Euro Cup 2012: Teams That Will Be Doomed by Strong Groups

With the major European leagues coming to an end, the focus will quickly shift toward Euro 2012. The marquee tournament provides football fans with something to hold them over until the next World Cup, which is still two years away.

Let's take a look at three teams that won't advance to the knockout stages because of the group they landed in. Luck just wasn't on their side this time around.

Denmark

No team drew a tougher group than Denmark. The Danish squad will be in Group B with Germany, Netherlands and Portugal. That represents three of the top five teams in the world, making it by far the toughest set of teams in the tournament.

The worst part for Denmark is that it would have a chance in every other group. Denmark ranks 10th in the world, but the Rod-Hvide are still massive underdogs. After working so hard to make the event, that had to be a crushing blow to their psyche.

Even if they play really well, it's hard to imagine them accumulating enough points to advance.

Republic of Ireland

Ireland qualified for the European Championships for the first time since 1988, and the team's welcoming gift was an extremely difficult group. The Boys in Green will face off with Spain, Italy and Croatia.

The worst-ranked team out of that bunch is Italy at No. 12, and the Italians have enough talent available to have a top-five ranking. That means Ireland will be facing an uphill battle every time they take the pitch in group play.

It would be a shock if Spain doesn't advance, which leaves only one spot for the other three teams. Italy and Croatia are simply too strong for Ireland.

Ukraine

Group D hasn't been getting much respect, but Ukraine will find out exactly how tough it really is. England should field a strong roster and the coaching change should provide a spark, France has shown signs of bouncing back and Sweden might be the most underrated team in the tournament.

That leaves Ukraine as the clear cut fourth-best team in the group. The Zhovto-Blakytni only got in because they were a host country and won't have enough offensive firepower to keep pace in an otherwise highly-competitive group.

Ukraine should benefit over the long-term from getting to play against elite teams in a major tournament, but they won't be able to navigate to the knockout round.