Euro 2012 Schedule: Contests That Will Allow Game's Biggest Stars to Shine

The Euro championship always tends to see the stars rise to the occasion while the weak-hearted fall prey to the sport's greats.

Euro 2012 is no different; superstars will become heroes on the pitch for their respective sides. We've seen fantastic ball movement, goals, defenses and saves already, and we are just scratching the surface of the historic tournament.

Here's a look at some upcoming matches that will see the game's stars shine.

Ukraine vs. France: Friday, June 15, Noon ET, ESPN2 

It must be nice to have a striker of Andriy Shevchenko's caliber. The ageless 35-year-old scored twice in Ukraine's 2-1 victory over Sweden on Monday, shocking the Swedes in the process.

It must also be nice to have a striker like Samir Nasri, who saved France against England with the equalizer in the two sides' 1-1 draw. 

Both strikers will be ready on Friday as each side tries to separate themselves in the group. France has the upper hand, but Ukraine played well against Sweden. This should be a battle. 

Portugal vs. Netherlands: Sunday, June 17, 2:45 p.m. ET, ESPN 

Both Portugal and the Netherlands haven't played as well as expected early on in the tournament, but that may just mean they are ripe to explode when they meet on Sunday in a fight to advance.

This will be a high-tension match, with each side's stars looking to be heroes. Portugal boasts strikers Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Silvestre Varela, while the Dutch have midfielder Wesley Sneijder and defender Jetro Willems.

It's worth noting that Portugal's defense hasn't looked that good, while, despite two losses, the Dutch have given up just three goals in two matches, including two to the red-hot Mario Gomez.

Denmark vs. Germany: Sunday, June 17, 2:45 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Denmark has played remarkably well for being an underdog headed into this tournament. The Danes beat the Netherlands to kick things off, then played an inspired yet losing effort against Portugal on Wednesday.

Strikers Michael Krohn-Dehli and Nicklas Bendtner have been exceptional for the Danes, with Krohn-Dehli scoring the deciding goal against the Netherlands, and Bendtner scoring twice against Portugal.

For Germany, of course, you have Mario Gomez, who has all three of the side's goals in its first two matches. He's been phenomenal, and he's seized the opportunities he's been given.

You also have midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who's played tremendously on the pitch for the Germans thus far. Gomez and Schweinsteiger have the ability to make something happen every time they touch the ball.