Euro 2012: Group A- Group of Boredom

Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Greece

• On paper this is the weakest group with not one team standing out from the other. You could put your money on any of these teams winning the group and you wouldn't look silly. 
• Defence will rule this group- be prepared for draws and drab tactics to make sure goals aren't conceded. 
• Game to watch from Group: 12 June- Russia vs Poland- the historically oppressive neighbour vs the host of the tournament. It's 1920 all over again!

Poland-world ranking(WR)- 62 

• Why they could advance- Being the host they will get a hometown boost from the fans, they have a solid team in a weak group.
• Why they won't- They wouldn't have made the tournament if it wasn't for the fact they were hosting it, they are ranked 62 for a reason.
• Player to watch- Robert Lewandowski- striker who plays for German club Borussia Dortmund is their best chance to score.

Russia- WR-13

• Why they could advance- They have the strongest squad in the group on paper and are the favourites, reaching the semi-finals four years ago. They have a Dutch coach and they are always good.
• Why they won't- Their star players lack of playing time for their clubs may leave them rusty and slow starters.
• Player to watch- Andray Arshavin- striker and captain who plays for Arsenal but hasn't had a lot of playing time there due to lack of goals, see if he can produce for his country.

Czech Republic- WR-27

• Why they could advance- Solid midfield, they have the best goalkeeper in Europe right now in Petr Cech, capable of beating either Poland or Russia.
• Why they won't- Their best player doesn't score goals, they struggled to even get in the tournament.
• Player to watch- Petr Cech- had an amazing season for Chelsea.

Greece- WR-15

• Why they could advance- They don't concede many goals, have only lost one game in the last 18 since the World Cup, won the tournament in 2004 so they know how to do it.
•   Why they won't- They don't score many goals, team may want to go home early anyway as they may not have enough money to fund the team in the latter stages.
• Player to watch- No one in particular, they all play boring football and are as hairy as each other.

Predictions to go through- Russia and Poland.
My NZ TAB bet for the group- Russia to win Group $2.20

Photo sourced from Telegraph.co.uk