Euro 2012 Predictions: Underdogs Who Will Shock Massive Favorites

Euro 2012 starts today and Bleacher Report will cover it all.

Here, we focus on potential underdogs in the tournament and who is likely to make a name for themselves on worldwide television.

There are several teams in the tournament that are considered weak—B/R's power rankings revealed exactly what most think of certain teams—but there's always an upset or two.

This article will look at the three teams most likely to upset the big guns, and which matches in particular would potentially seal their fate.

Enjoy the slideshow!

Poland

Poland's warm-up fixtures have gone superbly.

They haven't played a competitive tournament or qualifying match for over 600 days but still look sharp and ready.

Franciszek Smuda will know the pressure is on, as his team represent one of the host nations. The demand for the home team to do well in these competitions is huge, and Poland must not disappoint.

The truth is they're in great shape to cause an upset. Borussia Dortmund have provided a sterling backbone to the team as they look very strong on the right and up front.

The White Eagles also have some fantastic young talent coming through and the likes of Rafal Wolski can use this as a platform to shine.

Robert Lewandowski could fire this team out of the group and into the quarterfinals. Czech Republic and Greece are beatable for this Polish team.

You can read an in-depth article on their roster and potential starting XI here.

Poland vs. Czech Republic

Turning our attention to specific matches, Poland's second game on Tuesday 12 June against Czech Republic is definitely one to target an upset in.

The Czechs are good, but they're far from sensational. Poland's home impetus could well carry them through this game if they are able to overcome Greece in the first round of games, a victory could be on the cards.

For Poland, reaching the quarterfinals would be deemed a huge success. Russia might just be a bridge too far, and this game is pivotal in deciding who goes through.

Denmark

Morten Olsen has the right formation, key personnel in the right positions and has carried out the necessary pre-tournament preparations to succeed.

Dealt a poor hand, Denmark landed in the group of death alongside Portugal, Netherlands and Germany. They were immediately written off by the entirety of Europe, but Olsen has quietly gone about producing a team that can win.

Portugal have struggled immeasurably during the warm-up fixtures, drawing a blank against Macedonia and going down 3-1 to Turkey.

In William Kvist, Daniel Agger, Christian Eriksen and Nicklas Bendtner, Denmark have four key players who, if form is found when it matters, can lead this team into the quarterfinals should things go their way.

Surely it won't be a repeat of 1992?

Denmark vs. Portugal

June 13 sees the Danes entertain Paulo Bento's Portugal—a game which Denmark might even appear favourites for such is Portugal's poor pre-tournament form.

With Cristiano Ronaldo in the side, you are always capable of winning, but if Denmark are looking to grab three points from any of the teams in their group, Portugal must be the target.

Both Netherlands and Germany might have too much for Morten Olsen's men, but their rigid structure has them playing in an almost watertight way.

If anyone's going to beat Denmark, they're going to have to do it the hard way.

Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland's recent record has flown under the radar during the buildup to this tournament, but statistics don't lie.

The Irish come into the tournament with a stellar record—second only to Laurent Blanc's France—making Giovanni Trapattoni's team seem formidable on paper.

In truth, the squad is good—not great—and would have a decent chance of qualifying from a regular group, but being placed in a group with Croatia, Spain and Italy was really tough luck.

The Boys In Green are not expected to make waves during this tournament, but fellow group members have had far from ideal preparations.

Republic of Ireland vs. Croatia and Italy

The Republic of Ireland may have been dealt a tough group, but the truth is their opposition are struggling to get themselves 100 percent ready for the tournament.

Croatia represent the first hurdle, and while they do possess midfield maestro Luka Modric, they have also just lost Ivica Olic to injury.

Nikica Jelavic is still a viable goalscoring option, but losing Olic hurts.

In a similar vein, Italy's defence solidarity is threatening to unravel itself before the tournament even begins.

Domenico Criscito withdrew from the squad last week amid match-fixing scandals, whilst top Serie A defender Andrea Barzagli is also out due to injury problems.

Mario Balotelli looks set to be the subject of substantial abuse considering the splashes he's made in the press, and this Italy team seems to become more beatable by the day.

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