Euro 2012 Uniforms: Grading the Kits of All 16 Teams

While it's still better to play well than it is to look good, some teams in the Euro 2012 competition better hope they play perfect football because their kits will not help them. 

With just a couple months until Euro 2012 kicks off, we have the perfect opportunity to breeze through the 16 teams ready to make this summer truly special. 

Forget their attack, defense or form; we want to give some harsh grades to the fashion-forward of football's elite. 

Here are the kits that will adorn some of the best pitches in the world, and we have thoughts on who are heading into competition miles ahead from a swagger perspective. 

Pictures courtesy of The Score. 

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Group A: Poland

There is nothing terribly revolutionary about the kits that rock the simple bar across the front. I may need a nap after looking closely at these two-tone snoozers. 

Grade: C 

Group A: Greece

This is more like it. 

These are simple with a touch of pizazz in the form of a muted cross over that culminates at the patch. I favor the blue that will look solid from distance, but get really interesting when you see them up close. 

Grade: B+

Group A: Russia

I have always enjoyed the cross bar down the front of a jersey. I even liked the USA's muted one they are currently wearing. 

I still like Russia's, but still think it errs on looking far too regal than is necessary. 

Grade: B-

Group A: Czech Republic

Still like these kits that have just a touch of color where it's needed. The blue bar over the left shoulder is all that is needed to make these distinct. 

I could use a similar touch on the all-whites. 

Grade: B- 

Group B: The Netherlands

I wouldn't mind taking these kits out for dinner and a movie and then seeing if there is really something special between us. 

Yes, I am crushing on the black unis with a touch of orange bling on the arm. I am even liking the all-orange with dark designs on the front. 

Grade: A

Group B: Denmark

Yikes. 

There is a wave of yuck coming from these threads, and I don't know where to begin. I guess we can start with the white jerseys that are nearly as dull as you can make a world-renowned kit. 

The reds would be fine if they didn't have what look like a couple of awkward shoulder pads up top. 

Grade: D

Group B: Germany

How I wish the black kits would make a triumphant return, but alas, we have so much green we have to wonder how whether Ireland is featured in their matches. 

While I have issues with the all-green effort, I give them a pass for the whites that are streamlined and classy. 

Any fan would be proud rocking that kit. 

Grade: B

Group B: Portugal

All-red; love them. 

Well, let me temper that statement. I like them, but they look like they were blessed by the fashion gods when placed next to the crossed blessed with a two-tone nightmare. 

I am all for incorporating the cross; it just sticks out oddly, and it will only take away from future Cristiano Ronaldo goals. Not a lot, but some. 

Grade: C+

Group C: Spain

Spain's muted bar across the chest is a nice touch and completes an all-red kit that is already a proven classic. 

As for the blues, I like them. 

I don't normally like the light blues on kits, but making this a two-color uniform was the right choice. They could have easily become heavy-handed with another color. Simple is far better with these two jerseys. 

Grade: A-

Group C: Italy

Simple and classy. There is not much to say about a side that will look, well, safe. 

I hope the team takes more chances on the pitch than they have made on the kits, because these just pass. 

Grade: C+

Group C: Ireland

We present the wonder and awe that is the color green. 

There is not a ton you can do with one color and the number three, but Ireland manages to make a statement with it all. 

I rather like the whites over the all-green that would be a bit much for even Kermit the Frog. 

Grade: B-

Group C: Croatia

We come to my favorite jersey to hate on ever year. I understand that the checkers are part and parcel of the country, but I just can't get on board. 

However, every time I see them, I get used to the style and am ready in 2012 to say I don't hate them. 

In fact, the blues with the shoulder design is my favorite of the entire rundown. One hit and one miss means Croatia gets out of here with a fashion passing grade. 

Grade: B+

Group D: Ukraine

Blue and yellow go together so well that you have to really try to mess it all up. This is like setting up for a PK and whiffing horribly. 

Not a fan of the bar in the middle. 

Grade: D

Group D: Sweden

Yes, finally, yes.

We have two solid kits for the home and away effort. The pinstripes are a solid attempt by Sweden and make the team look streamlined and classy. 

And you now know me and cross bars. The dark blue is just a bunch of winning all on one jersey. 

Grade: A+

Group D: France

Eesh. 

Both of these look like regular polos that you can buy at any department store. While the all-white may be excused by friends, the light blue is a shirt only a golfer could love. 

Grade: C-

Group D: England

If the Three Lions are going to bring back the prestige to England, they are going to do so in these kits. They are classic and not the least bit flashy. 

Sort of like the national side, they need to worry about a team effort and not worry about such things like swagger. 

That doesn't mean we can't give them a grade. 

Grade: B