EURO 2012: The Final Eight

Eight teams down, seven to go in the Euro 2012.  That is exactly what Michel Platini, UEFA President, as well as many fans around the world are thinking as group stages end and the quarterfinals begin.  Let's see how the quarterfinals will play out...

Portugal vs. Czech Republic

Cristiano Ronaldo is coming off a two-goal performance against the Netherlands, overshadowing his failures of not being able to finish the game off against the Danes.  Ronaldo and Nani have become a dangerous tandem; Nani taking the role as the play-maker with two assists in the tournament, while Ronaldo, only if he is consistent, as the finisher.  

Speaking of scoring, Petr Jiracek and Vaclav Pilar have been the scoring threats for the Czechs, each having two goals under their belt in the tournament.  Petr Cech has been solid in net and has experience in big games.  

My prediction: 2-1, Portugal

Germany vs. Greece

The Germans have showed their dominance in the group stages, racking up all nine points in the Group of Death.  Tied for first with three goals in the tournament,  Mario Gomez has been a significant contributor.  Gomez has given the German general manager Joachim Loewa a reason to start him over Miroslav Klose, the second all-time leader in goals in World Cup history.  Bastian Schweinsteiger, like Nani, has been Gomez's facilitator, recording two assists so far in the tournament.  

On the other hand, the Greeks have not been exactly following the manual of how to play the beautiful game.  They have gritted out games by the skin of their teeth such as the upset over Russia, scoring in the last two minutes of stoppage time during the first half, while hoping for a Poland loss against the Czechs, which the Soccer Gods graciously granted.  The Greeks will have to deal with a huge blow to their team, losing Girogos Karagounis, the captain and goal scorer against Russia, for the quarterfinal match-up due to multiple yellow cards.  However, don't forget that the Greeks won the Euros in 2004, so they have the experience.  

My prediction: 2-1, Germany

Spain vs. France

Coming out of Group C as first place winners were the Spaniards.  Known for their lethal ticky-tack passing system, the Spaniards, led by Andres Iniesta and David Silva in the midfield, seek to continue their championship streak and make history.  No team has won three championships in a row, giving Spain the opportunity to change that.  Silva leads his team with two assists, while Fernando Torres, looking like the Torres from the 2008 Euros, and Cesc Fabregas have two goals each.

At times, the French resemble a championship caliber team, although their inconsistency has plagued them, losing their last game 2-0 against an already eliminated Sweden, finishing second in Group D.  French striker Karim Benzema has yet to have scored his first goal in the tournament, but does have numbers in the assist column, with two.  Also, the French have received production from midfielders Jeremy Menez and Yohan Cabaye, both scoring against Ukraine in the group stages.    

My prediction: 3-2, Spain

Italy vs. England

Sneaking out of Group C as second place winners over Croatia were the new-look Italians.  The Italians have  evenly chipped into the goal sheet, receiving goals from Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano and Antonio DiNatale, all of whom have a goal each.  Balotelli scored his first goal, which just may be the goal of the tournament, off a Pirlo corner, side-volleying it past the Ireland keeper; after scoring, he tried to keep his emotions under control, angry that he didn't get to start.  Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has some tough decisions to make going into their quarterfinals game with his starting lineup as well as the loss of Giorgio Chiellini with a thigh injury. 

Roy Hodgson, replacing Fabio Capello less than just two months ago, has become the savior of England. The English have defeated Ukraine and Sweden, and tied the French during group stages.  Having English striker Wayne Rooney, who scored in his debut against Ukraine, back in the lineup has given the English squad another threat going forward.  Tied with two others for the most assists with three at the Euros is midfielder Steven Gerrard, who has threaded the needle with his crosses into the box.  Theo Walcott also gives the English depth and instant quickness off the bench.  If Hodgson keeps this up and wins the Euros, he may be eligible to become knighted by the Queen.  

My prediction: 2-1, Italy