Euro 2012 Group C
Group C – Spain, Italy, Croatia and Ireland
This is an interesting group as it matches up Spain, who is the current World and European champions, with Italy, Republic of Ireland, and Croatia. A quick glance would have you believe it’s a shoo-in for the Spanish and Italians, but there could be an upset or two along the way. Spain hasn’t looked too sharp lately while Ireland have been good at both ends of the pitch. Croatia could be a nuisance to Italy and Spain, but are unlikely to advance even if they beat the Irish. However, if Spain and Italy draw against each other anything could happen here. The first game of the group is a mouth-watering match-up of Spain vs Italy on June 10th at Gdansk’s PGE Arena in Poland.
Italy made it to Euro 2012 by topping Qualifying Group C and going unbeaten. They won eight games and drew two for 26 points. They’ve played in the World Cup 17 times and have proven to be among the best footballing countries on the globe by winning it four times. They’ve also been runners up on two other occasions. As far as the previous European Championships go they won the event in 1968 as hosts and in Euro 2000 finished as runners up.
Spain went unbeaten in the qualifiers too and won Group I by winning all eight games for 24 points. When it comes to major tournaments, Spain has struggled throughout the years until just recently. They’ve played in the World Cup 13 times and won the tournament for the first time in 2010. Their previous best finish came in 1950 when they placed fourth. They’ve been more successful in Europe and won the Championships as hosts in 1964 and again in 2008 in Switzerland and Austria. They also finished Euro 1984 as runners up. As for now the odds of Spain winning Euro 2012 can be found at 9/4 / 3.25 here.
The second match on June 10th will see the Republic of Ireland taking on Croatia at Poznan’s Municipal Stadium. Ireland qualified for Euro 2012 as runners up in Group B. They won six games, drew three and lost just one for 21 points and finished just two behind group winners Russia. They beat Estonia 5-1 on aggregate in the playoffs, winning 4-0 away and drawing 1-1 at home.
Ireland rarely makes it to the big stage in football. They’ve played in the World Cup just three times and made it to the quarterfinals in 1990. This will be just their second appearance in the European Championships. They made it to Euro 1988 and placed fifth.
Croatia was runners up in Qualifying Group F with 22 points. They won seven games, drew one and lost two. They beat Turkey on aggregate 3-0 during the playoffs with a 3-0 away win and a draw at home 0-0. Croatia played their first game as a nation 1993. Before that they competed as a part of Yugoslavia. They’ve played in the World Cup three times and finished third in 1998. They’ve played in four European Championships, making it to the quarterfinal stage in 1996 and again in 2008.
Group C Schedule
10 June 2012 – Spain vs Italy at PGE Arena, Gdańsk
10 June 2012 – Republic of Ireland vs Croatia at Municipal Stadium, Poznań
14 June 2012 – Italy vs Croatia at Municipal Stadium, Poznań
14 June 2012 – Spain vs Republic of Ireland at PGE Arena, Gdańsk
18 June 2012 – Croatia vs Spain at PGE Arena, Gdańsk
18 June 2012 – Italy vs Republic of Ireland at Municipal Stadium, Poznań
Best bets for Group C
Sportsbook William Hill has the odds of Spain taking Group C currently at 8/5 with Italy at 11/4, Croatia at 15/2 and Ireland at 14/1. Register an account to find a huge odds selection.
The first day of this group will be huge. If Spain and Italy play to a draw and if Ireland or Croatia win, then one of the underdogs will jump into a quick lead after the first match. Spain should go through, but the fight for second in this group should be a good one and go down to the last group game.
