With Euro 2012 happening in a matter of days, it would seem as though every soccer enthusiast is clamouring over the latest trinket of analysis and statistical information to determine which European nation will win the coveted prize.
Rather than sort through vast amounts of league tables and charts, we here at Canada.com hosted an EA SPORTS UEFA EURO 2012 video game tournament to predict the outcome.
Each individual chose their favourite team. All unselected teams were controlled by the computer and simulated.
After a few brief warm-up matches, one or two drinks, and a large pizza, the tournament began.
The battles were nothing short of epic. Greece had a solid run (in large part due to the fellow controlling the squad). However, they bowed out late, complaining that there was “too much pizza grease on the controller.”
Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands all performed poorly while Poland and Ukraine overachieved, making it into the quarter-finals.
After hours of fierce competition in a dark basement on a warm spring evening, England pulled through and emerged victorious.
The key to England’s success hinged on their speedy midfield coupled with Rooney’s ability to tear apart the opposition like wet tissue paper.
Gameplay on EA SPORTS UEFA EURO 2012 was reminiscent of EA SPORTS 2010 WORLD CUP. It played slightly more like an arcade game compared to FIFA 12. With EURO 2012 being an add-on to FIFA 12, the learning curve was essentially non-existent.
Overall, EA SPORTS UEFA EURO 2012 was extremely enjoyable to play and could have realistically taken up my entire weekend if it weren’t for all that pesky laundry in my room that needed folding.
Should the actual tournament resemble our virtual tournament, here are five things to expect:
1. David Villa will not be injured. In fact, he will ruthlessly dominate the tournament.
2. Joe Hart will pull England out from the jaws of defeat as he scores a late header in the semi-finals.
3. Spain will quit the tournament early, claiming they have “too much to do around the house this weekend.”
4. The entire tournament will be over in two hours.
5. England will hoist the trophy in the end.
