The Czech Republic take on the Portuguese on June 21 at the Warsaw National Stadium.

Czech Republic vs Portugal

Czech Republic Preview:

It was a bad start for the Czech Republic at the beginning of the tournament. They were thrashed by the Ruskies 4-1 during their opening game. The second was better, beating Greece 2-1 setting up a make or break against co-hosts Poland when they managed to beat the Poles 1-0 and winning the two points clear of Greece thus setting them up for the upcoming Quarterfinals. It was Peter Jiracek who scored the winning singular score against Poland halfway through the second half of the game.

Coach Michal Bilek needs to lead an offensive against the favorites Portugal. Ronaldo and the boys are becoming a tighter outfit as the tournament progresses.

Portugal Preview:

Portugal went through the same predicament that the Czechs did at the onset of the tournament losing to Germany 1-0 but later redeemed themselves against Denmark during a suspenseful five goal match with a 3-2 score. Then came the crucial game against the Netherlands. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo redeemed himself after a previous underperformance against Denmark and Germany. He had a poor performance at first and received a lot of criticism. The Portuguese team came in second in Group B trailing three points behind Germany. Ronaldo playing alongside Nani, Raul Meireles, Pepe, and Portos creates a force to be reckoned with as long and as they put their heads together and Ronaldo steps up, they will maintain their consistency.

Czech Republic vs Portugal Predictions: Portugal wins 2-1

The Portuguese are adds-on favorites in this match. After a 3-2 victory over the Danes, it goes to show the attacking power they possess. Although defense may seem weak at times, a line-up like the Portuguese’ may put the Czechs on constant defensive mode.

Euro 2012 Quarterfinals Preview: Czech Republic vs Portugal Predictions

The Germans take on the Greeks on June 22 at the Arena Gdansk.

Germany vs Greece

Greece Preview:

The Greek team had a poor opening at the onset of the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Poland during the opener and a 2-1 lost to the Czech Republic in the second game. Greece was fated to exit the tournament after their lost against the Czech Republic and we can also include the draw with Poland. Then came the make or break match against Russia. Russia was the Group A favorites at the time but were knocked out of the tournament by the Greeks with a 1-0 victory that shocked Russians and the Greeks alike.

Germany Preview:

The Germans look unstoppable at this point in the tournament. Winning all ten games in the qualifying stage and all three games during the group eliminations finishing three points ahead of Group B runners-up, Portugal, the Germans will take on Group A runners-up, Greece on the 22nd of June.

The Germans have fairly young players but have a World Cup run in their portfolios. But a weak defense line is a problem that they need to resolve soon. In the past, they have let far too many goals in, although their attack is strong, this weakness can compromise their chances at winning later down the line.

Germany vs Greece Predictions: Germany wins 2-1

The Germans look to win the match against the Czechs. The records show a lot about the team and Germany’s current state is favorable by far when compared to the Czechs. Their only apparent weakness is their defensive line but if they make upgrades, the Germans can go far up the tournament ladder

Euro 2012 Quarterfinals Preview: Germany vs Greece Predictions

The Spaniards take on the French on the 23rd at the Donbask Arena in Donetsk

Spain vs France Predictions

Spain Preview:

The “Red Fury” topped Group C as expected with a score of 7 after two wins against the Republic of Ireland and Croatia and a draw with Italy. The defending champions barely won against Croatia with a late goal but thrashed the Irish 4-0. It was Italy that gave them a run for their money as always ending the match in a draw. Currently Spain looks solid and are expected to bring their aggressive brand of football into the Quarter-finals against France whose 23 unbeaten matches in a row, only to be ended by Sweden, goes to show that the French should not be taken lightly.

But the Spaniards are yet to be tested and the nonappearance of main striker David Villa and defender Carlos Puyol can put the team in a compromising situation. A waning defense was already apparent during the game against the Croatians.

France Preview:

Group D Runners-up, France, would have conceived a better score than their final 4 had not the Swedes ended their match in a shocker with France losing 2-0. This ended their 23 unbeaten match record. Nevertheless, France made it to the Quarter-finals face to face with the best team in the tournament. This may seem unfair, even for a team that is considered one of the major contenders for the Delauny Trophy.The French need to pick up pace and tidy up their already impeccable attack skills. This can thoroughly compromise the Spanish defense lead to a great upset. In other words, they really need to work hard to achieve the unlikely.

Spain vs France Predictions: Spain wins 1-0

It’s either the Spanish look too strong or the French seem a little weaker. Being easily overpowered by Sweden, a team that finished at the bottom of the Group, proved that the French may have consistency issues. Their poor performance during the closer points to a weakening defense and a faltering attack.

Euro 2012 Quarterfinals Preview: Spain vs France Predictions

England squares off against Italy in the knockout stage on June 24 at Kiev’s Olympic Stadium.

England vs Italy Predictions

England Preview:

After a controversial 1-0 win against Ukraine on the 19th, England heads off to join the Quarterfinals squaring off against Italy. The English did fairly well during the qualifying stage with 5 wins and 3 draws. They finished the Group stage at the top of Group D with an overall score of 7 followed by France with a score of 4. Now, with Wayne Rooney back in action from a two game suspension, the Three Lions look ready for battle.

