My Picks For Euro 2012

The 16 Teams:
Ukraine(host)
Poland(host)
Germany
Russia
Italy
France
Netherlands
Croatia
England
Portugal
Spain(title holders)
Serbia
Ireland
Austria
Switzerland
Sweden

This is my guess for the qualifying nation but I have no way of saying what the groups will be so I will make random ones myself.

Group A: 1.Germany 2.Portugal 3.Ukraine 4.Ireland
Group B: 1.Netherlands 2.England 3.Poland 4.Croatia
Group C: 1.Russia 2.Austria 3.Switzerland 4.France
Group D: 1.Spain 2.Italy 3.Serbia 4.Sweden

Quaterfinals
Germany 3.0 Italy
Netherlands 2.1 Austria
Russia 2.0 England
Spain 1.0 Portugal

Semifinals
Germany 0.1 Netherlands
Russia 2.1 Spain

Final
Netherlands 2.3 Russia
Champions: RUSSIA

Euro 2012 Qualifying Draw

The draw

Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan

Group B: Russia, Slovakia, Ireland, Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra

Group C: Italy, Serbia, Northern Ireland, Slovenia, Estonia, Faeroe Islands

Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg

Group E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino

Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta

Group G: England, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Wales, Montenegro

Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland

Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania, Liechtenstein

Qualification process

The hosts, Ukraine and Poland are already in, leaving 14 spots to fill. 1st from every group will automatically advance, now leaving just 5 spots. The 2nd place team with the most points will also advance, leaving 4. The remaining 8 group runner-ups play in a playoff to determine the last 4 teams to qualify.

Group A

World Cup 2010 and 2006 semifinalists and Euro 2008 finalists Germany are heavy favourites for Group A. Turkey and Austria are the likely teams to get 2nd. Austria were good in World Cup qualifying, finishing behind France and Serbia. Turkey finished 3rd behind Bosnia and Spain. Belgium are outsiders, and it would be very surprising to see Kazakhstan or Azerbaijan take 1st or 2nd.

Group B

It was a surprise when Russia failed to make it to South Africa, but again they are favourites for Group B. Slovakia were in the last 16 of the World Cup, and Ireland were very nearly into the World Cup. Those 2 should be mainly battling for 2nd, while Macedonia, Andorra, and Armenia are not expected to win too many games.

Group C

Italy and Serbia were both huge disappointments in the World Cup, but they should take 1st and 2nd spot in Group C. The order would be unknown. Northern Ireland and Slovenia can both upset though, and maybe the 2006 World Champions could be left out of the Euro entirely. It doesn't look great for the Faroe Islands and Estonia, who combined won 3 games in 2010 qualifiers.

Group D

France are the favourites, but this is a very wide open group after their performance in South Africa and their group isn't with many real contenders. Romania had a rather good draw in 2010 qualifiers, but only managed 5th out of 6. Bosnia, Belarus, Luxembourg, and Albania don't look their best, but neither do any other teams in Group D.

Group E

Netherlands are the only team in Group E to make it to the World Cup where they were finalists. Sweden were close, as were Finland and Hungary. Moldova and San Marino's chances are slim to none of getting into this Euro.

Group F

Croatia are Greece are favourites. All of the Croatians recent league form has been excellent with Luca Modric, da Silva, and Olic. If they can perform like that, they should be good. Israel, Georgia, Malta, and Latvia are not expected to do well at all in qualifying.

Group G

England were a disappointment in 2010, but look to have a good enough squad, and a favourable enough draw to qualify, after not appearing in Austria and Switzerland in 2008. Switzerland are a good side too, and could be a problem for the 3 Lions. Bulgaria and Montenegro are not favoured. Wales, being large rivals of England will be good matches, with extra tension in the stadiums.

Group H

Portugal come into Group H as likely winners, with Denamark nearly making the Round of 16 in South Africa. Norway could easily challenge one of the 2 for the other place. Cyprus and Iceland should be the challengers for 4th and 5th place in the group, with the other 3 as serious contenders.

Group I

World Cup and European Champions Spain should rather easily win Group I. Scotland and the Czech Republic should be the real battle for 2nd. Lithuania and Liechtenstein aren't likely to advance, but anything is possible.

