EPT
Group A
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/XLupy.jpg)
Group A was a fascinating group in the end. It started off after matchday 1 with Russia looking clear favorites to win there 3 games and qualify top of the group comfertably, but what we forgot to add into this is the fact that football is still so unpredictable!
Russia opened up with a romping 4-1 victory over Czech Republic with a stunning counter attacking performance. The Czech's looked clearly stunned after that 90 minutes and many were begining to ask questions over their defense and even the brilliant Petr Cech!
The other opening game to the tournament, Poland vs Greece had EVERYTHING in it, red cards, penalties, saves, glaring misses and of course amazing atmosphere! It all started with Greece getting a man sent off within the first 30minutes of the game and putting themselves clearly on the back foot. All be it the Greek defender Papastathopoulos getting harshly treated by the referee and double booked for tackles which looked very harsh. But that was not the end of this game, as the Poles would take a 1-0 lead before the red card through their talisman Lewandowski, only for in the second half to see a completley new Greece team turn out. Greece took the initiative away from Poland early on in the second half and were good value for the goal they scored 10 minutes into the second half, and then when Szczesny got his marching orders for taking out the Greek striker, but only for Karagounis to miss the resulting penalty and the game to pitter out into a 1-1 draw. So we had a fantastic matchday 1 in group A what would happen in the other two matches?
Matchday 2 started with Greece vs Czech Republic and boy did this game start well! Czech's clearly up for this game started like a house on fire! Racing to a 2-0 lead within 5minutes and looking like it could be more at any moment looked to have wraped the game up! Only for the Czech's like the Poles to faulter in the second half and gift the Greek's with a goal from an error at the back to make it an edgy last 10 minutes and hold on for a 2-1 win. Czech register their first 3 points of the tournament and Greece struggling with just the 1 point after 2 matches, they look out of it with a game against Russia awaiting them on the last day.
Poland vs Russia would be the final game of matchday 2 and with many fearing for the host nation as Russia looked rampant vs the Czech's no one could of predicted what happend next! Russians started slowly in this match and it would prove costly, they eventually took the lead 10 minutes before half time and continue that lead into the second half. Only for the Polish captain to fire home one of the goals of the tournament from 20 yards and shock Europe by taking another point in the tournament but this time from a well fancied Russian team!
We came into matchday 3 with EVERY TEAM able to go through into the last 8, including Greece who only had 1 point! Both games would kick off at 18:45 GMT (+00:00) and what a shock we where about to whitness! Greece were taking on Russia whilst the Czech's would be taking on the hosts Poland in their backyard with both teams still able to go through if they won.
We'll start with the hosts as they began a tense first half with the Czech's with neither team starting well and both affraid of conceding the first goal. It took until the 74th minute before a goal was scored and what a goal it would turn out to be! With the Poles looking to press home their possesion advantage they began to pour players forward, hoping they could pen the Czech's in and grab a goal to send them through. But it turned out to be their downfall! With the Czech's picking up the ball and turning it into a superb counter attack, they would score with 15 minutes to go through Jiracek and lead 1-0, which is how it would finish after a nervy 15minutes of defending. Poland out and Czech's all but certainly through.
Russia entertained Greece whilst this game was on and it was a typical Greece gladiatorial display. Russia would start with their swift passing style and pacey counter attacks whilst Greece just looked to hang in their from the start. But somehow the Greeks turned back the clock to 2004 and stole the lead 2 minutes into stoppage time of the first half with their captain Karagounis giving them the lead. Russia would come out in the second half better than the first with some great play and some penetrating counter attacks, but as usual the Greeks did everything they could to keep them out. With the news reaching the ground of a goal from the Czech's, Russia knew they were going out unless they failed to score! Throwing strikers on the pitch from the subs bench and countless attacking play from the Russians, the Greeks somehow managed to hold on for their first win of the tournament against the Russians! Russia were out, Greece and Czech Republic went through, unbeleivable!
Group A would start us off with an action packed 6 games and some great results! Greece and Czech Republic go through, lets go on to group B.
Group B
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/FBNGJ.jpg)
Group B, well arguably the group of death these teams would throw out some fascinating games aswell as some irresistable football!
