Euro 2012: How Things Stand for England, France and Ukraine

With only the final group games of each group remaining at Euro 2012, the tournament moves into its climax from today onwards.

The beauty of having just three group games before the knockouts is the that not a single team is sure to go through to the quarterfinals.

Only Ireland and Sweden have bowed out of the tournament already and have just pride to play for in the last group match. These teams could still have a huge impact on the future of other teams in their groups, though. Ireland could be a thorn in the flesh of Italy, while Sweden could end France's hopes of progressing.

Germany is the only team with a perfect record, but the team has no guarantees of progressing. If Denmark and Portugal win their final group matches, Germany might still be going home early.

We are concentrating on group D at the moment. Let us get started and consider the chances of England, France and Ukraine. 

Scenario 1: France and England Progress

Team         P     W     D     L    GF   GA    Pts.

France       2      1      1      0     3      1       4

England     2      1      1      0      4     3       4

Ukraine      2      1      0      1     2      3       3

Sweden      2      0      0      2     3      5       0

England just need to draw against Ukraine to progress. If England do draw against Ukraine, the French can even taste a defeat by three goals and still progress.

This scenario is the most likely, though football wouldn't be loved by so many on the planet if it didn't involve upsets.

Scenario 2: France and Ukraine Progress

Team         P     W     D     L    GF   GA    Pts.

France       2      1      1      0     3      1       4

England     2      1      1      0      4     3       4

Ukraine      2      1      0      1     2      3       3

Sweden      2      0      0      2     3      5       0

The equation for Ukraine is the simplest, in my opinion. It's the simplest in terms of explaining to the players what is required: Go out there and win.

If Ukraine win against England, it will be Andriy Shevchenko's side and France that go through, provided the French draw or lose by only one goal against the Swedes. 

Scenario 3: England and Ukraine Progress

Team         P     W     D     L    GF   GA    Pts.

France       2      1      1      0     3      1       4

England     2      1      1      0      4     3       4

Ukraine      2      1      0      1     2      3       3

Sweden      2      0      0      2     3      5       0

Ukraine have to beat England to have a 100 percent probability of going ahead. If Ukraine beat England 1-0, England will still go through if Sweden beat France 2-0—a highly unlikely possibility. If Ukraine draws with England, England will surely go through, and Ukraine will have to hope that France lose by at least three goals. 

From the looks of it, France and England are the favorites to go through as the top two, in whichever order. Personally, though, as I love being involved in the uncertainties of football, I will say that Ukraine will win their match against England for the first 65 minutes and end up drawing.

On the other hand, France will draw its game till the 70th minute and end up losing, but they will still qualify. Ukraine has a tough task, and I would love the hosts to go through, but the two-goal loss against the French has really hampered Shevchenko and his team's chances.