Field set for greatest show on turf - European Cup

By Cathal Kelly Columnist

The table is now set for the June appetizer served before July’s Olympics. Based on the quality on offer, the average sports fan is going to have to spend all autumn dieting.

The 16 nations who will contest Euro 2012 were locked in Tuesday evening after Croatia, the Czech Republic, Portugal and the Republic of Ireland (strangled sob) won their respective two-leg playoffs.

By general consensus, the Euro is a better competitive spectacle than the World Cup (the Copa America lands somewhere between the two). This one promises to be special — all 12 European teams ranked in the world’s top 15 have qualified. Two of the remaining four — Poland and Ukraine — are co-hosts. The draw for groupings will be held Dec. 2.

Here’s a short primer on the contestants, so that you’ll have plenty of time to wrap your mouth around that phony Spanish or German accent in anticipation of the street party on the day of the championship game, July 1:

Spain (Average betting line: 5-2)

On a man-to-man talent level, the defending European and world champions have no global peer. But how hungry are they? Three big tournament wins in a row would lift them into the “best side of all time” conversation with Brazil’s 1970 incarnation and Hungary of the mid-’50s.

Germany (7-2)

The likely European favourites at the World Cup in 2 ½ years time, these Germans have a daunting blend of youth and experience, all with dazzling skill. The tough-mindedness we take for granted.

Netherlands (6-1)

Which Dutch side will show up? The ruffians who made it to the World Cup final in South Africa, or the artists who scored 37 goals in 10 qualifying matches for this tournament? Neutral fans will be hoping for the latter.

England (10-1)

As things stand, England will not have firestarter Wayne Rooney, who’s serving a three-match ban, for the entire opening round. Russia had a similar problem last time round with Andriy Arshavin and then rode his emotional return into the semis.

Italy (12-1)

After an embarrassment in South Africa, new-look Italy seems a lot like old-look Italy — a defensive juggernaut capable of moving forward dangerously.

Portugal (14-1)

Have made a recent habit of just squeaking into these things, but with the best European player of the moment, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the squad, anything’s possible now that they’re here.

Russia (28-1)

After becoming the outsider darlings of Euro 2008, Russia’s stars dispersed across Europe and gained crucial experience in top leagues. No one expects them to make the semis again, but nobody thought they’d make it out of the group stages last time around.

Croatia (40-1)

They will be seeded in the third-tier pot, meaning the bracket they land in is the likely Group of Death. This is very close to the last team you want to play when it matters.

Ukraine (40-1)

The better of the hosts, though they have been spanked in recent friendlies by the French and the Czechs. They will hope for a home-field boost. Snow wouldn’t hurt either.

Denmark (50-1)

An experienced side that’s not special in any way, but solid in every particular. Historically, a side always good to spring a surprise.

Ireland (60-1)

I’ll take the fifth on this one, fearing that any optimistic speculation is only tempting God to smite my pride with another of Ireland’s trademark win one, draw one, lose one, and then out-of-the-playoff-by-a-micron tournaments.

Czech Republic (66-1)

It doesn’t augur well that their top scorer in qualifying was a defender, Michal Kadlec (his four goals were only one less than all their strikers combined). At their best, the imposing Czechs are capable of outmuscling opponents.

Poland (66-1)

If their see-saw performance wasn’t incitement enough, the co-hosts have provoked their own fans by replacing their emblematic white eagle with a newfangled logo. For the sake of the party, they need to make the knockout round.

Sweden (66-1)

Scandinavian teams never get any respect — they’re too workmanlike. But Sweden has difference maker in Zlatan Ibrahimovic. If he decides to show up (with Ibrahimovic it’s a decision) there will be tears in the opposing dugouts.

Greece (80-1)

The bettors’ least fancied side — just the spot Greece likes. They were 150-1 dogs when they won Euro 2004. A repeat is impossible right up until it isn’t.

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