The Dark Horses of the Euros

It feels very weird when I say that it's under three months until France kick off the 2016 edition of the European Championships against Romania. It seems like only yesterday when Mario Gotze was endeared to the German faithful with the extra time strike to crown the Germans World Champions. With the Euros closer than most people think, here is a few sides who I think could cause a few threats to the favourites.

Poland

Key Men

Robert Lewandowski struck 13 times including 4 against Gibraltar in their opening fixture, not to forget the fine form he has been in for Bayern throughout the last two seasons. Lewandowski will be man marked but will almost certainly still cause a threat. At the back, they also look decent with captain Kamil Glik steering the ship from centre-half.

Road to France

Poland finished second in their qualifying group, behind Germany, whom they recorded a 2-0 victory over in the second game. Lewandowski knocked six of his goals in the two games against Gibraltar winning them both 7-0 and 8-1 respectively while they had a combined aggregate score of 8 over the fifth placed side, Georgia. Poland received two 2-2 draws against Scotland, Lewandowski rescuing a point in the 4th minute of injury time in the away leg. Against the Republic of Ireland, they were unlucky to come away with a victory from the Aviva Stadium with Shane Long grabbing a very late equaliser but clinched a victory in the return leg in Warsaw.

Group C

Poland may have thought that the qualifying group was the last time they would see Germany, but the organisers had different ideas. Poland have a decent group with Ukraine and minnows, Northern Ireland occupying the other two spots. Germany and Poland will fight it out for the top spot and I fancy the former to pip them to the post. A second place finish in the group would leave the Poles with a match against the winner of Group A, most likely to be France. Poland were able to defeat Germany in the qualifying so they won't fear France, if that is who they are drawn against. A top place finish would be very beneficial for the Poles and would leave them with a match against the best third placed side of Groups A, B and F.

Croatia

Key Men

Once of Internazionale pastures, Mateo Kovacic received his big money move to Real Madrid last summer, even at the risk of not featuring as readily as he did at the San Siro. Nevertheless, Kovacic is a shrewd operator that has a great range of passing and can unlock defences with ease. Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric are also key players in the middle of the park and the former has been in terrific form since he joined Barcelona at the start of last season. When on form, Croatia's midfield can rival the top sides in the world.

Road to France

Croatia lost just one match in a group consisting of 2006 World Cup winners, Italy, Bulgaria, Malta, Norway, Azerbaijan. They were expected to finish just behind Italy in qualifying and didn't disappoint even though they drew 1-1 on both occasions with the Italians. They did however record their only loss away to Norway 2-0 despite having scored 5 past the Scandinavians at an earlier stage. They also thumped Azerbaijan 6-0 at home with Ivan Perisic grabbing a brace but where unable to win away, with the hosts holding out to grab a point. Both Malta and Bulgaria were defeated home and away to seal their safe passage through.

Group D

Croatia have a nightmare group and they will be relying on achieving a first or second place finish to qualify from it. Spain, Czech Republic and Turkey are all also competing to get out, and while one would predict Spain to grab the top seed spot, this Croatian side will be definite contenders if they are able to navigate their way out of the group. The runner up spot secures a tie against the winner of Group E, likely to be either Belgium or Italy. Italy are an aging side on decline and Croatia did snatch a point courtesy of Mario Mandzukic in Euro 2012, the year that Italy got to the final. Croatia can be quietly confident.

Austria

Key Men

David Alaba is undoubtedly the key player in the Austrian side. The Bayern Munich wing back controls much of the play and has a decent scoring record also, scoring 4 times in qualifying. One of the more modern 'attacking' full backs, Alaba possesses all the weapons to trouble even the best defence, yet his technique at defending is often admired also. Joining him at the back, Alexsander Dragovic has also developed a bit of a reputation in Europe for being a technically gifted defender and, when on form, Austria can be confident of not conceding too many goals. Up front, Marko Arnautovic has been in fine form for Stoke this season and has developed into a fan favourite at the Britannia Stadium since his arrival a number of years back. 

Road to France

Austria were somewhat very efficient in the qualifiers, conceding just 5 goals and keeping 6 clean sheets, 5 of which were consecutive. They weren't as free-scoring as other teams but did put four past Sweden and five past Lichtenstein both away from home. Two one-nil victories helped Austria finish above Russia with Rubin Okotie and Marc Janko grabbing the goals. The four nil thumping preceded a 1-1 draw in the opening fixture against Sweden.

Group F

Unlike Croatia, Austria can be happy with the group they have received. Cristiano Ronaldo effectively carries Portugal. Hungary got through a poor qualifying group unconvincingly via the play off while Iceland compete in their very first European competition having shocked everyone to qualify first out of a tough qualifying group. I do expect Austria to qualify ahead of Portugal in first place and this would leave them with a last 16 draw against the runner up from Group E. I would predict it to be Italy with Belgium's youth giving them the upper hand over the Italians and, like Croatia, Austria have nothing to fear in an Italian side that is in tradition.

Do you agree with these predictions, or do you have any other sides that have the potential to cause an upset or two at the tournament in the summer?

World Cup Preview

"Twas the night before the World Cup, when all through the house

excitement was building, even in the mouse.

The fridge was loaded with beer and Doritos

and we were making our Brazilian mojitos."

I'll leave the poetry to Clement Clarke Moore and start discussing what lies in wait over the next month. It is hard to believe that in less than 24 hours, the 2014 World Cup will be kicking off. It seems like only yesterday when Andres Iniesta sent Spain to World Cup glory and they kick off their attempt to retain their title on Friday in a remake of the last final.

