
As the wait ends today when the host team, Poland, kicks things off at 12pm ET, we we get our chance to start answering questions. Until then, these are the questions some would really like answered sooner than later.

Where most soccer analysts have submitted their lists of players to watch during this summer’s European Championship, many have failed to mention the all important goalkeeper position. With that being said, Bleacher Report has compiled a list of the top 10 goalkeepers at Euro 2012. No surprise at who ended up number one on the list.

Best player does not mean the guy that is going to jump out at you every time the camera is on him like the “player to watch” list. This is simply that guy that each team is depending on to be the greatest at what he does. See if you agree with B/R’s assessment. Here’s the list.

When it comes to players doing unpredictably awful things on the pitch, I think there are a plethora, and some have been missed by ESPN. Nevertheless, the guys they believe will never shy away from a tough tackle that could lead to tiny disputes and altercations gets nobody wrong. Check it out to see who your team should watch out for.

Judging the strength of a team can be a tricky process. Some would look at the Netherlands and see that they have the EPL’s leading scorer, Bundesliga’s leading scorer, arguably the best winger in the Bundesliga, a top attacking mid in Serie A, and a young starlet waiting in the wings at Barcelona and they would say that their team is the best. Unfortunately, a maximum of 3 of those players will probably only be fielded at once. That’s why B/R has taken it upon themselves to share their opinion on who has the best starting XI, midfield, defenders, goalies and all. I predict Spain being somewhere near the top though.

Most of pro footballers careers are spent with their club teams, and for most of the best players, the team is built around them and their skill set. So when some of those players play with their national teams, the same catering isn’t done because so many of the players are close to as good. This leads to a lot more players than you think never living up to expectations on the international stage. ESPN has listed a few of those guys who are undeniably great for club but have constantly fallen short for country.

Most people who don’t know the game that well but follow sports, can tell you who the favorites are in the Euros. My mom could run off Germany, Spain, Netherlands, and France, but it’s never likely that all of those do as well as expected. Bleacher Report put together a short list of dark horses that could shake things up this month. Their analysis is spot on, and am now going to be paying a lot more attention to these teams.

Since the start of the 2012 European Championships is tomorrow, we will be sharing a list an hour to prepare all those interested in the game for the all the action that will take place on the field in Ukraine and Poland over the next month. Each hour there will be a new list hosted by us but most of the time prepared by others. If you’re not knowledgeable on the teams and players, hopefully this will give you a chance get up to speed, and if you are, then I hope we can give you more to get excited about. With no further ado, here is our Euro 2012 Primer.
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