UEFA EUROCUP 2012: The drama and surprises of the Final Draw.
EURO finals schedule confirmed
Published: Friday 2 December 2011
The finals schedule has been confirmed with Poland starting the tournament against Greece and other opening games including Germany v Portugal, Spain v Italy and England v France.
The schedule for UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine has been confirmed following the draw in Kyiv.
Poland will launch the tournament on Friday 8 June at 18.00CET against Greece in Warsaw followed by the other Group A opener between Russia and the Czech Republic at 20.45CET. The next day the Netherlands face Denmark in Kharkiv and Germany take on Portugal in Lviv to begin Group B, and on 10 June Group C starts as holders Spain play Italy and the Republic of Ireland are matched with Croatia.
Ukraine are involved in the last of the opening set of fixtures, meeting Sweden in Group D in Kyiv after England tackle France in Donetsk. The group stage runs until 19 June, then, after a rest day, the quarter-finals take place over four consecutive nights. The semi-finals are on 29 June in Donetsk and the following evening in Warsaw, before Kyiv stages the 1 July decider.
#1: POL v GRE, 18.00CET, Warsaw
#2: RUS v CZE, 20.45CET, Wroclaw
Saturday 9 June 2012
#3: NED v DEN, 18.00CET, Kharkiv
#4: GER v POR, 20.45CET, Lviv
Sunday 10 June 2012
#5: ESP v ITA, 18.00CET, Gdansk
#6: IRL v CRO, 20.45CET, Poznan
Monday 11 June 2012
#7: FRA v ENG, 18.00CET, Donetsk
#8: UKR v SWE, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Tuesday 12 June 2012
#9: GRE v CZE, 18.00CET, Wroclaw
#10: POL v RUS, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Wednesday 13 June 2012
#11: DEN v POR, 18.00CET, Lviv
#12: NED v GER, 20.45CET, Kharkiv
Thursday 14 June 2012
#13: ITA v CRO, 18.00CET, Poznan
#14: ESP v IRL, 20.45CET, Gdansk
Friday 15 June 2012
#15: SWE v ENG, 20.45CET, Kyiv
#16: UKR v FRA, 18.00CET, Donetsk
Saturday 16 June 2012
#17: CZE v POL, 20.45CET, Wroclaw
#18: GRE v RUS, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Sunday 17 June 2012
#19: POR v NED, 20.45CET, Kharkiv
#20: DEN v GER, 20.45CET, Lviv
Monday 18 June 2012
#21: CRO v ESP, 20.45CET, Gdansk
#22: ITA v IRL, 20.45CET, Poznan
Tuesday 19 June 2012
#23: ENG v UKR, 20.45CET, Donetsk
#24: SWE v FRA, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Wednesday 20 June 2012
No matches
Thursday 21 June 2012
#25: 1A v 2B, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Friday 22 June 2012
#26: 1B v 2A, 20.45CET, Gdansk
Saturday 23 June 2012
#27: 1C v 2D, 20.45CET, Donetsk
Sunday 24 June 2012
#28: 1D v 2C, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Monday 25 June 2012
No matches
Tuesday 26 June 2012
No matches
Wednesday 27 June 2012
#29: W#25 v W#27, 20.45CET, Donetsk
Thursday 28 June 2012
#30: W#26 v W#28, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Friday 29 June 2012
No matches
Saturday 30 June 2012
No matches
Sunday 1 July 2012
#31: W#29 v W#30, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Poland will launch the tournament on Friday 8 June at 18.00CET against Greece in Warsaw followed by the other Group A opener between Russia and the Czech Republic at 20.45CET. The next day the Netherlands face Denmark in Kharkiv and Germany take on Portugal in Lviv to begin Group B, and on 10 June Group C starts as holders Spain play Italy and the Republic of Ireland are matched with Croatia.
Ukraine are involved in the last of the opening set of fixtures, meeting Sweden in Group D in Kyiv after England tackle France in Donetsk. The group stage runs until 19 June, then, after a rest day, the quarter-finals take place over four consecutive nights. The semi-finals are on 29 June in Donetsk and the following evening in Warsaw, before Kyiv stages the 1 July decider.
