Ok, ok, I rolled the dice on picking Holland as a semi-finalist. And yes, I thought either Russia or Croatia would be some nice dark horses. But alas, I was wrong. Where am I still alive with my picks? Germany, Italy and Spain, as semifinalists, albeit they now match up differently. So let's reconfigure and determine what happens next. Below are my predictions for the rest of the Euro 2012.
Quarterfinals
Portugal vs Czech Republic
Thursday June 21th - I have this one going to penalty kicks. And with Petr Cech manning with goal, I see the Czech Republic taking down Ronaldo and his crew. There needs to be at least one Cinderella in the semifinals and Czech Republic is it.
Germany vs Greece
Friday June 22th - Germany will continue to control and win this match 3-1. Greece has made it interesting by surviving Group A and knocking out the Russians, but thier run ends here. Germany won the "Group of Death" with 3 wins and left little doubt of their dominance.
Spain vs France
Saturday June 23rd - Now, the drama begins. This is the first if two intriguing matches for the quarterfinal weekend. Spain seemed to toy and experiment with its infamous "Group of Debt" (included Ireland & Italy). Fortunately, they handled the group well, but created some doubt of their previous dominance. Del Bosque is convinced to overload the midfield while leaving his forwards on the bench. Their 90-minute match of keep away has worked, but was suspect against Italy and Croatia. Playing a slightly more efficient team (Germany) may spell curtains for this brilliant run.
France rose from its 2010 World Cup ashes, but only to fall back into them. Their last match (2-0 loss to Sweden) showed why they leave us scratching our heads and second-guessing their legitimacy. We could go on about them, but why? It's France. Spain wins this match with their usual hot potato prowess, 1-0. The goal will be scored around the 80th minute.
England vs Italy
Sunday June 24th - This has the makings of a hunker-down, nail-biting, don't-be-the-first-to-blink classic. Or, it may be England with 10 men camped in the box hoping for a miracle goal. Both teams have played fairly consistent and still have something to prove. Although I prefer to see England advance, Italy has too many intangibles. If their back line and Buffon play as they have, then Italy advances. If Rooney has a break out match, then England has a shot. Otherwise, Italy wins 1-0. Subplot - who loses their cool first, Rooney or Balotelli? Their tempers may determine who wins, too.
Semifinals
Czech Republic vs Spain
Wednesday June 27th - The advantages the Czechs have are grittiness, two more days of rest than Spain, and Petr Cech. But, that is where it ends. Spain shows why it is the defending European and World Cup champion and wins 2-0.
Italy vs Germany
Thursday June 28th - The Germans will counter the Italian passion with effectiveness. But the Italians make a run at it and keep the Germans in check. But, Germany wins 2-1.
Final
Spain vs Germany
Sunday July 1st - In typical fashion, this will be a low-scoring, conservatively played affair. One goal should win it, but both teams will score in regulation. And as it appears, extra time comes closing in with Casillas licking his chops to win a cup via penalty kicks, yet he will miss the clincher at the 115th minute. Germany wins 2-1.
Side Notes
Spain did not coast through their group. Typically, champions have some humbling prior to the elimination matches. Good for Spain, not for Germany. . . . Teams coming from Groups of Death (and maybe the Group of Debt) do not fair well after group play. So, do not be surprised if England, France, Greece and Czech Republic pull off some miracle wins. . . . The years when Italy has had a match-fixing scandals, they win hardware.
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