Euro 2012 Continues

             The group stages of Euro 2012 did not disappoint fans of the world’s favorite game. My favorite statistic that emerged from each team’s first three games was the number of 0-0 draws, which was zero. I do not mind a defensive battle, but I always feel as if every goal could be one giant leap for soccer’s popularity as a whole. With only eight teams remaining, a close look at what each has done so far may indicate their likely fate in the next couple of weeks. The four quarterfinal matches are all intriguing and, aside from a massively disappointing Netherlands squad, the teams I considered to be legitimate contenders are still intact. Germany and Spain are my clear number one and two teams, an opinion shared by most. The Spanish show more vulnerability with their offensive struggles and hit or miss play from Torres, but both superpowers seem ready to possibly make a run towards meeting up in the championship game. My next tier consisted of France and England. Despite France’s last game, I think they still have what it takes to compete with anyone. England was even more of a pleasant surprise, playing well enough without Rooney and then smoothly transitioning to his return. These four, along with the other half of nations that survived the group stages, now face touch matchups as Euro 2012 reaches its later stages.

Game 1-Czech Republic vs. Portugal: The Czechs’ group was by far the weakest and, as a result, I do not have as much trust in the two teams that advanced between those four. Between that and how Portugal has exceeded my expectations, I cannot imagine this one ending in anything but a Portuguese victory. Ronaldo’s improving play is not something his national squad is spoiled by and the physical strength of their central defenders Pepe and Bruno Alves has been very impressive. If they stay strong on defense and Ronaldo continues to play to his potential, this one should not be too much of a problem for Portugal. I know I will regret posting score predictions, but I was actually pretty good with scores during group play and had nothing to show for it so I owe it to myself to give it a shot. 3-1 Portugal

Game 2-Germany vs. Greece: Much like Spain vs. Ireland in group play, I have this as the most lopsided matchup. The Greeks will not likely lose by an embarrassing margin, but I do not see them posing a threat to, in my opinion, the world’s best team right now. This may be one of those 1-0 or 2-1 blowouts, if you believe in such a thing. Greece may stay in the game on the scoreboard, but keeping an eye on the game may leave you thinking differently. Germany is too finely tuned a machine to lose focus and slip up against a clearly inferior opponent. While Greece has the makeup of a team capable of an upset, Germany does not resemble a team that is about to be upset. 2-0 Germany

Game 3-Spain vs. France: The last thing France needs after a tough 2-0 loss to Sweden is a matchup against Spain. I feel they would be ready to bounce back strongly, but were dealt too tough a hand to deal with here. Their defense has looked iffy at best and there is only so much Ribery and Nasri can generate to keep the spotlight off of a unit that has failed to protect goalkeeper Hugo Lloris well. France has one of the few midfields that can rival the Spanish midfield’s control of the game and striker Karim Benzema is every bit as good as his Spanish counterpart Fernando Torres, but the strength of Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos’ defense should outlast the French attack. Spain is not as pretty as what we have been used to in recent years, but they can still get the job done. 1-0 Spain

Game 4-England vs. Italy: Winning their group was huge for England because it made the difference between playing Italy and playing Spain. Italy looks pretty sharp but nothing is more crippling than a defensive minded team losing its best defender, Giorgio Chiellini. This is a huge break for the English, one Wayne Rooney and company should be able to take advantage of. Goalie Joe Hart continues to prove that his position was the one thing the English roster was missing in South Africa’s 2010 World Cup, and if Rooney’s last goal was a sign of things to come, the English are set for this round. England also seemed to steal the Irish luck after a Ukraine goal was saved by the heroic effort of defender John Terry, but the ball seemed to fully cross the goal line. Despite the evidence, soccer’s lack of replay could not do anything about the blown call. I certainly do not mind this as a fan of this team, after all they suffered a similar blown call in 2010 that changed the entire dynamic of their final World Cup game against Germany. Until our refs learn how to use a camera, the soccer gods seem to have things under control. 2-1 England

            The knockout stages of this tournament are set up to be as exciting as fans could hope for. One underappreciated element directly contrasts the 2010 World Cup, in which the world’s major superstars such as Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney struggled and scored a combined one goal. With Ronaldo and Rooney already looking strong and the possible return of Torres, this tournament may bring star studded action to matches that are also driven by strong team efforts. The most we could ask for as fans is for all surviving teams to perform to their fullest potential so we can be treated to more great matches as the last eight countries compete for the Euro 2012 title.