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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is widely considered the second best player in the world after Argentine player Lionel Messi. A master of the free kick with mesmerizing ball skills, Ronaldo, at his best, is a player that you simply can't stop watching. Getty Images
Soccer's latest tabloid star, Italian Mario Balotelli, is almost guaranteed to be talked about-- whether it's for on or off-field performances. Getty Images
Winner of the 2012 Golden Boot award for most goals during the English Premier League season, Robin Van Persie, left, of Netherlands is the Arsenal captain who is likely to score, and score often. Getty Images
Midfielder Andres Iniesta is a superstar on a team of stars on the pre-tournament favorite and defending Euro and World Cup champions: Spain. Getty Images
As the hope of outsiders, Croatia will weigh on the shoulders of the spellbinding midfielder Luka Modric, who can always change a game with a moment of magic. AFP/Getty Images
Denmark's prolific striker Nicklas Bendtner, left, will have to be at the top of his game if the Danish team are to progress out of the initial stages of the tournament. AFP/Getty Images
Goalkeeper Joe Hart may hold the key to England's success. With many of the team's stars missing, each game will be an uphill struggle. AFP/Getty Images
At 35, Andriy Shevchenko may well be playing in his last major international tournament. The Ukrainian attacker has the experience -- and home support -- to perhaps cause an upset and take his team deep into the tournament. Getty Images
Poland's Robert Lewandowski scored his first goal during his debut in 2008, weeks after his 20th birthday. The high-scoring striker could take one of the host nations far. Getty Images
With impressive dribbling technique, fast and tricky winger Franck Ribery of France, right, is one of the biggest stars in Germany's Bundesliga. Getty Images
Petr Cech is the goalkeeper who made the save to win the 2012 UEFA Champions League title fro Chelsea. The Czech Republic player is unmissable wearing protective headgear -- which he has worn since a sickening collision during a match in 2006. AFP/Getty Images
One of the biggest stars in the English Premiere League, Robbie Keane plays with the Los Angeles Galaxy team alongside legend David Beckham. If Ireland is to have a chance in a nasty Group C, Keane needs to score goals. AFP/Getty Images
Georgios Samaras, left, coming off a season of financial turmoil at Scottish Premier League team Rangers, will be looking to help lackluster Greece repeat their miracle win at the 2004 Euro championships. AFP/Getty Images
A rising star on the German national team, 23-year-old Mesut Ozil works as an attacking midfielder. He was nominated for the Golden Ball Award at age 21 during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is ranked second in assists in the Spanish league. AFP/Getty Images
Journeyman Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played for some of the world's top clubs, including Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and now A.C. Milan. The Swedish captain is a profilic goal scorer who could help his team come out on top. AFP/Getty Images
A prolific goal scorer for Zenit St. Petersburg, there were high expectations for Russian international Andrey Arshavin, center, when he arrived in England to play for Arsenal in 2009. But he failed to deliver and returned to St. Petersburg this year. He'll no doubt be looking to repair his reputation on the world stage. AFP/Getty Images