Everyone has seen the disruption and chaos that the country of Brazil is in, with stadiums not being ready and the protests from the natives over the World Cup, at why the money could not be spent with more wisdom on more pressing matters, such as tackling poverty and improving infrastructure. Blatter has already been in the media for the wrong reasons this week, and many people condemn him for heaping unwanted pressure onto the South American nation. Besides this not-so-small-issue, I hope the World Cup lives up to expectation once again.

Dark Horses

I would like to start with the teams who have the potential to cause an upset in the tournament. Under this bracket, I include the likes of Switzerland, Ivory Coast and Chile.

Firstly I'd like to begin with a personal favourite of mine, Switzerland. I tip the landlocked side to make an impression at the World Cup. They have a side that boasts a plethora of young talent such as Shaqiri, Xhaka, Schar and Stocker. In addition to this, their group consists of Honduras, France and Ecuador and Hitzfeld will be expecting to achieve a second place finish at the very least. Deep down, they must be thinking that they can topple France in order to avoid Argentina in the second round, and they certainly can do it.

Next is Ivory Coast. Similar to Switzerland, they have excellent options in attack. Even at the tender age of 36, Didier Drogba still has the capacity to excite, and with this almost certainly being his last tournament, he will be hoping to find his form for his country in order to go out with a bang. Drogba has former Chelsea team mate Saloman Kalou in support as well as Roma's Gervinho. A special mention also has to go to Yaya Toure in the engine room who guided Man City to their second title in 2 years.

Chile have been placed in a horrible group consisting of holders, Spain and runners up, Holland. Chile have an underrated team that consists of Nou Camp star, Alexis Sanchez in attack as well as Arturo Vidal in midfield. The Chileans finished 3rd in the South American qualifying table behind Argentina and Colombia. It is unlikely that they will get through, particularly if Holland are at their unstoppable best, however if a half-hearted Dutch side from the 2012 Euros is on show, they are their for the taking.

Big Slumps

Under this heading I will share my thoughts on who will be likely to flop at the tournament this year.

With all hype around the youthful Belgian side, along with a relatively simple group. They play Algeria, South Korea and Russia on the group, and with them likely to qualify, could meet Gemany or Portugal in the second round. The media and sports fans are expecting big things from this side, particularly with players such as Hazard, Lukaku and Kompany. On paper, this side would definitely not be out of place in the semis or even the final, but their lack of experience worries me. The last tournament that they qualified for was the 2002 World Cup when they reached the last 16. I can see them not getting past the last 16. However, this side has bags of talent, and will certainly will be around the big stars in years to come.

Another side that could suffer is Uruguay. They are in a group of 'death' along with England, Italy and Costa Rica. Many would tip Uruguay to qualify for the next round at the expense of England. I dont see this happening, as although they have a star-studded attack, their defense may let them down. With it being relatively slow, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling or Cerci can cause mayhem with their direct running. If Italy and England run directly at the Uruguayan defence, then Godin and Lugano will be tied up in knots and also will have their work cut out if they are to secure a position in the next round.

Likely Contenders.

The bookies make Brazil the favourites to clinch the title on home soil, and I am hoping that they do is well. In addition to this, holders Spain, Argentina, Italy, Holland and France must also be included in the likely contenders.

Brazil will be hoping to give the nation a lift in spite of the problems that the country has been going through over the last few years. The weight of a nation falls on the young shoulders of 22 year old, Neymar. He silenced the critics during last years Confederations Cup, and after a solid league campaign for new club Barcelona, he will be hoping to set the world alight once again. The ably named Fred will lead the line for Brazil and he comes off the back of a superb season at Fluminense.

Spain have often played the attractive football and captured everyone in South Africa when they blew away the competition. Spain will certainly be up challenging, and looking for their 4th consecutive title, something that may not be achieved for along time. If anyone can achieve this feat, it is definitely this Spanish side. It is unlikely that midfield maestros, Xavi and Iniesta will be around for the next World Cup, so another title would be a fitting end on the illustrious careers of these players.

Brazilian rivals, Argentina had a disappointing 2010 campaign so they will be hoping to rectify this, and there is no better place to do it than on rival turf. It is becoming a cliche that you aren't one of the best ever players if you haven't won the World Cup. For Lionel Messi, a win in Brazil who certainly cement his place in footballing history  along fellow countryman, Diego Maradona as well as Pele. The Argentinians have the firepower to claim the Jules Rimet trophy on the 13th July and boast a formidable attack. Consisting of Aguero, Messi, Lavezzi, Higuain and Palacio. The defence could prove their downfall, which lacks pace. A fast team such as Brazil and Spain could exploit.

One Final Note.

The tournament promises to bring the World to a stand-still and it is something that I have been excited for since the group draw back in December. I am rooting for a home win in Brazil. Not only do I have Brazil in my family sweepstake, I feel that this could unite a nation in turmoil. I also feel the football team deserves to give something back to the nation who has suffered due to the costs of the World Cup. Looking into my not-so-mysterious crystal ball, I can see an intense showdown between two bitter rivals in Brazil and Argentina, something which I'm sure the neutral would love. Also, Spain will get to the Semi Final and beat Italy in the third place play off. You heard it here first. Feel free to give me your predictions on the winners, shocks or big slumps.

It is almost upon us. Get the beers chilled and the doritos in the microwave. Get the the diaries cleared and the best spot in the living room. It's going to be a cracking ride, and one that will be over in a flash. The World expects. And I expect plenty of late and exhilirating nights.