It's a knockout..

So here we have it. 8 teams remain in Euro 2008...time to have a look at who's made it, and make some (bad) predictions.


Portugal (Winners of Group A) vs Germany (Runners up in Group B)

So, Portugal. There seems to be more talk about them off the field than on it, but they've quietly gone about their business and in the end, qualified comfortably. Much has been made about Cristiano Ronaldo (who else?) - but Deco in particular has impressed me, with one goal and two assists so far. The Barcelona star rarely gives the ball away, and everything good about Portugal seems to go through him. There are concerns about their lack of firepower, as usual, and no doubt questions will be asked about the timing of Luis Felipe Scolari's announcement that he is to manage Chelsea on July 1st, should Portugal fail again.

Then there's the Germans. Grinding out results, not coming out of 2nd gear, looking generally unconvincing..people are writing them off already. But write them off at your peril. It's typical Germany. Yes, they do look shaky at the back, and yes, Mario Gomez is a poor excuse for a footballer. But they have so much big tournament experience, it would be foolish to rule them out. Wouldnt it be just like Germany to go on and win the thing?

This is a tough one to call. The industrious Germans or the flair of the Portugese. I'll go for flair...just.

2-1 Portugal.


Croatia (winners of Group B) vs Turkey (runners up in Group A)

First the Croats. With 9 points out of 9, its been brilliant so far from Slavan Bilic's boys. With Luka Modric and the impressive Dario Srna pulling the strings in midfield, Croatia have looked the part so far. Yes, they lack quality up front, but with a midfield as good as Croatias, you feel they can get away with it. And they're well organized too. There's no big names or ego's to pamper in the squad, and that could well work in their favour.

And the Turks. They just never say die, do they? Judging by their mixed performances so far, you dont know what to expect from Turkey. With some skilful players such as Nihat and Tuncay, Turkey are here on merit, and deservedly so after their remarkable comeback against the Czech Republic, in which they kept playing their football and got their rewards. Their heart and character can not be questioned, but I do have doubts over their shaky defence.

Croatia should have too much for Turkey here, Modric and co will be rested up, and that will work to their advantage.

2-0 Croatia.


Holland (Winners of Group C) vs Russia (Runners up of Group D)

Now onto the Dutch. Arguably the most impressive side so far - allegations of in-fighting and a move away from the 'Total Football' philosophy have proven to be unfounded, with 9 points out of 9 in the 'group of death' and some quite splendid displays of counter-attacking football. With Sneider running the Dutch midfield, Van Nistelrooy showing so much more to his game than goals, and the sheer strength in depth they have, it's hard to look past the Dutch, but I have concerns if they go a goal down and have to abandon their counter-attacking game.

Russia? They just seem to be getting better and better, especially after that shaky start against the Spanish. They havent panicked, they're playing their own game, and its paying dividends right now. In Guus Hiddink they have a brilliant manager with a wealth of experience, and though the squad itself lacks experience, they more than make up for it in pace and technique, which playmaker Andrei Arshavin epitomizes. Momentum is on their side now.

I'll stick my neck out and say Russia to sneak this. The more tactically astute Hiddink to win this battle for the Russians.

2-1 (in extra time) to Russia.


Spain (winners of Group D) vs Italy (runners up in Group C)

Now to the Perennial underachievers themselves. Spain have started the tournament very well indeed, and once again find themselves at that dreaded quarter final mark. Can they finally overcome the curse? Though it will be a big mental burden for the Spanish, you cant see why not, especially with David Villa leading the line. The Valencia hitman has hit 4 goals in 2 games, and seems intent on taking the tournament by storm. However, despite all of Spain's pretty football, I do think they tend to overplay sometimes, something which was especially evident against the Swedes. It was no coincedence that day that the winning goal came from a quick direct ball forward, and you have to wonder if Spain will sacrifice style over substance.

And last but not least, the World Champions themselves, Italy. Much like Germany they have stumbled into the last 8, but their tournament experience always makes them a danger. A defensive approach may be needed against the attack-minded Spanish, which plays right into Italy's hands. They will try and stifle the Spanish midfield, closing them down at all times, and not allowing them to play. The losses of Gattuso and Pirlo will hurt the Italians however, with no-one to pull the strings and get the Italians playing.

Such a tough one to call..it could go down to the wire. As much as I want Spain to do it, Italy to nick this with a pragmatic approach, and Spain flatter to decieve. Again.

1-0 (in extra time) to Italy.

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So there's my predictions. Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment..