Euro 2012: France and More Teams Catching Fire at Perfect Time

France finally made something of their opportunities.

Les Bleus won their first match at a major competition in their last nine tries Friday and looked good in the process. Upstart, co-host country Ukraine came in believing they belonged, but the French finally showed the potential and skill we all know they possess.

For the second straight match they put double-digit shots on net and were finally rewarded for all their work.

Jeremy Menez and Yohan Cabaye struck three minutes apart early in the second half, and Ukraine never really threatened after that. Most importantly, Les Bleus got Karim Benzema involved as he assisted on both goals. The Real Madrid man will be key going forward should France advance to the knockout round.

The win puts the French in solid position to play for the next stage of the tournament and, if played now, we could very well expect the French to perform better against English than they did in the opener.

This squad has finally put things together at just the right time, and should they advance they'll be difficult team to knockout of the tournament.

They're not the only ones starting to play well at the right time, either. Here's a look at other teams starting to catch fire at Euro 2012.

Germany

This should really say "Mario Gomez." The dominant yet temperamental striker is tied atop the tournament with three goals and looked brilliant in scoring a brace against Netherlands.

We know veteran sniper Miroslav Klose can come on in a pinch a find a goal out of thin air, but Gomez, if he starts rolling, could actually dominate this tournament.

Germany were one of the clear favorites entering in the tournament and they're infinitely more dangerous when Gomez is on his game.

Expect him and Die Mannschaft to be a force in the coming weeks.

Spain

Yes it was Ireland's slow, wayward defense, but La Furia Roja couldn't be happier that Fernando Torres has found some of his form again. His two-goal performance against the Irish was a huge boost for this team, and it was even bigger that the man whose starting spot he took, Cesc Fabregas, came on and scored almost immediately in his stead.

We all know how dangerous Spain can be, and if they stay hot they'll be on a train straight to the title game.