Euro 2012 Scores: Favorites Who Failed to Inspire Confidence in Their Fans

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After months and months of buildup for the 2012 Euro Cup, it hasn’t taken long for fans to hang their head in sorrow at the poor performances of the teams they root for.

Three of the four groups have been decided with Italy’s 2-0 win over Ireland and Spain’s 1-0 triumph over Croatia in Group C on Monday. Now, there are multiple teams left wondering what in the world happened.

Whether it was a few unlucky bounces or just lackluster play from their stars, the following teams are either going home with their heads hanging low or are entering the quarterfinals with plenty of questions that need to be addressed in a hurry.

Russia

I’m still in shock that they lost to Greece.

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They were clearly more talented, had better athletes and employed a much stronger keeper.

Yet, when they needed to merely tie the worst team in the group, they allowed a cheap goal that was a result of sloppy and uninspired defense. It could have easily been prevented.

The team wasted a spectacular few matches from Alan Dzagoev and Andrei Arshavin, who finished the event with three goals and three assists respectively.

This has to be the best team not advancing past the group stage. Tough pill to swallow for the Russians.

Netherlands

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What happened?

The World Cup finalist didn’t register a single point in group play, and leave with Ireland (and possibly Sweden) as the only teams who failed to even register a tie through three matches.

Captain Mark van Bommel was a huge disappointment and was replaced by Rafael van der Vaart against Portugal. The defense never lined up with the same personnel twice in the three-game group stage, and the clear lack of cohesiveness was on full display.

Sure, they were in arguably the toughest group of the four, but there is no excuse for failing to register a single point. This team has much more talent than it showed in the last two weeks.

Italy

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I’m aware Italy advanced out of Group C, and it’s true they didn’t lose a single match, but the prevent defense the Italians continue to employ has to stop soon.

They have routinely played well in the first half only to lose their edge in the second, finding themselves in a dogfight coming down the stretch. That style of play won’t cut it moving forward.

When you have a sub playing like Mario Balotelli is right now, you need to keep the foot on the gas pedal and continue to attack.

There is certainly optimism in Italy today, but there is no question they have yet to put together a full 90-minute match if they plan on advancing any further.