Match scheduleAll kick-offs CET, Ukrainian time is one hour ahead
Friday 8 June 2012#1: POL v GRE, 18.00CET, Warsaw
#2: RUS v CZE, 20.45CET, Wroclaw
Saturday 9 June 2012
#3: NED v DEN, 18.00CET, Kharkiv
#4: GER v POR, 20.45CET, Lviv
Sunday 10 June 2012
#5: ESP v ITA, 18.00CET, Gdansk
#6: IRL v CRO, 20.45CET, Poznan
Monday 11 June 2012
#7: FRA v ENG, 18.00CET, Donetsk
#8: UKR v SWE, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Tuesday 12 June 2012
#9: GRE v CZE, 18.00CET, Wroclaw
#10: POL v RUS, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Wednesday 13 June 2012
#11: DEN v POR, 18.00CET, Lviv
#12: NED v GER, 20.45CET, Kharkiv
Thursday 14 June 2012
#13: ITA v CRO, 18.00CET, Poznan
#14: ESP v IRL, 20.45CET, Gdansk
Friday 15 June 2012
#15: SWE v ENG, 20.45CET, Kyiv
#16: UKR v FRA, 18.00CET, Donetsk
Saturday 16 June 2012
#17: CZE v POL, 20.45CET, Wroclaw
#18: GRE v RUS, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Sunday 17 June 2012
#19: POR v NED, 20.45CET, Kharkiv
#20: DEN v GER, 20.45CET, Lviv
Monday 18 June 2012
#21: CRO v ESP, 20.45CET, Gdansk
#22: ITA v IRL, 20.45CET, Poznan
Tuesday 19 June 2012
#23: ENG v UKR, 20.45CET, Donetsk
#24: SWE v FRA, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Wednesday 20 June 2012
No matches
Thursday 21 June 2012
#25: 1A v 2B, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Friday 22 June 2012
#26: 1B v 2A, 20.45CET, Gdansk
Saturday 23 June 2012
#27: 1C v 2D, 20.45CET, Donetsk
Sunday 24 June 2012
#28: 1D v 2C, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Monday 25 June 2012
No matches
Tuesday 26 June 2012
No matches
Wednesday 27 June 2012
#29: W#25 v W#27, 20.45CET, Donetsk
Thursday 28 June 2012
#30: W#26 v W#28, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Friday 29 June 2012
No matches
Saturday 30 June 2012
No matches
Sunday 1 July 2012
#31: W#29 v W#30, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Group A coaches quietly confident
Published: Friday 2 December 2011, 19.11CET
After being drawn in perhaps the most even of the UEFA EURO 2012 groups, the consensus among the coaches of Poland, Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic was one of satisfaction.
A sense of contentment prevailed among the four coaches after co-hosts Poland were drawn with Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic in UEFA EURO 2012 Group A.
Poland's Franciszek Smuda described the section as being "very even", while Russia boss Dick Advocaat said everyone would be happy with their lot following the draw in Kyiv. Like Czech Republic coach Michal Bílek, Greece's Fernando Santos was also satisfied and evoked the 2004 champions' shock success, when they also faced the home nation in their opener and concluded the group with a game against Russia.
Franciszek Smuda, Poland coach
It's not the 'group of death', for sure, but we shouldn't be too excited about it either because it's sometimes more difficult to qualify from such a group.
Fans, coaches and players will be dreaming about the opening match against Greece and they will follow this group closely. We'll do everything possible to be ready for the opening game. I'm sure the media will say the favourites are Greece and Russia, but I believe this is a very even group.
Fernando Santos, Greece coach
It's a very open group and each team has a 25% chance of progress. In theory it's a good draw for us, but we need to prove that on the pitch. Such a draw is like a double-edged sword, because you focus more on the stronger teams.
I'm sure many of you are thinking back to 2004, when Greece also played the hosts in the opening match and the last group game was against Russia. That surely brings back good memories and could be considered an omen. However, the most important thing now is preparation. I believe in my players and I know they will be ready for the tournament.
Dick Advocaat, Russia coach
I think all four coaches are happy with the group, because everybody can beat everyone else. So, with that in mind, we're looking forward to the first game. It's the third consecutive time that Russia have been drawn with Greece in the group stage of the EURO, so we're familiar rivals. Plus we also played a friendly against them last month [drawing 1-1], so we know each other well.
