Our EURO 2012 Group Predictions

**elroy** · 01/12/2011, 9:32 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Makes perfect sense. They work their way up from the weaker teams who nobody cares about, thus saving the excitement surrounding the teams who really mean business for last. C'mon, how long do you think the modern football fan's attention span is, like?!

Then why not start with pot four!!

Compared to the WC draw, this draw is something else, no mugs included. You'll pretty much wanna watch every game at this tournament.

**mypost** · 01/12/2011, 9:45 PM

They are starting with Pot 4, after Spain and Holland have been drawn. Wait a sec will you?

My only gripe with the draw procedure, is the UEFA Secretary doesn't announce the teams or numbers himself. Instead the attendants do it now, some of them don't speak English, or know what they're doing.

**pineapple stu** · 01/12/2011, 9:46 PM

Originally Posted by elroy

Then why not start with pot four!!

Because Pot 1 is already half-drawn. May as well finish it before starting with the rest.

**backstothewall** · 01/12/2011, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by elroy

Is that not a bit weird, why not just go pot one, then two, three and four. But hey when did FIFA or UEFA make draws simple.

Definitely don't want Germany, spain or Portugal (toughest draw from that pot).
Would love Italy and Poland.

You just answered you're own question. It saves the drama of who gets Germany right until the end.

**TrapAPony** · 01/12/2011, 11:35 PM

Holland, Italy, Sweden, Ireland

**SwanVsDalton** · 02/12/2011, 12:16 AM

Holland, England, Greece, Ireland. I'm convinced we're getting England, just feels due.

**Predator** · 02/12/2011, 12:22 AM

We have played Croatia 6 times and won 3, drawing three, if I'm not mistaken. Wouldn't mind Poland, Italy (already beat those chumps) and Croatia.

**French Toasht** · 02/12/2011, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by Predator

We have played Croatia 6 times and won 3, drawing three, if I'm not mistaken. Wouldn't mind Poland, Italy (already beat those chumps) and Croatia.

Croatia beat us 1-0 in Euro 2000 qualifiers. An injury time sucker punch from Davor Suker. In fairness I don't think we got out of our half at all in the second half.

http://greenscene.me/2011/08/ireland...match-history/

**DannyInvincible** · 02/12/2011, 1:03 AM

Originally Posted by elroy

Then why not start with pot four!!

Compared to the WC draw, this draw is something else, no mugs included. You'll pretty much wanna watch every game at this tournament.

I was being tongue-in-cheek myself, but I'd imagine the drama-inducing rationale I gave is probably close to UEFA's reasoning.

**DannyInvincible** · 02/12/2011, 3:03 AM

Capello is keen to avoid us in the draw: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...?newsfeed=true

Fabio Capello is anxious to avoid being placed in the same group as the Republic of Ireland in Friday evening's draw for the Euro 2012 finals and has reiterated that it will be his last tournament in charge of England, despite Sir Trevor Brooking hinting that the Italian might stay on.

...

The Republic of Ireland, managed so impressively by Capello's friend and compatriot Giovanni Trapattoni, are in the fourth pot as they prepare for their first major tournament in a decade but would represent awkward opponents.

"I spoke with Giovanni Trapattoni and [his assistant] Marco Tardelli after they got through," Capello said. "They were both really happy. I think it's a real success for Ireland and for this manager. It is a great thing. I hope we are not [drawn against them]. The countries are close and also it would be two Italian managers, so I'd prefer not to be drawn with them. It would be interesting, but I prefer not. We cannot draw Italy as we are in the same pot but this would be the same for me to face another Italian manager."

**BonnieShels** · 02/12/2011, 8:02 AM

To be honest, I think if we avoid Germany it would be a success. They are going to win the tournament and they've way too much for us.

**BonnieShels** · 02/12/2011, 8:17 AM

And I mean that in the sense that I reckon we could frustrate most other teams.

**BonnieShels** · 02/12/2011, 8:37 AM

Incidentally the draw itself is on at 537 and scheduled to finish at 548.

**mypost** · 02/12/2011, 9:04 AM

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

I think if we avoid Germany it would be a success. They are going to win the tournament and they've way too much for us.

Germany beat us the last time we played them in a major tournament, did they?

In our Pot, nobody wants France and nobody wants us. That's a good thing for a change.

**osarusan** · 02/12/2011, 9:14 AM

Originally Posted by mypost

Germany beat us the last time we played them in a major tournament, did they?

It staggers me that you think this is in any way relevant to the next Euros.

**BonnieShels** · 02/12/2011, 9:18 AM

Originally Posted by osarusan

It staggers me that you think this is in any way relevant to the next Euros.

Just going to say the very same thing. This German team gave the potential to be the best ever. I actually fear what they could do to us.
Spain we could contain as they get frustrated, but the Germans are so patient and exacting in how they play it's rather breathtaking.

In other words, they'd gut us!

**SwanVsDalton** · 02/12/2011, 9:19 AM

Originally Posted by mypost

Germany beat us the last time we played them in a major tournament, did they?

In our Pot, nobody wants France and nobody wants us. That's a good thing for a change.

Germany wern't one of the most exciting attacking young teams in the world eight years ago.

I'd say everybody wants us in fairness (England excepted) - we'll be tough to play, but nearly everyone would fancy their chances.

**Stuttgart88** · 02/12/2011, 9:25 AM

My mate is at the draw covering it for Reuters (he's setting up the newsdesk, he's an IT guy) and is sending me lots of cool pics of the stadium, dressing rooms etc in Kiev. Building up the sense of excitement now.

**Polster** · 02/12/2011, 9:55 AM

This is where it all begins now.....

My head is saying.....Poland, Russia, Greece
My heart is saying......England (the build would be mighty craic, and England would have it all to lose)