Denmark and Netherlands would kick off group B in a fascinating game of football! Much like a Chelsea team in the Champions league, Denmark took a dogged approach to the game with a solid defense and little possesion, but they made that important stat count of scoring a goal! After an opening 20 minutes of pure Dutch football of passing, moving and some decent shots on goal, Denmark would break with ease and go straight through the Dutch defense and steal a 1 goal lead. That seemed to wake the Dutch up even more as they would start an onslaught of 70 minutes where they would have all the ball, 30+ shots on goal but no GOALS. Denmark would hold on and take the opening game of group b, shock in the first game. The Dutch now needing to get good results vs Portugal and Germany.
Game 2 started with a fiery encounter of Germany vs Portugal! This game started off the way everyone thought it would. Germany with most of the ball, passing it well and getting stuck into a pretty defensively set up Portuguese team. Germany had the best chances in the first half with Portugal looking pretty average due to not playing as attacking as they should have been. The second half started pretty much the same as the first with the Germans pressing home their possesion advantage and Portugal looking to hold on and keep them out with some strong defending. It took until the 72nd minute of the game when a cross came in from the right wing for big Mario Gomez to leap up and head home. 1-0 the Germans would lead, with good value in that too. But as soon as the goal went in Portugal woke up and started to play really good football and for the next 15minutes of the game the Germans would be on the back foot defending their 1-0 advantage. Ronaldo and Co could not break through this rough and doggied German defense so the game between the two nations would end in a 1-0 German victory and they would top the group along with Denmark after matchday 1.
Matchday 2 would start this time with the strudy set up Danes taking on the Portugese in a great match it would turn out to be. It started slowly and the first 10 minutes were pretty average with both teams giving as good as they got, but as soon as Portugal woke up, they began to hammer home their advantage. Pepe would open the scoring from a set peice and then when Postiga scored from close range, Denmark looked out of it. But whenever a team looks out of it in this competition they seem to play as good as they have done. Bendter reduced the defecit 5minutes before half time before equalising 10 minutes from time! Not after a 2-3 great Portugal chances to make it 3-1! And when Ronaldo was through one on one with the Denmark keeper, but for him to send it wide of the post you just thought this was going to end in a 2-2 draw. But thats not how Varela saw it as he would come off the bench to score an 87th minute winner and send Portugal top of the group with 4points.
The second game of the day would be between Germany and Netherlands, and how their is no loved lost between these two teams and with Netherlands desperate avoid a defeat, this proved to be a fascinating game! But with a game building up to be such a close encounter with a surely a better Dutch side turning out to the one that defended so poorly vs the Danes, you would be quite suprised at how the first half would go. The Dutch would arguably have the best chance of the first 15 minutes, with a lofted through ball from VanBommel over the top of the German centre backs putting in VanPersie but for him to mess up his control and fire a weak shot at the keeper. As you know by now the Germans would re gather themselves after that early slip up at the back to take the advantage to the Dutch and to test that very weak defense they had. Gomez would score a fantastic goal on 23 minutes after some good passing between Ozil and Schweinsteiger and when they scored again through Gomez 8 minutes before half time you worried for the Dutch who looked so poor at the back. The second half would start the same as the first but with 2 attacking changes from the Dutch. It would slowly fade this game with it getting more and more dull due to the heat playing a part, until VanPersie finally hammered home a shot 20 minutes before the full time whistle. But it all seemed to be to little to late and the Dutch just fell short with 10 minutes to go and Germany comfertably held on to beat their rivals 2-1.
Germans now top the group with Portugal second and Denmark in third. Netherlands some how have 0 points and look on the brink of elimination.
Matchday 3 would start the same as Group A with both games kicking off at 18:45 GMT (+00:00).
We will start with the Portugese vs Netherlands in a game where the Dutch somehow could still manage the greatest of all escapes and with a 2-0 win somehow have a chance of getting into the last 8. But the Portuguese would have other ideas for this game, and with a rejuvenated Ronaldo with something to prove, the Dutch had a big game on their hands. It started with an attacking team from the Dutch, with very big names on the field. One of those new starters in VanDerVaart hammering home a fierce 25 yard shot into the top corner on the 11th minute after some great football from the Dutch. 1-0 up and seeminly in charge of the game, many people started to beleive that maybe the Dutch could somehow manage the great escape. But Ronaldo had other ideas, with him finally scoring in this years competition 15 minute before the break. And with Portugal continue to press home the advantage they have in attacking thread on the counter vs the weak Dutch defense, it only got worst for the Netherlands. Portugal and Ronaldo would score again 15 minutes before the end of the game with Dutch now out of the competition in last place. Biggest shock of the tournament so far, with one of the favorites going home.