Michal Bílek, Czech Republic coach
I wanted Poland and Greece in our group so I can be satisfied, but this draw will not decide anything – we still had the task of advancing from whatever group we got. The good news is that we will play all our group games in one city [Wroclaw] and, moreover, at the stadium which is closest to the Czech Republic. I'm looking forward to our fans being there.
I remember that I won my first cap against Poland and I scored after only two minutes on the pitch. We had a friendly planned against Greece but we'll change it for the Republic of Ireland.
Group A schedule
Friday 8 June
POL v GRE, 18.00CET, Warsaw
RUS v CZE, 20.45CET, Wroclaw
Tuesday 12 June
GRE v CZE, 18.00CET, Wroclaw
POL v RUS, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Saturday 16 June
CZE v POL, 20.45CET, Wroclaw
GRE v RUS, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Poland's Franciszek Smuda described the section as being "very even", while Russia boss Dick Advocaat said everyone would be happy with their lot following the draw in Kyiv. Like Czech Republic coach Michal Bílek, Greece's Fernando Santos was also satisfied and evoked the 2004 champions' shock success, when they also faced the home nation in their opener and concluded the group with a game against Russia.
Franciszek Smuda, Poland coach
It's not the 'group of death', for sure, but we shouldn't be too excited about it either because it's sometimes more difficult to qualify from such a group.
Fans, coaches and players will be dreaming about the opening match against Greece and they will follow this group closely. We'll do everything possible to be ready for the opening game. I'm sure the media will say the favourites are Greece and Russia, but I believe this is a very even group.
Fernando Santos, Greece coach
It's a very open group and each team has a 25% chance of progress. In theory it's a good draw for us, but we need to prove that on the pitch. Such a draw is like a double-edged sword, because you focus more on the stronger teams.
I'm sure many of you are thinking back to 2004, when Greece also played the hosts in the opening match and the last group game was against Russia. That surely brings back good memories and could be considered an omen. However, the most important thing now is preparation. I believe in my players and I know they will be ready for the tournament.
Dick Advocaat, Russia coach
I think all four coaches are happy with the group, because everybody can beat everyone else. So, with that in mind, we're looking forward to the first game. It's the third consecutive time that Russia have been drawn with Greece in the group stage of the EURO, so we're familiar rivals. Plus we also played a friendly against them last month [drawing 1-1], so we know each other well.
Michal Bílek, Czech Republic coach
I wanted Poland and Greece in our group so I can be satisfied, but this draw will not decide anything – we still had the task of advancing from whatever group we got. The good news is that we will play all our group games in one city [Wroclaw] and, moreover, at the stadium which is closest to the Czech Republic. I'm looking forward to our fans being there.
I remember that I won my first cap against Poland and I scored after only two minutes on the pitch. We had a friendly planned against Greece but we'll change it for the Republic of Ireland.
Group A schedule
Friday 8 June
POL v GRE, 18.00CET, Warsaw
RUS v CZE, 20.45CET, Wroclaw
Tuesday 12 June
GRE v CZE, 18.00CET, Wroclaw
POL v RUS, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Saturday 16 June
CZE v POL, 20.45CET, Wroclaw
GRE v RUS, 20.45CET, Warsaw
Group B 'the toughest', opponents agree
Published: Friday 2 December 2011, 20.28CET
"It's the toughest group, everyone agrees on that," Netherlands coach Bert van Maarwijk told UEFA.com, and his colleagues from Denmark, Germany and Portugal duly concurred on Group B.
Former champions the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany have been pitted against 2004 runners-up Portugal in UEFA EURO 2012 Group B, and unsurprisingly all four coaches agree that it is probably the toughest of the four sections.
Bert van Marwijk, Netherlands coach
I don't think about [the Germany match] at all. I only look at the first match – for me the first match is the most important. At the World Cup, it was similar: we also played the first match against Denmark, and now we will again. So that will be exactly the same. We just have to win it; I mean, if you want to play a role of importance, you need to win the first match. Everything should be focused on that from now on.
Morten Olsen, Denmark coach
It doesn't only look it, I think it IS a very difficult group. I mean, from my point of view, I think two of the favourites, the Netherlands and Germany, are in our group. And we have played Portugal in our qualifying group – we beat them, but we know they are a very good team too.
