Schmeichel picks Germany for Euro 2012

Peter Schmeichel believes Germany will win Euro 2012, claiming they hold an advantage over their rivals by having the best team chemistry.

Germany have been installed as one of the favourites for the title, but the former Denmark and Manchester United goalkeeper does not feel they will have it easy at the tournament – which he thinks will be one of the closest since its inception in 1960.

“There are several reasons why Germany will win Euro 2012,” the Dane told Spox.com

“Most crucially, from defence to attack, they can count on the likes of (Philipp) Lahm, (Bastian) Schweinsteiger and (Mario) Gomez.

“I think it’s already an advantage to have so many Bayern Munich players in the first team.

“That said, I believe we will experience a very open affair to win the Euros, in what will certainly be one of the best European Championships ever.

“Each team is fully capable of going to the quarter-finals.”

Schmeichel lauded German Manuel Neuer as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, praising the maturity of his displays in Bayern Munich’s Champions League run in 2011/12, which saw them make the final.

“Neuer saved several penalties this season in the Champions League, most crucially in Madrid. This is only possible if one is mentally up to the mark,” Schmeichel said.

“That said, I don’t know how (Arjen) Robben missed his penalty against (Petr) Cech in the final. Would another player from Bayern have scored in the same scenario? It’s hard to say.”

Germany kick off their Euro 2012 campaign on Saturday against Portugal in Group B.