Ireland's Euro 2012 Opponents

SPAIN
World Ranking: 1
Best Euro Championships finish: Winners (1964. 2008)
Coach: Vicente del Bosque
One to Watch: Xavi
How They Qualified: The Spaniards won eight out of eight Group games to win Group I, ending with a goal difference of 24 - and finishing some 11 points ahead of closest challengers, Czech Republic.  Started with a 4-0 away win over Liechtenstein and didn't look back. Scotland gave them a close run in Hampden, with Spain running out 3-2 winners. David Villa was top scorer with seven goals.
Euro 2012 odds: 5/2

ITALY
World Ranking: 9
Best Euro Championships finish: Winners (1968)
Coach: Cesere Prandelli
Star Man: Gianluigi Buffon
How They Qualified: Italy were in the same group as Ireland's play-off opponents, Estonia. The Italians won 2-1 in Tallinn and 3-0 in Modena.  Their game against Serbia was abandoned after rioting and Italy were awarded a 3-0 win. Northern Ireland held them to a scoreless draw in Belfast last October, while Cassano netted a double in a 3-0 win over the North in Pescara.
Euro 2012 odds: 14/1

CROATIA
World Ranking: 8
Best Euro Championships finish: Quarter-Finalists (1996, 2008)
Coach: Slaven Bilic
Star Man: Ivica Olic
How They Qualified: Croatia pushed Group F winners Greece all the way, with only a 2-1 win over Georgia on the final day seeing the Greeks top the pile. That came after Greece scored a 2-0 win over the Croats in the penultimate game, which left Slaven Bilic's side relying on a favour on the last day. The sides drew 0-0 in Zagreb, while Croatia also lost 1-0 in Georgia. Niko Krancjcar was their top scorer with four goals.
Euro 2012 odds: 40/1