Denmark vs Germany would compelte matchday 3 in group b. With Denmark needing to win or avoid defeat to stand a chance of qualifying, and the Germans needing a minimun of a draw you would of expected a more defensive game between the two sides. What we got was a game with both teams going for it, with the Germans using their attacking flair to start well all for Muller to miss a sitter from 7 yards. But that would not prove to be too costly as on the 19th minute Podolski marked his 100th apperance for Germany with a well poached goal to make the score 1-0. But somehow, suprisingly the Danes struck back within 5 minutes and Krohn-Dehli headed home an equaliser! The second half would begin and the teams would be pretty locked in an intense match, but for news to break of Ronaldo's goal on the 70th minute, suprisingly it would be the Germans who at that stage where in danger of going OUT and Portugal and Denmark would be going through if Denmark could find a winner! Would the impossible actually become possible? Would Germany and Netherlands go out in the group phase of a tournament? No, it would be short lived as the Germans popped up with a goal as they always do and win the game 2-1.
Germany go through as winners and Portugal finish second. Denmark make a respectable 3rd place finish and the Dutch go home with the tails between their legs without a single point.
Group C
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/dePiP.jpg)
Group C was a talented group as well. With the minnows of the competition Ireland ready to fight off the footballing riches of Italy and Spain, as well as take on the doggied and determined Croatians. The group would start off with a bang as well.
Italy would take on Spain in game one with a tense affair between the two giant football nations. Italy though would be clear underdogs in this game after there poor form going into the comeptition, after a recent 3-0 drubbing from Russia, no one expect the Italians to fair up to well vs the Spanish prowess. But as usual, football kicks up another suprise and the Italians opting for a new system of 3-5-2 gave Spain a defensive masterclass performance and maybe a blueprint to how to beat Spain. It would start with Spain (who were playing the Barcelona 4-6-0 formation with no strikers on the pitch!) bossin' possesion but without working Buffon to hard. The first half would be over in a flash and the score standing at 0-0 between the sides. With maybe Italy having the best chance of the match too, with Motta testing Casillas from close range with a header just before the break. The second half begun the same as the first with Spain taking charge of the football and Italy closing down and making them hurry. And then when the ball broke to the sub Di Natale who go in one on one with Casillas and bent a superb shot into the bottom corner, the Italians started to beleive that just maybe this was the great performance they were capable of giving. But no sooner as they scored Spain hit straight back, with Cesc scoring a fantastic footballing goal with inch perfect passing from the magician in Iniesta, 1-1. The Italians didn't know what had hit them! Then with the introduction of Torres to the game and finally a striker on the pitch, the Spanish took charge of the last 20minutes with some great chances against the hgh line from the Italians. Torres had 4 great chances in the last 20 minutes and converted none of them. Game finished and it was 1-1, good result all round you think?
The final match of matchday 1 saw the minnows of Ireland take on Croatia in a must win game for each side you would think, as they both need to play the giants of Italy and Spain. Ireland got into this comeptition with there doggied defending and great set up under the Italian coach Trapattoni, but how the game started you would not of known that. Within 3 minutes the Croatians were ahead through their star striker Mandzukic and that seemed to really shock Ireland who were getting pushed deeper and deeper by the Croat's. Ireland though, being as determined as ever managed to fight back and earn themself a well crafted goal from a set peice. 20 minutes had been played and it had felt like 45! 1-1 the score was and the game was as opener as nothing you have seen before in the competition! With Croatia looking to get forward at every opportunitity and the Irish defending deeper and deeper, there was another goal in it before half time. Croatia would grab a goal on the stroke of half time through Jelavic to make the score 2-1 Croatia, Ireland looked heart broken! The second half began much the same as the first within the first 4 minutes Croatia had made it 3-1 thanks to Mandzukic again. Croatia showing the better footballing skills and being able to keep the ball alot better than the Irish it would pan out into a comfertable second half and victory for the Croat's. Matchday 1 finished Croatia top and Italy, Spain sharing 2nd with Ireland bottom.
