Assessing Groups A and B

Since Euro 2012 began yesterday, I did not get a chance to talk about it in earnest, as the Stanley Cup Finals are still going on.  No, the two mascots are not playing, and truthfully, they're more frightening than anything.  So, the first matches of the teams in Groups A and B were completed, so I will look at what each team did in their first matches and their outlooks for their next two matches.

First, the teams in Group A.  Greece and Poland tied 1-1, but Poland blew their chances to score at least two or three more goals in the first half, and Greece blew a chance at a 2-1 lead on a penalty kick after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off with a red card for tripping up Dimitrios Salpigidis in the box as Salpigidis was threatening to score a goal.  Giorgos Karagounis took the penalty shot, but backup goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton made the save.  Russia dominated the Czech Republic 4-1 behind two goals from Alan Dzagoev.  If Russia plays this well without superstar Andrei Arshavin contributing, the Russians could be a factor in the knockout rounds.

Group B saw the first major upset, as the Danish side clean sheeted the Netherlands 1-0.  Michael Krohn-Delhi provided the difference in the 25th minute, and the Dutch side could not put in their chances.  Germany didn't play particularly well, but a header by Mario Gomez in the 71st minute ensured that they would enter their match against the Netherlands with three points.  Portugal has been perennial underachievers despite the talent level, and it looks like after missing chance after chance in the game, I would not be surprised if Portugal does not make it out of group play.  After all, the Dutch will be doubly motivated against Germany, the Danish have a lot of confidence after upsetting the 2010 World Cup runners-up, and the Germans are in the catbird seat in the group.

I'll try to get analysis for Groups C and D before the games begin tomorrow, but if I don't, expect them after the first games have been competed for both groups.