Joachim Löw, Germany coach
All teams are good in a EURO, no matter who you play. They all have their strengths. Portugal, the Netherlands – they are the most technical teams in the world, and Denmark are strong as a team. So we need to take it as it is. [Playing the Netherlands] is always something special and we're looking forward to it.
Paulo Bento, Portugal coach
The draw is like this. We don't set priorities. We have to accept it as it is. It's a very difficult group, the strongest one of the four. But it's a very balanced group taking into count the quality of the teams and their record.
Denmark finished above us in the last two qualification campaigns, the Netherlands were almost perfect in qualifying and they were World Cup finalists. Germany are the team with the most European titles.
Group B schedule
Saturday 9 JuneNED v DEN, 18.00CET, Kharkiv
GER v POR, 20.45CET, Lviv
Wednesday 13 June
DEN v POR, 18.00CET, Lviv
NED v GER, 20.45CET, Kharkiv
Sunday 17 June 2012
POR v NED, 20.45CET, Kharkiv
DEN v GER, 20.45CET, Lviv
Bert van Marwijk, Netherlands coach
It's the toughest group, everyone agrees on that. I have met all the coaches and none of them looked happy. There's a lot of respect for each other, I think. All the countries know each other well – quite recently we lost against Germany. It's a huge challenge, this group. There will be beautiful matches, and the advantage is that you actually already want to play now, because you're already sharp now, the players as well.
I don't think about [the Germany match] at all. I only look at the first match – for me the first match is the most important. At the World Cup, it was similar: we also played the first match against Denmark, and now we will again. So that will be exactly the same. We just have to win it; I mean, if you want to play a role of importance, you need to win the first match. Everything should be focused on that from now on.
Morten Olsen, Denmark coach
It doesn't only look it, I think it IS a very difficult group. I mean, from my point of view, I think two of the favourites, the Netherlands and Germany, are in our group. And we have played Portugal in our qualifying group – we beat them, but we know they are a very good team too.
Obviously, we will have to be at our best and we need to have all of our key players fit for the ten days. On top of that, we will need a good deal of luck in order to succeed. That said, it is not an easy group for the other teams, and I did not really see any happy faces on any of my colleagues from those countries.
Joachim Löw, Germany coach
It was an exciting draw, as usual. I think this is possibly the strongest group. When I look at it, it is the most exciting, maybe the most even group. The EURO is always a great tournament where there are no easy opponents.
All teams are good in a EURO, no matter who you play. They all have their strengths. Portugal, the Netherlands – they are the most technical teams in the world, and Denmark are strong as a team. So we need to take it as it is. [Playing the Netherlands] is always something special and we're looking forward to it.
Paulo Bento, Portugal coach
The draw is like this. We don't set priorities. We have to accept it as it is. It's a very difficult group, the strongest one of the four. But it's a very balanced group taking into count the quality of the teams and their record.
Denmark finished above us in the last two qualification campaigns, the Netherlands were almost perfect in qualifying and they were World Cup finalists. Germany are the team with the most European titles.
It's going to be tough. There will be hard work ahead of us as we try to reach our goal of going through the knockout stages.
Group B schedule
Saturday 9 JuneNED v DEN, 18.00CET, Kharkiv
GER v POR, 20.45CET, Lviv
Wednesday 13 June
DEN v POR, 18.00CET, Lviv
NED v GER, 20.45CET, Kharkiv
Sunday 17 June 2012
POR v NED, 20.45CET, Kharkiv
DEN v GER, 20.45CET, Lviv
Holders Spain respectful of Group C rivals
Published: Friday 2 December 2011, 21.17CET
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque expects a "difficult" test in Group C while Giovanni Trapattoni is wary of facing his native Italy and Slaven Bilić "can't wait" to get started.
He may have guided UEFA EURO 2008 winners Spain to 2010 FIFA World Cup glory but Vicente del Bosque will be taking nothing for granted in Group C where Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni will be reunited with his native Italy and Croatia's Slaven Bilić "can't wait" for the action to begin.
Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach
It's always difficult.
I think that there aren't any major differences between sides in modern football. Every team is basically pretty well balanced and set up. And most of the players play in Europe at big European clubs, so [Croatia and Ireland] are teams we're familiar with. Each team has its own style but what's important in the end is to win the matches.
