8 Bold Predictions for Euro 2016

ESPN took a big chance with its coverage of UEFA Euro 2012. Was the United States finally ready to tune in to a major tournament that didn't involve its own countrymen?

Turns out that lunchtime matches garnered on average millions of American viewers between countries of which we couldn't name the capitals. It was a bold move that earned billions of dollars in ad revenue as well as the distinction of setting the bar for NBC when it televises the World Cup in 2014.

But who will steal the spotlight when the Euro finals return in 2016? Who will be the upstarts that provide the upsets and who will be the underwhelming disappointments? 

Follow me as I present to you the boldest predictions for Euro 2016 when the summer's most exciting sporting event comes to France.

Republic of Ireland Will Be Back

The Republic of Ireland was truly everyone's second-favorite team in the tournament. Announcers and analysts loved the way the Irish finished matches strong even though they were surely beaten, camera crews were quick to find an Irish fan on the streets and viewers respected Ireland's hustle against superior teams.

Ireland is always on the bubble for major tournaments, but with the format expanding to 24 teams look for the the Boys in Green to be a fixture at the European Championships from here on out.

...with a Vengeance!

They scored one goal all tournament and I'm predicting them to make it past group play. What gives?

Everyone was making Group B out to be the tournament's "Group of Death" and it wasn't a bad call before the tournament. Portugal, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands? That sounds more like the "Group of Very Possible Humiliation".

But the semifinals saw two Group B teams (Germany and Portugal) up against two Group C teams (Italy and Spain). Who won out? Group C—and convincingly, I might add.

Before the tournament, Group B was the "Group of Death" but the Republic of Ireland found themselves placed in a group with Croatia and the top two teams of Euro 2012.

I don't think the Boys in Green got a fair shake at showing their real quality and the next time the tournament comes around, they won't be so unlucky in their draw.

Estonia Will Make First Appearance

The European Championship is expanding to 24 teams, meaning there will be some first-timers for Euro 2016. I'm putting my money early on Estonia being that team.

Aside from 2011 being the year where the Estonians got as close as they've ever gotten to a major tournament, they're a young squad that has an incredible amount of experience together. Eleven senior players have at least 50 caps and only four are over the age of 30.

Estonian national manager Tarmo Rüütli doesn't do a lot of tinkering with his roster—he finds a squad he likes and plays them over and over again.

That experience will pay off when the front door for Euro 2016 gets a little wider.

...and Finland Will Be There Too!

These are bold predictions, right? Well here goes.

Finland, like Estonia, is an incredibly young team. There have only been two players (non-goalkeepers) over 30 who have made an appearance for Finland in the last 12 months. That's unheard of in Europe where friendlies and minor tournaments abound, but the Fins have done it.

If the northern Europe side is going to make a move into a major tournament (which its never done) it's going to be in 2016. I predict they'll do it—albeit by the skin of their teeth.

Host Nation France Will Fall in Group Play

I know, sacrilege, right?

France may have won their group in qualifying and made it to the quarterfinals, but they did it about as unconvincingly as anyone could have. After drawing against England, they beat a lackluster Ukraine team before falling (embarrassingly, might I add) to Sweden.

Les Blues haven't done well in a major tournament since World Cup 2006 and I believe it'll be the same ol' tune in 2016. 

Four years is a long time, but it's still not long enough to fix whatever ails the French.

Sweden Will Reach Quarterfinals

Except for an opening match slip-up against co-host nation Ukraine, the Swedes would have been in this year's quarterfinals after an eight-year absence from anything further from the group stage of a major tournament. 

They were every bit as good as group-mates England and if not for a late-match slip-up against the Three Lions, the Blue & Yellow would have bested France for the second spot out of Group D.

The Swedes are an experienced squad, with their current roster playing in leagues all over the world. They're perpetually on the bubble in major tournaments, but with the expansion to 24 teams and lesser quality sides being let in, Sweden will find themselves better than average.

Final Four Will Be Spain, Germany, Netherlands...and Croatia!

Except for their uniforms, I really, really liked what I saw from Croatia.

Aside from being the only side to even come close to defeating Spain, they have a manager in Slavan Billic who is as strong at tactics as anyone in the world.

(...and yes, I'm remembering that Vicente Del Bosque still exists.)

Billic prepared his player physically and mentally for Euro 2012 and if not for being in the same group as the two best teams in the tournament, I think Croatia would have been in this year's final four.

Spain Will Win It All...Again

Spain's been the best team in the world for 4 years, winning three major tournaments in a row.

They took Euro 2012 to show they can beat you any way they want, whether it's on great defense (one goal conceded all tournament), strong midfield (they weren't out-possessed once) or fierce attacking (an average of two goals scored per match).

But there's one thing you may not know about La Roja and it frightens every other team in Europe—they're one of the youngest national teams in the world.

Only two starters for Spain were over the age of 30 and not a single player on the bench was outside of their 20's.

This isn't just a side that will challenge for World Cup 2014 in Brazil. It's a side that will still be in fighting shape four years from now.