Nobody seems to be talking about Croatia in Group C, which will suit the dark horses just fine. And if Croatia manages to finish behind the inevitable group winners Spain, they’ll not only fancy their chances in the quarter-final (against the winners of Group D) but will presumably be thanking lethal striker Nikica Jelavić for getting them to the latter stages. The 26-year-old is coming off a great calendar year for English Premier League side Everton, where he scored 11 goals (in just 16 appearances) since his move from Glasgow Rangers at the end of January. Jelavić managed the winner on his full debut against Tottenham and never looked back, even scoring in five successive away games, counting the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
Eight Players to Watch at Euro 2012
The European Championships have always been known for making new stars.