The seemingly smooth ride to the Quarters is not all it seemed. England had just lost the midfield duo, Gareth Barry whose cover had always been a valuable asset to the team’s defense and Frank Lampard with his goal making skills to injuries. England’s already less than satisfactory offense may have been weakened further. Wayne Rooney may have scored the winning goal against Ukraine on the closing Group match, but that was all it was, one point. He looked a bit rusty on the field during that last match. Their defense may need a little bit of fine tuning against the strong Italian offensive as well.

Italy Preview:

The Group C Runners-Up and four time World Cup winners, Italy has been one of the favorites to win the Delauney Cup next to Spain of course. Their brilliance in attack has taken them to heights in tournaments that most teams aren’t capable of reaching. Although of course their performance and aggressive nature was less then apparent during the Group stage finishing second to the top which is Spain with a score of 5, Spain finished with 7, the Italians are still, by far, a strong team. CesarePrandelli isn’t just another good coach, he is known as an excellent tactician moving Italy forward despite constant problems.

One problem the Italians are facing is the fact that they don’t have enough top players that guarantee a top-level performance and rely almost solely on Prandelli’s intuition. Prandelli too often, prefers unusual formations but one man’s choice cannot always be suitable to seal a win against the opposing team.

England vs Italy Predictions: Italy wins 2-1

The win for this upcoming match has to be more inclined to Italy. The Italians have used brilliant attack formations that have guaranteed victory and although England has excellent defense, the Italians have a good chance of exploiting whatever chink they may have in their armor.

Euro 2012 Quarterfinals Preview: England vs Italy Predictions

Ronaldo leads Portugal into the Semi’s against the Champions on June 27 at Ukraine’s Donbass Arena

As the Euro 2012 tournament closes in, the tension and excitement increases and the teams that remain intact are facing more challenges as the path to the top becomes narrower. The two teams that made it to the Semifinals, Spain and Portugal show signs of exhaustion but the determinations of each team remain and this will become apparent on the 27th.

Spain vs Portugal Predictions

Spain Preview:

The Spaniards are the latest team to make it through the remaining four of the Euros after ousting France on the 24th with 2-0 victory. It was Xabi Alonso’s time to shine as the midfielder from Real Madrid scored during the 19th minute from the start of the match and another from the penalty spot. Coach Vicente Del Bosque focused on the team’s offensive side by reverting to the old system of using six midfielders. Their outright show of attack was extremely successful putting France on the defensive throughout the game.

However efficient they may have seemed during the match against France, Spain is showing signs of fatigue and drainage which is common amongst teams during the concluding end of a long football tournament. Mostly the veterans of the team such Inestia, Fabregas and Silva displayed signs of lacking sharpness and were unable to bank on many clear-cut chances. As the Semifinal game against Portugal nears, the boys of the “Red Fury” need to take advantage of the rest time as they have two days less of resting than the Portuguese.

Portugal Preview:

Group runners-up, Portugal clinched a 1-0 victory over Group A’s top team, the Czech Republic that guaranteed Semifinal ticket on the 21st. Cristiano Ronaldo proved to be the savior as he scored the game’s solo goal on the 79th minute of the match. The Czech’s actually had a positive start but the Portuguese gradually asserted their domineering presence and the game became a one-sided affair by the second half. Both the teams had a similar record during the Group stage even though it was Portugal that was the more favorable of the two. This coming match-up against Spain has an advantage for Portugal, they have two more days of rest and recovery than the Spaniards who just finished off France on the 24th.

In order for Ronaldo and team to survive the upcoming match-up, they have two things that they really need to work on especially against a team such as the Spaniards, it’s both their defense and attack. It would be wise to say that adding an explosive nature to their attack would help the team. During the first half of the previous match against the Czechs, the Portuguese were constantly on the defensive and there were many close calls in the opposing team’s favor. Their assertive side developed slowly in the game and it wasted a lot of time. Also, their defense needs some upgrading that will protect them from Spain’s aggressive style of attack.

Spain vs Portugal Predictions: Spain wins 2-0

The Spaniards seem to have many of the traits that a winning team should possess. They are truly dynamic in nature, showing the ability to adapt to the style of the opponent plus coach Del Bosque is a brilliant tactician. The Spaniards are more aggressive when compared to the other teams and their defensive records are decent. The Portuguese are usually slow to take possession and this upcoming match is going to be a race for domination. The team that takes the offensive first will most likely win.

Euro 2012 Quarterfinals Preview: Spain vs Portugal Predictions

Germany and Italy will both proceed to the Semifinals on the 28th of June at the National Stadium in Warsaw.

Both undefeated, the two teams have found their niche within the tournament in completely different ways, Germany with their offensive power and Italy with their brilliance in defense. Which tactic will lead to victory?

