The UEFA EURO Cup football Championship 2012 begins in the Poland capital, Warsaw today. The 23-day event is jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine.16 European countries have qualified for the competition; play-offs for which were played in November last year. Our sports desk reports that the 14th edition of the UEFA EURO Cup kicks off in Warsaw today, with 16 top shots teams eagerly awaiting to prove their mettle for that all important sterling silver trophy. Soccer, being the national sport for most of the European countries, is treated as a religion in Europe and fans not only from Europe will glue to their TV sets and whichever possible means, to watch the European giants vie for glory. All 16 teams have been divided in four groups. The teams in Group-A are – Poland, Greece, Russia and Czech Republic.Group-B comprises of Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark. Group-C features defending champions Spain, Italy, Republic of Ireland and Croatia. And the teams in Group-D are – France, England, Ukraine and Sweden. Group-A matches are slated to take place today. In the first match, Poland will take on Greece, while in the second fixture, Russia will clash with Czech Republic. The final match will be played on the 1st of July. Germany is the most successful team in the history of the tournament, winning three times in six final appearances. France and Spain are the only other multiple-time winners with two titles each. The most recent edition, co-hosted by Switzerland and Austria in 2008, was won by Spain, who beat Germany 1-0. The first EURO Cup was played in 1960 and since then it takes place every 4 years, in the even numbered year between World Cup tournaments. Even without the presence of players like David Villa, Carlos Puyol and Frank Lampard, this tournament promises to be an ever lasting experience, not only for Europe but also for the football loves all across the globe.