Poland, Greece to kick-off Euro 2012

Warsaw, June 7 (IANS): Co-hosts Poland play 2004 champions Greece here on Friday to kick-off the Euro 2012 football championship. However, the first eye-catching match will be between three times champions Germany and 2004 runners-up Portugal on Saturday.

From Group A, the Czech Republic and Russia should progress but will have to watch out for Poland, who could spring a surprise.

Group B has been tipped to be the ‘group of death’ with three former champions in it. Germany and world cup runners-up Netherlands will be favourites but Portugal and Denmark cannot be discounted.

Defending Europe and world champions Spain are the favourites to progress from Group C. Italy’s poor performance in the warm-ups leading to the tournament has marred their chances while Croatia and the Republic of Ireland will be the dark horses.

Group D sees the other co-hosts Ukraine pitting themselves against giants of European football England and France while Sweden could be the surprise package.

The Euro Groups and fixtures, the top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals.

Group A: Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Russia

Group B: Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal

Group C: Croatia, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Spain

Group D: England, France, Sweden, Ukraine