Cesare Prandelli, Italy coach
It's a very difficult group. We have the current European and world champions as well as two other very important teams, and of course we know Trapattoni very well.
I don't know [if Spain and Italy are favourites], but we shouldn't single out Italy as a favourite because then something will go wrong. Let's just hope we play to a high standard.
Giovanni Trapattoni, Republic of Ireland coach
We knew that, due to our ranking, we'd be facing the strongest teams at the EURO. There was Germany, England, the Netherlands and Spain, and we were drawn with Spain. We'll face them in our second match. I hope we'll be playing for a place in the next round when we face Italy, because that would give us a big psychological boost. I think it will be Ireland, Italy and Croatia fighting for second spot.
Slaven Bilić, Croatia coachIt's a great group. We have the European and world champions, a recent world champion and Ireland, who are playing great football and have great fans.
There is a sensational spirit in the Croatia squad. The best seem to get the best out of you – it's an exciting prospect. It's unbelievable so we can't wait for it. I'm so happy. I have the biggest respect for those three teams. We're definitely not the favourites but we can give them a good game.
Group C schedule
Sunday 10 June
ESP v ITA, 18.00CET, Gdansk
IRL v CRO, 20.45CET, Poznan
Thursday 14 June
ITA v CRO, 18.00CET, Poznan
ESP v IRL, 20.45CET, Gdansk
Monday 18 June
CRO v ESP, 20.45CET, Gdansk
ITA v IRL, 20.45CET, Poznan
Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach
It's always difficult.
Croatia and Ireland qualified via the play-offs but they won by very big margins. And then there'll be a classic match against Italy. So I think we'll have to prepare well, get there in our best form, and focus more on ourselves than our opponents.
I think that there aren't any major differences between sides in modern football. Every team is basically pretty well balanced and set up. And most of the players play in Europe at big European clubs, so [Croatia and Ireland] are teams we're familiar with. Each team has its own style but what's important in the end is to win the matches.
Cesare Prandelli, Italy coach
It's a very difficult group. We have the current European and world champions as well as two other very important teams, and of course we know Trapattoni very well.
Spain aren't the only team to beat – every team has to be beaten, especially the teams you think could it make into the next round, starting with Spain.
I don't know [if Spain and Italy are favourites], but we shouldn't single out Italy as a favourite because then something will go wrong. Let's just hope we play to a high standard.
Giovanni Trapattoni, Republic of Ireland coach
We knew that, due to our ranking, we'd be facing the strongest teams at the EURO. There was Germany, England, the Netherlands and Spain, and we were drawn with Spain. We'll face them in our second match. I hope we'll be playing for a place in the next round when we face Italy, because that would give us a big psychological boost. I think it will be Ireland, Italy and Croatia fighting for second spot.
I didn't want to play Italy because of technical reasons and also because of the psychological aspect. We know each other very well and one of us has to leave the tournament but I don't know who. We'll play with our enthusiasm, willingness and identity, then we'll see what happens.
Slaven Bilić, Croatia coachIt's a great group. We have the European and world champions, a recent world champion and Ireland, who are playing great football and have great fans.
We're looking forward to it big time. It's a very tough group, like the others are, and we have not only hope but a chance to go through. We're going to prepare well. We have three great games in front of us and we are delighted.
There is a sensational spirit in the Croatia squad. The best seem to get the best out of you – it's an exciting prospect. It's unbelievable so we can't wait for it. I'm so happy. I have the biggest respect for those three teams. We're definitely not the favourites but we can give them a good game.
Group C schedule
Sunday 10 June
ESP v ITA, 18.00CET, Gdansk
IRL v CRO, 20.45CET, Poznan
Thursday 14 June
ITA v CRO, 18.00CET, Poznan
ESP v IRL, 20.45CET, Gdansk
Monday 18 June
CRO v ESP, 20.45CET, Gdansk
ITA v IRL, 20.45CET, Poznan
He may have guided UEFA EURO 2008 winners Spain to 2010 FIFA World Cup glory but Vicente del Bosque will be taking nothing for granted in Group C where Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni will be reunited with his native Italy and Croatia's Slaven Bilić "can't wait" for the action to begin.
Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach
It's always difficult.
