4- 0 then succumbing to a defeat by Austria. Friendlies are for assessing players so coach Oleh Blokhin is not too worried at present.

Russia impressed against Italy with a 3-0 win after 2 previous draws. This type of form should see them get out of their group comfortably.

Sweden have been posing for the official photos after the 3-2 win against Iceland. Forward and captain Ibrahimovic has been releasing his autobiography (now thats chilling out)

Republic of Ireland players Shay Given and Richard Dunn believe with a little luck of the Irish, they can go all the way. Well, they ARE going into the tournament on a run of 13 games unbeaten.

Germany arrive in Gdansk on Monday (4th June) where the hotel they are using as headquarters is situated. They will go straight into a training session where all eyes will be on the possible new champions.

Joint hosts Poland are hoping the local fans will get behind the second youngest team in the tournament. The coach is trying to create a footballing side and may surprise a few here.

Czech Republic have a few injury worries which came to fore in the defeat by Hungary. Hopefully they can be treated in the next 5 days.

Netherlands have been progressing nicely and showed with the 6-0 drubbing of Northern Ireland on Saturday. A good send-off for the Dutch before the first game against Denmark.

Croatia have drawn their last game with Norway, but have worries with Luka Modric, the main playmaker for them.

Greece are enjoying a couple of rest days before flying out to Warsaw. They hope to repeat the win in 2004 and become champions for the 2nd time. Somehow I can't see it.

Italy are having a bad time at present. With fraud allegations and no wins hanging over them, they were hammered by Russia so they will probably go and win it, if Balotelli can stay on the pitch long enough.

Portugal need to pick up the pieces after a Turkey battering but Ronaldo and co can never be ignored. They generally do well but I think this year will be the opposite and will not get out of the group stages.

Denmark are 'where they want to be' according to Nicklas Bendtner and there is good competition for places in the Danish squad. Could be a surprise package but difficult group.

And finally England wrapped up their second 1-0 victory on Saturday under new coach Roy Hodgson. If you don't concede goals then you are in with a chance. Unless its 0-0 after extra time and the dreaded 'P' word happens.


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