And Then There Were Eight
Here we are, the first knockout round, also known as the quarter finals. This is where things really become tense, and the slightest mistake sends a team back home. All four matches are potentially explosive, and don't be surprised if one or two favourites fall at this stage. And who are the favourites? Based on the group stages, there are three clear front runners: Portugal, Netherlands, and Spain. Croatia assumes the mantle of the darkhorse, while Russia will enter their encounter with the Dutch as clear underdogs.
Which begs the question, what of Germany and Italy? Neither team looked impressive in the round-robin, and both face a competition favourite, respectively. Then again, the Germans and Italians are past masters of the slow-and-steady approach, and only a brave man would bet against them prevailing against their more fancied opponents.
QF 1 Portugal v Germany Basel
The Iberians are favourites, while the Germans will need to raise their performance tenfold to defeat the Portuguese. They will be disadvantaged by Loew's one match touchline ban, and the fact that their opponents would be better rested. Injuries are also sneaking up, with Podolski and Frings both facing late medical tests. This match will test the resilience and character of the German side, and should be enthralling right up to the end of 90 minutes.
QF 2 Croatia v Turkey Vienna
Croatia start as favourites, but the memory of the Turkish-Czech match would surely be playing on their minds. The Turks have shown that they're dangerous when their backs are against the wall, and the Croats will do well to not underestimate them. Turkey will be hampered by the two match suspension of keeper Demirel, but will be happy with Nihat's current form. Expect the Croats to dominate possession, and the Turks to display utter commitment to the cause.
QF 3 Netherlands v Russia Basel
The team on fire, Netherlands are expected steamroll the Russians, on paper. But Hiddink surely is not going to fold that easily, and might spring a surprise. Some suspect the Dutch have peaked to0 soon, having crushed Italy and France, and dismissed Romania with relative ease. The Oranje will once again depend on the Sneider-Robben-van Nistelrooy fulcrum, with van Persie also in the picture. If they have a flaw, it is the defence, which has not exactly been rock solid in the first two matches. Arshavin and co. will have to work overtime to exploit this flaw, and the Russian defence will have to tighten up considerably.
QF 4 Spain v Italy Vienna
The plum tie of the last eight. The European champions of 1964 take on the champions of 1968. Both teams are littered with world class players, though Italy will sorely miss Pirlo and Gattusso. Based on their performance so far, I reckon the Italians should go with De Rossi, Aquilani and Ambrosini in the middle of the park, with Perotta and Cassano supporting Toni. The Spaniards have a clean bill of health, and will once again look to Villa and Torres to spearhead their attack.
Here we are, the first knockout round, also known as the quarter finals. This is where things really become tense, and the slightest mistake sends a team back home. All four matches are potentially explosive, and don't be surprised if one or two favourites fall at this stage. And who are the favourites? Based on the group stages, there are three clear front runners: Portugal, Netherlands, and Spain. Croatia assumes the mantle of the darkhorse, while Russia will enter their encounter with the Dutch as clear underdogs.
Which begs the question, what of Germany and Italy? Neither team looked impressive in the round-robin, and both face a competition favourite, respectively. Then again, the Germans and Italians are past masters of the slow-and-steady approach, and only a brave man would bet against them prevailing against their more fancied opponents.
QF 1 Portugal v Germany Basel
The Iberians are favourites, while the Germans will need to raise their performance tenfold to defeat the Portuguese. They will be disadvantaged by Loew's one match touchline ban, and the fact that their opponents would be better rested. Injuries are also sneaking up, with Podolski and Frings both facing late medical tests. This match will test the resilience and character of the German side, and should be enthralling right up to the end of 90 minutes.
QF 2 Croatia v Turkey Vienna
Croatia start as favourites, but the memory of the Turkish-Czech match would surely be playing on their minds. The Turks have shown that they're dangerous when their backs are against the wall, and the Croats will do well to not underestimate them. Turkey will be hampered by the two match suspension of keeper Demirel, but will be happy with Nihat's current form. Expect the Croats to dominate possession, and the Turks to display utter commitment to the cause.
QF 3 Netherlands v Russia Basel
The team on fire, Netherlands are expected steamroll the Russians, on paper. But Hiddink surely is not going to fold that easily, and might spring a surprise. Some suspect the Dutch have peaked to0 soon, having crushed Italy and France, and dismissed Romania with relative ease. The Oranje will once again depend on the Sneider-Robben-van Nistelrooy fulcrum, with van Persie also in the picture. If they have a flaw, it is the defence, which has not exactly been rock solid in the first two matches. Arshavin and co. will have to work overtime to exploit this flaw, and the Russian defence will have to tighten up considerably.
QF 4 Spain v Italy Vienna
The plum tie of the last eight. The European champions of 1964 take on the champions of 1968. Both teams are littered with world class players, though Italy will sorely miss Pirlo and Gattusso. Based on their performance so far, I reckon the Italians should go with De Rossi, Aquilani and Ambrosini in the middle of the park, with Perotta and Cassano supporting Toni. The Spaniards have a clean bill of health, and will once again look to Villa and Torres to spearhead their attack.
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