Euro 2012: 6 Bold Predictions for Greece's Tournament

With just a day until Euro 2012 kicks off, it's time to take out the crystal ball and make some predictions about what we will see in Poland and Ukraine.

Eight years ago, Greece shocked the football world by not only winning their first match at a major tournament, but then winning the whole thing.

It is unlikely that the Greeks will produce a similar shock in Euro 2012; however, if there is one thing that Euro 2004 taught us, it's that anything is possible.

Here is my forecast for the fate of Greece at Euro 2012.

It was Greece's defensive play that was their hallmark in Euro 2004, as they did not concede once in the knockout phase of the competition.

In qualifying in 2012, they conceded five goals in 10 matches—a record to be proud of.

However, the Greeks also only scored 14; this gave them a goal-scoring average of 1.4, the lowest among the countries to qualify for Euro 2012.

Expect Greece to play a similarly negative style in this tournament.

Unfortunately, the defensive style will not hold up.

Just like in South Africa in 2009, Greece will concede at least one goal in every match and must rely on their less-than-potent attacking play.

Poland will go up early and get the crowd into it, but Greece will get a shocking equalizer right before the half to quiet the stands.

With halftime to collect themselves, Poland will get a quick second-half goal that holds up for the rest of the match.

It's a bad start for Greece.

Greece will dominate this match, but run into a brick wall in the form of Petr Cech.

Unfortunately, a second-half strike from captain Tomas Rosicky will put Greece out of the tournament.

Already eliminated from the competition, Greece will play for pride against Russia and come out with an effectively aggressive defense.

However, a goal about a half-hour in will be enough for Russia, as Greece won't find any response.

Just like in Euro 2008, Greece will fail to get a single point from their group and will be eliminated.

It will be another disappointing campaign for the Greeks, their fourth straight since winning Euro 2004.

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