My Euro 2012 Predictions: Croatia.

Thanks for the support again guys! Another steady day, wasn't 100 but 50+ will do me fine! So anyway we're making our way across from Italy to Croatia to preview the Croats chances of getting out of the group.

In nets we have former Tottenham man, Stipe Pletikosa. Now at Rostov in Russia he big keeper is holding his place and putting in impressive performances week in, week out. He is extremely consistent and rarely lets his concentration slip in a game, if ever.

In defence is Lyon centre back Dejan Lovren, the up and coming defender is making a big name for himself in Ligue 1. His tackling ability and his ability to get his head on almost everything in the box, Croatia will need him to help keep their defence tight this summer, but if he can repeat his form with his partnership with Bacary Kone there is no reason why not.

Our midfielder is Ivan Perisic, the Dortmund man is a wonderful player, elegant and agile with a rocket of a left foot on him. There was no better advert of this when a ball falling out of the sky, fell perfectly onto his left foot, which exploded like a rocket into Szczencsy's top left hand corner. A player with a great deliver and great shot, Perisic is not one to be messed with.

Upfront is Vfl Wolsburg man, Mario Madzukic, the big Croat is a big threat upfront. His calmness in the area and finishing skill coupled with his great ability to knock balls down to others make him and Eduardo/Jelavic a big threat upfront for the Croatians.

All in all, I think the Croatians will push Italy for second spot, but think in the end the Italian's experience in these situations will count in the team's game.

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

My Euro 2012 Predictions: Italy.

Another 100+ views yesterday everyone! The support is fantastic and can't thank you enough! Means an awful lot to me!

So today we make our way to Italy and the start of Group C, which also is a very tough group!

In nets is the legend Gianluigi Buffon, the Italy keeper has been in fantastic form for the Turin giants this season, leading them to a record breaking 38 game unbeaten season, although their football was nothing like Arsenal's in their "Invincibles" season but has none the less gained them results. He has been at his commanding best, with plenty of fine saves along the way, when called upon has proven himself aptly.

Our defensive rock is Juventus centre back Giorgio Chiellini, when I went to see Northern Ireland vs Italy, the man was a rock, despite getting away with a hand ball in the box which, if we scored would have added to our big list of big countries we've beaten! Anyway, his tackling and speed have added to Italy's already excellent defence as well as chipping in with a few goals too.

The midfield maestro that is Andrea Pirlo is next. The man is one of the world's best when it comes from dead-ball situations, able to whip it in with pace or ease, or have a pop at goal himself. Pirlo also brings his dead-ball specialty into his cool, calm game a man who always seems to have time on the ball when others don't. 

Upfront is another creative player, but that is not the only reason why I picked him. Antonio Di Natale offered to take care of Piermario Morosini's disabled sister after he sadly passed away as she has no family members left. Pure class, I couldn't believe it when I heard it, a true gent. Anyway, Di Natale has a rocket for a right foot and that right foot also has the class to pick out some unbelievable passes too.

So I think Italy will make it out of the group and probably to the semi finals but I can't see them getting any further as I think they lack the partner to go with Di Natale this time.

Thanks again for reading and your support!

Jonathan.

R.I.P Piermario Morosini.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

My Euro 2012 Predictions: Denmark.

Yet again, unbelievable support with over 100 views yesterday again! Can't thank you enough, means a lot to see other people taking their time to read something you've written, so thanks!

So the last team in Group B is Denmark, who people are writing off already, but maybe these 4 players I'm about to show you may change your mind slightly.

In nets we have Andres Lindegaard the United keeper has been in and out of the side, I think unfairly after De Gea's poor form at the start of the year. When Lindegaard has come in he has been more than consistent at times showing De Gea how it has been done. The big Dane is confident in his area, somewhat unflappable and his excellent shot stopping abilities too. 

Our defender is Simon Kjaer, an up and coming you centre back playing in Serie A for AS Roma. He has brilliant tackling and positioning capabilities, but also possesses a passing range a midfielder would die for.  

I can still remember his ball in the World Cup to play in Dennis Rommedahl to score, one of the finest you could hope to see and only being 23 he has a lot ahead of him.

In midfield is Danish wonder-kid Christian Eriksen, the young man has got a great reputation for himself for his unbelievable dribbling and skills, a fantastic chance creator for other players around him, he will be instrumental to any Danish success this summer. He also has the vision to pick any pass and has a fierce shot on him too.

