Euro Cup 2012: The Beautiful Game

It's another summer of Futbol (soccer) fun with the European Championship 2012 right around the corner starting June 8th on ESPN. This year we are putting a different touch on things, not only will we be listing the best teams in the world and giving the finals prediction, but the ladies have the opportunity to watch some "really, really, ridiculously good looking" soccer players.

There are some attractive teams that you should be on the lookout for and there are some teams who play the "beautiful game" but don't have the beautiful face. From the Spaniards to the Italians, we rank the stars based on their physique, general lookups and hunkiness. Let the count down begin.

#1 Spain- Spain is not only the best-looking team in the world, but they have the best players from top to bottom. They won Euro cup four years ago in 2008 and most recently won the World Cup in 2010. There starting 11 is one of the best lineups ever in Futbol history. The Midfield is led by the Barcelona men, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta who are known as one of the best midfield combos in the game. Their attacking game is a strong as any in the world with El Nino, Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente at the forward positions. Their defense is just as strong as there attacking game with Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol holding down the fort. The Spaniards are the best all-around team in the tourney.

*Gerard Pique

> For the ladies: Son muy hermosos! Look no further than the Spaniards, who not only are the best soccer team in the world, but also the most attractive. Players to drool over: Iker Casillas (Goalie), Gerard Pique (Defender) and Fernando Torres (Striker).

#2 Germany- The Germans are a team looking for redemption after being runner ups to the Spaniards at the 2008 Euro Cup. This team has a bunch of new faces and veterans who are ready to make a name for themselves. The Germans come back with a stellar midfield game with Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger and Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil. The forwards for the Germans are Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller and Lukas Podolski. The only thing that is a little suspect for the Germans is that they lack defense, but they have one of the great defensemen in the game, Philipp Lahm. Look for this team to make a run to the finals.

*Mario Gomez

> For the Ladies: Schönheit und talent! The Germans are second to the Spaniards, but not by much! Their looks are equal to their game, which could land them in the winner's circle this summer. Players to salivate over; Lukas Podolski (Midfielder), Mario Gomez (Striker) Mario Götze (Midfielder). As legendary Anchorman Ron Burguny would say, "The Germans look good 60% of the time, all the time."

#3 Netherlands- The Dutchmen are about as good as anyone in the world, when they want to be. Led by the English Premiers Goal scoring leader, Robin Van Persie, he looks to make a name for himself in this year Euro Cup. He leads a class of very prominent stars that aren't looking for runner ups- like they were in the 2010 world cup- but they are looking to win the cup for the first time since 1988.

*Gregory Van Der Wiel

>For the Ladies: De Nederlandse zijn mooi op het voetbalveld bent! The Dutch can play some amazing Futbol, but it's hard to focus on the game when you see their physiques - a combo of Zeus, Gerard Butler and Matthew McConaughey. Players you dream to date: Robin Van Persie (Striker), Ibrahim Afellay (Midfielder/ Winger), Gregory Van Der Wiel (Defender).

#4 France- The French have enormous potential, but little ambition to match it. They were a huge disappointment at the 2010 World Cup, where the team essentially broke down at the core and didn't even advance through group stage. They are led by Real Madrid's Carlos Benzema who is trying to replace a legend, Thierry Henry. The defense is stout with Manchester United captain Partice Evra and Manchester Citys' Gael Clichy manning the defense. The Midfield isn't 'too shabby' either with a young gun from Manchester City Samir Nasri and a veteran in Franck Ribery doing a great deal of damage to opposing defenses.

*Florent Malouda

>For the Ladies: Les Français sont magnifiques!! The French are prepared to make a stand, with or without their shirts on. (Without shirts, please!) Players to fantasize about: Adil Rami (Defender) Yohan Cabaye (Midfielder), Florent Malouda (Striker).

#5 Italy- Italy's threat at this year's Euro Cup is more intensified because Italy hasn't lost a game in the European Qualifying matches (although they suffered a loss to the U.S.A. in late 2011 when they didn't have some of their players). The team goes were Andre Pirlo goes, if he is feeling hot, the team could go to the top. Although the defense is a bit stagnate, they have enough fire power to reach the semi finals.

*Fabio Cannavaro

>For the Ladies: Italia Una nazione sotto bellezza. The Italians have a shot to win the cup, but win or lose l'amore is in the air. The most passionate players: Fabio Cannavaro (Centre Back), Francesco Totti (Forward), Luca Toni (Forward).

Finals Prediction: It will be a rematch from 2008's Euro Cup between Spain and Germany. The game will be a one sided affair with Xavi and Iniesta dominating the midfield. The Spaniards will raise the cup once more. Final Score: Spain 3- Germany 1. Party in Madrid, Viva España!

The Ladies Predictions: Who cares who wins or loses? No matter what the outcome, the ladies are the real winners for watching.

I encourage you to rank your top 5 teams. Who is the best-looking Futbol player? Who has the most attractive team? What teams will be in the finals? Who will win the Euro Cup? You decide! Games begin June 8th on ESPN, be there or sqaured.

By Karl Ekwurtzel, 404-218-7515, Karl.E.Ekwurtzel@Disney.com