Euro 2012 draw: Pot 1
Channel 4 News takes a look at Pot 1 in the draw for Euro 2012, which consists of the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine.
Spain
Defending European and world champions, and number one in the Fifa rankings, La Roja head to the finals as favourites to win a third successive major title.
Their team, based mainly on players from Champions League holders Barcelona and arch-rivals Real Madrid, boasts a stunning wealth of talent including Xavi, Andres Iniesta, former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso, ex-Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, Sergio Ramos, David Silva and David Villa.
Read more: Pot 2, Pot 3, Pot 4
The Netherlands
Runners-up in last year’s World Cup, the Netherlands are ranked among the favourites to win the Euros, along with world champions Spain and Germany.
Dutch players likely to feature in the finals include Gunners captain Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, Liverpool’s tireless forward Dirk Kuyt, Spurs’ Rafael van der Vaart and Manchester City hardman Nigel de Jong.
Ukraine
Ukraine will have to rely on their old guard if they stand any chance of reaching the latter stages of the tournament.
2004 Ballon d’Or winner and former Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko has found form again with Dynamo Kiev. Fellow veteran Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, a midfield mainstay of German giants Bayern Munich, will be expected to provide Shevchenko, but it is the coveted young winger Andrei Yarmolenko who is being tipped to star for the team.
Poland
Poland, perennial qualifiers but miserable at tournaments, have had the luxury of not having to qualify as hosts.
And in the last two years, a young and promising counterattacking White Eagles team has emerged, with Borussia Dortmund’s Lukasz Piszczek in defence, captain Jakub Blaszczykowski and star striker Robert Lewandowski representing the core of the team. Lauded Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is also a major asset.
