Who's Playing Who?

Go easy on us, OK? Giovanni Trapattoni, coach of Republic of Ireland, Cesare Prandelli, coach of Italy, and Vicente del Bosque, coach of Spain, in Kiev (Source: GETTY IMAGES)

The Republic of Ireland will be counting themselves as quite unlucky as the draw for European football’s show-piece event was revealed in Kiev, Ukraine.

The side many neutrals hoped would go far in this tournament may have a tough time getting out of their group, as they come up against current World and European champions Spain, former World and European champions Italy, and the side currently ranked 8th in the world, Croatia.

Group B has been labelled the ‘group of death’, with the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal all legitimate title contenders. Denmark aren’t too shabby, either.

England will be reasonably happy with the draw, being selected with tournament co-host Ukraine, Sweden, and traditional rival France.

Group A sees the other host nation in Poland drawn alongside 2004 champions Greece, Russia and Czech Republic.

The tournament begins on June 8, when Poland will face Greece at the National Stadium in Warsaw.

Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic

Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal

Group C: Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Croatia

Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England

Now that we know the draw, who do you think will qualify from each group? Are you happy with your nation’s draw? Join the discussion by leaving a comment below.