Euro 2012: Why Germany Is Strong Favorite to Win Group B

The Germans are due for a big run.

They have gone 16 years since winning a major trophy (Euro 1996) and have blown golden opportunities in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Two years later and it’s time to buck this emerging trend.

The team has a strong blend of experience, depth, fresh young talent, and a coach in Joachim Low, who is quite possibly the best coach in the entire tournament.

Defense, however, is the catalyst for this team.

Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer is a world-class keeper that is going to play his best on the big stage. He’ll have plenty of help with a back four that features Captain Philipp Lahm, Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber. They are all extremely aggressive, strong and incredibly difficult to get by. They are Germany's greatest assets. Scoring two goals on them is going to be a daunting task.

Attackers such as Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski will selectively set the pace, picking and choosing when to attack. Then again, with a ton of depth behind them, pushing the aggressiveness up a notch isn’t a bad idea either. The Germans have options and can feel out their opponents before deciding on a certain style of play.

Andre Schurrle and Marco Reus will provide outstanding dribbling action with their creativity, which will free up everybody for open looks. This offense is loaded.

The only position that is a slight question mark is striker. While Mario Gomez does have 80 goals for Bayern Munich in the last two seasons, he is mentally unstable at times, losing his composure and will to compete. Still, it’s a very minor gripe.

In Group B, with Denmark, Portugal and the Netherlands, the Germans should cruise to the next round with an unblemished record.

If all goes according to plan, they will avoid Spain and play a team like Russia as the runner up in Group A. It sets them up for a rather clear path to the final, where they will finally get the proverbial monkey off their backs against either Spain or Italy.

Expect the Germans to take home the Group B title with ease. 

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