Euro 2012 Draw: 10 Possible Shocks in the Group Stages

The draw for Euro 2012 takes place this Friday at 1800 CET (12 p.m. EST) in Kyiv, Ukraine.

And, although Scotland aren't there, I can't wait.

As I'm sure you're aware, the 16 qualified teams will be drawn into four groups of four teams each. Poland and Ukraine are automatically top seeds as hosts, and they are in Pot 1 alongside Spain and the Netherlands.

However, with the likes of Germany and England in Pot 2, Portugal and Croatia in Pot 3 and even France in Pot 4, the draw could throw up some unbelievably mouth-watering ties.

Let's have a look at some of the shocking games that could be taking place in seven months' time.

The Group of Death

Spain. England. Portugal. France.

How's that for a group?!

If this was drawn on Friday, the media would have a field day, and football fans across the world would already be rubbing their hands in anticipation.

With four giants in one group, anyone could progress to the next stage.

The Group of Death 2

The Netherlands. Germany. Croatia. Czech Republic.

Another very, very interesting group.

With Croatia always providing stern opposition and the Czechs on the rise, nothing is guaranteed in this second potential "Group of Death."

Republic of Ireland vs. England

If the Republic of Ireland and England were to be drawn in the same group, the buildup to that one game would be immense.

The majority of the British Isles (and perhaps even Europe) would be rooting for the Republic, and they are more than capable of pulling off an upset.

Were Ireland to progress at the expense of the Auld Enemy, it would definitely go down in the history books as one of the biggest international shocks ever.

Denmark vs. Sweden

The Scandinavian countries are fierce rivals and could well meet in the group stages.

The Swedes have always been a solid side, and Denmark, despite only having a population of 5 million, have qualified for the last 13 of 16 international tournaments.

Denmark also won the European Championship in 1992, something the Swedes have never achieved.

It would be a shock if fireworks didn't fly in a clash between these two.

Portugal vs. England

Remember the infamous Ronaldo wink?

England fans won't be forgetting it in a hurry.

After exiting the 2006 World Cup at the hands of the Portuguese and succumbing to the same fate at the last European Championship, Fabio Capello's men will be eager to exact revenge on their European counterparts.

However, if these two do meet in the group, Wayne Rooney will miss out on a battle with his former colleague Ronaldo due to his international ban.

Germany vs. Spain

A rematch of the Euro 2008 Final could definitely be in the cards.

With Spain sitting in Pot 1 and Germany in Pot 2, the two giants of world football could meet in what would definitely be an encounter of epic proportions.

Fernando Torres scored the winner nearly four years ago in a thrilling match, and although Torres may well not even make the squad, it would be a big surprise if another sublime match wasn't served up for the world's football fans.

France vs. Italy

Another rematch here—this time between the finalists of the 2006 World Cup.

The 2006 final saw everything—drama, penalties, a moment of madness and brilliant goals.

Italy walked away victorious on that July day, but what would the outcome be if the two sides met again this summer?

With France's miraculous resurrection continuing under Laurent Blanc, and Italy steadily marching on, this match could potentially go down as one of the greatest ever.

Republic of Ireland vs. Germany

The Republic of Ireland feature again in this list, and they could pull off one of the shocks of the tournament if they upset favourites Germany.

The Irish held the Germans to a 1-1 draw in the 2002 World Cup and would probably bite your hand off if you offered them a repeat result.

Robbie Keane scored the equaliser that day and could be just as vital for his team in just a few months' time.

Greece vs. England

Everyone knows that Beckham free kick. The one that sent England to the World Cup in 2002.

However, it would be an incredible shock if the Greeks, former winners of the European Championship, could take revenge on England for that last-minute goal and stun the footballing world.

Although the Mediterranean men aren't quite the defensive maestros that marched to European victory in 2004, they are still a strong side who are a match for anyone on their day.

Russia vs. Netherlands

Andrei Arshavin has fallen off the map somewhat in recent seasons, but I will always remember his virtuoso performance against the Netherlands at the last European Championship.

The Arsenal midfielder announced his arrival in world football with a sumptuous display, tearing through the Dutch defence time and time again as his Russian teammates ground out a 3-1 extra-time victory.

Nevertheless, it would be an almighty surprise if Arshavin could summon a performance of that calibre once again if the Russians come up against the Dutch in the summer.

But one thing's for sure—I cannot wait for the tournament to begin.