The 2012 European Championship quarter-finals are fast approaching following the completion of the group stage, so who’s looking good to go all the way.
Czech Republic v Portugal Warsaw, June 21
The Czechs were the surprise Group A winners but they have a huge task ahead of them against a Portuguese side who impressed in their final match against the Netherlands with Cristiano Ronaldo in sparkling form after earlier criticism. The key for Michal Bilek’s side is Tomas Rosicky who will hope to overcome injury to be fit for the clash. Czech Republic may have conceded four goals in their opening game to Russia but have tightened up defensively led by keeper Petr Cech who admittedly did make a mistake against Greece.
Germany v Greece Gdansk, June 22
Joachim Low’s Die Mannschaft are the favourites to take out the Euros after a stellar group stage where they won all three matches. Mario Gomez has already hit the back of the net in two games, however they will know they have to be ready for a Greece side who continue to surprise. Greek skipper Giorgos Karagounis will miss the game due to suspension but the 2004 European champions will be a danger, even if they are outsiders.
Spain v France Donetsk, June 23
The reigning European and world champions are, alongside Germany, the favourites to take out the 2012 edition but first they must get past Laurent Blanc’s Les Bleus. The French battled through Group D where they finished second to England and ended their group campaign with a dismal 2-0 loss to Sweden. Spain, however, have grafted their way through so far, topping their group with a narrow 1-0 win over Croatia and a 1-1 draw with Italy. France will be boosted by Jeremy Menez’s return, and have the individual quality to shock Spain, who many believe are beginning to tire.
Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions will hope to move into the semifinals in arguably the hardest to pick final eight clash against Cesare Prandelli’s Azzurri. Italy will be hurt by the loss of Giorgio Chiellini due to a hamstring injury, while the goalscoring return of Wayne Rooney is a boost for England who rode their luck to get past Ukraine in their final group game to book their spot in the quarters. Italy haven’t totally convinced so far, but have quality in Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Cassano and many tipping a 0-0 draw may be shocked.