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Euro 2012: Tony Cascarino’s Road to Kiev

Cascarino predicts Spain to defend their title successfully in an all-Iberian final
Cascarino predicts Spain to defend their title successfully in an all-Iberian final
IVAN SEKRETAREV/AP

GROUP A

Poland v Greece The host nation should have enough to overcome the tournament’s weakest team in the opening game. Poland 1 Greece 0

Russia v Czech Republic I really like the look of this Russia side, and the Czechs aren’t a shadow of the team of a few years ago. Russia 2 Czech Republic 0

Greece v Czech Republic Two sides who could cancel each other out. Greece’s emphasis is on defence and the Czechs look blunt up front. Greece 1 Czech Republic 1

Poland v Russia The hosts will have the backing of a fervent Warsaw crowd, but Dick Advocaat’s side are full of power and pace. Poland 1 Russia 2

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Greece v Russia The Greeks will not concede many, but I simply don’t think they have the firepower to trouble Russia. Greece 0 Russia 1

Czech Republic v Poland If the home nation go into their final game needing a win to qualify, I’d expect them to edge past the Czechs. Czech Republic 1 Poland 2

1, Russia 2, Poland

GROUP B

Holland v Denmark The Dutch look great going forward, but may struggle at the back. Denmark look the weakest team in a fearsome group. Holland 2 Denmark 0

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Germany v Portugal Germany may be one of the pre-tournament favourites, but, in Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, Portugal have the outstanding individuals. Germany 0 Portugal 1

Denmark v Portugal The Portuguese could be dark horses for this tournament. They have as much talent as anyone, bar Spain. Denmark 0 Portugal 2

Holland v Germany A huge clash and a real derby between two of the favourites for the competition. There will be goals. Holland 2 Germany 2

Portugal v Holland In most cases, when a draw is enough to send both sides to the knockout stage, that is exactly what happens. Portugal 1 Holland 1

Denmark v Germany I can see the Germans needing to win this one to have any chance of qualifying. I would expect them to beat the Danes. Denmark 1 Germany 2

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1, Portugal 2, Holland

GROUP C

Spain v Italy The Spanish are the favourites for a reason. Their worst midfield player would walk into any other side in the competition. Spain 3 Italy 1

Ireland v Croatia It’s a tough game for the Irish, but Giovanni Trapattoni’s side love the idea of being a banana skin. I think they will get a point. Ireland 1 Croatia 1

Italy v Croatia A flick through the Italian squad shows how far they have fallen. Mario Balotelli shoulders many of their hopes, but even he may not be enough. Italy 0 Croatia 1

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Spain v Ireland The Irish will not roll over, but Spain just have so much quality all over the pitch. I don’t see anyone stopping them scoring. Spain 2 Ireland 0

Croatia v Spain A draw would take both of these sides through and that may lessen Spain’s intensity, especially if they rest players. Croatia 1 Spain 1

Italy v Ireland If the Italians have endured two defeats by this stage, as I expect them to, I can see the Irish making it three. It may not be enough to qualify, though. Italy 0 Ireland 1

1, Spain 2, Croatia

GROUP D

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France v England France have named only one recognised centre forward in their squad. Without Wayne Rooney, England look equally blunt. France 0 England 0

Ukraine v Sweden Nobody has talked much about Ukraine in the build-up, but the hosts have some good, strong players. Too much for the Swedes, certainly. Ukraine 2 Sweden 0

Ukraine v France Samir Nasri will have to play like Zinédine Zidane if the French are to stand any chance with such a defence-minded squad. Ukraine 1 France 1

Sweden v England The Swedes will have to open up a little if they have lost their first game, and that could work to England’s advantage. Sweden 1 England 3

Sweden v France I think the French will win their final game, but not by enough to avoid elimination on goal difference. Sweden 0 France 1

England v Ukraine In such a finely-balanced group, the final round of games will be extremely tense. A draw. England 1 Ukraine 1

1, England 2, Ukraine

QUARTER-FINALS

Winner A v Runner-up B

Russia v Holland The Russians look strong. I think they can hold the Dutch for 120 minutes, then eliminate them on penalties. Russia 1 Holland 1 (Russia win on penalties)

Winner B v Runner-up A

Portugal v Poland The host nation will be on the crest of a wave, but it’s hard to see them stopping the likes of Ronaldo and the playmaker, João Moutinho. Portugal 2 Poland 1

Winner C v Runner-up D

Spain v Ukraine The Spanish are simply a cut above everybody else in the competition. You need to be perfect to beat them and Ukraine are not. Spain 3 Ukraine 0

Winner D v Runner-up C

England v Croatia Slaven Bilic has a well-drilled, attractive side, but Roy Hodgson will make England very difficult to break down. England 1 Croatia 1 (England win on penalties)

SEMI-FINALS

Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 3

Russia v Spain A repeat of the Euro 2008 semi-final will be the end of the line for the Russians, as the Spanish move within one game of retaining their crown. Russia 1 Spain 2

Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 4

Portugal v England Two evenly matched teams and a replay of the Euro 2004 quarter-final. It will be decided by one set-piece, most likely from Ronaldo. Portugal 1 England 0

Final

Spain v Portugal No country have ever won three straight international tournaments. In a clash pitting a great team against a great collection of individuals, Spain will do just that.

Spain 3 Portugal 1