Matchday 2 came round fast for the Irish who would now be taking on Spain in a much needed win for Ireland vs the reigning World and European champiosn Spain. Could the impossible become possible? Well, no, it could not. The Irish started off even worst than they did vs Croatia. Spain not opting for their 4-6-0 started Torres in a 4-3-3 formation and well it paid off within the first 4 minutes with Torres smashing home from close range. 1-0 and the mountain of all mountains for Ireland to climb. Even though the Spanish would dominate the half they would fail to find a second goal, and Ireland if they could pass the ball with a bit more quality might of found themselves with a few more chances vs the Spanish. But that was not to be as 4 minutes (again 4 minutes, Irelands favorite number!) into the second half David Silva popped up and killed the game, 2-0 the Spanish led and the Irish looked down and out. With another goal for Torres and an 80th minute goal for Cesc, the game finished 4-0 Spain and Ireland were all but eliminated from the competition, and Spain almost through.
The other match of the day was Italy vs Croatia, which would be a big game for whoever could win, it Croatia won it they were all but through into the last 8 unless some harsh results on the final matchday. And with the Italians looking to secure a win an attacking game looked to be on the cards. The Italians have a poor record vs the Croat's as of late (as many Croat's will let you know!) and they looked very good as the game started. Again playing 2 strikers in an attacking looking line up from Croatia, they took the game as much as they could to the Italians. But being Italian, it means you can defend, and they defended well when needed too. We had to wait until the 39th minute of the game before the Italians unlocked the Croatians with a stunning freekick from the Italian Prince, Andrea Pirlo. Thats how it would stay until the second half. The second half started with Croatia pushing further forward using their strikers well, but the Italians defending as well as they have through out the years and it looked like it was going to be an Italians win. That was before Mandzukic headed home an equalizer on the 70th minute. Italians where then pushing for a winner in the last 20 minutes but for no luck as Croatia would hold on for a well earnt point and Italians would draw their second game of the tournament.
With matchday 3 here and the Irish out, it was out of 3 teams for qualification, Spain, Croatia and Italy. With Spain facing Croatia and Italy vs minnows Ireland it was down to whoever would win their games to go through.
We will start with the Italian game vs the minnows Ireland. It started comfertably for Italy with them keeping possesion and Ireland not possing much of a thread going forward, however they did look alot stronger at the back. It took until a set peice in the 36th minute and a Cassano header before they took the lead. Thats how the game would stay until the 90th minute when Balotelli made certain of the win with a well hit shot from inside the box. Italians comfertably victorious and awaited the result of the Spanish game to see who would go through. Ireland went home, without a point and only a goal to their name.
Spain and Croatia would kick off a very tense affair. Spanish would as usual dominate the possesion but without making any clear cut opportunities. The best chance of the first half in fact would go to Croatia who had a great headed opportunity missed at the back post, which you could argue was a fantastic save by Casillas. Spain continue to push and poke the Croatian defense with their passing style but Croatia would cause Spain problems with their swift counter attacks as well. The first half would come to an end 0-0. With news coming through that Italy were leading vs Ireland, Croatia had no choice but to continue to push for a goal to get them through, but it is very hard to do that with limited touches of the football. Spain dominating possesion, and Croatia trying to get the ball to give themself a chance of scoring. The second half would be drawing to a close the way it started with a tense atmosphere and the Spanish with all the ball. But with a 0-0 scoreline not the way it goes in this years European Championships Jesus Navas popped up on the 87th minute to break all the Croatian hearts and with it send Spain through top of the group. Heart break for Croatia but ectasy for the football giants Spain and Italy.
Group C complete, Italy and Spain marching on with Croatia and the minnows Ireland going home.
Group D
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/fwnq6.jpg)
Group D was an interesting group! The group which had France, unbeaten in 20 international matches prior to the tournament, England with a new manager barely in the job 3 weeks and only 2 games under his belt, Ukraine the other hosts of the tournament and Sweden, a team always set up to hurt and annoy any team in the big tournaments. It was on paper a fascinating group and it would turn out to be one as well.
Matchday 1 saw the big game of the group, England vs France. The first game of the tournament between a written off England team (from the press) and an unbeaten French team looking good in how they play, it was set up to be a routine victory for the French. But, with the new England manager having other ideas it turned into a game of two styles. England sitting back and abosrbing the pressure and trying to hit on the counter attack, whilst France tried to pass it through England with the majority of the possesion. With Milner missing the best chance of the first half after rounding the French keeper but failing to get his shot on target to the open goal, it looked like it would be 0-0 at half time. However, one set peice is all England seemed to be looking for and on the 30th minute a freekick firercely whipped in by Gerrard and met in the 6yard box by Lescott England took a surpise lead and looked set to be going into the break at 1-0. France had other idea's and with England looking like they wanted to sit back and absorb whatever the French could throw at them until the break it was France who equalised. Nasri would pick up the ball on the edge of the box and hammer in a 25 yard strike to beat the unsited Hart in goal. 1-1 at the break and a close encounter between the two footballing nations. The second half would start much the same as the first with France with all the ball and England dropping deeper and deeper at the back trying to hold out from the French. The games best chances fell to France who couldn't seem to find a way through the English defense, the game would finish 1-1. A point each.
