Euro 2012: Who U.S. Soccer Fans Should Be Rooting for in Each 1st-Round Match

What's an American to do?

Euro 2012 begins Friday, and Americans don't have a team to support.

Sure, as Americans, we're a diverse group, each with our own heritage—and thus the potential for long-established allegiances.

But if you're not attached to any of Euro 2012's 16 teams, we here at Set Piece are ready to guide you through the process of finding your soccer soulmate.

First up: The opening round of group-stage matches. Eight games will be played Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and we'll tell you who to support as a red-blooded American.

Think we got something wrong? Leave a comment.

Group A: Poland vs. Greece

Details: June 8, Stadion Narodowy, Warsaw, 12 p.m. ET

American loyalty: Greece

This one was tough to call. Neither team has an obvious American connection, nor does either present an obvious reason for Americans to dislike them.

Unless, that is, you know your American World Cup history.

Ten years ago, at World Cup 2002, Poland whipped the United States 3-1 in the final round of group-stage matches. The Americans advanced anyway (eventually reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Germany), but that loss hurt.

So what's to like about Greece? Not much, really, except that whole Western civilization thing.

Oh, and So-Crates.

Group A: Russia vs. Czech Republic

Details: June 8, Stadion Miejski, Wroclaw, 2:45 p.m. ET

American loyalty: Czech Republic

Russia? No way. Their history is full of too many strongmen, Communists and James Bond villains.

This one goes to the Czech Republic, almost by default.

It also doesn't hurt that Petr Cech's mask (pictured) is seriously sweet. When his football career is over, he really should consider becoming a WWE luchador.

Group B: Netherlands vs. Denmark

Details: June 9, Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv, 12 p.m. ET

American loyalty: Netherlands

Come on, you can't dislike the Dutch.

Their fans are nuts (in a good way). And hot (in an even better way). And they wear all that orange (we'll let that slide).

Their uniforms are also outrageously cool, but all you really have to say is one word: Amsterdam.

Group B: Germany vs. Portugal

Details: June 9, New Stadium Lviv, Lviv, 2:45 p.m. ET

American loyalty: Portugal

Sorry, Germany. I'll be rooting for you, but my American brethren won't. Too many wars and all.

Besides, Americans are front-runners.

We love to love superstars, and then we love to hate them and tear them down. See: James, LeBron.

Cristiano Ronaldo certainly fits the bill. All Most Americans have heard of him, so they'll root for him—and Portugal—by default.

That is, they'll root for him until he messes up. Then they'll all turn on him, and Portugal as well.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Group C: Spain vs. Italy

Details: June 10, PGE Arena, Gdansk, 12 p.m. ET

American loyalty: Spain

Again, Americans are front-runners. Casual fans always seek out the best, and the defending champions conveniently fit the description.

Italy? Nah, Jersey Shore is played out. Maybe if this were last summer.

Group C: Republic of Ireland vs. Croatia

Details: June 10, Stadion Miejski, Poznan, 2:45 p.m. ET

American loyalty: Ireland

No contest.

St. Patrick's Day is an unofficial national holiday in America.

Not because we're all Irish, but because we all wish we were Irish.

Group D: France vs. England

Details: June 11, Donbass Arena, Donetsk, 12 p.m. ET

American loyalty: England

What? You weren't really expecting me to back France, were you? There's too much cultural animosity between the French and us 'Muricans.

Hey, Harry and Lloyd know it. And Monty Python even hinted at it, way back in medieval times.

How can I put this in a family friendly way? The French are…uh, not very nice sometimes.

Group D: Ukraine vs. Sweden

Details: June 11, Olimpiyskyi, Kiev, 2:45 p.m. ET

American loyalty: Ukraine

The redeclaration of Ukrainian independence, in 1990, was part of the collapse of the old Soviet Union. Few things are more American than overthrowing Commies.

Also, Andriy Shevchenko is married to an American. She's not bad to look at.

Follow @MikeCummings37