Czech Republic were solid in a kind qualifying group, finishing second to reigning champions Spain after conceding just eight goals in eight games. The Euro 1996 finalists' problems are in attack, where 30-year-old striker Milan Baros will be expected to provide a cutting edge.
Milan the main man —
Czech Republic were solid in a kind qualifying group, finishing second to reigning champions Spain after conceding just eight goals in eight games. The Euro 1996 finalists' problems are in attack, where 30-year-old striker Milan Baros will be expected to provide a cutting edge.
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Greece shocked the whole of Europe eight years ago, emerging from nowhere to be crowned Euro 2004 winners. One of the survivors of that team is midfielder Giorgos Karagounis, whose experience will be key if Greece are to reach the quarterfinals.
Counting on Karagounis —
Greece shocked the whole of Europe eight years ago, emerging from nowhere to be crowned Euro 2004 winners. One of the survivors of that team is midfielder Giorgos Karagounis, whose experience will be key if Greece are to reach the quarterfinals.
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Co-hosts Poland boast one of Europe's most in-form strikers in the shape of Robert Lewandoski. The 23-year-old had a fine season with German champions Borussia Dortmund and he will be Poland's main goal threat in Group A.
Poster boy —
Co-hosts Poland boast one of Europe's most in-form strikers in the shape of Robert Lewandoski. The 23-year-old had a fine season with German champions Borussia Dortmund and he will be Poland's main goal threat in Group A.
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The surprise inclusion in the Russia squad was uncapped CSKA Moscow defender Kirill Nababkin(left). Under Guus Hiddink in 2008, Russia enjoyed a run to the semifinals in Austria and Switzerland. Hiddink's compatriot Dick Advocaat will be hoping for a similar performance this year.
Kirill the kid —
The surprise inclusion in the Russia squad was uncapped CSKA Moscow defender Kirill Nababkin(left). Under Guus Hiddink in 2008, Russia enjoyed a run to the semifinals in Austria and Switzerland. Hiddink's compatriot Dick Advocaat will be hoping for a similar performance this year.
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The star of the Denmark squad is young playmaker Christian Eriksen. The Ajax midfielder could earn a move to one of Europe's big clubs with an impressive showing in Poland and Ukraine.
Eyes on Eriksen —
The star of the Denmark squad is young playmaker Christian Eriksen. The Ajax midfielder could earn a move to one of Europe's big clubs with an impressive showing in Poland and Ukraine.
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Germany go into Euro 2012 with a squad full of proven international performers and as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Coach Joachim Low's main concern will be midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is battling to be fit for Germany's first match against Portugal on June 9.
Sweating on Schweinsteiger —
Germany go into Euro 2012 with a squad full of proven international performers and as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Coach Joachim Low's main concern will be midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is battling to be fit for Germany's first match against Portugal on June 9.
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Netherland's Robin van Persie enters the four-yearly tournament off the back of a prolific season with Arsenal. In addition to Van Persie's firepower, the Euro 1988 winners also have Schalke hitman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Reliant on Robin? —
Netherland's Robin van Persie enters the four-yearly tournament off the back of a prolific season with Arsenal. In addition to Van Persie's firepower, the Euro 1988 winners also have Schalke hitman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
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Portugal have exciting talents such as Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani of Manchester United in wide positions, but Paulo Bento's team arguably lack a true goalscorer.
Cristiano the creator —
Portugal have exciting talents such as Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani of Manchester United in wide positions, but Paulo Bento's team arguably lack a true goalscorer.
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Croatia impressed many spectators with their performances at Euro 2008, before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Turkey. Luka Modric was their stand-out performer four years ago, and the pressure will be on the midfelder once again in June.
Looking to Luka —
Croatia impressed many spectators with their performances at Euro 2008, before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Turkey. Luka Modric was their stand-out performer four years ago, and the pressure will be on the midfelder once again in June.
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Italy's preparations for Euro 2012 might have been hit by a recent match-fixing investigation, but in striker Mario Balotelli, who has been handed the No. 9 shirt, the Azzurri have a player who could, if he's in the right mood, be the star of the tournament.
Super Mario —
Italy's preparations for Euro 2012 might have been hit by a recent match-fixing investigation, but in striker Mario Balotelli, who has been handed the No. 9 shirt, the Azzurri have a player who could, if he's in the right mood, be the star of the tournament.
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Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland qualified for Euro 2012 courtesy of a strong defence. In a group which includes multiple attacking threats, Richard Dunne will be key to Ireland's chances of reaching the quarterfinals.
Getting the job Dunne —
Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland qualified for Euro 2012 courtesy of a strong defence. In a group which includes multiple attacking threats, Richard Dunne will be key to Ireland's chances of reaching the quarterfinals.
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An injury to David Villa has opened the door for Fernando Torres to spearhead reigning champions Spain's challenge. Can the Chelsea striker put a difficult couple of years behind him and produce another European Championship-winning goal?
Torres' time? —
An injury to David Villa has opened the door for Fernando Torres to spearhead reigning champions Spain's challenge. Can the Chelsea striker put a difficult couple of years behind him and produce another European Championship-winning goal?
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England will be without striker Wayne Rooney for the first two matches of the tournament due to suspension. Can new coach Roy Hodgson adapt and navigate his team out of a tricky group?
Without Wayne —
England will be without striker Wayne Rooney for the first two matches of the tournament due to suspension. Can new coach Roy Hodgson adapt and navigate his team out of a tricky group?
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Striker Olivier Giroud enjoyed an impressive campaign in the French Ligue 1, playing a key part of Montpellier's championship-winning team. Can the 25-year-old usurp Real Madrid's Karim Benzema as Laurent Blanc's first-choice striker?
France's forward options —
Striker Olivier Giroud enjoyed an impressive campaign in the French Ligue 1, playing a key part of Montpellier's championship-winning team. Can the 25-year-old usurp Real Madrid's Karim Benzema as Laurent Blanc's first-choice striker?
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Sweden's challenge will be led by the unpredictable talents of AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Despite world-class performances at club level, the striker has so far failed to convince on the international stage.
Zlat attack —
Sweden's challenge will be led by the unpredictable talents of AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Despite world-class performances at club level, the striker has so far failed to convince on the international stage.
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Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko (left) will be taking part in his final international tournament and the former AC Milan striker will be hoping to go out with a bang in front of his home fans.
Sheva's last stand —
Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko (left) will be taking part in his final international tournament and the former AC Milan striker will be hoping to go out with a bang in front of his home fans.
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