Euro Cup – Group B
Written by @bdolan12
Group B: Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Portugal
Snap Shot: Group B has been rightfully labeled as “The Group of Death” and features both Germany and Holland, the 2nd and 3rd favorites on most future boards to win the entire tournament. In any other group Portugal and Denmark would receive a lot more consideration as tournament dark horses but just getting out of their group should be considered a major triumph given this year’s competition.
Group B Schedule
Saturday, June 9 12 EST: Netherlands vs Denmark
Saturday, June 9 2:45 EST: Germany vs Portugal
Wednesday, June 13 12 EST: Denmark vs Portugal
Wednesday, June 13 2:45 EST: Netherlands vs Germany
Sunday, June 17 2:45 EST: Denmark vs Germany
Sunday, June 17 2:45 EST: Netherlands vs Portugal
Denmark
FIFA ranking: 10
It’s hard not to feel a little sorry for the Danes after the draw they received. Denmark has confidence knowing they finished first in qualifying Group H, which included Portugal. Denmark possesses a solid squad that is effective and efficient, even if it lacks star power. Captain Daniel Agger, a Liverpool player, will lead the defense against the potent offenses the Danes will encounter throughout Group B. In addition to the draw, Denmark was dealt a blow recently when first-choice goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen (Stoke City) pulled out of the tournament with an injury. Young midfielder Christian Eriksen (Ajax) will be counted on to make plays going forward and serve as playmaker but he might not be ready for this stiff task just yet. The main source of offense appears to be Nicklas Bendtner, the 24 year old forward who is never low on confidence but can be short on actual production. If Denmark is to have any success, they will likely need to win their second match against Portugal and hope to steal a point against either Germany or Holland.
Netherlands
FIFA ranking: 4
After coming up just short in the World Cup finals vs Spain in 2010, the Dutch hope to get over the hump and win a major title at the Euros. The Dutch have unbelievable talent going forward: Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and Robin van Persie all play prominent roles on this team and make for a formidable attack. Van Persie, the Arsenal forward, is coming off of a career year and will need to keep pouring in goals for his country if they are to succeed this summer. The Dutch need Robben to rebound from his failures in the Champions League Final and shake any lingering effects of missing his crucial penalty kick. Coach Bert van Marwijk usually deploys two defensive midfielders (however controversial it might be among the fan base), Nigel De Jong and Mark Van Bommel in front of his back four. With a strong goalkeeper in Maarten Stekelenburg, the question mark for the Dutch certainly looks to be the backline. Solid fullbacks including John Heitinga (Everton) and Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax) make this unit talented but the Dutch will heavily lean on the attacking players rather than try and stifle their opponents in the back half. The Netherlands should not only advance out of the Group of Death but provide another deep run in the tournament for their Orange faithful.
Germany
FIFA ranking: 2
Only a championship can be considered a success for the Germans at EURO 2012. With a loss in the Final in 2008 and a semi-final appearance in South Africa, Germany will be poised to get over the hump and take home a major trophy this time around. A perfect 10-0-0 qualifying campaign gives this team more confidence coming into the tournament than the soccer world ever thought possible for a German side. However, 8 out of the 23 players on the German roster were key contributors for Bayern Munich and are coming off of a devastating loss at home in the Champions League Final. With goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, they have one of the best in the world so the strength starts in the back. The defense is strong and will push forward, especially captain Philipp Lahm who isn’t afraid to make a run when opportunity presents itself. Bastian Schweinsteiger, whose injury is said to be healing quickly, and either Toni Kroos or Sami Khedira will bolster the defensive midfield. In the midfield, the Germans will feature Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, and Lukas Podolski to anchor their strong counter attacking efforts. At striker, Mario Gomez looks to rebound from a poor Champions League Final performance. Veteran Miroslav Klose, who seemingly always shines in these big tournaments, will actually be relegated to bench duty but expect him to supply a spark when needed. I think Germany is too complete to not win Group B and obviously wouldn’t be surprised if they win the whole tournament.
Portugal
FIFA ranking: 5
The difficult draw of Group B is likely to hurt Portugal more than anyone considering the Navigators would be contenders not only to advance but win any other group. An opening matchup with Germany will make it difficult for Portugal to get off to a flying start at so I’d have to imagine they’ll be content to play for any old result. However, the Portuguese are certainly good enough to rack up points and escape Group B if they play to their ability. As always, it starts with Cristiano Ronaldo. With Lionel Messi not active in the tournament given his Argentinian heritage, Ronaldo is undoubtedly the most heralded player at EURO 2012. Ronaldo need’s to deliver for his country if they are to have any success. This team is strong at the back, with Pepe and Bruno Alves leading the defense and Moutinho and Meireles form a formidable defensive midfield. The speed of Portugal on the wings will be tough to defend, as Ronaldo and Nani (Manchester United) are not afraid to go at any defender who stands in their way. Portugal leans on Ronaldo to score because the other striking options are less than spectacular, with Helder Postiga likely to start alongside him up front. The real key for Portugal will be getting production up front from someone other than Cristiano Ronaldo against elite competition.
Betting Opportunities: Look for Germany to make a statement in their opening game and get past Portugal. The game I’m most interested in watching is Germany against Holland since it should offer plenty of fireworks by group stage standards.
Player to watch: Arjen Robben. Robben missed a penalty kick in extra-time in the Champions League Final and then was not selected to take a penalty in the shootout. Bayern Munich went on to lose, and their fans booed Robben later that week in an exhibition game. With missed chances in the World Cup Final in 2010 and fresh off of his Champions League heartbreak, the Dutch will need the 28 year old winger to respond and put his stamp on this tournament.
Expected order of finish: Germany, Netherlands —- Portugal, Denmark
Todd’s Take: I don’t see any teams worthy of a futures investment either to win the group or the entire tournament. I believe any of the 3 powers (Germany, Netherlands, and Portugal) can finish atop the group but there isn’t enough value to warrant a bet on any of the them.
Looking for more team specific breakdowns? All links courtesy of www.thebiglead.com
Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Portugal
If you missed Group A, it’s never too late to get your soccer fill.
