Euro 2012: Squads Who Must Secure Vital Wins in Final Round of Group Play

Euro 2012 is in top gear as the final round of group play kicks off on Saturday in Poland. In Group A's most crucial match, Greece will find itself in a must-win situation against Russia (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2).

It's hard to believe that the Greeks won the European Championship just eight years ago in Portugal. Greece only have one point to show for through its first two Group A matches against Poland and the Czech Republic, which means nothing less than a victory over Russia will do on Saturday.

In addition to gaining three points, the Greeks must find the back of the net more than once against Russia if they are to control their own knockout destiny, as the group could very well boil down to goal differential. 

However, Greece is not alone among the handful of squads in need of securing vital wins in the final round of group play at Euro 2012. Let's take a look at which in each group is under the most pressure to win and advance. 

Greece

The task is a tall one for the 2004 European champs, who will need to not only defeat the offensive-minded Russians on Saturday, but score a handful of goals in the process. Depending on what happens between the Czech Republic and host nation Poland on Saturday, the Greeks could finish anywhere from first to last in the final group standings. 

Netherlands

Group B was dubbed the "Group of Death" coming into Euro 2012, and despite two straight losses to open up the tournament for the Dutch, they are still breathing in Group B. A win over Portugal on Sunday would give the Netherlands three big points that they could use to advance if Germany takes out Denmark in their final Group B match.

Still, the Dutch would need to score a few goals against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, as they are -2 in goal differential through two matches. 

Italy

The Italians are surely disappointed to only have two points through two matches at Euro 2012, but they have still yet to lose against world class competition in Spain and Croatia. Their final group stage matchup with the helpless Irish will provide them with a vital three points to advance along with the winner of Spain vs. Croatia on Monday. 

England

England is back in business after topping Sweden 3-2 on Friday. The English now have four big points thanks to drawing France in the group opener. However, Roy Hodgson's side still needs a win against host nation Ukraine on Tuesday if it is to avoid defending champion Spain in the quarterfinal stage.

England will be in the clear with a draw against Ukraine, but its stay in the knockout stage would surely be short-lived against the defending World Cup and European champions. 

Follow Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more on World Football and this summer's Euro 2012.