I think that there aren't any major differences between sides in modern football. Every team is basically pretty well balanced and set up. And most of the players play in Europe at big European clubs, so [Croatia and Ireland] are teams we're familiar with. Each team has its own style but what's important in the end is to win the matches.
Cesare Prandelli, Italy coach
It's a very difficult group. We have the current European and world champions as well as two other very important teams, and of course we know Trapattoni very well.
I don't know [if Spain and Italy are favourites], but we shouldn't single out Italy as a favourite because then something will go wrong. Let's just hope we play to a high standard.
Giovanni Trapattoni, Republic of Ireland coach
We knew that, due to our ranking, we'd be facing the strongest teams at the EURO. There was Germany, England, the Netherlands and Spain, and we were drawn with Spain. We'll face them in our second match. I hope we'll be playing for a place in the next round when we face Italy, because that would give us a big psychological boost. I think it will be Ireland, Italy and Croatia fighting for second spot.
Slaven Bilić, Croatia coachIt's a great group. We have the European and world champions, a recent world champion and Ireland, who are playing great football and have great fans.
There is a sensational spirit in the Croatia squad. The best seem to get the best out of you – it's an exciting prospect. It's unbelievable so we can't wait for it. I'm so happy. I have the biggest respect for those three teams. We're definitely not the favourites but we can give them a good game.
Group C schedule
Sunday 10 June
ESP v ITA, 18.00CET, Gdansk
IRL v CRO, 20.45CET, Poznan
Thursday 14 June
ITA v CRO, 18.00CET, Poznan
ESP v IRL, 20.45CET, Gdansk
Monday 18 June
CRO v ESP, 20.45CET, Gdansk
ITA v IRL, 20.45CET, Poznan
Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach
It's always difficult.
Croatia and Ireland qualified via the play-offs but they won by very big margins. And then there'll be a classic match against Italy. So I think we'll have to prepare well, get there in our best form, and focus more on ourselves than our opponents.
I think that there aren't any major differences between sides in modern football. Every team is basically pretty well balanced and set up. And most of the players play in Europe at big European clubs, so [Croatia and Ireland] are teams we're familiar with. Each team has its own style but what's important in the end is to win the matches.
Cesare Prandelli, Italy coach
It's a very difficult group. We have the current European and world champions as well as two other very important teams, and of course we know Trapattoni very well.
Spain aren't the only team to beat – every team has to be beaten, especially the teams you think could it make into the next round, starting with Spain.
I don't know [if Spain and Italy are favourites], but we shouldn't single out Italy as a favourite because then something will go wrong. Let's just hope we play to a high standard.
Giovanni Trapattoni, Republic of Ireland coach
We knew that, due to our ranking, we'd be facing the strongest teams at the EURO. There was Germany, England, the Netherlands and Spain, and we were drawn with Spain. We'll face them in our second match. I hope we'll be playing for a place in the next round when we face Italy, because that would give us a big psychological boost. I think it will be Ireland, Italy and Croatia fighting for second spot.
I didn't want to play Italy because of technical reasons and also because of the psychological aspect. We know each other very well and one of us has to leave the tournament but I don't know who. We'll play with our enthusiasm, willingness and identity, then we'll see what happens.
Slaven Bilić, Croatia coachIt's a great group. We have the European and world champions, a recent world champion and Ireland, who are playing great football and have great fans.
We're looking forward to it big time. It's a very tough group, like the others are, and we have not only hope but a chance to go through. We're going to prepare well. We have three great games in front of us and we are delighted.
There is a sensational spirit in the Croatia squad. The best seem to get the best out of you – it's an exciting prospect. It's unbelievable so we can't wait for it. I'm so happy. I have the biggest respect for those three teams. We're definitely not the favourites but we can give them a good game.
Group C schedule
Sunday 10 June
ESP v ITA, 18.00CET, Gdansk
IRL v CRO, 20.45CET, Poznan
Thursday 14 June
ITA v CRO, 18.00CET, Poznan
ESP v IRL, 20.45CET, Gdansk
Monday 18 June
CRO v ESP, 20.45CET, Gdansk
ITA v IRL, 20.45CET, Poznan
UEFA EURO 2012 Group D is far from easy but the coaches of Ukraine, Sweden, France and England agreed the draw could have been even tougher.