Denmark's attacking force now, mostly relies on Dennis Rommedahl, at the ripe old age of 37, he continues to relentlessly and tirelessly run up and down the right hand side of midfield without fail. His shot is extremely fierce as Charlton fans will remember from his days there, when he hits the ball it definitely stays hit. 

Despite all this I still doubt that the Danes will make it past the group stages mainly because of the strength of the group they are in unfortunately for them, but that's not to say they can't upset the apple cart and prove me wrong.

Thanks again for reading and the constant support!

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

My Euro 12 Predictions: Germany.

First off, thanks for the massive, huge support yesterday! Over 100 views! Secondly, a massive well done to our boys in blue last night who won us our first European Championship! Great night last night that I won't forget in a hurry! Anyway, commiserations to Bayern, must be horrible to lose at your home ground in such a fashion and to Spurs who missed out on the Champions League through no real fault of their own.

Anyway! We'll continue our travel around Europe on our preview trail to Germany and one of the strongest teams in the world when it comes to balancing defence and attack without compromising either.

First up is keeper Manuel Neuer, probably the best keeper in the world if I'm honest and along with Petr Cech the two keepers I look up to most. His reflex saves are unbelievable, second to none. His handling ability as well as his sweeper keeper ability and extraordinarily long kicking make him a threat to start counter attacks too. His penalty saving ability was at the fore last night too and also in the semi's, but unfortunately his team mates could not replicate his penalty taking ability.

In defense we have the man mountain that is Mats Hummels, the 6 foot 3 centre back has a growing reputation within Europe and is fast becoming the best in the business. His composure is second to none, while his tackling and positioning are key to his game. He also chips in with a good few goals and as most Germans are, is a fantastic penalty taker.

Our midfielder is teenage sensation Mario Gotze, who is still only 19 and what a prospect he is. A fantastic dribbler, with immaculate vision. He has been on the watch list of Europe's elite for a while now for his ability to pick a pass through any defence and his great finishing as well. He is definitely a player Germans will want to shine in Ukraine and Poland.

Our attacking virtuoso is another up and coming star, Andre Schurrle. He is known for his dynamic dribbling as well as his cool as ice finishing ability. His high work rates up the pitch means that defenders at the Euro's will have to be on their toes to stop him this year. His calmness and ball distribution skills make him an exciting prospect to watch this summer.

So I think the Germans are definitely one of the favourites to win the competition, their steely determination, organisation with attacking flair makes them one of the most feared teams in the competition.

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

My Euro 2012 Predictions: Portugal.

So onto the second team in Group B and we're heading to Portugal, I'm going to do the less well known players in the Portuguese team just to give you a flavour of what else to expect other than Ronaldo and Pepe.

So off we go!

First off is Sporting keeper Rui Patricio, a solid young keeper brimming with confidence as they made the Europa League Semi's this year. Only 24 he is very experienced for his ages, with his handling and reflexes being two of his main attributes, while his kicking and distribution is also excellent.

In defence we have Zenit St. Petersburg Centre-Back Bruno Alves, a fantastically solid defender, rarely prone to mistakes. A man-made machine in the air in both boxes, he is a major threat to any team's from the man below's balls into the box from any dead ball situation.

Joao Moutinho could be crucial to Portugal's campaign, the Porto playmaker's vision, shooting and passing have made him an extremely exciting player to watch. His deliveries from dead ball situations are superb and has been on the radar of many top clubs around Europe, he is also a very tidy dribbler and isn't afraid to put in a tackle either.

As an attacker we have Ricardo Quaresma, he blows hot and cold, but at his devilish best is a force to be reckoned with. When at Porto he was unbelievable, but since then hasn't had much luck with spells at Inter, Chelsea and now at Besiktas is beginning to regain his old form again, Portugal will hope he will terrorise defenders this summer to help them progress.

Well as for the Portuguese as a whole I think they will be hard pressed to qualify with the Netherlands and Germany in their Group, but as we all know in football anything is possible.

Thanks for reading, really enjoying this now!

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

My Euro 2012 Predictions: Netherlands.

Hello again! Getting quite into this now, so finished Group A and onto probably the Group of Death, Group B, starting off with "Die Oranje" The Netherlands.

I think the Netherlands will go far this time, especially spurred on by the heart-breaking World Cup Final loss in extra time to Spain. Anyway here we go!

So let's kick things off with Roma keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. The massive Dutchman is a monster between the sticks, with unbelievable reflexes and handling, most definitely one of the world's best keepers. Extremely reliable and confident Roma got their man for an absolute bargain, in the region of £8 million, which will surely double with the peak of his powers yet to come. Commanding in his area and the Netherlands will go far aslong as he is in the sticks, while Vorm and Krul wait in the wings, Die Oranje have the goalkeeping position covered.

