Greece to take on Poland in Euro 2012 opener

08 June, 2012

Euro 2012 is set to start from 8th June 2012. 16 top European nations would be involved in the competition, which many consider even better than the World cup, given its top quality.

EURO 2012, held once every four years, is one of the most awaited competitions in the football calendar. The competition was first played in the year 1960, after that it has been a regular feature in the sporting arena. The competition is always expected to be of top notch and some even consider it to be greater than the World Cup.

A total of 16 nations would be participating in the championship this year, out of which 14 teams qualified by playing good matches against other European nations in their qualifying matches. The championship is being jointly hosted by Ukraine and Poland, who were automatically selected for the competition, as hosts. A total of 8 stadiums have been selected to host these matches and these stadiums look in fine shape. All these stadiums have a minimum seating capacity of holding 30,000 fans at Arena Lviv and a maximum at Olympic stadium, Kiev, which can hold 60,000 people.

Some of the top European referees would be involved in the tournament, so that no fingers are pointed towards match officials. Top referees such as Howard Webb from England, Stephane Lannoy from France, Nicola Rizzoli from Itlay would be involved in officiating the game along with other referees. Top referees have been brought to take control of the game from 12 European nations.

Germany has been the most successful team during the Euro 2012 championship history. They have won the title for a maximum of 3 times and also have been the runner up for the same number of times. Spain and France have won the competition twice, whereas other countries such as Soviet Union, Czech Republic, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark and Greece have won once each. Which country will lift the Euro 2012 trophy, remains to be seen and for that one has to wait till 1st of July 2012, when finals would be played.

Ukraine and Poland have left no stone unturned for the success of the championship. Irrespective of the result, the organisers would try their best to register their names in the list of best hosts of the championship.