Euro 2012 Predictions: Potential Upstarts to Keep an Eye on in Group Play

Most of the talk heading into the European Championships may revolve around which national powerhouses can survive Group B or if Spain can build upon its 2010 World Cup triumph, but there are a few countries out there being overlooked that are truly dangerous.

Perhaps they find themselves in a group with a traditional power primed for disappointment. Perhaps they are a talented squad being overshadowed in the group they drew.

Whatever the case may be, I've identified three squads who could seriously shake things up at the European Championships. Be sure to keep your eye on these teams.

Sweden

England's roster has been weakened by a number of injuries and they won't have Wayne Rooney when they meet the Swedes, so the Blue and Yellow is capable of defeating the Three Lions. 

France is incredibly talented and in the midst of a 20-game unbeaten streak, but they have a nasty habit of failing to meet expectations on the biggest stage.

And Ukraine is a team that Sweden should beat.

Led by goal-scoring machine Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the talented Rasmus Elm, the Swedes are fully capable of advancing out of this group. Look for them to advance to the quarterfinals alongside the French.

Croatia

Let's get one thing clear—Spain will advance out of Group C.

After that, things get murkier. Italy is also in the group but has played poorly heading into the tournament and surely will be distracted in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in the Emilia-Romagna region and the match-fixing scandal that has shocked the football world.

Don't be surprised if Italy brings less than its best game. They are vulnerable.

And while Ireland will certainly play with grit and spunk, Croatia is the better squad.

With Luka Modric controlling the midfield and Nikica Jelavic a potent finisher—he scored 11 goals in 16 games for Everton after joining them in January—Croatia should not be taken lightly. Look for them to advance alongside Spain.

Denmark

Sure, they find themselves in the deadly Group B with Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands, all squads ranked in the top five of the FIFA world rankings.

But Denmark has game, and some promising talents as well.

Christian Eriksen is one of the most intriguing young players in Europe today. Nicklas Bendtner is talented though often unpredictable. If Jores Okore is given serious playing time, he should turn heads. Christian Poulsen and Dennis Rommedahl are steady in the midfield.

Denmark won't go down without a fight. I'm not going to predict they'll advance out of this round—the odds are too stacked against them—but they'll ruin another country's chance to do so. They'll be a factor in this, trust me.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets are never selected by a shady lottery.