Euro 2012 TV Coverage: High-Scoring Affairs You Can't Afford to Miss

There may not be many things more exciting in the sports world than a high-scoring soccer game, and Euro 2012 is bound to deliver a few high-scoring affairs.

In a sport that demands patience and loyalty from its fans, one would be hard-pressed to find a moment more riveting than when a superstar finds the back of the net. The scoring fanbase goes crazy—screaming, cheering, chanting, singing, playing instruments and sometimes even causing things to explode and make even more noise.

Meanwhile, the fanbase that just got scored on watches in stunned silence as the proverbial mountain their team must climb to win the match just got much taller.

Flash forward minutes later to the equalizer goal, though, and the scenario is reversed.

It truly is a wonderful dichotomy, and it's one of the purest emotional moments in sports.

These upcoming Euro 2012 matchups are sure to have quite a few of them:

Portugal vs. Netherlands: Sunday 6/17 at 2:45 p.m. EDT on ESPN

This matchup is going to produce goals. There's no doubt that Portugal is one of the most talented football teams in the world, and with superstars like Nani and Christiano Ronaldo on their side, they are bound to put up a ton of points.

They were held scoreless at the hands of a very strong Germany team in their first game, but bounced back in a big way with three goals against Denmark.

Meanwhile, Netherlands has only scored once in this tournament, so they're going to have to break out sooner or later. With players like Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder on the attack, it is tough not to see them finding the back of the net at least once or twice in this matchup.

Also, Ronaldo still hasn't found his scoring touch in Euro 2012. But that won't last for long. Expect him to go off and his team to find the net a few times against Netherlands.

Prediction: Portugal 5, Netherlands 4

Croatia vs. Spain: Monday 6/18 at 2:45 p.m. EDT on ESPN

Spain is scary good—there's no other way to put it. They can score in bunches—they just demolished Ireland 4-0—and they have some of the most talented players in the world on their side.

Striker Fernando Torres produced two goals against the Irish, and I wouldn't be surprised if he scores two more against Croatia. Cesc Fabregas also chipped in with a goal. And I don't see him slowing down against Croatia.

All of that said, Croatia isn't void of offensive talent themselves—the squad put up three against Ireland and then one goal against Italy—so it's safe to say that we'll see more than a few goals in this game.

Prediction: Spain 4, Croatia 2

Italy vs. Ireland: Monday 6/18 at 2:45 p.m. EDT on ESPN2

Ireland has had a rough go of things at Euro 2012, losing 3-1 to Croatia and 4-0 to a very good Spain side, and I don't see it getting any better against Italy.

Italy has tied both of their matchups, but I see them pouring in the goals against an Ireland squad that is, frankly, going to be outmatched.

Italy needs to win a match to have any hope in this tournament, and they are far too talented to not beat up on Ireland here. I expect a lopsided win, but a win that will produce a few great goals nonetheless.

Prediction: Italy 4, Ireland 1