The other game on matchday 1 was between the Swedes and Ukraine, and what a fascinating game this would turn out to be. The first half started and with Ukraine asking questions of the Swede's slow and rugged defense, it looked set to be a thirlling encounter. Sweden gave as good as they got in the first half with Ibrahimovic looking bright and looking the best player on the pitch. Somehow it finished 0-0 in the first half and the second half was where all the action was. With Ibrahimovic looking the best player in the first half, there was no doubt who the first goal scorer was going to be, and shortly after the break he would make it 1-0 to Sweden with a well worked goal. Ukraine not shoke up to much by this goal and with their talisman Shevchenko on the pitch they knew they had a chance and continued supporting their team. Within a few minutes of going behind their talisman rewarded the nation with a fine goal, 1-1, the crowd in ectasy. But no sooner as they finished celebrating they were sent into pandemonium as Shevchenko the countries pride and joy for football gave them the lead! 2-1 they lead, and the stadium was rocking. The game would draw to a close with Ukraine defending their advantage as much as they could and they finished off winning the game 2-1.
After matchday 1 it would be Ukraine who were leading group d and giving the country somethng to beleive in.
Matchday 2 would start with Ukraine taking on France in the earlier kick off, and well no one knew what to expect in this game, especially after the start. With a storm overhead and a massive one at that, the game started under heavy heavy rain and eventually turning into a thunderstorm, the game was suspended until after the storm. Over an hour later, and the storm gone and the pitch slighly drained from the massive soaking the game restarted. It was a very slow game to start with neither team looking like scoring. And with the first half over and at 0-0 with France not looking at all threatening it was surely going to change in the second half. And at that, it did, with France coming out alot stronger in the second half and Ukraine a little weaker it started to become one way traffice. With France finally taking the lead through Menez it looked to finally wake up France, and it did. With Cabaye adding a second a 5 minutes later the game was over and France were topping the group, and the gauntlet was laid down to Sweden and England to see who could stop them from topping the group.
England vs Sweden would be a game not many would forget in a hurry. With England's appaling record vs Sweden and Sweden's great record vs England in international competitions it was set to be a close affair, and that was a right assumption to make. With England making one change from the team that faced France with big Carroll coming in to partner Welbeck upfront, England had a big striker to aim for and to hold up play with. With England slow to start and Sweden looking poor also, the first 20 minutes were not so good. England managed to score from a fantastic cross from Gerrard and a great headed goal from Carroll, England lead 1-0 and Sweden looked disheartend and were giving the ball away very chaepily. But England being England failed to capitalise on any mistakes Sweden were making and the 1st half ended 1-0. With the second half coming up no one could expect to see what would happen next. Sweden would start really well and push England back, England for the first time in this tournament looked really poor defensively and Sweden were making them pay. and 5 minutes into the second half from a corner, Sweden equalised through Mellberg, 1-1 and England looked shaken! Sweden with new life after their goal looked to press home their new advantage, and boy did they do that! With a freekick given away cheapily on the edge of the box, Ibrahimovic would hit that resulting freekick into the wall for it to come kindly bouncing back to him and hitting it through a crowd of players it landed once again at Mellbergs feet who would hit the ball and force a save from Hart. The save was only knocking the ball tamingly over the line but for Johnson to mess up his feet and help it over the line instead of making a goal line clearance, Sweden had made England's sloppy defensive start to the second half pay. Sweden lead 2-1, England looking shaken. With England looking down and out Hodgson made a change and bought on Walcott, who changed the game. England finally begining to fnd their feet they got a corner and from that resulting corner it was knocked out to the edge of the box where walcott would volley home an equaliser, 26 minutes to go for either team to find a winner. And there would be a winner with England getting it through again Walcott's good work in takwing on thew Swedish defenders and crossing a ball for Welbeck to score quite spectacualy with a flick from the back of his foot. 3-2 England lead, and thats the way it would stay. England victorious just and Sweden disheartenly beaten and thus out of the tournament.
