Predicting the Qualifiers for Euro 2012

We are inching ever closer to the 2012 UEFA European Championship, and while we do know that Poland and the Ukraine will be among those qualified, who else will make the cut and take place in Europe's showcase event?

Bleacher Report gives you the 16 teams who we think will stand a good chance at going through. Now, previously we graded the qualifying campaigns of the teams going through the process, which you can see here. We will use this as the basis for the teams we think will go through to the big show in Eastern Europe.

Poland

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 06: The Poland national football team pose for a group photo before the Confederation Cup match between South Africa and Poland at Orlando Stadium on June 6, 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Ga

Qualified as: Co-hosts

Date qualification was secured: 18 April 2007

Previous appearances in tournament: 1 (2008)

Poland go into this tournament as hosts, but not as major contenders for the crown. There shouldn't be much to expect from this side, it's a "happy-to-be-here" type of deal. Białe Orły will compete in Group A.

Upcoming matches:

February 6, 2011	Portugal	Moldova	Friendly
February 9, 2011	Portugal	Norway	Friendly
March 25, 2011		Lithuania	Friendly
March 29, 2011	Greece	Greece	Friendly
August 10, 2011	Poland	Georgia	Friendly
September 6, 2011	Warsaw, Poland	Germany	Friendly

Ukraine

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DONETSK, UKRAINE - NOVEMBER 18: The Ukraine team line up before the 2010 FIFA World Cup play-off second leg match between the Ukraine and Greece on November 18, 2009 in Donetsk, Ukraine. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)

Qualified as: Co-hosts

Date qualification was secured: 18 April 2007

Previous appearances in tournament: None (Debut appearance)

Like Poland, not much should be expected from the Ukraine in terms of challenging for the Henri Delaunay Trophy. However they are the more dangerous of the two hosts, as they are ranked 34th in the most recent FIFA World Rankings. Look for them to pull off a surprise result or two.

Zhovto-Blakytnii will be hosting France in a friendly on Jun. 7, 2011.

Belarus

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Aleksandr Kulchy of Belarus in action during the FIFA 2010 World Cup Qualifying Group 6 match between England and Belarus at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Qualifying group: D

Matches played: 4

Wins: 2

Draws: 2

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 3

Goals allowed: 0

Goal differential: +3

Points: 8

Upcoming matches:

26 March 2011	Albania	v	Belarus

3 June 2011	Belarus	v	France
7 June 2011	Belarus	v	Luxembourg

2 September 2011	Belarus	v	Bosnia and Herzegovina

6 September 2011	Bosnia and Herzegovina	v	Belarus

7 October 2011

Romania

v

Belarus

It's going to either be Belarus or France that will win this qualification group. But even if Belarus finishes second place, they have enough firepower to win their respective playoff.

Croatia

Michael Steele/Getty Images

ZAGREB, CROATIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Croatia team line up during the EURO 2012 Qualifying Group F match between Croatia and Greece at the Stadion Maksimir on September 7, 2010 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Qualifying group: F

Matches played: 3

Wins: 2

Draws: 1

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 5

Goals allowed: 1

Goal differential: +4

Points: 7

Upcoming matches:

26 March 2011	Georgia	v	Croatia	Boris Paichadze Stadium, Tbilisi

4 June 2011	Croatia	v	Georgia	Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

2 September 2011	Malta	v	Croatia	Ta'Qali Stadium, Ta'Qali

6 September 2011	Croatia	v	Israel	Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb
7 October 2011	Greece	v	Croatia

11 October 2011

Croatia

v

Latvia

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Croatia's schedule looks straightforward enough, but the Oct. 7 match with Greece might be a challenge in its own right. Still, Georgia, Malta, Israel and Latvia will be winnable games for Vatreni.

They should be through.

Czech Republic

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EAST HARTFORD, CT - MAY 25: Goalie Petr Cech #1 of the Czech Republic walks into position during a friendly match against the United States at Rentschler Field on May 25, 2010 in East Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Qualifying group: I

Matches played: 3

Wins: 2

Draws: 0

Losses: 1

Goals forwarded: 3

Goals allowed: 1

Goal differential: +2

Points: 6

Upcoming matches:

25 March 2011	Spain	v	Czech Republic	Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
29 March 2011	Czech Republic	v	Liechtenstein

3 September 2011	Scotland	v	Czech Republic	Hampden Park, Glasgow
7 October 2011	Czech Republic	v	Spain

11 October 2011	Lithuania	v	Czech Republic	S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

If the Czech Republic cannot at least salvage a point against Spain in Group I, Národní tým will have to hope for a strong performance in the playoffs. Still, it should be able to win its playoff and proceed to the finals.

