Netherlands, Germany drawn in Euro "Group of Death"

Kiev, Ukraine – Germany has been drawn into a group with the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark in Group B for the upcoming Euro 2012 competition.

The Netherlands, which reached the final of the 2010 World Cup, and Germany are two of the top three ranked teams in the world, while Portugal is seventh and boasts a roster that includes Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Denmark is the clear outsider in the group, which is by far the most difficult in the competition.

Defending Euro and World Cup champions Spain were placed in Group C along with Italy, Ireland and Croatia.

Spain will be a prohibitive favorite to win the group while Italy is trying to bounce back from a disappointing showing at the 2010 World Cup that saw the team fail to advance beyond the group stage.

Ireland returns to the Euro competition for the first time since 1988, while Croatia topped Turkey in a playoff to advance to the group stage.

Co-hosts Poland were handed a favorable draw in Group A along with Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic, while England will also be pleased with its place in Group D alongside co-hosts Ukraine, Sweden and France.

Euro 2012 kicks off on June 8, 2012 with Poland meeting Greece and Russia taking on the Czech Republic in Group A.