EPT
Knockout Stage
Poland vs Portugal
Result - Portugal Win 5-4 Penalties
Prediction - Portugal Win 2-1
Wales vs Belgium
Result - Wales 3-1 Belgium
Prediction - Belgium 2-0 Wales
Germany vs Italy
Result - Germany Win 6-5 Penalties
Prediction - Italy win on Penalties
France vs Iceland
Result - France 5-2 Iceland
Prediction - France 3-1 Iceland
Strike Rate of Teams Through - 50%
2/4 games correct
0/8 games perfect score
Semi Finals
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/CDtuhsj.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/DigiGe7.png)
Wednesday, Jul 06 7:00pm GMT (GMT+00:00)
Wales have managed to defy logic and reach a semi final of a tournament for their first time in history and what a story they are making for the valleys to speak of. Lead by Bale who is having a great tournament and with a solid back 5 consisting of the solid Ashley Williams they have shown great determination in getting this far in the tournament. How this has happened baffles my logic though especially after the England game but still, sour grapes and what not right.
Portugal have not been beaten this competition of course some might say but they also have failed to win a match in 90 minutes this tournament too, quite crazy. However they are here, in the semi finals taking on an opponent on paper they will feel like they can beat and in fairness should beat. The front 2 of Portugal are looking a bit better with every game they play, Ronaldo has been missing many chances he normally puts away but Nani is showing signs he can still do it and might forcing himself back into the premier league with his form.
This game is probably going to boil down to who takes their chances, Portugal will have the majority of the ball as they are good passing unit, where as Wales do most of their work when they counter a team through Bale and co. If Portugal take their chances they should progress but if they stutter in front of goal like they have been doing, you can see Bale taking his chances and sending Wales to a grand final of an international competition for the first time ever.
Referee - Jonas Eriksson
Prediction Portugal 2-0 Wales
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/BLZTAlB.png)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/KhQ8ILl.png)
Thursday, Jul 07 7:00pm GMT (GMT+00:00)
Germany vs France has the potential to thrill on Thursday. The hosts taking on the now favourites Germany after scraping through the Italians on Saturday in what was a very strategic affair and you have to credit Low with how he handled Don Conte's side. Switching his German side to a 3-5-2 as well to go head to head with the Italians it looked like a masterclass and tactical genius move when his side went ahead 1-0 in a game of very few chances, however after Boateng went "full foreigner" and gave away the cheapest of penalties, back came Italy to take the game into extra time. Few chances for either side in extra time before the most bizarre of Penalty shootouts you will ever see, which saw obviously the German's advancing.
France had a much more easy affair when they took on the Icelandics in Paris in what was a true David vs Goliath affair, however this time the footballing giant's of France won comfortably and ended the Icelandic fairy tale. In some style i might add too, conceded a couple of goals but looked pretty good going forward and took their chances which is what they will need to do in this semi final too.
As i said in the previous round preview, Greizmann is well and truly in form now and is the tournaments top goal scorer and firing on all cylinders, Pogba too now stepping up and making that French midfield look pretty good. Germany come into this missing a few players, Gomez Basti, Khedira are out and weaken the German attack and midfield significantly. Add in that the Bayern legend Hummels is suspended as well, they are coming into this very battered after the Italian game. Which is surely advantage hosts France who 2 years ago in Brazil took the Germans very close as it was in the quarter final there. Hard game to call now with the Germany injury/suspension list but...
Referee - Nicola Rizzoli
Prediction Germany 1-0 France
Semi Final time, the ultimate crushing experience, so close to that grand final, defeat here leaves you hurting!
CSS: FO-nTTaX
Awesomeness: Panda
Pictures: Sneirac
