Euro 2012 Predictions: Squads Sure to Shine in Group Stage

Euro 2012 is underway and it promises to be a tremendously entertaining tournament. But when it's all said and done, Spain will defy history and take home the championship in dominating fashion.

Euro2012Predictions.com points out that "no country has ever won back to back Euro Cups and no country has ever won three major tournaments in a row." That will abruptly change this year, as the favorites will quiet their critics and overcome age to win it all convincingly.

The following teams will shine in Euro's Group Stage and may even give the Spaniards a run for their money in the end.

Germany

Germany's path through team B will be a grueling one, with Holland, Portugal and Denmark staring them in the face. The winner of this group will likely make the finals and Germany hopes to be the sole survivor. Winners of three European Championships, Germany boasts a team can outrun most of its opponents. But it is also a physical bunch with a number of tall and aggressive stars that wear down the competition. According to EuroPredictions.com, Mesut Ozil is "the heart of the team." The Real Madrid star single-handily served as Germany's scoring threat in the qualification round by tallying 35 percent of Germany's goals. Young Mario Gotze is one to watch at midfield and Toni Kroos should make some highlight plays as well.

England 

England will be under pressure early in its group competition because superstar Wayne Rooney has been suspended for two games.

But England's group is one that can be had. Sweden has given England trouble in the past, but won't be a factor this time around. The French are talented, but they're not as imposing as the 2000 squad that put the fear of God in ever team it faced. And then there's the host nation Ukraine. But it will succumb to the pressure of winning matches for their home fans.

Russia 

Don't look now, but Russia has come to play. As a team, they got the Football Championships off to a startling start Friday with a 4-1 demolition of the Czech Republic. The Czechs never had a chance and scored their only goal at the beginning of the second half.

Russia has an impressive history in this tournament. They won it all in France back in 1960, made it to the semis in the four Euros that followed and played in another semi-final in 2008. Russia will host the 2018 World Cup, but the squad would love to win Euro 2012. A rematch with Spain could happen, which would give Russia the opportunity to avenge a loss in the 2008 semis.   

Greece - Surprise Contender

Greece deserves immediate praise after a come-from-behind tie with Poland, which had the luxury of playing in Warsaw on Friday, in front of over 56,000 boisterous fans. Greece defied the strangest of odds, when Poland decided to close the roof over its arena, which caused a hot, sticky and humid playing environment. The match was a joy to watch, especially when Poland was forced to replace its goalkeeper, when the starter was sent packing after tackling a Greek player in the box.

Greece was truly fortunate in qualifying. Its group is made of of some imposing threats, but they won't have to face favorites like Spain, Germany, Italy, England or the Netherlands. 

Three stars return from Greece's 2004 Euro Championship squad, including Captain Giorgos Karagounis. But the man who can light up the net is Vasilis Torosidis. Keep an eye out for him because opponents who face him will have their work cut out for them.