Euro 2012 Draw

[salty]

England and the Republic of Ireland narrowly avoided being pitched against each other in the finals of Euro 2012, as the two nations experienced mixed fortunes at Friday's draw in Kiev.

From Sky Sports website

Fabio Capello's England were the last team to be picked, as they were drawn in Group D with co-hosts and top seeds Ukraine, 2000 European champions France and old rivals Sweden.

The draw appeared favourable for the Three Lions, but the same could not be said for Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland.

Having coming through the play-offs, the Republic were drawn in the daunting Group C along with reigning world and European champions Spain, Croatia and Italy.

Euro 2012 finals draw:

Group A

Poland Greece Russia Czech Republic

Group B

Holland Denmark Germany Portugal

Group C

Spain Italy Republic of Ireland Croatia

Group D

Ukraine Sweden France England

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The Netherlands, defeated World Cup finalists in 2010, were drawn in Group B along with 1992 European champions Denmark, Portugal and historical foes Germany.

A favourable-looking Group A included hosts Poland, who were automatically given their top seed, the Czech Republic, 2004 champions Greece and Russia.

[trevorg]

I'm a fan of this!

[spongeman]

Thats a shagger of a draw for Ireland.

The team I certainly did'nt want was Croatia from that pot as I think they are an each way bet for whole thing. As for Spain well we will have to park the bus. Italy......well I think Croatia will take them.

Engerlunds group will be very close I think. People here are saying its easy but I d'ont think so. Second place will play Spain so not good.

The Germany group is interesting. They will go through but the fly in the ointment could be Denmark. They topped their group ahead of Portugal, who will struggle I believe.

As for group A.....lucky lucky lucky.

[salty]

Ah Spongeman you made it.

I agree. Very difficult draw. In the World Cup with 32 teams you are always likely to have one banker in the group to get 3 points but not in the Euros with just 16.

Things could have been easier such as Group A. The highest ranked team there is Russia at 12. By contrast 3 of Group B are in the top 10 and Denmark are no 11. In our Group we are up against Nos 1 8 an 9. It is going to be very difficult to pick up points here. If we lose to Croatia I would say we have no hope of qualifying for the last 8. On the bright side the travelling fans will be happy we are based in Poland with only a relatively short distance between Gdansk and Poznan.

England should qualify fairly comfortably from Group D and their only anxiety would be to avoid Spain in the last 8.

[spongeman]

My fear is, having just watched Barcelona 5 Levante 0, is that we could get a chasing in that game. I also believe we will spend a LOT of time defending against Croatia.<BR><BR>In Trap we trust.<BR>

[salty]

I watched it also. With Xavi Iniesta and Fabregas in the opposition midfield we are likely to have very little possession. Spain may struggle to get goals. Torres may not be in the line up and David Villa is usually on the bench these times for Barca. Realistically we can only clutch at straws.

Off topic looking forward to El Classico next weekend at the Bernabeau. If Real win they will be in a very strong position in La Liga.