Euro 2012 Predictions: Sweden and Surprise Teams Who Could Make a Semifinal Run

Sweden is one squad that could make a surprise run to the semifinal round of Euro 2012 over the next month in Poland and Ukraine.

Not many people expected Uruguay to make the semifinal at the 2010 World Cup, and not many football fans expected Greece to beat the Czech Republic in one of the semifinals at Euro 2004, then go on to win the competition.

Let's look at three countries that could make a surprising run to the semifinal of Euro 2012.

Sweden

Sweden is a dangerous squad and not one that should be taken lightly by their Group A opponents such as France and England.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives Sweden one of the best attacking talents in the world, and someone who can create goals for himself and his teammates.

This could also be a showcase for midfielder Rasmus Elm, who could make himself a target of large European clubs with a good Euro 2012 performance.

Don't underestimate Sweden in a group against England and France teams that have failed in major tournaments recently, and are both prone to not meeting expectations.

Russia

Never count out Russia in a major football tournament. They never quit and always play hard until the final whistle.

Their experience of making the semifinal at Euro 2008 will be very beneficial to them this time around.

With a strong defense and good coaching, Russia will dominate a very weak and boring Group A and make some noise in the knockout stages.

Portugal

Portugal hasn't had much success since the 2006 World Cup, which was the last time they made the semifinal round at a major international tournament.

If they can get into the knockout stage as the runner-up from Group B, they will play the winner of Group A, which would probably be a very winnable match against either Russia, the Czech Republic or Greece.

Whenever you have Cristiano Ronaldo as your leading star, your squad will have a chance to make a deep tournament run. Don't take Portugal lightly at Euro 2012.