Germany vs Italy Predictions

Germany Preview:

The Germans survived the Group stage at number 1 in Group B. They have a perfect record with no draws and no defeats. Germany have waltzed through the tournament being the only team to gain the only maximum nine-point haul in the group stages and effortlessly smashed Greece to pieces in the quarterfinals. These offensive juggernauts are a force to be reckoned with and Mario Gomez is one of only four footballers to score a trio of goals since the start of the group stage. Italy does not have even one player who scored multiple goals.Also, MesutOzil is one of only four footballers to record three assists. Bastian Schweinsteiger also has a pair. If you’re aware of the track record, you already know that Italy doesn’t have one player who’s recorded multiple assists.

However, the opposing team’s strength is on a totally different side than that of Germany’s, it’s the defense. The Germans with their attack brilliance might need to boost up their offense even more against Italy’s defensive wall or else, the game is going nowhere.

Italy Preview:

The 2006 World Cup winners are on the track to regain their status as one of the most feared football units in the world. The Italians have a rich history in world football but when it comes to winning the Henri Delauney trophy, the record becomes cloudy only winning the prestigious Euro cup back in 1968 when luck played a big part in their victory over the USSR on Italian soil. Nevertheless, the Azzurris prove to be a force that is not to be taken lightly as they proceed through the Euros with an untainted record and only to be topped off by Spain with two points in the Group C standings.

Germany, however, will certainly give the Italians a run for their money. The Italians have a near flawless defense record and pride themselves with this attribute. They haven’t surrendered more than a single goal in regulation since the group stage began. But defense may not be enough to win against a team like the Germans whose power of attack is brilliant. They need to strengthen their offensive side and take control of the game before the Germans do. Italy has scored just four total goals, and that’s resulted in two draws as well as forced their shootout against England.

Germany vs Italy Predictions: Germany wins 1-0

Okay let’s pay a little bit of consideration to Italy’s defensive structure. But if you can’t score, you can’t win…unless you force a shootout. Italy has a brilliant football team but it would truly be shocking if they outscore Germany.

Euro 2012 Semifinals Preview: Germany vs Italy Predictions

Euro 2012 Finals : Spain vs Italy

The Euro Cup 2012 has come to an end with the last 2 teams standing. Spain’s Boss Vicente del Bosque is expected to have a fully-fit squad for the Euro 2012 final showdown with Italy.

The 61-year-old`s biggest selection dilemma is likely to be over whether to field a recognised striker after Alvaro Negredo`s anonymous performance in the semi-final win over Portugal.

With Fernando Torres seemingly out of favour, and with Fernando Llorente yet to make an appearance at the tournament, Cesc Fabregas could be restored to a `false nine` role up front alongside Andres Iniesta and David Silva.

Italy defender Ignazio Abate, who missed the semi-final win over Germany with a muscle injury, is likely to return to fitness in time for the final, while fellow full-back Christian Maggio is also available after serving a one-match ban.

Coach Cesare Prandelli may persist with the same formation that served him well against the Germans rather than revert to the unorthodox 3-5-2 line-up used in the opening match against Spain.

AC Milan-bound Riccardo Montolivo is likely to keep his place in the team ahead of Thiago Motta after an assured performance in the semi-final.

Spain Preview:

Spain are bidding to become the first team in history to win three successive major tournaments (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012) and the first to retain the Henri Delaunay trophy.

La Roja are contesting their fourth European Championship final (1964, 1984, 2008 and 2012). They have lost just one (1984).

Vicente del Bosque`s side are 19 competitive games without defeat and have won their last nine knockout matches at major tournaments without conceding a goal.

However, the Iberian outfit have not registered a competitive win over Italy in nearly a century (with their penalty shoot-out success in the quarter-final of Euro 2008 classed as a draw). Their record in 11 previous meetings is W1, D5, L5, with the sole victory coming in the sides` first ever encounter at the 1920 Olympic games.

Italy Preview:

The Italians are competing in their third European Championship final (1968, 2000, 2012). They have won just one (1968).

The Azzurri are facing Spain for the 31st time, with their record in prior encounters reading W10, D12, L8. The sides` most recent meeting was in their opening match in this tournament, which finished as a 1-1 draw.

Italy have won just two of their last eight matches in regulation time, but are yet to lose a competitive fixture under Cesare Prandelli.

Predictions:

This very well could be the most consistent match Italy's Balotelli has played for a five-game stretch. Despite his two great goals in the semifinal against Germany, particularly his second goal, he coupled a moment of brilliance with a moment of stupidity by taking his jersey off and receiving a yellow card. If a hot-tempered Balotelli picks up an early booking, he could just as easily be a detriment to his team with an untimely sending off in the championship game. Thus, these erratic moments need to be kept to a minimum. In a single-elimination game, anything can (and will) happen. For the most part, Germans midfielders Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira were frustrated by the Italian midfielders in the last semifinal. However, the Spanish boast the best arsenal of midfielders in the world and, seeing that Fernando Torres’ role in the title game remains up in the air, Xavi Hernandez or Cesc Fabregas might be called upon for but one flash ofwonder. Spain wins 1-0 to capture an unprecedented third consecutive major championship.

Pick : Pick Spain to win.

Spain vs Italy Predictions