England

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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: The England team pose ahead of the international friendly match between England and France at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Qualifying group: G

Matches played: 3

Wins: 2

Draws: 1

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 7

Goals allowed: 1

Goal differential: +6

Points: 7

Upcoming matches:

26 March 2011	Wales	v	England	Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
4 June 2011	England	v	Switzerland	Wembley Stadium, London

2 September 2011	Bulgaria	v	England	Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia

6 September 2011	England	v	Wales	Wembley Stadium, London
7 October 2011	Montenegro	v	England	Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica

While Montenegro may be leading Group G, the Three Lions have a game in hand over the Balkan upstarts. Look for them to regroup from their embarrassing draw at Wembley and take the group.

France

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Yoann Gourcuff of France in action during the international friendly match between England and France at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Qualifying group: D

Matches played: 4

Wins: 3

Draws: 0

Losses: 1

Goals forwarded: 6

Goals allowed: 1

Goal differential: +5

Points: 9

Upcoming matches

25 March 2011	Luxembourg	v	France

3 June 2011	Belarus	v	France

2 September 2011	Albania	v	France
6 September 2011	Romania	v	France

7 October 2011	France	v	Albania

11 October 2011

France

v

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Les Bleus should have the talent to win Group D, but they are going to be tested by Belarus on Jun. 3.

However, Luxembourg, Romaria, Albania and Bosnia & Herzegovina should be walks in the park. This is a team that should go on a tear, starting in March.

Germany

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DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 07: The Germany team line up for the national anthems prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Semi Final match between Germany and Spain at Durban Stadium on July 7, 2010 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Joern Pollex/G

Qualifying group: A

Matches played: 4

Wins: 4

Draws: 0

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 13

Goals allowed: 1

Goal differential: +12

Points: 12

Upcoming matches

25 March 2011	Germany	v	Kazakhstan	Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern
3 June 2011	Austria	v	Germany	Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
7 June 2011	Azerbaijan	v	Germany
2 September 2011	Germany	v	Austria	Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen

7 October 2011	Turkey	v	Germany

11 October 2011

Germany

v

Belgium

Esprit Arena, Düsseldorf

Here's one of the major heavyweights that could potentially make it all the way to the final. They may have the easiest schedule of all the teams going through qualification.

Austria provides the strongest challenge to Die Mannschaft, but they are five points adrift in second place.

Greece

Michael Steele/Getty Images

ZAGREB, CROATIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Greece team line up during the EURO 2012 Qualifying Group F match between Croatia and Greece at the Stadion Maksimir on September 7, 2010 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Qualifying group: F

Matches played: 4

Wins: 2

Draws: 2

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 4

Goals allowed: 2

Goal differential: +2

Points: 8

Upcoming matches

26 March 2011	Malta	v	Greece	Ta'Qali Stadium, Ta'Qali
4 June 2011	Greece	v	Malta

2 September 2011	Israel	v	Greece	Ramat Gan Stadium, Ramat Gan

6 September 2011	Latvia	v	Greece	Skonto Stadium, Riga
7 October 2011	Greece	v	Croatia
11 October 2011	Georgia	v	Greece	Boris Paichadze Stadium, Tbilisi

Greece should finish second to Croatia in Group F but has the talent to win their playoff. Malta, Israel, and Latvia do not pose much of a threat to Ethniki, but they must get a result against Georgia on the final match day to stand a chance at making at least the playoffs.

Italy

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GENOA, ITALY - OCTOBER 12: Antonio Cassano of Italy salutes the Italian fans after the Uefa Euro 2012 qualifying match between Italy and Serbia was suspended at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on October 12, 2010 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Gett

Qualifying group: C

Matches played: 4

Wins: 3

Draws: 1

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 10

Goals allowed: 1

Goal differential: +9

Points: 10

Upcoming matches

25 March 2011	Slovenia	v	Italy	Stožice Stadium, Ljubljana

3 June 2011	Italy	v	Estonia	Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma
2 September 2011	Faroe Islands	v	Italy	Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn
6 September 2011	Italy	v	Slovenia	Stadio San Nicola, Bari

7 October 2011	Serbia	v	Italy	Stadion Crvena Zvezda, Belgrade
11 October 2011	Italy	v	Northern Ireland	Stadio Friuli, Udine

Italy should be good stead and progress to the finals.

Their biggest test will come from Slovenia, but otherwise it's a done deal for the Azzurri. Now if only the Serbian fans can knock the hooliganry and Real Man of Genius-like ski mask antics..

Montenegro

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: The Montenegro team line up during the UEFA EURO 2012 Group G Qualifying match between England and Montenegro at Wembley Stadium on October 12, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Qualifying group: G

Matches played: 4

Wins: 3

Draws: 1

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 3

Goals allowed: 0

Goal differential: +3

Points: 10

Upcoming matches

4 June 2011	Montenegro	v	Bulgaria	Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica

2 September 2011	Wales	v	Montenegro	Liberty Stadium, Swansea
7 October 2011	Montenegro	v	England	Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica
11 October 2011	Switzerland	v	Montenegro	Stade de Genève, Geneva

Behold, Hrabri Sokolovi, the Brave Falcons, the upstarts of the entire Euro 2012 qualification tournament! England will be looking to earn some payback on Oct. 7, but they should do enough to go through via the playoffs.