Matchday 3 would come around thick and fast, and with 3 teams all fighting for qualification, England vs Ukraine looked likely to be the bigger tie of the night with France taking on an already out Swedish team. However as in football you know not to expect the expected.
We'll start with France vs Sweden, a game in which the majority would back an unbetean in 21 internationals French team to beat an already out Sweden, but again never expect the expected. With a very solid opening from Sweden, and a very blank looking French team, the first half was that of a team who didn't look like they had many ideas on how to break down a well organised Swedish team. A few chances for each taem in the first half with Sweden looking to counter and France tried to unlock the Swedish defense. The first half ended as quick as it started. France would come out in the second half with the same mentality trying to pass there way through a stubborn Swedish side, all the more time giving the Swedes more and more confidence that there could be an upset on the cards here. And with that there was! 10 minutes after the second half started, Zlatan, fired home a spetactular volley and France were behind 1-0, Sweden looking good value for a 1 goal lead! France's 23 unbeaten run looks like it could be in trouble here. And it would be, with France continuely pushing forward trying to grab an equaliser, Sweden just bought their time to hit them on the counter attack and finish the game off in the 91st minute, 2-0. Larsson the scorer and France looking down and out.
The other match would be England vs Ukraine and what an interesting game this would turn out to be as well. With England starting off so poorly and Ukraine starting off with a new looked young team, it was Ukraine with the early chances in the first 20 minutes, bossin' the play and looking a decent side. They would struggle to make decent efforts though as England would force them into long 30-40 yard shots with only one trouble Hart in the England goal. England would finally start to play after the 20th minute with chances created from Young's crossing and set peices, but after Rooney missed a sitter from a header it didn't look like England's day offensively at all. With Ukraine ending the half the strongest and with chances created from the right hand side with the RB bombarding forward like a winger (happens to be a winnger for his domestic side) the Ukrainians looked dangerous. Half time would come not a moment to soon for England and the sides would be level going into the break. England started the second half brightly and were rewarded after some good work from set peices and a fantastic cross from Gerrard which took two deflections before foxing the keeper at the near post who could only touch it into the path of Rooney who would score on his return. 1-0 England, and at that time looking like they were going to win the group thanks to a wonder goal from Ibrahimovic. Ukraine would continue to press forward in need of a goal to stand a chance of going through, looked dangerous. They had a glorious chance from a header about 3 yards out of goal but he would blaze it over the bar, it happend to be offside as well so maybe justice served? However in football there is never a dull moment and with Ukraine pushing more people forward for a goal and England caught on the break, the biggest contreversy of the tournament was about to unfold. Ukraine sliced open England and were one on one with Hart before they knew it, the shot would be saved but not a good enough save to take it away from the goal, and it woud loop up into the air and be gunning down to the goal line. Terry would be running back as fast as he could to try and scoop the ball off the line, but to no luck it would seem, as it looked in live motion that it had maybe just crossed the line. But surely with an official less than 3 yards away from the goal line looking DIRECTLY AT THE GOAL LINE, he would not make a mistake and give the goal. HOWEVER what a wrong assumption that was, as the ball did appear to cross the line and the official failed to give the goal, the Ukraine manager went mad as did the stadium. England let off the hook? Or were they...As it looks in the build up to the goal, again the Ukraine attacker was offside but the linesman failed to flag him before the goal, so maybe again justice served? All be it very cruel justice indeed. That would be the last clear chance for Ukraine as the game would finish 1-0 England.
With the Sweden result coming in, England somehow managed to top the group and France would finish second. Amazing end to group stage play in this years Euro with some big teams going home and some suprises going through! Onto the Quarter finals we go...
Quarter Final 1
Quarter final 1 see's the Portuguese take on the Czech's in a fascinating tie. Czech's somehow managed to get out of their group after a shocking defensive performance in the first game again Russia and have set up a quarter final with Portugal. Portugal had an even tougher route to this quarter final managing to get out of the group of death in a respectable second place.
You would have to say that Portugal are the favorites here it would only be fair to the talent they have, but with the Czech's already defying odds by getting out of their group the way they did it, you cannot write them completely off.
Key Players
Ronaldo
Key man for Portugal is none other than, Ronaldo. Arguably the best player in the tournament (if you use FIFA player rankings) he has had alot to live up too. After failing to deliver vs both Denmark and Germany, he put it all right by scoring the only 2 goals in the win over Netherlands and looking as good as ever. He will surely effect the outcome of this match.
