Portugal and Germany are the favorites in the first two Euro 2012 quarter-finals, but Czech Republic and Greece have a history of knockout round upsets.
Czech Republic v. Portugal, June 21, Warsaw
Key storylines
Czech Republic is making the most of the swan song for a
generation of players that will forever hold a place in Czech hearts. Current
captain Tomas Rosicky, first-choice forward Milan Baros and world-class goalkeeper
Petr Cech were unknown, up-and-coming talents when Czech Republic made a surprise
semi-final run at Euro 2004. Two years later, the trio were a driving force
behind the nation’s first World Cup berth as an independent country. This is
likely the final international tournament for Rosicky and Baros, while Cech is
nearing the end of his prime. The aging heart of the squad will be desperate to
make one final run.
Portugal is looking to finally go all the way. This has
been a close-but-no-cigar side at major tournaments for years, culminating in a
loss to heavy underdogs Greece in Lisbon at the final of Euro 2004. Portugal’s
most recent tournaments have ended thanks to unlucky draws, and the side will
be eager to take advantage of what is, on paper, a favourable matchup. The
Portuguese attack has been one of the revelations of the tournament and has an
edge to their game that makes them a legitimate title threat.
Players to watch
Theodor Gebre Selassie has provided the veteran Czechs with
much needed pace on the flanks. The wing back has been involved in the build-up
of almost every Czech Republic goal with his explosive runs forward. He looks
set for a lucrative move from FC Slovan Liberec, but must first find a way to
deal with the attacking prowess of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani. The Czechs will
need Gebre Selassie to find the perfect balance between aiding the attack and
staying disciplined in defense if they are to spring the upset.
Cristiano Ronaldo has never shied away from the limelight, but
the media glare has been especially intense at Euro 2012. Two underwhelming efforts
were followed by a press conference outburst, in which he responded to fan
taunts of “Messi, Messi” by lashing out at his major rival for the world’s best
player crown. But with his team’s tournament life on the line, Ronaldo came
through with perhaps his finest ever match in a Portugal shirt, scoring twice
to send his team into the quarters. Depending on which version of the winger
shows up June 21, Portugal will either advance or head home.
Verdict
The gulf in
group stage form means that this should be an easy choice. Czech Republic was
torn apart in their opening match by Russia, a team with an attacking style
similar to that of Portugal. The Portuguese, meanwhile, impressively fought
through the “Group of Death” by playing some of their best football in years. Czech
resilience is the wild card that could turn this game on its head, though. The
veterans will not go down without a fight. This Portugal squad has showcased a
toughness lacking in past editions, but the pressure of the knockout rounds
could again see them crumble in the face of adversity.
Germany v. Greece, June 22, Gdansk
Key storylines
Germany’s current generation is aiming to finally turn their prodigious talent into a major
championship. For many nations, winning a single European Championship or World
Cup would be enough to keep fans satisfied for decades. For Germany, though, 16
years without silverware is a significant drought. They’ve come close –
runners-up at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008 and third place at the last two
World Cups – and won many admirers with their recent commitment to free-flowing
football. But nothing compares to lifting the trophy after the final, and with
the best group stage performance of any team in the field, the Germans are the
favorites to do just that.
Greece, in contrast, was the least impressive of those to advance. At this point,
though, the Greeks are counting more on karma and less on talent to decide the
keep moving on. Their homeland’s economic woes are well documented, and the
future may bring even more pain to the Mediterranean country. In the present,
though, Greeks are revelling in their team’s success. They are also relishing
the chance to put one over on the country that, in their eyes, is taking
advantage of Greece’s woes. Few matchups are ever as politically charged as
this one.
Players to watch
Mesut Özil is the focal point of a German attack that has
been pleasing on the eye but inefficient in front of goal. For all of Germany’s
goal-scoring midfielders and advantage in possession, striker Mario Gomez was
the only one with the finishing touch in the first two games. The midfield
looked more dangerous against Denmark, but is still a level or two below the
fierceness exhibited at the 2010 World Cup. A lack of diversity in attack is
the only thing between Germany and the title. Özil is this side’s heartbeat and
will be the decisive factor, win or lose.
Kostas Katsouranis will have to double his already exhausting work
rate to fill the massive hole left in the Greek midfield by the suspension of
Giorgios Karagounis. It was always going to take a superhuman effort to win the
battle in the middle of the pitch. With their captain out, Greece’s old legs
will face an even more monumental task in combating the youthful energy of
their opponents. Inspirational figures like Katsouranis will have to play the
game of their lives to give Greece a chance, but with a history of upsets and a
nation behind them, don’t count them out.
Verdict
If life
were scripted like inspirational movies, Greece would draw on the strength of
their battered countrymen to defeat the odds. In reality, this German team is
just too good to overcome. Germany will be tested in the later rounds, but the
talent gap between these two is just too large for even the most powerful of
back-stories to bridge. Greece will dig in their heels and hold out for a
while, but Germany will eventually break through. For the sake of the Greek
people, let’s hope the first breach in the dam doesn’t turn into a flood.
