Euro 2012 TV Coverage: Matches That Will Showcase World's Top Talent

While Euro 2012 may not have every top team in the world, there aren't many that are missing as all of Europe's top teams compete for one of the most prestigious prizes in international soccer.

The tournament started with a bang on Friday, but there are tons of intriguing matches left to be decided in group play.

Not every game is going to be a great one, but there are several that look like they could be absolute classics on paper. Every single squad has some amazing talent, but there are a few teams that are simply the cream of the crop. When two of those teams go head to head, the possibilities are sure to be endless.

Here are three group-stage matches that will showcase some of the world's top talent and leave you amazed. 

Germany vs. Portugal

The stacked Group B will offer a fantastic match every single time it is featured, but the most entertaining may be Germany against Portugal. Both teams are among the most explosive offensive squads in the world, so there is a good chance that we will see some fireworks.

This game is of particular interest because it will feature Germany's incredible depth of talent against one of the best players in the world, Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo. Many believe that Ronaldo may be second only to Lionel Messi in that regard, and he will be key to Portugal's success.

The German roster reads like a laundry list of stars, as the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski and many others will be on the attack all match long. If you are looking for a star-studded tilt that is likely to feature plenty of goals, then this is the match for you. 

Spain vs. Italy

It may be true that the Italians are suffering a bit of a downturn at the moment, but nothing could be further from the truth for Spain. The Spaniards are the defending World Cup and Euro champions, so they will be out to confirm their greatness in this tournament.

Spain figures to be heavily favored, but Italy has been through a lot of battles, and while it is beginning to rely more on younger players instead of the old guard, the team has plenty of talent.

Unfortunately, David Villa and Carles Puyol will miss the tournament for Spain, but the defending champs have plenty of other players to fall back on. Fernando Torres, Xavi, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas will be counted on primarily to carry the offensive load.

Italy will have to play without budding star Giuseppe Rossi, but Andrea Pirlo and polarizing striker Mario Balotelli will buoy Italy's upset hopes. 

Netherlands vs. Germany

If Germany vs. Portugal isn't the premier match of Group B, then Netherlands vs. Germany certainly will be. The Netherlands lost to Spain in the World Cup final and are in search of their first Euro title since 1988.

The Germans have been bounced unceremoniously in recent Euros as well, so they will be out to prove their dominance. The strength of each team is obviously depth, with so many players on both sides who can score and set up goals as well.

The Dutch will be led by the deadly trio of Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben up top. Along with those talented players, Nigel De Jong and Wesley Sneijder figure to be the catalysts for their attack.

Aside from Germany's vast array of offensive weapons, star defenders like Jerome Boateng and Philipp Lahm will need to be on top of their respective games to slow down the Netherlands. This one has all the makings of an exciting back-and-forth affair.

Euro 2012 Television Schedule

Date	Time (p.m. ET)	Team	v	Team	Group	Venue	TV Info
June 8	12:00	Poland	v	Greece	Group A	National Stadium	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US), ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 8	2:45	Russia	v	Czech Republic	Group A	Stadion Miejski (Wroclaw)	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 9	12:00	Netherlands	v	Denmark	Group B	Metalist Stadium	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 9	2:45	Germany	v	Portugal	Group B	Arena Lviv	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 10	12:00	Spain	v	Italy	Group C	PGE Arena	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 10	2:45	Ireland	v	Croatia	Group C	Stadion Miejski (Poznan)	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 11	12:00	France	v	England	Group D	Donbass Arena	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 11	2:45	Ukraine	v	Sweden	Group D	Kiev Olympic Stadium	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 12	12:00	Greece	v	Czech Republic	Group A	Stadion Miejski (Wroclaw)	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 12	2:45	Poland	v	Russia	Group A	National Stadium	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 13	12:00	Denmark	v	Portugal	Group B	Arena Lviv	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 13	2:45	Netherlands	v	Germany	Group B	Metalist Stadium	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 14	12:00	Italy	v	Croatia	Group C	Stadion Miejski (Poznan)	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 14	2:45	Spain	v	Ireland	Group C	PGE Arena	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 15	12:00	Ukraine	v	France	Group D	Donbass Arena	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US), IInternational Coverage
June 15	2:45	Sweden	v	England	Group D	Kiev Olympic Stadium	ESPN (US), ESPN Deportes (US) ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 16	2:45	Czech Republic	v	Poland	Group A	Stadion Miejski (Wroclaw)	ESPN2 (US), ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 16	2:45	Greece	v	Russia	Group A	National Stadium	ESPN (US), ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 17	2:45	Portugal	v	Netherlands	Group B	Metalist Stadium	ESPN (US), ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 17	2:45	Denmark	v	Germany	Group B	Arena Lviv	ESPN2 (US), ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 18	2:45	Croatia	v	Spain	Group C	PGE Arena	ESPN (US), ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 18	2:45	Italy	v	Ireland	Group C	Stadion Miejski (Poznan)	ESPN2 (US), ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 19	2:45	England	v	Ukraine	Group D	Donbass Arena	ESPN (US), ESPN3 (US),International Coverage
June 19	2:45	Sweden	v	France	Group D	Kiev Olympic Stadium	ESPN2 (US), ESPN3 (US),International Coverage

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