Tough group

Old rivals Germany and the Netherlands are headed for yet another clash at Euro 2012, after being drawn on Friday in the same group for the soccer championship. Also in a formidable Group B are Denmark and Portugal.

"It is the toughest group. Netherlands and Portugal have world-class players. We can look forward to very interesting match-ups," Germany coach Joachim Loew said after the draw.

"Denmark are always difficult to play, a typical 'tournament team'," he added about Germany's first opponents. "They have no fear of big names. That is what makes them dangerous."

After Denmark, Germany's second fixture will then be against long-time rivals Netherlands - a pairing that usually provides for a tight match. If the last friendly between the two sides is anything to go by, however, German fans will hope their team might just cruise to an easy victory; in November, Löw's team thrashed the Dutch 3-0.

"It is a tough draw, but we know our opponents well," Oranje midfielder Wesley Sneijder said.

"It is always important to win your first match, but with Germany and Portugal as our next opponents, the opener against Denmark will be crucial," he added.

Spain vs. Italy

In Group C, defending champions Spain will face 2006 World Cup winners Italy, Ireland and Croatia. Spain and Italy are the clear favorites in the group, but Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni was confident his team should not be underestimated ahead of the tournament.

"We have to play with the same mentality we have shown thus far and I am confident," said Italian Trapattoni. "I know Italy better, but every game is different. Spain are also a very strong team but we have to think about our moment. It will be important our squad is complete with no injuries."

The underdog group?

Poland, who are co-hosting the event with Ukraine, will open Euro 2012 on June 8 in Warsaw against Euro 2004 winner Greece in Group A. Also in that group are 2008 tournament semi-finalists Russia and the Czech Republic. It's a rather weak group that could easily see an underdog advance to the next round.

Russian international Alexander Samedov said the draw could have been a lot worse.

"It's a normal draw," Samedov said. "It could be much, much worse. All four teams are looking quite even and all are dangerous opponents. We'll take all of the opponents seriously. But I believe we can reach the play-offs."

England vs. France

Ukraine, England, Sweden and two-time European Championship winners France make up Group D.

"England are one of the biggest nations in football...they'll start as favorites in the group," was France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' take on his side's group.

"Behind England, Ukraine, Sweden and France will fight for second place."

The three-week tournament will be held in four cities in each country and will conclude in Kyiv on July 1.

Author: Holly Fox (AFP, dpa, Reuters)
Editor: Matt Hermann