Euro 2012: Quarter-Final Preview

Heavyweights look set to lead the way into the last four

With the group stages of Euro 2012 now over, two of my three dark horses (Croatia and Russia) have been eliminated. Underdogs Greece escaped from Group A, while the Netherlands fell far short of expectation by failing to register a single point in Group C. With only two teams surprising in making the last eight, it is difficult to see where there will be an upset.  Here's a look at all four quarter-final matches.

Neither Poland nor Ukraine were able the most of home advantage at Euro 2012

© Cyril Attias, Flickr

  

Czech Republic v. Portugal

It is arguable that either of these two teams making the knockout stages is a surprise.  The Czech Republic finished top of arguably the weakest group, but had to overcome a 4-1 thrashing in their first game at the hands of Russia – who were favourites to qualify.  Similarly, Portugal needed to win their final two games in the 'group of death' after defeat to Germany – but Paulo Bento's side still looked as though they could be a contender despite losing their opening match. They proved that with back-to-back wins over Denmark and the Netherlands and Portugal should advance to the semi-finals at the expense of the Czechs.  Cristiano Ronaldo needs to perform to the same level as he did against the Netherlands.

Prediction: Czech Republic 0 Portugal 2

Germany v. Greece

Germany were certainly the favourites in Group C and certainly did not disappoint, even despite a sluggish performance in their 1-0 win over Portugal.  They were the only side in the group stages to win all three games, and look good value to at least make the semi-finals.  Most people wrote Greece off before the tournament began, but a surprise win over Russia in their final group game saw them edge into the knockout stages.  Defeating Germany at this stage would certainly give Fernando Santos the belief that his side could set up a Euro 2004 final rematch against Portugal. But Greece scored the lowest number of goals among qualifying teams (tied with France), while Germany conceded the least (tied with Italy).  Germany's powerful front four of Mario Gomes, Lukas Poldolski, Thomas Müller and Mesut Özil should be too much for Greece to handle.

Prediction: Germany 2 Greece 0

Spain v. France

France finished as runners-up to England in Group D after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to already-eliminated Sweden.  That result could come back to haunt them as they now face world champions Spain who, despite having been inconsistent in their first three games, have the depth in squad to cause teams problems all over the pitch.  They almost came undone against a determined Croatia side, but came up with the decisive goal when they needed it.  They were also the only team to keep two clean sheets in the group stages.  France looked impressive against England and Ukraine in qualifying and they will need to perform to the same level in order to stand any chance in the quarter-finals.  Yohan Cabaye has impressed for Les Blues so far, and the battle will be won and lost in midfield. Definitely an interesting match to keep an eye on.

Prediction: Spain 2 France 1

England v. Italy

This is the most interesting of the four quarter-final match-ups, because neither of these two sides had a comfortable route out of their respective groups.  Using that argument, either of these two sides advancing to the last four would be an upset.  England have already done what Roy Hodgson asked of them (reach the quarter-finals), and he now has a full strength squad with Wayne Rooney's two game ban now over. Rooney, who scored the winning goal against Ukraine, looked a little rusty, and Italy's defensive options are likely to frustrate England. It could take another inspired substitution to break them down.  Manchester City team-mates Joleon Lescott and Mario Balotelli will be an interesting match-up to watch.  I wouldn't expect many goals in this game, and I think it will be decided in extra-time.

Prediction: England 1 Italy 0 (a.e.t)