The Transfer Season

The transfer season

There were multiple transfers prior the this World Cup, and as soon as it was over, teams were back out trying to strengthen their sides.

Completed transfers

1. David Silva, Valencia to Manchester City, £24million
2. David Villa, Valencia to Barcelona, £34million
3. Yaya Toure, Barcelona to Manchester City, £20million
4. Yossi Benayoun, Liverpool to Chelsea, £5.5million
5. Michael Ballack, Chelsea to Bayer Leverkusen, free transfer
6. Martin Petrov, Manchester City to Bolton, free transfer
7. Javier Hendandez, Chivas to Manchester United, £7million
8. Stephen Hunt, Hull City to Wolves, £3million
9. Thierry Henry, Barcelona to Red Bull New York, free transfer

Rumours

Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal to Barcelona?

Luis Suarez, Ajax to anywhere?

Javier Mascherano, Liverpool to Inter?

Fernando Torres, Liverpool to Chelsea?

Phillip Lahm, Bayern Munich to Manchester United?

Craig Bellamy, Manchester City to Tottenham?

Manchester City look like a very strong side after getting David Silva and Yaya Toure. Valencia could be struggling after loosing Silva and Villa. Bolton have signed Petrov and Blake and could be looking at a top half finish next season. Wolves have also picked up Hunt and Fletcher, and they should be better next season. Liverpool have already lost Benayoun, and Torres and N'Gog don't appear to be 100% sure that they are staying at Anfield. Barca, already being one of the best teams in the world, have signed Villa, and would seem unstoppable if they also get Fabregas. Still plenty of time on the transfer window though, and something completely different could happen.

Review: The Final: Netherlands v Spain

Netherlands v Spain, Soccer City, Johannesburg

The First Half

Spain started stronger, with the ball a lot, and the Dutch never really getting a hold. In the 5th minute, a brilliant delivery from Xavi, and a diving header from Sergio Ramos, which produces a good save from Stekelenburg. The 11st minute had Ramos forward again, where he broke behind, tried to shoot, but it was cleared by Heitinga 2 yards off the line. Nearly an own goal. Just a minute later, David Villa at the back post, and hits the outside netting. It was a great start for the Spanish. In the 15th, van Persie was booked for a late challenge on Capdevila. Two minutes after that, Puyol is shown yellow for a late tackle on Arjen Robben. Then, bookings for Ramos and van Bommel in the 22nd and 23rd minutes. Another yellow, this time for De Jong, and that could have, and should have been red. He karate kicks Xabi Alonso right in the chest. Reckless. Casillas misjudged a ball in the 34th, but recovered, and only a corner came of it. And in the 37th, Sneijder lays it well for Matijsen, who embarrassingly completely misses the ball. Casillas with a very good save in added time from a shot from Robben. 0.0 at the half.

The Second Half

In the 48th, Puyol leaped from a corner just as he did against Germany, but didn't get great contact, and a goal kick. Van Brockhorst was booked in the 54th, for shoving Ramos off the ball. Heitinga then goes into the book for a challenge on Villa two minutes later. 60th minute substitution: Jesus Navas on for Pedro. 62nd minute, and Robben is in behind everyone, but Casillas makes himself big and gets a foot to it. Best chance of the match. 67th minute and Capdevila is cautioned. Villa at the back post in the 69th, and he should have scored. Good save from Stekelenburg. 70th minute, and Elia replaces Kuyt. In the 77th minute, a free header to Sergio Ramos on the six from a corner, but somehow puts it over. Iniesta appeared to be in behind in the 80th minute, but a very good challenge from Sneijder. Robben looks in behind as he holds off Puyol, but Casillas comes out to claim it just in time. He felt he was fouled, and so he picks up a yellow for arguing. 86th: Fabregas on for Xabi Alonso. Now full time, and still 0.0. 15 minutes each way, then penalties looming.