Petr Cech
Many say he was the best keeper in Europe this season, with his heorics for Chelsea on their champions league cup run, but as yet to make some world class saves for Czech Republic. Will he put it right? Im sure he will, he only gets better and not worst, even with a slightly poor back 4 in front of him, he will like Ronaldo have the last say in this match.
Prediction
Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal
Quarter Final 2
Quarter final 2 see's the Germans, the new bookmakers favorite for the tournament, take on the galditorial Greeks! This could be a one sided affair i think much like Quarter final 1. The Germans arguably stronger by a long way, but the Greeks on the back of mission impossible in group a. It is sure set up to be a tense affair with the Greeks looking back to 2004 for inspiration to help them scupper the Germans, but the Germans will make that as tough as possible im sure.
Key Players
Gomez
Gomez, arguably the most inform striker in this years competition looked really good in the group games, and with his eye for goal, Germany will need him to fire in the quarter final to help them through. With his height and strength his key attributes he has all the makings of a great striker to hurt the Greeks. If he has a good game, normally the Germans win comfertably.
Karagounis
The captain of his Gladiators and a great one at that, always leading by example and giving his all for his country. If he has a good game in the middle of midfield the rest of the Greeks will pick up on it and lifts them all. With the ability to pop up with a goal as well Karagounis is definatly my pake for the key player for Greece. If they were to make the upset of all upsets, Karagounis will score the winner.
Prediction
Germany 3 - 0 Greece
Quarter Final 3
Arguably the tie of the round as France take on world champions Spain. After France's first loss in 23 international games, they found themselves finishing 2nd in their group setting up a tie vs the defending champions Spain. France like to play football as well with the possesion game, but not any team in the world will be able to do that against Spain the masters of possesion football. It is set up to be an interesting tie due to the lackluster last game performance in front of goal vs Croatia by the Spanish, so France cannot count themselves out just yet.
Key Players
Nasri
With Ribery not doing anything as of yet for France in this tournament, the key player for France for me is Nasri. His ability to change a game which he has done already for France will be the key for France doing well. If he can get the ball in and around the box he can hurt any team with his ability. Whether it is to pass a ball inch perfectly to a striker or to shoot a 25 yarder he will always be a game changing player. If he performs well France have a chance.
Iniesta
Arguably the best midfield maestro in the world at the moment, Iniesta has the ability to change any game with a pass or even a goal crafted himself. His ability to pick an inch perfect pass at any moment of the game provides Spain with the biggest luxury of any team in the last 8. If Iniesta dominates a game then normally Spain win comfertably. I see him winning this game on his own.
Prediction
France 0- 2 Spain
Quarter Final 4
England take on Italy in this fascinating tie. Both teams have been good defensively in the competition with the Italians showing both flair and defensive prowess in their group c games and with England showing they can score 3 goals when they need to they are no easy team to beat. Its set to be a battle of the defenses though as both teams look good at the back, so it might not be a fun game for the neutral as the others might be. 1-0 might be a good score to predict here but to who is anyones guess. With Rooney back England are in a jubliant mood. Italy have old heads to help guide them through this game but they are withouth centre back chellini who has injured his thigh.
Key Players
Pirlo
The Italian prince, the great centre midfield player has got another tournament in him maybe this is the last time we see Pirlo on an international stage at a major tournament, but we are sure he would want to go out with a bang. His goal vs Croatia and his passing ability in the Spanish games were key to taking the lead. His marshalling off the midfield is key to the Italians formation too and looks like he has another opportunitity to marshal them through a tough fought game with the English. If Pirlo dominates this game, England will be bowing out.
Rooney
Rooney, England's savior vs Ukraine with his goal to send through group winners, looked a bitch shy of match sharpness in his first 90 minutes but is sure to get better and better. He lit up the tournament in 2004 to only get sent of vs Portugal which cost England a place in the next round. With him maturer and better than he was back then. If he plays as well as he can do, he can take to the game to the Italians on his own with his ability or even play as good as Pirlo can with his passing.
Italy 0- 1 England
But being a Chelsea fan and seeing what we did in Champions league and with the similar styles as in /defend and try and counter i can see England doing something special. Or maybe thats just my silly English mentallity, who knows 
I'll try not be as biast as that in the Semi final write up
