Co-hosts Ukraine go into Euro 2012 as rank outsiders and will need more than just hearty support to qualify for the latter stages.

Ukraine supporters are notoriously passionate and will make life as uncomfortable as possible for Group D opponents England, France and Sweden. However, few expect Oleh Blokhin’s side to progress from the group stage. Those planning on making a pre-tournament Euro 2012 bet will need to remember this.

Ukraine had an inconsistent 2011 – encouraging displays against Uruguay and Germany were mixed in with heavy defeats at the hands of France and Czech Republic.

Speaking last month, Blokhin was keen to focus on the positives: “The Germany game was our most memorable match of 2011 because we managed to score three goals against one of the best teams in the world at the renovated Euro final venue.

“It showed we are on the right track, and I have no doubt we will present a competitive team at the tournament.”

The 59-year-old led Ukraine to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2006 and returned to the post in April 2011 in a bid to recapture the spirit of six years ago.
Lack of competitive action could hinder Ukraine. They have failed to qualify for the last two major tournaments and last played a competitive fixture in November 2009. Sweden will be looking to catch the co-hosts cold when they face off on June 11.

Ukraine’s reliance on friendlies will continue in the lead-up to the finals. They face Israel on February 29, before games against Austria and Estonia at the start of June.

Euro 2012 will be Andriy Shevchenko’s international swansong. Blokhin will be hoping the emotion of the tournament can spur his side on.

They surprised many on neutral soil in 2006 –  Blokhin will be confident of repeating the feat in front of their own fans.