Ohh!! Review EURO 2012 Group C (ENG VERSION)

SPAIN

FIFA ranking: 1
Key man: Xavi
Strength: Everywhere
Weakness: Villa's injury
Tip: Champions

THE 2008 champions, 2010 World Cup winners and hot favourite to defend their title. Quality, class and chasing history - make no mistake, this is a footballing juggernaut. Xavi is the master puppeteer, Iker Casillas is a great keeper, defensively they are sound and Andres Iniesta is a match-winner. A Spain-Germany final: it would be a classic.

ITALY

FIFA ranking: 12
Key man: Antonio Cassano
Strength: Pedigree
Weakness: Temperament
Tip: Second in group

NEVER underestimate Italy. They can be quirky (Mario Balotelli), there can be drama (another scandal involving match-fixing at home) and they face Spain first-up. But the Italians are always dangerous because football is their passion. Players such as Andrea Pirlo have been around the block a few times and will be ready to aim up.

Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane will be hoping for a memorable farewell to international football at Euro 2012, but Robbie Slater doesn't like his chances.

Source: AFP

IRELAND

FIFA ranking: 18
Key man: Robbie Keane
Strength: Irish spirit
Weakness: No playmaker
Tip: A brave exit

THIS will be a fitting swansong from international football for a generation of Irish players. Robbie Keane, Shay Given, Damien Duff , John O'Shea and Richard Dunne have all been great servants for their country, who always fight tooth and nail to reach tournaments like this. Advancing from the group will be a challenge too far.

CROATIA

FIFA ranking: 8
Key man: Luka Modric
Strength: Creativity
Weakness: Strikers
Tip: Third in group

THERE is an Australian influence with defender Josip Simunic. Led by Spurs spearhead Luka Modric, Croatia have a scheming midfield capable of upsetting Italy and sneaking into the next phase.
Coach Slaven Bilic is renowned for building a team tight in spirit and strong in resolve, although there are worries in defence and up front.

CONTINUE : GROUP D