Euro 2012 Group C
GROUP C
[Team Jersey Images © Soccerphile]
Spain
Reigning European and World Champions Spain are aiming for a unique treble or "trirecord" of trophies, a feat never before achieved. Doubts hover that the team may have lost some of its hunger for success. The injuries to Carles Puyol ahead of the tournament and David Villa's broken leg in the Club World Cup plus the possible tiredness of key players Xavi, Iniesta and Xabi Alonso cast a further cloud on Spain's chances of a "three-peat". But a squad which includes such "fringe" players as David Silva, Juan Mata, Jesus Navas, Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres, Fernando Llorente and Roberto Soldado backed up by three of the best goalkeepers in Europe in Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes, will take some stopping.
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Spain Kit 1 |
Spain Kit 2 |
Spain v Italy 10 June; Gdansk
Spain v Ireland 14 June; Gdansk
Spain v Czech Republic; 18 June; Gdansk
Coach
Vincente del Bosque
Record
1960 pulled out; 1968, 1972, 1976, 1992 Did not qualify; 1980, 1988, 2004 group stage; 1996, 2000 Quarter-finals; 1964, 2008 Winners
Men to watch
David Silva had a superb season as Manchester City won the title. Fernando Llorente also shone as Bilbao reached the final of the Europa League.
Finalists.
Euro 2012 Betting
How they qualified
Spain won through Group I undefeated.
On the sidelines
Spain are based at the Hotel Mistral Sport outside Gdansk in the small village of Gniewino.
Analysis
Italy
Italy have recovered from a horrendous 2010 World Cup in South Africa and will be desperate to avoid failing to qualify from the group stage for the second successive tournament. Despite topping their qualifying group there were some hairy moments along the war and results in friendlies has been mixed, though the Italians set less store in non-competitive games than other nations. Antonio Cassano's fitness must be a serious concern after health problems and without him the Azzurri look threadbare in attack and will have to rely on Manchester City's maverick Mario Balotelli.
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Italy Kit 1 |
Italy Kit 2 |
Italy v Spain 10 June; Gdansk
Italy v Croatia 14 June; Poznan
Italy v Ireland; 18 June; Poznan
Coach
Cesare Prandelli
Record
1964, 1972, 1976, 1984, 1992 Did not qualify; 1968 Champions; 1980, 1988, Semi-finals; 1996, 2004 Group stage; 2000 Runners-up; 2008 Quarter-finals
Men to watch
Mario Balotelli has made headlines during his time in the Premier League but the player certainly has talent and he could prove a match winner, if he can keep his temper under control. Juve's Giorgio Chiellini will team with club mate Andrea Barzagli at the back.
Should make it out of the group and then who knows. Not to be discounted as dark horses.
How they qualified
Italy won Group C without losing a match.
On the sidelines
Italy will stay at the Turowka Hotel & Spa outside Krakow and train at the Marshal Josef Pidsudski Stadium, home to Cracovia.
Analysis
Croatia
Croatia's struggles in qualifying have seen team coach Slaven Bilic come under heavy criticism and it is widely expected that the ex-West ham and Everton defender will step down after Euro 2012. Croatia do not seem the force they once were and are now heavily reliant on the skills of Luka Modric. Hopes will rest on Bayern's Ivica Olic and Everton's Nikola Jelavic to score goals on the counter-attack, though the duo rarely play in tandem. Croatia's opening game with Ireland will be crucial.
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Croatia Kit 1 |
Croatia Kit 2 |
Croatia v Ireland 10 June; Poznan
Croatia v Italy 14 June; Poznan
Croatia v Spain; 18 June; Gdansk
Coach
Slaven Bilic
Record
2000 Did not qualify; 2004 Group Stage; 1996, 2008 Quarter finals
Men to watch
If he plays, Niko Kranjcar is always easy on the eye and scored four goals in qualifying. Dario Srna has a powerful shot and always gives his all for the cause.
We think they'll struggle to get out of the group. Third place would be an achievement.
How they qualified
Croatia were second in Group F and came through a two-leg play-off with Turkey.
On the sidelines
Croatia are based at the Hotel Sielanka outside Warsaw.
Analysis
Ireland
Ireland have done well to reach the final stages of Euro 2012, their first major tournament for a decade, thanks to a settled squad, good team spirit in the camp and the wily tactics of Giovanni Trapattoni. Trap's 4-4-2 is based on a strond defence led by Aston Villa's Richard Dunne, a hard-working midfield and the goal poaching of veteran Robbie keane, now playing in the USA. It remains to be seen if promising youngsters Sunderland's James McClean, Everton's Seamus Coleman and Wigan's James McCarthy will see any significant playing time.
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Ireland Kit 1 |
Ireland Kit 2 |
Ireland v Croatia 10 June; Poznan
Ireland v Spain 14 June; Gdansk
Ireland v Italy; 18 June; Poznan
Coach
Giovanni Trapattoni
Record
Quarter-Final 1964, Group Stage 1988
Men to watch
If he gets any playing time James McClean could enhance his growing reputation. Keith Fahey could have impact as a substitute. Norwich's Wes Hoolahan also deserves a chance.
We think Ireland will not be able to take points off Spain and will be looking to register against Croatia and Italy. Home early.
How they qualified
Second in Group B then beat Estonia 5-1 in the play-offs.
On the sidelines
Ireland will be based just outside Gdansk in Sopot, staying at the Sheraton Sopot Hotel and training at Stadion GOSiR, the home of Polish minnows Arka Gdynia.
Analysis
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