Today the last eight of Euro '08 kicks off with the first of four crucial games over the next four days set to determine the semifinal matchups. One of the best aspects of major tournaments like the Euro championships and the World Cup is the constant action. There are virtually no breaks or days off between matches, and the ability to go from a group stage game one day to a knockout stage game the next is a luxury that affords diehard football fans no let-up in excitement. These next four days ought to lift the excitement level exponentially from what we had in the group stage (which itself was very compelling and fun to watch), with four games between eight European powerhouses who each can make a persuasive claim it can win it all.
The Quarterfinals:
Portugal (1A) v. Germany (2B)
Croatia (1B) v. Turkey (2A)
Netherlands (1C) v. Russia (2D)
Spain (1D) v. Italy (2C)
A knee-jerk response to a quick glance at the quarterfinalists would say that either Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, or Italy will win the title, as they are the biggest names. And one of them probably will win it. My pre-tournament pick Spain is looking good, but I may have to adjust my pick and say that the Netherlands will win Euro '08 after the performances they turned in in the group stage. However, as strong as the perennial powers are, any of the other three "lesser" names in the knockout round - Croatia, Turkey, or Russia - could definitely win the whole thing, especially considering that Greece won it four years ago and you'd be hard pressed to convince anyone that Greece is better than either Croatia, Turkey, or Russia.
The Croats quietly rang up 9 points in the group stage, while Turkey possessed the magic and the merit of being the only team to win a match after falling behind - and they did so twice. Russia, meanwhile, after a first match thumping at the hands of Spain, rebounded to win their next two games in incredibly convincing fashion, exhibiting an attacking flair that has heads turning towards the Russians as a possible sleeper pick in the next round.
Every game looks appetizing and nearly impossible to predict. So difficult to pick in fact, that I will refrain from issuing score guesses and will instead only guess the winners.
(winners in bold)
Portugal v. Germany
Croatia v. Turkey
Netherlands v. Russia
Spain v. Italy
Match reviews and analysis coming at the weekend...
Enjoy the games.
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