Prior to EURO 2012 kicking off this past Friday, Soccer Banter spoke to a few people to give their thoughts on which country would be crowned the champions of Europe.
Mick D’Arcy (Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Central Connecticut State University): As for the rest of the tournament my biggest concern is that all of my Arsenal boys come through injury free. I don’t think Spain will win. No team has ever won two European Championships and a World Cup in four years. Like Barcelona, they are a joy to watch, but the odds are stacked against them. For the first time in a while there is not a lot of pressure on Portugal or France. I expect to see one of them make a run to the final. However, my vote goes to the winner of group B. That should be either Holland or Germany. If I have to pick one, it’s Holland. Memories of ’88 all over again.
Thomas Morrissey (Associate Producer at ESPNU): Spain. Lame I know, but until someone beats them in a game that truly matters then there the team to beat. And Germany has been held scoreless in both meaningful meetings in the last 2 major tournaments. So until Germany cracks that nut, I can’t in good faith say they will beat Spain. Can they? Sure. Will they? That remains to be seen.
Samuel Lopes (Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Providence College): Group B consists of teams that can advance and win the competition, but the Germans will win the group, advance to the finals, and be crowned Euro 2012 Champions.
Petar Triva (Assistant Men's Soccer Coach at Holy Names University): I see Spain as the clear favorites for the tournament, but in soccer everything is possible and as we saw with Chelsea and Champions League this year, the better team does not always win!
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Mick D’Arcy (Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Central Connecticut State University): As for the rest of the tournament my biggest concern is that all of my Arsenal boys come through injury free. I don’t think Spain will win. No team has ever won two European Championships and a World Cup in four years. Like Barcelona, they are a joy to watch, but the odds are stacked against them. For the first time in a while there is not a lot of pressure on Portugal or France. I expect to see one of them make a run to the final. However, my vote goes to the winner of group B. That should be either Holland or Germany. If I have to pick one, it’s Holland. Memories of ’88 all over again.
Thomas Morrissey (Associate Producer at ESPNU): Spain. Lame I know, but until someone beats them in a game that truly matters then there the team to beat. And Germany has been held scoreless in both meaningful meetings in the last 2 major tournaments. So until Germany cracks that nut, I can’t in good faith say they will beat Spain. Can they? Sure. Will they? That remains to be seen.
Samuel Lopes (Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Providence College): Group B consists of teams that can advance and win the competition, but the Germans will win the group, advance to the finals, and be crowned Euro 2012 Champions.
Petar Triva (Assistant Men's Soccer Coach at Holy Names University): I see Spain as the clear favorites for the tournament, but in soccer everything is possible and as we saw with Chelsea and Champions League this year, the better team does not always win!
Return to EURO 2012 Previews
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