Euro 2012 Group C

If you're putting Italy at 4th as far as talent goes then I think you're underrating them. They always have the ability for spectacular implosions with controversy, but people were saying what you're saying now back in 2006. They still have better players than Ireland and Croatia, and if they come together now (like they did in '06 under extremely similar circumstances) then they have to be considered the favorites for second. And it's worth noting that their style (tactical discipline, defensiveness, and physicality) is one which has shown Spain trouble in the past.

 

Really? Not germany or holland?

 

A cracking group which i can see Spain winning with ease followed by Italy in second place....

 

Would rather Doyle and ward were not in the team but not everyone can be happy. Btw I think the match tomorrow is on setanta.

 

There is a chance and highly likely. The bookies have you as favourites to finish last as well and they hardly get it wrong.

 

think ireland are in for a shock tbh. cant see them anywhere else other than 4th

 

I meant Croatia, i always get them mixed up for some reason.

 

Olic ruled out of the Euro's

 

Italy could win the group.

They are the only team (from an Irish perspective) that I fear.

On paper Spain are the best team in the tournament, but that doesn’t mean they’ll top the group; in fact the best time to get the better sides is in the group stages IMO.

 

16 teams, they're not going to get every team's position right. They very well could it wrong.

 

International football is even more unpredictable than club football.

I wouldn’t take much notice of what the bookies have to say.

 

You're the one in for a shock

 

Greece. That is all.

 

I said hardly.. yes the bookies are not always right but 8 times out 10 they are right the odds are against Ireland but I hope they can pull it off? In my opinion I think they won't but I wont rule them out, they have a decent chance if the top players perform to their best and results go their way.

 

: Ivica Olic to miss Euros! Scans show Croatia striker's injury worse than previously thought. Nikola Kalinic to be called up

 

russia first goal was the only one that the keeper didn't make a mistake on the other 2 would never have happened had buffon played the second half. mario could have had 3 or 4 goals on another night and cassano could have had 2 or 3 as well they also had another couple weak shots but clear opportunities saved if they get their act together in front of goal they will be very dangerous especially with pirlos passing ability. they might not be the team they used to be but they are much better than people have been giving them credit for and they have improved hugely since 2010 and even a few years before that. also you bring up the match fixing scandal just now in italy but if you look into the history of when these scandals have happened before the national side always does well winning 2 world cups I think or maybe a euros and a world cup so that argument doesn't really hold any credit

 

Azzurri ‏@ItalianNT
BREAKING NEWS- Andrea Barzagli out potentially for 20 days, a strain to his calf. Big blow for Italy

 

How is a guy supposed to score 3 or 4 goals when he only had 1 shot on target that threatened the keeper in any way?

Italy are good, sure, but they're nothing special. They're about as good as you're Swedens, Norways, Polands and Ukraines.

 

Interesting...Croatia and the Republic of Ireland were the two biggest foulers and the two most fouled teams in qualifying. Hope cards don't decide the outcome. It'll be a very close match.

 

I think Italy are being seriously underated on here, they still have a better team than Ireland, and on their day would beat croatia. I think it will be very tight between Italy and Croatia between who comes second in the group. (I think Spain will walk it)