Euro 2012 Group A: 6 Bold Predictions for Final Round of Matches

After two very intriguing rounds of play for Group A of the Euro Cup, each team is now aware of the task that awaits them in the final round of play before the knockout stages of the tournament.

The first round had Russia crushing Czech Republic 4-1, with midfielder Alan Dzagoev scoring two out of the four goals. The matchup between Poland and Greece ended with a draw. This match had a red card on both sides, and Poland's replacement goalkeeper, Tyton, saved a penalty with his first touch of the ball. 

The second round had some close matches as well. Russia and Poland played out to a draw, and the Czech Republic defeated Greece 2-1, scoring their two goals within the first seven minutes of play.

After the first two rounds of play, here is how it stands.

Russia are leading the group with four points, followed by Czech Republic with three points. Poland are third with two points, and Greece are last with one point. In the final round, Russia will face Greece, and Poland will encounter the Czech Republic.

Russia will have to beat Greece to assure their qualification, and for Poland and the Czech Republic, the loser of the match will leave the tournament.

So with this in mind, here are some bold predictions for the final round of play.

Alan Dzagoev Will Score a Hatrick

Alan Dzagoev has flourished so far in this tournament. He has only played two matches in the group stages of the tournament, but he is really playing efficiently.

In the first game against the Czech Republic, he scored two great goals that came at the perfect time. His first goal was the first goal of the match, and it was that goal which propelled Russia to score more goals throughout the match.

His second goal was the one that really assured a victory for the Russians when the Czech Republic seemed to fight back from a 2-1 deficit.

He scored another good goal in the match against Poland; this goal put them in the lead. They were later equalized by a magnificent goal by Jakub Blaszczykowski.

I predict that he will find his inner goal scorer and will put in three goals into the net in their meeting with Greece.

A Greek Player Will Get Sent off

Greece has had a tough start at the Euro Cup. They drew even against Poland and lost a player in the process due to a red card. 

Then, Greece suffered a loss to the Czech Republic in the second match, 2-1. As a result of this loss, Greece are currently placed last in the table.

Their final match is against Russia, arguably the best team of the group. I don't expect things to get any better for the Greeks. I feel that as a result of their frustration, they might receive a red card in the process.

Russia Thrashes Greece 5-1 and Advances to the Knockout Stages

This shouldn't be a difficult fixture for Russia in any way. They are just the better team. They have players like Andrei Arshavin and Alan Dzagoev who can really produce for their team when needed. 

This will be a chance for Russia to really dominate this team and assure a qualifying place in the group to advance into the knockout stages of the Euro Cup.

They haven't lost a match in their group yet, and Greece shouldn't really pose much danger.

I predict that Russia are really going to demolish the Greek defense and make them pay for mistakes they may make with their great counter-attack. 

Russia will advance to the next stage of this tournament.

Robert Lewandowski Will Score 2 Goals

Robert Lewandowski is one of the talented forwards in this tournament. He has already scored one of the two goals Poland has scored in the group stages.

In the first match against Greece, Robert Lewandowski found the net with a header from a great cross. He is a great finisher and will definitely prove that in the coming match against the Czech Republic.

I feel that he will really find his scoring touch and will net in more than one goal, hence I predict that he will score two goals against a strong Czech Republic side.

Tomas Rosicky Will Score 1 Goal and Will Assist Václav Pilař

Both Tomas and Václav have had good tournaments so far. 

Tomas has been instrumental in the Czech Republic attack, and Václav has scored a goal in each of the first two group stage matches. Both of these players have been essential in bringing their team to a second-place spot in their group.

I predict that Rosicky will shine in the match against Poland and will find a way to put the ball in the net. Pilař has been playing very well in the group stages so far, and I feel that he will put in another good performance against Poland.

He will find a way to score, and I predict that Rosicky will be the one to produce the chance for Pilař.

Poland and Czech Republic Will Play out to a 2-2 Draw

With the two prior predictions, I feel that those will be the only goals that will be featured in this matchup between Poland and Czech Republic. 

Both of the teams are strong on offense and on defense, and I don't think either side will manage to break the deadlock in this match. 

As a result of a draw between the two teams, the Czech Republic will advance to the knockout stages of the Euro Cup alongside Russia, leaving Poland and Greece to exit the tournament.