The Group Stage is over. It's now win or go home for the 8 teams remaining in Euro 2012. The top half of the bracket features Germany vs. Greece and Czech Republic vs. Portugal. Here is our look at each matchup.
GERMANY VS. GREECE
MJ: Greece finished their group stage with great resolve and a win. They stole the second quarter-final spot away from Russia and will need every measurable unit of momentum to stand a chance against the Germans. Georgios Samaras put in the performance of his life against the Russians. Billed as a forward he played in a slightly more withdrawn role dominating 50/50 balls, cutting off passing lanes, and making tackles throughout the midfield. Samaras's possession, dribbling, and hold up play was equally impressive and ever frustrating for the Russians trying to get back into their last game. Sadly, the gulf of class may expose the Greeks and overwhelm even their mighty hearts. It isn't big money, but it is easy money to pick Germany as the winner here. Mario Gomez has boldly staked his claim as the number one strike option over Miroslav Klose, controversial but apt. Gomez leading the tournament with three goals is a about to run away with scoring honors, considering the other players on three goals have all been eliminated. Schweinsteiger has covered every inch of the pitch he's touched, and has assisted in two of his three games so far. Names like Lukas Podolski, whose netted already, and Thomas Muller are likely to pop in big moments leaving Greece packing come Friday night.
MTA: Greek Jesus (aka Samaras) really came alive that last game after a pretty much anonymous contribution in the first two matches. He will be key against a German midfield that can possess the ball as well as any team on the planet. The fact that Mario Gomez is finally putting in goals in pressure situations should scare anyone, since that was the biggest knock against him. With Schweinsteiger bossing the pitch and driving the Germans forward from the back he provides Ozil and Muller the freedom to wreak havoc in the final third. The Greek defense will have their hands full. But this team has shades of 2004 in them (and a few of the same players). It defends extremely well and has the pluck to nip a goal on the counter with Samaras in the midfield and the likes of Gekas and Salpigidis up front ready to pounce on any ball near them. The Germans have an incredible defender in Badstuber and he cannot be caught napping by his squad's superiority in possession. The one concern I have about the Germans is they have looked like they were playing in 3rd gear at best in the group stages, which is scary, but they will need to flip it into 5th gear if they want to succeed in this tournament. Can they find that switch? If Greece is going to win this it's going to be 1-0. If not, it could be a long night for a country already pretty blue.
CZECH REPUBLIC VS. PORTUGAL
MJ: Czech Republic vs. Portugal carries a similar underdog vs. heavyweight fixture as Germany vs. Greece. Czech Republic did well winning two games to get through their group but similar to Greece, they now face a bigger, stronger, faster team. Tomas Rosicky is in doubt with an achilles tendon injury, a massive blow to the midfield and engine of the team. Petr Cech will have his hands full with the explosive (although sometimes stagnant?) nature of the Portugese attack. In this game, surely Ronaldo, Nani, and Postiga will be put in on goal and Cech has the weight of the Czech Republic on his shoulders to stop shots. Ronaldo finally finding form, netting twice against the Dutch may prove to the be the catalyst to a breakout tournament at the international level. Like the Greeks, the Czech's will need to be extremely focused, determined, and prepared to play behind the ball for large stretches of the game. Frustrating their opponents is the key and any chances must be taken like its their last.
MTA: The Czechs did well to shake off the embarrassment of the opening game against Russia and put in two great defensive outings. However, Cech has shown flashes of his old self, letting in 4 against Russia and a howler against the Greeks. The question will be if Cristiano Ronaldo continues his form, or if he reverts back to aimless runs with useless step-overs that end in off target shots. He is my leading candidate for miss of the tournament for his sitter against Denmark. If the good CR shows up it will certainly be curtains for the Czechs as that defense can be burnt by speed. The Portuguese are also suspect at the back from what I have seen; if you put shots on goal, their keeper can't handle them. The problem has been no one has put shots on goal against them. The team thrives on the dark arts of diving, feigning injury, and badgering the referees. I would bet if they played Italy the over/under for times the stretcher took someone off the field then he hops off the stretcher as soon as it reaches the sideline would be 6 and I'm taking the over. The Portuguese play a dirty brand of football that is infuriating to watch, but it has gotten them this far. Unless the officials wise up to their tactics (unlikely) and carding them for dives and dissent they will keep playing and keep winning. They are now one of my dark horses to make the final.
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