Oleh Blokhin, Ukraine coach
My reaction is quite normal – I believe we got good teams, there are no bad teams here. This is one of the best European Championships, where the best European teams are represented. Therefore I feel fine about it.
It's positive [playing Sweden and France after recent losses to them], because the team wants a return match. When I spoke to the guys, and from what they said, I think they want that return match. The England team is the England team, although recently the English national team haven't been achieving top results in the European Championship or the World Cup. But English football is among the best in Europe. They are a good strong team.
Erik Hamrén, Sweden coach
I'm satisfied. It's going to be a tough group with three good teams – England, France, two big nations, and as a home team Ukraine will have a lot of energy. So we are the underdogs, of course. But
At the last EURO we won the first game and lost the second two. So [the opening game against Ukraine is] not so important any more. You have to win them all if you are going to go further. But of course the first game is always important.
Laurent Blanc, France coachWhat groups are not difficult tonight? All the groups are tough and an even harder one is Group B. Let's not forget that we could have been in Denmark's position. In a draw you are never satisfied, but I think it could have been more dangerous and more difficult for France.
We've played [England] recently but it will be different as it will be a competitive game in an official competition. They will certainly have a player less, as Rooney will be suspended for that game as it is the first game. France v England is always tough, it's always hotly contested with a lot at stake. These are games we enjoy playing and I hope that will be the case for this one.
Fabio Capello, England coach
It will be difficult as we face France in our first game but we will be looking to win.
All the teams are very good, because they have got to this tournament because they are really very good. We have found a good place [for our base], we are happy with the facilities and we will stay in the same place in Krakow. I hoped we would get the chance to play Spain or Italy in the quarter-finals.
Group B is a very, very difficult – with Portugal, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, that is very tough. The best group was probably Group A but we are happy to be in Group D. It is a tough group but it is better than Group B.
Group D schedule
Monday 11 June
FRA v ENG, 18.00CET, Donetsk
UKR v SWE, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Friday 15 June UKR v FRA, 18.00CET, Donetsk
SWE v ENG, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Tuesday 19 June
ENG v UKR, 20.45CET, Donetsk
SWE v FRA, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Oleh Blokhin, Ukraine coach
My reaction is quite normal – I believe we got good teams, there are no bad teams here. This is one of the best European Championships, where the best European teams are represented. Therefore I feel fine about it.
It could have been better, it could have been worse. The games will show everything.
It's positive [playing Sweden and France after recent losses to them], because the team wants a return match. When I spoke to the guys, and from what they said, I think they want that return match. The England team is the England team, although recently the English national team haven't been achieving top results in the European Championship or the World Cup. But English football is among the best in Europe. They are a good strong team.
Erik Hamrén, Sweden coach
I'm satisfied. It's going to be a tough group with three good teams – England, France, two big nations, and as a home team Ukraine will have a lot of energy. So we are the underdogs, of course. But
I'm really satisfied that we have three games here in Kyiv, a fantastic city, and we can have three games here. It's going to be really good for our supporters to have the camp in Kyiv.
At the last EURO we won the first game and lost the second two. So [the opening game against Ukraine is] not so important any more. You have to win them all if you are going to go further. But of course the first game is always important.
Laurent Blanc, France coachWhat groups are not difficult tonight? All the groups are tough and an even harder one is Group B. Let's not forget that we could have been in Denmark's position. In a draw you are never satisfied, but I think it could have been more dangerous and more difficult for France.
We are in an even group, with favourites England and three others that have their chances to qualify for the second round.
We've played [England] recently but it will be different as it will be a competitive game in an official competition. They will certainly have a player less, as Rooney will be suspended for that game as it is the first game. France v England is always tough, it's always hotly contested with a lot at stake. These are games we enjoy playing and I hope that will be the case for this one.
Fabio Capello, England coach
It will be difficult as we face France in our first game but we will be looking to win.
We know that if we get through we will have the possible chance of playing against Spain or Italy in the next round – that is tremendous.
All the teams are very good, because they have got to this tournament because they are really very good. We have found a good place [for our base], we are happy with the facilities and we will stay in the same place in Krakow. I hoped we would get the chance to play Spain or Italy in the quarter-finals.
