Euro 2012 draw

What a fiasco just to draw 14 balls out of a bag. From a waffling Ukrainian Prime Minister who nobody bothered to translate , to the Poland's Got Talent rejected singing and dancing team, and the parading former stars with no video clips to introduce them, the Euro 2012 draw nearly made us fall asleep. Until it eventually got started.

In group A Poland will start against Greece whilst Russia take on Czech Republic. Both fixtures could be tight affairs. The key matches will be each teams second match. If Poland can get a positive result against Greece it gives them something to play for in their next match against Russia. The Czech Republic will need to start scoring goals as only Greece themselves can win tournaments that way. I don't think Poland will get out of the group but I don't think they will be disgraced. The final matches may be to settle who finishes bottom as Poland take on Czech Republic whilst a who finishes top match pits Greece against Russia. Either way Russia and Greece to qualify.

When Holland and Denmark were drawn in group B I text my mate to tell him Germany would get them to. It has happened before and their is no love lost between the three countries. Holland and Denmark start off against each other while Germany face Portugal. Before the draw the Germans were my tip for the tournament and I think they will beat Portugal. I also think Holland will see off Denmark. The next match sees Holland take on Germany and that would make a fitting final. Portugal will fancy beating Denmark. This group could easily end up with the winner having only 5 points but I think Holland and Germany will progress. Germany will take on Denmark in their final match while Holland will be hoping their clash with Portugal isn't important to qualification. Holland and Germany to qualify.

Spain take on Italy in their first match in group C while Ireland will need to get something from their Croatia fixture. Ireland's second match is against Spain and will need to be at their brilliant tournament best to get anything from this match. Italy and Croatia will both know that their game could prove crucial for either qualifying because I think Ireland will beat Italy in their final match. With Spain seemingly destined to qualify that may give Croatia a chance in their last match. Italy could end up bottom of the group and Ireland could go on one of those runs and qualify. Ireland and Spain to qualify

Maybe not quite the draw the English hoped for and with our first match against France, we will quickly know how good Capello's team is. Ukraine start out against Sweden and then play France while England's second game is against the old European Championship foe Sweden. France finish off with Sweden while England will face Ukraine. In reality this is a really tight group and all 4 teams will currently fancy qualifying. I think France and England will qualify (with no conviction). Now the big press build up can begin.