Euro 2012 - Quarter finals

I thought I would have a quick look at the Quarter Finals before they begin in an hour or so, and consider what may and may not occur.

Firstly; tonight’s little party. The QF which was not meant to be. Tonight Portugal take on the Czech Republic in a game which should have been Russia v Holland, and without being mean to the Portuguese or the Czechs, I know which I would prefer to see. Nevertheless we should not spurn these two lucky bods the chance to have a right royal ding dong and see a super-surprise package into the final four. I think I have to go for Portugal; Pepe has looked great in their back-line, not scared to get forward when he is needed but a firm statue of a CB in the toughest times. Going forward Ronaldo seems to have started firing, grabbing both goals against the Dutch and he should have got a hattrick, but for a string of last ditch saves. If he can link up with Nani, Postiga and Veloso successfully, the Portuguese have themselves a very handy attacking force. This is not to count out the Czechs who have done very well themselves especially considering that they lost their first game 4-1! Pilar and Jiracek have been their backbone in this tournament and they do have the quality to take Portugal down, but it is their defence which worries me. Granted Gebre Selassie and Kadlec have done OK so far, but realistically any defence which shakes under Arshavin, Dzagoev and co. will surely crumble when Ronaldo, Nani and that lot roll into town. Portugal to win comfortably, but perhaps only by one or two.

Moving on to Friday; there really is only one winner. Germany will tear Greece to shreads. They looked pretty ordinary against Denmark in their final group game but that will only make Die deutsche mannshcaft more dangerous. Expect scything attacks, massive defenders and many goals. Gomez will continue in his rich vein of form, Ozil should find something else against such weak opposition, they should run riot. The Greeks will point to their stars, Karagounis, Salpangidis and Samaras, but realistically they stand little chance. It is a shame, because I do enjoy an underdog winner, but this is one too many. Germany to steamroller Greece, by lots.

Onto Saturday, and here is where the closer QFs are, at the weekend. France v Spain. This could be a humdinger. France are out to prove to Europe they are not a damp squib after coming through their group with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss. If they are to make any waves in this competition, which they will really hope to do, they will have to defeat the current European and World Champions, and I think they can. (note the word “can” rather than the word “will”) If they can get the likes of Ribery and Nasri into interesting places and have Benzema and Giroud on the end of things then they can snatch a goal or two. Then it all comes down to holding onto a lead, something which they have only done, albeit successfully, for 37 minutes in the whole competition so far. The game will really come down to the Spanish. If Torres, Silva, Iniesta and Xavi fail to coherently fire then the French have a chance. Mind, if the aforementioned lot fail to coherently fire then the Spanish can turn to Fabregas, Alonso, Mata and Llorente, not to mention having Jesus on their side; Navas that is. It is this strength in depth that makes the Spanish side such a threat, not only do they have a bristling front line, but their reserve trenches are packed with bayonets too. Spain to win, just.

Then the big one, unless you are Czech, Portuguese, Greek, German, Spanish or, God save you, French. The Italians are on the horizon for Roy Hodgson’s men, and, again sorry if you’re French, provide England’s toughest opposition in the competition so far. Pirlo has been imperious, knocking many a tricksome (not a word, shame) tricky (urgh) cross into boxes for Balotelli and Di Natale to get onto the end of. The English however have proved themselves very difficult to break down. Terry and Lescott have provided many a frustration for oppositions and aside from a monster shot from Nasri and an error-ridden ten minutes against the Swedish have looked pretty resolute, even Terry’s clearance from inside the goal against Ukraine shows a certain desire. England’s problem has been retaining the ball once it reaches Parker, Gerrard, Milner and Young. Ball retention has been shocking, and you can bet your bottom dollar that if England keep the ball as appallingly as they have been the Italians will cut them to ribbons on Sunday. If they can keep the ball, and put flick ons through to Rooney and Welbeck then we could see something interesting, although is it me or has Rooney lost a yard of pace? It’ll be close, but I think Italy are the better side, and sadly will steal a march on England who’ll concede silly goals. 2-1, England to score first.

So that’s the QFs. Enjoy them, and here’s to hoping my next entry will also include the names Rooney, Welbeck, Hart and Gerrard.