Group B is a very, very difficult – with Portugal, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, that is very tough. The best group was probably Group A but we are happy to be in Group D. It is a tough group but it is better than Group B.
Group D schedule
Monday 11 June
FRA v ENG, 18.00CET, Donetsk
UKR v SWE, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Friday 15 June UKR v FRA, 18.00CET, Donetsk
SWE v ENG, 20.45CET, Kyiv
Tuesday 19 June
ENG v UKR, 20.45CET, Donetsk
SWE v FRA, 20.45CET, Kyiv
“
It could have been better, it could have been worse. The games will show everything
Oleh Blokhin
”
“
I'm really satisfied that we have three games here in Kyiv, a fantastic city, and we can have three games here
Erik Hamrén
”
“
We are in an even group, with favourites England and three others that have their chances to qualify for the second round
Laurent Blanc
”
“
We know that if we get through we will have the possible chance of playing against Spain or Italy in the next round – that is tremendous
Fabio Capello
”
EURO pathway plotted in Kyiv
Published: Friday 2 December 2011, 21.21CET
The final draw for UEFA EURO 2012 has thrown up some fascinating fixtures.
With 187 days to go until the start of UEFA EURO 2012, we now know it will be Poland and Greece raising the curtain on the tournament in Warsaw.
In part three of our video magazine, we get up close and personal with the famous trophy that 16 national coaches dream of lifting on Sunday 1 July 2012, plus we hear the reactions of the key men on the final draw. Germany boss Joachim Löw gives his opinion on playing the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark in Group B, England's Fabio Capello looks forward to a trio of games in Ukraine, Giovanni Trapattoni steels himself to take on his country of birth, and Dick Advocaat fills us in on Russia's preparations for facing familiar rivals.
Presenter Mark Scott takes you through the best of the reaction from the Palace of Arts in Kyiv.
In part three of our video magazine, we get up close and personal with the famous trophy that 16 national coaches dream of lifting on Sunday 1 July 2012, plus we hear the reactions of the key men on the final draw. Germany boss Joachim Löw gives his opinion on playing the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark in Group B, England's Fabio Capello looks forward to a trio of games in Ukraine, Giovanni Trapattoni steels himself to take on his country of birth, and Dick Advocaat fills us in on Russia's preparations for facing familiar rivals.
Presenter Mark Scott takes you through the best of the reaction from the Palace of Arts in Kyiv.
Holanda y Alemania integran "grupo de la muerte" en Euro 2012
Ambos países están en el grupo B, junto a Portugal y Dinamarca. España y Italia se toparán en el C.
02/12/2011
Hoy se realizó en Kiev el sorteo oficial de la Eurocopa de 2012, el que arrojó un "grupo de la muerte" que integrarán Holanda, Dinamarca, Alemania y Portugal.
Los dos organizadores, Polonia y Ucrania, ocuparon los lugares de los cabezas de serie junto a España y Holanda, lo que provocó que el resto de los países grandes fuera sorteado en las tómbolas siguientes.
Otros duelos destacados se vivirán en el grupo C, donde están España e Italia, y en el D, donde están Inglaterra y Francia.
Los grupos de la Eurocopa 2012 son los siguientes:
GRUPO A
Polonia
Grecia
Rusia
República Checa
GRUPO B
Holanda
Dinamarca
Alemania
Portugal
GRUPO C
España
Italia
República de Irlanda
Croacia
GRUPO D
Ucrania
Suecia
Francia
Inglaterra
Bárbara Riveros obtiene el Premio Nacional de Deportes 2011
La triatleta cierra de esta forma una notable temporada, en la que ganó el Mundial de Lausana y medalla de plata en los Panamericanos
01/12/2011
La triatleta Bárbara Riveros, actual número 5 del ranking mundial, se quedó con el Premio Nacional de Deportes 2011.
El 5 de diciembre, el Presidente de la República Sebastián Piñera entregará a Agustín Riveros, padre de la deportista, el premio que la condecora como la mejor del año.
La decisión fue tomada por un jurado encabezado por el Subsecretario de Deportes, Gabriel Ruiz Tagle, ministros, parlamentarios y el Círculo de Periodistas Deportivos.
En esta temporada, Riveros ganó el Mundial de Lausana y obtuvo medalla de plata en los Panamericanos de Guadalajara.
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