Transcript from The
D.A. Show's Official Euro 2012 Preview
This is Euroship Insider Adam Lowenstein. Here to preview all 16 teams
from Euro 2012.
(Listen to The D.A.
Show weeknights on 98.5 The Sports Hub from 7 pm to midnight)
Group A – as
heard on The D.A. Show on Tuesday, June 5
1. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic almost got rid of Coach Michal Bilek, but
a suspension to one of their better midfielders forced a change in the team’s
formation and they began to play better. They still fail to score effectively
like they did in 2004, but look for their new look to throw off opponents. This
is one set of the Czechs that don’t want to get “bounced” from Euro 2012.
2. Greece
Greece has tied a lot since Coach Fernando Santos has come
aboard because the only thing less reliable than their offense is their banking
system. They went 17 games without a loss, but have 9 ties in their new coach’s
first 20 games. This team’s play may not be pretty, but it is effective. They
have played well recently, so they will try to continue it in Euro 2012.
3. Poland
Poland has landed a pretty easy draw as the co-host of Euro
2012. They are led by a few great players, but do not have much talent overall.
The Polish are actually the lowest FIFA-ranked team at the competition. They
have discipline, media problems and all the sausages you can eat, but maybe
their fans can help them advance.
4. Russia
Russia impressed when making the semifinals in Euro 2008,
but failed to make the World Cup just two years later. They are clearly the favorite
of Group A, but this is the last push for this aging group. In addition, if the
team needs any additional encouragement, President Vladimir Putin can always
perform the emotional Herb Brooks speech from the movie Miracle in three different languages.
Group B – as
heard on The D.A. Show on Wednesday, June 6
5. Denmark
Qualifying for the first time since 1992, Denmark could act
as a sleeper this year. However, they are in arguably the toughest group in
Euro 2012. They have made the most final games in European Championship
history, so experience is on their side. Nothing like a good Prune Danish to
get these boys running.
6. Germany
Even with the youngest team in European Championship
history, Germany could be at an all-time best after winning each of their 10
qualification games handily. The sky is the limit for this team as they have
the second best odds of winning it all. German chemists have been working night
and day to come up with just the right formula for an undetectable performance
enhancement cocktail or the latest non-fat yogurt.
7. Netherlands
After losing 1-0 to Spain in the 2010 World Cup Final, the
Netherlands enters Euro 2012 as one of the favorites. They bring almost the
same starting lineup from the World Cup, hoping to win their first European
Championship since 1988. How they move so quickly in those wooden shoes is
beyond me. Curtis couldn’t even move that fast in Uggs.
8. Portugal
For Portugal, they will need Cristiano Ronaldo to excel. The
team recently fired their coach and replaced him with Ronaldo’s former teammate
Paulo Bento, who is the youngest coach at Euro 2012. Bento could push Europe’s
best player to his full potential and give the Portuguese a chance at moving
forward. There may be dancing in the streets of Lisbon not seen since the
Middle Ages when the Moors were expelled from Portugal, or was it the “Moops”?
Group C – as
heard on The D.A. Show on Thursday, June 7
9. Croatia
With their coach
already confirming that he will leave following Euro 2012, Croatia wants to go
as far they can in their last stand with him. They have lost games that they should
have won and won games they should have lost. But they have Luka Modric, the
Michael Jordan of soccer. He led his Croatian club to a three-peat recently.
And it will be Luka Luka Lukamania running rampant all over the Euroship.
10. Ireland
This is just Ireland’s
second European championship appearance since 1988. They have a fantastic fan
base in the “Green Army,” so the Irish will have tons of support at Euro 2012.
In addition, look for Lucky and the Celtics Dancers to perform at halftime. Who
wants a T-shirt?
11. Italy
Italy should be good
enough to advance to the next round because the only team challenging them in
this group is Spain. With their match-fixing scandal mostly behind them, the
Italians should be able to go far in Euro 2012. Also, it is good to know that
the national food of Italy is calamari. Italy is also the only place where the
NBA is on the up and up.
12. Spain
Spain is the favorite for Euro 2012. If you want to pick a
team from this tournament, you want to go with the Spaniards. They are great
overall with a good number of young good players. And that's no bull. Ole! Ole, Ole, Ole! Ole, Ole! Ole, Ole…
Group D – as
heard on The D.A. Show on Friday, June 8
13. England
England should
battle for a top-2 seed in Group D. The English are not the favorites for Euro
2012, but they are a very good team overall. The boys wouldn’t want to
disappoint the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee or Tom Jones may have to crush
some skulls.
14. France
The best team of
this group is France, a team that has not lost in their last 20 games. Their
defense may hold them back once making it out of group competition, but they’re
powered by Au Bon Pain and The Magic Pan restaurant. So watch the carbo-loading
begin with your favorite French pastries and crepes. Mandelbaum! Mandelbaum!
Mandelbaum!
15. Sweden
Sweden is in
transition mode, so it will be tough for this team to advance. The Swedish did
not qualify for the 2010 World Cup, but they do have a terrific offense that
will make them a dangerous team. And let’s not forget - Ah, the Swedish
massage. Oil covered all over my body…Where was I?
16. Ukraine
Many think Ukraine
is weak. I tell you Ukraine is not weak! Co-host Ukraine has changed coaches a
lot recently, so they are still trying to get their team together. The
Ukrainians did grab a couple wins in their last few games. And they may have
some magic on their side in Euro 2012. The tradition of the Easter egg does have roots there.
For the D.A. Show, this Euroship Insider Adam Lowenstein
(Listen to The D.A. Show
weeknights on 98.5 The Sports Hub from 7 pm to midnight)
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