With the 2012 Euro Cup set to begin next month in Poland and Ukraine, there is plenty of anticipation mounting for soccer enthusiasts across the world. Top squads like Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and England are obviously considered to be the favorites, but nearly every team will be a tough out and has a chance to do some damage.
There's always at least a couple surprising teams that make a run in the Euro Cup, and this year should be no different. It isn't always about the teams with the biggest stars; rather, the teams with the best strategy and will to succeed are the ones that end up being the toughest to beat.
Here are three squads that nobody is talking about much leading up to the Euro Cup, but they have a solid chance to make some noise and perhaps advance out of the group stage and beyond.
Croatia
They may not have a ton of star power, but Croatia is a team that always seems to perform well in international tournaments and has enough depth to give the big boys a run for their money. Although many may not realize it, the Croatians are the eighth-ranked team in the world right now, and it is for good reason. They looked very good in the qualifying phase and have enough firepower to worry the top teams, as Niko Kranjcar, Eduardo and Mario Mandzukic form an exciting trio.
Perhaps more than anything, though, the Croatians play very strong team defense—something that will frustrate the more highly-touted teams. Croatia is stuck in a very tough group against Spain, Italy and Ireland. While beating out Spain is a tall task, there is no reason why they can't wrest the No. 2 spot in the group away from Italy. If Croatia is able to do that, then anything can happen in the quarterfinals.
Denmark
Every international tournament has what is deemed a "group of death," as it generally has three or four very strong teams. In Euro 2012, that group is Group B. It contains three of the most successful European nations ever in the sport of soccer: Germany, Netherlands and Portugal. It is the team that nobody is talking about that could be the most dangerous, however, as Denmark will enter the tournament with low expectations and nothing to lose.
Denmark may be the worst-ranked team in the group, but they are 10th in the world nonetheless, so there is no reason why they can't compete. They were very strong in qualifying and even managed to beat Portugal 2-1. There is no reason why they can't turn the trick again.
Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl are underrated offensive threats, and Thomas Sorensen is a stalwart in goal. Don't be too surprised if the Danes are able to clip two European powers and move on.
Sweden
Of all the teams on this list, Sweden may have the most advantageous draw. Making it out of Group D won't be a walk in the park by any stretch of the imagination—the Swedes will have to contend with England, France and host Ukraine—but finishing in the top two is quite possible. The English team is talented but prone to letdowns, and the same can be said of France. Ukraine should be competitive, but it simply doesn't measure up to the other three squads talent-wise.
Sweden beat both Ukraine and Netherlands in qualifying and dropped a close 1-0 decision against England. There is no doubt that they have what it takes to compete.
The Swedes will be led by striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who could star for most top nations thanks to his fantastic offensive ability. The true key to Sweden's success, though, will be goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson. If he holds up, then the Swedes will be in business.
