Euro 2012: Underdogs Who Have No Chance of Advancing

The eve of UEFA Euro 2012 for soccer fans in Europe was like Christmas Eve. Fans of each country that was lucky enough to qualify for the competition were left wondering what kind of performance their favorite team or homeland would put on with the whole world watching. 

The lovable underdogs have given their fans hope, just like Greece did in 2004 making an improbable run to the championship. 

Now, however, on Day 7 of this year's tournament, here are five underdogs that have no chance of advancing to the knockout stage. 

Sweden

This team, along with a few others, should be kicking itself for missed opportunities in the first game. 

Despite having six shots on target and 13 shots total, the Swedes could not overcome the ageless wonder Andriy Shevchenko as Ukraine pulled off the 2-1 upset. 

Coming in, fans of Sweden were planning on a win against the tournament hosts and seemed much more concerned about how their squad would earn points vs. both England and France. 

Now, barring a major upset, it does not look likely that they will advance past group play. France hasn't lost in 22 games and England, despite missing Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Gary Cahill and Garreth Barry for the time being, will play a spirited match. 

Greece

Playing in a relatively weak Group A, this team was thought to be one of the favorites to advance from the group. 

However, the 2004 champions struggled to a draw with Poland and were outclassed by the Czech Republic by a 2-1 decision. To say the least, the hopes for advancing look slim at best. 

While beating Russia isn't out of the realm of possibility, how do you expect the Greeks to fare against essentially a more talented version of the Czech Republic squad? 

Republic of Ireland

Similar to the Swedes, this lovable band of players needed to earn at least a point in their opening match against Croatia. 

Instead, a 3-1 loss was the result and this team must now likely earn points in its final two matches to move on. 

It must start with a win or draw against the defending Euro and World Cup Champions. Sounds easy, right? 

Not to mention the fact that Italy is waiting in the wings once the match with Spain is done. 

The opportunity may have come and gone for these fine folks from Ireland. 

Poland

While not in quite as good a shape as their fellow co-hosts from Ukraine, this squad has at least given themselves a fighter's chance to advance from Group A. 

The hard part comes now, as this team must find a way to defeat the Czech Republic. A third consecutive draw would leave Robert Lewandowski and Co. dependent on the result of the other match between Russia and Greece. 

With that being said, there is at least enough of a chance that this team could advance with three draws to make it worth talking about. It is certainly not the ideal path by any stretch of the imagination, but in a tournament like this, anything necessary must be done in order to put yourselves in position to advance entering the final group game. 

Czech Republic

Ditto to what I wrote on the Poland slide; a win is the only way for the Czechs to assure themselves of a spot in the quarterfinals. 

Not much more can be said regarding the hopes of Petr Cech's team. 

So far, the tournament has been too closely contested to choose five teams and say that they have no shot at advancing. 

Even the first three teams still have a chance as unlikely as it may sound. You may automatically dismiss Ireland having a chance to beat Spain, but stranger things have happened, right? 

It is time to let the rest of the group stage play out and watch the drama unfold right in front of our very eyes. 

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