Euro 2012: Teams Sure to Shine in the Knockout Stages

The Germans will be a force to be reckoned with come time for the knockout stages of Euro 2012. 

Germany is the only one of the 16 nations participating in Euro 2012 to have won both of its first two group matches this summer.

German striker Mario Gomez has found the back of the net three times for Germany, and will keep the magic he has discovered in Ukraine alive well into the knockout stages this June. 

Germany are not alone though in the category of impending dominance at Euro 2012. Let's take a closer look at the three powerhouses best suited to make a deep tournament run.

Germany

As already mentioned, the Germans are the only team to win their first two opening matches this summer. They have allowed only one goal total in meetings with offensive-minded squads Portugal and Netherlands. If the defense holds up for Germany, its potent offensive attack led by Mario Gomez will become even more of a threat.

Gomez scored six goals in less than 500 minutes of qualifying for Euro 2012, which speaks directly to his ability to turn on the scoring mentality at any instant. Germany will likely win Group A with any sort of result against Denmark, which would set them up with a knockout matchup against Group A runner-up Greece, who they should have no problem defeating. 

Spain

After a tight draw with the Italians in its Group C opener, Spain found its groove against the Irish, scoring four goals, two of which came from Fernando Torres who was inserted into the starting lineup after coming on as a substitute against Italy. 

Although the Republic of Ireland is arguably the worst team at Euro 2012, Spain have proved in the past that it is capable of turning it on whenever at big tournaments. The Spanish bounced back from an early group stage loss to Switzerland at World Cup 2010 to win it all, and is also the defending European champion.

If Spain win Group C as it should, it would most likely be headed for a quarterfinal clash with England. Although the English look rejuvenated under new coach Roy Hodgson, they have ways to go before they can compete with the likes of short-passing juggernaut Spain. 

France

Like Germany and Spain, France has allowed just one goal in two Euro 2012 matches. The French got a much needed equalizer against England in its first Group D match to earn a point, and then blanked host nation Ukraine 2-0 to send a message to the rest of the tournament field. If France can keep opponents locked down in the final third, it has European Championship potential.

France should have its way against Sweden, who have already been eliminated because of two early defeats, giving them the group and a likely quarterfinal matchup with Italy. That matchup would be a rematch of the 2006 World Cup final from Germany. I would give France the edge based on its ability to score goals in bunches. 

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