Extra time

92nd, and Fabregas looks to brought down in the area, no call then Xavi is brought down, but Howard Webb just signals corner kick. In the 96th, a corner to the Dutch, and Matijsen heads over from close range. Substitution, van der Vaart for De Jong. Then in the 100th, Navas' shot is deflected, and hits the outside netting. Very close for the Spaniards. Braafeid on for van Bronckhorst in the 105th. Scoreless after 105 minutes. Final 15 minutes to decide it, or penalties. 106th minute, and Torres on for Villa? 109th minute, Netherlands are reduced to 10! Heitinga brought down Iniesta for his second yellow. Went down very easily, Iniesta. Van der Weil is given yellow for taking down Iniesta. 115th, and a free kick for Holland. Sneijder takes, and it deflects wide, but Webb gives a goal kick! Then Torres in the 116th, tried to play it through to Iniesta, but blocked, fell for Fabregas, who found an onsides Iniesta in behind, who takes one touch before SMASHING IT PAST STEKELENBURG TO PUT THE SPANISH AHEAD!!!!!! WHAT A FINISH! Iniesta goes into the book for removing his shirt, while Matijsen is booked for arguing. 120th minute, and Xavi kicks the ball away. He gets booked as well. Then a through ball to Torres, but he pulls up and goes down. Looked like a bad hamstring injury. BUT THE FINAL WHISTLE COMES, AND SPAIN ARE FINALLY WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!! Another final ending in disappointment for the Netherlands.

The Celebrations

What a tournament, and what a way to end such an exciting one. It was the latest game winning goal ever scored in a World Cup Final, and the better team one. The Dutch go up first, but not happy at all, as they receive their silver medals. Now the Spanish, they rush up the stairs, receive their medals, and look at the 18-karat gold trophy. And Iker Casillas lifts the cup, and Spain are champions! The celebrations would go long into the night and back to Spain following. The Dutch can only watch, what an ending. Iniesta the hero, and Spain win Euro 2008, and now World Cup 2010!

Preview: The Final: Netherlands v Spain

Netherlands v Spain

The final. Neither side has ever won a World Cup. Spain have never even appeared in a final, and now they have the chance to win it. The German octopus, Paul, who has predicted every German match this World Cup perfectly said Spain would prevail. It's not a bad guess. Spain have played the best coming into this. They dominated great opponents such as Germany and Portugal. David Villa is absolutely on fire. In Euro 2008, Fernando Torres didn't do much, but scored the decisive goal in the final v Germany. If he can have that impact again, there isn't much the Dutch can do to stop them.

Strengths: Spain

David Villa has been a goalscoring machine and the Barcelona stars have been the face of this Spanish team. No one can match their possession, with the average Spanish possession being 65% to 35%. Pique and Puyol have been rock solid defensively, and Casillas is hitting top form at just the right time. With Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Sergio B., and Iniesta in midfield, Netherlands will be seeing very little of the ball.

Weaknesses: Spain

Fernando Torres has been virtually non existent, and is yet to cause a problem for a defense. His goal tally: 0. His assist tally: 0. He will need to play a bigger factor. Capdevilla needs to be more mobile, and stronger defensively, as he will be marked up on the explosive Arjen Robben. Their finishing has not been great, and that may have something to do with their passing accuracy going way down in the final third. It must improve.

Strengths: Netherlands

Perhaps the best player in the tournament so far is Wesley Sneijder. He has not only scored goals, but he has assisted and been great in possession. Arjen Robben will be attacking the side of Joan Capdevilla, a rare area where Spain can be exposed. Robin van Persie needs a big match, as does Dirk Kuyt. If this all happens, this could be a nail biting finish to a so far nail biting tournament.

Weaknesses: Netherlands

They will not see the ball much with Xavi and Iniesta dominating the midfield. Also, defensively, there could be an issue if Pedro comes in; his pace can leave an older player like van Bronckhorst behind. Stekelenburg has not been great in goal, and the center backs have also been having issues. Everything needs to be very organized defensively, because one mistake, and David Villa will score. If they give the ball away cheaply, they won't be seeing it again for a very long time.

The Prediction

How can you even attempt to predict who will prevail in Soccer City? Both these sides are unbeatable when they are on, so what happens if they're both on? It's so even that you might as well just flip a coin. I'm going with Paul on this one: Netherlands 1.2 Spain.

