Group B teams:
Germany, Holland, Portugal, Denmark
Fixtures:
Saturday 9th June: Netherlands v Denmark, Germany v Portugal
Wednesday 13th June: Denmark v Portugal, Netherlands v Germany
Sunday 17th June: Denmark v Germany, Portugal v Netherlands
Odds
To win Euro 2012: Germany +300, Holland +650, Portugal +1800, Denmark +8000
To win Group B: Germany +110, Holland +180, Portugal +400, Denmark +1600
The Skinny:
Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark form the Group of Death at Euro 2012, a group which is oozing quality and talent.
The Dutch kick off proceedings against the Danes on Saturday 9th June and, even though Denmark were impressive in qualifying – winning a group that also included Portugal and Norway – the Netherlands should prove too strong for Morten Olsen’s men.
Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Klass-Jan Huntelaar form part of an incredible attacking threat which scored 37 goals in qualifying, so even the presence of in-form Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger may not be enough to prevent victory for Bert van Marwijk’s side. Despite this though, the Danes will be confident, having conceded just six goals in qualifying. Their defence is definitely the strongest aspect of their side as question-marks persist about Nicklas Bendtner and the Danish attack.
Germany face Portugal hours later and a football feast is expected when these two heavyweights go toe-to-toe. Despite having one of the world’s greatest players in Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal were far from convincing in qualifying and needed to reach Poland and Ukraine via the play-offs. They are going to have to come up with something magical if they are to defeat Joachim Low’s side, although 21 goals in their qualifying campaign demonstrates they do possess an attacking threat.
Germany are one of the strongest sides in the tournament and have threats across the park. Mario Gomez, who scored six goals in qualifying, has impressed in the Champions League this season and, with Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger providing creative link-up play, the Germans look exceptionally dangerous. Miroslav Klose top-scored in qualifying with nine goals so will be another massive threat. Defensively too they are strong, conceding just seven goals en route to Euro 2012.
Should Portugal lose, they will realistically need to beat Denmark in their second group game on Wednesday 13th June. However, if the Danes have lost to the Netherlands, they will be in a similar position so it is likely to be a huge game for all concerned. Denmark finished above Portugal in their qualifying group but both sides won their respective home games so this tie is another which is too close to call.
Hours later, there will be an even bigger match which could determine who finishes top of the group. Germany face the Netherlands in a mouth-watering clash between two old rivals with a host of top international players on show. Expect free-flowing attacking football between two sides which are masters of the game.
If both matches are drawn, then who finishes top of the pile after the third and final group match may come down to goal difference.
On paper, the Dutch have a tougher game against Portugal on Sunday 17th June, while Germany finish against Denmark. This group is so tight though that all four teams could still be in the mix going into the final day’s play so expect the unexpected in a group that could be full of surprises.
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