Gregory Van der Weil up next, the flying Dutchman bombs up and down the right, all day long without fail. Never tires and never gives up, being touted for a move to Chelsea for a while now, he is very astute defensively. With a great awareness aboug him to assess the current situation before going forward or not. 

Our Dutch midfield maestro is Wesley Sneijder, rumours have been rife that Manchester United would launch a bid for him, but so far nothing has happened. Sneijder's vision and passing is immaculate, while he is a dead ball specialist anywhere within 30 yards with his shooting just as accurate. 

 Upfront is not Robin van Persie but I'll be previewing anogher deadly Dutchman, Klaas Jan-Huntelaar. The man has been a machine for club and country this year, not getting half the credif he deserves, multiple hat-tricks and is not fazed in the box by anything, his cool finishing and suprisingly accurate shots from distance have made him one of the most feared strikers along with Van Persie this year. 

 So my predictions for the Dutch is they get to the final, they should get through the Group of Death, and after that should have an easy enough quarter final, the semi and final will be a real test of the Dutch's character though.

Thanks again for reading! Means alot! 

 Jonathan. 

 Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

My Euro 2012 Predictions: Greece.

Hello again! Hope you have been enjoying the previews so far!

Last team in Group A now, so Greece here we come!

2004 Champions Greece progressed through qualifying with relative ease, without losing a game.

First up is veteran keeper Kostas Chalkias, the PAOK keeper had been under study to the legend that was Antonios Nikopolidis who was capped 90 times by Greece and was the cornerstone of the team. Kostas has stepped up well and has been solid for the Greeks when called upon. He has great handling and also commands his area well. 

Second is 20 year old defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos has impressed me greatly when he's played for Schalke in the games I've seen this year. Commanding, energetic and willing to stick his body on the line for his team. Papadopoulos is an exciting prospect for any team needing a centre back, he has an attacking side to his game to, Mats Hummels like almost.

  

Into midfield and both Sotiris Ninis and Giannis Fetfatzidis are Greece's hottest prospects, at 21 and 20 respectively both have been dubbed as "The Greek Messi" for their direct dribbling styles and low centre of gravity. Ninis, has a fantastic right footed shot, combined with blistering pace and fantastic vision, "Fetfa" has all the same qualities but with his left. The dynamic Greek duo could get Greece out of the group.

Last but not least is Dimitris Salpigidis, Tottenham fans will remember him from their games against PAOK in the Europa League. Another dynamic dribbler with a small stature but has a great strength and shot about him, Greece will need him to be fighting fit to ensure they make a good fist of the tournament and do their best to attempt to progress.

I think Greece will make a fist of getting out of the group but will fall short, but should Ninis and Fetfa be on top form, there is no reason why they can't. However, an awful lot of pressure will be upon the two creative men in the middles shoulders and will be a true test to justify the claims that have been going about.

Thanks again for your continued support, does mean alot!

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

My Euro 2012 Predictions: Czech Republic.

Hello again! Welcome again to my Euro 2012 predictions, going to preview my 3rd team of Group A today, which is the Czech Republic. As I said in my last post about Russia I think it is between the Czechs and them to see who goes through.

So we'll start of with the Czech's most recognizable player, Petr Cech. For club and country Cech has been the first name on the team sheet without fail. After recovering from his horrific injury against Reading has been in stellar form. Always reliable, his handling and reflexes are immense. With his 6ft 5 stature he is confident and commanding in his area too. Also a very genuine person, as he took his own time to stand and talk to me for 10 minutes about goalkeeping, giving me plenty of tips and encouragement, as the picture above shows!

Next up is Michal Kadlec, the Czech right back is renown for his attacking ability, constantly bombing down the right hand side. Tall, with good pace and strength' he isn't afraid to go into a tackle. This was evident when he came out wearing a Petr Cech-esque Batman mask after he has his nose broken. Maybe it's a Czech thing, who knows!

Into midfield now and next up is Jaroslav Plasil. He and Tomas Rosicky could be the difference in the Czech's tournament, on their day, two of the most creative players you could hope to see. Plasil's passing range is immaculate and is never afraid to have a pop at goal either, the Bordeaux midfielder's guile and agility is to die for.

