Euro 2016: Group C Outlook

Group C began play Sunday, June 12:

Group C:

Teams: Germany, Poland, Northern Ireland, and Ukraine

Favorite: Germany

Projected 2nd: Poland

Wild Card: Ukraine

Best Player in Group: Robert Lewandowski - FW - Poland

Best Game: Germany vs. Poland; Thursday, June 16th

A classic border battle between two teams that could make some serious noise in the knockout stage of this tournament.  Saying this about Germany isn’t going out on a limb by any means, as the 2014 World Cup Champions have already begun their push through the group stage with a 2-0 victory over Ukraine.  Poland sports arguably the world’s best striker in Robert Lewandowski, and he’s capable of bagging a few goals any time he takes the pitch.  Combine the two best teams in the group along with the history between these countries, off the pitch, and we are sure to have a good one to watch. 

Sneaky Good Game: Poland vs. Ukraine; Tuesday, June 21

Coming off their first ever Euro victory, Poland will likely be looking to get 3 points out of this game.  If they fall to Germany, as many expect, a victory would be enough to see them through to the knockout stage.  While Poland has Lewa, Ukraine has one of the best winger duos in the tournament in Konoplyanka (Sevilla) and Yarmolenko (Dynamo Kyiv).  Both looked very dangerous against Germany, and Ukraine was unfortunate not to score in the second half.  Look for Ukraine to play desperate for 3 points against their most difficult opponent left in the group stage.

Group C Outlook: This one should go as it does on paper.  Germany is the clear favorite to win this group, and certainly to make it through to the knockout stage.  Poland possesses enough talent to get through Northern Ireland and Ukraine.  As much as we’d like to see Northern Ireland recreate their 1982 World Cup run, which saw them make it through group stages, it is far from likely.  Of course now it’s easier for me to say Ukraine won’t make it through after a loss to Germany, but they’ll have a tough time when trying to keep pace with the potent Polish attack.  Looking at the group, Germany almost certainly will have a chance to claim their 4th European Championship trophy, while Poland will look to keep adding to their history books by advancing out of group play.