Germany vs. Portugal: Big Names That Will Come Up Huge in Euro 2012 Match

It's going to be the stars that determine the opening round Euro 2012 matchup between Germany and Portugal, don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

While this game is nowhere near the biggest stage of Euro 2012, it will prove integral towards each team's chances of making it to that stage—especially since Group B is considered the "group of death."

I've said it once, and I'll say it again another million times: It's the stars that determine the biggest matchups in sports.

Sure, role players mean everything when it comes to the nitty-gritty moments of games, but when everything is on the line and the stakes are high, I look to the biggest names on the court, pitch or field to settle the score and write their names in the stars.

Perhaps that's why they're named stars?

Either way, look for these key players, and big names, to have a huge impact on this match:

Christiano Ronaldo, Portugal

If Portugal has any chance of beating this tough German side, who didn't lose a match in their qualifying campaign mind you, it's going be to because Christiano Ronaldo willed his team to a huge win.

While many big names have risen to greatness in word football, Ronaldo still finds himself in an elite category, with perhaps nobody doubting how good he is. He knocked in 46 goals in Real Madrid's 2011-12 La Liga campaign, added 12 helpers and took 264 shots.

If there's a player in this match that can somehow find the back of the net, it's Ronaldo. I expect him to be a huge threat for Portugal, and I expect him to cause Germany fits on defense.

Miroslav Klose, Germany

One good scorer deserves another, and that's exactly what Klose can and will be for the German side. Ronaldo is sure to be a scoring threat, so Germany is going to have to counter with an equal, if not greater, threat.

Enter in Klose, who scored 13 goals and five assists in Italian Series A play in 2011-12. His total bumps up to 20 goals and nine assists when you factor in international play in 2011-12, and that's where Klose can really make his mark.

He seems to have a knack for coming up big in international play for Germany—with 63 international goals for the team it's hard to argue that fact—and he'll have to continue that trend at Euro 2012.

He'll be a key scorer with a ton of experience on Germany's side, and he single-handedly may be the difference in this game.

Prediction:

There are many worthwhile names in this match, but in the end Germany will have the more consistent attack. Ronaldo will provide a few great moments, but I'll take Germany here in a very good contest and great watch.

Germany: 3 Portugal: 2