Euro 2012 Standings: Strong Sides with Plenty of Work to Do

Euro 2012 has seen underdogs flourish, favorites falter and the unexpected captivate the world of football.

On the final day of competition in Group A, Greece and the Czech Republic clinched victories that led to spots in the knockout round, hardly the outcome experts predicted.

Perhaps, even more surprising has been the collapse of the Dutch, who were once considered to be amongst the tournament's favorites. Although the Netherlands failed to emerge from Group B, Germany and Portugal were able to survive and advance from the dreaded "group of death."

In a tournament that has been full of unpredictability, here are squads in the two remaining groups with plenty of work to do.

England

After a pleasant draw against France, Roy Hodgson's English side came out energized against Sweden.

Needing an outright win, England's youth helped England clinch three points and second place overall in Group D.

The emergence of young strikers Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll on the international stage was thrilling for an English side in search of an offensive revitalization. Now, with a matchup against Ukraine on the horizon, England's premier striker Wayne Rooney is set to return from his two-game suspension.

As it currently stands, England and France lead Group D with four points each, but co-host nation Ukraine is lurking in third place with three points.

England must secure at least a draw against Ukraine if they hope to advance to the knockout stage, and a French collapse against Sweden could give them an outright group victory.

France

France entered Euro 2012 as the favorites to win Group D but have received some surprisingly strong competition from England and Ukraine.

France have received two favorable results thus far, tying England 1-1, and defeating Ukraine 2-0. With four points and just one group game left to play, the French appear entrenched in the top half of Group D.

While it seems improbable, if England and Ukraine play to a draw on Tuesday and France fall to Sweden, they could be on the outside looking in for the knockout round. Although such a combination of events is unlikely, France cannot let their guard down just because they have put themselves in a comfortable situation.

Going up against a Swedish side that has failed to capture a point in the group stage, France should come out energized, ready to capture a Group D title.

Spain

An opening draw against Italy was not what Vicente del Bosque's Spanish squad had in mind as they entered Group C play at Euro 2012.

After debuting an unheralded 4-6-0 formation against the Italians, Spain's inability to find the back of the net became a hot-button issue in football circles.

However, any doubt surrounding Spain's tactics was put to rest after they completed a 4-0 drubbing of the Republic of Ireland. Starting in place of Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea striker Fernando Torres momentarily silenced critics, netting two goals while pushing Ireland to the cellar of group C.

Facing off against a respectable Croatian squad on the final day of Group C competition, Spain must bring their absolute best if they hope to advance to the knockout rounds.

Currently in possession of first place in Group C, Spain have totaled four points—the same total as their Croatian counterparts.

With Italy primed for a win against a lowly Irish squad, all of the pressure will be on Spain to emerge with a win, and at worst, a draw.

A draw would keep Spain atop the group given their lofty goal differential (plus-four), but they can't afford to let their guard down against a Croatian squad that has not been phased by superior competition.

Croatia

Croatia have appeared calm, cool and downright scary at points during Group C competition, but come Monday, all of their hard work could go up in smoke.

Currently holding on to second place in Group C, Croatia must be extremely wary of defending European champion Spain. While it's likely Croatia will enter Monday's game with Spain searching for a draw in hopes of holding off the Italians, they can't hope that Spain will be sympathetic.

Although Spain will be their most immediate competition, Croatia have to be scared of a pending Italian football revitalization—one that could come full circle with a massive win over Ireland.

After two draws to open up Euro 2012, the Italians are due for a win, and a matchup against Ireland presents a perfect opportunity to grasp one.

While Croatia have to be pleased with their performances against Italy and Ireland, their misfortune may be a source of joy for Italy come Monday evening.

Italy

Italy opened Euro 2012 with a strong showing against Spain, but their two ties to date have not been enough to land them in the top-half of Group C.

However, the silver lining for the Italians has to be their impending matchup with the Republic of Ireland on Monday. Fresh off a 4-0 defeat to Spain, Ireland's hopes of advancing past the group stage have been dashed, and at this point, they will be looking to bow out of the European Championships without being embarrassed once again.

Italy will have something different in mind. Pushing for a knockout blow, the Italians will need to take care of the Irish handily and then get some help from either Croatia or Spain.

There are two scenarios that could propel the Italians to the knockout stages at this point:

1) Spain or Croatia win outright, and Italy defeat Ireland. Spain or Croatia finish with seven points, and Italy finishes with five. The loser of Spain-Croatia misses out on the group stage with four points.

2) Spain and Croatia tie, and Italy defeat Ireland with a goal differential so large that it knocks out Croatia entirely. Spain and Italy would both hold five points.