Playing a tournament at home. It can be a benefit. It can also pile on pressure, especially in the opening match. Since Euro 1988, the host country has failed to win the tournament’s opening match five out of six times (Belgium 2-1 Sweden being the one exception). One of those occasions, was Euro 2004 when heavily favored host Portugal lost to Greece.

Both teams are defensive, counterattacking teams. This opener could be dreary. Poland will look to hit Greece down the right, looking for Piszczek and Blaszczkowski to linkup with their Dortmund teammate Lewandowski up front. Greece will set up narrowly and defend, hoping to nick a goal on a set piece.

Group A has the least definite power hierarchy. Neither side knows what it needs, but both would like to emerge with at least a point.

[Photo via Getty]

Previously: Euro 2012: Hottest WAGs Best XI

Group A: Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Russia
Group B: Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal
Group C: Croatia, Ireland, Italy, Spain
Group D: England, France, Sweden, Ukraine