Euro 2012 TV Schedule: Must-See Matches for Remaining 1st Week of Play

The 2012 European Championships are off to a blazing start, and there are still plenty of pivotal matches remaining in the first week of play. 

Now, unless you have a ton of free time on your hands this week, it is impossible to catch all the action. So I have put together a nice little guide to three matches that will play a big role into who advances from group play. 

Check out the full TV schedule on ESPN. 

Poland vs. Russia: Tuesday, June 12 at 2:45 p.m. ET on ESPN 

Russia is in great shape. Their 4-1 win over Czech Republic is the only victory in the group. Poland and Greece battled to a 1-1 draw. 

Russia's attack looked fantastic in their win. They were moving the ball fantastically and taking advantage of their opportunities. This team could make some serious noise beyond the group stage, and it will be interesting to see if they can maintain that form against Poland. 

Meanwhile, Poland could use a favorable outcome. They will likely be battling Greece for the second spot out of Group A, and the team that fares better against Russia will likely win that spot. 

Denmark vs. Portugal: Wednesday, June 13 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN

Portugal and Denmark are locked in the powerful Group B. Denmark was a surprise winner in their opener with Netherlands. This gives them an inside track to advancing. However, a loss to Portugal and they lose that edge. 

Portugal, on the other hand, looked surprisingly toothless as they got shut out in their opener against Germany. Their Euro run will be all but over if they can't take down Denmark. 

Portugal has talented strikers, namely Cristiano Ronaldo, but they have to prove they can turn that talent into production. 

Italy vs. Croatia: Thursday, June 14 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN 2

Italy did themselves a huge favor by earning a draw with defending champion Spain in their opener. This gives them a nice edge toward advancing. 

It would be shocking if Spain didn't win their final two group matches, which means if Italy can take down Croatia, they will be in a great position to advance. 

This will be no easy task. Croatia looked great with a 3-1 win over Ireland in their opener, and they will enter this match knowing that a win will have them in the driver's seat for advancing.