Euro 2012: Players Who Must Improve to Save Their Teams from Early Elimination

Often times a football team is only as good as its best player, which would explain the struggles of a few squads at Euro 2012.

Whether it's defenders flubbing their assignments, goalscorers not producing, or keepers getting burned in the box, one weak link can cripple a team's chances, especially at a major tournament like this.

That's why, with their backs against the wall, the following players must step up to save their team from heading home early.

Robin van Persie, Striker, Netherlands

Van Persie was an unstoppable machine with Arsenal this season, leading the English Premier League in goals (30) and single-handedly carrying his team to a third-place finish.

However, his elite form hasn't carried over to his national team.

In the Netherlands' opening game against Denmark, Van Persie ruined several easy chances in front of the net. He squandered one brilliant opportunity by taking a miserable first touch, and blasted a few wide open shots 10 yards above the net.

He ended up missing seven shots in all, and the Netherlands lost by one point. If Van Persie doesn't bring his shooting boots against Germany, the Dutch will suffer a major disappointment at Euro 2012.

Nani, Midfielder, Portugal

Portugal is essentially a two-man team, as they are completely reliant on the speed and creativity of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.

Unfortunately for the Portuguese, Nani wasn't active for the majority of their opening game against Germany. He wasn't nearly aggressive enough in attacking on the wing, and he often left Ronaldo to go 1-on-3 against the German defenders.

Nani has scored three career goals against Denmark, so I'm expecting him to be confident and creative against the Danes. If he's not, the Portuguese won't survive the Group of Death.

Petr Cech, Keeper, Czech Republic

Although he's surrendered five goals in the first two games, Cech hasn't exactly been bad in this tournament. He's just not getting much help from his defenders.

I'm expecting this trend to continue in the Czechs' next game, and against a quality Polish attack, Cech will have to play out of his mind for his team to advance.

The Czechs are currently in second place in Group A, but a loss to the Poles would send them packing. Cech must play at the elite level he's capable of for them to move on.