Euro 2016 draw, Group C: Germany headlines quartet in search of 4th title

The reigning World Cup champion, the co-hosts of Euro 2012, and a national team making its first-ever appearance at the European Championship.

Germany, Ukraine, Poland, and Northern Ireland were drawn together in Group C of Euro 2016 on Saturday, setting up a group that is rich with storylines and arguably covers a larger spectrum of quality than any other.

Favourite

Almost two decades have passed since Germany captured its third European Championship at Euro 1996, which, by German standards, is far too long to go without winning the tournament. The DFB-Elf will undoubtedly be keen to replicate its success from last year's World Cup, and a relatively favourable draw for the team heightens its chances of paving a favourable road to the final in the knockout phase.

Fighting for second place

In something of a coincidence, Poland and Ukraine, the co-hosts of Euro 2012, will likely fight for second place in the group. The neighbouring teams are scheduled to clash on the group final's matchday, meaning the winner of that fixture will determine who finishes as the runner-up should they both fall to Germany and defeat Northern Ireland during the opening two matchdays.

Poland, which only made its first appearance at a European Championship at Euro 2008, has reason to be confident about the draw. Robert Lewandowski scored a record-equalling 13 goals in qualifying as the Bialo-Czerwoni emerged from a tough group while defeating Germany along the way.

Ukraine, on the other hand, qualified for Euro 2016 by virtue of a play-off after surviving a tough group. The team possesses two phenomenal wingers in Yevhen Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko but isn't blessed with the depth of its rival.

Best player

Manuel Neuer, Germany's 11th man, is Germany's most important man.

As his performances in the Bundesliga illustrate, the revolutionary 'keeper does his job better than any other shot-stopper on the planet, refusing to be confined by the outline of his penalty area and regularly making saves that are, simply put, inexplicable.

With Neuer, Germany may very well not concede a single goal in the group stage.

Honourable mentions: Mesut Ozil (Germany), Marco Reus (Germany), Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Must-see match

As mentioned above, a lot should be at stake when Ukraine and Poland meet on June 21 at Stade Velodrome. Not only will be match be the latest chapter in a relatively nascent rivalry, but the game could very well decide what team escapes Group C. Expect drama on the pitch and flares off of it.

Complete group schedule