Well, we have gotten rid of half the teams. Down to the final 8! Some surprises, but still a lot of high quality teams left, let's take a look.
Pool A winner Czech Republic vs. Pool B runner up Portugal:
Not many people picked this to be the quarterfinal matchup. I did though :) check the last post. I was actually surprised the Czech Republic bounced back after that horrid 4-1 loss to Russia. Cech hasn't looked as solid as I thought he would be, and that loss to Russia is making me thinking twice about my earlier decision of Czech Republic making it to the semis. I knew Portugal would be playing well this tourney, stepping up their game in the group stage. They lost a close game to Germany, showed their tenacity by scoring a late goal to capture three points against Denmark, and Ronaldo found his form in the game against a Netherlands team who had many chances but were obviously from the Netherlands because they had no Finnish. I gotta go with the consistent team thus far in the tourney and go with Portugal to move on. 2-1 Portugal
Pool B winner Germany vs. Pool A runner up Greece:
I don't know too many people outside of Greek fans who will be taking them to beat the Germans. The Germans seemed to casually get through their group. Looking at their scores, you would think that their three one goal wins during group stage meant they didn't dominate their opponents. Then you have to consider that Germany was in the Group of Death and that those measly one goal wins were against skilled teams in Portugal, the Netherlands and Denmark. Have I been wowed by Germany so far in the tourney; not so much. But I am impressed in their consistent play and how they seem to be a well-oiled machine. They should have no trouble with a Greek team that stumbled out of a weak group (so upset Russia didn't get through). 3-0 Germany
Pool C winner Spain vs. Pool D runner up France:
Spain's normally offensive style stumbled out of the block in their first group game against Italy. It seemed like they weren't sure how to fill the hole left by David Villa up front. Well, they certainly fixed that problem with Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas stepping up. Spain's starting to look like the World Cup champs we know and love. I don't think they'll have too much difficulty with a France team that seems to be very inconsistent right now. They had a decent showing against England and Ukraine, but Sweden broke them apart in their final group game. Needless to say, I haven't been blown away by their play and a game against Spain isn't really the best place to try and find it. France keeper Hugo Lloris will have some big saves like he did in the Sweden game, but it won't be good enough. 2-0 Spain
Pool D winner England vs. Pool C runner up Italy:
I am biased. I do believe this will be the game to watch of the quarterfinals. I am cheering for Italy. I do think that England had an easier group. It seemed that none of their three opponents really tested them. The game against Sweden was the most entertaining one and technical one, but the games against France and Ukraine were a bit lackluster from the Brits. Now that it is the knockout stage though, I expect England to really step it up though. Italy has been consistent in their group stage games, but other than the 1-1 draw to Spain, hasn't looked too impressive. This will be a game for one team to step up. If Wayne Rooney and Mario Balotelli can stay calm and not gather any stupid fouls or cards, expect a tight game! 2-1 Italy in penalty kicks! Buffon with a big save.
Really felt Russia deserved a berth in the quarters. Hard to believe that the team that beat the group winner 4-1 isn't moving on. Also felt Sweden deserved a better fate. They had amazing games against England and France, but a poor opener against Ukraine held them back. Enjoy the quarters folks! Italia!
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