Review: 3rd place match: Germany v Uruguay

Germany v Uruguay, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

It was match-up that could have very easily been tomorrow's final. Germany had Thomas Mueller back, and Suarez was back for Uruguay from suspension. Just 17 minutes in, Schweinsteiger had a go from long range, it wasn't held, and Mueller came in to score his 5th of the tournament. 10 minutes later though, a brilliant tackle by Perez, before he slips in Luis Suarez, who finishes past Jorg Butt to level the scoring. Halftime: Germany 1.1 Uruguay. Then in the 50th, one of the best goals in the competition, with Forlan scoring on a acrobatic scissor kick from the edge of the 18 to put Uruguay in front. Looked a bit like Zidane in the Champions League for Real Madrid. But 5 minutes later, a cross from Jerome Boateng was headed in by Jansen. Dreadful goalkeeping from Muslera though. Some good chances in the following 20 minutes, but it remained 2.2. But a scramble in the box, and Khedira with a superb header from close range in the 81st minute. Germany were back in front. It looked as though Germany were going to be 3rd place two World Cups in a row, but then Diego Forlan had the chance in the 92nd on a free kick from just 20 yards. A brilliant combination of dip, swerve, and power, leaving Butt with no chance, but the Jabulani ball smacks the bar and flies away. A dramatic finish to a very entertaining match. Germany take 3rd place, just as they did as hosts in 2006. Final score: Germany 3.2 Uruguay

Review: Semi-finals: Uruguay v Netherlands, Germany v Spain

Uruguay v Netherlands, Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Netherlands started off on the front foot with some good chances for Sneijder and Robben. But in the 18th, van Bronckhorst had a go from maybe 35 yards, and it rifled to the top corner, putting the Netherlands 1.0 up. In the 41st minute though, Forlan charged down the middle and shot with his weaker left foot, but the movement beat Stekelenburg, equalizing. Poor goalkeeping, but Uruguay would take anything to level. 1.1 at half. Some good chances early in the 2nd half, but no goals. But in the 70th, Sneijder on the edge of the area shoots, it deflects and beats the keeper with Sneijder's 5th of the competition. Just 3 minutes later, a cross from the left comes to Robben, who heads off the woodwork and in to put the Dutch up by two. But in added time, a free kick for Uruguay was passed to the corner of the box to Maxi Pereira, who cut in and scored. Scary moments for the Netherlands. During the last couple of minutes, the Dutch were holding their breath, as balls launched into the area were cleared before being put back into a dangerous area. But the final whistle finally came, and the Netherlands were headed to their first World Cup Final since 1978. Great game, final score: Uruguay 2.3 Netherlands

Germany v Spain, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Right from the kickoff, Spain controlled the match, knocking it around, with Germany barely getting a touch in. Villa came close 6 minutes in, but no scores. Despite Spain's possession, Germany looked more dangerous in the first half. Some saves from Casillas kept the scoreline at nil-nil at half. In the 2nd half though, time after time, shots from Villa and Xabi Alonso would skip just feet past the post. Then in the 58th, Iniesta found space in behind, and he crossed it across for a sliding David Villa, who missed it by inches. Germany found their first couple of chances of the half through Kroos and Podolski with about 20-30 minutes to play. But in the 73rd, a corner for Spain was whipped in by Xavi, where Carles Puyol charged forward from 25 yards away from goal, to head powerfully past Neuer, and the Spanish were ahead. Pedro then had a golden chance to make it 2, but couldn't lay it across to a begging Torres, and the chance never got farther than that. Some good stuff from Germany, and nearly leveling very late, almost making Spain play until the 120 minute mark. But the equalizer never came, and Spain would be on their way to their 1st World Cup Final ever. Final: Germany 0.1 Spain

3rd Place match

The match that no one wants to play in will be Uruguay v Germany. Luis Suarez will be back for Uruguay, but Thomas Mueller will be back for the Germans. This match should go to Germany, but that's what we said right before Germany lost to Serbia. It's anyone's match on 10 July in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The Final

Spain v Netherlands. Neither side has ever won a World Cup, and Spain have never even appeared in one. Netherlands have not been in one for over 30 years. The Dutch did not even make an appearance in 2002, and Spain have always been known as the underachievers. Spain were a perfect 10 wins out of 10 in qualifying, and Netherlands were 8 for 8. Netherlands are also the only side to have not lost or tied all World Cup. The possession of Spain versus the firepower of Netherlands. Sneijder and Villa each have 5 goals and lead the race for the golden boot, and that will be decided on 11 July in Soccer City, Johannesburg.