Euro 2012: Biggest Surprise Stars of Group Play

The Euro 2012 tournament is obviously still much too young to call, but so far a handful of footballers have shown their worth to their respective countries. 

This is what major international tournaments are all about. Virtually unknown players make a name for themselves via their performance, and substitutes can come on at any moment and ignite an entire team and country. 

With that being said, let's take a look at those players who have pleasantly impressed the Euro 2012 audience thus far. 

Mario Gomez, Germany

Now I know that Mario Gomez is by no means an unheard of player, but the Bayern Munich striker has thus far used this international stage as his coming-out party.

A terrific finisher around the net, Gomez made mincemeat of the "Group of Death's" defenses, scoring three goals in three matches during group play.

In the German’s first game, Gomez delivered the game-winning score in the 72^nd minute to seize a key three points against Portugal.

Against the Netherlands in the following match, the underrated attacker worked his magic again, scoring the game’s first goal in the 24^th minute and the match-winner only 12 minutes later.

And while he didn’t score against the upstart Danish squad, Gomez provided a key assist to fellow marksman Lukas Podolski.

As it stands right now, Gomez is looking like a formidable and realistic candidate for the tournament’s Golden Boot, considering his knack for goals and Germany’s chances of advancing deep

Dimitris Salpingidis, Greece

I’m going to be honest, before Euro 2012 I had never heard of Greek catalyst Dimitris Salpingidis, let alone be able to spell his name.

While the spark plug netted only one goal in three games, the 30-year-old attacker produced the turning point for Greece in the first contest as a substitute.

It was a questionable move to even bring Salpingidis on in the Euro 2012 opener against Poland, seeing that both Greece’s central defenders were out by halftime—Sokratis Papastathopoulos to a red card after a pair of yellows and Avraam Papadopoulos to injury.

However, the Paok FC (GRE) attacker got the call after halftime by coach Fernando Santos, and he made his impact right after the whistle.

With a one-on-one with Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny in 51^st minute, he drew a red card on Szczesny which earned Greece a penalty kick.

While the PK was blocked by Poland’s backup keeper, Salpingidis put away a goal to force a 1-1 draw.

That substitute spurt performed by Salpingidis was huge in Group A’s overall outlook, taking two points away from host Poland and giving Greece a point that helped its cause to advance. 

Mario Mandzukic, Croatia

Coming into Euro 2012, almost everyone I talked to believed that if Croatia were to compete for a quarterfinal spot, midfielder Luka Modric would need to carry his team there.

Even though Modric has controlled the midfield through Croatia’s first two games against Ireland and Italy, striker Mario Mandzukic has stole the headlines.

The disliked Wolfsburg striker has thus far netted three goals, two in a 3-1 victory over dismantled Ireland and one in a crucial 1-1 draw with the Azzurri.

However, the towering striker has looked clumsy and unremarkable but has been in the right place at the right time, which is all that matters.

While taking over against lowly Ireland and an old Italian defense is one thing, it’ll be interesting to see what he can do against defending champs Spain in the group’s final day.

Bottom line, Croatia needs a win to ensure qualification for the next round, and if they are going to do it Mandzukic will need to be in the right place at the right time consistently. 

Vaclav Pilar, Czech Republic

Before Euro 2012 started, Group A presented the most wide-open field of teams that could have advanced, even though Russia was considered a lock (oops). 

Despite this virtual level playing field, not many gave the Czech Republic a chance to reach the quarterfinals, unless of course goalkeeper Petr Cech played all of group stage like he did against Barcelona in the Champions League semis. 

However, Cech has played mediocre and the Czechs are through due in large part to the play of Vaclav Pilar.

The 23-year-old forward has made the soccer world aware of his presence the way he’s played as Pilar has scored two monumental goals in his team’s three games so far.

He has used his quick feet and nifty movements on and off the ball to give defenders fits on the wing, creating chances for himself and teammates.

If the inexperienced player continues the tear that he’s on, quarterfinals opponent Portugal and the rest of the field better watch out. 

Theo Walcott, England

Like the case with Mario Gomez, English winger Theo Walcott is a household name and isn't a new face in the soccer world by any means. 

However, many people don't realize that England's second match of group play against Sweden was the winger's first major tournament action in his career—six years after making his international debut at age 17.

After shockingly not seeing action against the French in a 1-1 draw, England coach Roy Hodgson finally gave Walcott the nod in the 61st minute, substituting him in for a disappointing James Milner.

Prior to Walcott's coming on, the English side looked lost, sluggish and desperately needed a spark.

That spark came in the form of a 23-year-old speedy winger.

Walcott made his mark on the match almost immediately, putting the ball in the back of the net after a swerving shot from distance.

After knotting the match up, Walcott didn't stop there. Breaking free into threatening territory, Walcott sent in a low cross to striker Danny Welbeck. In case you missed it, here's what Welbeck did with the cross.

That goal by the Manchester United man put England up for good against Sweden 3-2 and drastically changed the team's hopes of qualifying for quarterfinals.

With the massive impact felt in under 30 minutes of play, it would be a foolish move for Hodgson not to place Walcott in the starting XI against the Ukraine, assuming the winger is healthy following hamstring trouble in training.

If Walcott is fully fit and ready to go, the Arsenal man should be on the field when the first whistle blows and his abilities will not go unnoticed.