Are there big favorites for Euro 2012?

I don't think so. Germany is inexperienced, especially on defense, and Spain is aging + needs to find a replacement for Villa. Netherlands has defensive question marks. Defense is going to be new too in terms of Puyol being out and Ramos moving central. That means a new RB as well. Pique is not exactly playing well either.

Sure, these 3 teams (Spain, Germany, Netherlands) are favored because of their performance in WC 2010 and the quality of their players in "glamor" positions. But in the end, defense and goalkeeping win tournaments imo. I only give Spain a definite edge because they know how to win a tournament with this group of players. That's important.

I don't think it would be a shock if Italy or France won the tournament. I could even see Croatia and Portugal sneaking in there.

There's a lot of potential for surprises imo.

Thoughts?

there isnt A favorite but without a doubt the favorites are Spain and Germany

Yes

Spain easily are the biggest favorites, Germany a close second.

-Arbeloa-Martinez-Ramos-Alba-

Not much chemistry, but thats a very good defence individually.

I 100% believe that neither Spain or Germany will win it.....

Spains frontline is unproven, as is thier defence and Germany are inexperienced and iam certain will fold under the pressure of it all at some point.

It's an open tournament where anyone can win it but i dont feel Germany or Spain will.

Dont be suprised if we see another Greece.

Pique will not be dropped.

Only France has a better CF than Fernando Torres Llorente

Bayern and Dortmund were amongst the best teams defensively last season whose records were *ruined* by one insanely high scoring match. ( Dortmund - Stuttgart, Bayern - Dortmund)

They both happen to be the suppliers of the German defense >.> (Apart from Höwedes who was in German's 3rd best team.)

The usual suspects. Spain, Germany, etc.

Then you have those who are expected to fail but end up doing pretty good ie. Holland, Portugal, England

You think England will do well then Lex? i dont even think we will get out of the group stage tbh

"Fail' to me is very relative in this tournament. I think coming out of pool play is a good result. After that, it's whoever has the right mojo imo. I don't think a lot separates the teams.

After seeing Bayern choking in the final.I'm starting to think this new Germany could become another Spain pre 2008.

All talent but no mental toughness except some of them.This is so unlike Germany.

And Loew is too much onto planning for the future.Basically getting every young talent who has a decent season into the NT.
I read an article based on this by whitney a few weeks ago and i absolutely agree with him.

The more i look into it, the more i see Sweden as a surprise team.

For the Euro's you always have teams expected to win or make it to the final, but it is pretty unpredictable. Spain and Germany are expected to both make it to the final if they don't come across each other earlier. I am expecting shocks though. For example I think Portugal will upset Holland in the group stages.

Great Leader Sprucenuce wrote:You think England will do well then Lex? i dont even think we will get out of the group stage tbh

Call it insane, but i have a gut feeling this average squad, complete with that lovable buffoon of a manager Hodgson, will fluke their way to the quarters or even semis

Mole you have the best sig ever.

EarlyPrototype wrote:Mole you have the best sig ever.

Dont i always

Also Lex good point lol its just crazy enough to pan out like that.....

Everyone is agreeing Spain and Germany.... what about dark horse? France look decent atm under Blanc?

And Pique + Ramos in CB.... lol somehow I dont think that will work out, maybe Pique + Martinez....

Spain could be eliminated in the group. Ireland with their manager could stop them and Italy might come first. I don't think Spain can beat Italy. They only won on penalties once against Italy in a big competition. We are better than Italy, Spain or Germany. We were, as usual, unlucky against Spain in 2010.

Torres will win the Euro's for spain just like he did in 08.

Yeah, Spain + Germany are big favorites. Everyone else is not.

Great Leader Sprucenuce wrote:I 100% believe that neither Spain or Germany will win it.....

Hell yes, Mole.

I also believe all the favorites will not win.

T'will be the Portugeezers and the Frenchies to take it, IMO.

Lord Hispano wrote:

Great Leader Sprucenuce wrote:I 100% believe that neither Spain or Germany will win it.....

Hell yes, Mole.

I also believe all the favorites will not win.

T'will be the Portugeezers and the Frenchies to take it, IMO.

Those teams just don't have the extra bit of quality in every position you need to win the tournament Hispano. It has to be one of the powerhouses to win it.

Maybe France can pull it off but i don't know about their midfield.

Oh you'll see. Remember that it's Blanc and not Domenech as the manager for France.

Portugal. They have the best player in the world.

Lord Hispano wrote:Oh you'll see. Remember that it's Blanc and not Domenech as the manager for France.

Portugal. They have the best player in the world.

Don't think Messi plays for Portugal.

A good manager can definitely help. Let us see. I have my doubts, but wouldn't mind being surprised.

Obviously it's Spain and Germany, but I also expect the Dutch to have their say before falling by the wayside like they did in 08.

As for surprise packages, now that's a more interesting discussion imo. I can see Poland making a nuisance of themselves as well as the Swedes and possibly Croatians. I see the Czechs, Greeks, and Ukrainians falling at the first hurdle.