Euro 2012 Standings: Teams Who Have Ensured Themselves an Early Exit

Euro 2012 has just started, but a few teams have already played themselves out of the tournament.

It's tough to draw too many conclusions from the opening matches, and one should always be wary of counting out one of Europe's top squads. However, the writing is on the wall for a few teams, and it doesn't look good.

Expect the following sides to be ousted from the group stage following their poor showings in the first wave of matches.

Ireland

Playing in a group with tournament favorites Spain, the Irish knew they had to beat Croatia and miraculously steal at least one point from Italy.

Unfortunately, they were blasted 3-1 by the Croatians, and their slim hopes at surviving the group stage were immediately dashed. With little firepower up front, Ireland had to be excellent defensively. Instead, they were sloppy and careless, letting Mario Mandzukic score two easy goals and gifting Nikica Jelavic with another.

It was a shameful performance from Ireland's back line, and they will be eliminated early because of it.

Poland

The co-host Poland blew a wonderful opportunity on Friday, allowing a ten-man Greek squad to equalize and steal a point.

It was a horrible result for the Poles, who were attacking beautifully in the first half. But in the second, Dimitrios Salpingidis terrorized their back line, and Poland played on their heels for the rest of the match. 

Now they will have to turn things around against a potent Russian attack, who scored four goals against Petr Cech and the Czech Republic in their opening match. To make matters worse, they will be without starting keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who received a red card against Greece.

Backup goalie Przemyslaw Tyton did provide some heroics against the Greeks, saving a potential game-winning penalty kick in the 71st minute. Against the Russians, however, I'm not expecting him to have the same sort of luck.

Netherlands

This one could come back to haunt me, as the Netherlands are one of the most talented and dangerous teams in the entire tournament.

Unfortunately for the Dutch, they lost 1-0 to Denmark—the easiest matchup in the Group of Death—and sacrificed their best chance at earning three points.

Next up for the Netherlands is Germany, who I don't think they are capable of beating. Then they will face Portugal, who (assuming they can take care of Denmark) should be ahead in the standings when they meet.

If that is the case, I think the Portuguese can at least play them to a draw, if not beat them outright.

With the likes of Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, the Netherlands brought some extreme firepower into Euro 2012. But after their disappointing opening match, it appears the Dutch will be heading home early.