Euro 2012 Results: Most Disappointing Stars in Early Group Stage Action

The 2012 European Championship is just beginning, but there have already been quite a few stars that need to step their game up and perform better if they want their team to advance deep into the tournament.

Let’s take a look at some of these players that must improve in the group stage or risk elimination soon.

Petr Cech

Cech looked sharper against the Greeks than he did against the Russians, but he still let in a goal today that came about after a miscue with a defender and fortunately had another called back due to a questionable offside call.

The Ruskies absolutely destroyed him, putting in four goals in the opening match of the tournament.

Cech will need to improve communication with his defense and get his side organized before the third group match against Poland.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s Portugal squad caught a break when the Netherlands fell to Denmark, but they could not capitalize with a win over the Germans.

He had just 38 touches in the defeat, the 10th most on the team. He has to demand the ball more and make something happen when he receives it.

If Ronaldo doesn’t make an impact in the next two games, the team is doomed. 

Robin Van Persie

Holland is in a huge hole with a 0-1-0 record in the “Group of Death.” Van Persie blew a few chances in the Netherlands 0-1 defeat to Denmark and has to capitalize if the World Cup runner-ups want to make some noise during Euro 2012.

The Danes did a good job of keeping him in check, but Van Persie created enough opportunities that he should have buried one and at least forced a draw.

Look for him to improve or prepare to watch the Dutch falter.