Last but not least is former Liverpool striker, Milan Baros. The man is a machine when it comes to goals, banging one in every two games. His height, speed and deadly finishing have made him a dangerous prospect for anyone who faces him. Baros will need to better his one in two record to help the Czechs out of their group. So finally my predictions are that it is between the Czechs and Russians to see who progresses, I think they lack defensive capabilities to progress futher. 

Thanks again for reading!

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

My Euro 2012 Predictions: Russia.

Hello again! Hope you enjoyed my first post!

Next team I'm previewing is Russia, I don't have high hopes for Russia in these Euro's don't know why exactly, just one of those gut feelings you get I suppose!

Anyway I shall begin with Russia's keeper, Igor Akinfeev. A keeper was reflexes to die for he has made the number 1 spot his own, despite stiff competition from other Russian keepers. His height and handling also adds to his values as one of Russia's greatest keepers since one of the world's greatest keepers and partly responsible for their success at the first European Championships, Lev Yashin. Also known as "The Black Spider" as he always wore black and spider for his lightning fast reflexes, just like Akinfeev.

For our defender I have chosen Sergei Ignashevich, a man mountain at the back for club and country, never afraid to put himself into a tackle and will always stand up when called upon to do a job. Russia's defence is quite strong especially with the former Chelsea man Yuri Zhrikov at Left-Back. If they can keep it tight at the back there is no reason why they can not progress through the group.

Up next is Igor Semshov, the central midfielder played a huge part in getting Russia to the semi-finals 4 years ago, with his lion heart, tackling ability and sheer determination is matched with a decent shot and a fantastic range of passing. Although he is getting on abit now, he still has something left in the tank in which will probably be his last European Championship.

Next on the preview list is Pavel Pogrebnak, "The Pog" as he is known to Fulham fans has an unbelievable shot, scoring 5 goals with his first 5 shots on target in the Premier League. He has decent pace and height aswell has the strength to hold off a defender, Russia will need him to bang in the goals to get past the group stages.

Yet again my prediction is for Russia to get out of the group, well.. Depending on their result with the Czech Republic, but yet again I can't see them getting past the last 8 with the group of death's winners and runners up to play next.

Thanks again for reading!

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

My Euro 2012 Predictions: Poland.

First of all welcome to my football blog, might talk about other things, probably won't! Feel free to join in with anything football related.

I'm going to start things off with my predictions for the 14th European Championships that are drawing ever closer. The trials and tribulations, fails and faux-pas, successes and fairy tales all start on June the 8th this year. Going to do it team by team as I think it will be better than one huge blog and may keep you more interested but we'll see!

So we'll start off in Group A with hosts Poland.

Poland have a strong chance of progression from their group with players such as Robert Lewandowski, Wojciech Szczenscy, Lukas Piszczek and captain Jakub Blaszczykowski.

(Those aren't easy to spell let me tell you!)

So I'll start off with Szczenscy, who has been in fantastic form for Arsenal this year, impressing without major fault while all else at times crumbled around him. In my opinion his finest hour was at Anfield when he saved a penalty and then the follow-up, which has proven crucial to Arsenal getting that vital 3rd place. Confident in his area and a fantastic shot stopper, if he is at his best, Poland could get out of the group and further.

Next up is the first of the Borussia Dortmund triplet, Lukas Piszczek. He too his been in fine form for his club this season, chipping in with vital goals, bombing down the right and scoring a wonderful left-foot volley against Schalke. Always steady and never afraid of a tackle, the young right-back has the perfect opportunity to impress potential suitors this summer.

The second of the Dortmund trio is Jakub Blaszczykowski, a winger with unbelievable pace, has played a vital role in "Die Schwarz-Gelb" 's first double. His vision and crossing ability are fantastic with a fierce shot and a dynamic dribbler, twisting this way and that, he is a player similar to Theo Walcott. Poland will look to provide for Lewandowski as he has done for Dortmund.

 Last but not least is Dortmund's front man, Robert Lewandowski. Scoring an impressive 22 goals in the league this year and a Hat-trick in the DFB Pokal Final yet still not getting the credit he deserves. Quick and agile whilst topping 6 foot, he has a clinical shot and has the peace of mind to find a pass when needs must. Poland will need Lewandowski to score this summer and the hopes of a nation rest heavily on his shoulders.

So after a bit of background to some players here's my predictions.

I think Poland will escape out of their group but with potential opponents including Netherlands and co in the group of death surely getting past the last 8 will be a bridge too far.

So that's my first of the 16 teams, hope you've enjoyed it.

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter if you want: @JWalsh97