Euro 2012: Keepers Who Will Preserve Their Teams' Chances

Early surprises, upsets and outright blowouts have dominated the group stage of Euro 2012 thus far.

World powers like Holland and Spain were tasked with difficult opening-round matchups, resulting in a loss for the Dutch and a tie for the Spaniards.

The group stages are still young, but in the end, we may look back at Euro 2012 as the beginning of significant change atop the ranks of international football.

While there are sure to be more twists and turns as the group stage progresses, here are five keepers who will be key to their respective teams' success moving forward.

Iker Casillas

Despite a 1-1 draw against Italy in their opening game of Group C play, Spain are still very much alive in these European Championships.

As many fans remember, Spain actually lost the opening game of the 2010 World Cup to Switzerland, only to depart South Africa with a title in hand.

Spanish keeper Iker Casillas is renowned as one of the world's premier netminders and showed why in Sunday's draw. Despite pressure from a heavy Italian counterattack led by Antonio Di Natale, Casillas stood tall and preserved a tie in a game in which the Spanish were caught off guard.

Spanish manager Vicente Del Bosque implemented an intriguing 4-6-0 formation that resulted in plenty of possession but not many legitimate goal-scoring opportunities.

If Del Bosque continues to use this tactic moving forward, Casillas may be relied upon to stand even larger than usual between the pipes.

Joe Hart

England will be tested early and often in their first game of Euro 2012, going up against a French side that possesses a potent offensive attack led by forwards Karim Benzema and Franck Ribéry.

In addition to facing some of the world's top strikers in Group D play (Benzema, Ribéry and Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic), England have been decimated by injuries to Gary Cahill and versatile midfielder Gareth Barry.

Roy Hodgson's controversial omission of world-class center-back Rio Ferdinand from the English squad certainly won't aid Hart, and it will place more pressure on the Manchester City keeper to keep his team in some tight games.

Despite problems along the back line, Hart should be able to put together strong performances that will ultimately propel England to the knockout round.

Petr Cech

An ugly 4-1 loss to Russia was not the way the Czech Republic wanted to open Euro 2012. As the Czechs attempted to impose a heavy counterattack, an energized Russian attack took advantage of holes left by the Czech defense, ultimately leaving Czech keeper Petr Cech helpless.

Admittedly, Cech didn't look his best on Friday.

Playing in the most wide-open group in the tournament, the Czech Republic will be given opportunities to redeem themselves against Greece and co-host nation Poland.

Although they sit three points back in the group, the Czechs may benefit from a more conservative style of play that emphasizes defense over quick-strike offense.

The onus isn't entirely on Cech, but stellar performances from the Chelsea keeper could keep hope alive for a team that looked entirely outmatched against the Russians.

Manuel Neuer

Fresh off of a 1-0 victory over Portugal, Manuel Neuer and the Germans are set for a showdown with a Dutch squad that will be looking to redeem themselves after being shocked by Denmark in Group B play.

Playing in the tournament's most difficult group, Neuer will be tasked with fending off a Dutch attack led by FWA Footballer of the Year Robin van Persie and teammate Klass-Jan Huntelaar.

Although he saw few shots on goal against Portugal, Neuer came up big when it counted and was able to preserve a German victory as the Portuguese countered in stoppage time.

Asserting himself as one of the world's best young keepers with Bayern Munich, Neuer will look to build upon his growing legacy throughout this summer's European Championships.

Przemyslaw Tyton

It's ancient history by now, but Przemyslaw Tyton's 71st-minute penalty save against Greece may have kept Poland in this tournament. Had Greece captured three points in the Euro 2012 opener, we would be looking at a group dominated by Greece and Russia.

While Tyton's save in relief of Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny was spectacular, the Polish savior will need to replicate his success in Tuesday's match against Russia. 

With Szczesny banned one game for receiving a red card against Greece, Tyton will be faced with the difficult task of stopping Andrei Arshavin and a fierce Russian opposition.

After their 4-1 thrashing of the Czech Republic, the Russians have emerged as the favorites in a group that was ambiguous just four days ago.

If Tyton can materialize a draw on Tuesday, he will have exceeded expectations. If he captures a win, Tyton will have earned the label of national hero.