Euro Semifinals!!!

Big games coming up now! The quarterfinal matches were very entertaining. I love stroking my ego; we should make note that I went four for four last week, even calling the Italy penalty kick win, with Buffon coming up with a huge save to seal it for the Azzurri. It's nice to see four high quality teams in the final four spots; I don't think you can say any of the four teams don't deserve to win the title.

Spain vs. Portugal:
Ever have that over-achieving neighbor who has it all and has been show-boating their luxuries and achievements? I bet Portugal feels like they do. Spain's won the recent World Cup as well as the last Euro. They're getting a lot of attention and they deserve. Spain has dominated the world stage. Will this be the time Portugal gets to steal some of that spotlight from their neighbors to the east?

This will definitely be an interesting semifinal. Spain hasn't quite looked as dominated as they could have been, but maybe that's just due to hype. They are getting by without their top scorer in David Villa. Fabregas and Torres have done a decent job handling the attack. But Spain still looks a little shaky and not as comfortable in the attacking end. Spain's strength comes with their passing, especially in the midfield. If Portugal can slow down the midfield and provide an impressive counter attack at the hands (or feet) of Christiano Ronaldo like they've been doing thus far in the tourney, it's hard to count the Portugese out of this. There are way too many questions marks going into this game, but I'm going to take a chance and see the underdog Portugese pulling out an upset. 1-0.

Germany vs. Italy:
If people think Portugal are underdogs to Spain, what does that make Italy to Germany? Germany came in to the tournament as the favorites and they have supported that belief by executing perfectly in each game. Have they dominated? Other than the Greek game, I would say not; but they definitely haven't looked bad. In four games, Italy has only scored four goals. And they had a TON of chances against England. They will not have the same amount of quality chances against Germany like they did against the Three Lions, so if they even want to plan to compete with the Germans, they need to capitalize on their chances. I will throw my remote at the television if Mario Balotelli or DeRossi miss that many chances again. One thing the Italians do have though is a solid defense (especially with Chiellini returning from card accumulation) as well as Luigi Buffon who has only allowed two goals in four matches (as well as an impressive shootout win against the English). So do the Italians have a chance, ya, they sure do. Is it high? No, not really. But if things falls into place, they could win. And yes, I do want them to win. I am biased...but Germany wins 2-1