This is a team building loads of steam, and it should be full speed ahead

Netherlands

Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 19: Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands (R) celebrates scoring the opening goal with team mates during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group E match between Netherlands and Japan at Durban Stadium on June 19, 2010 in Durba

Qualifying group: E

Matches played: 4

Wins: 4

Draws: 0

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 12

Goals allowed: 2

Goal differential: +10

Points: 12

Upcoming matches

25 March 2011	Hungary	v	Netherlands	Stadium Puskás Ferenc, Budapest
29 March 2011	Netherlands	v	Hungary	Amsterdam ArenA, Amsterdam
2 September 2011	Netherlands	v	San Marino	Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
6 September 2011	Finland	v	Netherlands	Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki

7 October 2011	Netherlands	v	Moldova	De Kuip, Rotterdam

11 October 2011

Sweden

v

Netherlands

Råsunda Stadium, Solna

If the Oranje are able to mow their way past two games in five days against Hungary, you might as well pencil this team in the field of 16. Actually, forget about waiting till the madness month of March; pencil in now. They are a lock.

Norway

Clive Rose/Getty Images

OSLO, NORWAY - OCTOBER 10: John Carew of Norway in action during the International friendly match between Norway and South Africa at the Ullevaal Stadion on October 10, 2009 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Qualifying group: H

Matches played: 3

Wins: 3

Draws: 0

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 5

Goals allowed: 2

Goal differential: +3

Points: 9

Upcoming matches

26 March 2011	Norway	v	Denmark	Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo
4 June 2011	Portugal	v	Norway

2 September 2011	Norway	v	Iceland	Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo

6 September 2011	Denmark	v	Norway	Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
11 October 2011	Norway	v	Cyprus	Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo

There is a very good chance that Norway will pip Portugal for the top spot in Group H. But even if they don't, look for John Carew to help pace the Drillos past the playoffs and into the Round of 16.

Portugal

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 17: Carlos Martins (L) of Portugal celebrates scoring his sides opening goal with his teammate Raul Meireles during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Spain at the Estadio da Luz on November 17, 2010 in Lisb

Qualifying group: H

Matches played: 4

Wins: 2

Draws: 1

Losses: 1

Goals forwarded: 10

Goals allowed: 7

Goal differential: +1

Points: 7

Upcoming matches

4 June 2011	Portugal	v	Norway

2 September 2011	Cyprus	v	Portugal	Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium, Larnaca
7 October 2011	Portugal	v	Iceland

11 October 2011

Denmark

v

Portugal

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

The Jun. 4 contest with Norway will determine if A Selecção have a shot at finishing first in their group or not.

If they don't get a good result, expect Cristiano Ronaldo and company to do the business in the playoffs en route to the finals.

Russia

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

DUBLIN, IRELAND - OCTOBER 08: Russia pose for a team photo prior to the EURO 2012 Qualifier Group B match between the Republic of Ireland and Russia at Lansdowne Road on October 8, 2010 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Qualifying group: B

Matches played: 4

Wins: 3

Draws: 0

Losses: 1

Goals forwarded: 6

Goals allowed: 3

Goal differential: +3

Points: 9

Upcoming matches

26 March 2011	Armenia	v	Russia	Hanrapetakan Stadium, Yerevan
4 June 2011	Russia	v	Armenia	Lokomotiv Stadium, Moscow
2 September 2011	Russia	v	Macedonia	Lokomotiv Stadium, Moscow
6 September 2011	Russia	v	Republic of Ireland	Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

11 October 2011

Russia

v

Andorra

Petrovsky Stadium, St. Petersburg

Group B may go down as the weakest Euro 2012 qualifying group, but there is one team that should go through, and it's Sbornaya.

The only challenge should come from the Republic of Ireland on Sep. 6, but there should be no reason why Russia, the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts, should not progress to the finals.

Spain

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 17: (L-R) Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta, David Villa, Joan Capdevila and Sergio Busquets of Spain listen to their countries national anthems during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Spain at the Estadio da Lu

Qualifying group: I

Matches played: 3

Wins: 3

Draws: 0

Losses: 0

Goals forwarded: 10

Goals allowed: 3

Goal differential: +7

Points: 9

Upcoming matches

25 March 2011	Spain	v	Czech Republic	Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid

29 March 2011

Lithuania

v

Spain

S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas

6 September 2011	Spain	v	Liechtenstein
7 October 2011	Czech Republic	v	Spain
11 October 2011	Spain	v	Scotland

Pencil this team in, will you?

Not only does Spain have an excellent shot to qualify for Euro 2012, but they could add winning this tournament to their list of accomplishments, alongside taking the FIFA World Cup, of course...