Euro 2012 Live Stream: Where to Catch Italy, Spain, Ireland and More Online

With Italy vs. Croatia and Spain vs. Ireland and Croatia still upcoming on Thursday for Group B, fans need a place to watch online.

For soccer fans, this time of year gives more excitement and thrills than anyone could ever ask for. Entering Thursday, Croatia leads the group with one victory, as Spain and Italy are tied for second with a draw apiece. Ireland trails the pack following their loss to Croatia. The next match for each team will largely determine where they are seeded and who will move on to the next round.

Italy vs. Croatia (Group C) at 11:45 a.m. EST

Where To Watch: ESPN3

Most Important Player to Know for Italy

Mario Balotelli, because he is better at soccer than most people are at most things and is the leading goal scorer for the Italian team...and he’s only 21.

Most Important Player to Know for Croatia

Niko Kranjcar, for claiming that Croatia could reach the semifinals of the tournament despite knowing that both Spain and Italy are in their group and their only victory has come against a sluggish Ireland.

Game Preview

Andrea Pirlo helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup, Balotelli is an elite scorer from all sides of the ball and Daniele De Rossi is an elusive midfielder known to dominate the game, who can give Nikica Jelavic a run for his money.

While Italy is subpar (1-2-3) against Croatia in their last six meetings, they should come out of this game on top due to sheer talent, drive and passion as they have more to play for and a better team.

Spain vs. Ireland (Group C) at 2:30 p.m. EST

Where To Watch: ESPN3

Most Important Player to Know for Spain

Fernando Torres, because his 28 goals on the season are more than any other player for Spain and he could probably outscore anyone on Ireland combined if needed, as he sets the tone for the quick, strike-first Spanish team.

Most Important Player to Know for Ireland

Robby Keane, because his sentiments of “anything can happen!” and “this is a major tournament” represent the luck o’ the Irish needed to make any progress against a more than elite Spanish national team.

Game Preview

Spain comes into this game like gladiators against innocent computer geeks who have never fought before. Spain's poise is through the roof, their confidence is escalated like no other, and they have a historically high advantage for two teams placed in the same group.

While one would hope and think that Ireland has some glimmer of hope or chance, the odds are far from in their favor. Best of luck to the Irish, but that’s exactly what they’ll need to secure a win here.

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